Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Monday at 7-a.m.

All members were present…

The only agenda item was to consider separation agreement with City Attorney Russell Myhre.

The Commissioners voted 3-1 with Mayor Carlsrud voting in opposition.

Mayor Carlsrud   said he “Didn’t like the mess that brought us together, today.”

He added that separating with Myhre three months early means added cost to the city during the transition process.

Carlsrud feels Myhre would have conducted himself professionally through the transition period, adding that Myhre has done so during his years serving the City Attorney.

Commissioner Magnuson said the process should have started in January this year.

He asked City Administrator Schelkoph to address the effects and costs to the city on Myhre’s leaving.

He said the payout is $17,100 over the next three months, at minmium, including the Municipal Court.

The City Municipal Court will have a replacement prosecutor with a pay of $3,500 per month over the next three months less if a replacement is found.

He said a City Attorney replacement is running according to the time frame.

He added a replacement to handle the City Attorneys duties will be handled, including flood control property buyouts.

The delay in handling day to day issues that come up for legal assistance is not known at this point.

Magnuson added the city should contact law offices in time to temporarily handle issues.

Commissioner Bishop added that the City Commission’s action is based on actions by Myhre and not a movement by the City commission to replace him.

On December 27th of 2016, the Valley City Commission unanimously approved  a settlement and agreement concerning  Myhre’s retirement.

The City Commission voted to  pay Myhre $75,000 at the end of 2016 and will was to be paid another $75,000 in 2017 for a total of $150,000.

The city of Valley City is in the process of searching for a new City Attorney to represent the city.