NATCHEZ &045; The Board of Aldermen has narrowed down finalists for the city planner’s position from three to two and should name a city planner June 7, according to Mayor Phillip West.

West’s comments were made Tuesday after a 90-minute executive session in which he and aldermen discussed the planner’s position, proposals to develop the Natchez Pecan Factory site and Fire Department matters. No votes were taken.

West would not confirm who the two finalists were.

After the meeting, West said he would conduct background checks on the remaining two finalists.

In advertising the position on the American Planning Association’s Web site, the city said it preferred someone certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, someone who also has with a master’s degree and education and/or experience in historic preservation.

West said Tuesday both of the two finalists have planning degrees and some historic preservation experience. West said he was not sure whether both were certified. And both are familiar with Natchez, he said.

&uot;One more so than the other,&uot; West said, adding the criteria spelled in the city’s ad was only preferred, not essential.

The city’s personnel office received 21 applications.

Former city Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Smith, now a consultant in Jackson, had been rumored to be among the three semi-finalists but said late Tuesday afternoon he wasn’t aware of the opening.