The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Matthew Knowles, Complainant And Concerning: City of Charter Oak, Iowa, Respondent |
Case Number: 26FC:0007 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 January 6, 2026, Matthew Knowles (Complainant) filed formal complaint 26FC:0007, alleging that City of Charter Oak, IA violated Iowa Code chapter 21.
Facts
Complainant requested the audio recordings for the October 2025, November 2025, and December 2025 City of Charter Oak City Council meetings. Mayor Staley informed Complainant that no audio recordings existed.
On January 6, 2025, Complainant filed this complaint.
Applicable Law
Iowa Code Section 21.3 provides the following:
1. Meetings of governmental bodies shall be preceded by public notice as provided in section 21.4 and shall be held in open session unless closed sessions are expressly permitted by law. Except as provided in section 21.5, all actions and discussions at meetings of governmental bodies, whether formal or informal, shall be conducted and executed in open session.
2. Each governmental body shall keep minutes of all its meetings showing the date, time and place, the members present, and the action taken at each meeting. The minutes shall show the results of each vote taken and information sufficient to indicate the vote of each member present. The vote of each member present shall be made public at the open session. The minutes shall be public records open to public inspection.
Analysis
While Chapter 21 is intended to promote transparency into the government’s decision-making process, the statute only imposes requirements in relation to meetings of governmental bodies, as those terms are defined in Iowa Code § 21.3. Because the city council qualifies as a governmental body pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.2(1), the city council must adhere by rules set forth in Iowa Code § 21.3. In this case, there is no allegation that council did not follow the requirements. Rather, it appears that records requested by Complainant do not exist and the Council is not obligated under Iowa Code Chapter 21 and 22 to create such audio recordings.
The complaint alleges a violation of Iowa Code Chapter 22, the complaint is without merit.
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.
IT IS SO ORDERED: Formal complaint 26FC:0007 is dismissed as it is without merit 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 January 15, 2026. 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 J.M. Miller, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on January 9, 2026, to:
Matthew Knowles, Complainant
City of Charter Oak, Iowa, Respondent