Shane Goettle

The Minot City Council narrowly voted to stick with its long-time legislative lobbyist after entertaining a proposal from a second candidate Monday, May 18.

The council voted 4-3 to enter a contract with Bismarck attorney Shane Goettle to represent the city as assistant city attorney for governmental affairs at a cost of about $60,000 through May 2028.

The city previously paid around $100,000 a year, but Goettle reduced his fee because he has added the Souris River Joint Board as a client and will be representing some of the city’s interests jointly with SRJB’s interests, Mayor Mark Jantzer explained.

Council member Mike Blessum advocated for choosing a two-year proposal from Fargo attorney Terry Effertz for about $96,000, or somewhat less than paid to Goettle the previous two years.

“We’re also blessed in this particular case that we have two very good law firms that are willing to do work for the city – two firms with ties to our city, two firms with very good experience in this area,” he said. However, he added, “I think it is time for a change.”

Council member Lisa Olson agreed the city received two good proposals, but the selection committee that reviewed the two candidates made a recommendation for Goettle.

“We all agree that the work that Mr. Goettle has done for us has been exemplary,” she said. “It’s working very, very well having attorney Goettle represent us, and it would be a mistake to allow that contract to end and start with someone else.”

Olson also raised concern that Effertz already represents Fargo, which also has flood protection needs.

“We know that down at the Legislature, there are many opportunities where we are seeking those same dollars, and that’s putting her in a difficult position, and it may put us in a second position that we don’t want to be in,” she said.

Blessum argued lobbyists typically represent other cities. Goettle, who has represented Minot since 2012, also represents some smaller Mountrail County communities.

“The conflict, in and of itself, exists already,” Blessum said. “Any lobbyist or special attorney that we work with is always going to be in a position where they may have competing priorities and they’ve got to work that out with the governing body that is employing them.”

“We have a process to follow,” council member Mike Hayes said, referring to the selection committee. “Once the process has been completed, the hands tipped, then we shouldn’t be going back and renegotiating what we’ve set in place.”

A motion to enter a contract with Effertz failed 3-4, with Blessum, Scott Samuelson and Rob Fuller voting in favor. The motion to contract with Goettle passed with Olson, Hayes, Jantzer and Paul Pitner in favor.