Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -  A new chapter in city government formally began Thursday at Rochester City Hall.

Steve Rymer started his new job as city administrator, about 2 ½ months after he was selected by the City Council. He is filling some big shoes, succeeding Steve Kvenvold who held the job for nearly 40 years before he retired in May.

The administrator’s position is the highest non-elective position in city government.

Rymer is a native of Robbinsdale and a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He worked as director of parks and recreation in New Brighton before moving to a similar job in Morgan Hill, Calif. in 2006. He was later promoted to city manager.

Rymer has purchased a home in the city and even attended his first council meeting before he was officially put on the city payroll. He was at Monday’s committee meeting to sit in on the discussion of a new arena.

One of his first tasks will be finding a new assistant. Current assistant administrator Gary Neumann is planning to retire at the end of January. He has held the job for 35 years.

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