Meeting

IPIB Board Meeting - March 3, 2023

Event Date & Time
Event Location
Wallace Building

502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Event Details

Date:  Friday, March 3, 2023 - 11:00am Location:  502 E. 9th Street Wallace Building - 3rd Floor E/W Conference Room Des Moines, IA 50319 Agenda: 

IOWA PUBLIC INFORMATION BOARD

MEMBERS

Daniel Breitbarth, Des Moines (Government Representative, 2022-2026)

Joan Corbin, Pella (Government Representative, 2020-2024)

E. J. Giovannetti, Urbandale (Public Representative, 2022-2026)
Barry Lindahl, Dubuque (Government Representative, 2020-2024)

Joel McCrea, Pleasant Hill (Media Representative, 2022-2026)

Monica McHugh, Zwingle (Public Representative, 2022-2026)

Julie Pottorff, Des Moines (Public Representative, 2020-2024)

Jackie Schmillen, Urbandale (Media Representative, 2022-2026)

vacant

 

STAFF

Margaret Johnson, Executive Director

Brett Toresdahl, Deputy Director

Daniel Strawhun, Legal Counsel

 

Dial-in number: 877-304-9269     Conference Code: 664760#
Note: ALL phones MUST remain on mute unless you are addressing the Board                                                        

 

Agenda  

March 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m.

3rd Floor E/W Conference Room

Wallace Building

502 East 9th Street, Des Moines

11:00 AM – IPIB Meeting

I.          Approval of agenda*

II.        Approval of the January 19, 2023 minutes *

III.       Comments from the board chair.  (Pottorff)  

IV.       Interviews for the position of IPIB Executive Director

                                    Each interview will last approximately one hour.

  1. William Nutty *
  2. Erica Eckley *

V.        Board discussion of candidates - closed session

                        Pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 21.5(1)(i): To evaluate the professional competency of an individual

whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

VI.       Selection of a candidate

VII.       Public Forum (5-minute limit per speaker)              

VIII.     Advisory Opinion – Deliberation/Action.

  1. IPIB (23AO:0001 – Chapter 22 – Discovery and Public Records 1/4/23) *
  2. IPIB (23AO:0002 – Chapter 22 – Cost of legal services 22.3 2/10/23) *

IX.       Cases involving Board Deliberation/Action.  (Johnson)

  1. Basemann, Bonnie (23FC:0004 -Both Chapters – City of Clayton 1/17/23) * Dismiss
  2. Burgmaier, Donnie (23FC:0005 – Chapter 22 – Broadlawns Medical Center 1/17/23) * Dismiss
  3. Gomes, Analicia (22FC:0058 – Chapter 21 – Bettendorf Comm. School Board 6/2/22) * Probable Cause Report
  4. Johnson, Kevin (22FC:0060 – Chapter 22 – City of Hamburg 6/6/22) * Final Report
  5. Kelderman, Nathan (22FC:0122 – Chapter 22 – Sioux Co. Sheriff’s Office 11/19/22) * Report
  6. Pirotte, Elizabeth (23FC:0009 – Chapter 22 – Iowa State University 1/26/23) * Dismiss
  7. Radtke, Mari (22FC:0050 – Chapter 22 – City of Paullina 5/26/22) * Final Report
  8. Radtke, Mari (22FC:0069 – Chapter 22 – City of Paullina 7/21/22) * Probable Cause Report
  9. Schnormeier, Richard (23FC:0010 – Both Chapters – City of Zearing 1/27/23) * Accept
  10. Sharp, Rick (23FC:0016 – Both Chapters – Cedar Falls City Council 2/8/23) * Dismiss
  11. Willson, Sam (22FC:0107 – Chapter 21 – Louisa County Conservation Board 10/3/22) * Final Report
  12. Wynkoop, Anthony (23FC:0006 – Both Chapters – Northeast Comm. School Dist. 1/20/23) * Dismiss

X.           Matters Withdrawn, No Action Necessary. (Johnson)

  1. Thompson, Stacy (22FC:0130 – Chapter 22 – Kossuth County 12/23/22) * withdrawn

XI.          Pending Complaints.  Informational Only (Johnson)

  1. Aultman, Richard (22FC:0131 – Chapter 22 – Fremont County Auditor 12/27/22) Intake
  2. Bax, Kay (22FC:0100 – Chapter 21 – City of Fontanelle & Council 9/14/22) Pending
  3. Beck, Tim (22FC:0036 – Both Chapters – Pleasant Valley School District 5/5/22) Pending    
  4. Carlson, Tracy (22FC:0124 – Chapter 21 – Kossuth Co. Board of Supervisors 12/3/22) Intake
  5. Collison, Chip (23FC:0019 – Chapter 21 – Blencoe City Council 2/12/23) Intake
  6. Crnkovich, Sidney (23FC:0026 – Chapter 22 – Carroll Co. Sheriff Office 2/22/23) Intake
  7. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0013 – Chapter 22 – Warren County 2/3/23) Intake
  8. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0021 – Chapter 22 – Warren County 2/15/23) Intake
  9. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0024 – Chapter 22 – Iowa Department of Revenue 2/20/23) Intake
  10. Fichter, Clint (23FC:0025 – Chapter 22 – City of Avoca 2/22/23) Intake
  11. Fischer, Julie (23FC:0018 – Both Chapters – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/9/23) Intake
  12. Huffman, David (22FC:0047 – Both Chapters – Batavia City Council 5/25/22) Pending
  13. Hutchins, Mandi (23FC:0012 – Chapter 21 – City of Linden 1/30/23) Intake
  14. Kannagieter, Nicole (23FC:0014 – Both Chapter – Dike New Hartford School District 2/3/23) Intake
  15. Knapp, Christine (23FC:0007 – Chapter 22 – Henry Co. Sheriff Dept. 1/25/23) Intake
  16. Lee, Richard (23FC:0022 – Chapter 22 – Ames Community School Dist. 2/19/23) Intake
  17. Mazgaj, Dustin (23FC:0003 – Chapter 22 - Marion Police Department 1/15/23) Intake
  18. Menke, Steven (23FC:0008 – Chapter 22 – Kossuth County 1/26/23); Menke, Steven (23FC:0011 – Chapter 22 _ Kossuth County Auditor 1/28/23)  Intake & Consolidate
  19. Merritt, Michael (22FC:0126 – Chapter 22 – Jasper County 12/14/22) Intake
  20. Merritt, Michael (23FC:0023 – Chapter 22 – City of Newton 2/12/23) Intake
  21. Otte, Lyle (23FC:0017 – Chapter 21 – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/9/23) Intake
  22. Palmer, Zach (22FC:0123 – Chapter 22 – Iowa Department of Corrections 11/22/22) Pending
  23. Sellers, Dakoda (22FC:0119 – Chapter 22 – City of Vinton 11/11/22) Pending
  24. Siri, Aaron (22FC:0128 – Chapter 22 – University of Iowa 12/20/22) Intake
  25. Stratton, James (23FC:0020 – Chapter 22 – Des Moines Police Department 2/14/23) Intake
  26. Taylor, Tom (22FC:0114 – Both Chapters – Sibley Ocheyedan School Board 10/18/22) Pending
  27. Trappe, Christoph (22FC:0125 – Chapter 22 – City of Marion 12/13/22) Intake
  28. Wahlberg, Beth (23FC:0015 – Chapter 21 – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/7/23) Intake

XII.          Committee Reports                                                                       

  1. Communications – (Toresdahl)
  2. Legislative – (Johnson)  
  3. Rules – (Strawhun)    

XIII.        Office status report.

                  1.  Contacts and activity * (Johnson)                                                       

                  2.  Financial/Budget Update (FY23) * (Toresdahl)

                  3.  Presentations/Trainings (Johnson)      

                  4.  District Court Update (Johnson)

XIV.     Next IPIB Board Meeting will be held in the Wallace Building, 3rd Floor, E/W Conference Room March 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

XV.      Adjourn                                                                                                                      * Attachment

Minutes: 

IOWA PUBLIC INFORMATION BOARD

March 3, 2023

                                                            Approved Minutes

The Board met on March 3, 2023 for its monthly meeting at 11:08 a.m. in the 3rd floor E/W Conference Room in the Wallace Building with the following members participating by: Joan Corbin, Pella; E. J. Giovannetti, Urbandale; Barry Lindahl, Dubuque; Monica McHugh, Zwingle; Julie Pottorff, Des Moines; Jackie Schmillen, Urbandale. Absent: Daniel Breitbarth, Des Moines; Joel McCrea, Pleasant Hill.  Also present were IPIB Executive Director Margaret Johnson; Brett Toresdahl, Deputy Director; and Daniel Strawhun, Legal Counsel. A quorum was declared present.

Others identified present or by phone: William Nutty, Erika Eckley, Randy Evans, Susan Patterson Planke, Tim Beck, Analicia Gomes, Wendy Meyers, Kevin Johnson, Elizabeth Pirotte, Mari Radtke, Trisha Halvorson, Richard Schnormeier.

 

On a motion by Giovannetti, second by Lindahl, the agenda was unanimously adopted 6-0.

On a motion by Corbin, second by Giovannetti, to approve the January 19, 2023 minutes. Unanimously adopted 6-0.

Board Chair Comments –

     Pottorff summarized the process that the Board would be using for the Executive Director interviews.

     Pottorff commented that she hoped that the Board would be willing to revisit the previously proposed bodycam legislation.

Executive Director Interviews –

     The Board conducted two interviews with candidates for the Executive Director position that will be open due to the retirement of Margaret Johnson.

     First Interview: William Nutty

     Secord Interview: Erika Eckley

Executive Director Board Discussions –

            On a motion from McHugh, and a second from Lindahl, the Board voted unanimously (voting yes: Corbin, Giovannetti, Lindahl, McHugh, Pottorff, and Schmillen – 6-0) to enter into closed session to consider the candidates for Executive Director.  They went into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 21.5(1)(i): To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. Both candidates interviewed requested a closed session.

The Board entered closed session at 12:59 p.m.

Open Session Resumed – 2:01 p.m.

Executive Director Selection

     On a motion by Lindahl, and a second by Giovannetti, Erika Eckley was selected as the new Executive Director of the Iowa Public Information Board.  The motion passed unanimously 6-0. Her start date and salary will be negotiated.

      Public Forum – Tim Beck spoke to the Board.

Advisory Opinions –

  1. IPIB (23AO:0001 – Chapter 22 – Discovery and Public Records 1/4/23). A motion by McHugh, and a second by Giovannetti to approve the advisory opinion. Unanimously approved, 6-0.
  2. IPIB (23AO:0002 – Chapter 22 – Cost of legal services in Iowa Code section22.3 2/10/23).  A motion by McHugh, and a second by Giovannetti to approve the advisory opinion. Unanimously approved, 6-0

The board was briefed on cases and took action as indicated: 

  1. Basemann, Bonnie (23FC:0004 -Both Chapters – City of Clayton 1/17/23).  A motion by Giovannetti and second by Lindahl to approve the dismissal order.  Unanimously approved, 6-0.
  2. Burgmaier, Donnie (23FC:0005 – Chapter 22 – Broadlawns Medical Center 1/17/23). A motion by Giovannetti and second by Schmillen to approve the dismissal order.  Unanimously approved, 6-0.
  3. Gomes, Analicia (22FC:0058 – Chapter 21 – Bettendorf Comm. School Board 6/2/22). Analicia Gomes and Wendy Meyer spoke. A motion by Giovannetti, and second by Lindahl, to determine that probable cause does not exist and dismiss the complaint. Approved 4-2 with McHugh and Corbin voting against.

Note: Corbin left meeting at 2:58 p.m. but then rejoined by phone.

  1. Johnson, Kevin (22FC:0060 – Chapter 22 – City of Hamburg 6/6/22). Kevin Johnson spoke. A motion by McHugh and second by Schmillen to table the matter until the April meeting.  Unanimously approved 6-0.
  2. Kelderman, Nathan (22FC:0122 – Chapter 22 – Sioux Co. Sheriff’s Office 11/19/22). A motion by Giovannetti and second by Lindahl to approve the informal resolution report and set for compliance review.  Unanimously approved, 6-0.
  3. Pirotte, Elizabeth (23FC:0009 – Chapter 22 – Iowa State University 1/26/23). Elizabeth Pirotte spoke. A motion by McHugh and second by Lindahl to table the matter until the March 16th meeting.  Unanimously approved 6-0.

Note: Schmillen left meeting at 3:27 p.m.

  1. Radtke, Mari (22FC:0050 – Chapter 22 – City of Paullina 5/26/22). Mari Radtke and Trisha Halverson spoke.  A motion by Lindahl and second by McHugh to approve the final report.  Unanimously approved, 5-0.
  2. Radtke, Mari (22FC:0069 – Chapter 22 – City of Paullina 7/21/22). A motion by McHugh, and second by Lindahl, to redirect the probable cause report back to staff for further investigation. Unanimously approved 5-0.
  3. Schnormeier, Richard (23FC:0010 – Both Chapters – City of Zearing 1/27/23). Richard Schnormeier spoke. A motion by McHugh and second by Giovannetti to approve the acceptance order.  Unanimously approved, 5-0.
  4. Sharp, Rick (23FC:0016 – Both Chapters – Cedar Falls City Council 2/8/23). A motion by Lindahl and second by Giovannetti to approve the dismissal order.  Unanimously approved, 5-0.
  5. Willson, Sam (22FC:0107 – Chapter 21 – Louisa County Conservation Board 10/3/22).  A motion by Giovannetti and second by Lindahl to approve the final report as the terms were successfully completed.  Unanimously approved, 5-0.
  6. Wynkoop, Anthony (23FC:0006 – Both Chapters – Northeast Comm. School Dist. 1/20/23).  A motion by McHugh and second by Lindahl to approve the dismissal order.  Unanimously approved, 5-0.

  Matters Withdrawn. No Action -

  1. Thompson, Stacy (22FC:0130 – Chapter 22 – Kossuth County 12/23/22)

 Pending complaints that required no board action.  Informational

  1. Aultman, Richard (22FC:0131 – Chapter 22 – Fremont County Auditor 12/27/22) Intake
  2. Bax, Kay (22FC:0100 – Chapter 21 – City of Fontanelle & Council 9/14/22) Pending
  3. Beck, Tim (22FC:0036 – Both Chapters – Pleasant Valley School District 5/5/22) Pending    
  4. Carlson, Tracy (22FC:0124 – Chapter 21 – Kossuth Co. Board of Supervisors 12/3/22) Intake
  5. Carver, Matthew (23FC:0031 – Chapter 22 – Urbandale Community School District 3/3/23) Intake
  6. Castillo, Dianna (23FC:0028 – Chapter 22 – Mapleton Police Department 3/1/23) Intake
  7. Collison, Chip (23FC:0019 – Chapter 21 – Blencoe City Council 2/12/23) Intake
  8. Colwell, Robert (23FC:0029 – Chapter 22 – IA Dept. of Health & Human Services 3/2/23) Intake
  9. Crnkovich, Sidney (23FC:0026 – Chapter 22 – Carroll Co. Sheriff Office 2/22/23) Intake
  10. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0013 – Chapter 22 – Warren County 2/3/23) Intake
  11. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0021 – Chapter 22 – Warren County 2/15/23) Intake
  12. Ellis, Sam (23FC:0024 – Chapter 22 – Iowa Department of Revenue 2/20/23) Intake
  13. Fichter, Clint (23FC:0025 – Chapter 22 – City of Avoca 2/22/23) Intake
  14. Fischer, Julie (23FC:0018 – Both Chapters – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/9/23) Intake
  15. Huffman, David (22FC:0047 – Both Chapters – Batavia City Council 5/25/22) Pending
  16. Hutchins, Mandi (23FC:0012 – Chapter 21 – City of Linden 1/30/23) Intake
  17. Kannagieter, Nicole (23FC:0014 – Both Chapter – Dike New Hartford School District 2/3/23) Intake
  18. Knapp, Christine (23FC:0007 – Chapter 22 – Henry Co. Sheriff Dept. 1/25/23) Intake
  19. Lee, Richard (23FC:0022 – Chapter 22 – Ames Community School Dist. 2/19/23) Intake
  20. Mazgaj, Dustin (23FC:0003 – Chapter 22 - Marion Police Department 1/15/23) Intake
  21. Menke, Steven (23FC:0008 – Chapter 22 – Kossuth County 1/26/23); Menke, Steven (23FC:0011 – Chapter 22 _ Kossuth County Auditor 1/28/23)  Intake & Consolidate
  22. Merritt, Michael (22FC:0126 – Chapter 22 – Jasper County 12/14/22) Intake
  23. Merritt, Michael (23FC:0023 – Chapter 22 – City of Newton 2/12/23) Intake
  24. Merritt, Michael (23FC:0030 – Chapter 22 – City of Newton 3/3/23) Intake
  25. Otte, Lyle (23FC:0017 – Chapter 21 – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/9/23) Intake
  26. Palmer, Zach (22FC:0123 – Chapter 22 – Iowa Department of Corrections 11/22/22) Pending
  27. Palmer, Zach (23FC:0027 – Chapter 22 – University of Iowa 2/22/23) Intake
  28. Sellers, Dakoda (22FC:0119 – Chapter 22 – City of Vinton 11/11/22) Pending
  29. Siri, Aaron (22FC:0128 – Chapter 22 – University of Iowa 12/20/22) Intake
  30. Stratton, James (23FC:0020 – Chapter 22 – Des Moines Police Department 2/14/23) Intake
  31. Taylor, Tom (22FC:0114 – Both Chapters – Sibley Ocheyedan School Board 10/18/22) Pending
  32. Trappe, Christoph (22FC:0125 – Chapter 22 – City of Marion 12/13/22) Intake
  33. Wahlberg, Beth (23FC:0015 – Chapter 21 – Winneshiek Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2/7/23) Intake

Committee Reports

  1. Communications – No report
  2. Legislative – Monitoring the following bills: SF202, HF350, HF333
  3. Rules – No report

Updates for the board.

a. Johnson provided an overview of the December website use and year end case totals.

            b. Toresdahl shared the FY23 financials and FY24 appropriations update.

            c. Johnson shared presentations – None        

            d. A district court case has been filed by Jack Swarm in Henry County                                                                                    

The next IPIB meeting will be in the Wallace Building, 3rd Floor, E/W Conference Room, March 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.  

At 4:11 p.m. the meeting adjourned on a motion by McHugh and a second by Lindahl.  Unanimously approved.                                                                                       

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted

            Brett Toresdahl, Deputy Director 

__________________________

IPIB, Chair

Approved