Minot – After suspending its rules on Monday, the Minot City Council voted to amend the budget to restore funding for the city’s membership in the North Dakota League of Cities.
Alderman Mike Hayes made the motion, saying he had gained a new perspective since the earlier vote to withdraw.
“I was uninformed myself, but that is a good learning tool,” Hayes said. “Just because it didn’t go our direction one time, that’s not a reason to abandon. With 350-plus members, including all the major cities, the League of Cities provides good information and good training. I believe that we should belong to the League of Cities.”
Alderwoman Lisa Olson seconded the motion.
Council member Rob Fuller spoke against the reversal, arguing that the city had already made its decision based on how the League of Cities used its funding.
“Pulling out of the League of Cities—some of us may not have understood it, some of us did—but the fact is we made that decision because we didn’t like what they did with our money.” Fuller said.
The motion to restore membership passed on a 4–3 vote, with Hayes, Olson, Alderman Paul Pitner, and Mayor Mark Jantzer voting in favor.
The amendment was made after the council suspended its rules, which normally prevent previously completed amendments from being brought back unless introduced by someone who voted with the majority. Once suspended, any council member could reintroduce a completed amendment for reconsideration.
You can view the full discussion on the reversal here (starts at 55:24):
