A complaint filed by Janelle Klava, the city auditor of Emerado, North Dakota, against Mayor Jake Lanes has initiated the establishment of a mediation board. This board will determine future communication protocols between the two parties. The Emerado City Council is set to hear the board’s recommendations regarding communication on December 4, 2023.
The mediation board convened on December 1, 2023, comprising three members: one appointed by Klava, one chosen by the City Council, and a third selected jointly by the other two members. While the specific recommendations are not yet public, Klava expressed concerns about the process, describing the board’s recommendations as “very biased” and “one-sided.”
When contacted by the Grand Forks Herald, Mayor Lanes declined to comment on the mediation meeting or the earlier argument. Council President Joel Linneman was also approached for comments but did not respond.
The initial argument occurred on September 30, 2023, just before a special City Council meeting focused on the city’s budget. Klava reported to the Emerado Police Department that during a discussion in her office, she expressed frustration over having to revise the budget, indicating that this responsibility should rest with the council members. Lanes reportedly became upset, perceiving her remarks as an implication that he was neglecting his duties.
According to Klava’s complaint, the confrontation escalated until she attempted to leave her office. At that point, Lanes allegedly shouted, “And if you ever talk to me like that again, you just remember that I have your (expletive) job in the palm of my hand and I can fire you at any moment.”
Following this incident, Klava and Lanes had another discussion prior to the council meeting. Klava documented this interaction on video, during which she stated, “A mayor does not threaten somebody that works for them.” Lanes responded, “And an auditor doesn’t attack the mayor.”
The next day, Lanes sent an email to Klava, apologizing for his outburst. He acknowledged his emotional response and expressed understanding of her frustrations. “I hope that we can resolve our differences in a timely manner as we move forward,” he wrote.
Klava officially filed her complaint on October 6, 2023. Should the City Council approve the mediation board’s recommendations, both Lanes and Klava must agree to the terms before they can be enacted. Klava has indicated her intention to reject the recommendations, stating, “As far as my opinion on the recommendations, no, I will not be accepting those.”
The ongoing situation highlights the challenges in maintaining professional relationships within municipal governance and underscores the importance of effective communication among city officials.
