After four years with the city of Northglenn, city manager Bill Simmons is retiring.

City Council unanimously approved by an 8-0 vote a retirement agreement for Simmons during its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 13. Ward III Councilwoman Susan Clyne was absent.

Simmon’s retirement is effective Dec. 31. He was hired by the city in November 2008.

No council member commented on the retirement plans during the meeting. Simmons, however, thanked council for approving the agreement.

“I am looking forward to a new phase of my life, beginning next year, with great enthusiasm and hope,” Simmons said. “But between now and then there’s a city to run and budgets to adopt and development projects to bring to realization. You have my full dedication, and I pledge my full cooperation in this transition process.”

Simmons will receive severance payments through May 3, 2013, totaling $57,000. He will also receive a lump-sum payment for any unused and accrued vacation time up to Dec. 31. As part of the agreement, Simmons will be available through May 3, 2013, to assist with any issues related to the transition of a new city manager.

“He’s really done a lot for the city, and we really appreciate everything he’s done,” said Mayor Joyce Downing during a phone interview Aug. 17.

Downing said council wasn’t expecting the retirement.

“It’ll be a loss for the city, he’ll leave it in a better place than when he started,” she said. “Council is searching for another city manager that will continue moving the city in the right direction,”

Simmons filled the vacancy left when former City Manager A.J. Krieger resigned. Krieger, who was hired in October 2006, left the city in May 2008.