POINT PLEASANT — The City of Point Pleasant has a vacant council seat after the resignation of one of its members.

During Monday’s meeting, Joe Supple turned in his resignation as a councilman at large, citing his recent purchase of a home outside the city limits as the reason for his early departure.

The resignation was effective immediately.

According to the city’s charter, council members must reside within municipal limits. Supple said that although he does operate a business within the city, he no longer will be considered a resident and doesn’t want to violate the charter.

Supple, who was elected to serve in May 2007 and began his term two months later, said he has enjoyed attending meetings and that he respects his fellow council members and the rest of the administration.

He also said he hopes to continue serving the city any way he can.

Mayor Leonard “Buster” Riffle and the rest of council accepted the resignation but agreed that Supple will be a tough councilman to replace.

Riffle then appointed a nominating committee comprised of council members Barbara Ann Brown, Gary Cotton and Sam Juniper to call potential replacements and bring suggestions to a special meeting later this month.

According to the charter, a new council member must be appointed within 30 days.

The current administration will meet during a special session at 7 p.m. Monday, March 23 to further discuss the issue and take possible action regarding a new council member.

(For complete coverage of Monday’s meeting, see Wednesday’s edition of the Point Pleasant Register.)