Adams will start in the position June 1

The Albert Lea City Council on Friday officially approved the contract with Medina City Administrator Chad Adams to become Albert Lea’s new city manager.

Council members voted unanimously to hire Adams during what was a special meeting at City Hall.

Adams will start June 1 because of a 60-day notice he must give at his current job in Medina.

“We are all really happy about this day,” Mayor Vern Rasmussen said to Adams at the close of the meeting. “We’re looking forward to you bringing our community to the future.”

The contract brings closure to an uneasy year in Albert Lea, after former City Manager Jim Norman resigned last fall amid allegations that he misused the city-issued credit card.

Adams was the council’s top pick for the position after six finalists visited the community March 25 and 26.

“I look forward to building trust, maintaining trust — hopefully the trust has not been lost,” he said.

He noted he is excited to begin in the position.

“The biggest challenge in the next 60 days will be to maintain my patience — I’m ready to get started,” Adams said. “I feel comfortable with the staff and council and look forward to working with Interim City Manager Pat McGarvey during the transition period.”

He said he and his wife, Ann, planned to start looking for a home on Saturday and will be putting their home up for sale in Rockford in the near future.

The couple has three children, ages 2, 5 and 8.

Rasmussen said he is excited about the opportunity to work with Adams.

“Not only does he bring experience, he also brings integrity to the position,” Rasmussen said. “We are looking forward to a future with him as Albert Lea’s leader.”

Details of the contract

Adams will have a starting annual salary of $102,499 and will be eligible to increase to $105,047 on Jan. 1, 2012, based on the results of his performance evaluation. Other increases will be considered at the beginning of each subsequent year, according to the contract. He will receive $350 per month for a vehicle allowance.

Upon the start of the job, Adams will be credited with 80 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of vacation leave. The city will provide for health, hospitalization, surgical, vision, dental and comprehensive medical insurance for him and his family. The city will also pay the amount of premium due for term life insurance.

Adams has agreed to find a residence in the city within two months of starting his job. He will receive an interim housing supplement of $600 per month for three months, or until a permanent residence is established, whichever happens first, according to the agreement.

He will be reimbursed up to $5,000 in moving expenses, including packing, moving, storage costs, unpacking and insurance charges. Mileage costs for moving two personal vehicles will be reimbursed at the current IRS allowable rate.

The contract states Adams will have an annual review starting this November.

The document describes Adams as an “at-will” employee of the city who may be terminated by the City Council at any time, with or without cause.

In the case that Adams is terminated by the city, the document states the city will pay Adams a lump sum cash payment equal to six months salary and will continue providing for his benefits for six months after.

If Adams is terminated because of malfeasance in office, the city will have no obligation to pay termination benefits.

If he resigns from the position, he must provide a minimum of 60 days notice unless otherwise agreed.