Batavia alderman Sparks resigns

Batavia 1st Ward Alderman Garran Sparks resigned his seat Monday because he is moving to North Aurora.

"It is kind of with great sadness I announce there will be no more Bluestem Christmas Walk," is how he announced his resignation at the city council meeting.

"It certainly is with great dismay that this is happening," Mayor Jeff Schielke said. "You've been a hardworking team player."

Sparks will submit a formal letter, which the council will act on at its next meeting.

"I am going to vote 'no,'" joked 7th Ward Alderman Dave Brown.

Sparks has been on the council since 2007.

He announced earlier this summer he was selling his house on Bluestem Lane to move to a smaller house.

Besides being alderman, Sparks is known for a massive Christmas-light display at his Bluestem Lane home.

Sparks said an Elburn resident bought his whole display.

Applications are being taken for Sparks' seat. The council will interview applicants in a public session, then discuss them in a closed-door session. The mayor will then appoint the replacement.

The appointee will serve until the end of Sparks' term in April.