Date:
12/17/2020
Subject:
John Wright/City of Richland - Final Report & Order
Opinion:
The Iowa Public Information Board
|
In re the Matter of: Jordan Wright, Petitioner And Concerning: City of Richland, Respondent |
Case Number: 20FC:0048
Dismissal Order |
THIS MATTER comes before the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) for review of compliance with the terms of the Informal Resolution.
The IPIB finds that the terms of the Informal Resolution have been completed.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that pursuant to the terms of the Informal Resolution this complaint is dismissed as successfully resolved.
SO ORDERED this 17th day of December, 2020.
________________________________
IPIB Chair
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent by electronic mail on this _____ day of December, 2020, to:
Jordan Wright, Petitioner
Susan Carroll, Clerk for the City of Richland
Phil Parsons, Attorney for the City of Richland
Before the Iowa Public Information Board
|
In re the Matter of: Jordan Wright, Petitioner And Concerning: City of Richland, Respondent |
Case Number: 20FC:0048
Final Report |
COMES NOW Zachary S. Goodrich, Legal Counsel for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) and submits this Final Report recommending dismissal of the complaint as successfully resolved through an informal resolution.
On May 13, 2020, Jordan Wright filed formal complaint 20FC:0048 alleging that members of the Richland City Council (Council) violated Iowa Code chapter 21.
Mr. Wright alleged that at the May 4, 2020, Council meeting, it was disclosed that a majority of Council members met outside a properly-noticed, open, and public meeting to discuss work on city equipment. The Council concluded at its June 1, 2020, meeting that the complaint may be valid.
The IPIB accepted the formal complaint at its June 18, 2020, meeting. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 23.9, the parties negotiated and reached an informal resolution.
Mr. Wright approved the informal resolution on July 22, 2020. The Council approved the informal resolution at its September 8, 2020, meeting. The IPIB approved the informal resolution at its September 17, 2020, meeting.
The terms of the informal resolution are:
- The City acknowledges that the complaint may be valid.
- The City acknowledges that meetings between Council members discussing official city business must be held pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 21 in a properly noticed, open session.
- The City agrees to conduct training for all Council members and other city officials on Iowa Code chapters 21 and 22. The City may utilize the PowerPoint training available on the IPIB website or schedule training with the city attorney or through the League of Cities.
- The City shall approve this resolution during an open meeting and include the full text in the minutes of said meeting. Said minutes shall be provided to the IPIB.
The terms of the informal resolution have been successfully completed. The City of Richland provided proof of compliance on November 25, 2020. According to the terms of the informal resolution, the complaint may now be dismissed.
Therefore, it is recommended that the IPIB dismiss this complaint as successfully resolved through an informal resolution.
Respectfully submitted this ____ day of December, 2020.
________________________________
Zachary S. Goodrich
Legal Counsel
Iowa Public Information Board
Wallace Building, Third Floor
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 725-1782
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent by electronic mail on this _____ day of December, 2020, to:
Jordan Wright, Petitioner
Susan Carroll, Clerk for City of Richland
Phil Parsons, Attorney for City of Richland