CLEARFIELD -- One month and a day after this city's mayor of six weeks resigned, the city council chose its replacement from one of its own. Mayor pro tem Don Wood was selected from a candidate list of five to take the helm last Wednesday night after the Clipper had gone to press. That action was necessitated by the Feb. 21 resignation of Dan Phelps, who had served as mayor for only six weeks. "We've had some blows in the past few months," said Wood Wednesday night. "Along with the city council, and the citizens of Clearfield, I plan to help move the city forward in a positive direction." The four remaining council members unanimously supported their peer for the mayor's position.

In addition to Phelps' resignation, Wood was referring to the "resignation" of longtime city manager Jack Bippes, just prior to the new year.

The new mayor will serve through December of 2007. In November of that year an election will be held to fill the remaining two years of Phelps' original four-year term.

Wood has been an active member of the community council, acting as liaison between that group and the city council. He has also been instrumental in helping coordinate all projects that occur during the city's "Take Pride in Clearfield Day," a massive cleanup, which occurs each May.

A strong believer in helping bring community services to those who can't afford them, Wood donates his monthly stipend ($973.85 as mayor) to a recreational scholarship fund that benefits children that come from low/moderate income families.

An 18-year Clearfield resident, Wood was elected to the city council in 2004. He owns two tire stores and is the father of seven. He holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from Weber State University and, in his free time, enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

Wood's assumption of the mayoral position leaves a vacancy on the city council. The official announcement seeking applicants was to be made at the council's regular meeting Tuesday, March 28. The closing date is tentatively set for April 11, followed by interviews of candidates.

Shortly after Bippes' departure, veteran city Economic Development Director Kay Chandler filled the city manager's role on an interim basis.

The job announcement was posted Friday with a Friday, April 21 closing date.

Minimum qualifications include a master's degree in business management, public administration or a related field and eight-10 years of municipal managerial experience or equivalent.

The position pays from $83,075 to $98,468 depending on qualifications.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com