Legislators - Open Meetings Law
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City Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 phone
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
THE CITY OF, .
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February 25, 2005
VIA E-mail and
1 st Class Mail
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Representative
2368 Jackson
Dubuque, IA 52001
Re: HSB 59 - Open Meetings Law
Dear Representative Jochum,
I am writing to encourage you to vote no on HSB 59 regarding a change in definition of
the Open Meetings law. This bill proposes to expand the definition of a meeting to
include a series of meetings of less than a majority of members of the governmental
body. This bill could result in a significant decrease in participation in community
activities by City Council Members for fear of being in violation of the Open Meetings
law. Currently Dubuque City Council Members serve on the boards of over 20
organizations. In addition, City Council Members are asked to appear at numerous
events, including neighborhood meetings, ribbon cuttings, focus groups, etc. This bill
would place an undue burden on organizations to meet the advance public notice
requirements in anticipation of attendance by more than one or more City Council
Members.
I encourage you to oppose HSB 59 regarding the definition of Open Meetings law.
Sincerely,
tl0 [C~JI,-----
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:cs
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
Dubuque City Council
Susan Judkins, Director of Governmental Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
lnnovation
Teamwork
tt'
City Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 phone
(563) 589-4149 fax
ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org
THE CITY OF i --"'.
[)CTntr.01-T--:
~~~
February 25,2005
VIA E-mail and
1 st Class Mail
The Honorable Pam Jochum
Iowa State Representative
2368 Jackson
Dubuque,IA 52001
Re: HSB 59 - Open Meetings Law
Dear Representative Jochum,
I am writing to encourage you to vote no on HSB 59 regarding a change in definition of
the Open Meetings law. This bill proposes to expand the definition of a meeting to
include a series of meetings of less than a majority of members of the governmental
body. This bill could result in a significant decrease in participation in community
activities by City Council Members for fear of being in violation of the Open Meetings
law. Currently Dubuque City Council Members serve on the boards of over 20
organizations. In addition, City Council Members are asked to appear at numerous
events, including neighborhood meetings, ribbon cuttings, focus groups, etc. This bill
would place an undue burden on organizations to meet the advance public notice
requirements in anticipation of attendance by more than one or more City Council
Members.
I encourage you to oppose HSB 59 regarding the definition of Open Meetings law.
Sincerely,
AIv i{~,-----
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:cs
cc: Mayor Terry Duggan
Dubuque City Council
Susan Judkins, Director of Governmental Affairs, Iowa League of Cities
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork