photo by: City of Lawrence

Lawrence city commissioners discuss short-term rental rules at their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020.

After meeting virtually throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Lawrence City Commission is planning to return to in-person meetings but will retain an online option for the public.

City spokesman Porter Arneill told commissioners at their meeting Tuesday that the city was prepared to return to in-person meetings for the commission’s next meeting, which is July 6. Arneill said that while commissioners would return to City Hall, both in-person and virtual options for members of the public would continue.

Though commissioners have been participating virtually in meetings during the pandemic, some city staff have been in place at City Hall and residents have been able to comment in person, via Zoom or via a call-in option. The Douglas County Commission also recently announced that it would return to in-person meetings but maintain a virtual option. County commissioners will meet in person for the first time Wednesday.