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Pocahontas council agrees to report process error, pursue training and update communications policies
Summary
At a Jan. 26 special meeting, the Pocahontas City Council approved the agenda, discussed whether a recent closed meeting was appropriate, agreed to 'tone down' internal rhetoric, said it will notify the Iowa Public Information Board about a procedural error, and set follow-up on communications and mayor pro‑tem adjustments.
The Pocahontas City Council met in special session Jan. 26 at the Hinde Center and approved the meeting agenda by motion. Duane Flaherty moved to adopt the agenda, Cody DeWall seconded, and the roll-call vote was recorded as all ayes.
The meeting centered on internal governance and communications. Nicole Harrison asked that it be noted she had requested a specific topic for the agenda, and members discussed whether a closed meeting held the prior week was appropriate and how to manage timing and topics discussed after regular meetings adjourn.
Council members raised several operational matters, including how nicknames should appear on minutes and agendas, a single piece of contact information on the city website, whether individual or group texting is appropriate, and creating formal policies for Facebook and for written reports from department supervisors. Mayor Kristi Seiler said she would provide an update about a possible adjustment to the mayor pro‑tem on Feb. 2.
On standards of conduct, the minutes record that the council "agreed to tone down our rhetoric within the group and focus to regain the trust of the community." The council also concluded the mayor and council would notify the Iowa Public Information Board about an error in the city's processes and request more intensive training to strengthen internal procedures going forward.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:12 p.m.; the adjournment was moved by Cody DeWall and seconded by Brian Stover.
No formal ordinances, contracts, or budget votes were recorded in these minutes. The minutes list attendees and several community members present but do not record further public comment or specific vote tallies beyond the agenda approval motion.
