BP seeks settlement with former cop

Almost three years after members of the Blooming Prairie City Council emerged from a closed session to “terminate Mark Lang in good standing” from the Blooming Prairie Police Department, there was another closed meeting about Lang.

This time, council members discussed authorizing a settlement agreement with Lang, on the advice of the city attorney and city administrator and in collaboration with the League of Minnesota Cities attorneys.

The subsequent motion was to direct Jason Iacovino and Melanie Aeschliman to bring back a final agreement in the matter, including a “final closeout payment” of $75,000.

“This is a final payment and is an exchange for a full settlement agreement and waiver of all past and future claims against the City of Blooming Prairie from said employee,” Mayor Mike Ressler said.

The payment won’t be made until the final settlement is approved by the city council.

In March 2022, Lang was congratulated and thanked by members of his department and the community for 20 years of service with awards, applause and an impromptu parade of emergency vehicles.

The only explanation of his departure was that it was “due to his inability to physically perform his duties as required to be employed as a sergeant for the Blooming Prairie Police Department.”

In 2020, the last full year Lang was employed by BPPD, his salary was reported as $68,837.

Data privacy laws prevented city officials from commenting further about Lang’s employment.

He and his wife Kelly own The Creek Bar and Grill in Rose Creek, as well as Bobee Jo’s in Austin; AB Taxi Service, also in Austin; and a construction company.