After the City Council meeting on March 24, 2026, the Clinton Herald printed an article concerning the City’s handling of certain Open Records requests. The Herald questioned whether additional information should be provided to the public concerning a potential real estate sale of certain property in the Rail Park. This property is undeveloped property owned by the City and intended for industrial development. The City received a proposal to sell the property, so the purpose of the March 24, 2026 closed session was to permit the Council to discuss its asking price for this property, which is permitted under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(j). The reason the motion following the closed session was vaguely stated is because if the City revealed the Council’s authority for a minimum asking price, it would likely provide an advantage to the buyer, which “could be reasonably expected to reduce the price the governmental body would receive for the property.” The City behaved appropriately and accordance with Iowa law.
Further, the Herald questioned whether the City had fully responded to the Herald’s request for documents concerning the reasons for City Administrator Matt Brooke’s resignation. The City produced every document in its possession regarding that issue, including the press release authored by Mr. Brooke, the Resignation Agreement and Release signed by Mr. Booke (which outlines details) and the Resolution wherein the City Council accepted Mr. Brooke’s resignation and approved the Resignation Agreement. This was a full and complete response, with nothing withheld. Because of its agreement with Mr. Brooke, and because of the confidential nature of personnel matters, the City is not at liberty to further discuss the issue.
