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Buhl council tables proposal to change BEDA membership pending legal review
Summary
After debate over whether the city code aligns with Minnesota statute, the Buhl City Council rescinded a motion to amend BEDA membership rules and tabled the item, directing the administrator to obtain legal advice before any ordinance change.
The Buhl City Council on Jan. 7 debated whether to alter the composition of the Buhl Economic Development Authority (BEDA) to reduce the number of city council members serving on the authority.
Mayor James Matthews told the council the city’s current ordinance appears inconsistent with Minnesota Statute §469.095 and argued that BEDA should include two councilmembers instead of three to avoid a majority of the council serving on the EDA. Matthews said the change was intended to “preserve and protect the integrity of the City of Buhl Council.”
Councilor Taunya Teska-Erickson moved to amend the ordinance language to reflect two council members on BEDA; the motion was supported by Councilor Loeffler. After discussion and questions from other councilors about timing and whether written resignation and public posting were appropriate, the motion and support were rescinded. The council agreed it was premature to fill the seat until written notice of a resignation is received and directed the administrator to consult the city attorney for a legal opinion on whether the ordinance should be amended. The item was tabled pending that advice.
Why it matters
The number of council members serving on an economic development authority can affect perceived independence and conflict-of-interest concerns. The council’s decision to seek a formal legal opinion preserves options while ensuring any ordinance revision is grounded in statutory interpretation.
What’s next
Administrator Tony Jeffries will coordinate with the city attorney to obtain legal counsel on the statutory requirements and report back to council; no ordinance change was adopted at this meeting.
