Board acknowledges ARP interagency agreements; meeting votes recorded

At its Feb. 27, 2025 meeting, the Lawrence City Board of Public Safety formally acknowledged interagency agreements documenting how American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds were obligated among the city controller's office, the police and fire departments and the Department of Public Works and Safety.

"This was purely informational," said Mr. Najala, the city controller, who told the board the documents were shared as part of transparency. Najala said there was a statutory requirement that ARP funds be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and that the city had met that requirement.

Board members voted to acknowledge the interagency agreements; the acknowledgment was presented as informational and did not require additional action by the board. The city cited Deb Whitfield's transparency in sharing the obligations with the board.

Votes at a glance

- Amendment and approval of the Feb. 13, 2025 minutes: The board approved minutes with an amendment inserting that Donny Morgan of the Taft Law Firm attended and spoke about a proposed contract. Motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried.

- Howard Companies contract (2024-2 CCMG): The board approved a $893,821.15 contract award to Howard Companies for the 2024-2 CCMG street-repair project. Funding: half CCMG funds, half motor vehicle restricted fund. Motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried.

- Acknowledgment of ARP interagency agreements: The board acknowledged interagency agreements between the controller's office and the police and fire departments and the Department of Public Works and Safety documenting ARP obligations. Motion moved and seconded; voice vote carried.

- Motion to adjourn: Approved by voice vote.

No citizens spoke during the public-comment portion of the meeting. A city chief of staff invited questions but none were raised.