City Commission Adopts Recording Rules

Last night, the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a set of loose regulations governing the use of recording devices during its public sessions. According to Bob Antozzi, director of Fredericksburg's Parks and Recreation Department, draft rules governing recording devices have been sent to every city commission for possible adoption. The draft regulations, dated July 1, were sent out by the City Attorney's office less than a week after a

The new rules reiterate the public right to record and document public meetings and prohibitions against holding meetings in a facility where cameras or recorders are prohibited. But the rules also allow the commission chair to issue warnings to those who are operating recording devices in a disruptive manner. 

"The Virginia Freedom of Information Act establishes the right of 'any person' to photograph, film, record, or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting required to be open.  It also permits a public body to adopt rules governing the placement and use of recording equipment to prevent interference with the meeting," reads a portion of the measure unanimously approved by the parks and rec commission. 

But referring to the measure as committee bylaws governing the use of recording devices is a bit of a mouthful. It might be useful, then, to call the local recording rules as "Lawrence Laws," named in honor of the man whose actions apparently inspired city officials to examine regulations in the first place. Discussions at last night's parks and rec meeting laid bare the extent to which Lawrence's posturing on public access influenced the push for recording rules. 

First, a bit of a back-story: James Lawrence is known in Fredericksburg for his staunch support of public benches, recycling efforts and a general interest in the city's parklands. He could frequently be found attending any number of city meetings, making regular appearances at the city's Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, Economic Development Authority meetings, and Fredericksburg's City Council meetings. However, it may be quite a while until Lawrence makes an appearance at another city meeting. Last week, he was arrested 

Lawrence is also known for his brusque personality, one which has not endeared himself to many in Fredericksburg's business and government communities. 

According to the Fredericksburg Police Department, Lawrence is prohibited from visiting a number of downtown buildings and establishments. He is banned from the city's visitors center, the Old Town Grill, the Old Town Tobacconist, City Hall (unless attending a public meeting), the city recycling center, the city's Circuit Court (unless conducting court business), and Hyperion Cafe. 

Lawrence has been in the last month for violating court orders to stay away from the Hyperion and threatening its employees. 

Back in January, the During that meeting, Sheriff's deputies prohibited anyone from entering the courtroom with electrical recording devices, cameras and laptops, a City officials chalked it up to a misunderstanding.

Lawrence was not present at that meeting, but upon hearing of the violation, he sought to bring legal action against the city of Fredericksburg. His efforts were unsuccessful, mostly due to lack of standing. During this time, says Antozzi, he apparently vowed to record meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission. On June 28, Lawrence made a brief address to City Council during the public comment session and vowed to bring cameras to the next meeting. He did not carry through with his promise, but prior to the July 12 City Council meeting he did ask a city police officer at the meeting about regulations governing the use of recording devices. 

Antozzi says that Lawrence's sudden interest in recording public meetings became a concern within the city administration.

"It wasn't firsthand with me, but I got some information that he was planning on doing some things that might be too aggressive," said Antozzi. From there, the regulations developed as a way to provide a guide for dealing with disruptions associated with recording devices. "There are ways of doing it that don't interfere with the meeting." 

The frank discussion about Lawrence's role in inspiring the City Attorney's office to draft recording rules is at odds with earlier comments made by City Attorney Kathleen Dooley who downplayed any particular inspiration for proposed recording rules. Lawrence was mentioned in discussions between media representatives and city staff, but over an incident where he tossed owl dolls around the council chambers.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Brian Baker was concerned that the pre-emptive measure would lend credence to Lawrence's protests against various branches of the city government. 

Antozzi argued that the rules provide a guide for city officials should future incidents arise. 

"That's not a concern. There are two things that are happening, if people come in to record in the future, which is a possibility, they may have concerns about rules, and they will have them ready to be provided. It takes care of the future, as well."