Mayor to tap administrator -- News Roundup

Having winnowed the field to two, Mayor Darlene Kordonowy plans to select an interim city administrator early next week, perhaps in time for confirmation at Wednesday’s council meeting.

“They are both strong, experienced people, and we could flip a coin and be OK,” Kordonowy said.

At their request, she declined to name the finalists until she has made her selection. Kordonowy said both have had extensive municipal experience, and have served in similar interim positions.

Neither is interested in permanently replacing Lynn Nordby, whose retirement as city administrator is effective July 31.

The city will use a search firm to find a permanent administrator.

The purpose in naming an interim administrator is to take over the day-to-day burden of leading the city staff, Kordonowy said, leaving her time to fill the current vacancies in the city leadership team.

To fill the police chief vacancy, Kordonowy said her plan is to advertise the job, and involve citizens both in helping determine what the community wants in a chief and to interview candidates.

But with what she calls the “rave reviews” for acting chief Matt Haney, Kordonowy said the outcome may not be much in doubt.

“It’s very tempting to say let’s just appoint Matt,” she said, “but I’m moving forward with the plan and allowing the citizens to participate.”

Kordonowy is also looking for a permanent hearing examiner – acting examiner Robin Baker has not determined whether to seek the permanent appointment – and planning director, where Larry Frazier is serving as interim chief.

“I hope to have all the slots filled by the end of the year,” Kordonowy said.

– John Waldo

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***Two injured in fall from ladder

Two workers were hospitalized after falling 40 feet from ladders at a south-end construction site Wednesday afternoon.

The men, ages 21 and 47 and both listing Tacoma addresses, were working as painting subcontractors at a two-story home under construction on Avalon Lane.

To reach the highest point of the house, the men erected a five-foot scaffold and placed their ladders atop it, according to police reports. They plummeted to the ground when the scaffolding collapsed.

Both men were taken to Harborview Medical Center, where police said the older victim was in critical condition with internal injuries.

– Douglas Crist

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