Nisswa City Council calls on mayor to resign following profanity-laced confrontation with police

The Nisswa City Council has voted to ask the mayor to resign following a profanity-laced confrontation with police that was caught on camera.

Pequot Lakes Police said the confrontation started Saturday night when Heidmann was recording officers who were on a traffic stop. Officers from Pequot Lakes and Nisswa told Heidmann that recording was fine but that he had to keep a safe distance. Heidmann continued approaching and arguing with officers. The mayor was given several warnings and left but returned a short time later and was subsequently arrested, police said.

"You know that I’m the mayor of this (expletive) town and you guys get the (expletive) off the highway out here."

Nisswa mayor arrested after profanity-laced confrontation

Friday, the city council of Nisswa held a special meeting demanding that Heidmann resign.

According to the city attorney, the council has limited options when it comes to disciplining the mayor, however, they made their point clear.

"I’m making a point not to use the term mayor as I don’t think he deserves it. We are once again forced to hold a special meeting to deal with the decisions you’ve made," one council member said. "Your latest selfish and childish antics have led to city staff dealing with many phone calls, emails and Facebook posts from many, many angry citizens from all over the country."

Heidmann, in a statement Saturday, said that he was concerned the traffic stop would give a bad impression to tourists visiting that area. He said he will fight the charges, citing freedom of speech.

The full city council meeting can be viewed at the link here.