PICKENS — During his last meeting as County Councilman for District 3, Councilman Ben Trotter turned his resignation and accepted a spot on the Pickens County Planning Commission.

Trotter left an executive session meeting of County Council and sat in council chambers as his nomination was discussed.

Council Chairman G. Neil Smith explained Trotter’s resignation to the audience and read Trotter’s letter of resignation aloud.

“Ben wanted to be considered for a Planning Commission appointment,” Smith said. “In order to be considered for that, he had to resign. He has resigned effectively this evening.”

Councilmen Randy Crenshaw and Tom Ponder voted for Trotter’s nomination, along with County Council chairman G. Neil Smith.

Councilman Jim London and Councilwoman Jennifer Willis abstained from the vote.

Trotter said that after serving on council for 4 years and observing council meetings for 14 years, serving on the Planning Commission was a good way to stay involved.

“I want to come in with an open mind,” Trotter said.

The Planning Commission will face several large projects in the coming years, including an update of the county’s comprehensive plan, Trotter said.

Trotter will replace Planning Commissioner Lisa Flaugher, who resigned earlier this year.