Alderman Kevin Barkow tendered his resignation from the Shawano Common Council on Nov. 11, according to Mayor Bruce Milavitz.
Milavitz announced Barkow’s resignation at the council meeting that night, saying he was contacted by Barkow earlier in the day. Milavitz said he received no reason why the current council president was stepping down and that he was surprised by Barkow’s decision.
“With the advice of counsel and staff, I accepted the resignation,” Milavitz said.
Barkow was elected to his council seat in the 3rd Aldermanic District in 2021, taking the place of Seth Mailahn. He was the driving force behind bringing No Mow May to Shawano in the hopes of helping to encourage pollinators in the spring months, and he also provided a steady voice on the city’s parks and recreation commission.
Barkow’s seat was up for reelection in April 2027, so the city is just going to leave the seat vacant and let whoever wants to run for that seat take the position in a few months, according to Milavitz.
“We’re hoping to operate one light (on the council), so anyone who wants that seat has to put in (election papers) within the next 30-60 days,” Milavitz said. “We’ll make appropriate announcements for whoever wants to run for that.”
Alderman Jack Young praised Barkow for his contributions on the council.
“We thank Kevin for his service to our city,” Young said. “He did a wonderful job and was a wonderful president to the city council.”
Milavitz said the reason for Barkow’s resignation should come soon.
