Willard selects new city manager

WILLARD — The city has a found an interim manager with a desirable skill set in Jim Ludban.Ludban replaces Shawn Tappel, who served as the city manager for a year and a half before accepting and beginning his new position as Northern Ohio Rural Water general manager. Tappel officially handed over the reigns to Ludban this week. "I'm happy to help while (the council) conducts their search for someone permanent. I'm just interim and I thought I could help with the skill sets I have to offer," Ludban, 50, said. "I'm a retired man and plan to resume being retired as soon as they find someone."Council member Joe Daniel said Ludban was selected for his "skills and knowledge" as interim, only while the search continues. Council hopes to find someone to fill the position permanently soon after all applications are received this month.When asked what he hopes to bring to the council, Ludban said he's been given a list by the city leaders. Tappel though before he left said the new city manager would have several projects to take up."One of the biggest things is getting roads caught up," Tappel said. "We got way behind with our roads and need to get them caught up. And I've said, you know, take care of the employees. They are the biggest asset to the city."Tappel began serving in Willard as the water superintendent in 2011, after which he was appointed to water superintendent and maintenance superintendent. About a year and half ago, when the position became available, Tappel stepped in as the city manager. He worked at the New London water department for 24 years prior to his Willard work history.Ludban