Date:
05/18/2017
Subject:
Ramona Heller / Regional Environmental Improvement Commission - Final Report
Opinion:
Before the Iowa Public Information Board
|
In re the Matter of: Ramona Heller, Complainant And Concerning: Regional Environmental Improvement Commission, Respondent |
Case Numbers: 16FC:0061 and 0062 Final Report |
RE: Formal Complaints 16FC:0061 and 16FC:0062, filed by Ramona Heller, and concerning the Regional Environmental Improvement Commission (REIC). Terms of the informal resolution have been completed, and the complaint can be dismissed.
On June 26, 2016, Ramona Heller filed two complaints against the Regional Environmental Improvement Commission (REIC). Both complaints alleged that the REIC held illegal meetings without proper notice, agenda, and minutes. One meeting happened on June 14, 2016, (16FC:0061) and the other on June 22, 2016, (16FC:0062).
The IPIB accepted this complaint on September 15, 2016. Iowa Code section 23.9 directs IPIB staff to work with both parties to determine whether an informal resolution can be reached. Pursuant to this section, the parties agreed to the following informal resolution:
1. The REIC agrees that the facts as stated above are accurately recited.
2. The REIC agrees that the REIC meets the definition of a governmental body, subject to the requirements of Chapter 21.
3. The REIC agrees that the REIC Executive Board is a governmental body for purposes of Chapter 21.
4. The REIC will conduct training concerning open meetings laws (Iowa Code chapter 21) utilizing the training curriculum available on the IPIB website. All REIC board members will receive the training.
The above provisions shall be completed by April 30, 2017, and a report of completion will be filed with the IPIB staff by May 5, 2017. Upon successful completion of the informal resolution, the IPIB shall dismiss the complaint as resolved with no additional sanctions.
Counsel for both parties approved and signed the resolution. The terms of the resolution were completed by April 30, 2017, as stated by the report of compliance filed by counsel for the REIC.
Therefore, according to the terms of the informal resolution, the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) should dismiss this complaint.
Submitted this ___ day of May, 2017.
_____________________________________
Margaret E. Johnson, J.D.
Interim Executive Director
CC: IPIB
Kellie Paschke, counsel for Ramona Heller
Ann Smisek, counsel for REIC