The Charlotte City Council named the new city manager Monday night.

Ron Carlee said his first business will be to come in, start to understand Charlotte better and see what challenges and opportunities there are.

He said he does not plan to take over, but to become part of the team.

Carlee talked about some of the things Charlotte is dealing with currently, like the street car and the airport.

He said he has already met with County Manager Harry Jones and expects them to be a powerful team working together.

Carlee was the Arlington County, Va., manager from 2001 to 2009. Then he worked for the International City/County Management Association.

He said he has seen quite a few cities because of his latest job, but Charlotte really impresses him.

"It is truly one of the best cities I have visited and I have visited all around the world, especially in the last three years," said Carlee. "I see no reason why Charlotte should aspire to be anything less than a top-tier global community that is second to none."

Carlee starts the new job on April 1.

The City Council announced Monday night that Carlee will have a three-year contract with a base salary of $245,000 and $45,000 in deferred compensation. He will receive relocation compensation and a city vehicle.

He said he and his wife have already spent a lot of time in Charlotte and that he is looking forward to making it home.