by Matt Marquardt –
MASON CITY – On Tuesday’s city council agenda is an item initiated by Mayor Eric Bookmeyer asking the Council to approve a new law which would require all boards and commissions chartered by the city to post their meeting agendas and packets (if they offer one) on the city’s website.
“The City of Mason City doesn’t have a one stop shop for comprehensive information on this large branch of our government for agendas, packets and minutes,” Bookmeyer wrote in a memo, referring to the city’s boards.
“It can be confusing and overwhelming for citizens to locate the information they are seeking,” Bookmeyer continued.
In the proposed ordinance, Bookmeyer wants to create a “comprehensive standard” for Mason City in “compiling and archiving all information in a central location, masoncity.net.”
Bookmeyer said in the memo the city is committed to transparency and asks the council to approve the ordinance.
““It can be confusing and overwhelming for citizens to locate the information they are seeking,””
I had not realized it was that difficult to walk up to one of the clerks inside and ask for information. The staff at City Hall are always a wealth of information and courteous.
I wonder why however, it needs to be a law? Perhaps a paragraph or two in the Policy Manual regarding cut-off times or deadline for ‘publication’ prior to a meeting date.
I bet he learned this at the League Of Cities meeting he was at for 4 minutes to get his award.
How could they not approve this? The more information the better!
This come year is going to be very interesting. Transparency this mayor,this council. All I can say is WOW!!!!! Maybe some good things can come from some people wanting to be re-elected next year.
Got to be kidding! Like this is some great deed for the public. He’s not fooling anyone. He is beating the watch dogs to the punch. He’s thinking of the idiot supervisors. Such bullshit. How long will you keep taking this creep ?
Ever notice that no matter what the Mayor does, there are some that will *itch and *itch. The Mayor could be handing out $5000.00 checks and some would think it should be $6000.00. Some are never happy. Love to be negative.
I’ve noticed this site has sure taken a turn for the better lately. Mr Negativity is missing and it sure is nice. Much better atmosphere.
Sounds like Bookie has finally come up with a decent idea. Good for him. Must be getting close to his re-election time.