City selects interim administrator

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen have appointed Parks and Recreation Department Director Justin Scott as interim city administrator after the announced departure of Nolan Ming.

‘I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Scott. “I’ve already been considering the steps of what it would take to become a city administrator one day. I’ve been thinking about it. So, for this opportunity to come available and the appointment to be made, it just came together.”

Ming announced his resignation on Tuesday, July 14. He has taken a position as deputy city manager in Joliet, Ill. The board voted unanimously that evening to appoint an interim.

“I look forward to working with Nolan over the next few weeks as he transitions out,” said Scott. “I will gather as much information as I can from him before he leaves and keep business running as usual until the city makes a decision on a full-time city administrator.”

Scott started as a lifeguard for the city in 1998. After leaving to complete college and returning, he briefly worked in an interim position. His permanent career with the city officially launched in 2005 when he was named program coordinator. From there, he worked his way up to aquatics coordinator, assistant director and finally, director.

“I can’t remember exactly which year I was named director,” said Scott, who guessed four years or so ago.

Scott had his first official meeting Wednesday morning, following Tuesday evening’s appointment  

“It was a good meeting,” he stated. “We talked about municipal code and some changes that need to be made, so it was the first step in jumping into the role and getting going.”

He spoke highly about the state of the city at this time.

“We’ve got great leadership throughout the city in all the departments. I look forward to working with all the department heads and working with the board. I can’t wait to sit down with board members and find out what the expectations are moving forward. My goal will be to always improve.”

Ming’s final day as administrator is Aug. 7.