FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Reappointed to a four-year term just three months ago, Hank Mullins announced his resignation from the Recreation Board Wednesday.

“This is going to be my last meeting,” Mullins announced at the end of the board’s meeting Wednesday. “It will be best for the board. It’s time to move on.”

First appointed in February 2003 to complete the unexpired term of Bob Callahan, Mullins was reappointed in June, according to city staff. His current term will end in June, 2014.

His sudden resignation creates a vacancy that will be filled after it is announced publicly, giving interested residents an opportunity to apply for the position, according to city staff.

Earlier in the meeting and prior to his resignation announcement, Mullins asked questions about plans for a strategic planning sub-committee to which he been appointed chairman in August, including whether there should be a deadline for the group’s work.

That subcommittee was established to review and possibly update the board’s five-year plan, which was prompted by a discussion at the August meeting regarding development of the 40 acres on Manley Road the city purchased last year for recreational purposes.

Vann Saltz, board chair, said he thought no deadline was needed yet, and that the subcommittee should do a thorough job.

Board member Erik Cortinas was appointed chair of that subcommittee, to take Mullins’ place. That group consists of board members Derek Thomas and Michelle Smith, and non-board member residents Bob Keyser and Dennis Sherrin, according to the August minutes.

“Quite frankly, there are things going on with the City Council and the rec board now that I can better address if I’m not on the rec board," Mullins said as one reason for his resignation. “I’m going to be on the outside and a pain-in-the-ass.”

Recent job-related travel was also making it difficult for him to serve effectively, he added, noting that he was absent from last month’s board meeting.

During a discussion of recreation center membership fees that were increased by the council Monday, some members said the board had not been consulted about that action, although they understood the recreation department director and assistant had some input. Tom Kuhl, the department director, did not attend Wednesday’s meeting.

“In the past they looked to the rec board,” said Mullins, referring to the council. “That used to be the way it was done.”