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Commission approves new live‑streaming approach, drawing broad public opposition
Summary
The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1 to adopt Resolution No. 7600, moving live, real‑time public participation to Zoom webinars and ending YouTube live streaming of meetings (including live public comment); the change responded to recent state law changes and drew extensive public comment and objections about transparency.
The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1 on June 3 to adopt Resolution No. 7600, changing the city’s live-streaming practice so that real‑time public participation will be via Zoom webinar rather than a YouTube live stream. The commission said the change responds to a new state law and that Zoom is necessary for participants to join and speak during meetings.
Mayor Dever said the change is intended to encourage Zoom participation: “If you're watching on YouTube, you can't participate in the meeting. You have to be on the Zoom feed to participate in the meeting.” The vote followed weeks of public debate and a substantial turnout at the meeting urging that the city retain YouTube live streaming and that general public comment remain fully available in live broadcasts.
Public commenters voiced strong objections to the change, arguing it reduces transparency and accessibility. John Martin, a resident, said removing the YouTube livestream “removes trust in your local government.” David Baston and other speakers raised legal and public‑access concerns; several asked that the city ensure full recordings — including public comment — are posted promptly. One public commenter said the change appeared designed to “curate the record.”
Members of the commission defended the change as compliance and practicality. Mayor Dever, responding to questions, said the city is following a new state statute and noted other jurisdictions use the Zoom-only model. Staff explained Zoom is required for interactive participation and that the new statute imposes constraints on how meetings are streamed and recorded.
The motion to adopt Resolution No. 7600 carried after a roll call vote (tally recorded 3–1). The resolution states the city will provide live access via Zoom webinar and that recordings will be posted afterward; staff said they will work to ensure Zoom access and improve recording reliability.
The commission did not change the weekly inclusion of general public comment; several commissioners and the mayor said they intend to continue offering public comment every week. Citizens and advocacy groups said they plan follow‑up by asking for changes to posting practices and clearer timelines for when recordings will be available online.
