Mendota Heights city admin to fill Lakeville role

Mendota Heights's city administrator is jumping in to the suburban big leagues next year to fill the same position in Lakeville.

Justin Miller was approved last week to fill the opening that has awaited a permanent replacement for nearly four months.

The City Council selected the veteran administrator from a group of three finalists who emerged from a pool of about 45 applicants.

Besides the challenge a much larger city brings, Miller said Lakeville was an attractive offer because it has the opportunity to deal with economic development issues that excite him. He also has passion for what can be accomplished at the local level, he said.

"I really do think it's the most accountable level of government to the residents, the one they feel the most comfortable going to when they have problems," Miller said.

Miller joined Mendota Heights in 2011 after five years in the same position in Falcon Heights. He was previously assistant city administrator in Chanhassen for four years.

The salary range is between $134,414 and $161,295, plus benefits, according to an advertisement for the position. Negotiations on a final figure continue.

One of Miller's greatest strengths is his financial expertise, he said: he's comfortable presenting budgets and finding creative solutions to make them successful. He once served as acting finance director in Chanhassen when a colleague resigned.

"I really do feel like I'm a level-headed and calm person who can take in all sorts of information and present that to the council in a clear and concise manner," he said.

Miller moved to Minnesota from Texas in 2002 with the woman who was to become his wife. Dianne Miller is an assistant city administrator in Eagan.

In his first six months on the job, Miller said he plans to dedicate a significant portion of his time to meeting staff and residents individually to get a feel for how they'd like move forward.

Council members praised Miller for his vibrant personality and clear-cut responses.

"I think he'll hit the ground running," said Council Member Kerrin Swecker.

Liz Sawyer • 952-746-3282