A judge has ordered the City of Minot and a former city electrical inspector to seek alternative dispute resolution in a whistleblower case filed last month.
The City of Minot sought dismissal in its recent response to a complaint from Todd Mickelson, who alleges he was involuntarily forced to leave his position for reporting violations of the electrical code.
North Central District Judge Douglas Mattson ordered the parties to file for alternative dispute resolution, and a scheduling conference has been set for Aug. 9. Alternative dispute resolution is a way of settling disputes outside of litigation and the courtroom, such as through mediation.
In its response, the city stated its decisions regarding Mickelson and his employment are supported by legitimate and non-retaliatory reasons. The response also states Mickelson failed to exhaust remedies prior to suing, doesn’t meet the qualifications under the whistleblower law, filed too late under the statute of limitations and has not been damaged to the extent claimed.
Mickelson is seeking back pay and employee benefits in excess of $75,000. He stated he was employed as an electrical inspector with the city from Sept. 22, 2014, until his termination on June 19, 2022. The city reported receiving his resignation letter on June 21, 2022.
The city denied Mickelson’s characterization of several events in his complaint. It denied that an ordinance was amended to eliminate his authority to take action. It denied Mickelson’s claims...
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