Tonight’s special Albert Lea City Council meeting scheduled to discuss how the council will proceed with recently-charged Albert Lea City Manager Jim Norman is now open to the public.

The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Albert Lea City Hall.

Albert Lea Mayor Mike Murtaugh said it was his understanding that Norman requested the meeting be open.

The city manager was placed on paid leave from his duties Friday after the Waseca County Attorney’s Office filed charges alleging he had abused the city credit card for more than $2,300 in personal purchases.

He faces two felony counts and one gross misdemeanor count, including charges of permitting false claims against government by a public officer, theft with the intent to exercise temporary control and misconduct by a public officer.

He is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on the charges at 11 a.m. Sept. 22.

Norman began full time as city manager in Albert Lea on May 3, after working as interim city manager in Afton.

The charges in question were from May 15 through July 15.