North Liberty named a 2012 All-Star Community
The Iowa League of Cities recognized the city of North Liberty as a 2012 All-Star Community at its Annual Conference & Exhibit, which was held in Sioux City from September 26-28.
The All-Star Community Award is the most prestigious honor given by the League to cities. Entries are judged by a panel of former city officials and others familiar with municipal government. Judges determine winners based on innovative efforts in areas such as urban renewal, development, preservation, service sharing or quality of life improvements. This year, North Liberty was one of five of Iowa’s 947 cities to garner such recognition for their Paperless Future through iPads initiative. Their project was recognized specifically for sustainability.
Past League President Kris Gulick (left), Mayor Tom Salm (center) and Communications Director Cheryle Caplinger (right)
The city’s first paperless council meeting took place in the summer of 2011 when North Liberty discontinued printed agenda packets for council members in favor of cost-saving technology. Gone are the days of standing at the copier, assembling 150-page packets, driving to councilor homes to deliver packets and lugging the packets to each of the twice-monthly council meetings.
After one year of use, the iPads have paid for themselves, making this a wise financial investment. The award judges, who decided to honor North Liberty with a special recognition for sustainability efforts, also noted that North Liberty is saving more than money and reams of paper; they are also saving time and have eliminated the need for city staff to drive around North Liberty to deliver the packets.
Not only is North Liberty the first in Iowa to go paperless at council and commission meetings, they have used their experience to help and encourage other cities in Iowa and across the county make the same transition. Local governments across the country have taken North Liberty’s advice and are examining their community’s needs, researching the best solution and taking the paperless plunge.
