FARMINGTON — On Tuesday, Selectman Andrew Hufnagel announced his intention to resign from the board after the March town meeting.

“There are personal issues that I need to deal with,” Hufnagel told board members. “It’s been an honor to serve but I’m stepping down.”

The town meeting takes place Monday, March 24.

A special election will be needed to fill his seat, probably along with other elections in June, Town Manager Richard Davis said.

So far, there are four candidates running for two seats on the board. Nomination papers are due Wednesday, Feb. 12. 

Hufnagel said he didn’t realize a separate nomination must be held for the seat; he thought one of the four candidates could fill it.

Hufnagel was re-elected in March 2013 to a three-year term.

Davis and board members thanked Hufnagel for his good ideas and the research he has done to support his ideas and help the town. Davis and Chairman Ryan Morgan said they haven’t always agreed with Hufnagel but respected and appreciated his efforts.

When he ran for a second term last year, Hufnagel said it was with a desire to promote more community involvement in town government. He wanted to see the board grow and develop better communication. He also thought the town needed to encourage business growth, help existing businesses and promote Farmington.

He encouraged formation of a town economic development committee and started the Farmington Business Association, he said prior to his election.

In other business, the board held a public hearing on a new liquor license for Stone Hearth Cafe at 168 Front St.

The board unanimously approved the license for the cafe owned and operated by JM & JB Corp., a business venture started by John Moore and Jennifer Bjorn.

“We’re closer to opening,” Moore said. 

An early March opening is expected, Bjorn explained.

“Wicked gelato meets wood-fired pizza,” Moore previously said of the new cafe he and Bjorn are starting in the former Northern Lights bike shop space and previous Chester Greenwood earmuff factory. The space has been under renovation for several months and a stone patio added for dining.

The couple purchased the former Wicked Gelato business and will offer gelato, wood-fired pizza, paninis and sandwiches.

abryant@sunjournal.com