The Minot City Council will consider hiring an investigator to look into allegations of hostile work environment and other staff issues in the Minot Police Department and Central Dispatch during a special meeting Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Minot Police Chief John Klug was placed on temporary, paid administrative leave Sept. 12.

Among issues an investigator would research include allegations of inconsistent discipline, lack of staff confidence in leadership, staff retention and morale issues and staff concerns of retaliation.

The council will consider proposals from three investigators and a budget amendment of $50,000 to cover the cost of an investigation.

In a background provided to the mayor and council members by City Manager Harold Stewart, the city attorney and Human Resources manager, it was stated the city manager and city attorney met with council members Rob Fuller and Scott Samuelson on Aug. 26 to discuss complaints the council members received regarding management of the police department. As an internal investigation began, Fuller received additional complaints from present and former Minot police officers and employees of Minot Central Dispatch.

The memo to council called the complaints “numerous” and “complex” and noted some involved active investigations. As a result, Klug was placed on leave.

“The nature and severity of the accusations, coupled with the fact that many of the complaints are directed at upper management, led City Management to bring this matter to the City Council to consider retaining a third-party investigator,” the memo stated.

The city has identified investigators who would be able to begin work either immediately or before Oct. 10. The council will review proposals from attorneys Christina Sambor of Bismarck, Michelle Donarski of Fargo and Yvette Heintzelman of Chicago.