Date:
06/18/2020
Subject:
Jordan Wright/Richland City Council - Acceptance Order
Opinion:
The Iowa Public Information Board
|
In re the Matter of: Jordan Wright, Complainant And Concerning: Richland City Council, Respondent |
Case Number: 20FC:0048 Acceptance Order |
COMES NOW, Margaret E. Johnson, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Acceptance Order.
Jordan Wright filed formal complaint 20FC:0048 on May 13, 2020, alleging that 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 involving an expenditure of over $2,500.00.
In response, the Council determined that the complaint “may be valid” and agreed to discuss an informal resolution of the complaint.
Iowa Code section 23.8 requires that a complaint be within the IPIB’s jurisdiction, appear legally sufficient, and could have merit before the IPIB accepts a complaint. This complaint appears to meet these requirements.
IT IS SO ORDERED: Formal complaint 20FC:048 is accepted pursuant to Iowa Code section 23.8(1) and Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(2)(a). Parties are directed to work with IPIB staff to reach an informal resolution as required by Iowa Code section 23.9.
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(3), the IPIB may “delegate acceptance or dismissal of a complaint to the executive director, subject to review by the board.” The IPIB will review this Order on June 18, 2020. Pursuant to IPIB rule 497-2.1(4), the parties will be notified in writing of its decision.
By the IPIB Executive Director
________________________________
Margaret E. Johnson
1. Mr. Wright questioned whether it was proper for the city to hire a council member for this work. This issue is not within the jurisdiction of the IPIB.
2. The Richland City Council was the respondent in formal complaint 18FC:0068. This complaint was accepted and an informal resolution was drafted.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent by electronic mail on the ___ day of June, 2020, to:
Jordan Wright
Richland City Council