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Des Moines council keeps Committee of the Whole, staff says model eases packet burden
Summary
Councilmembers reviewed a six‑month trial of the Committee of the Whole format for council business; staff reported reduced agenda volume and improved packet quality, and the council agreed to continue the model through January 2026 for further review.
The Des Moines City Council Committee of the Whole on Sept. 4 reviewed a six‑month pilot of holding business as a Committee of the Whole rather than through multiple standing committees and agreed to continue the model through January 2026, with a staff report and formal reconsideration scheduled after the new council is seated.
City Manager Caffrey told the committee that staff “significantly prefer this model. It frankly reduces just the sheer volume of agendas and packets we’re trying to get out the door,” and that the change has allowed staff to improve packet…
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