McGarvey’s last day as A.L. manager is Thursday

Albert Lea City Council members on Monday thanked Interim City Manager Pat McGarvey for the past six months he has spent in the city.

Monday was McGarvey’s last City Council meeting as manager. His last day in the position is Thursday.

Newly chosen City Manager Chad Adams, who previously worked as Medina administrator, will begin June 1.

McGarvey said he looks at his time in Albert Lea as a positive part of his city manager career, which goes back to the 1970s.

He began as interim manager in Albert Lea in November about four months after the position was vacated by former City Manager Jim Norman amid charges he misused the city credit card.

Council members said McGarvey was like “a breath of fresh air.” He was an easygoing manager who the councilors said was a pleasure to work with.

McGarvey said he has nothing but the highest regard for city staff and the council from his experience in Albert Lea.

He next plans to travel to California to pick up his fiancee; after which the couple will travel back to Mason City, Iowa, where they reside.

In other action, the council:

• Voted to appoint 2nd Ward Councilor Larry Baker as the new mayor pro tem for the city.

Mayor Vern Rasmussen said previous Mayor Pro Tem Al “Minnow” Brooks, who has served in the position for several years, asked to step down from the position because of an increased workload for his personal business.

• Witnessed the swearing in of new 1st Ward Councilor John Schulte V by City Clerk Shirley Slater-Schulte.

Look to www.AlbertLeaTribune.com for more about the meeting.