Due to the Governor’s Emergency Declaration and the Health Officer’s orders, for safety, public meetings and public comment during those meetings will require modification. The City of Lawrence is committed to transparent public meetings and will continue this commitment during the COVID-19 crisis. The City of Lawrence is also committed to public safety and compliance with the current order of the Governor of the State of Kansas. These modifications will be in place between the date of this release and April 30, 2020. Extension of these modifications may be considered, and an announcement will be made accordingly.
All non-essential meetings of advisory boards and committees previously scheduled during this time will be canceled. As of this time, meetings of the City Commission, Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission, and the Historic Resources Commission will be held during the month of April.
The public is encouraged to view the public meetings live on the City of Lawrence website and public access cable Channel 25. Agendas for public meetings, along with the materials associated with those meeting agendas, will continue to be available ahead of the meeting on the City’s website, and recordings of public meetings will be posted on the City’s website for viewing after the meeting. Individuals may sign up to receive notification of the agenda of a public meeting on the City’s website as well. Due to COVID-19, public comments during this period will be limited and the City will also offer an online method for limited public participation during meetings, as outlined under the Public Comment section, below.
The City is sensitive to members of the public who may not have access to technology, particularly with the current closure of the Lawrence Public Library. For members of the public without access to technology options, the City Commission meeting room will be available for in-person viewing of the meeting or in-person public comment on certain agenda items, as mentioned below. The public is asked to limit in-person viewing only for people without other technology options. Additionally, agendas of public meetings will be posted on the front door on the south side of City Hall. If email is not available, written comments may be placed in the City’s utility drop box near the east side of City Hall, in the sitting area near the Riverfront entrance. (Please note which meeting this refers to, i.e. City Commission, Planning Commission or Historic Resources Commission.)
Public Comment
The City of Lawrence encourages public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, normal methods of public comment will be modified during this time in order to comply with recommendations on social distancing. The reason for requiring earlier submittal of written public comment is to provide those involved with the meeting time to review those comments ahead of the meeting, as the volume of written public comment is expected to increase. The agenda for each meeting will provide more specific instructions regarding the submission of public comment.
General Public Comment: General public comment for items not on the agenda will only be accepted in writing during COVID-19. The agenda for the meeting will have instructions on how to submit public comment. Written general public comment must be submitted no later than 24 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting start time. General Public comments received by the outlined timeframes will be posted with the agenda materials in advance of the meeting.
Written Public Comment on Agenda Items: Public comments for items on the agenda must be provided in writing no later than 24 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting start time. Comments received in that timeframe will be posted with the agenda materials. Comments received after that timeframe will not be posted with the agenda materials and there is no guarantee that such comments will be considered. The meeting agenda will provide instructions on how public comment should be submitted.
Live Public Comment: Certain limited agenda items may require live public comment during the meeting. Such items include advertised public hearings, quasi-judicial proceedings (such as rezonings, appeals, repeals or suspension of licenses) or other noted public interest items. These items will be specifically noted on the meeting agenda. In the case of such items, if an applicant or member of the public wishes to make live public comments, they may do so remotely or in person at the meeting. In person comment at the meeting will be reserved for those without other technology options. Those wishing to participate remotely with public comment, which will be accommodated via web conference (requires internet connection) or telephone, must register with the City of Lawrence no less than 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting to participate. If participating remotely, an individual will be required to submit their name, email address or telephone number, and item they wish to speak about to the City. Those registering in advance will be provided instructions on how to connect with the live meeting. Commenters will be called upon by name to provide comment during the live meeting and all regular time limits will apply. The meeting agenda will provide instructions on how to contact the City to register to make a live public comment. Meeting agendas are posted here.