Meeting Information
Douglas County Modifies Public Meeting Procedures through May 13, 2020
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. Douglas County is committed to transparent public meetings and will continue this commitment during the COVID-19 crisis. Douglas County 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.
The public is encouraged to join our County Commission meetings live using Zoom. Agendas for public meetings, along with the materials associated with those meeting agendas, will continue to be available ahead of the meeting on the County’s website, and audio recordings of the County Commission meetings will be posted on the County’s website after the meeting. Individuals may sign up to receive notification of the agenda for County Commission meetings on the County’s website as well.
There are three methods to provide Public Comment during this time:
Written Public Comment: Per the County’s normal practice, written public comment is accepted. Written 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. Please email written public comment to Robin Crabtree at rcrabtree@dgcoks.gov. If email is not available, written comments may be placed in the County’s information drop box in the south parking lot adjacent to the Courthouse.
Via Zoom:
For applicants and meeting participants: 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 Douglas County 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 County. Those registering in advance will be provided instructions on how to connect with the live meeting. Please contact Robin Crabtree at rcrabtree@dgcoks.gov to do so. Commenters will be called upon by name to provide comment during the live meeting and all regular time limits will apply.
For public comment on agenda items or general public comment: General public comment for items of County business not on the agenda will be taken under that section of the agenda. If a participant on the zoom call would like to speak, they need to utilize the “Raise your hand” function on zoom. The meeting host will indicate they can speak. We ask that speakers give their name and address for the minutes. The County reserves the right to shut off the microphone and remove any speaker from the meeting if they are vulgar, rude or inappropriate.
In Person: The County 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 County 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.
The County Commission will meet at 4:00 p.m. for a Work Session and at 5:30 p.m. for the Business Meeting. No action will be taken during the work session.
We encourage you to join our meeting live using Zoom, a web-based communications tool.
Join the Zoom meeting
Via computer:
1. Follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/91185487494
2. Use the meeting ID: 911 8548 7494
3. There is no participant code.
Via phone:
4. Dial this number: 1-312-626-6799
5. Use the meeting ID: 911 8548 7494
6. There is no participant code.
If you are new to Zoom, please see the detailed Zoom instructions. Zoom allows you to listen to the audio of the County Commission meeting live on a tablet, smartphone or computer. The County Commission chamber will still be open for public comment and for anyone that does not have access to a computer device such as smart phone, computer or tablet.
Time and Date