Understanding Our Community Input and Public Forum
Published on April 15, 2022
Amidst public confusion, Unified Government seeks to clarify the issue of approval process
Kansas City, KS – Last week at the Unified Government Board of Commission meeting, during the Mayor’s “Community Input: Discussion with Public” agenda item, several people – both residents and nonresidents – came forward with their concerns about a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City, Kansas. As the Unified Government continues to create new ways for the community to engage in policy input and key decision-making processes, it is important to address how and where public input is not only productive but appropriate.
Mayor Tyrone A. Garner has introduced monthly community input sessions to encourage Wyandotte County to bring forward ideas and recommendations on issues of interest and control by the governing body. The public is welcome to bring forward comments and input on agenda items at the standing committees and full Commission meeting, as appropriate. Since these items are publicly noticed, all members of the public have equal opportunity to show up and provide their comments regardless of their stance on the matter at-hand.
The owner of the property at the center of last week’s public comment has applied for a business license and building permits (plumbing, mechanical, and commercial) as required. There is no change of use or other entitlements required as the intended use aligns to adopted zoning codes. Considered an administrative decision as there are no exceptions being requested, this is not a matter that will be heard by the Unified Government governing body. Additionally, this matter did not meet the intent of the community input session nor does raising this protest during this forum allow for a balanced discourse when only opponents are present to voice their concerns.
Earlier this year, the Clerk’s Office launched a new webpage that outlines the many ways the community can bring weigh in on important decisions as part of the official record of the Unified Government. You can learn more here: wycokck.org/clerk. The Unified Government also previews upcoming meeting agenda items through our weekly email, eNews. You can subscribe to that email notification on our website: wycokck.org.
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