LEWISTON  — Councilors could be ready to hire a new city administrator Tuesday, according to city staff.

Lewiston Human Resources Director Denis Jean said he’s scheduled to present results of background checks and due diligence reviews of two candidates, acting City Administrator Phil Nadeau and Bangor City Manager Ed Barrett.

Councilors interviewed both candidates on Nov. 18, but had questions about their resumes for Jean to answer.

“But I’m prepared to answer those questions now, so there is potential for them to come out of the executive session  and announce a decision,” Jean said.

Councilors have also scheduled an executive session to discuss an outstanding separation agreement with a former employee — and a vote on that item is on the regular agenda.

The city has been negotiating a separation deal with former City Administrator Jim Bennett, but Jean said he would not confirm whether Bennett was the subject of Tuesday’s discussions.

Tuesday’s meeting was originally scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. with a short executive session, followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. The executive session was moved back to 6 p.m., however, to give councilors more time to confer.

Councilors voted in July to oust Bennett, agreeing to pay the remaining salary due on his contract — about $110,000.

Councilors began advertising for Bennett’s replacement right away, narrowing the list to four candidates —  Nadeau, Barrett, former Falmouth Town Manager John “Doug” Harris and former Gardiner City Manager Jeffrey Kobrock.

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