Minot-Following the release of a bombshell investigative report detailing misconduct by now former Mayor Tom Ross, the Minot City Council convened a dramatic special session Tuesday afternoon before a packed City Hall. This marks the first resignation of a sitting mayor in Minot in over a century. The council unanimously approved Council President Mark Jantzer to serve in the mayors role during a 15-day waiting period, after which either the city must determine its pick as permanent replacement, or citizens may enact a petition for a special election.
The meeting followed an investigation into a January harassment complaint from City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim, which confirmed Mayor Tom Ross sent her a sexually explicit video on the same day she learned of a police officer’s suicide. Though Ross claimed it was accidental, the report found his actions violated city harassment policy and created a hostile work environment.
The meeting , led by Jantzer, voted 6–0 on the first of 2 agenda items to accept the report’s findings in full. In the second item, discussion turned toward what the councils future intentions would be after going over a number of possible alternatives. Council was in agreement to wait the 15 day period and then appoint one of themselves to serve out the remaining 14 months of the mayors term. The 15 day waiting period allows citizens to petition the city for a special election to elect someone to fill out the remainder of the mayoral term. This likely wouldn't take place until late June at the earliest.
Council members all offered some commentary during the meeting, unanimously wanting Minot to be able to move forward from an incredibly tumultuous 6 month period. Alderman Mike Blessum expressed sympathy for Minot residents and emphasized the importance of the report reaching "unequivocal answers to what had happened."
Alderman Rob Fuller, in a strong statement, said, “Over the past six months, Minot has faced enough challenges. Our city, our citizens, our friends, our employees, and our neighbors can no longer bear the weight of more.” Fuller also voiced support for staff transparency and made clear he believes a public apology from Ross is warranted.
Alderwoman Lisa Olson acknowledged the "high level of stress that our employees have gone through" going on to say "we can do better." She went on to empathize with those involved as well as emphasizing the importance of continuity going into the budget cycle.
In Alderman Scott Samuelson's lone statement, he said, "I think we need to look at the best of us 6 that could perform that [leadership] at this particular time."
In a quick conversation with City Council President Mark Jantzer following the meeting, he emphasized stability and continuity as the city begins to move forward. “These kinds of events are extremely unfortunate, but, the process has worked, and we are moving on, and continue to provide services and do our job as city government." Continuing on, he commented on Ross, saying "That's what's important to understand, [was] an act by a single individual and indeed an important person in the hierarchy out of his position, but ... it was something that happened with one person."
Jantzer acknowledged the emotional toll on staff and noted that policy reviews are likely, particularly around personal cell phone use for city business. “We already do a number of those kinds of things, including regular training on sexual harassment ... so we’ll certainly continue that,” he said. “So yes, there could be some forthcoming policy changes.”
While the council appears united in preferring an internal candidate to serve out the remainder of the term, Jantzer remains undecided on whether he’ll pursue the role long-term. For now, he’s focused on steady leadership: “If I’m appointed to serve until the election, I’ll do that to the best of my ability. I’d be happy to serve.”
