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Stormwater board tables electronic‑participation resolution while staff reviews whether board is a governing body
Summary
The board tabled Resolution 1‑20‑25, which would establish a written policy for members to participate electronically, after staff said the body may be classified as a governing board under state statute; staff also outlined new livestreaming and online‑records requirements.
The City of Lawrence Stormwater Advisory Board voted to table Resolution 1‑20‑25, a proposed policy allowing members to participate in meetings electronically up to five times a year, after staff said the body may meet the legal definition of a governing board rather than an advisory body. Tracy Boyd moved to table the resolution to the board’s Oct. 27 meeting; Ron (Rob) Schleifer seconded and the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Amber (city staff) explained that while the board’s public materials call it the “Stormwater Advisory Board,” the powers and duties listed in state statute — including adopting budgets and salaries — align more with governing authority. Amber said the statute the city would rely on to set an electronic‑participation policy applies to governing bodies; she recommended staff research whether the board’s name or designation should be changed so any resolution tracks the applicable statute. Amber also noted a recent change in state law, effective July 1, that requires that meetings be live‑streamed and that recordings, minutes and related meeting materials be publicly accessible (the city’s website and YouTube were cited as locations for such materials). Board members reported difficulty finding some historical agendas and minutes after the city updated its site and asked staff to verify posting practices. Staff said Sean McTush has been working to upload materials. Board members expressed concern about the board’s experience during the previous budget cycle, when they said meetings were canceled and a budget the board reviewed went to council without the board’s concerns being addressed. Board members asked staff to confirm whether changing the board’s name (for example, to a board of directors designation) or other formal steps would change how the council and administration engage the board during budget review. The board did not adopt the resolution and directed staff to research statutory language, the board’s powers and duties, and the proper naming/designation so the matter can be returned with recommendations at a future meeting.
