24FC:0101 Erin Sommers/City of Pocahontas - Final Report

Topics:

Formal Complaints

Date:
02/20/2025

Subject: 
Erin Sommers/City of Pocahontas - Final Report

Opinion:

The Iowa Public Information Board

In re the Matter of:

Erin Sommers, Complainant

And Concerning:

City of Pocahontas, Respondent

 

Case Number: 24FC:0101

Final Report                                   

             

On October 28, 2024, Erin Sommers filed formal complaint 24FC:0101, alleging the City of Pocahontas (β€œCity”) violated Iowa Code chapter 21.

Facts

The City Council went into closed session at the end of its meeting on October 21, 2024. This closed session was not listed on the posted agenda, but came as a result of a staff report that was listed on the agenda. The purpose of the closed session was stated to be to address concerns with the clerk and City policies. Despite being informed a closed session was not permitted under the scenario, four members of the Council voted to enter closed session under Iowa Code Β§ 21.5(1)(i). The clerk did not request the Council go into closed session.

Procedure

The IPIB accepted this complaint at its meeting on November 21, 2024. Upon acceptance, the parties worked toward an informal resolution agreement.

Erin Summer approved the Informal Resolution on December 16, 2024.

The City approved the Informal Resolution on December 16, 2024.

The IPIB approved the Informal Resolution Report on January 16, 2025.

All terms of the Informal Resolution have been met. IPIB staff recommends this Final Report be adopted and the complaint be dismissed as resolved.

By the IPIB Executive Director

Erika Eckley, J.D.