The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Raymond White, Complainant And Concerning: Pleasant Grove Township Trustees, Respondent |
Case Number: 25FC:0156 Dismissal Order |
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COMES NOW, Charlotte Miller, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Dismissal Order:
On October 12, 2025, Raymond White filed formal complaint 25FC:0156, alleging that Pleasant Grove Township Board of Trustees violated Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22.
Facts
White filed a complaint with IPIB after the Pleasant Grove Township Meeting on September 9, 2025 in which the Board of Trustees of the Township appointed a third Trustee, replacing the previous third trustee that resigned, and entering into closed session to discuss pending litigation. Mr. White, the elected Township Clerk, historically has drafted the minutes and agenda for open meetings held. Mr. White requested the recording of the closed session to create minutes but was denied. Minutes for the closed session were created by another party and Mr. White drafted the minutes for the open meeting held on September 9. Mr. White alleges his duties as township clerk are being taken from him with no choice in the matter.
Applicable Law
“Upon receipt of a complaint alleging a violation of chapter 21 or 22, the board shall do either of the following:
Determine that, on its face, the complaint is within the board’s jurisdiction, appears legally sufficient, and could have merit. In such a case the board shall accept the complaint, and shall notify the parties of that fact in writing.
Determine that, on its face, the complaint is outside its jurisdiction, is legally insufficient, is frivolous, is without merit, involves harmless error, or relates to a specific incident that has previously been finally disposed of on its merits by the board or a court. In such a case the board shall decline to accept the complaint. If the board refuses to accept a complaint, the board shall provide the complainant with a written order explaining its reasons for the action.” Iowa Code § 23.8.
Analysis
White alleges that his duties have been wrongfully taken away from him. This complaint relates to the specific job duties of an elected official involving the creation of the minutes and an agenda of meeting, not the records themselves. Mr. White does not allege that the meeting was held improperly, that the minutes themselves are improper, or that he was denied requested public records. Mr. White allegations of job duties of a Township Clerk are outside of the jurisdiction of IPIB to investigate. Therefore, this complaint is dismissed.
Conclusion
Iowa Code § 23.8 requires that a complaint be within the IPIB’s jurisdiction, appear legally sufficient, and have merit before the IPIB accepts a complaint. Following a review of the allegations on their face, it is found that this complaint does not meet those requirements.
The facts alleged are outside IPIB’s jurisdiction to review.
IT IS SO ORDERED: Formal complaint 25FC:0156 is dismissed as it is legally insufficient pursuant to Iowa Code § 23.8(2) and Iowa Administrative Rule 497-2.1(2)(b).
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 November 20, 2025. Pursuant to IPIB rule 497-2.1(4), the parties will be notified in writing of its decision.
By the IPIB Executive Director
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Charlotte Miller, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on November 15, 2025, to:
Raymond White