The Albert Lea City Council on Monday appointed the city’s human resources director to begin reviewing options for finding an interim city manager.

The council discussed having Human Resources Director Mike Zelenak acquire a list from the League of Minnesota Cities of retired city managers who are willing to help out cities on an interim basis. Zelenak also will find out whether there are any interested internal candidates for the job, Mayor Mike Murtaugh said.

The City Council must ultimately approve the person for the position.

The action comes after new City Manager Jim Norman was placed on official paid administrative leave earlier this month, following allegations that he misused the city credit card for personal charges.

Murtaugh said at this point, Zelenak will simply find out about the options of filling the position in the interim and present those to the council.

The council did not discuss a specific timeline for Zelenak’s action.

With the city manager being on paid leave, the council also approved authorizing City Finance Director Rhonda Moen to be able to approve city purchases over $500 during the interim.

City purchases above $500 usually must be approved and signed by the city manager up to something costing $50,000. Above $50,000, it must come before the council.

Lastly, the council approved authorizing Zelenak to approve any changes of status in city personnel — including step increases, cost of living increases, vacations or time off that need to happen to personnel during the interim.

These personnel issues are usually handled by the city manager.

Look to Wednesday’s edition for more about the other items on the Monday agenda.