Syracuse City Councilman David Matthew Kimmel has resigned his seat weeks after being charged with a misdemeanor in connection with a real estate deal.
"I have accepted an employment opportunity out of state, therefore, I will be moving with my family," Kimmel wrote in a resignation letter he sent to City Hall last week.
Kimmel could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
On Jan. 31, a class A misdemeanor was filed against him in Farmington's 2nd District Court by Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings. The charge stems from Kimmel's position on the North Davis Sewer District, in which he was the Syracuse City representative.
According to the charges, Kimmel "disclosed controlled information that he had gained by reason of his official position" to "secure special privileges for himself or others" in a real estate deal. Kimmel allegedly linked a Realtor with the sewer board for the purchase of acreage worth about $730,000. In return, Kimmel was to receive a $3,000 kickback, according to investigators.
A hearing on the case is set for March 12 in Farmington.
Syracuse Mayor Jamie Nagle said she was not surprised by Kimmel's resignation. "At our last council meeting, a couple of residents encouraged him to do so."
The Syracuse City Council is accepting applications to replace Kimmel, whose term ends Jan. 1, 2014. Applications are due by Feb. 21. The council is expected to name a replacement by Feb. 28, said City Manager Robert Rice.
"We urge all qualified residents to apply," the mayor said. "I hope we can put ideology aside and work for the best for our residents."
csmart@sltrib.com
What's next
P The City Council will accept applications for David Matthew Kimmel's seat through Feb. 21. A replacement will be named Feb. 28 for the term ending Jan. 1, 2014.