Iowa Appeals Court Rules Cedar Rapids Council Violated Open Meetings Law

The Iowa Court of Appeals ruled that the Cedar Rapids City Council violated the state’s open meetings law in a closed-door session to interview then-interim city clerk Alissa Van Sloten. The court emphasized the importance of transparency and government accountability in its decision. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by retired federal prosecutor Bob Teig, who believed the council’s actions violated Iowa’s Open Meetings Law. The court reversed a 2023 dismissal of the case and noted that the council did not provide sufficient legal justification for the closed session. Teig, motivated by a belief in government accountability, represented himself throughout the legal proceedings. The ruling emphasized the importance of conducting the public’s business in public and the need for clear justifications for closed sessions. The Cedar Rapids City Attorney’s Office plans to appeal the decision, but Teig hopes the case will lead to systemic changes in how the city conducts its business. The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal and financial consequences that can arise from open meetings violations.

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