Local News
Conneaut city manager could be hired in October
Consultant will screen the 36 job applicants
CONNEAUT — A consultant could deliver a list of top city manager candidates to City Council early next month, officials said.
Council met in executive session Tuesday night with a representative of Dylan, Iosue and Associates of Beachwood, to map out the selection process, said Council President James Jones.
The management selection specialist will evaluate and check out the 36 applicants for the job and then prepare a list of “seven or 10” top prospects for council’s consideration, Jones said. Council could learn the finalists within “four to six weeks,” he said.
In addition, council members will be interviewed individually to discover traits they desire in the next city manager, Jones said.
Resumes have been turned over to the firm, Jones said.
“It’s in their hands,” he said.
At a recent finance committee meeting, Jones was authorized to hire the search company at a fee not to exceed $9,000. A $10,000 gift from the Conneaut Community Foundation will pay the bill.
Initially, council was prepared to handle all of the hiring process to save the cash-strapped community some money.
Council is looking for a full-time successor to Douglas Lewis, who resigned in May to become assistant city manager in Painesville. City resident Edward Somppi has served as interim manager since then but will resign at the end of the week.
Council is mulling options regarding the city’s management after Somppi departs, Jones said. Jones has said he is reluctant to hire another interim manager when the city is so close to finding a full-time manager.
Somppi is leaving with two months remaining on his second three-month contract. He has not disclosed the reason, but sources have said he is frustrated with criticism of local government heard in the community.
Somppi did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, but in his report, read aloud by Jones, he urged council to “put aside the partisanship that is putting a wedge between you.” He also thanked the city for being given the opportunity to serve.
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