City files response to open meetings lawsuits

(June 2, 2026) The City of Davenport and the members of the Davenport City Council filed a formal response to two lawsuits alleging violations of Iowa Open Meetings Law. The lawsuits, filed by Judith Lee, a former alderwoman, claim the Council violated state law during a regular meeting of the Council on March 25, 2026. The response filed with the court details the City's position that the meeting agenda is fully compliant with Iowa law. In addition, the City believes the lawsuits are both frivolous and meant to intimidate and harass the Council.

In the March 25^th meeting, two members of city staff gave presentations under Item IV City Administrator Update. The informal presentations on the City's administrative policy on open records by the Deputy City Clerk and the Chief Financial Officer's monthly budget analysis were information-only. There were no policy decisions, votes, or future action set to be taken based on these presentations.

Iowa courts have long held that a public meeting agenda does not have to itemize every presentation or discussion in advance. The March 25^th agenda was posted more than twenty-four hours in advance, along with a 338-page packet. In addition, the entire meeting was livestreamed, recorded, and posted online.

The City's filing also details specific dates from the public record in which the very practice now being challenged by Ms. Lee is one she took part in repeatedly during her own four years on the City Council. The filing also notes that all ten Council members were present at the March 25 meeting, but the lawsuits omit two members who regularly communicate with Ms. Lee. The filing states that by selectively naming Council members based on her personal relationships, Ms. Lee's true intention is to harass and intimidate the Council.

The Council stands by its practice of bringing clarity to complex issues, like the City's finances, through presentations in public meetings.

"Each one of us ran on transparency, and these presentations are meant to provide information publicly as a critical step towards transparency," said Jazmin Newton, Alderwoman At-Large. "It is unfortunate that Ms. Lee has decided to personally sue the eight of us that do not agree with her."

The City of Davenport supports a citizen's right to bring grievances to the court. It respects the legal process and the court's role in reviewing the public record and the applicable law. The City is confident it meets and exceeds the requirements of Open Meetings Law. The City will vigorously defend this action and seek all legal remedies available, including asking the judge to apply sanctions.

"These baseless lawsuits give the public the wrong picture of the way the City does business," said Tim Gleason, City Administrator. "Telling the City's story means no longer letting others set the tone for us and fill in the blanks. Our agendas are public, our meetings are open, and we will correct the record with accurate information."

Links to court documents:
Defendants' Answer
City Answer
Pre-Answer Motion to Dismiss