SEMINOLE — After serving on the City Council since March 2010, council member Jim Quinn announced his retirement at the Jan. 13 meeting. His last day will be Feb. 24.

Quinn, 86, said his decision was due to his desire to spend more time with his family, especially up north. He told the council that his wife had been ill and while he had been taking care of her for the past nine months, he recognized how much involvement he had in the community within that time.

“I’m going to be 87 this year,” Quinn said. “So, whatever time I have left on this earth, I’m going to spend it visiting my daughter in Connecticut and my son-in-law, my granddaughter in Pennsylvania and her husband and my two great grandchildren — I’ve seen them twice in their life — and they always had to come down to me.”

Quinn recalled that he has seen a lot of different people and changes to the council over the years, but he’s never had an issue with discussing important issues for the city.

“We have seven of us, so we only need four to pass things that the city manager brings forth to us, but we all seem to agree with what’s going on. We all are proud of this city and how well it’s run.”

He added: “I enjoyed my time with the city. I’m not going anywhere right away, but I do plan on traveling as a vagabond. I did a lot of camping as a younger man, and I continue doing that as an old man.”

Mayor Leslie Waters said that Quinn has always loved Seminole since he moved from Connecticut, and that he has always referred the city as his Camelot.

“I think all of us can say it’s been a pleasure working with you,” Waters said. “You’re always positive.”

The council passed the motion to accept Quinn’s retirement and authorized the clerk to proceed with the necessary steps to appoint an interim replacement.

Once the city officially announces the vacancy, those interested in serving will have 15 days to submit an application to the City Clerk.

Once the clerk verifies qualification, applications will be forwarded to City Council members and they will conduct interviews during a workshop. They will choose a candidate to be sworn in at a March council meeting.

Whoever is chosen will fill the remainder of Quinn’s term, which will be until November.