Councilwoman Megan Arlt resigns amid conflict‑of‑interest review

Councilwoman Megan Arlt submitted a written resignation effective immediately during a special meeting of the Thief River Falls City Council, saying in a prepared statement that her departure was not an admission of wrongdoing.

"So, I hereby resign for my position on the Thief River Falls City Council effectively immediately. However, do not mistake my resignation as any admission of wrongdoing. I 110% stand behind my actions and all of the unpaid work Aaron and I have done to better this community," Arlt said in a short statement read aloud to the council.

The resignation followed a review by special counsel Robert Scott (named in the meeting transcript) of a city contract and a separate rental license agreement with the Northern Lights semi‑pro hockey team. City legal counsel told the council that Arlt confirmed she had received no payments and that the team owner provided a letter corroborating that, and counsel said they were not aware of a "personal direct conflict of interest." That explanation did not prevent the council from accepting Arlt's written resignation and proceeding with a formal ratification of the earlier action.

Arlt declined to answer further questions during the meeting "on advice from my legal counsel," saying she would not respond to inquiries. The resignation was entered into the council record and acknowledged by the presiding official, who later thanked Arlt for nearly four years of service.

The council voted to ratify the prior conditional approval related to the tenant license and to acknowledge Arlt's resignation; the motion passed despite two members voting nay. The city clerk will file the written resignation pursuant to Minnesota statute, as discussed on the record.