SANDPOINT — Sandpoint Council President Jason Welker will be taking on a new position with the city, which means stepping down as a councilor and leaving behind an empty seat.

Welker was hired earlier this month as the city of Sandpoint’s Planning Community Development director. 

“I’m thrilled to be filling this critical role at the city,” Mayor Jeremy Grimm said. “Jason brings immense knowledge to the position due to his active service as a council member and former chairman of the Planning Commission.”

In his new role, Welker will be overseeing and directing the work of the building officials and related staff, current and long-range planning staff, parks and recreation programming, development and maintenance, and finally all city committees or commissions that are currently being reinstated, Grimm said. 

“Thank you to all my fellow council members,” Welker said at Wednesday’s council meeting. “I’m sorry to be leaving you, but I’m certain Jeremy’s got a great replacement in mind.”

Council members took turns thanking Welker for his time on the dais, and congratulated him on his new position. 

“Jason’s leadership will bring the city together and usher in a new era of collaboration between these various groups,” Grimm said.  

Now, Grimm expects to bring a nomination to fill Welker’s seat at the next meeting, which the council will vote to confirm or deny. A new council president will also be selected at that meeting.

Grimm said the city has also hired a parks and recreation supervisor who he expects to start April 15, and a permit tech coordinator, also expected to start mid-April.