Douglas County public meetings in 2024
26 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Meeting
The Douglas County governing body will meet for a special session dedicated to budget deliberations. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
- Budget deliberations
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will hold a three-day budget hearing starting at 9:00 a.m. covering economic development, infrastructure, and law enforcement. A separate business meeting at 5:30 p.m. will address equipment purchases, zoning updates, and grant awards.
- Proposed $50 biennial fee per advertised bedroom for Vacation Rental Registrations
- Purchase of a 2024 Case 590SN Extendahoe 4WD backhoe for $152,100.00
- Purchase of surveillance equipment and software for $299,100.00
- FY 2025 Permanent Families Fund grant award of $58,154.56 for the Citizen Review Board
- Conditional use permit for a private airstrip at 1222 N 200 Rd
Special Meeting
The Douglas County Special Meeting on July 9, 2024, continues budget hearings for various departments and organizations. The sessions cover behavioral health, targeted populations, health and human services, and core administrative functions.
- Budget hearing for Behavioral Health providers
- Budget hearing for Targeted Populations services
- Budget hearing for Health and Human Service agencies
- Budget hearing for Administration and Core Functions
Special Meeting
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to conduct budget hearings. The first day focuses on emergency services, the justice system, the appraiser, and the county treasurer.
- Budget hearing for Emergency Services (LDCFM, ECC, EM)
- Budget hearing for Justice System (District Court, KHD)
- Budget hearing for Appraiser and County Treasurer
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider several consent agenda items including IT security agreements and easement acquisitions. Regular agenda items include a contract for the Wakarusa Drive Extension and budget reallocations for the Mobile Response Team.
- IT agreement with Rubrik Backup Solution for $113,168.74
- 66-month Axon Justice contract for the District Attorney's Office with yearly costs ranging from $36,979.92 to $52,504.40
- Engineering services contract with BG Consultants, Inc. for Wakarusa Drive Extension up to $91,652.50
- Redirection of up to $45,000 from the Crisis Line budget for Mobile Response Team equipment
- Acquisition of easements for CIP Project 2024-54 and Project 2022-C1
Commission Board Meeting
The Douglas County Commission will review a request for $1.5 million for the Bluestem Wellness Building and discuss the Bert Nash Youth Recovery Center. The board will also consider redirecting $27,500 in suicide prevention funds and authorizing judicial tax foreclosures.
- Proposed $1,500,000 one-time investment for Heartland Community Health Center's Bluestem Wellness Building
- Resolution No. 24-15 to institute judicial tax foreclosure on real estate delinquencies over three years past due
- Proposed redirection of up to $27,500 from HQ Kansas to Lawrence Douglas County Public Health
- Informational overview of the Bert Nash Youth Recovery Center
- Approval of the revised Lived Experience Compensation Policy
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will review several consent agenda items, including a bridge replacement contract and medical waste certification. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Juneteenth and a review of the 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan.
- Engineering contract for Bridge 1800-1124 replacement not to exceed $127,284.84
- Juneteenth 2024 Proclamation
- CJS-KDOC JDC Behavioral Health Services Funding Application for FY 2025
- Medical Waste Processor Certification for Lawrence Memorial Hospital
- 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan Annual Review
Special Meeting
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will meet to canvass the results of the Special Bond Election for USD 348. The meeting may also include the election of Commissioner replacements if necessary.
- Canvass results of the USD 348 Special Bond Election
- Potential election of Commissioner replacements
Commission Board Meeting
The Douglas County Commission will discuss the final draft of the Adapt Douglas County climate plan and consider a resolution to adopt it. The Commission will also consider a conditional use permit for the Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project.
- Resolution No. 24-13 to adopt Adapt Douglas County: A Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
- Resolution No. 24-14 granting a Conditional Use Permit for the Kansas Sky Energy Center solar system
- Commission Order #24-110 for Tax Roll Adjustments
- Commission Order #24-112 for Tax Roll Adjustments
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will hold a work session regarding specialty court updates and consider several business items. These include a contract for highway de-icing salt, tax roll adjustments, and rezoning requests for 1898 & 1902 E. 56 Rd.
- Work session on Criminal Justice Services Specialty Courts update
- Approval of commission order #24-111 for tax roll adjustments
- Contract award to Central Salt for 3500 tons of de-icing salt for $170,765.00
- Conditional use permit CUP-23-00436 for outdoor sports/recreation at 1898 & 1902 E. 56 Rd.
- Rezoning Z-23-00435 of 34 acres at 1898 & 1902 E. 56 Rd. from AG-1/AG-2 to BSC
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider adopting 'A Place for Everyone' as the community's strategic plan to end chronic homelessness. Other business includes a supportive housing update, a JLEC remodel project update, and several consent agenda items.
- Adoption of Resolution No. 24-09/No. 7540 (A Place for Everyone strategic plan)
- Five-year lease extension for 1006 New Hampshire Street for $691,141.80
- Approval of $132,858 for excess Workers' Compensation insurance coverage
- Text amendment AMDT-24-1000 to add Office use as a conditional use in certain zoning districts
- JLEC Remodel & Addition Project scope and design phase approval
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider a text amendment regarding standards for Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). This proposal involves updating Section 12-306-44 of the Zoning and Land Use Regulations for unincorporated Douglas County.
- Text Amendment TA-22-00031 regarding WECS standards
- Proposed changes to Section 12-306-44 of the Zoning and Land Use Regulations
- Approval of Accounts Payable via Consent Agenda
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will hold a work session regarding wind energy conversion system standards, though no action is being taken at this time. The business meeting includes a discussion on integrating housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice services.
- Work session on Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) standards
- Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Crime Victims' Rights Week
- Commission Order #24-007 for tax roll adjustments
- Commission Order #24-009 for tax roll adjustments
- Discussion on housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice integration
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will review data regarding the Douglas County Crisis Line and Mobile Response Team. Other business includes discussing vacation rental regulations and a proposed property tax rebate pilot program for veterans.
- Review of Douglas County Crisis Line and Mobile Response Team data
- Text amendment (TA-22-00145) to establish vacation rental guidelines
- Proposed Senior and Disabled Veterans Property Tax Rebate Pilot Program for 2025
- Site plan (SP-24-00031) for expansion at 1723 E. 1500 Rd.
- Solicitation of bids for 3,500 tons of highway de-icing salt
Special Meeting
The Douglas County Commission will consider a Conditional Use Permit for a utility-scale solar energy system. The project involves approximately 604 acres of land near the intersection of US Highways 24 and 59. Because there is a valid protest petition, the Commission must reach a unanimous vote for approval.
- Conditional Use Permit CUP-23-00312 for Kansas Sky Energy Center
- Proposed solar facility on ~604 acres (part of a 1,105-acre set of parcels)
- Request to allow CAB lines for solar modules to be located aboveground
- Location: West of E. 1450/US Highways 24 and 59 and near E. 1500 and N. 2000 Roads
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider several items including a text amendment for office zoning, a new healthcare plan renewal, and a funding agreement for mental health services. They will also review requests for equipment purchases for the Sheriff's Office and Public Works.
- Zoning text amendment AMDT-24-1000 to allow 'Office use' as a conditional use in certain districts
- Purchase of a SOTER RS Full Body Security Scanning System for $147,500
- Purchase of a 2024 Caterpillar Compact Track Loader for $167,354.00
- Contract award to Scotwood Industries for dust control chemicals at $1.22 per gallon
- Community Partner Funding Agreement with Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center for $321,032
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will hold a work session regarding the Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project and discuss a memorandum of understanding for the South Lawrence Trafficway West Leg Expansion Project. A special meeting will also be held to canvass the March 27, 2024, Presidential Preference Primary.
- Work session on Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project (CUP-23-00312)
- Authorization of MOU with City of Lawrence for South Lawrence Trafficway West Leg Expansion
- Canvass of the March 27, 2024, Presidential Preference Primary
- Approval of Accounts Payable
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider several public works contracts for road materials, asphalt, and bridge overlays. Other items include a new county phone solution, herbicide supplies, and a site plan extension for Veritas Christian School.
- Asphalt mill and overlay contract for Project 2024-06 with Killough Construction Inc. for $1,121,840.12
- Bridge deck overlay contract for Project 2024-B4 with Louis Company LLC for $259,014.99
- Herbicide supply contract with Nutrien Ag Solutions for $125,290.24
- Five-year cloud phone solution agreement with UPNFiber at $10,510.00 per month
- Site plan extension request for Veritas Christian School at 960 E. 1296 Rd.
Commission Board Meeting
The Douglas County Commission will discuss several administrative and public works items, including a major office remodel and legal service contracts. The meeting also includes a proclamation for Transit Driver and Worker Appreciation Week.
- Authorize $1,603,275 total budget and $1,256,000 construction contract with Icon Structures Inc for Treasurer Satellite Office remodel
- Approve $350,000 in blanket purchase orders for 2024 legal services split between Seyferth Blumenthal & Harris, LLC ($250,000) and Stevens & Brand LLP ($100,000)
- Acquisition of easements for CIP Project 2024-B1 channel maintenance near Lone Star Lake
- Approval of Commission Order #24-005 for various tax roll adjustments
- Proclamation for Transit Driver and Worker Appreciation Week, March 17-23, 2024
Commission Board Meeting
The Douglas County Commission will consider a $1,449,000 construction contract for the Board of County Commissioner Chambers remodel. The meeting also includes discussions on a $20,000 broadband grant match and a $700,000 contract amendment for health services.
- Chambers remodel construction contract with B.A. Green Construction Company Inc for $1,449,000
- Total project budget approval of $1,543,845 for the Chambers remodel
- Amendment to the KDHE Outreach, Prevention and Early Intervention Services contract for $700,000
- One-time $20,000 General Fund Reserves grant match for Midco Broadband Acceleration Grant
- Approval of the 2024 Noxious Weed Management Plan and 2023 Eradication Progress Report
Commission Board Meeting
The Board will consider an interlocal agreement with Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin City regarding the Emergency Communications Center's governance and funding. They will also review a schematic design update for the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center remodel and addition project.
- Interlocal agreement for Emergency Communications Center governance
- JLEC Remodel & Addition project schematic design update
- Renewal of Straight-Line Striping Inc. contract for $307,865.18
- Request to waive formal bidding for a $140,000–$220,000 x-ray body scanner
- Supplemental $30,000 funding for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will review a public draft of the Douglas County Open Space Plan during a work session. The business meeting includes discussions on neighborhood revitalization at 900 Rhode Island St. and a conditional use permit for a vacation rental.
- Review of Douglas County Open Space Plan public draft
- Proposed 15-year, 70% Neighborhood Revitalization Area (NRA) for 900 Rhode Island St., Lawrence
- Conditional use permit (CUP-23-00383) for vacation rental at 724 E. 715 Rd.
- Appointment of candidates to the Treatment & Recovery Center Advisory Group
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider a comprehensive plan amendment to Plan 2040 and updates to the Animal Control Code. The meeting also includes several authorizations for public works bidding and insurance renewals.
- Comprehensive plan amendment (CPA-23-00186) to Plan 2040, Chapter 8B
- Updates to Douglas County Animal Control Code and fee schedule
- Property and liability insurance renewal not to exceed $709,775.00
- Johnson County transportation study agreement up to $20,000.00
- Bids for rock aggregates, asphalt, and bridge deck maintenance
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will consider awarding contracts for merchant card services and banking services. The agenda also includes requests for temporary business use permits regarding sonic detection units and a meteorological tower.
- Award contract for Merchant Card Services to Paymentus
- Award contract for Banking and Procurement Card Services to U.S. Bank
- Renew three Temporary Business Use permits for Sonic Detection and Ranging Units in Marion Township
- Temporary Business Use permit for a 60.26-meter meteorological evaluation tower near N 400 Road and E 550 Road
- Legislative update from Little Government Relations
Commission Board Meeting
The City and County commissions will hold a joint meeting to review 'A Place for Everyone,' a strategic plan to end chronic homelessness. The presentation outlines goals for increasing affordable housing, supportive housing, and emergency shelter services through 2028. No official action is required during this presentation.
- Presentation of 'A Place for Everyone' strategic plan for housing and homelessness
- Purchase of 2025 Mack Semi-Tractor from Nextran for $181,535.00
- Proposed KDOT agreement to treat noxious weeds on state highways
- Review of the Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the City of Eudora
- Contract amendment for masonry restoration at the Douglas County Courthouse
Commission Board Meeting
The Commission will meet to elect 2024 officers and review several consent agenda items. Key discussions include purchasing new police vehicles and renewing emergency 911 software.
- Purchase of five 2024 Ford-F-150 Police Responder vehicles for $251,589.98
- 5-year renewal of Rave Smart 911 Software Suite for $124,387.50
- Authorization to solicit bids for rock road dust control chemicals
- Contract amendment for Judicial Law Enforcement Center design services
- Proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month