LISA HOBBS – News Editor
The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen have selected a Minnesota resident to lead city government.
It was a very, very difficult decision to make, but looking at what we feel is the best interest of the city of McMinnville and all parties involved, I would like to make the motion that we hire Mr. Kelvin Ridgley as the next city administrator,” stated Mayor Ryle Chastain.
Ridgley was among two finalists, with Interim City Administrator Justin Scott being the second.
Chastain proposed that the city could adopt a succession plan that named Scott specifically as “the city administrator in-waiting or deputy city administrator.”
“This is for a number of reasons,” he stated. “Mr. Ridgley is extremely qualified, would bring a lot of experience in various municipal governments, as well as public works and waste management. This would also allow us more time to get other succession plans in place for the city of McMinnville. It would allow us, more specifically, to further develop Mr. Scott, allow him to finish his master’s degree in public administration and get a Parks and Recreation succession plan in place, as well.”
Alderman Keri Morton, who provided a second to the motion, stated, “I feel like it’s a great plan, with just having studies to do. I think it will also allow him to focus on his studies without all of the extra stuff that will be compounded on him daily in helping to run the city. I spoke with Kelvin myself last Saturday. I do think the citizens of this city are really going to like this guy. He has a lot of energy and a ton experience in all aspects of government and he really wants to be involved here. He likes sports. He and Justin are going to hit it off like gangbusters. I do support that and I do think it’s in the best interest of the city and for Justin, as well, as a matter of fact, at this time.”
“It was tough,” stated Alderman Sally Brock. “It was tough.”
Alderman Rachel Kirby stated that she concurred with Chastain’s statements and added, “It was very, very difficult. It was a struggle. It was painful, but at the end of the day, I believe as well that it is a good move.”
“I think it will be a good move for Justin in the end,” Brock stated.
According to Chastin, the city received 47 applications, 14 met the minimum requirements, five of those were named finalists, one dropped out, and four interviews were conducted.
The motion passed unanimously with Chastain, Kirby, Brock, Morton and Alderman Deitra Dunlap voting in favor. Absent was Alderman Kara Youngblood.
Scott thanked the board for the opportunity to serve as interim and stated that he looks forward to the next step.
The city will now offer the position to Ridgley and enter negotiations regarding a contract.