Gramentz

accepts

job as city

manager

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--It's official; Brian D. Gramentz is New Ulm's new city manager.

He accepted the city's offer and will start his new duties June 4 at a salary of $87,500. He also submitted his resignation as Hudson, Wis., city administrator, a job he has held for the past five years.

After interviewing finalists Saturday, the city council voted to offer the position to Gramentz. The city's recruitment consultant, James Brimeyer, Hopkins, finalized contract negotiations with Gramentz Thursday.

He takes the reins of city administration from Richard Salvati who has retired after 32 years as city manager.

With the contract negotiations out of the way, "I'm set to go ahead," Gramentz said. "I haven't developed a list of priorities. It's a complex situation (in New Ulm), and it will take time to get to know the people and the problems. My only priority right now is to find a home for my family."

Gramentz is familiar with the New Ulm governing body situation as Hudson's mayor also has limited powers, making it a "similar situation." He's also not daunted by following a manager with many years' service in the job.

"When I came here (to Hudson) all department heads were reporting directly to the council," Gramentz said. "It's difficult to corral 10 people each doing their own thing. Coming in with everything in place and running is not a traumatic situation."

While at Hudson, Gramentz has negotiated labor contracts with three unions and one supervisory association. He conducts performance evaluations on department heads asking them to identify goals, changes and methods for measuring success.

He emphasizes communication, putting out a city newsletter. He works with the county and schools on growth issues.

Gramentz has local ties; he grew up in Springfield and has family members living in Brown County.