The Iowa Public Information Board
On July 6, 2026, Scott Wilson (“Complainant”) filed formal complaint 26FC:0176, alleging the City of Fruitland (“Respondent”) violated Iowa Code Chapter 21.
IPIB accepted this complaint at its meeting on August 20, 2026.
Facts
Complainant alleged that Respondent deliberated and took action on an item brought up during citizen’s opportunity section of a regular public meeting that was not included in the agenda in violation of Chapter 21.
Law
“Except as provided in subsection 3, a governmental body shall give notice of the time, date, and place of each meeting including a reconvened meeting of the governmental body, and the tentative agenda of the meeting, in a manner reasonably calculated to apprise the public of that information.” Iowa Code § 21.4(1)(a).
Analysis
The parties both expressed a desire to remedy the agenda concern through an informal agreement.
Pursuant to Iowa Code § 23.9, the parties negotiated and reached an informal resolution.
The parties agreed to the following terms:
The Respondent will make a public statement during a City Council meeting stating that the no decision was rendered and no legally binding vote was taken during the citizen’s opportunity portion of the June 9, 2026 meeting.
The Respondent will attend a training session covering the requirements of Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22. Attendees shall include the city clerk, the mayor, and the members of the city council.
The Respondent shall provide proof of attendance at the training to IPIB.
Complainant approved the information resolution terms on September 1, 2026
Respondent approved the terms of the informal resolution on September 4, 2026
The IPIB Staff recommends the IPIB approve the Informal Resolution Report.
By the IPIB Staff Attorney
______________________________
Johnathon T. Harris, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This Document was sent on September 11, 2026 to:
Scott Wilson, Complainant
City of Fruitland, Respondent