Five current or former city administrators have been selected as finalists for a city administrator opening in Vadnais Heights.
Gerry Urban is retiring Feb. 1 from the job in the northern St. Paul suburb, after 45 years with the city and 37 years in the top spot.
The candidates are apparently interested in a challenge: Vadnais Heights was in the news last year after a failed city sports center deal hurt the city's credit rating.
According to the city's website, the five finalists for the job are:
- Melinda Coleman, city administrator of North Oaks since 2009. Former assistant to the city manager and community development director in Maplewood.
- Michael Ericson is the former city administrator of Hugo. He currently is an economic development consultant with Maplewood. Past experience includes assistant to the city manager in Maplewood and city administrator with Watertown, Minn.
- John Peckman, city administrator of Chisago City since 2001. Former assistant to the city manager in White Bear Lake.
- Kevin Watson,city administrator of Junction City, Ore., since 2011. Experience also includes assistant to city manager in Keiser, Ore., and industrial redevelopment manager in Dallas, Ore.
- Jason Ziemer, city administrator of Maple Plain since 2007. Experience also includes information officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The candidates will meet the public tonight at a reception at City Hall, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.