Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Procedures Committee Of The Whole topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 quality and provide PowerPoint materials when available. The city manager added that adding multiple committee meetings each month would be challenging for staff unless committees met only when there was a clear purpose.
Councilmembers expressed mixed views about whether the committee structure produced deeper policy work. Councilmember Dunning supported continuing the current model, saying it reduces redundancy and lets all members hear the same presentations before items reach the full council. Councilmember Harris said some committees — notably finance and environment — had previously produced useful continuing expertise, and said he would prefer a fuller review in January because the council’s membership will change.
Deputy Mayor Steinmetz said the prior committee structure had not functioned well for a seven‑member council, and that the Committee of the Whole has reduced staff burden while serving an educational function similar to study sessions. Several councilmembers suggested rotating meeting chairs if the current model continues to address concerns about leadership and transparency.
The council signaled consensus to keep the Committee of the Whole in place for the near term and directed staff to return with any proposed protocol manual updates and a January 2026 review date. No formal committee votes were taken; members registered preferences during a round‑robin discussion and a thumbs‑up/thumbs‑down check was used for staff direction.
Background: The Committee of the Whole pilot began approximately six months earlier at the council’s direction. Staff said they could reinstitute standing committees on a less frequent, purpose‑driven schedule if the council later decides to do so.
