Council Praises Hartmann's Service

Friday marks Jim Hartmann’s final day as Alexandria city manager.

Hartmann took over in January 2005 and was integral in trimming the city's budget over the last six years. He also built a solid relationship with a city workforce of more than 2,500.

He in January but agreed to stay with the city through the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2012.

Before the city presented its on Monday, Mayor Bill Euille and each member of the council took a moment to thank Hartmann for his service.

Councilman Paul Smedberg called Hartmann the “first true outsider to come to the job” and said his budget work was “extraordinary.”

Councilwoman Del Pepper said she quickly knew Hartmann was the best fit for the job when interviewing applicants in 2005.

“You’ve been so forthright,” she said. “Even if you didn’t think it was the best answer or one we wanted to hear.”

Euille remembered he was sold in the interviewing process when Hartmann said he wanted the job “because Alexandria is a cool city.”

Hartmann, who has accepted an offer to become county manager in Seminole County, Fla., spread the praise around. He thanked city staff for embracing a new culture in City Hall and for showing a real passion for their work.

“I couldn’t have done it without a great team,” Hartmann said. “I’m really, really proud of the way we worked together. This is the best management team I’ve ever worked with.”

Though he is moving to Florida, Hartmann said his daughter is moving back into Alexandria from Arlington. He plans on coming back and visiting his favorite restaurants, something several members of council kidded him about.

Hartmann even used the platform to ask Alexandria restaurateur Mike Anderson, who was sitting in council chambers awaiting , when his Pork Barrel BBQ restaurant complex would open in Del Ray (Anderson has since answered “We're getting close”).

Before coming to Alexandria, Hartmann worked as an administrative manager in South Carolina, Colorado and Florida.

was approved as acting city manager on Monday.

The is ongoing. Council plans to have the position filled by the end of September.