Minot council accepts investigator's findings on mayor, moves to fill vacancy and authorize interim signatures

The Minot City Council on [date not specified] accepted an external investigator's report that found allegations of workplace harassment by Mayor Tom Ross were substantiated and took several actions to ensure continuity of city government following Ross's resignation.

Council President Janser opened the special meeting by telling the public she had received a resignation from Mayor Tom Ross that afternoon and that the council would receive the investigator's final report. Tom, the acting human resources manager, told the council the city manager, the prior human resources director and outside counsel engaged an external investigator after a Jan. 28 written complaint from City Attorney Stephanie Stahlheim alleging unlawful workplace harassment by the mayor. Tom said the investigator's report, completed with a final interview the day before, concluded the allegations were substantiated and that no redactions were required before distributing the report to counsel.

The council voted unanimously to accept the report. The move to…