A complaint filed by Janelle Klava, the city auditor of Emerado, North Dakota, against Mayor Jake Lanes has prompted the establishment of a mediation board. This board will address the future communication protocols between the two officials, following a heated argument that took place on September 30, 2023. The Emerado City Council is set to review the board’s recommendations during a meeting scheduled for December 4, 2023.
The mediation board convened on December 1 and included three members: one selected by Klava, one by the City Council, and a third chosen collaboratively by the other two members. Although the specific recommendations from the board remain undisclosed, Klava expressed concerns regarding potential bias in the proceedings. She described the outcome as “very one-sided,” suggesting that it did not adequately address her grievances.
Attempts to gain comments from Mayor Lanes regarding the mediation meeting were unsuccessful, as he declined to provide any statements. The Grand Forks Herald also reached out to Emerado City Council President Joel Linneman for his insights, yet did not receive a response.
The initial argument, which led to the complaint filed with the Emerado Police Department, unfolded prior to a special meeting focused on the city’s budget. Klava reported that during a discussion in her office, she expressed frustration over having to spend two days revising the budget, suggesting that it was primarily the council members’ responsibility. Lanes allegedly reacted strongly, accusing her of implying that he was neglecting his duties. Klava clarified that her comments were directed towards the council as a whole, not specifically at him.
As tensions escalated, Klava claimed that Lanes yelled after her as she exited her office, stating, “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 confrontation, the two engaged in another discussion, captured on video by Klava, in which she asserted, “A mayor does not threaten somebody that works for them.” Lanes reportedly countered, “And an auditor doesn’t attack the mayor.”
The morning after the argument, Lanes sent an email to Klava apologizing for his outburst. He acknowledged that he had reacted poorly and expressed an understanding of her frustrations, hoping to resolve their differences amicably as they move forward.
Klava formally filed her complaint against Lanes on October 6, 2023. Should the City Council endorse the mediation board’s recommendations, both Lanes and Klava must agree to the terms for them to take effect. Klava has indicated her intention not to accept the recommendations as they currently stand, further complicating the situation.
As the council prepares to deliberate on the issue, the implications of this dispute extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially impacting the governance and administrative dynamics within the city of Emerado.
