Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
City officials have offered the job of Shawano Park and Recreation director to one of seven finalists interviewed for the post over the weekend, but they were still waiting to hear Wednesday whether he plans to accept it.
The Shawano Common Council convened for a special meeting Tuesday evening and made the offer after coming out of closed session.
The city initially received some two dozen applications for the position that will be vacated Friday by Judy Judd, who is retiring after 31 years on the job.
That was narrowed down to seven candidates who were in town for interviews with city officials Saturday. Two of them were brought back for another round of meetings on Sunday.
City Administrator Brian Knapp said he expects a response Thursday, once the chosen candidate has a chance to inform his current employer.
Judd is part of a group of city employees who have spent all or most of their careers in Shawano, including former Public Works director Rick Stautz, who retired in April 2013, and Police Chief Ed Whealon, who will retire on April 4.
The city is accepting applications for the chief position until March 21.
Judd said she will do what she can to assist the Park and Recreation Commission and the city with the transition to a new director.
There are 26 parks in the city overseen by the department, which is also responsible for Woodlawn Cemetery and the recreation center.