After 32 years with the city -- or 31 years and 364 days -- Dickinson Public Works Director Skip Rapp will retire effective Thursday.
"It's just personal and time to do something different," he said Monday, adding he won't be sitting around. He intends to work but would not say if he has a new job lined up. "There's nothing definite at this point. I'm just looking at different options."
City Administrator Shawn Kessel said Rapp's resignation letter was on his desk Monday morning.
After getting the news, Kessel met with Public Works employees and identified needs, established a calendar and made assignments to keep the department running smoothly.
The main duties of a Pubic Works director include overseeing different city departments and divisions, budgeting, working with staff, ensuring deadlines are met, updating and securing permits and ensuring the city is meeting regulations.
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"You rely a lot on the staff and they deserve a lot of credit," Rapp said. "Without them no one would survive."
Rapp started his career with the city on July 2, 1978. He has done a number of duties including everything from mowing lawns, working with buildings and grounds and forestry departments, to being the superintendent of the water department and manager of water utilities, and on Jan. 1 he took over as Public Works director.
"It's been great, I think the greatest thing is working with the people," he said. "I wasn't born and raised in Dickinson and Dickinson is a phenomenal community."
A director will not be named for the interim but the city will begin a search for a new director immediately, Kessel said.
