LYON COUNTY —After a high school teacher was arrested and carried out of a tense city council meeting last week, the Emporia City Commission is making changes to the way they conduction meetings.
According to a statement from the city commission, their August 5 and August 19 meetings will Be Held Virtually In the interest of public safety.
Consistent with the Kansas Open Meetings Act, both meetings will be open to the public through a live video broadcast on the City's website at www.emporiaks.gov/agendas beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The commission is considering a citizen petition on data centers.
No public comment period will be provided during either meeting. Community members who wish to share comments or questions related to agenda items are encouraged to email citycommission@emporiaks.gov or call 620-343-4289 prior to the meeting.
"The City remains committed to conducting the public's business in an open and transparent manner while taking reasonable measures to protect the safety of elected officials, City staff, and members of the public."
"Meeting agendas and supporting materials will continue to be available on the City's website prior to each meeting.The City appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation as it implements these temporary measures while ensuring the continuity of City business."
During the course of a meeting last week, several individuals in attendance were issued verbal warnings by the City Commission regarding disruptive conduct that was interrupting the proceedings, according to a media release from police.
One individual identified as 37-year-old Lux Claridge, a science teacher at Emporia High School, continued this behavior, according to police. Claridge was directed to leave the meeting. Claridge did not comply with law enforcement's efforts to remove him from the premises, requiring officers to physically carry him out of the meeting.