Volatility by year

How unsettled each year of council business looks in the records: divided votes, special meetings, closed sessions, long meetings, absences, turnover, items pulled from the consent agenda and the tone of the minutes. Each is shown on its own, with the meetings behind it.

How to read this. Each component is shown on its own, per calendar year, from the council's records in this archive. Years with fewer than 6 meetings with minutes in the archive are marked thin and left out of the comparisons. The composite is the plain average of the components' percentiles among the other years of the same minute-style era (only with at least 4 components): it says how unsettled a year looks compared with its era, not across eras. Absences count only where the minutes list them (many 1980s minutes name only those present). Lengths are approximate: from the stated call to order (or the scheduled time) to the stated adjournment.

Composite

The average of the components' percentiles within the era (50 = an ordinary year of its era). It is only a summary: read the components below for what happened.

50 100 0 1980 2005 2017 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1962: 44.11963: 34.11964: 41.21965: 45.31966: 39.41967: 47.71968: 57.61969: 47.71970: 54.11971: 57.71972: 60.61973: 54.11974: 64.11975: 56.51976: 60.61977: 40.71978: 43.11979: 53.91980: 79.41981: 70.51982: 78.91983: 52.81984: 48.61985: 48.61986: 22.21987: 29.41988: 44.71989: 57.21990: 39.21998: 44.01999: 43.32000: 36.02001: 52.72002: 48.02007: 48.92008: 50.82010: 44.62011: 52.82012: 47.62013: 62.12014: 41.62015: 60.32016: 41.12017: 42.12018: 65.92019: 61.92020: 44.42021: 42.12022: 29.42023: 62.72024: 56.42025: 38.92026: 56.3

Components by year

YearMeetings Split votesSpecial meetingsClosed sessionsMeeting lengthAbsencesTurnoverPulled from consentTone contentionComposite
2026 50 2.3%18.0%0.31108 min2.9%10.000.1556
2025 60 0.9%15.0%0.1796 min2.9%10.000.1539
2024 55 1.9%9.1%0.39118 min0.7%10.030.1756
2023 56 2.6%14.3%0.25112 min3.3%10.000.1763
2022 47 0.5%14.9%0.21112 min2.8%10.000.1129
2021 56 1.4%10.7%0.09120 min3.3%10.000.1442
2020 30 0.7%6.7%0.23107 min4.5%40.000.1444
2019 32 0.7%0.0%0.50118 min6.9%20.000.1662
2018 32 1.7%0.0%0.30124 min6.5%10.000.2166
2017 30 1.1%0.0%0.1387 min8.3%10.000.2042
2016 34 4.5%2.9%0.1675 min5.4%00.000.2441
2015 30 1.9%6.7%0.31139 min5.8%20.000.2260
2014 31 4.6%0.0%0.08120 min4.7%1—0.2742
2013 27 22.8%0.0%0.33139 min0.8%10.000.4362
2012 23 1.8%0.0%0.33115 min8.5%71.000.1748
2011 26 9.7%0.0%0.04135 min20.9%3—0.1553
2010 29 2.4%0.0%0.07153 min22.6%1—0.1545
2009 (thin) 1 0.0%0.0%0.00——1—0.33—
2008 24 4.2%0.0%0.17134 min18.6%4—0.1351
2007 6 3.1%0.0%0.17—16.7%2—0.1849
2006 (thin) 5 10.0%0.0%0.00—5.0%1—0.26—
2005 (thin) 6 0.0%0.0%0.00—4.2%3—0.17—
2003 (thin) 2 0.0%0.0%———2———
2002 14 1.0%0.0%0.00—18.6%2—0.1848
2001 21 1.3%0.0%0.06—21.3%1—0.1753
2000 14 0.7%0.0%0.00—13.0%1—0.1836
1999 22 0.0%0.0%0.06—11.8%1—0.2143
1998 22 0.0%0.0%0.07—16.2%2—0.1444
1997 (thin) 5 9.1%0.0%0.00——2—0.48—
1996 (thin) 2 —0.0%———2———
1990 14 0.7%7.1%0.0065 min1.8%1—0.2039
1989 13 0.7%0.0%0.0875 min0.0%5—0.2057
1988 15 1.2%0.0%0.0065 min0.0%2—0.2245
1987 16 0.7%0.0%0.0055 min0.0%4—0.1329
1986 16 0.0%0.0%0.0045 min0.0%4—0.1222
1985 22 1.1%0.0%0.2060 min0.0%4—0.1449
1984 20 3.1%0.0%0.0060 min1.2%2—0.2249
1983 19 7.6%0.0%0.0068 min0.0%2—0.2253
1982 20 4.7%0.0%0.20145 min0.0%6—0.2479
1981 20 7.8%0.0%0.00110 min1.1%4—0.2670
1980 10 8.6%0.0%0.20160 min0.0%3—0.2979
1979 13 3.3%0.0%0.00145 min15.7%3—0.1254
1978 21 0.0%0.0%0.00150 min8.8%5—0.0943
1977 16 1.1%0.0%0.00113 min20.8%1—0.1341
1976 16 1.9%0.0%0.00—21.9%1—0.1661
1975 18 0.0%0.0%0.00—19.4%5—0.1556
1974 20 3.0%0.0%0.00—14.7%3—0.1964
1973 17 2.3%0.0%0.00—15.0%3—0.1354
1972 19 0.9%0.0%0.00—13.7%6—0.1561
1971 17 2.3%5.9%0.00—10.9%4—0.1258
1970 24 2.8%0.0%0.00—3.1%5—0.1454
1969 28 1.6%7.1%0.00—0.9%1—0.1548
1968 19 0.0%10.5%0.00—6.3%8—0.1358
1967 15 0.0%0.0%0.00—20.6%4—0.1248
1966 15 0.0%0.0%0.00—23.1%1—0.1139
1965 16 0.0%6.2%0.00—15.9%3—0.1045
1964 23 0.0%17.4%0.00—14.0%2—0.1041
1963 16 0.0%25.0%0.00—6.9%0—0.1034
1962 7 0.0%14.3%0.00—6.1%6—0.0944

Split votes: share of motions with a known result. Special meetings: share of the year's council meetings. Closed sessions and items pulled from consent: per meeting with minutes. Length: median minutes where the minutes state the times. Absences: share of council attendance rows. Turnover: council and mayor terms that began or ended. Tone contention: mean meeting contention (0–1). Shading = percentile within the era.

Closed sessions

Motions to go into closed session, by the reason the minutes cite (Iowa Code 21.5(1) paragraph when given).

evaluation: 19 · litigation: 37 · not stated: 28 · real estate: 50

Every closed session
DateReasonTopicThe motion
2026-01-09evaluation (i) personnelto enter closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment or hiring is being considered when necessary to prevent needless a page
2026-01-13evaluation (i) personnelto enter closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment or hiring is being considered when necessary to prevent needless a page
2026-02-03evaluation (i) personnelto enter closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment or hiring is being considered when necessary to prevent needless a page
2026-02-10not stated to hold a closed session during the regularly scheduled work session time by Limkemann. Second by Schnedler. All Ayes, Motion carried. page
2026-02-17evaluation (i) personnelto enter closed session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment or hiring is being considered when necessary to prevent needless a page
2026-05-05litigation (c) legalclosed session to discuss legal requirements and procedures with legal council in closed session by Limkemann. Second by Johnson. Discussion: City Administrator Doug Boldt asked Council Person Limkema page
2026-06-16evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Orris. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Schnedler, Limkemann, Orris, Olney. Absent: Johsn page
2026-06-30real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler. Second by Orris. Roll Call: Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Johnson, Limkemann. All ayes, mot page
2026-08-05real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase [Amended: Item Added 8/4/2026 @12:00 pm] by Orris. Second by Johnson. Roll Call: Johnson, Schnedler, page
2025-01-07litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2025-01-21real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Orris. Second by Limkemann. Roll Call: Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. All ayes, motion carri page
2025-06-03evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Havens. Second by Limkemann. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. All page
2025-08-19real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Orris. Roll Call: Havens Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. All ayes, motio page
2025-09-16real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Orris. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Schnedler, Limkemann, Olney. All ayes, moti page
2025-10-07real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler. Second by Orris. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. All ayes, moti page
2024-01-16litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-01-30litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-02-20real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Olney, Orris, Schnedler, Limkemann. All ayes, page
2024-03-19litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-03-25litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-04-16real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. All ayes, mot page
2024-06-04evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation at 8:18 PM by Orris. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Schnedler, Olney, Limkeman page
2024-07-16litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-08-06litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-09-03litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-12-03litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2024-12-17litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2023-01-17not stated into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures by Orris. Second by Olney. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. page
2023-02-07not stated into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures by Schnedler. Second by Olney. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. page
2023-04-18real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Olney. Roll Call: Havens, Olney, Orris, Schnedler, Limkemann. page
2023-07-11litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2023-08-08evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Limkemann. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Olney, Schnedler, Limkemann. page
2023-10-17litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2023-12-05litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2023-12-19litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2022-01-25real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler. Second by Limkemann. Roll Call: Havens, Olney, Orris, Schnedler, Limkemann. page
2022-03-01litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2022-04-29litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2022-06-07real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Orris. Second by Limkemann. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Schnedler, Olney, Limkemann. page
2022-06-07litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2022-06-21litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2022-07-05real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Orris. Second by Limkemann. Roll Call: Havens, Orris, Schnedler, Olney, Limkemann. page
2021-04-06litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2021-06-01real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Olney. Roll Call: Bartels, Schnedler, Limkemann, Olney, Havens. page
2021-07-06real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Olney, Schnedler, Bartels, Havens, Limkemann. page
2020-01-06litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2020-03-10real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler Second by Havens Roll Call: Olney, Bartels, Schnedler, Walls, Havens page
2020-06-02real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Schnedler, Havens, Olney, Bartels. page
2020-06-16litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2020-06-16real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Olney Second by Bartels Roll Call: Bartels, Havens, Olney, Schnedler page
2020-09-01litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure wo page
2020-11-03real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Limkemann. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Olney, Schnedler, Bartels, Limkemann, Havens. page
2019-03-13litigation (c) legalinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(c): to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure w page
2019-04-02real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Bartels. All ayes, adjourn into C page
2019-05-07real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Upton, Bartels, Ryan, Schnedler. page
2019-05-21real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler Roll Call: Havens, Schnedler, Upton, Bartels. Absent: Ryan. All ayes, page
2019-06-04real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Ryan. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Upton, Ryan, Havens, Schnedler, Bartels. page
2019-06-18real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Schnedler Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Schnedler. page
2019-07-02real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Ryan Schnedler. All ayes, meeting ad page
2019-07-02evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Schnedler. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Ryan, Schnedler. All aye page
2019-07-16real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Upton, Bartels. page
2019-07-16evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Bartels. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Upton, Bartels. page
2019-08-06real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Schnedler. page
2019-08-20real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens Second by Bartels Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Ryan, Schnedler page
2019-09-17real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton Second by Havens Roll Call: Upton, Havens, Bartels, Schnedler. All ayes, motion carried. page
2019-10-01real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Bartels Second by Schnedler Roll Call: Ryan, Schnedler, Havens, Bartels, Upton page
2019-10-15real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens Second by Schnedler Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Schnedler page
2019-11-05real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(j) for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Bartels. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Schnedler. page
2018-04-03real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Bartels Roll Call: Upton, Havens, Bartels, Schnedler. Absent: Ryan. All ayes adj page
2018-04-17real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Upton, Bartels. All ayes, adjourn page
2018-06-19not stated into closed session at 8:35 pm page
2018-07-03real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Schnedler Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Havens, Bartels, Upton, Ryan, Schnedler. page
2018-07-12real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Upton, Schnedler, Ryan, Bartels. Havens. All ayes, open cl page
2018-10-16real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Schnedler. Roll Call: Upton, Ryan, Schnedler, Havens, Bartels. All ayes, adjourn page
2018-11-06real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Upton. All ayes, adjourned page
2018-11-06real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Havens. Roll Call: Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Schnedler, Upton. All ayes, adjourned i page
2018-12-04real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Ryan. Roll Call: Ryan, Schnedler, Upton, Bartels. All ayes, adjourned into closed page
2017-01-17not stated into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures by Kahler. Second by Upton. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler. Closed at 8:14 page
2017-05-16evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Bartels. Second by Kahler. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler All ayes, page
2017-11-07real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Upton. Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler. All ayes, motion carrie page
2017-11-21real estate (j) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5.j for Potential Real Estate Purchase by Havens. Second by Bartels. Roll Call: Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler. All ayes. page
2016-01-19not stated personnelto go into closed session at 9:00 p.m. to discuss Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures Roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Bartels, Havens, Kahler, Ryan, Upton. Motion carried. page
2016-01-19real estate to go into closed session at 9:35 p.m. to discuss (whatever the cite for property acquisition is - I've lost my agenda copy ;] Roll call vote: Ayes: 5 Bartels, Havens, Kahler, Ryan, Upton. Motion carr page
2016-02-02not stated into closed session in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures by Bartels. Second by Kahler. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler All ayes, ent page
2016-02-16not stated personnelinto Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 20.17(3) for Public Employment Relations Procedures by Havens. Second by Kahler. Roll Call: Havens, Bartles, Ryan, Kahler, Upton. All ayes, ent page
2016-05-17evaluation (i) into Closed Session in Accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(i) – City Administrator Performance Evaluation by Havens. Second by Upton. Roll Call: Ryan, Kahler, Havens, Upton. Absent: Bartels. All ay page
2015-02-18not stated to go into closed session at 8:05 PM; seconded by Ryan. Roll call: Upton, Bartels, Ryan, Kahler, Havens. page
2015-02-25evaluation closed session for purpose of discussion of terms related to a collective bargaining unit contract for City employees. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Kahler, Ryan. All ayes, motion carries. page
2015-03-11not stated into closed session; seconded by Havens. All ayes, motion carried. page
2015-04-08not stated to go into closed session. Seconded by Ryan. 9:02 PM Roll Call: Joann Kahler, Mike Ryan, Peggy Upton, Jim Bartels, Al Havens. All ayes, motion carried. page
2015-04-22not stated to enter closed session by Kahler Seconded by Haven. Roll Call: Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler. Absent Upton. All ayes, motion carried. page
2015-05-27not stated to go into closed session by Bartels. Seconded by Haven. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Kahler, Absent: Ryan. All Ayes, Motion Passed Entered closed session at 8:08PM page
2015-06-10not stated to enter closed session by Bartels. Seconded by Ryan. Roll Call: Upton, Bartels, Havens, Ryan, Kahler. All ayes, motion carried. page
2015-06-24not stated to go into closed session. Bartels seconded. Roll Call: Upton, Kahler, Bartels. Absent: Ryan, Havens. All ayes, Motion passes. page
2015-09-22not stated into closed session by Havens. Second by Ryan. Roll Call Vote: Bartels, Havens, Kahler, Ryan, Upton Entered into closed session at 6:08PM page
2014-04-23not stated into closed session at 7:42 p.m., seconded Kahler. Ayes=Kahler, Ryan, Petersen, Bartels, Upton. Motion carried. page
2014-12-10evaluation (i) intergovernmentalto go into closed session per State of Iowa Code 21.5(i) at 8:23 PM, second Kahler. Ayes: Kahler, Ryan, Petersen, Bartels, Upton. page
2013-01-09not stated into closed session at 9:51 p.m., seconded by Upton. All ayes. page
2013-01-23not stated into closed session at 9:43 p.m., seconded by Kahler. All ayes. page
2013-03-13not stated into closed session at 9:38 p.m., seconded Ryan. All ayes. page
2013-04-10not stated into closed session at 10:30 p.m., seconded Bartels. Ayes=Kahler, Ryan, Bartels, Upton, Phillips. Motion carried. page
2013-04-24real estate (j) into closed session per Code of Iowa Section 21.5(j) Purchase of Real Estate at 8:29 p.m., seconded Ryan. All ayes. page
2013-08-28not stated into closed session at 8:26 p.m., seconded Ryan. Ayes=Phillips, Upton, Bartels, Ryan, Kahler. Motion carried. page
2013-09-11not stated into closed session at 8:22 p.m., seconded Bartels. Ayes=Phillips, Upton, Bartels, Ryan, Kahler. Motion carried. page
2013-09-25not stated into closed session at 9:11 p.m., seconded Kahler. Ayes=Phillips, Upton, Bartels, Kahler. Motion carried. page
2013-12-09not stated into closed session at 8:19 p.m., seconded Kahler. Ayes=Kahler, Ryan, Bartels, Upton. Motion carried. page
2012-01-11real estate (l) into closed session at 8:06 pm. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5(l)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the page
2012-01-11evaluation (i) personnelinto closed session at 9:05 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when page
2012-02-08real estate (l) into closed session at 7:40 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5(l)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase th page
2012-03-07real estate (l) into closed session at 6:05 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5(l)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase th page
2012-03-14real estate (l) into closed session at 8:05 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5(l)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase th page
2012-04-11evaluation (i) personnelinto closed session at 8:40 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5.1.(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when page
2012-04-11real estate (j) into closed session at 9:00 p.m. under Code of Iowa Ch. 21.5 .1(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase th page
2011-11-09litigation (c) streetsclosed session pursuant to Code of Iowa Chapter 21.5(1)c for discussion of real estate property acquisition for Ireland Avenue Extension Project at 8:15pm. Four Ayes. page
2010-02-10litigation legalclosed session to discuss possible litigation regarding lawsuit involving city with developer. page
2010-11-20litigation (c) legalclosed session for discussion of possible litigation pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)c. on the Ned and Ann Allen Driveway. page
2008-02-13litigation legalinto Closed Session pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code 21.51 (1) © to discuss pending litigation in the matter of Allen v. Tiffin, to discuss the possible purchase of certain Real Estate, and for page
2008-03-12litigation legalto hold Closed Session pursuant to the Provisions of Iowa Code Sec 21.5(1) for discussion of possible litigation for collection of certain delinquent accounts and misappropriated funds. Motion carried page
2008-05-14litigation legalclosed session to discuss pending litigation in the matter of Allen v. page
2008-06-30evaluation personnelclosed session for the purpose of holding employee evaluations at 7:10pm. page
2007-07-11real estate closed session for the purpose of considering purchase of real estate under the regulation of Chapter 21 Iowa Code. Ayes: Bartels, Wright, Petersen, Demuth and Dils. Motion carried. page
2001-11-14litigation legalinto closed session for the purpose of considering matters relating to litigation for the city. Ayes: Gericke, Bartels, Walls, Dils and Ryan. Nays: None. Motion carried. page
1999-10-13not stated into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 section j. Ayes: Gericke, Walls, Bartels, Kern, and Ryan. Motion carried. page
1998-06-10not stated closed session for the purpose of considering city matters as pertains under Iowa Chapter 21.5, section j. Ayes: Kern, Gericke, and Bartels. Absent: Walls, and Ryan. Motion carried. page
1989-09-13litigation legalto go into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage page
1985-01-07litigation legalinto closed session, at the attorney's request, to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to pre page
1985-07-10real estate to go into closed session at 7:55 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 28A section 6.1.j. to discuss the purchase of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase page
1985-09-04evaluation personnelto go into closed session under Chapter 28A Sec. 6.1.i. to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary page
1985-09-05evaluation personnelto go into closed session under Chapter 28A Sec. 6.1.i. to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary page
1982-05-12litigation legalto go into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters presently in litigation as set forth in Section no. 25A.5(c) of Code of Iowa open meetings law. Attorney gave opinion that Potter page
1982-05-12not stated to go into closed session as allowed in Section no. 25A.5(c) of Code of Iowa. Roll call vote: Brown, aye; Cox, aye; Spivey, aye; Rohret, aye; Stevens, aye. Carried unanimously. page
1982-06-09litigation legalto go into closed session as allowed in Section 25A.5(c) of Code of Iowa to discuss strategy related to litigation. Roll call vote: Brown, aye; Spivey, aye; Rohret, aye; Cox, aye. Carried unanimously. page
1980-10-08litigation legalto go into closed session in accordance with Section 28A.6.1.c of the Iowa Code "To discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its page
1980-11-12litigation legalto go into closed session in accordance with Section 28A.6.1.c of the Iowa Code "To discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its page

Meetings: how many, how long

Special meetings and long meetings by year
YearSpecial meetings Meetings of 3 hours or moreLengths measured
2026 01-09, 01-13, 02-03, 02-10, 03-25, 04-03, 04-07, 06-30, 10-01 02-03 (3 h 21 min), 05-05 (3 h 21 min), 06-02 (3 h 2 min) 28
2025 01-30, 02-17, 03-10, 04-01, 04-08, 06-24, 07-24, 09-08, 11-25 06-03 (3 h 19 min) 34
2024 01-30, 03-25, 04-02, 06-17, 10-29 06-04 (3 h 36 min), 05-07 (3 h 19 min) 30
2023 01-31, 05-16, 05-30, 06-15, 06-30, 09-23, 09-25, 10-24 07-18 (3 h 36 min), 01-17 (3 h 3 min) 32
2022 01-11, 01-25, 03-29, 04-29, 05-31, 10-06, 11-29 01-11 (4 h 2 min) 32
2021 01-27, 03-30, 04-27, 07-30, 10-26, 12-14 06-01 (3 h 40 min), 10-19 (3 h 34 min), 08-03 (3 h 13 min) 31
2020 05-26, 07-07 06-02 (3 h 25 min) 29
2019 06-18 (3 h 40 min), 05-07 (3 h 33 min), 05-21 (3 h 15 min), 07-16 (3 h 6 min), 04-16 (3 h 4 min), 06-04 (3 h 3 min), 08-20 (3 h 1 min) 32
2018 03-06 (4 h 2 min), 02-06 (3 h 16 min), 04-17 (3 h 16 min), 05-15 (3 h 8 min, from the scheduled start), 09-04 (3 h 5 min) 29
2017 26
2016 02-25 29
2015 04-14, 12-09 01-28 (4 h 26 min), 04-14 (3 h 36 min) 25
2014 09-24 (3 h 49 min), 09-10 (3 h 24 min) 23
2013 04-10 (4 h 17 min), 01-09 (3 h 40 min), 03-13 (3 h 32 min), 10-09 (3 h 30 min), 01-23 (3 h 15 min), 01-30 (3 h 7 min) 25
2012 01-11 (3 h 5 min), 04-11 (3 h 0 min) 18
2011 02-21 (3 h 17 min), 02-09 (3 h 15 min), 03-30 (3 h 0 min) 21
2010 09-15 (3 h 15 min), 07-28 (3 h 5 min) 28
2009 1
2008 05-14 (3 h 59 min), 10-08 (3 h 15 min), 06-11 (3 h 2 min) 19
2007 1
1999 01-21 (3 h 0 min, from the scheduled start) 1
1998 1
1990 09-08 11
1989 09-13 (3 h 5 min) 13
1988 13
1987 15
1986 15
1985 18
1984 19
1983 18
1982 07-19 (4 h 0 min), 06-09 (3 h 55 min), 01-13 (3 h 50 min), 05-12 (3 h 30 min), 02-24 (3 h 15 min) 14
1981 06-10 (4 h 20 min), 07-08 (3 h 13 min), 09-09 (3 h 10 min) 19
1980 10-08 (4 h 20 min), 07-09 (3 h 5 min), 08-13 (3 h 0 min) 9
1979 04-25 (3 h 10 min) 3
1978 03-08 (4 h 27 min), 11-08 (4 h 13 min), 02-08 (4 h 7 min) 8
1977 01-12 (3 h 12 min) 7
1976 2
1971 03-17 0
1969 02-19, 03-11 0
1968 03-13, 11-14 0
1965 07-21 0
1964 04-28, 08-03, 11-09, 11-17 0
1963 01-09, 06-18, 07-22, 12-09 0
1962 07-18 0

Consent agenda

Consent agendas and items pulled from them
Year Meetings with a consent agendaAverage itemsPulled for separate discussion
202627 4.1
202535 2.4
202430 2.72024-05-07: “3. Approval of Summary of Receipts Report Motion to approve Consent Agenda with the removal of E-2, which only includes City Council Minutes and Summar”
202329 2.8
202231 2.1
202129 1.7
202028 2.0
201927 2.1
201826 1.9
201727 1.4
201629 1.4
20158 2.8
20131 0.0
20123 1.02012-01-11: “Consent Items Council consensus to remove resolutions from the consent item agendas. Consent amendment to appoint a representative”; 2012-02-08: “Consent Items Upton removed the item concerning disposal of houses on corner of Railroad and College Street from the consent agenda. Motion Ryan second Upton to approve consent agenda”; 2012-04-11: “d information concerning the agreement with South Slope and removed it from the consent agenda. Motion Ball second Weipert to approve the following”

Turnover

Council and mayor terms that began or ended, by year
YearBeganEnded
2026 Tony Johnson (council)
2025 Al Havens (council)
2024 Tim Kasparek (mayor)
2023 Steven Berner (mayor)
2022 Tim Orris (council)
2021 Jim Bartels (council)
2020 Rodney Walls (council), Christine Olney (council), Skylar Limkemann (council) Rodney Walls (council)
2019 Mike Ryan (council), Peggy Upton (council)
2018 Eric Schnedler (council)
2017 Joann Kahler (council)
2015 Al Havens (council) Mark Petersen (council)
2014 Mark Petersen (council)
2013 Royce Phillips (council)
2012 Royce Phillips (council), Steven Berner (mayor), Mike Ryan (council), Peggy Upton (council), Joann Kahler (council) Chris Ball (council), Travis Weipert (council)
2011 Royce Phillips (mayor), Mike Gericke (council), Mark Petersen (council)
2010 Travis Weipert (council)
2009 John Wright (council)
2008 Royce Phillips (mayor), Mike Gericke (council), Chris Ball (council) Ruth Demuth (council)
2007 Glenn R. Potter (mayor), Karin Dils (council)
2006 John Wright (council)
2005 Ruth Demuth (council) Mike Gericke (council), Sandy Huedepohl (council)
2003 Sandy Huedepohl (council) Dave Shaffer (council)
2002 Dave Shaffer (council) Rodney Walls (council)
2001 Mike Ryan (council)
2000 Karin Dils (council)
1999 Alan Kern (council)
1998 Rodney Walls (council), Mike Ryan (council)
1997 Pam Brown (council), Tina Walls (council)
1996 Mike Gericke (council), Tina Walls (council)
1990 Pam Brown (council)
1989 Paul Slaymaker (council), Jim Bartels (council) Ted Spivey (council), Carrie Stratton (council), Sharon Eggers (council)
1988 Sharon Eggers (council) Bill Runge (council)
1987 Ted Spivey (council), Sharon Eggers (council) Jean Flansburg (council), Sharon Eggers (council)
1986 Carrie Stratton (council), Dave Stoner (council), Jean Flansburg (council) Greg Stevens (council)
1985 Bill Runge (council) Kandy Kobold (council), Ted Spivey (council), Jerry Cox (council)
1984 Kandy Kobold (council), Sandra Morgan (council)
1983 Charles Rohret (council), Dennis Brown (council)
1982 James E. Brotherton (mayor), Greg Stevens (council), Glenn R. Potter (mayor), Jerry Cox (council), Dennis Brown (council) James E. Brotherton (mayor)
1981 Roger Formanek (mayor), Glenn R. Potter (council), Delores Madden (council), Lloyd Williams (council)
1980 Ted Spivey (council), Charles Rohret (council), Lloyd Williams (council)
1979 Tom Morgan (council), Janis Stratton (council), Richard Sheridan (council)
1978 Roger Formanek (mayor), Richard Sheridan (council), Delores Madden (council) James E. Brotherton (mayor), Roger Janssen (council)
1977 Roger Formanek (council)
1976 Janis Stratton (council)
1975 Roger Formanek (council), Tom Morgan (council) Bill Bream (council), Beverly Birtcher (council), Judy Smith (council)
1974 Bill Bream (council), James E. Brotherton (mayor), Judy Smith (council)
1973 Wayne Stratton (mayor), Kandy Kobold (council), Ted Spivey (council)
1972 Bill Bream (council), Wayne Stratton (mayor), Beverly Birtcher (council), Roger Janssen (council) Bill Bream (council), Don Davis (council)
1971 Kandy Kobold (council) Ned Allen (council), Dale Flansburg (mayor), Jerry Michel (council)
1970 Dale Flansburg (mayor), Jerry Michel (council), Don Davis (council) Bill Bream (mayor), Dale Flansburg (council)
1969 Fred Moore (council)
1968 James O'Toole (mayor), Bill Bream (mayor), Ned Allen (council), Fred Moore (council), Dale Flansburg (council) James O'Toole (mayor), Bill Bream (council), William Verry (council)
1967 James O'Toole (council) James O'Toole (council), Wayne Stratton (mayor), Clayton Klein (council)
1966 Clayton Klein (council)
1965 Wayne Stratton (mayor) James O'Toole (mayor), Wayne Stratton (council)
1964 Bill Bream (council) Robert Svatos (council)
1962 James O'Toole (mayor), Wayne Stratton (council), Glenn R. Potter (council), Robert Svatos (council), William Verry (council), Ted Spivey (council)

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Data last updated October 21, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.