Edina has picked the city manager of neighboring Eden Prairie to take its top city management job. Now it's a matter of making a deal.

Edina's City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to offer the position of city manager to Scott Neal, who has been Eden Prairie's city manager since 2002. Neal, 46, was chosen over the other finalist, New Brighton City Manager Dean Lotter.

Edina Mayor Jim Hovland said Neal stood out from an initial field of 29 candidates for his experience and interpersonal skills. Before coming to Eden Prairie, Neal was city manager of Northfield, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Norris, Tenn.

"He's been the top man in four cities," Hovland said. "He's been tested in the field."

Neal could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Though he met with Hovland and a council member to discuss a contract, they did not settle on terms. Hovland said he and Neal hope to reach an agreement in principle by Tuesday, when each city's council is set to meet.

Neal would be Edina's fourth city manager. Gordon Hughes retired in July after 12 years in the top job.

Hughes' departure created controversy when it was revealed that his contract required the city to pay $229,455 in unused sick leave and vacation benefits. That included 2,700 unused sick hours.

Hovland said the contract being worked out with Neal would handle those issues the same way they are for other senior city staff, and that Neal had requested that. City policy pays departing employees for all unused vacation, but sick leave accrual is capped at 960 hours.

Hovland said he knew Neal professionally from work on city and regional issues. He said he had confidence in Neal as a collaborative manager who would give the city's top staff "room to run their departments, but in a culture of accountability. He has high expectations."

"He's very bright ... and creative," Hovland said. "He was one of the first city managers to start a blog. ... I think he's good at the long view and visioning."

If Neal and Edina come to an agreement, Neal's contract with Eden Prairie would not permit him to start his new job before mid- to late October.

Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380