DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday night, the City of Davenport ratified settlement agreements between departing City Administrator Corri Spiegel and two other former city employees.
Documents show this final decision was made before the November election, but would be publicly announced after the election.
Executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council Randy Evans says he believes the city violated Iowa law 17A.3 titled "Public information — adoption of rules — availability of rules and orders."
"The law states...that for a final decision to be made, it needs to be available for public inspection," Evans said. "The handling of this controversy has kept the voters in the dark, negated their ability to express their views when they cast their ballots."
Evans added he's never seen a deal be agreed behind closed doors and says it could be consequential for the city.
"They ought to keep their fingers crossed," Evans said. "Someone disgruntled could sue them and it could cost them thousands of dollars. I would like to see city leaders come out with a clear acknowledgment that they disregarded the requirements of the public meetings law, they recognize their sin and they promise not to sin again. It's not fair to their residents that this is happening without them having a say."
The city has agreed to pay departing City Administrator Corri Spiegel $1.6 million dollars for "emotional pain and suffering." Her last day with the city is Jan. 2. News 8 reached out to the city for comment but has not heard back
"City government belongs to the people," Evans said. "It doesn't belong to the people who are employed by city government."