Woodward cancels city council meeting for 'community conversation' that may violate Iowa Open Meetings Act
Woodward cancels city council meeting for 'community conversation' that may violate Iowa Open Meetings Act
The city of Woodward has canceled its City Council meeting scheduled for Monday night and replaced it with a “community conversation” about the city’s future.
The city says the event will give residents a chance to hear from city leaders and ask questions. It will also include an announcement from the mayor about a proposed project.
According to a notice published on the city's official website, "to ensure the discussion remains exclusive to Woodward residents, attendees will be required to present proof of residency upon entry."
The residency requirement may violate Iowa's Open Meetings Act, also known as Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code.
Randy Evans, president and executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, told KCCI, "Public meetings of government boards in Iowa are open to everyone. Attendees do NOT have to show an ID proving they are residents of the city. And non-residents cannot be prevented from attending."
Evans also clarified that if a quorum of city council members attend the event, "it's an official meeting even if they call it something else."
KCCI has reached out to the city of Woodward for a response, but has not yet heard back.
The community conversation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Woodward-Granger High School auditorium, with doors opening at 6 p.m.