Even when there is a website with meeting minutes/notes/bylaws/zoning info, it's really helpful to have someone who knows what the government is talking about to sift through, and highlight the important bits.

Likewise, I can go down to the river, and start taking water samples, to figure out whether or not the local factory is polluting the waters. I'd really rather not, though.

Not really. There's no consistent source of information about upcoming issues, votes, etc. There is info about upcoming meetings but then you need to personally attend.

There's a lot of information that flat out doesn't make the internet.

And in most towns, it's been my experience that decisions are usually already made by the time it is.

The local political beat used to mean going and sitting through council meetings. Now there's no one reliably doing that.

Facebook groups + alderman + local FOIA by activist citizens is what has been developing here.