Another seat at the city's council table is being vacated.

Coun. Ranj Pillai announced at Monday evening's council meeting he will not seek a second term of office in the Oct. 18 municipal election.

"It's been a great experience,” he told reporters after the meeting.

With two children aged six and 11 at home, he added, he wants to focus on his family.

As he pointed out, he's been a city councillor for the past three years, but before that, he served on school councils.

"I think it's prime time,” Pillai said of the time he'll now have with his family.

There are also other "exciting things” on the horizon academically through his work as the co-ordinator for the School of Access at Yukon College, Pillai said.

He's also considering some offers he's had to take on management consulting now that he has opted not to run for council.

While he initially indicated he would likely seek a second term, last night he said he has been thinking about it throughout the summer. Over the last two weeks, he said, he came to a final decision not to seek re-election.

In making his announcement, Pillai thanked his fellow council members and city staff.

Comparing the city to a ship, he noted it takes a lot of energy for a large vessel to change direction.

As an organization, he believes the city is in a better place than it was three years ago thanks to the work of his fellow council members and staff.

Among the accomplishments council has achieved over the last three years, Pillai cited the organizational review that's set to be implemented over the next three years.

While most residents aren't likely to notice a major difference, Pillai believes the implementation will make it healthier and more efficient for staff.

Playing host to CBC's annual Hockey Day In Canada in 2010 was also a highlight for Pillai, who was one of the main drivers in having Whitehorse be the main host for the day.

"That was a lot of fun,” Pillai commented.

He went on to note he also hopes future councils continue the anti-racism work this council started.

Pillai was a strong supporter when Whitehorse signed onto the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination earlier this year.

While Pillai said he wouldn't change any of the decisions he's made as a councillor, he did note the most challenging issue was funding for the Mount Sima ski area.

Council agreed last year to provide $1.6 million in funding for the $3-million quad chair lift the hill operators ­– the Great Northern Ski Society – purchased to replace the aging 1975 double lift.

Pillai said his only regret is that the public – which has heavily criticized council for providing that much funding to a recreational facility – didn't seem to get the full picture on the vote.

Council was faced with either closing down the facility, then paying millions of dollars in liability, or trying to make things work by providing the funding, he said.

Pillai voted with the rest of council to help fund the purchase and try to make things work. Coun. Betty Irwin was the lone vote against the funding.

With only three council meetings left before the next election, Pillai said it's tough to leave the role.

There's a great opportunity, he said, for whoever serves on the next council with a great momentum built to take the city forward in the next three years.

As Pillai gets set for his final few weeks at city hall, he's not ruling out a political future in the years ahead, though at this time he said he has no political aspirations.

"Never say never,” Pillai told reporters.

Along with Pillai, Coun. Florence Roberts and Mayor Bev Buckway are not seeking re-election.

Coun. Dave Austin has not said whether he will run again while Irwin and councillors Kirk Cameron, Dave Stockdale and Betty Irwin have indicated they will run again.