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City, N.D. –The Valley City commission unanimously approved of having Sarah Andrews Herman of the Dorsey & Whitney law firm represent the city on future personnel matters during a special meeting on Wednesday.

Mayor Bob Werkhoven says Herman will be called upon if needed for current or future personnel matters for the city. He says he and other commissioners acted on the advice of city attorney R. Jon Fitzner saying the city should avoid any conflict of interest over future personnel matters.

Several people who attended the 7am meeting questioned why the commission would hold the meeting at that time instead of allowing more people who couldn’t attend to express their views on the issue like Valley City resident Vicki Ross.

During the regular Monday meeting the commission voted against the motion to approve the employment of Andrews Herman on a 3 to one vote with Jon Wagar being the lone vote in favor.

At that meeting several people questioned the cost and the need of retaining another attorney to represent the city. Andrews Herman will be paid $295 per hour when called upon for current or future personnel matters for the city of Valley City.