Lawrence public meetings in 2025

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District commission will consider several routine items, including payment of invoices and approval of the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes. They will receive an update on the request for qualifications for a community assessment study and discuss meeting dates for 2026. The key decision is a vote on transferring capital projects related to a Vac Truck B.

• Payment of invoices (item 2)
• Approval of November 19, 2025 board meeting minutes (item 3)
• Update on RFQ for Community Assessment Study (item 4)
• Discussion and vote on meeting dates for 2026 (item 5)
• Discussion and vote on Capital Projects Transfer for Vac Truck B (item 6)

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will consider two applications for one-day all-alcohol licenses. The board will also review incident reports regarding underage drinking and a disturbance, and one request to change a business address.

• One-day all-alcohol license application for Pig and Pork INC at 5-9 Mill St.
• One-day all-alcohol license application for St Joseph Church at 241 Hampshire St.
• Incident report #25006466 regarding underage drinking at Punta Cana (592-594 Essex St.).
• Incident report #25006046 regarding a disturbance at Flow Lounge.
• Address change request for Luzon LLC from 276 Essex St. to 76 Bennington St.

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will review several budget authorizations, including a $268,180 grant to secure 204 beds for winter shelter and warming centers and a $250,000 waste‑reduction project for a hazardous‑waste facility. The agenda also contains a rezoning proposal to change land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation. Additional items include utility pole installations on Mt Vernon Street and a transfer of $124,253 from the free‑cash fund to uniform replacement.

• $268,180 grant award to secure 204 winter shelter and warming‑center beds (Budget & Finance Committee)
• $250,000 authorization for Waste Reduction Project for a permanent household hazardous waste facility
• $124,253 transfer from Free Cash to Uniform Replacement (Fire Department)
• Rezoning a portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Install one JO pole and one mid‑span pole on Mt Vernon St at Crestwood Circle (National Grid, public hearing Jan 20 2026)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will consider authorizing a $250,000 expenditure for a permanent household hazardous waste facility and approve various budget transfers, including $144,000 for water and sewer asset management and $268,180 for winter shelter beds. The meeting will be hybrid, held at City Hall on December 16, 2025.

• Authorize $250,000 for Waste Reduction Project
• Approve $144,000 Asset Management Planning Grant
• Authorize $268,180 for Winter Overnight Shelter
• Approve $124,253 transfer from Free Cash to Uniform Replacement
• Approve $72,818.90 transfer from Free Cash to Motor Vehicles

Board of Health

The Lawrence Local Board of Health will approve minutes from the November 18 meeting, receive a public health update from Dr. Gorn, and hear a tobacco product sales report. New business includes a proposal for Planet Fitness at 280 Merrimack St and a paramedical tattooing business, as well as tobacco permit suspension hearings for four market locations. All items listed under old business are tabled. The meeting will also schedule the next Board of Health session.

• Tobacco permit suspension hearing – 296-296A Lawrence Street, Raquel’s Supermarket (File #TOB24-000065)
• Tobacco permit suspension hearing – 158-162 Union Street, Camila Market dba El Barrio Market (File #TOB24-000082)
• Tobacco permit suspension hearing – 117 Newbury Street, Jimenez Supermarket (File #TOB24-000079)
• Tobacco permit suspension hearing – 352 Hampshire Street, Blanco Arriba Meat Market (File #TOB24-000081)
• Proposed Planet Fitness at 280 Merrimack St (includes tanning facility and prepackaged food items)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget & Finance Committee will consider several financial actions, including transfers from the Free Cash account and authorizations to expend grant funds. Items include a $268,180 grant to secure 204 beds for winter overnight shelters and warming centers, a $144,000 asset management planning grant with matching funds, and a proposal for AI-enabled drone and gunshot detection technology. The committee will also review collective bargaining agreements for SEIU Local 888 with associated fund transfers. Decisions will affect city departments such as Fire, Police, Water and Sewer, and DPW.

• 467/25 – Transfer $124,253.00 from Free Cash to Uniform Replacement (012211-5581) – Fire Department (Patrick Delaney)
• 468/25 – Transfer $72.818.90 from Free Cash to Motor Vehicles (012230-5853) – Fire Department (Patrick Delaney)
• 469/25 – Authorization to expend $144,000 for Asset Management Planning Grant CWSFR No. 18979, with $66,000 cash match and $30,000 in‑kind services – Water and Sewer (William C. Hale III)
• 470/25 – Program proposal for AI‑enabled drone and gunshot detection technology for public safety – Police Department (Rosa Shephard)
• 471/25 – Authorization to expend $268.180 Grant Award from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to secure 204 beds for winter overnight shelter and warming centers – Homeless Initiatives (Milagro Grullon)

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education board meeting will consider several votes, including the superintendent’s evaluation and a new Career Technical Education (CTE) policy for middle schools. Committee reports on policy, budget, finance, and curriculum will be presented, followed by a superintendent report on assessments, uniform policy, and facilities. Public comment will be accepted before the votes, and the meeting will adjourn after the decisions are recorded.

• Vote on Superintendent’s Evaluation
• Vote on Middle School Career Technical Education (CTE) Policy
• Vote on Policy Book Update: Sections A‑C
• Vote on Facilities Rental
• Vote on Donation to Parthum Middle School from XtremeCraze

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will review several parking proposals, including resident parking on Lansdowne Court and child‑care parking at 556 Howard St. It will also consider removing handicapped parking spaces on 76 Inman Street and 25 Durham Street. Additionally, the committee will vote on a resolution honoring Gustavo Varela, a Lawrence Tech student‑athlete. All items are scheduled for the Dec 9, 2025 meeting.

• 474/25 Resident Parking — Lansdowne Court
• 475/25 Child Care Parking — 556 Howard St (Prince and Princess Daycare)
• 476/25 Remove Handicapped Parking — 76 Inman Street
• 477/25 Remove Handicapped Parking — 25 Durham Street
• 478/25 Resolution Honoring Gustavo Varela, Lawrence Tech student‑athlete

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at the Authority office, 353 Elm Street, Lawrence, MA. The notice does not list any specific agenda items or decisions to be made at this meeting.

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on December 9, 2025, to review its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan includes a capital improvement plan, maintenance schedule, and operating budget, and residents can submit comments before the hearing.

• Public hearing on Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027
• Review of Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (5-year)
• Review of Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Review of Current Operating Budget
• Public comments accepted until hearing closes

Prospect Hill Historical District Commission

The Prospect Hill Historical District Commission is meeting to review requests for Certificates of Appropriateness. Both requests are related to the Lawrence Lead Paint Program.

• Certificate of Appropriateness request for 10 Oakwood Avenue
• Certificate of Appropriateness request for 91-95 East Haverhill Street

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold public hearings on several handicapped and child care parking requests and longevity pay for employees. The body will also consider new proposals for AI-enabled drone and gunshot detection technology and various grant expenditures.

• Proposal for A.I. Enabled Drone and Gunshot Detection Technology for Public Safety
• Authorization to expend $268,180 grant for 204 winter overnight shelter and warming center beds
• Appropriation transfer of $537,382.67 from Retained Earnings to Airport Accounts
• Authorization to expend $256,500 in MASS Save Grant Funds
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)

The Lawrence City Council approved three budget items, including a $537,382.67 transfer to airport accounts, a $256,500 MASS Save grant, and a $50,000 handball‑court grant. It also passed motions to table three documents, to re‑open public participation, and to let the City Attorney respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $537,382.67 airport appropriation transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $256,500 MASS Save grant expenditure (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 FY26 handball‑court grant (unanimous)
• Motion to table three documents passed (unanimous)
• Motion to re‑open public participation passed (unanimous)
• Motion to allow City Attorney to respond to state on OML complaint passed (unanimous)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will vote on a motion to confirm the location of future council meetings as required by City Council Rule #2. No committee reports, public hearings, or other business are listed on the agenda. The meeting itself will be held in person at South Lawrence East School Auditorium, 165 Crawford Street, and will also be available via a Zoom link.

• Vote to confirm location of upcoming City Council meetings (Rule #2) – presented by Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez

The council suspended Rules #6 and #12 to bypass committee referral. It then suspended Rule #2 to change the meeting location to 165 Crawford Street, SLE School. The meeting was adjourned after the motions passed.

• Suspended Rules #6 & 12 (YES: 8, Absent: 1) – passed
• Suspended Rule #2 to move meeting to 165 Crawford Street, SLE School (YES: 8, Absent: 1) – passed
• Adjourned meeting (YES: 8, Absent: 1) – passed

Conservation Commission

The commission will consider a request for determination for a project at 577‑595 ½ Broadway submitted by Greenman‑Pederson, Inc. on behalf of Cafua Management Company. The commission will also review a notice of intent for a project at 20 International Way submitted by Zenzo Matogo for Impact Church, Inc., referenced by DEP File No. 195‑0226. No other agenda items are listed.

• Request for determination – 577‑595 ½ Broadway (Greenman‑Pederson, Inc. for Cafua Management Company)
• Notice of intent – 20 International Way (Zenzo Matogo for Impact Church, Inc., DEP File No. 195‑0226)
• Board business – correspondence and adjournment

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will meet to discuss several new and transferred license applications. The board is reviewing requests for alcohol licenses and a wholesale license.

• Wholesale to Wholesale License application for Elite Drive PC at 375 Common St.
• One Day All Alcohol License application for St Anthony Maronite Church at 70 Lawrence St. for December 12-14, 2025.
• License transfer application from My Family Mini Market to El Primo Mini Market Corporation at 251 Ferry St.
• New All Alcohol License application for Colonial Sports Bar INC. (DBA Barahona Sports Bar) at 283 Broadway.

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to receive public comments, hear reports from its sub‑committees, and review several pending items. Among the items are updates on the district’s strategic plan, graduation requirements, and curriculum proposals. The committee will also discuss the FY26 budget for Lawrence Public Schools. New business includes an update to the committee’s rules.

• 2025 LPS FY26 budget proposal – Committeeman Guzman & Committeewoman Mariano
• 2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools – Committeeman Guzman
• 2025 Proposal: Integration of Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum – Committeeman Roa
• 2025 Update to Rules of the Lawrence School Committee – Committeeman Guzman
• 2025 LAE Amendment to Section E: Support Services – Immigration and Customs Enforcement Request – Committeeman Guzman

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hear petitions for special permits and site plan approvals for four new projects. The meeting also includes continued cases for properties on S. Broadway and Haverhill St.

• 280 Haverhill St: Proposed 4-story, 27-unit multifamily building
• 262-278 Lowell St: Proposed 6-story mixed-use building and 11-story residential building with parking garage
• 49 Blanchard St: Proposed redevelopment of existing structure into a 61-unit multi-family residential building
• 435-435A Winthrop Ave: Site Plan Approval to use retail space as a dine-in restaurant
• Continued cases for 132-134 S. Broadway and 125 Haverhill St

City Council

The Lawrence City Council meeting on Dec 2, 2025 will consider a range of items including budget transfers, grant authorizations, rezoning, and public‑safety initiatives. A key item is the authorization to expend $268,180 from a grant awarded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to secure 204 beds for the city’s winter overnight shelter and warming centers. Other notable actions include transferring $124,253.00 from the free‑cash fund to uniform replacement and $72,818.90 to motor‑vehicle expenses for the fire department, and rezoning land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation. The council will also hear multiple public‑hearing items on handicapped parking and other traffic matters.

• Auth to expend $268,180 grant for 204 winter shelter beds – Milagro Grullon, Homeless Initiatives Coordinator
• Transfer $124,253.00 from FREE CASH to Uniform Replacement – Patrick Delaney, Fire Chief
• Transfer $72,818.90 from FREE CASH to Motor Vehicles – Patrick Delaney, Fire Chief
• Rezoning off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation – Dan McCarthy, Acting Planning Director
• Appropriation transfer $537,382.67 from Retained Earnings to various airport accounts – Francisco Urena, Airport Manager

City Council

The regular meeting of the Lawrence City Council scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 was cancelled. As a result, none of the listed agenda items will be voted on or acted upon. The agenda had included public hearings on handicapped parking, committee reports, and several financial transfers and authorizations. Residents should note that no decisions will be made at this meeting.

• Rezoning a portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation
• Transfer $124,253.00 from FREE CASH to Uniform Replacement
• Authorization to expend $144,000 for Asset Management Planning Grant with $66,000 cash match and $30,000 in‑kind services
• Authorization to expend $268,180 grant to secure 204 beds for winter overnight shelter and warming centers
• Transfer $72,818.90 from FREE CASH to Motor Vehicles

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will consider a request to re‑zone the parcel at 128 Parker Street from R‑2 to B‑1. Several new handicapped parking designations are on the agenda, including 446 Haverhill St, 41 Juniper St, and 15 Brook Street. The committee will also review the installation of a JO pole on Beacon Street near Andover Street. Items from prior meetings remain tabled for future consideration.

• 458/25 – Re‑zone 128 Parker Street (Map 101, Parcel 101‑55) from R‑2 to B‑1
• 459/25 – Handicapped parking request for 446 Haverhill St
• 460/25 – Handicapped parking request for 41 Juniper St
• 461/25 – Handicapped parking request for 15 Brook Street
• 464/25 – Install JO pole on Beacon Street near Andover Street (REF # 31204878)

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will conduct an annual PRIM review and process superannuation requests for seven individuals. The board will also address a tabled item regarding a Cola Base Increase and review monthly expenses and warrants.

• Annual PRIM review
• Superannuation requests for Heather Abreu, Felix Garcia, Porfirio Matias, Robert DiBenedetto, Elizabeth Olivier, James Bizeur, and John Dushame
• Tabled item: Cola Base Increase
• PRIT wire redemption
• Monthly expenses warrants

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will meet to discuss and vote on collective bargaining matters. The body is also scheduled to vote on a Middle School Career Technical Education (CTE) policy.

• Vote on Collective Bargaining
• Vote on Middle School Career Technical Education (CTE) Policy
• Executive session regarding Collective Bargaining

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is considering several funding authorizations and a tax increment exemption agreement. The body is also reviewing a large list of tabled items dating back to 2015, including the FY26 municipal budget.

• Appropriation transfer of $537,382.67 from Retained Earnings to airport accounts
• Authorization to expend $256,500 in MASS Save Grant Funds
• Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Agreement for 216 Canal Street LLC
• Authorization to expend $50,000 for FY26 Earmark Grant for handball courts
• Authorization to expend $250,000 for a permanent household hazardous waste facility

Library Trustees

The Lawrence Library Board of Trustees will approve the October 30, 2025 meeting minutes. Trustees will hear the Director’s Report. The board will review and vote on updates to the Meeting Room Policy, a Passport Application Agency Site proposal, and revisions to subcommittee structures and the Board of Trustees bylaws.

• Approve October 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Director’s Report
• Review and approve Meeting Room Policy update (2/27/2025)
• Review Passport Application Agency Site proposal (5/1/2025)
• Discuss new subcommittees and revise Board of Trustees bylaws (10/30/2025)

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will receive routine reports from its Finance, Lease, and Airport Security committees. Commissioners will approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting. The commission will request a status update on the Certificate of Completion filing for the Northeast Storage Facility. They will discuss the land‑use change proposal for the airport’s north parcel that borders the Merrimack River, based on a review by Stantec Inc.

• Approve minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting
• Finance, Lease, and Airport Security Procedures reports
• Status update request on Certificate of Completion filing for Northeast Storage Facility
• Discussion of land‑use change proposal for the north parcel of the airport abutting the Merrimack River (Stantec Inc. review)
• Airport Manager’s report for 135 North Ramp Road

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to review dimensional variance requests for residential projects. The board will consider new cases and continued items regarding property development and lot subdivisions.

• Petition for 27-unit residential building at 280 Haverhill St
• Petition for 1,860 sq. ft. single family home at 327 High St
• Petition to subdivide lot and construct a single-family dwelling at 11 Tewksbury St
• Continued items for 414-420 Essex St, 10-12 McKinley Ave, and 11 Devonshire St
• New cases for 132-134 S. Broadway, 5B Stevens St, and 12 Saratoga St

The board approved a 27‑unit residential building at 280 Haverhill Street with conditions. It denied applications at 414‑420 Essex Street and 11 Devonshire Street. It withdrew the 10‑12 McKinley Street application without prejudice. Several other cases were continued for further work.

• Denied 414‑420 Essex St (2‑3)
• Withdrawn without prejudice 10‑12 McKinley St (5‑0)
• Denied 11 Devonshire St (1‑4)
• Continued 132‑134 S. Broadway (5‑0)
• Continued 5B Stevens St (5‑0)
• Approved 280 Haverhill St (5‑0)
• Continued 327 High St (5‑0)
• Continued 11 Tewksbury St (5‑0)

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board will review routine reports, accept the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes, and address unfinished business items. New business includes planning the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7, 2025, and the distribution of Christmas wreaths on December 1, 2025. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next board meeting for January 15, 2025.

• Acceptance of September 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Unfinished Business: Receiving Tomb
• Unfinished Business: Horse Driven Hearst
• Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 3:45 pm
• Christmas wreath distribution on December 1, 2025

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will vote on paying outstanding invoices, including an AECOM invoice dated November 6, 2025. It will also approve the minutes from the October 29, 2025 board meeting and receive updates on the RFQ for a community assessment study, capital projects, and the Executive Director’s report.

• Payment of invoices (including AECOM invoice dated Nov 6 2025 for construction engineering services)
• Approval of October 29 2025 regular board meeting minutes
• Update on RFQ for Community Assessment Study
• Capital projects update
• Executive Director’s report

City Council

The November 18 meeting includes public hearings on the proposed anti‑camping ordinance and the FY 2026 property tax classification, as well as reviews of pending stop‑sign and parking requests. Council members will vote on allocating $2,316,507.60 from free cash for a Department of Public Works capital improvement project, transferring $500,000 from ARPA funds to the Lawrence Food Resiliency Fund, moving $537,382.67 from retained earnings to airport accounts, and authorizing $256,500 from a MASS Save grant. Additional items include a rezoning request for 128 Parker Street, approval of a tax increment exemption for 216 Canal Street LLC, and several handicapped‑parking designations.

• Allocate $2,316,507.60 from free cash for DPW Capital Improvement Project (Item 340/25)
• Appropriation Transfer $500,000 from ARPA Funds to Lawrence Food Resiliency Fund (Item 450/25)
• Appropriation Transfer $537,382.67 from Retained Earnings to various airport accounts (Item 454/25)
• Authorize expenditure of $256,500 from MASS Save Grant Funds (Item 455/25)
• Public hearing on Proposed “Anti‑Camping” Ordinance (Item 551/24)

The council approved a $2,316,507.60 allocation from free cash for the Department of Public Works capital improvement project. It also approved a $680,038 federal REACH grant and a $226,944 Elder Affairs formula grant, each by unanimous voice vote. Earlier, the council suspended rules to pull three school‑committee appointment items, tabled them, then reinstated and approved the DPW funding and grant items.

• Approved $2,316,507.60 DPW capital improvement allocation (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $680,038 REACH grant from Federal Dept of Health and Human Services (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $226,944 formula grant from Executive Office of Elder Affairs (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to suspend rules and pull three school‑committee appointment items (7‑0; 2 absent)
• Motion to table the three school‑committee items (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to untable DOC #340/25 (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to approve DOC #340/25 (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold a public hearing on November 18, 2025 at the South Lawrence East School Auditorium, 165 Crawford Street, at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will gather testimony and input on a proposed split tax rate that would shift the FY 2026 property tax burden between residential properties and commercial, industrial, and personal property classes. Taxpayers may present comments in person or submit written comments to the City Clerk’s office at 200 Common Street, Room 107, by 5:00 p.m. on the same day.

• Public hearing on FY 2026 property tax classification (split tax rate)
• Proposed shift of tax burden between residential and commercial/industrial/personal property classes
• Written comments accepted until 5:00 p.m. Nov 18, 2025 at City Clerk’s office, 200 Common Street, Room 107
• Venue: South Lawrence East School Auditorium, 165 Crawford Street, 7:00 p.m.

Board of Health

The Lawrence Board of Health will receive a public health update and a report on tobacco activities. The board is scheduled to discuss a water quality report and three business proposals. Several items regarding property violations and hookah regulations remain tabled.

• Water Quality Report from the Executive Director of the Merrimack River Watershed Council
• Mobile Phlebotomy Business Proposal from AS Precision Labs
• Paramedical Tattooing Business Proposal from Renew’d Skin
• Proposed Planet Fitness at 280 Merrimack St including tanning and prepackaged food
• Tobacco Product Sales updates from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum

Personnel Committee

The Personnel and Administration Committee will review applicants and select an appointee for a School Committee Member position. This item is presented by Personnel Director Caryl Garcia and is expected to involve an executive session.

• Review of applicants and selection of appointee for School Committee Member

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget & Finance Committee will consider several authorizations to expend and transfer funds, including a $680,038 REACH grant from the Federal Dept of Health and Human Services, a $226,944 formula grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, a $9,000 Title III grant, a $400,000 appropriation transfer to Legal Services for litigation, a $209.70 Amazon invoice payment, and a $500,000 ARPA transfer to the Lawrence Food Resiliency Fund. All items are listed under New Business for this meeting.

• $680,038 REACH Grant authorization (Federal Dept of Health and Human Services)
• $226,944 Formula Grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
• $400,000 appropriation transfer from Stabilization Reserve Fund to Legal Services for litigation
• $500,000 ARPA transfer to the Lawrence Food Resiliency Fund
• $209.70 payment of prior year Amazon invoice

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will review applicants and choose appointees for three School Committee positions: Education, Finance, and Legal. These selections will be made in an executive session. The agenda also notes several items that were tabled from previous meetings.

• Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member – Education
• Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member – Finance
• Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member – Legal

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will meet virtually on November 12, 2025. Members Marc Laplante, Celina Reyes, and Gregory Delrosario will discuss extending Contract #8012/8012A with the Resource Development Team for a term longer than three years. The agenda also includes several parking ordinance actions and utility pole installations.

• 436/25 – Extend Contract #8012/8012A with Resource Development Team for a term longer than three years
• 437/25 – Handicapped Parking at 197 Crawford Street
• 445/25 – Install JO Pole on East Haverhill Street near Young Avenue (REF #31197559)
• 443/25 – Child Care Parking at 11 Platt Street
• 417/25 – Dedicate square honoring Lt. Margaret Sheehan at the intersection of Saratoga and Lawrence Streets

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will meet to vote on collective bargaining and updates to the policy book. The body will also consider a donation to Parthum Middle School and a Middle School Career Technical Education policy.

• Vote on Collective Bargaining
• Vote on Middle School Career Technical Education (CTE) Policy
• Vote on Policy Book Update: Sections A-C
• Vote on donation to Parthum Middle School from XtremeCraze
• Vote on Facilities Rental

Personnel Committee

The Lawrence Personnel Committee will review applicants and select appointees for three School Committee member positions: Education, Finance, and Legal. These selections are listed as items 451/25, 452/25, and 453/25 and are expected to be discussed in executive session. The meeting is conducted virtually via Zoom.

• 451/25 – Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member (Education)
• 452/25 – Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member (Finance)
• 453/25 – Review applicants and select appointee for School Committee Member (Legal)

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will meet to review the Facade Improvement Grant Program and discuss the allocation of $250,000 for small enterprises. The agenda includes updates on redevelopment projects, property sales, and a legal strategy session regarding the transfer of city property.

• LRA Gap Loan Program - $250,000 allocation
• LRA Self-Sufficiency & Credit Repair Program - $125,000 funding
• Technical Assistance Grant - $25,000 to Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Sale of 300 Canal Street, Unit Hydro
• Discussion of legal strategy concerning transfer of city property to LRA

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority conducted a workshop to review potential boundary changes and redevelopment ideas for the Urban Renewal Plan. Members discussed various sites and concepts, but no formal actions on the plan were taken. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority Board will hold a workshop to review and discuss possible boundary changes and redevelopment opportunities in the Urban Renewal Area. The session will cover the planning process, identify key redevelopment sites, and consider how revised boundaries could support housing, economic development, and downtown revitalization. No formal action is scheduled for this meeting.

• Workshop to review Urban Renewal Area boundaries and redevelopment opportunities (no formal action)

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority approved issuing requests for proposals for both the Credit Builder Loan Program and the Microenterprise Loan Program, authorizing the Executive Director to manage the procurement process. The board also accepted the corrected financial statements, approved the meeting minutes, and adjourned the meeting.

• Motion to move Executive Director's report to end of meeting – approved unanimously
• Motion to approve issuance of an RFP for the Credit Builder Loan Program – approved unanimously
• Motion to approve issuance of an RFP for the Microenterprise Loan Program – approved unanimously
• Motion to accept the financial statements with corrections – approved unanimously
• Motion to approve meeting minutes – approved unanimously
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – approved unanimously

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority has scheduled a regular session for November 10, 2025. The provided agenda contains only procedural notice of the meeting and lists no specific discussion items or decisions.

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will consider several budget authorizations, including $405,377 for a 911 support grant and two $23,846 address‑verification grants. A rezoning proposal will move land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation. The council will also hold public hearings on multiple handicapped and child‑care parking requests and vote on adopting a new floodplain map with an ordinance amendment.

• Approve $405,377 expenditure for PSAP 911 Support and Incentive Grant (Budget & Finance Committee).
• Approve two $23,846 expenditures for FY23 and FY24 SORB Address Verification Grants (Budget & Finance Committee).
• Rezoning a portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation (Planning Director).
• Public hearings on handicapped and child‑care parking requests at locations such as Elizabeth Street, 1 Linden Street, 336 Howard St., 2 Fairmont St., and 80 Coolidge St.
• Adopt new FIRM Floodplain Map and amend the City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance (Chapter 15.32).

City Council

The November 6 meeting will consider approving a $4 million bond to acquire real‑property on Andover Street. Council members will also vote on rezoning a portion of Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation. The Budget and Finance Committee will present an authorization to expend $405,377 for a PSAP 911 Support and Incentive Grant. A new Floodplain Map and amendment to the Floodplain Management Ordinance will be adopted. Additionally, the council will hold public hearings on multiple handicapped‑parking and child‑care‑parking requests across the city.

• Approve $4 M bond for purchase of real property on Andover Street – John Lavoie, GLTS Superintendent
• Rezoning Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation – Dan McCarthy, Acting Planning Director
• Authorize $405,377 expenditure for PSAP 911 Support and Incentive Grant – Rosa M. Shepherd, Police Dept.
• Adopt new floodplain map and amend the Floodplain Management Ordinance – Daniel McCarthy, Planning Director
• Public hearings for numerous handicapped and child‑care parking sites (e.g., 361/23 Elizabeth St, 345/25 336 Howard St, 380/25 Erving Ave)

The City Council voted 7‑0 to amend the previously authorized $4,000,000 bond, allowing the funds to be used for a new medical‑oriented addition at the Greater Lawrence Technical School campus instead of purchasing the Elks Lodge property. The Council also approved three police‑related grant expenditures totaling $452,069 and adopted the meeting minutes unanimously. Motions to suspend the rules and to reconsider the bond amendment were each approved 7‑0 before the final amendment vote.

• Approved amendment to $4M GLTS bond for new facility (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved suspension of rules to reconsider bond amendment (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved motion to reconsider bond amendment (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved $405,377 PSAP 911 Support and Incentive Grant (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved $23,846 FY23 SORB Address Verification Grant (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved $23,846 FY24 SORB Address Verification Grant (7 Yes, 1 Absent)
• Approved the meeting minutes from September 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to suspend rules and pull grant documents from Committee (7 Yes, 1 Absent)

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will hold roll call, approve the prior meeting's minutes, and consider three new license applications. Two applications request wholesale‑to‑wholesale licenses for auto‑sales businesses at 181 Canal St and 33 Water. The third seeks a common‑vicinity license for Solace Brazilian Steakhouse & Bar at 97‑101 Essex St, formerly El Cesar Restaurant.

• Wholesale‑to‑Wholesale License for Campos Auto Sales Inc., office space only, 181 Canal St.
• Wholesale‑to‑Wholesale License for Icelso Cars for Sale, office space only, 33 Water.
• Common Vic License for Solace Brazilian Steakhouse & Bar, 97‑101 Essex St (former El Cesar Restaurant).

Commission on Disability

The Lawrence Commission on Disability will meet to discuss accessibility improvements and staffing. The body is reviewing requests for reasonable accommodations and the status of various grants.

• Proposal to improve City Hall entrance accessibility
• Request for a ramp for a Bradford St. public housing resident
• Letter of support for Northeast Independent Living Program grant application
• Status of grant from Massachusetts Office on Disability
• Joint project with DPW to fund handicapped curb cut renovations

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board will consider two special‑permit petitions during its public meeting. Britos Management LLC proposes constructing four residential units atop a commercial space at 132‑134 S. Broadway, located in a B‑2 Business Zoning District. Esperanza Realty Corp proposes renovating a single‑family building into six residential units at 125 Haverhill St, also in a B‑2 Business Zoning District.

• Special permit petition by Britos Management LLC for 132‑134 S. Broadway to add four residential units atop a commercial space (B‑2 Business Zoning District).
• Special permit petition by Esperanza Realty Corp for 125 Haverhill St to convert a single‑family building into six residential units (B‑2 Business Zoning District).

Library Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will approve the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting. Trustees will review a request to approve the Library’s City Council Semi‑Annual Report. The board will discuss updates to the Meeting Room Policy and consider designating the Main Library as a secondary location for the Police and Fire Departments. Additional items include a strategic plan update and a passport application agency site proposal.

• Approve August 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve Library’s City Council Semi‑Annual Report
• Review and approve updates to Meeting Room Policy
• Consider Main Library as secondary location for Police and Fire Departments
• Discuss Passport Application Agency Site proposal

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several variance and special permit petitions at its public hearing on October 30, 2025. Items include residential dimensional and parking variances for properties on McKinley Ave, East Street, S. Broadway, Stevens St, and Saratoga St, as well as an industrial variance and special permit for New England Power Co. at 41 Glenn St. The board will decide whether to grant the requested changes to zoning requirements.

• Petition by Yahayra Almonte for a dimensional variance to build a two‑family dwelling (4,050 sq ft) on 10‑12 McKinley Ave (R‑2 zone)
• Petition by Ken Daher for a dimensional variance to build a single‑family dwelling (6,212 sq ft) on 11 Devonshire St (R‑2 zone)
• Petition by Britos Management LLC for a parking variance to build four units without parking at 132‑134 S. Broadway (B‑2 zone)
• Petition by Amauris Ovalles for parking and dimensional variances to build a three‑story, six‑unit building at 12 Saratoga St (R‑3 zone)
• Petition by New England Power Co. for a variance and special permit to resurface a 3.25‑acre laydown yard and add an 8 ft chain‑link fence at 41 Glenn St (I‑1 zone)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider several variance and special‑permit petitions. Petitioners request dimensional or parking variances for properties on McKinley Ave, Devonshire St, S. Broadway, Stevens St, Saratoga St, Glenn St, Common St, and Haverhill St. All requests involve changes to residential, business, or industrial zoning districts. The board will review the applications and gather public input.

• Yahayra Almonte – dimensional variance to subdivide 10‑12 McKinley Ave (R‑2) for a two‑family dwelling (4,050 sq ft)
• Ken Daher – dimensional variance to subdivide 11 Devonshire St (R‑2) for a single‑family dwelling (6,212 sq ft)
• Britos Management LLC – parking variance to build four units without parking at 132‑134 S. Broadway (B‑2)
• Amauris Ovalles – parking and dimensional variances for a three‑story, six‑unit building at 12 Saratoga St (R‑3)
• New England Power Co. – variance and special permit to resurface a 3.25‑acre laydown yard and add an 8 ft chain‑link fence at 41 Glenn St (I‑1)

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted on eleven items. Two petitions were continued, one was withdrawn with prejudice, and several projects were approved—some with conditions. Notably, the 71-75 Common Street development was approved pending a parking‑garage land purchase. All votes were unanimous (5‑0).

• Continued 414-420 Essex Street (5-0)
• Petition 89-95 Essex Street withdrawn with prejudice (5-0)
• Approved 8-10 Elm Street with 2 conditions (5-0)
• Approved 41 Glenn Street with no conditions (5-0)
• Approved 71-75 Common Street with parking‑garage condition (5-0)
• Approved 125 Haverhill Street with no conditions (5-0)
• Continued 10-12 McKinley Street (5-0)
• Continued 5B Stevens (5-0)

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will meet in person on October 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM. An executive session will address the matter of Theresa Fay’s accidental death, and new business includes superannuation items for Rafael Vega and Clifford Fairbanks, a legal contract covering 01/01/2026‑12/31/2032, a MACRS winter conference, and a quarterly update on the office budget. Tabled items include discussion of a Cola Base Increase and various financial and administrative matters such as make‑up payments, liability requests, retiree payroll, and approval of minutes.

• Legal Contract – effective 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2032
• Quarterly update on office budget
• Discussion of Cola Base Increase
• Superannuation matter for Rafael Vega
• Superannuation matter for Clifford Fairbanks

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District will discuss and vote on an amendment for engineering services with Kleinfelder. The body will also receive updates on a Community Assessment Study RFQ and capital projects.

• Vote on Amendment No. 11 with Kleinfelder for Engineering Services Related to Interceptor CCTV Inspections
• Discussion of Methuen/Lawrence Sewer Interconnections
• Update on RFQ for Community Assessment Study
• Payment of invoices, including an AECOM invoice for MCC/PC Upgrades Project construction engineering services

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will consider a slate of new business items, including a street renaming, multiple handicapped and resident parking changes, and a dedication of a square honoring Lt. Margaret Sheehan. The meeting is conducted virtually and broadcast via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. Items that were previously tabled from earlier dates will also be reviewed.

• Rename a portion of Orchard Street to Jackson Terrace — Diomaris Nieves (428/25)
• Dedicate a square honoring Lt. Margaret Sheehan at Saratoga and Lawrence Streets — Councilors Vivian Marmol and Wendy Luzon (417/25)
• Remove handicapped parking at 18 Fulton Street — Felipe Hidalgo (425/25)
• Install JO Pole on Berkeley Street near Montgomery Street (REF #31193102) — Dave Johnson, National Grid (407/25)
• Resident parking designation on Saratoga Street between Stearns Ave and Arlington St — Councilors Celina Reyes and Gregory Delrosario (429/25)

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing on Fiscal Year 2026 property tax classifications. Members will also consider several grant expenditures for the Police Department and review a list of tabled items dating back to 2015.

• Public hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 Property Tax Classification
• Authorization to expend $405,377 for PSAP 911 Support and Incentive Grant
• Authorization to expend $23,846 for FY23 SORB Grant Address Verification Program
• Authorization to expend $23,846 for FY24 SORB Grant Address Verification Program
• Authorization to expend $250,000 for Waste Reduction Project household hazardous waste facility

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will consider three items of new business. Beraldi Enterprises seeks to transfer its liquor license to Route 28 LLC DBA Sam's Food Store, moving from 282 Merrimack St. to 383‑385 Broadway. Club 254 Sport Bar & Grille Inc. will surrender its liquor license for the premises at 168‑172 Broadway. La Nueva Empanada is applying for an entertainment license at 144‑146 So Union.

• License transfer request: LL25-000045 – Beraldi Enterprises to Route 28 LLC DBA Sam's Food Store (282 Merrimack St. → 383‑385 Broadway)
• License surrender: Club 254 Sport Bar & Grille Inc. ABCC License 06383‑RS‑0594 at 168‑172 Broadway
• Entertainment license application: ENT25-000005 – La Nueva Empanada at 144‑146 So Union

City Council

The Lawrence City Council meeting will consider several budget authorizations, including a $1,054,800 MVP Grant from the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, a $179,190.49 PSAP 911 Training Grant, and a $299,861 2026 Shannon Grant. Council members will also discuss a rezoning of land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation, and adopt a new floodplain map with an amendment to the Floodplain Management Ordinance. Additional items include multiple parking and stop‑sign proposals and public‑safety grant authorizations.

• Authorization to expend $1,054,800 MVP Grant – Daniel McCarthy, Planning Director
• Authorization to expend $179,190.49 PSAP 911 Training Grant – Rosa M. Shepherd, Police Dept.
• Authorization to expend $299,861 2026 Shannon Grant – Rosa M. Shepherd, Police Dept.
• Rezoning a portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation – Dan McCarthy, Acting Planning Director
• Adopt new FIRM Floodplain Map and amend the City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance – Daniel McCarthy, Planning Director

The council approved a $1,054,800 MVP grant to improve flood mitigation and waived the 30‑day hold. It also approved a donated police vehicle, a $179,190.49 911 training grant, a $299,861 Shannon grant, a $10,000 annual stipend for council members, and a $10,000 annual stipend for school‑committee members. All motions passed with seven yes votes and one absent member.

• Approved $1,054,800 MVP Grant (DOC #391/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved donation of vehicle to Police Department (DOC #390/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved motion to reconsider vehicle donation and send thank‑you letter (DOC #390/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved $179,190.49 PSAP 911 Training Grant (DOC #397/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved $299,861 2026 Shannon Grant (DOC #398/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved $10,000 annual stipend contract for council members (DOC #394/25) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)
• Approved $10,000 annual stipend for school‑committee members (DOC #528/24) – passed (7 YES, 1 ABSENT)

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board will meet on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the cemetery office, 170 May Street, Lawrence. The agenda includes routine reports, a review of financial statements, and unfinished business items such as receiving a tomb and a horse‑driven hearse. New business items cover planning the Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 7 at 3:45 PM and the Christmas wreath display on December 1, 2025. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

• Receiving Tomb
• Horse‑driven Hearst
• Christmas Tree Lighting – Sunday Dec 7 at 3:45 pm
• Christmas Wreaths – Dec 1 2025

The Bellevue Cemetery Board approved adding a perpetual care fee, ranging from $300 to $500, to be charged on future grave sales. The board also decided to send cards and gift cards to support injured employee Carlos Espejo, continue searching for an antique appraiser and finalize insurance coverage, request detailed trust‑account deposit records, and obtain additional bids for cemetery cleanup work. The next meeting will be scheduled before Thanksgiving to accommodate scheduling conflicts.

• Approved perpetual care fee for future grave sales
• Approved sending cards and gift cards to injured employee Carlos Espejo
• Approved continuing search for qualified antique appraiser and finalizing insurance
• Approved request for detailed trust‑account deposit records from city financial staff
• Approved seeking additional competitive bids for cemetery cleanup
• Approved setting next meeting date before Thanksgiving

Airport Commission

The commission will approve the minutes from its September 17 and October 3, 2025 meetings. It will receive reports from the Finance, Lease, and Airport Security committees and consider Falcon Air’s request for a license to use additional ramp space.

• Approve minutes from September 17, 2025 meeting
• Approve minutes from October 3, 2025 meeting
• Finance Committee report
• Lease Committee report
• Falcon Air request for additional ramp space license

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is meeting to discuss several grant expenditures and the acceptance of a donated vehicle. The committee will also review a large list of tabled items, including the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget and opioid settlement funds.

• Authorization to expend $1,054,800 MVP Grant from Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Authorization to expend $299,861 2026 Shannon Grant
• Authorization to expend $179,190.49 PSAP 911 Training Grant
• Acceptance of donated vehicle from NICB to the Lawrence Police Dept.
• Review of Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget (Tabled)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel and Administration Committee will review the appointment of Jacqueline Marmol to the Board of Registrars. The committee will also address several tabled items including a personnel director hiring update and a proposed ordinance for a Manager of Financial and Administrative Services.

• Appointment of Jacqueline Marmol to the Board of Registrars
• Personnel Director hiring update
• Confirmation of Sheila Cabrera to the ZBA
• Proposed ordinance for Manager of Financial and Administrative Services (02.64.060)
• Report on Board and Commissions

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority is reviewing funding allocations for small enterprises and credit repair. The body will also discuss a solar project at Riverfront Industrial Park and the Director of Planning and Development Strategy position.

• Allocation of $250,000 for LRA Gap Loan Program to support small enterprises
• Funding of $125,000 for LRA Self-Sufficiency & Credit Repair Program
• $25,000 Technical Assistance Grant to the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Solar Voltaic Project at Riverfront Industrial Park, Parcel 6B-3
• Sale of 300 Canal Street, Unit Hydro

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority voted to approve a $25,000 technical assistance grant to the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Board unanimously tabled three proposed funding initiatives: a $250,000 Gap Loan Program, a $125,000 Self‑Sufficiency & Credit Repair Program, and a solar project at Riverfront Industrial Park. Additional unanimous motions allowed Carlos Matos to remain Acting Director, authorized an RFP for the sale of 300 Canal Street, approved the meeting minutes, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved $25,000 grant to Merrimack Valley Chamber (unanimous)
• Tabled $250,000 LRA Gap Loan Program (unanimous)
• Tabled $125,000 Self‑Sufficiency & Credit Repair Program (unanimous)
• Tabled Solar Voltaic Project at Riverfront Industrial Park (unanimous)
• Allowed Carlos Matos to continue as Acting Director (unanimous)
• Authorized Attorney Brian Corrigan to draft RFP for 300 Canal St. sale (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will consider authorizing a three‑year contract with Groundwork Lawrence for O’Connell Park renovations, approving a posting and hire for a Finance Officer position, granting a junk‑dealer permit for Auto Recycles Group at 48‑50 Medford Street, and reviewing several handicapped and resident parking permits and utility pole installations. Additional items include a Halloween hayride event at Campagnone Common and a dedication of a square honoring Lt. Margaret Sheehan.

• 394/25 – Authorize a contract over 3 years with Groundwork Lawrence for O’Connell Park Renovations
• 395/25 – Authorization to post, advertise and fill the vacant Finance Officer position
• 396/25 – Junk Dealer Permit for Auto Recycles Group, LLC at 48‑50 Medford Street
• 407‑412 – Installation of JO poles on Berkeley, Winthrop, Marlborough, Brookfield, Shepard, and Andover Streets (National Grid)
• 415/25 – Hayride for Halloween Event at Campagnone Common on Oct 24, 2025

Board of Health

The Lawrence Local Board of Health will review a public health update from Chairman Dr. Joel Gorn and a tobacco product sales report from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum. New business includes a proposal from The Beautiful Way Non‑Profit Foundation for city collaboration, a discussion of rising illegal tobacco sales by street vendors, and an appeal concerning the Home & More DBA Hookah Outlet at 8 SO Broadway Street. Several old‑business items, such as the Fiesta Carnival camping issue and workplace smoke‑consumption policies, are listed as tabled.

• Proposal for collaboration with The Beautiful Way Non‑Profit Foundation (presented by Rajiv Chopra, PhD)
• Report of significant increase in illegal tobacco sales by street vendors
• Tobacco violation appeal for 8 SO Broadway Street, Home & More DBA Hookah Outlet (File #TOB24-000074)
• Fiesta Carnival illegal camping on the Tombarello Hazardous Waste Site (tabled)
• Discussion of private vs. public workplace smoke consumption (tabled)

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold a regular session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at its office, 353 Elm St., Lawrence, MA. The notice provides contact information for Executive Director Efrain Rolon. No specific agenda items are listed in the notice.

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on the district's Strategic Plan and MCAS Competency Determination revisions. The body will also receive reports on school construction updates and end-of-year finances.

• Vote on Strategic Plan
• Vote on MCAS Competency Determination Revisions
• Vote on Facilities Rental
• MSBA Construction update on school completion and punch list
• End-of-Year financial report

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on the district Strategic Plan and MCAS competency determination revisions. The body will also receive reports on school construction, enrollment, and end-of-year finances.

• Vote on Strategic Plan
• Vote on MCAS Competency Determination Revisions
• Vote on Facilities Rental
• MSBA Construction update regarding school completion and punch lists
• End-of-Year financial report

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will approve minutes, consider old business, and discuss new business items. New business includes three applications for Section 12 Restaurant All Alcohol Beverages licenses at 431‑435 Essex St. and 13 South Broadway St., plus a corporate inclusion request for G&A Auto Sales.

• License LL25-000044 – El Criollo R & D LLC – Section 12 restaurant alcohol license at 431‑435 Essex St. (representative: Rafael A. Reinoso Guzman)
• License LL25-000021 – Michael’s Bistro LLC – Section 12 restaurant alcohol license at 431‑435 Essex St. (representative: Shawn Salama / owner‑manager Michael Agricola)
• License LL25-000040 – Alli Bar Restaurant – Section 12 restaurant alcohol license at 13 South Broadway St. (representative: Amiris Rodriguez)
• License MV25-000015 – G&A Auto Sales Corporation – request to include a corporation in G&A Auto Sales (representative: Arismendy More)

City Council

The City Council will review several funding authorizations, including grants for public safety and energy projects. The body is also considering numerous parking requests and an appointment to the Board of Registrars.

• Authorization to expend $1,208,942.73 for the 2026 MA Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant
• Authorization to expend $1,054,800 MVP Grant from Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Authorization to expend $122,938.71 for Winter Protocols and fire victim placement
• Appointment of Jacqueline Marmol to the Board of Registrars
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation

The Lawrence City Council unanimously approved three budget expenditures: $122,938.71 for winter emergency protocols, $1,208,942.73 for a 2026 municipal public‑safety staffing grant, and $32,865.53 for prior‑year police bills. The council also renewed the City Clerk contract and withdrew a series of pending ordinances. All motions passed by unanimous voice vote.

• Approved $122,938.71 winter protocol and fire‑victim placement grant (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $1,208,942.73 2026 MA municipal public‑safety staffing grant (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $32,865.53 payment of prior‑year police bills (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved renewal of City Clerk contract (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved minutes from August 12 and August 19, 2025 (unanimous voice vote)
• Withdrew Ordinance 2.160 Non‑Union Classification Plan Schedule A (unanimous voice vote)
• Withdrew proposal to rename “Broadway” to “Juan Pablo Duarte Blvd.” (unanimous voice vote)
• Withdrew multiple pending ordinances listed in items 63/23, 133/23, 146/23, 147/23, 148/23, 166/23 (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will consider a motion to confirm the location for the October City Council meetings, as required by City Council Rule #2. No committee reports or public hearings are scheduled. The meeting will be held at South Lawrence East School Auditorium, 165 Crawford Street, with hybrid participation.

• Vote to confirm location of October City Council meetings per City Council Rule #2

The council voted 8-0 to suspend Rule #2, which requires a majority vote to change meeting location. They then approved moving the next regular council meeting to 165 Crawford Street in the South Lawrence East School Auditorium by unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

• Suspended Rule #2 (8-0)
• Approved next regular meeting at 165 Crawford Street, South Lawrence East School Auditorium (unanimous voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will meet to discuss the effects of the 2025 government shutdown on airport operations. The body will also address capital improvement projects and an upcoming visit from the MA Joint Committee on Transportation Chair.

• Impact of 2025 Government Shutdown at the Lawrence Municipal Airport
• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Request Meeting
• Approval of seasonal participants for Airport Wildlife Management Program
• Greater Lawrence Technical School event request for October 15, 2025
• Visit of the MA Joint Committee on Transportation, Chair

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting with public input and sub‑committee reports. Committee members will consider several pending items, including a proposal to change graduation requirements, a plan to add financial‑literacy courses, the FY26 budget, and the district strategic plan. New business includes a quarterly update by Superintendent Carrero and a research question on the impact of the state takeover.

• 2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools (item 0001)
• 2025 Proposal: Integration of Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum (item 0007)
• 2025 Lawrence Public School FY26 (item 0015)
• 2025 LPS Strategic Plan (item 0011)
• 2025 School Committee Quarterly Update #4 by Superintendent Carrero (item 0021)

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board will review several development petitions, including a 21-unit apartment building, a medical facility conversion, and a subdivision plan. The meeting will also address a zoning variance request and a site plan modification.

• 52 Walnut Street: 21-unit apartment building special permit
• 98-100 Water Street: Medical facility renovation and conversion
• 2-8 Birch Drive: Definitive plan for three duplexes
• 11 Tewksbury Street: Request to re-petition a denied variance
• 71-75 Common Street: Request to modify a previously approved site plan

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will meet to discuss a joint project with the DPW for handicapped curb renovations and improvements to the City Hall entrance. The body will also review staffing requirements and reports on sensory movie nights.

• Joint project with DPW to fund renovation of adding handicapped curbs
• Proposed improvements to make City Hall entrance more accommodating
• Discussion of Commission staffing as required by City Ordinance
• Report on ADA issue at the bridge at 300 Canal St.
• Status update on the purchase of a device for the City Council to accommodate people who are deaf

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on September 25, 2025. It will consider two continued items for 414‑422 Essex Street (Emilio King) and 89‑95 Essex Street (Opalos Café, LLC). It will also discuss a new petition by Eugenio Garcia requesting a dimensional variance to construct a three‑unit dwelling with six off‑street parking spaces at 8‑10 Elm Street, which is in an R‑3 residential district.

• Continued item: 414‑422 Essex Street – applicant Emilio King
• Continued item: 89‑95 Essex Street – Opalos Café, LLC
• New case: Dimensional variance petition by Eugenio Garcia for 8‑10 Elm Street to build a 3‑unit dwelling with 6 off‑street parking spaces (R‑3 zone)

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will consider three applications for one‑day alcohol permits. Each request seeks to serve a specific event at a listed address on a set date and time. The board will decide whether to grant the permits.

• License LL25-000043 – St. Joseph Church – One‑day all‑alcohol license for 241 Hampshire St., event on Nov 8 2025, 6 pm‑11 pm
• License LL25-000042 – Groundwork Lawrence – One‑day wine and malt beverage license for 15 Union St., event on Nov 20 2025, 5 pm‑10 pm
• License LL25-000041 – Flamboyan Production – One‑day wine and malt license for 15 Union St., event on Sep 26 2025, 7 pm‑11 pm

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will consider a slate of parking and traffic items. Proposals include new handicapped parking permits at several addresses, resident‑only parking zones, and a one‑way street conversion on Hillside Avenue. The committee will also review removal of a handicapped space and a no‑parking restriction on Erving Avenue.

• 374/25 Hillside Ave — One Way [from Yale Street to Haverhill Street in a Southerly direction] – Councilors Celina Reyes, Gregory Delrosario, Ana Levy, Modesto Maldonado
• 382/25 Handicapped Parking – 69 Berkeley Street – Elizabeth Santiago
• 387/25 Remove Handicapped Parking – 5 Durant Street – Councilor Wendy Luzon
• 380/25 No Parking – Erving Ave [between Hampshire St and Bennington St from 7 p.m. — 7 a.m.] – Councilor Celina Reyes, Councilor Ana Levy, DPW Dept., Rocky Clean River Project
• 298/25 Install One JO Pole and one mid‑span pole on Mt Vernon St at Crestwood Circle – Dave Johnson, National Grid

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will meet to discuss the 12/31/2024 financial statements audit by CBIZ and a request for proposals for legal services. The board will also address member stipends and specific disability and death benefit claims.

• Year End 12/31/2024 Financial Statements Audit by CBIZ
• RFP for legal services for contract ending 12/31/2025
• Retirement Board member and treasurer stipend
• Thomas Baggett Inv. Ord/Acc Disability claim
• Theresa Fay accidental death tabled item

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will discuss the adoption of the city's new Housing Production Plan. The meeting also includes a large volume of tabled items regarding the declaration of surplus properties and real property dispositions.

• Adoption of the City’s new Housing Production Plan
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinances to allow Accessory Dwelling Units
• Declaration of surplus property for multiple sites including 113 Exchange St, 2 Mossgiel View Place, and 46 Cedar St
• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street and 22 Hancock Street
• Grant of utility easement to Eversource Gas Company at 1-9 Hoffman Street

Budget & Finance Committee

The Lawrence Budget & Finance Committee will vote on several authorizations to spend city funds. Items include a $1,208,942.73 grant for 2026 municipal public safety staffing, $122,938.71 for winter protocols and temporary fire‑victim placement, $32,865.53 for prior‑year police bills, a $250,000 waste‑reduction hazardous‑waste facility project, and a $400,000 ARPA transfer to support small businesses. The committee will also review the FY2026 municipal budget, the annual audit report, and other financial updates.

• 364/25 Authorization to Expend $1,208,942.73 for 2026 MA Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant
• 361/25 Authorization to Expend $122,938.71 for winter protocols and temporary placement of fire victims
• 202/25 Authorization to Expend $250,000 for a permanent household hazardous waste facility
• 568/24 Transfer $400,000 from ARPA/Free Cash to Small Business via the Prospering Lawrence Grant
• 76B/24 Resolution amending reimbursement requirement, allocating $150,000 to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and $100,000 to Lawrence General Hospital

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will consider renewing the City Clerk contract (item 388/25). Several other items are listed as tabled, including a personnel director hiring update, an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a proposed ordinance for a Manager of Financial and Administrative Services, and a report on boards and commissions. No minutes are required for council approval.

• 388/25 Contract Renewal, City Clerk — Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez
• 543/24 Personnel Director Hiring Update — Council VP Stephany Infante (tabled)
• 462/24 Confirm Appointment to the ZBA, Sheila Cabrera — Mayor Brian A. DePeiia and City Attorney Tim Houten (tabled)
• 323/24 Proposed New Ordinance for “Manager of Financial and Administrative Services” (02.64.060) — Jorge Jaime, DPW Director (tabled)
• 49/20 Report on Board and Commissions — Council Rodriguez (tabled)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold a public hearing to approve vote‑by‑mail procedures for the local elections scheduled on September 16, 2025 and November 4, 2025. No committee reports or new business items are on the agenda.

• Approve vote‑by‑mail for the September 16, 2025 local election
• Approve vote‑by‑mail for the November 4, 2025 local election

The Lawrence City Council approved a motion to opt out of vote‑by‑mail for the November 4 municipal election, with a roll‑call vote of 6 yes, 1 abstain, and 1 present. The motion was made by Councilor Wendy Luzon and seconded by Council Vice President Stephany Infante. The council also passed a motion to adjourn the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

• Opt out of vote‑by‑mail for Nov. 4 municipal election approved (YES:6, Abstain:1, Present:1)
• Motion to adjourn meeting approved unanimously

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance prohibiting unauthorized camping in public spaces. The meeting also includes numerous requests to modify handicapped parking zones and several committee reports.

• Public hearing on proposed 'Anti-Camping' ordinance
• Requests to modify handicapped parking at 69 Berkeley Street
• Requests to modify handicapped parking at 46 Cross Street
• Requests to modify handicapped parking at 122 Myrtle Street
• Authorization to expend $139,805.00 in grant funds

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will discuss a rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation. Committee reports include authorizations to spend $139,805 from a public‑health grant and $95,765.20 from a transportation trust fund. Several public‑hearing items on handicapped parking, child‑care parking, and an anti‑camping ordinance will be heard, and new business items such as contract renewals and a $164,750 four‑year contract with Credere Associates will be considered.

• Rezoning a portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I‑2) to Open Space Recreation – Dan McCarthy, Acting Planning Director
• Authorization to expend $139,805.00 grant funds from MA Dept of Public Health for active transportation projects – Elecia Miller
• Authorization to expend $95,765.20 from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund – Jorge Jaime
• Four‑year contract, $164,750, with Credere Associates LLC – Dan McCarthy, Planning Director
• Contract renewal for City Clerk – Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez

The council unanimously approved two grant expenditures: $139,805 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for active transportation and safe routes, and $95,765.20 from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund for street line markings. It also un‑tabled and approved two four‑year contracts, each for $164,750, and approved a block of handicapped‑parking changes for several streets. Several pending traffic‑study and related ordinance items were withdrawn.

• Approved $139,805 health grant (unanimous)
• Approved $95,765.20 transportation line‑marking funding (unanimous)
• Un‑tabled and approved $164,750 Credere Associates contract (unanimous)
• Un‑tabled and approved $164,750 TRE Environmental contract (unanimous)
• Approved block of handicapped‑parking changes for multiple streets (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of preamble reading for legal notices (unanimous)
• Withdrawn traffic‑study documents for Swan Street, East Haverhill, etc. (unanimous)
• Withdrawn installation‑fence and parking‑stipend items (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will consider requests for determination and notices of intent for several local sites. The meeting includes a presentation on the Stevens Pond Dam Study.

• Request for Determination: Merrimack River-Above Stone Dam for City of Lawrence Water Department
• Notice of Intent-Extension: 216 Canal Street
• Request for Determination: Wedgewood Road (Map 75/Lot 2) for Gerogetowne North Condominium II
• Notice of Intent: 20 International Way for Impact Church, Inc.
• Presentation: Stevens Pond Dam Study by Tighe & Bond

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will hold its regular meeting on September 18, 2025, at 255 Essex Street (also via remote participation). The board will receive updates on draft development agreements with selected developers and on a major amendment to the urban renewal plan. Additional agenda items include reviews of bylaws, insurance policies, staffing, and various project proposals.

• Update on draft development agreements with selected developers for redevelopment projects
• Update on major urban renewal plan amendment
• Amendments to LRA By‑laws
• LRA insurance review and policy development
• Hiring of a Project Manager

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will discuss its legal approach to transferring city property to the Authority under the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan. The discussion is slated for an executive session as permitted by state open‑meeting law. No decisions are recorded at this time.

• Discuss legal strategy for city‑property transfer to LRA under the TBD Urban Renewal Plan (executive session anticipated)

The Authority voted to move Item G, the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment presented by James Carras, out of Old Business. Members also approved the removal of several agenda items, including amendments to the bylaws and a consulting contract with Hem Vora. The board approved discussion of disciplinary procedures, adopted the meeting minutes, and adjourned the session, all by unanimous vote.

• Moved Item G. Urban Renewal Plan Amendment (James Carras) out of Old Business – approved unanimously
• Removed agenda items A (Amendments to LRA By‑laws), Consulting Contract with Hem Vora, Meetings with abutters of City‑owned properties, RFO process and public participation, Hiring of Project Manager, Request for Minor Plan Change (Amendment #2), LRA enrollment in PERAC/Lawrence Retirement System – approved unanimously
• Approved discussion of disciplinary procedures under Robert’s Rules of Order – approved unanimously
• Approved the meeting minutes – approved unanimously
• Adjourned the meeting – approved unanimously

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will meet to discuss the Airport Holt Road North Parcel. The body will also receive reports from the Finance and Lease committees and review airport security procedures.

• Discussion regarding Airport Holt Road North Parcel
• Report on 135 North Ramp Road NACC OOC
• Finance Committee report
• Lease Committee report
• Review of Airport Security Procedures

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will consider several items, including a vote to award a bid for construction of MCC upgrades. The meeting will also address payment of invoices, a capital projects update, and the Executive Director’s report. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 and Local 170.

• Vote on award of bid for construction of MCC upgrades
• Payment of invoices
• Capital projects update
• Executive Director’s report
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 and Local 170

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board will review three ongoing cases for properties at 186 Mt. Vernon St., 123 Lawrence St., and 640 Essex St. It will consider a petition from Reyes LLC to modify a special permit for 75‑85 Manchester St., increasing the approved units from 14 to 18. The board will also hear a request from Greater Lawrence Community Action Council to extend a special permit for 59‑71 Merrimack St., originally approved on March 6, 2024.

• Continued case: 186 Mt. Vernon St. (Bernardo DeLeon)
• Continued case: 123 Lawrence St. (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 640 Essex St. (Brother United LLC/Edwin Solano)
• Petition to modify special permit for 75‑85 Manchester St. to increase units from 14 to 18
• Extension request for special permit at 59‑71 Merrimack St.

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will conduct roll call, approve the minutes from the previous meeting, consider any tabled matters, and discuss several incident reports involving shootings and a license for Aqua Lounge. The discussion includes incident report numbers 25005004, 25004080, and 2500206, as well as ABCC License #03643-GP-0594 for Aqua Lounge at 151-153 Essex St.

• Incident Report #25005004 – shooting report dated 9/13/2025
• Incident Report #25004080 – possession of ammunition on 08/2/2025
• Incident Report #2500206 – shots fired on 4/26/2025
• ABCC License #03643-GP-0594 for Aqua Lounge, 151-153 Essex St.
• Approval of minutes from the September meeting

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority has scheduled its regular session for Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Authority’s office, 353 Elm Street, Lawrence, MA. No specific agenda items are listed in the notice. The notice provides contact information for the Executive Director.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss a large volume of tabled new business items. These include reviews of police department audits, parking ordinances, and city-wide speed limit proposals.

• Audit of the Lawrence Police Department for Fiscal Year 2025
• Proposal to establish a city-wide maximum motor vehicle speed of 25mph
• Review of parking ordinances, regulations, and the city's towing list
• Speed Limit Pilot Project Act
• Review of the Lawrence Police Department's use of license plate readers

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is reviewing several authorizations to expend grant funds for public safety, transportation, and health protocols. The meeting also includes a large list of tabled items, including the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget and the Annual Audit Report.

• Auth to Expend $1,208,942.73 for 2026 MA Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant
• Auth to Expend $139,805.00 for Active Transportation, Safe Routes to School and Parks & Open Spaces
• Auth to Expend $122,938.71 for Winter Protocols and temporary placement of Fire Victims
• Auth to Expend $95,765.20 from Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund
• Tabled item: Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will review several new license applications, including a request by Calderon Supermarket for a seasonal outdoor cooking tent at 296 Broadway. Other applications include a coffee and tobacco permit for Ateneo Dominicano at 1 Jackson St. on September 12, 2025, and a common vending license for Papi Pica Pollo Inc. at 105 So Union St. The board will also consider a previously tabled one‑day alcohol license for the Portuguese American Holy Ghost Fraternity at 34‑38 Common St. for September 21, 2025. The meeting will begin with roll call and approval of minutes before addressing old and new business.

• License #SPE25-000007 – Calderon Supermarket: tent for outdoor cooking (chicken, hamburgers, sausages, hot dogs) at 296 Broadway, summer season
• License #LL25-000039 – Ateneo Dominicano: coffee & tobacco service at 1 Jackson St. on Sep 12, 2025, 7:00 pm‑9:00 pm
• License #VIC25-000084 – Papi Pica Pollo Inc.: common vending license at 105 So Union St., former Evergreen Restaurant
• License #LL25-000034 (tabled): one‑day all‑alcohol license for Portuguese American Holy Ghost Fraternity at 34‑38 Common St., Sep 21, 2025, 12:00 pm‑11:00 pm

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education board will consider several reports from its subcommittees, vote on a land transfer at 47 Hamlet Street, approve LPS facility rentals, and review the final draft of the LPS Strategic Plan and MCAS competency revisions. The meeting also includes public comment and a superintendent update.

• Transfer of land at 47 Hamlet Street
• Approval of LPS facilities rentals
• Adoption of meeting minutes from June 11, 2025
• Review of final draft LPS Strategic Plan
• Revisions to MCAS competency determination

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee is meeting to discuss new and tabled business. Items include various parking requests, business license issuances, and two multi-year contracts.

• 4-year contract for $164,750 with Credere Associates LLC
• 4-year contract for $164,750 with TRE Environmental
• Proposed changes to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Proposed ordinance establishing minimum residency requirements for political candidates
• One-way street proposals for Hillside Ave and Ames Street

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss public health updates, tobacco control, and specific fire incidents. The body is reviewing a variance request for a subsurface sewage disposal system and addressing illegal street vendor sales.

• Fire incidents at Lowell St (8/5/25) and Winfield Alloys at 15 Medford St (8/27/25)
• Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Title 5 Variance for 606 Canal Street
• Medical Waste Management inquiry for applicant guidance
• Report on illegal sales activities by street vendors
• Summary of Aug 28th Methuen–Lawrence Shared Services Grant Meeting

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board of Directors will meet to review the FY 2025 annual report and financial statements. The board will discuss estimates for barn siding and cemetery repaving, as well as several facility repairs.

• Review of Bellevue Cemetery Annual Report FY 2025
• Review of 3 estimates for barn siding
• Review of 3 estimates for cemetery repaving
• Discussion of Comcast Internet for video cameras at the barn and garages
• Installation and repair of garage doors and replacement of office floors

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to review sub-committee reports and discuss 2025 budget proposals, including the FY26 budget and a strategic plan. The meeting will also cover the integration of financial literacy courses and a proposed job description for appointed members.

• 35 electric buses
• 2025 LPS Strategic Plan
• 2025 Lawrence Public School FY26 budget
• 2025 Proposal: Integration of Financial Literacy Courses
• 2025 Appointed School Committee Members Job Description

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board will meet to accept minutes from the July 2025 meeting, review the FY 2025 annual report from the Director of Cemetery Services, and discuss committee reports. The board will also address unfinished business including tomb marking, barn siding repairs, and cemetery repaving, as well as new proposals like installing Comcast internet for security cameras and replacing office floors.

• Review FY 2025 annual report from Director of Cemetery Services
• Tomb marking and surveying by Frank Giles
• Barn siding repairs with 3 estimates
• Cemetery repaving with 3 estimates
• Install Comcast internet for video cameras at barn and garages

The board did not achieve a quorum, so no official minutes or votes were recorded. Members discussed fountain repairs, cemetery grant applications, facility maintenance, Wi‑Fi upgrades, and upcoming community events. Action items were identified, and a formal vote on these matters will be scheduled for the next meeting.

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board will decide on a zoning modification for Reyes LLC’s property at 75-85 Manchester St to increase approved units from 14 to 18. It will also consider an extension request from the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council for a previously approved special permit at 59-71 Merrimack St.

• Modification of special permit for Reyes LLC at 75-85 Manchester St to increase units from 14 to 18
• Extension request for special permit at 59-71 Merrimack St (originally approved March 6, 2024)
• Continued cases: 186 Mt. Vernon St., 123 Lawrence St., and 640 Essex St.

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will discuss several funding authorizations for public works and public safety, as well as a proposed anti-camping ordinance. The meeting includes numerous public hearings regarding parking changes and handicapped spaces across the city.

• Allocate $2,316,507.60 from Free Cash for DPW Capital Improvement Project
• Proposed "Anti-Camping" Ordinance prohibiting unauthorized camping in public spaces
• Authorization to expend $1,208,942.73 for 2026 MA Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant
• Authorization for 4-year contracts of $164,750 each for Credere Associates LLC and TRE Environmental
• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several funding authorizations, including a $2.3 million DPW capital improvement project. The body is also reviewing a proposed ordinance to prohibit unauthorized camping in public spaces and multiple parking and zoning requests.

• Allocate $2,316,507.60 from Free Cash for DPW Capital Improvement Project
• Proposed “Anti-Camping” Ordinance prohibiting unauthorized camping in public spaces
• Authorization to expend $1,208,942.73 for 2026 MA Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant
• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• 4-year contracts of $164,750 each for Credere Associates LLC and TRE Environmental

The council approved the minutes from the August 6 and August 26 meetings by unanimous voice vote. It then declared DOC #378/25 an emergency, suspended the rules, and sent the item directly to the full council without committee referral, also by unanimous voice vote. The council will await further findings from the fire department before taking additional action on the Winfield Alloy junk‑yard license.

• Approved August 6, 2025 and August 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Declared DOC #378/25 emergency and suspended rules (unanimous voice vote)
• Postponed further action on Winfield Alloy license pending fire‑department findings

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting to discuss member benefits, a legal services contract, and administrative items. The board will also review warrants, retiree payroll, and recent disclosures.

• RFP for Legal services as current contract ends 12/31/2025
• Superannuation requests for Tammy Lefebvre, Charles Gentile, and Edward Paris
• Cost correction on make-up payment for A. McCann
• Retirement Board member and treasurer stipend review
• PRIT wire redemption and PERAC memos

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals will continue hearings on four properties and review three new petitions, including a variance for a non-conforming addition, a special permit for satellite parking, and a dimensional variance for a 21-unit apartment building. The board will also consider an extension request for a previously approved variance and a reconsideration of a denied case.

• Continued hearings on 414-422 Essex St, 89-95 Essex St, 122-126 Weare St, 20 Brookline St, and Midland St Lot 55
• New variance request for 109 Mount Vernon St to construct a non-conforming addition in R-1 district
• New special permit request for 34 Walnut St for a satellite parking facility in R-3 district
• New dimensional variance request for 52 Walnut St to build a 21-unit apartment building in R-3 district
• Requests for extension of variance (59-71 Merrimack St) and reconsideration of denied case (11 Tewksbury St)

The board continued hearings for 414‑420 Essex Street and 89‑95 Essex Street and withdrew the 122‑126 Weare Street petition. It denied the 20 Brookline Street petition, approved the 31 Garfield Street petition, denied the 109 Mount Vernon Street petition, and approved 34 Walnut Street and 52 Walnut Street petitions with conditions. The board also granted a six‑month variance extension for GLCAAC and allowed a Tewksbury Street petitioner to appear before the Planning Board.

• Continuance of 414‑420 Essex Street hearing (5‑0)
• Continuance of 89‑95 Essex Street hearing (5‑0)
• Withdrawal of 122‑126 Weare Street petition (5‑0)
• Denial of 20 Brookline Street petition (5‑0)
• Approval of 31 Garfield Street petition (5‑0)
• Denial of 109 Mount Vernon Street petition (1‑4)
• Approval of 34 Walnut Street petition with conditions (4‑1)
• Approval of 52 Walnut Street petition (4‑1)

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District will vote on long-term borrowing and task orders with AECOM for the Motor Control Center (MCC) project. The commission will also discuss a request for qualifications for a Community Assessment Study. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 and Local 170.

• Awarding of bid for long-term borrowing for Motor Control Center (MCC) project
• Vote on Task Orders 3 & 4 with AECOM for MCC project
• Vote on RFQ for Community Assessment Study
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 and Local 170

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee is discussing new business including employee conflict disclosures and city contracts. The body is also reviewing numerous requests for handicapped, resident, and child care parking across the city.

• Increase Retirement Board and Treasurer stipend from $3,000 to $4,500
• 4-year contract for Credere Associates LLC for $164,750
• 4-year contract for TRE Environmental for $164,750
• Proposed change to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Proposed ordinance establishing minimum residency requirements for political candidates

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting on August 26, 2025. The agenda includes a communication regarding the resignation of District A City Councilor Fidelina Santiago. No other business or public hearings are scheduled.

• Resignation letter of District A City Councilor Fidelina Santiago

The City Council unanimously accepted Councilor Fidelina Santiago’s letter of resignation. City Attorney Timothy Houten explained that, per the City Charter, the District A seat will remain vacant until after the November election, keeping the council at eight members. The council then unanimously approved a motion to adjourn.

• Accepted Councilor Fidelina Santiago’s resignation (unanimous voice vote)
• District A seat to remain vacant until after November election per City Charter
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous voice vote)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss a fiscal year 2025 audit of the Lawrence Police Department. The committee will also review parking ordinances and the city's towing procedures.

• Audit of the Lawrence Police Department for Fiscal Year 2025
• Review of Parking Ordinances and Regulations
• Review of City’s Towing List, Criteria and Procedures
• Proposed city-wide maximum motor vehicle speed of 25mph
• Speed Limit Pilot Project Act

Personnel Committee

The Lawrence Personnel Committee will meet on August 25, 2025, to vote on two new personnel actions: confirming Charlinett Pascual as Director of Community Development and reclassifying the ADA Coordinator position. All other items on the agenda are either tabled or procedural.

• Confirm appointment of Charlinett Pascual as Director of Community Development
• Reclassification of ADA Coordinator position

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider allocating $2.3 million for a DPW capital improvement project and authorize up to $500,000 for Eversource street repairs. The meeting also includes a review of the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget and the submission of the FY 24 financial statements.

• Allocate $2,316,507.60 from Free Cash for DPW Capital Improvement Project
• Authorize up to $500,000 for Eversource Street Repair Reimbursement
• Review Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget
• Submit FY 24 Financial Statements and FY24 Reports on Federal Award Programs
• Review Lawrence Redevelopment Authority’s Financials

Personnel Committee

The Lawrence Personnel Committee will meet to vote on the confirmation of Charlinett Pascual as Director of Community Development. The committee will also discuss the reclassification of the ADA Coordinator position. Several previously tabled personnel items remain pending.

• Confirm Appointment of Charlinett Pascual as Director of Community Development
• Reclassification of ADA Coordinator Position
• Creation of Job Description and Posting for School Committee Appointee (Education)
• Creation of Job Description and Posting for School Committee Appointee (Finance)
• Creation of Job Description and Posting for School Committee Appointee (Legal)

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board is meeting to consider several new applications for alcohol and business licenses. The board will also review a tabled matter regarding a business location for Essex Street Motors.

• Special permit to serve alcohol at 179-181 Essex St. (Lawrence Downtown Association & Lawrence Redevelopment Authority)
• New liquor license for Madre Cuisine and Bar Corp at 431-435 Essex St.
• One-day all alcohol license for Portuguese American Holy Ghost Fraternity at 34-38 Common St. on September 21, 2025
• Dealer license application for Diego’s Little Car Sale & Repair, Inc. at 20 Embankment St.
• Patio extension application for Lawrence British Club at 80 Cambridge St.

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will discuss new business including grant requests and property sales. The board will also review a list of old business items ranging from urban renewal plan amendments to personnel contracts.

• Request from Downtown Lawrence Association for additional festival grant funding
• Sale of 300 Canal Street, Unit Hydro
• RFP for redevelopment of city-owned parcels under the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan
• Discussion of legal strategy for transferring city property to the LRA
• Review of LRA Executive Director position and contract

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously to increase its grant to the Downtown Lawrence Association by $38,500, bringing total festival funding to $120,000 for the September 13 event. The board also voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. Unused funds will be returned and future festival funding will be reconsidered in 2026.

• Approved additional $38,500 festival funding, total $120,000 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting adjournment (unanimous)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold public hearings on numerous parking and stop sign requests and a rezoning request on Madison Street. The body will also review airport funding, park dedications, and various city appointments.

• Proposed allocation of $2,316,507.60 from Free Cash for DPW Capital Improvement Project
• Expenditure of $381,287 in FAA Grant Funds for RWY 5 End Drainage Project
• Rezoning of Madison Street parcel (Map 177, Lot 5) from Industrial Park (I-1) to Single Family Residential (R-1)
• Proposed increase of Retirement Board and Treasurer stipends from $3,000 to $4,500
• Home Rule Petition for legislative protection of James J. O’Neill Park

The council unanimously approved the July 1 and July 7 meeting minutes and removed a recognition document from the table. It confirmed the appointment of Anne‑Marie Nyhan‑Doherty to the Lawrence Cultural Council. The council voted to name the Lawrence Rail Trail after State Rep. Frank Moran and barred any future renaming. It also approved a junk‑dealer permit for Brandon Tetler of Winfield Alloy.

• Approved July 1 & July 7 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Un‑tabled DOC #170/19 recognition of Lawrence Academic Achievers (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved appointment of Anne‑Marie Nyhan‑Doherty to Cultural Council (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved naming of Lawrence Rail Trail for Rep. Frank Moran, prohibiting future renaming (8‑yes, 1‑absent)
• Approved Junk Dealer Permit for Brandon Tetler, Winfield Alloy (6‑yes, 1‑no, 1‑present, 1‑absent)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will discuss reports regarding Disability Pride Month and an ADA issue at the bridge at 300 Canal St. Members will also receive updates on a device purchase for the City Council and the ADA Coordinator's reclassification.

• Report on ADA issue at the bridge at 300 Canal St.
• Disability Pride Month event report and flag raising
• Status update on purchase of device for the City Council to accommodate people who are Deaf
• Update on ADA Coordinator's reclassification
• Mandatory Ethics Training

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Lawrence City Council meets on August 13, 2025 to decide on a proposed change to the noise ordinance and to approve a multi-year lead inspection contract. The meeting also includes public hearings on several parking and traffic matters, resolutions honoring local firefighters, and updates to kennel and residency requirements for candidates.

• Proposed Change to Noise Ordinance enforcement provisions [09.04.040]
• Approval of multi-year Lead Inspection Contract (amount not specified)
• Proposed Ordinance Establishing Minimum Residency Requirements for Political Candidates
• Review and update of Kennel Ordinances to incorporate changes to M.G.L. “Ollie’s Law”
• Issuance of Livery License — Floatin LLC

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Lawrence City Council did not meet on August 12, 2025 because the session was cancelled. The committee’s next meeting will consider new business items such as a proposed change to the noise ordinance, a multi-year lead inspection contract, and multiple handicapped-parking and resident-parking proposals.

• Proposed Change to Noise Ordinance enforcement provisions [09.04.040]
• Approval of multi-year Lead Inspection Contract
• Handicapped Parking changes at 14-16 Custer Street, 121 East Haverhill Street, 6 Berkeley Street, 3 Easton Street, 28 Springfield Street, 3 Bigelow Street, 10 Hemlock Street, 23 Washington Street, 38 Foster Street, 130 Amesbury Street, 65 Willow Street, 55 Saunders Street
• Resident Parking proposals for Dawes Street, Cypress Avenue, Water Street (multiple segments), Bay State Road, and the B-2/Leahy School area

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold a special meeting to decide on seven separate transfers of city-owned parcels to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (LRA) under the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan. Each transfer is tied to a specific redevelopment proposal approved by the LRA, with parcels located along South Canal Street, Pemberton Park, Methuen Street, Essex Street, and Common Street.

• 332/25: Transfer of 7, 9, and 19 South Canal Street to LRA for 'By the River Park LLC' proposal
• 333/25: Transfer of 55 South Canal Street to LRA for 'Sire Group' proposal
• 334/25: Transfer of North Canal Street parcel in Pemberton Park to LRA for 'SYRAMAD Properties Inc.' proposal
• 335/25: Transfer of 11 Hampshire Street and 245-251 Methuen Street to LRA for 'Matias Companies' proposal
• 336/25: Transfer of multiple Methuen Street parcels (261, 265, 277-283, 289-293) and 9 Franklin Street to LRA for 'Westchester Group' proposal

The Lawrence City Council held a special meeting, heard public comments, and referred eight city‑owned parcel transfer proposals to the Housing and Economic Development Committees for further review. No approvals were made on the proposals. The council then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting by voice vote.

• Referred eight parcel transfer proposals to Housing and Economic Development Committee
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously by voice vote

Budget & Finance Committee

The Lawrence Budget & Finance Committee will meet to approve new expenditures and bond applications. Two items from August 6, 2025, are on the agenda: a $381,287 FAA grant for the RWY 5 End Drainage Project and a bond authorization for the Airport Administration Building construction. The committee will also vote on paying prior-year bills totaling $947.60.

• Authorization to expend $381,287 of FAA grant funds for RWY 5 End Drainage Project
• Bond authorization application for Airport Administration Building construction
• Authorization to pay prior-year bills totaling $947.60

Personnel Committee

The Personnel and Administration Committee is meeting to confirm appointments to the Cultural Council and Lawrence Redevelopment Authority. The body will also consider the creation of job descriptions for three School Committee appointee roles.

• Appointment of Anne-Marie Nyhan-Doherty to the Lawrence Cultural Council
• Temporary appointment of Carlos Matos to the LRA
• Job descriptions for School Committee appointees in Education, Finance, and Legal
• Personnel Director hiring update
• Proposed ordinance for Manager of Financial and Administrative Services

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board is meeting to consider three applications for temporary wine, beer, and malt licenses for specific events in August and September 2025.

• One Day Wine and Malt license application for Comite Independencia del Ecuador at 1 Doyle St. for August 10, 2025
• One Day Wine and Malt license application for Ateneo Dominicano at 15 Union St. for August 21, 28 and September 4, 11, 2025
• One Day Wine and Beer license application for Deli More LLC at 420 Common St. for multiple dates in August 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on various parking and traffic requests and consider the appointment of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief. The body is also reviewing several surplus property declarations and a proposed change to the city's noise ordinance enforcement.

• Proposed change to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street and surplus declarations for multiple properties including 113 Exchange St and 46 Cedar St
• Lead Inspection Contract approval for a term exceeding three years

City Council

The City Council will meet to confirm the appointment of Fire Chief Patrick Delaney and review several property surplus declarations. The body is also addressing numerous parking changes and public hearing requests for street signage.

• Confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Declaration of surplus property for 113 Exchange St, 2 Mossgiel View Place, 46 Cedar St, and 63-65 Newbury St
• Proposed change to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Approval of a Lead Inspection Contract for more than three years

The council approved six sets of past meeting minutes with an 8‑1 vote. A motion to take DOC #170/19 off the table passed by unanimous voice vote. Motions to recess and to come out of recess both passed unanimously. The Personnel Committee presented a motion to approve the appointment of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief, which was seconded but the vote result was not recorded.

• Approved six sets of minutes (8-1)
• Un‑tabled DOC #170/19 (unanimous voice vote)
• Recess motion passed (unanimous voice vote)
• Return from recess motion passed (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to approve appointment of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief (seconded, outcome not recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public meeting to discuss a special permit modification for a property in an I-2 industrial zoning district. The board will also hear continued cases for three other properties.

• Petition by Reyes LLC to increase units from 14 to 18 at 75-85 Manchester St
• Continued case: 186 Mt. Vernon St. (Bernardo DeLeon)
• Continued case: 123 Lawrence St. (Cafitt Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 640 Essex St. (Brother United LLC/ Edwin Solano)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public meeting to discuss a special permit modification for a property on Manchester St. The board will also review continued cases for properties on Mt. Vernon St, Lawrence St, and Essex St.

• Petition by Reyes LLC to increase units from 14 to 18 at 75-85 Manchester St
• Continued case for 186 Mt. Vernon St (Bernardo DeLeon)
• Continued case for 123 Lawrence St (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case for 640 Essex St (Brother United LLC/ Edwin Solano)

Commission on Disability

The Lawrence Commission on Disability will discuss reports regarding Disability Pride Month and an ADA issue at the bridge at 300 Canal St. The body will also receive updates on a device purchase for the City Council and the ADA Coordinator's reclassification.

• ADA issue report for the bridge at 300 Canal St.
• Status update on the purchase of a device for the City Council to accommodate people who are deaf
• Update on ADA Coordinator's reclassification
• Disability Pride Month event report and flag raising
• Mandatory Ethics Training

Board of Registrar

The Board of Registrars will meet to consider objections to nomination certificates, nomination papers, and withdrawals for city offices. The board will also review petitions for local ballot questions and affirm the certification of nomination signatures for 2025 elective office candidates.

• Objections to certificates of nomination and nomination papers
• Withdrawals for city offices
• Petitions for local ballot questions
• Certification of nomination signatures for 2025 elective office

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss new and continued cases. The board is reviewing a request to subdivide a lot and build two-family dwellings at 31 Garfield Street.

• Dimensional variance request for 31 Garfield Street to subdivide lot for two-family dwellings
• Continued item: 414-422 Essex Street (Emilio King)
• Continued item: 89-95 Essex Street (Opalos Café, LLC)
• Continued item: 122-124 and 126 Weare Street (Jose A. Salazar)
• Continued items: 20 Brookline Street and Midland Street Lot 55 (Dennis Turmel)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review several continued cases and one new petition. The board is considering a request to subdivide a lot to allow for two two-family dwellings.

• Petition for 31 Garfield Street to subdivide the lot for two two-family dwellings
• Continued item: 414-422 Essex Street (Jose A. Salazar)
• Continued item: 20 Brookline Street (Emilio King)
• Continued item: 89-95 Essex Street (Dennis Turmel/Opalos Café, LLC)
• Continued item: 122-124 and 126 Weare Street (Dennis Turmel)

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will hear a complaint regarding Shop Car, LLC and consider a new alcohol beverage license for Natalia Restaurant Corp. The board will also address two tabled applications for outdoor patio permits.

• Complaint against Shop Car, LLC (LICENSE #MV25-000005) regarding parked cars on sidewalks and lack of bond and liability insurance
• Section 12 All Alcohol Beverages license application for Natalia Restaurant Corp at 72-74 Jackson St.
• Temporary Outdoor Patio Permit application for Terra Lune Café at 225 Essex St.
• Patio extension application for Peravia Restaurant, Inc at 64 Common St.

Commission on Disability

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and contact information. No specific business items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed.

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority is holding a special meeting to discuss the legal strategy for transferring city property to the LRA. This discussion relates to the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan and is expected to include an executive session.

• Discussion of legal strategy for city property transfer under the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority approved a $1,500 scholarship for a Boys & Girls Club intern, recommended Carlos Matos to the mayor for appointment to the vacant board seat, and approved an additional $40,000 grant for downtown festival events. The board also moved the executive‑director contract item out of old business, approved payment of two invoices, and adopted the meeting minutes. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved $1,500 scholarship for Boys & Girls Club intern (unanimous)
• Recommended Carlos Matos to Mayor for LRA board appointment (unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 additional funding for Downtown Lawrence Association festival series (unanimous)
• Moved LRA Executive Director contract item out of Old Business (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoice #94 from Mini Split Solutions at 50% (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoice #00001326 from Bernie Ber at 50% with conditional remainder (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will review community engagement for the Urban Renewal Plan and applications for a vacant board position. The body will also consider a one-time scholarship for a Boys & Girls Club partnership intern.

• Proposal to award a one-time scholarship to a Summer Intern from the Boys & Girls Club Partnership
• Review of applications for the vacant LRA Board position
• Urban Renewal Plan Update regarding community engagement activities
• Maintenance/RFP of Chestnut Street Alleyway (Parcel 128-29)
• Discussion of legal strategy for transferring city property to the LRA

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved a $40,000 increase for the Downtown Lawrence Association’s fall 2025 festival series. It also approved a $1,500 scholarship for a Boys & Girls Club intern, recommended Carlos Matos for a board seat, and moved the Executive Director contract item out of old business. Additional motions approved invoice payments and the meeting minutes.

• Approved $1,500 scholarship for Boys & Girls Club intern (unanimous)
• Recommended Carlos Matos to Mayor for LRA board appointment (unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 additional funding for downtown festival series (unanimous)
• Moved Executive Director contract item out of Old Business (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoice #94 from Mini Split Solutions at 50% (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoice #00001326 from Bernie Ber at 50% with conditional remainder (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will meet to consider a Request for Determination for a project on Wedgewood Road. The board will also review a Notice of Intent for a project at 20 International Way.

• Request for Determination: Wedgewood Road (Map 75/Lot 29) for Gerogetowne North Condominium II
• Notice of Intent: 20 International Way for Impact Church, Inc.

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission is meeting to consider a Request for Determination for Wedgewood Road and a Notice of Intent for 20 International Way. The body will review these applications following scheduled site walks.

• Request for Determination for Gerogetowne North Condominium II at Wedgewood Road (Map 75/Lot 2)
• Notice of Intent for Impact Church, Inc. at 20 International Way (DEP File 195-0226)

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will meet to review superannuation requests and board member compensation. The board will also discuss new furnishings for the office board room and a COLA base increase.

• Superannuation requests for Doreen Fritschy and Peter Bernard
• Review of Retirement Board Member Compensation
• Review of COLA Base Increase
• New furnishing for Office Board Room
• Accidental death claim for Theresa Fay

Personnel Committee

The Personnel and Administration Committee will meet to confirm the appointment of the Fire Chief. The committee will also address several tabled items regarding job descriptions for School Committee appointees and a proposed ordinance for a financial services manager.

• Confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Job descriptions and postings for School Committee appointees (Education, Finance, and Legal)
• Personnel Director hiring update
• Confirmation of Sheila Cabrera to the ZBA
• Proposed ordinance for Manager of Financial and Administrative Services (02.64.060)

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education is holding an emergency meeting to conduct an executive session. The session is designated for discussing complaints or charges against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual.

• Executive session regarding complaints or charges against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education is holding an emergency meeting. The body will enter an executive session to discuss complaints or charges against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual.

• Executive session regarding complaints or charges against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual

City Council

The City Council will review several property surplus declarations and a variety of parking and stop sign requests. The body is also considering the appointment of a Fire Chief and a new youth city council ordinance.

• Confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Proposed changes to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Declaration of surplus property for multiple locations including 113 Exchange St and 63-65 Newbury St
• Approval of a Lead Inspection Contract for more than three years

City Council

The City Council will discuss the confirmation of Fire Chief Patrick Delaney and proposed changes to noise ordinance enforcement. The body is also reviewing multiple requests for handicapped, child care, and short-term parking across the city.

• Confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Proposed changes to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Declaration of surplus property for multiple locations including 113 Exchange St and 63-65 Newbury St
• Approval of a Lead Inspection Contract for more than three years

City Council

The special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025, is marked as cancelled. The agenda listed various pending parking requests, property surplus declarations, and new business items.

• Proposed expenditure of $381,287 in FAA Grant Funds for RWY 5 End Drainage Project
• Proposed confirmation of Patrick Delaney as Fire Chief
• Proposed change to Noise Ordinance [09.04.040] enforcement provisions
• Proposed Lawrence Youth City Council Ordinance
• Proposed local acceptance of MGL c. 40, sec. 70 regarding School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring System

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will meet to consider several new business licenses and permits. The agenda includes requests for a retail auto dealer license, temporary alcohol permits for events, and an outdoor patio permit.

• Retail dealer license application for Home Run Auto Sales, INC at 638 Essex St.
• One Day Beer and Wine License for Instituto Cultural de Puerto Rico at 50 General St. for July 20, 2025
• One Day All Alcohol License for The Feast of the Tree Saints at 20 Common St. for August 29-31
• Temporary Outdoor Patio Permit application for Terra Lune Café at 225 Essex St.

Commission on Disability

The Lawrence Commission on Disability will review reports on Disability Pride Month and a specific ADA issue at 300 Canal St. The body will also receive updates on a device for the City Council to assist people who are deaf and the ADA Coordinator's reclassification.

• Disability Pride Month sub-committee report
• Flag raising for Disability Pride Month
• ADA issue report for the bridge at 300 Canal St.
• Status of device purchase for City Council to accommodate people who are deaf
• Update on ADA Coordinator's reclassification

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold a regular session on July 9, 2025. The provided agenda contains only procedural notice and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will review requests for park dedications, legislative land protections, and various parking changes. The meeting also includes a large volume of tabled items ranging from zoning amendments to new city ordinances.

• Home Rule Petition for Article 97 Legislative Protection of James J. O’Neill Park
• Notice of Dedication for James J. O’Neill Park
• Handicapped parking requests for 28 Springfield St, 3 Bigelow St, and 10 Hemlock St
• Permits for events at O’Connell Park and Campagnone Common in August and September 2025
• Proposed ordinance to prohibit school buses from parking on residential streets

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive updates on tobacco product sales and restaurant licensing. Members will discuss the Shared Services Grant Advisory Committee and illegal camping by Fiesta Carnival at the Tombarello Hazardous Waste Site. Several housing court proceedings and permit agreements remain tabled.

• Illegal camping at Tombarello Hazardous Waste Site
• Variance for Subsurface Sewage Disposal System at 606 Canal Street
• Tobacco product sales report from Tobacco Control Director
• Restaurant licensing update
• Shared Services Grant Advisory Committee

Board of Health

The Board of Health will receive updates on tobacco product sales and restaurant licensing. The board is also reviewing a report regarding the Fiesta Carnival camping on the Tombarello hazardous waste site.

• Fiesta Carnival illegally camping on the Tombarello hazardous waste site
• 606 Canal Street: Title 5 Variance for subsurface sewage disposal system
• 245 Jackson Street: ISD case # 24-007860
• 279 Salem Street: ISD case # 24-000514 (Tabled)
• 54 Union Street: Trash and environment contamination complaints (Tabled)

Commission on Disability

The Lawrence Commission on Disability will review reports on Disability Pride Month and an ADA issue at 300 Canal St. The body will also receive updates on a device for the City Council to accommodate people who are deaf and the ADA Coordinator's reclassification.

• Disability Pride Month sub-committee report
• Flag raising for Disability Pride Month
• ADA issue report for the bridge at 300 Canal St.
• Purchase of device for City Council to accommodate people who are deaf
• ADA Coordinator's reclassification update

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will consider declaring 207 Marston Street as surplus property and discuss the adoption of the city's new Housing Production Plan. The meeting also includes a large volume of tabled items regarding real property dispositions and surplus declarations.

• Declaration of Surplus Property: 207 Marston Street
• Approval and adoption of the City’s new Housing Production Plan
• Disposition of Real Property: 389 Water Street
• Surplus declarations for multiple lots at 63-65 Newbury St under the Home Equity Theft Act
• Zoning ordinance amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units as a permitted use

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on federal grant applications and updates to the city's floodplain map and ordinance. The body will also consider several police grants and various parking and traffic sign requests.

• Review of HUD Community Development Block Grant ($1,638,713) and HOME Grant ($835,894.17)
• Adoption of new FIRM Floodplain Map and amendment of Floodplain Management Ordinance
• Authorization to expend $767,000 for 2026 Safe and Successful Youth Initiatives Grant
• Transfer of $6,137,126 from Free Cash to various accounts
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation

The Lawrence City Council adopted the new Floodplain Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and amended the city's Floodplain Management Ordinance (Doc #245/25) with a unanimous vote. A motion to table the application for CDBG and HOME grants (Doc #233/25) passed 5‑4, delaying the decision. The Year End Transfers between departmental accounts (Doc #265/25) and the related committee report were both approved unanimously.

• Approved new Floodplain Insurance Rate Map and ordinance amendment (Doc #245/25) – Approved (9-0)
• Motion to Table CDBG/HOME grant application (Doc #233/25) – Passed (5-4)
• Accepted Committee Report for Year End Transfers (Doc #265/25) – Approved (9-0)
• Approved Year End Transfers between departmental accounts (Doc #265/25) – Approved (9-0)

Personnel Committee

The Lawrence City Council’s Personnel Committee will meet on July 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 200 Common Street. The committee will consider new business, including two re-appointments to the Lawrence Housing Authority. Several items from past meetings remain tabled and are not scheduled for action at this meeting.

• Re-appoint Zoraida Geronimo to the Lawrence Housing Authority
• Re-appoint Hugo Cortes to the Lawrence Housing Authority

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee is considering the authorization of several public safety grants and a year-end fund transfer. The meeting also includes a review of numerous tabled items ranging from housing incentives to opioid settlement funds.

• Year-end transfer of $258,806 to Environmental Projects from Cemetery and Airport accounts
• Authorization to expend $767,000 for 2026 Safe and Successful Youth Initiatives (SSYI) Grant
• Authorization to expend $56,143.16 for FY2026 State Traffic Safety Information Systems Improvement Grant
• Authorization to expend $64,926.56 for FY26 Municipal Road Safety (MRS) Grant
• Authorization to expend $40,000 for SFY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will review grant agreements for downtown festivals and receive updates on developer agreements and the Urban Renewal Plan. The board will also consider authorizations to refer properties to developers and negotiate agreements.

• Grant Agreement with Downtown Lawrence Association to fund downtown festivals
• Urban Renewal Plan (Major Amendment) progress report
• LRA Executive Director position and contract
• Attorney Brian Corrigan’s contract
• Authorization to refer properties to developers and negotiate development agreements

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved a partnership with the Downtown Lawrence Association to support the Lawrence festivals. The board also unanimously accepted amended by‑laws, authorized the chair to sign a Notice of Activity and Use Limitations (NAUL), and gave the executive director authority to assess and review LRA property holdings. All motions were approved without dissent.

• Approved partnership with Downtown Lawrence Association for Lawrence festivals (unanimous)
• Accepted amended by‑laws (unanimous)
• Authorized LRA Chair to sign NAUL on behalf of LRA (unanimous)
• Authorized Executive Director to assess LRA property holdings (unanimous)
• Authorized Executive Director to review proposals from property owners for potential sales (unanimous)
• Authorized use of city consultant for LRA projects, with LRA covering expenses (unanimous)
• Moved items 1‑3 to table until Executive Director’s arrival (unanimous)
• Moved Item 6 out of order (unanimous)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will review several grant expenditures for public safety and airport improvements. The body is also considering multiple parking changes, the dedication of James J. O’Neill Park, and the re-appointment of two members to the Lawrence Housing Authority.

• Authorization to expend $700,000 for 2026 Safe and Successful Youth Initiatives (SSYI) Grant
• Authorization to expend $193,962.45 for Phase III/Design Phase of the Airport Administration Building
• Emergency vote request for $258,806 year-end transfer to Environmental Projects
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Home Rule Petition for Article 97 Legislative Protection for James J. O’Neill Park

The council took DOC #242/25 off the table and unanimously approved the DPW Recycling Revolving Fund with a $150,000 limit. It also approved the Bellevue Cemetery Revolving Fund ($95,000) and the Library Programs Revolving Fund ($50,000), each by unanimous voice vote. All three approvals were accompanied by friendly amendments to waive the 30‑day waiting period.

• Took DOC #242/25 off table – passed by unanimous voice vote
• Approved DPW Recycling Revolving Fund $150,000 – passed by unanimous voice vote
• Took DOC #236/25 off table – passed by unanimous voice vote
• Approved Bellevue Cemetery Revolving Fund $95,000 – passed by unanimous voice vote
• Took DOC #240/25 off table – passed by unanimous voice vote
• Approved Library Programs Revolving Fund $50,000 – passed by unanimous voice vote

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to continue public hearings on Mayor Brian A. DePejia’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also address several tabled fund transfers and account re-authorizations.

• Public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePejia’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
• Transfer of $492,770.34 from Free Cash to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Transfer of $6,137,126 from Free Cash to various accounts
• Re-authorization of revolving fund accounts for Bellevue Cemetery ($95,000), Council on Aging ($150,000), Veterans Memorial Stadium ($100,000), and Library Programs ($50,000)
• Appropriation transfer of $116,800 from Free Cash for the Lawrence Rail Trail Project

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to continue public hearings on Mayor Brian A. DePejia’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also address several tabled fund transfers and account re-authorizations.

• Public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePejia’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
• Transfer of $492,770.34 from Free Cash to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Transfer of $6,137,126 from Free Cash to various accounts
• Re-authorization of revolving fund accounts for Bellevue Cemetery ($95,000), Council on Aging ($150,000), Veterans Memorial Stadium ($100,000), and Library Programs ($50,000)
• Appropriation transfer of $116,800 from Free Cash for the Lawrence Rail Trail Project

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will meet to review several applications for superannuation and accidental death benefits. The board will also address member survivor allowances and liability requests.

• Accidental death reviews for Raymond Fay and Charles Saindon
• Superannuation requests for Maria Baker, Kevin Misuraca, Jorge Tejada, Jorge Gonzalez, Jose A. Flores Jr., Frances Ord, Felix Matos, and Beverly Schechter
• Member survivor allowance for Sheila Cuddy
• Liability requests for Andrea McCann and Jose Javier
• PRIT wire redemption and disclosures

City Council

The City Council is holding a continuation of budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting includes a public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePefia’s recommended budget and several tabled financial transfers.

• Public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePefia’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
• Proposed $492,770.34 transfer from Free Cash to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Proposed $6,137,126 transfer from Free Cash to various accounts
• Re-authorization of revolving fund accounts for Bellevue Cemetery ($95,000), Council on Aging ($150,000), Veterans Memorial Stadium ($100,000), and Library Programs ($50,000)
• Appropriation transfer of $116,800 from Free Cash for the Lawrence Rail Trail Project

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to consider variance and special permit requests for new residential construction. The board will also review several continued items regarding various properties.

• Request to raze existing structure and build a two-family dwelling at 45-47 Saunders Street
• Request to subdivide a lot and construct a single family dwelling at 11 Tewksbury Street
• Continued items for 199-229 Broadway, 122-124 and 126 Weare Street, and 625 Howard Street
• Continued items for 414-422 Essex Street, 20 Brookline Street, and 383-385 Broadway
• Continued items for 89-95 Essex Street, Midland Street Lot 55, and 374-3744 Haverhill Street

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals continued several pending applications, approved two projects with conditions, and denied two requests. The 625 Howard Street variance was approved with five conditions by a 5‑0 vote. The 45‑47 Saunders Street proposal was approved with three conditions by a 4‑1 vote. Variance requests for 383‑385 Broadway (liquor use) and 11 Tewksbury Street (subdivision) were denied by 0‑5 votes.

• Continued case 1 – 199‑229 Broadway variance (motion to continue)
• Continued case 2 – 374‑374A Haverhill Street off‑street parking permit (motion to continue)
• Continued case 3 – 414‑422 Essex Street variance (motion to continue)
• Continued case 4 – 89‑95 Essex Street liquor variance (motion to continue)
• Approved 625 Howard Street two‑family variance with five conditions (vote 5‑0)
• Denied 383‑385 Broadway liquor‑use variance (vote 0‑5)
• Approved 45‑47 Saunders Street two‑family duplex with three conditions (vote 4‑1)
• Denied 11 Tewksbury Street subdivision variance (vote 0‑5)

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee is meeting to discuss new business including employee longevity pay and various parking and traffic requests. The body will also review a large volume of tabled items ranging from zoning amendments to anti-camping ordinances.

• Longevity Pay for Certain Employees (266/25)
• Resident Parking Zone in B-2/Leahy School Area (275/25)
• Junk Dealer Permit for Brandon Tetler, Windfield Alloy (277/25)
• Proposed Ordinance to Prohibit School Buses from Parking on Residential Streets (137/25)
• Amendment to Zoning Ordinances to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (520/24)

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will review proposals for property development and executive contracts. The board will also receive overviews of the Downtown Lawrence Block Party and a potential intern partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.

• Authorization to refer properties to developers and negotiate development agreements
• LRA Executive Director position and contract
• Attorney Brian Corrigan’s contract
• Proposal for a Club-funded intern placement with Boys & Girls Club
• Joint funding proposal for a Fund Development Consultant Position

The Authority approved motions to untable Item a (by‑law amendments) and Item b (Unit Hydro Maintenance) with unanimous votes. A motion to reschedule the meeting was also approved unanimously. A motion to table final approval pending procurement clarification was withdrawn. The Executive Director will seek written guidance from the Inspector General’s Office on sole‑source procurement.

• Motion to untable Item a (by‑law amendments) approved unanimously
• Motion to untable Item b (Unit Hydro Maintenance) approved unanimously
• Motion to reschedule the meeting approved unanimously
• Motion to table final approval pending procurement clarification withdrawn

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will meet to elect officers for Fiscal Year 2026 and discuss capital and debt assessments for communities. The body will also vote on chemical payments and the transfer of contingency funds to the General Fund Reserve.

• Discussion of Capital and Debt Assessments to Communities
• Election of Officers for Fiscal Year 2026
• Vote on payments for bulk chemicals in Utility Warrant
• Vote on transfer of available contingency funds to General Fund Reserve
• Executive session regarding Synagro claims litigation and collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 25 and Local 170

City Council

The Lawrence City Council is holding a special meeting to continue public hearings on Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This session is a continuation of hearings held on June 16 and June 18.

• Public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

City Council

The City Council is holding a continuation of public hearings regarding Mayor Brian A. DePefia’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also review various fund transfers, grant applications, and parking requests.

• Review of HUD Community Development Block Grant ($1,638,713) and HOME Grant ($835,894.17)
• Transfer of $6,137,126 from Free Cash to various accounts
• Transfer of $492,770.34 from Free Cash to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Rezoning of Madison Street parcel (Map 177, Lot 5) from Industrial Park to Single Family Residential
• Adoption of new FIRM Floodplain Map and amendment of Floodplain Management Ordinance

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will vote on spending, menus, and t-shirt orders for a Disability Pride Month event on July 26. Members will also discuss an ADA issue at the bridge next to 300 Canal Street and a new ordinance regarding commission appointments.

• Spending and logistics for Disability Pride Month event on July 26
• Vote on purchase of a flag for Disability month
• ADA issue at the bridge next to 300 Canal Street
• Proposed ordinance related to Commission appointments
• Status of devices for City Council to accommodate people who are Deaf

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will discuss grant assurances for runway design and drainage and the Phase III LWM SAAB project. The body is also considering a request for hangar development on the North Ramp.

• Grant Assurance: RWY 5 Design & Drainage
• Grant Assurance: Phase III - LWM SAAB
• RFP for Diner based on Commissioned Appraisal (issued until 7/31/2025)
• Hangar Development Request for North Ramp by Mr. Dacosta
• Banner Tow Request from Martin Allen for Summer 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider several high-value financial authorizations, including HUD and HOME grants and a $6.1 million free cash transfer. The body will also hold public hearings on street directions and parking changes, and review various zoning and land use requests.

• Approval of HUD Community Development Block Grant ($1,638,713) and HOME Grant ($835,894.17)
• Transfer of $6,137,126 from FREE CASH to various accounts
• Transfer of $492,770.34 from FREE CASH to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Rezoning of Madison Street parcel (Map 177, Lot 5) from Industrial Park to Single Family Residential
• Adoption of new FIRM Floodplain Map and amendment of Floodplain Management Ordinance

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold a regular session on June 17, 2025. The provided agenda contains only the notice of the meeting and no specific discussion items or decisions.

City Council

The Lawrence City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing. The primary focus is Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Public hearing on Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will discuss the adoption of the city's new Housing Production Plan and a land lease for Hanger 4 LLC. The body will also review a large volume of tabled items regarding surplus property declarations and real estate dispositions.

• Approval and adoption of the City’s new Housing Production Plan
• Consideration of a land lease beyond 20 years for Mark Scott, Hanger 4 LLC
• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street
• Multiple surplus property declarations under the Home Equity Theft Act for properties on Exchange St, Mossgiel View Place, Cedar St, Jackson St, and Newbury St
• Proposed zoning ordinance amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units as a permitted use

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will discuss the adoption of a new Housing Production Plan and a land lease for Hanger 4 LLC. The body will also review a large volume of tabled items, including numerous surplus property declarations under the Home Equity Theft Act.

• Approve and Adopt City’s new Housing Production Plan
• Consideration of Land Lease beyond 20 Years for Mark Scott (Hanger 4 LLC)
• Surplus property declarations for 113 Exchange St, 2 Mossgiel View Place, 46 Cedar St, 266-272 Jackson St, and 63-65 Newbury St
• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street
• Zoning ordinance amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board is meeting to consider several one-day alcohol license applications for local organizations. The board will also review a common VIC license application and temporary outdoor patio permits.

• One Day All Alcohol License for St. Anthony Maronite Church at 70 Lawrence St.
• One Day All Alcohol License for St Joseph Church at 241 Lawrence St.
• One Day Alcohol, Wine and Malt beverages license for Instituto Cultural de Puerto Rico, Inc. at 70 General St.
• One Day Alcohol, Wine Beer license for Ateneo Dominicano at 15 Union St.
• Common VIC license for La Grekka Café Art & Lounge at 282 Merrimack St. and patio permit for VIP Room Lounge & Grill at 150 Common St.

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on the SY 2026 amended budget and a memorandum of understanding between LPS and SEIU Local 888. The body will also review ACCESS test results and graduation data for the LHS Class of 2025.

• Vote on SY 2026 Amended Budget
• Vote on anticipated MOU between LPS and SEIU Local 888
• Vote on Student Learning Time Waiver
• Vote on Facilities Rental
• Review of Class of 2025 LHS Graduation Data

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on the SY 2026 amended budget and two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with SEIU Local 888 and cafeteria workers. The body will also consider a student learning time waiver and facilities rental. The superintendent will report on ACCESS test results and Class of 2025 graduation data.

• SY 2026 Amended Budget
• MOU between LPS and SEIU Local 888
• MOU between LPS and Cafeteria Worker
• Student Learning Time Waiver
• Facilities Rental

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider several fund transfers, including $6.1 million from free cash to various accounts. The body is also reviewing grant applications for HUD and HOME programs and discussing the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget.

• Transfer of $6,137,126 from FREE CASH to various accounts
• Review of HUD Community Development Block Grant ($1,638,713) and HOME Grant ($835,894.17)
• Transfer of $492,770.34 from FREE CASH to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Re-authorization of revolving funds for Council on Aging ($150,000) and Veterans Memorial Stadium ($100,000)
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will discuss updating the city's floodplain management regulations. The body is also reviewing multiple requests for handicapped parking, stop signs, and special event permits.

• Adoption of new FIRM Floodplain Map and amendment of Floodplain Management Ordinance (Chapter 15.32)
• Stop sign requests for Bennett Street at Medford Street and Bennett Street at Water Street
• Handicapped parking requests for 11 Short St, 676 Lowell St, 177 Garden St, 7 Packard St, 161 Saratoga St, and 29 Woodland St
• Special event permits for the Annual Bread and Roses Festival and other events at Campagnone Common and O’Connell Park
• Tabled item: Rezoning of Madison Street parcel (Map 177, Lot 5) from Industrial Park to Single Family Residential

Board of Health

The Lawrence Board of Health will consider variance requests for Mello’s Supermarket, Car Key Direct, and Fiesta Carnival. The board will also receive updates on public health and tobacco product sales.

• Variance request for Mello’s Supermarket Inc at 183 Lawrence Street
• Title 5 Variance for subsurface sewage disposal at 606 Canal Street (Car Key Direct)
• Temporary housing variance application draft for Fiesta Carnival (Showcase Cinema)
• Tobacco activities report from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum
• Tabled discussions on hookah regulations and housing court proceedings for 245 Jackson Street and 279 Salem Street

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will review new and old Notices of Intent for various site projects. The body will also review tree removal plans along the Spicket River.

• Notice of Intent for 20 International Way (Applicant: Zenzo Matogo for Impact Church, Inc.)
• Notice of Intent for Transmission Line Right of Way from Andover Town Line to South Broadway-Station 45 (Applicant: Timothy Sullivan, VHB for New England Power Company)
• Notice of Intent for 663 Andover Street (Applicant: Lindsey Richards, QPD, LLC for Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc.)
• Review of tree removal plans along Spicket River by Patriot Hydro on behalf of Essex Company

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will consider requests for determination and notices of intent for three new sites. The board will also review a previous notice of intent and tree removal plans.

• Request for Determination for MBTA Right of Way by Keolis Commuter Service
• Notice of Intent for Transmission Line Right of Way (Andover Town Line to South Broadway-Station 45) for New England Power Company
• Notice of Intent for 20 International Way for Impact Church, Inc.
• Notice of Intent for 663 Andover Street for Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc.
• Review of tree removal plans along Spicket River by Patriot Hydro on behalf of Essex Company

Lawrence School Committee

The School Committee will review the FY26 budget and a quarterly update for the district. The meeting includes a lengthy list of tabled matters regarding the state receivership and the Lawrence Academic Excellence (LAE) reports.

• 0015 - 2025 Lawrence Public School FY26 budget
• 0002 - 2022 Authority to petition for the termination of the receivership
• 0007 - 2025 Proposal to integrate Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum
• 0011 - 2025 LPS Strategic Plan
• 0001- 2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the City of Lawrence’s Five-Year Housing Production Plan. The board will also consider a zoning map amendment for Madison Street and several special permits and site plan reviews.

• Public hearing on the City of Lawrence’s Five-Year Housing Production Plan
• Proposed zoning amendment for Madison Street (Map 177 Lot 5) from Industrial Park (I-1) to Residence One (R-1)
• Special permit request for 640 Essex St to build a mixed-use building with two commercial and six residential units
• Site plan review for new construction at 141 Winthrop Ave
• Continued cases for 186 Mt. Vernon St, 577 Broadway, 123 Lawrence St, 148-154 Bailey Street, 663 Andover St, and the abandonment of Empire Street

The board voted 5‑1 to send the Housing Production Plan to the City Council with a favorable recommendation. Several project applications were approved without conditions, while others were continued to future meetings or withdrawn. The board also approved the abandonment of Empire Street and a rezoning of a lot behind 103 Genesee Street. All motions were passed unanimously unless otherwise noted.

• Housing Production Plan sent to City Council with favorable recommendation (5-1 vote)
• 186 Mount Vernon St hearing continued to future meeting (unanimous vote)
• 123 Lawrence St case continued (unanimous vote)
• 663 Andover St project approved without conditions (unanimous vote)
• 577 Broadway project approved without conditions (unanimous vote)
• 148‑154 Bailey St withdrawal approved (unanimous vote)
• 640 Essex St project tabled for future consideration (unanimous continuation vote)
• Empire Street abandonment recommendation approved (unanimous vote)

City Council

The City Council will consider several high-value financial transfers, including $6,137,126 from free cash to various accounts. The body is also deciding on the adoption of a new Housing Production Plan and updated FIRM Floodplain Maps. Additionally, the council will hold public hearings on zoning changes and utility pole relocations.

• Transfer of $6,137,126 from FREE CASH to various accounts
• Approval of HUD CDBG grant for $1,638,713 and HOME Grant for $835,894.17
• Transfer of $492,770.34 to Police Dept. Capital Improvements
• Zoning amendment on Jackson Street from R-2 to B-1
• Adoption of the City's new Housing Production Plan

Public Safety Committee

The scheduled meeting of the Public Safety Committee has been cancelled. The agenda listed numerous tabled items and new business, but no actions were taken.

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review an audit of the Lawrence Police Department for Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting also includes a long list of tabled items ranging from parking ordinances to public safety concerns.

• Audit of the Lawrence Police Department for Fiscal Year 2025
• Review of parking ordinances and regulations
• Review of City’s towing list, criteria, and procedures
• Proposal to establish city-wide maximum motor vehicle speed of 25mph
• Speed Limit Pilot Project Act

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review continued items and three new petitions. The board is considering requests for a lot subdivision, a liquor use variance, and a special permit for a residential parking facility.

• 625 Howard St: request to subdivide lot and construct a two-family dwelling
• 383-385 Broadway: request for liquor use variance within 1,000 feet of another such use
• 374-374A Haverhill Street: request for special permit for residential off-street parking
• Continued items for 262-278 Lowell St, 414-422 Essex Street, 577 Broadway, and 89-95 Essex Street
• Continued items for 199-229 Broadway, 122-124 and 126 Weare Street, 123 Lawrence Street, and 20 Brookline Street

The board approved the 262‑278 Lowell Street variance, attaching six conditions including adding an extra parking level, by a 4‑0 vote. It also approved a Dunkin’ Donuts drive‑thru at 577 Broadway with no conditions (4‑0) and approved a variance for 88‑92 Oxford Street without conditions (4‑0). Several other applications were granted continuances, with motions to continue passing unanimously.

• Approved 262‑278 Lowell St. variance with six conditions (4‑0)
• Approved 577 Broadway Dunkin’ Donuts drive‑thru with no conditions (4‑0)
• Approved 88‑92 Oxford St. variance with no conditions (4‑0)
• Motion to continue 414‑420 Essex St. approved unanimously
• Motion to continue 89‑95 Essex St. approved unanimously
• Motion to continue 199‑229 Broadway approved unanimously
• Motion to continue 20 Brookline St./Midland lot 55 approved unanimously
• Motion to continue 383‑385 Broadway (Route 28 LLC) approved unanimously

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee is discussing several funding authorizations for recycling and waste reduction. The meeting also includes a review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget and the annual audit report.

• Authorization to expend $250,000 for a Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility
• Authorization to expend $44,000 for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program
• Appropriation transfer of $116,800 for the Lawrence Rail Trail Project
• Review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget
• Review of the FY 24 Financial Statements and Annual Audit Report

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will review new and tabled business at its May 28, 2025 meeting. Items include a one-day alcohol license application for a church event and a temporary outdoor patio permit requiring past-due payments and inspections.

• One Day All Alcohol License for St. Anthony Maronite Church at 70 Lawrence St. for Aug 29–31, 2025 event
• Common VIC License application for AF Café Inc at 126 Haverhill St.
• Temporary Outdoor Patio Permits pending payment to parking company and Fire Department/ISD inspections for 5 businesses: VIP Room Lounge & Grill (150 Common St.), Santia’s Bakery (362 Essex St.), La Greka Café (199 Essex St.), Balis Restaurant (59 Essex St.), Eleven Kitchen & Bar (226 Essex St.), Starbucks Corporation (141 Winthrop Ave.)

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will hold its regular meeting via internet or phone access on May 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The public may listen only; no participation is included. The meeting will discuss capital and debt assessments, review the FY2026 budget, and vote on setting commissioner salaries and appropriating the budget.

• Vote to set Commissioner’s FY26 salary
• Vote to appropriate FY26 budget
• Discussion of capital and debt assessments to communities
• Capital Projects Update (MCC Replacement Project)
• Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy regarding Synagro claims and collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 170

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will discuss the disposition of real property at 389 Water Street and the declaration of several properties as surplus under the Home Equity Theft Act. The meeting also includes a review of numerous tabled items dating back to 2010.

• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street (Map 204, Lot 22)
• Surplus property declarations for 113 Exchange St, 2 Mossgiel View Place, 46 Cedar St, and 266-272 Jackson St
• Multiple surplus property declarations for 63-65 Newbury St
• Utility easement grant to Eversource Gas Company for 1-9 Hoffman Street
• Freight rail line easement acceptance at 30 Glenn Street

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will discuss new business including parking changes, event permits, and a zoning amendment. The body will also review a large volume of tabled items from previous meetings dating back to September 2024.

• Rezoning of Madison Street parcel (Map 177, Lot 5) from I-1 Industrial Park to R-1 Single Family Residential
• Proposed ordinance regulating on-street parking of oversized vehicles based on length
• Request for Gomez Meat Market at 274 So. Broadway to access sidewalk for produce display
• Event permits for O’Connell Park/South Common for 'Four Days of Worship', 'Campana Evangelistica', and 'Community Fun Day Out'
• Proposed ordinance for Americans with Disabilities Program Administrator

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting to review contracts, superannuation requests, and financial disclosures. The board will also discuss office budget and staff salary reviews for FY26.

• Brian Moriarty — Contract Review — Regular Compensation
• Milton Figueroa — Involuntary Superannuation
• Pitney Bowes postage machine lease expires 06/30/2025
• Lawrence Retirement Board FY26 Office Budget
• GASB 67/68 Disclosures as of 12/31/2024

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (LRA) will meet virtually to discuss and review its insurance needs and policy development. The meeting includes updates on by-law amendments, leases, contracts, and strategic planning, as well as financial and administrative matters such as enrollment in insurance programs and hiring decisions.

• Amendments to LRA By-laws
• Consulting Contract with Hem Vora
• Request for Minor Plan Change (Amendment #2) to LawrenceTBD Urban Renewal Plan
• LRA enrollment in Group Insurance Commission (GIC) for full-time employees
• Discussion of legal strategy concerning the transfer of city property to the LRA

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority approved several motions unanimously, including taking Unit Hydro Maintenance and Item J out of order, adopting the most cost‑effective HVAC proposal, and starting advertising for available units. The board also approved a motion to convene a meeting with Winn Group, developers, and city officials to find solutions to the parking issues tied to the PAC 10 project, and then moved the session into executive session. Action items were assigned to draft a parking agreement, review bylaw amendments, and finalize the HVAC contract.

• Took Item B (Unit Hydro Maintenance) out of order – approved unanimously
• Accepted most cost‑effective HVAC proposal – approved unanimously
• Initiated advertisement for available units – approved unanimously
• Took Item J (meetings with abutters) out of order – approved unanimously
• Convened a meeting between Winn Group, developers, city officials to solve parking challenges – approved unanimously
• Closed public meeting and entered executive session – approved unanimously
• Executive Director and Attorney to draft parking agreement (action assigned)
• Board members to review bylaw amendments before next meeting (action assigned)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will discuss several funding transfers, including $1.28 million for the GLSD FY25 Assessment. The body is also reviewing numerous parking changes, zoning amendments, and the declaration of several properties as surplus.

• Confirmation of Maurice Aguiler as Chief of Police
• Transfer of $1,281,354.00 from Retained Earnings for GLSD FY25 Assessment
• Transfer of $792,000.00 from FREE CASH to Fire Department Overtime Account
• Authorization to expend $250,000 for a Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial to Open Space Recreation

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 1 and May 6, 2025 meetings, with one councilor abstaining. A resolution honoring retired Firefighter Ronald Lavallee was also adopted by unanimous voice vote. Motions to recess and to come out of recess each passed unanimously. The confirmation of Maurice Aguiler as chief of police was presented but no vote outcome was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved April 1 and May 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous voice vote, one abstention)
• Approved resolution honoring retired Firefighter Ronald Lavallee (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to recess passed (unanimous voice vote)
• Motion to come out of recess passed (unanimous voice vote)

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will convene its regular session on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:15 PM in its office at 353 Elm Street. This is a procedural meeting with no substantive decisions or discussions listed on the agenda.

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget & Finance Committee will hold a series of hearings to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget, presented by Acting CAFO Ramona Ceballos and Mayor Brian A. DePeña. The hearings span multiple days from May 19 to June 2, covering all city departments and divisions. The committee will consider the Mayor's recommended budget allocations.

• Review of Administration & Finance Division budget, including Office of Budget & Finance, Comptroller's Office, Purchasing, IT, Assessors, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Personnel
• Police Department budget review scheduled for May 21
• Lawrence Public Schools budget review scheduled for May 28
• Department of Public Works and Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund review on May 29
• Potential continued session on June 2 if needed

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is conducting a series of hearings to review the proposed FY 2026 Municipal Budget. The May 19 session focuses on the Administration & Finance Division, City Attorney's Office, City Clerk's Division, and Revenue Review.

• Review of Administration & Finance Division (Budget & Finance, Comptroller, Purchasing, IT, Assessors, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Personnel)
• Review of City Attorney's Office
• Review of City Clerk's Division (City Clerk, Elections, Vital Stats & Annual Listing)
• Revenue Review

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board of Directors will meet to review financial statements and reports from the Director of Cemetery Services. The board will discuss unfinished business regarding property on May Street and Highgate Street, as well as new business concerning facility maintenance.

• Review of financial statements
• Letter to City Attorney regarding cemetery property on May Street and Highgate Street
• Memorial Day beautification and water fountain plaque/naming
• Monument for Section E
• Masonry repairs to the Crematory

The board approved spending $5,000 for a monument honoring unknown individuals and $8,500 to repair the historic crematory sign. It also authorized Groundworks Lawrence to conduct a tree inventory, approved a dedication plaque for the water fountain, and tabled road paving until full quotes are received. All motions passed unanimously.

• Table April 2025 minutes (All in Favor)
• Approve Groundworks Lawrence tree inventory and mapping (All in Favor)
• Approve dedication plaque for water fountain honoring Mayor DePefia (All in Favor)
• Approve $5,000 monument for unknown burials (All in Favor)
• Approve $8,500 repair of historic crematory sign (All in Favor)
• Table paving of cemetery roads pending full quote review (All in Favor)
• Accept Director of Cemetery Service Report (All in Favor)
• Adjourn meeting (All in Favor)

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will meet to discuss lease renewals and tenant updates. The body is scheduled to review a request from Hangar 4 LLC and a service contract for hangar and tower cameras.

• Hangar 4 LLC lease renewal request
• Airport Diner tenant update
• Hangar/Tower Camera additional service contract
• 135 North Ramp Road NACC OOC report

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will take up three new business items involving city property: disposition of 389 Water Street, declaration of surplus at Marston Street, and grant of utility easement for Eversource at 1-9 Hoffman Street. The committee will also revisit a lengthy list of tabled items, including a proposed zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units and numerous property dispositions and surplus declarations dating back to 2010.

• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street (Tax Map 204, Lot 22)
• Declaration of surplus property at Marston Street (Tax Map 33, Lot 17-2)
• Grant of utility easement to Eversource Gas at 1-9 Hoffman Street
• Acceptance of easement for freight rail line at 30 Glenn Street
• Tabled item: Amendment to zoning ordinances to allow accessory dwelling units (from Nov 2024)

Housing Committee

This meeting of the Lawrence Housing Committee has been cancelled. The agenda included several new business items regarding property dispositions, surplus declarations, and easements, as well as a lengthy list of tabled items dating back to 2010.

• Disposition of real property at 389 Water Street
• Declaration of surplus property at Marston Street
• Grant of utility easement to Eversource Gas at 1-9 Hoffman Street
• Acceptance of easement for freight rail line at 30 Glenn Street
• Approval of zoning amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (tabled from Nov 2024)

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will meet to vote on the FY 2026 LPS Budget and amendments to CREST's Articles of Agreement. The body will also receive a midyear report and a district update from the Superintendent.

• Vote on FY 2026 LPS Budget
• Vote on Amendment to CREST's Articles of Agreement
• Vote on Facility Rental
• Discussion on Policy Section A
• Update on Dominican Republic Immersion Program Professional Development for Teachers

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education meeting includes votes on the FY2026 Lawrence Public Schools budget, an amendment to CREST's Articles of Agreement, and facility rental. The chair reports on subcommittees (Budget & Finance, Curriculum & Instruction) and the superintendent provides updates on policy, district operations, and the Dominican Republic Immersion Program. Public comment is accepted in person or by email before the meeting.

• Vote on FY2026 LPS budget
• Amendment to CREST's Articles of Agreement
• Facility rental approval
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 9, 2025
• Superintendent's report on policy and district update

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will discuss changing polling locations for two precincts and creating a new Americans with Disabilities Program Administrator position. The body is also reviewing numerous requests for handicapped, childcare, and resident parking across the city.

• Change of polling locations for Precinct B-4 (to North Common Education Complex) and Precinct C-3 (to Arlington School)
• Creation of a new ordinance for an Americans with Disabilities Program Administrator
• Naming of the Lawrence Rail Trail in honor of State Representative Frank Moran
• Filling of vacant positions for Municipal Hearing Officer and Neighborhood Planner
• Multiple requests for handicapped parking installations and removals at various city addresses

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss two Notices of Intent under the Wetlands Protection Act: a new proposal for a transmission line right-of-way from the Andover town line to South Broadway, and an old proposal for a daycare center at 663 Andover Street. The board will also review tree removal plans along the Spicket River submitted by Patriot Hydro on behalf of Essex Company. No votes are set; the items are for discussion as DEP files have not yet been issued.

• Notice of Intent for transmission line right-of-way, Andover Town Line to South Broadway (Station 45), applicant New England Power Company
• Notice of Intent for 663 Andover Street, applicant Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc.
• Review of tree removal plans along Spicket River, Patriot Hydro on behalf of Essex Company

Conservation Commission

The meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025.

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee will discuss the FY2026 municipal budget and the FY24 Annual Audit Report. Members will consider several funding transfers and expenditure authorizations for city services and infrastructure.

• FY2026 Municipal Budget review
• Authorization to expend $120,000 for Housing Stabilization Fund loan payoff
• Transfer of $1,281,354.00 from Retained Earnings for GLSD FY25 Assessment
• Transfer of $792,000.00 from free cash to Fire Department Overtime Account
• Authorization to expend $173,166.00 from Green Communities Competitive Grant for Lawrence High School upgrades

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will hear New Business including the confirmation of Maurice Aguiler as Chief of Police and the appointment of Erwin Mata to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Several previously tabled items are also on the agenda: creating job descriptions for three School Committee appointees (Education, Finance, Legal), an update on the Personnel Director hiring (with an executive session expected), and the confirmation of Sheila Cabrera to the Zoning Board of Appeals. A proposed ordinance for a Manager of Financial and Administrative Services is also carried over.

• Confirmation of Maurice Aguiler as nominee for Chief of Police
• Appointment of Erwin Mata to the Zoning Board of Appeals as Associate Member
• Creation of job descriptions for School Committee appointees (Education, Finance, Legal)
• Personnel Director hiring update (executive session expected)
• Proposed new ordinance for Manager of Financial and Administrative Services

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will hold a public meeting on May 7, 2025, to consider new license applications and temporary outdoor patio permits. Items include a wholesale office license at 320 South Broadway, two Section 12 all-alcohol restaurant licenses at 15 Newbury St and 56 Island St, and temporary patio extensions for multiple establishments. The board will also handle roll call, approval of minutes, old business, and tabled matters.

• New Business: License MV25-000010 for First Class Auto, Inc. – Wholesale to Wholesale, Office Space Only at 320 South Broadway.
• New Business: License LL25-000020 for Caribbean Concepts, LLC – Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcohol at 15 Newbury St (former La Bahia Restaurant).
• New Business: License LL25-000010 for Concord Brewery INC DBA Rapscallion – Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcohol at 56 Island St.
• Temporary Outdoor Patio Permits for Aripic, Inc. DBA Brian Pub & Grille, VIP Room Lounge and Grill, Santia’s Bakery, La Greka Café, Eleven Kitchen & Bar – requires payment of old balance to parking company and Fire/ISD inspections.
• Old balance from last year for patio permits must be paid before barricades are placed.

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board will hold a public meeting on May 7, 2025, to discuss continued cases and new business. The main new business item is a site plan approval request from The Community Group to raze existing structures and build a two-story school at 663 Andover St., which is in an R-1 Residential Zoning District. The board may vote on this application.

• Site plan approval for two-story school building at 663 Andover St. in R-1 Residential Zoning District
• Continued case: 186 Mt. Vernon St. (Bernardo DeLeon)
• Continued case: 577 Broadway (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 123 Lawrence St. (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 148-154 Bailey St. (Serrano & Serrano Construction Inc)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a petition for Site Plan Approval to demolish existing structures and build a two-story school at 663 Andover Street. The board will also continue four previously filed cases on Mt. Vernon Street, Broadway, Lawrence Street, and Bailey Street. No other new business is listed.

• Petition for Site Plan Approval to raze existing structures and construct a two-story school building at 663 Andover Street (R-1 Residential Zone)
• Continued case: 186 Mt. Vernon St. (Bernardo DeLeon)
• Continued case: 577 Broadway (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 123 Lawrence St. (Cafú Realty Trust)
• Continued case: 148-154 Bailey Street (Serrano & Serrano Construction Inc)

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will hear sub-committee reports, consider new business including the impact of federal budget decisions on local education and policy compliance with federal mandates, and revisit a slate of tabled matters such as graduation requirements and the transition plan for the district. The meeting also includes public comment and presentations on the role of the School Committee.

• New Business: Impact of Federal Budget Decisions on Local Education (0013-2025)
• New Business: Policy Compliance with Federal Education Mandates (0014-2025)
• Tabled Matter: Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools (0001-2025)
• Tabled Matter: Proposal for Integration of Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum (0007-2025)
• Withdrawal of three correspondence items (0019, 0023, 0025-2024) previously sent to state and federal officials

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hear the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget presentation and act on several large fund transfers, including $1.28 million from retained earnings for water/sewer and $792,000 from free cash for fire department overtime. A confirmation vote on the nominee for police chief (Maurice Aguiler) remains tabled. The council also faces multiple rezoning and public hearing items, such as converting city land off Bay State Road from industrial to open space.

• Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget presentation (New Business 164/24)
• Transfer of $792,000 from FREE CASH to Fire Department Overtime (167/25)
• Authorization to expend $173,166 from Green Communities Grant for Lawrence High School upgrades (170/25)
• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR) (46/25, pending public hearing)
• Authorization to expend $519,000 in 40R incentive funds for 2025/2026 MassDOT road projects (158/25)

The council approved the minutes from April 15 and April 29, 2025. It approved a $50,000 Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant and accepted and approved the Creating a Thriving Lawrence program committee report. The council took Document #163/25 (Police Chief nominee confirmation) from the tabled matters and referred it to the Personnel Committee. It also approved two appropriation transfers of $5,000 and $5,200.

• Approved April 15 and April 29, 2025 minutes (8 YES, 1 absent)
• Approved $50,000 Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant (8 YES, 1 absent)
• Accepted Committee Report on Creating a Thriving Lawrence program (8 YES, 1 absent)
• Approved Committee Report on Creating a Thriving Lawrence program (8 YES, 1 absent)
• Took Document #163/25 from tabled matters (8 YES, 1 absent) and referred to Personnel Committee
• Approved $5,000 appropriation transfer from Business and Economic Development travel to Office Supplies (8 YES, 1 absent)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will meet to plan for Disability Pride Month and evaluate the use of Zoom for meetings. The body will also discuss a request from HEADING HOME for an ADA requirements waiver for buildings at 57 & 59 Jackson Street.

• ADA requirements waiver request for homeless shelters at 57 & 59 Jackson Street
• Planning for Disability Pride Month
• Evaluation of Zoom for meetings
• Status of devices for the City Council to accommodate people who are Deaf
• Update on FY 2025 ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Grant application

Library Trustees

The Lawrence Public Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve February meeting minutes, receive the director's report on program purchasing procedures, and discuss several old business items. These include restoration of Parker Manor, approval of updates to the Meeting Room Policy, and a proposal to allow the library's main branch as a secondary location for the Lawrence Police and Fire Departments. An update on the five-year strategic plan process is also on the agenda.

• Update on Library Program Purchasing Procedures
• Parker Manor Restoration Discussion
• Review and approve updates to Meeting Room Policy
• Allow Lawrence Public Library Main Branch as secondary location for Police & Fire Departments
• Update on 5-Year Strategic Plan Process

The trustees approved the February 27, 2025 minutes and the Library Director's Report, which included a $9,000 communications‑specialist contract. A motion to approve the Parker Manor restoration was initially passed but later withdrawn. The board then unanimously tabled all Old Business agenda items, delaying further action on those items.

• Approved February 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Library Director's Report, including $9,000 communications contract (unanimous)
• Approved Parker Manor Restoration proposal (unanimous)
• Withdrew Parker Manor Restoration motion (unanimous)
• Tabled Old Business items a–d (Parker Manor, policy updates, secondary police/fire location, strategic plan) (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on April 29, 2025, at 8:30 AM. The board will vote on superannuation (retirement) applications for four individuals and receive an update on a DALA appeal. Other business includes approving travel for the MACRS Spring Conference, reviewing the quarterly office budget, and handling routine financial approvals such as warrants, retiree payroll, and PRIT wire redemption.

• Superannuation applications for Brian Moriarty, Maggie Medlin, Michelle Hebert, and Adalgisa Ramos
• Update on F. Bradley DALA appeal
• Approval of travel to MACRS Spring Conference (June 1–4) and related expenses
• Quarterly update on office budget
• Election by declaration for board members Diane Cockroft and Robert Wilson

City Council

The City Council will consider confirming Maurice Aguiler as Chief of Police, nominated by Mayor Brian A. DePefia. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as roll call, public participation, and a moment of silence.

• Confirmation of Maurice Aguiler as nominee for Chief of Police

The council voted to remove the nomination of Maurice Aguiler for chief of police from the Personnel Committee. A later motion to table the nomination was also approved. Earlier, the council suspended Rule 18, recessed, and came out of recess. The motion to adjourn failed due to lack of a second.

• Motion to suspend Rule 18 passed (YES:7, ABSENT:1, PRESENT:1)
• Motion to recess passed (YES:8, ABSENT:1)
• Motion to come out of recess passed (YES:8, ABSENT:1)
• Motion to discharge DOC #163/25 from Personnel Committee passed (YES:6, NO:2, ABSENT:1)
• Motion to table DOC #163/25 passed (YES:7, ABSENT:1, President vote not recorded)
• Motion to adjourn failed (no second)

Conservation Commission

The Lawrence Conservation Commission will hear three new business items: a request for Certificate of Compliance for the North Canal Bridge at 250 Canal Street, a Notice of Intent for a community day care center at 663 Andover Street, and a Request for Determination for the Route 114 Corridor at the Shawsheen River. No old business is listed. The commission will decide whether to approve these permit requests under the Wetlands Protection Act.

• Certificate of Compliance for North Canal Bridge (250 Canal Street, applicant Berkeley GGC Canal Street II LLC)
• Notice of Intent for a community day care center at 663 Andover Street (applicant QPD, LLC for Community Day Care Center of Lawrence)
• Request for Determination for Route 114 corridor at Shawsheen River (applicant Green-Pederson, Inc. for MassDOT Highway Division)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will consider new business including authorizations to expend funds for road projects, a matching grant, and a music center design agreement, as well as several appropriation transfers. The committee will also review a large slate of tabled items from past meetings dating back to 2015, covering topics such as ARPA funds, opioid settlement spending, tax policy, and housing incentives.

• Authorization to expend $515,000 in 40R Incentive Funds from MassDOT for road projects (158/25)
• Authorization to expend $50,000 Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant (154/25)
• Authorization to expend $25,000 for Nicky Jam Music and Art Center Design Agreement (159/25)
• Transfer of $400,000 from ARPA/Free Cash to small business grants through Prospering Lawrence Grant (tabled from Dec 2024, 568/24)
• Resolution amending reimbursement requirement for Creating a Thriving Lawrence Grant awards: $150K to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and $100K to Lawrence General Hospital (tabled from May 2024, 76B/24)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will take up multiple tabled items from past meetings. These include creating job descriptions for three School Committee appointees (Education, Finance, Legal), confirming several appointments, and discussing the Police Chief position. The committee may also consider a proposed ordinance for a Manager of Financial and Administrative Services and a report on boards and commissions.

• Create job descriptions for School Committee appointees in Education, Finance, and Legal (items 8925, 90/25, 91/25)
• Confirm Pamela Gonnell as Assistant Commissioner of Health and Code Services
• Confirm Sheila Cabrera to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Police Chief position search committee update
• Proposed ordinance creating 'Manager of Financial and Administrative Services' (02.64.060)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on continued items and three new petitions for dimensional variances. The new cases involve requests to subdivide and construct two-family dwellings at 20 Brookline Street, Midland Street Lot 55, and 50 Forest Street, all in R-2 zoning districts. The continued items list includes multiple addresses without further detail.

• Petition of Dennis Turmel for a dimensional variance to subdivide and construct a two-family dwelling at 20 Brookline Street (R-2 district).
• Petition of Dennis Turmel for a dimensional variance to subdivide and construct a two-family dwelling at Midland Street Lot 55 (R-2 district).
• Petition of Gustavo & Katiuska Paulino for a dimensional variance to subdivide and construct a two-family dwelling at 50 Forest Street (R-2 district).
• Continued items include 262-278 Lowell St., 640 Essex St., 577 Broadway, 199-229 Broadway, 37 Norris Street, 123 Lawrence Street, 168-170 High Street, 88-92 Oxford Street, 414-422 Essex Street, 89-95 Essex Street, 122-124 and 126 Weare Street, and 148-154 Bailey Street.

The board denied a request for 27 residential units on Bailey Street by a 2‑3 vote. It approved variances with conditions for projects on Essex Street, Norris Street, High Street, and Forest Street. Several other applications were continued to a May 29, 2025 hearing.

• Case 12 (148‑154 Bailey St): Denied dimensional variances for 27 units (vote 2‑3)
• Case 2 (640 Essex St): Approved variance with conditions (washer/dryer, permanent parking license, HVAC specs) (vote 3‑2)
• Case 5 (37 Norris St): Approved variance with conditions (setbacks, fencing, landscaping) (vote 4‑1)
• Case 7 (168‑170 High St): Approved variance with conditions (vote 5‑0)
• Case 14 (50 Forest St): Approved variance with conditions (snow removal plan, attic stairs) (vote 5‑0)
• Case 1 (262‑278 Lowell St): Continued hearing to May 29, 2025
• Case 3 (577 Broadway): Continued hearing (unanimous)
• Case 13 (20 Brookline St & Midland St Lot 55): Continued both petitions to May 29, 2025

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will hear a new complaint against MT Motor Sports Inc. alleging deceptive practices in a used car deal, and consider several applications including alcohol and victualler licenses for events and ongoing businesses. The board will also discuss a tabled incident report for Acqua Lounge and conditions for temporary outdoor patio permits.

• MT Motor Sports Inc. complaint: buyer alleges $11,000 car payment, $4,200 in repairs, and $7,950 auction balance, citing expired license (item 2)
• Mamacita’s Restaurant applying to add a pool table at 206 Lawrence St. (item 1)
• St. Joseph’s Church applying for one-day all-alcohol license May 31–June 1 at 241 Lawrence St. (item 3)
• Yari Auto Sales applying for used retail dealer license at 31 Merrimack St. (item 8)
• Temporary patio permits require payment of prior balances to parking company and Fire Department, plus ISD inspection (item 9)

Redevelopment Authority

This meeting of the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will consider a variety of administrative and property-related items, including amendments to its bylaws, leases for units and a patio, a consulting contract, and an urban renewal plan amendment. The board will also discuss executive session topics including legal strategy and personnel matters.

• Urban Renewal Plan Amendment – James Carras
• Attika Patio lease
• Unit Hydro Maintenance (Pedro Tejada item)
• Consulting Contract with Hem Vora
• Maintenance/RFP of Chestnut Street Alleyway (Parcel 128-29)

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved travel for the Executive Director and a board member to attend a federal delegation meeting in Washington, D.C. It also approved an oversight and reimbursement policy for the use of its 255 Essex Street facility. Additional unanimous motions authorized taking the Unit Hydro Maintenance item out of order and soliciting quotes for dehumidification systems. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved travel to Washington D.C. delegation (unanimous)
• Approved oversight and reimbursement policy for 255 Essex Street facility (unanimous)
• Approved taking Unit Hydro Maintenance item out of order (unanimous)
• Approved soliciting and comparing quotes for unit hydro dehumidification systems (unanimous)

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Lawrence City Council will review multiple parking and event-related items at its April 22 meeting. All proposals are listed as new business or previously tabled items requiring further action.

• 15-minute parking at 333 Lawrence Street, 8 AM–10 PM
• Handicapped parking changes at 111 Arlington St, 65 Tewksbury St, 124 Oxford St, and 264 Ames St
• 3-on-3 basketball tournament and La Fiesta del Barrio event permits at Nina Scarito Park and Spray Park
• Discontinuance of Empire St/Alley Way between Appleton St and Methuen St
• Taxi/livery license renewals for 10 companies including American Taxi and Liberty Taxi

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board of Directors will hold its monthly meeting to discuss routine business including approval of minutes, a director's report, and committee updates. Unfinished business includes an electrical line to the receiving tomb, repairs to the wooden barn, and an update on the May Street property. New business includes discussion of an assistant superintendent position that has been posted and a presentation from Groundwork Lawrence.

• Electrical line to receiving tomb (unfinished business)
• Wooden barn repairs (unfinished business)
• Update on May Street property (unfinished business)
• Assistant superintendent position posted (new business)
• Groundwork Lawrence presentation (new business)

The board voted unanimously to table all agenda items. It then approved waiving all fees for the burial of Gustavo Soro. The board also approved obtaining an updated architectural/engineering proposal for converting the receiving tomb into a columbarium. All other pending matters, including staffing, maintenance, finance, electrical work, and barn repairs, were tabled.

• Table all agenda items (All in Favor)
• Waive all burial fees for Gustavo Soro (All in Favor)
• Approve obtaining updated proposal from architect/engineer Benjamin (All in Favor)
• Assistant Superintendent position posting (tabled)
• Grounds & Maintenance matter (tabled)
• Finance Committee matter (tabled)
• Electrical line to receiving tomb (tabled)
• Wooden barn repairs (tabled)

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will hold a hybrid meeting to consider action items including an EAA 2025 Spring & Fall schedule request, a tenant transition for the Airport Diner, a certificate of occupancy for 135 North Ramp Road, and an update on the OPM administration building. Reports from the Finance and Lease Committees and airport security procedures will also be presented. The commission will also approve minutes from the March 20 meeting.

• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2025 meeting
• EAA 2025 Spring & Fall Schedule Request (action item)
• Airport Diner Tenant Transition (action item)
• 135 North Ramp Road NACC OOC (action item, likely certificate of occupancy)
• OPM Administration Building Update

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to consider a variance request for tobacco product sales from V&V Market at 273 South Union Street. They will also receive a public health update from Chairman Dr. Joel Gorn and a report on tobacco activities from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum. Several items from previous meetings remain tabled, including board appointments, workplace smoking discussions, housing court cases at 245 Jackson Street and 279 Salem Street, and a discussion on hookah regulations.

• Variance request from V&V Market Inc. for tobacco sales at 273 South Union Street
• Public health update from Dr. Joel Gorn, Board of Health Chairman
• Tobacco Product Sales Updates from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum
• Discussion of possible policy change on hookah smoking in private clubs (tabled)
• Trash/environment contamination complaints at 54 Union Street (tabled)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold a public hearing on altering on-street parking at Henry K. Oliver School and consider numerous pending items including parking changes, stop signs, and rezoning. Among new business, the council will vote on authorizing $515,000 in 40R incentive funds for MassDOT road projects, a $54,932.70 transportation fund expenditure, and other grants. Also up for discussion are several taxi license renewals and special event permits.

• Public hearing: Approve alteration of on-street parking plan at Henry K. Oliver School (Haverhill St and Oak St)
• Budget Committee report: Authorize expenditure of $54,932.70 from Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Fund
• New Business: Authorize expenditure of $515,000 in 40R incentive funds for MassDOT road projects for 2025/2026
• New Business: Authorize expenditure of $50,000 Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant
• New Business: Authorize expenditure of $25,000 for Nicky Jam Music and Art Center Design Agreement

The council unanimously approved the minutes from three 2024 meetings. It adopted two resolutions honoring Lawrence High School’s theater program and varsity wrestler. It also confirmed appointments of Saviel Ortiz and Dioisio Cruz to the Municipal Airport Commission.

• Approved minutes of May 21, June 4, June 18 2024 (9-0)
• Adopted Resolution DOC #139/25 recognizing Lawrence High School theater program (9-0)
• Adopted Resolution DOC #140/25 recognizing Lawrence High School varsity wrestler (9-0)
• Untabled DOC #97/25 appointment of Saviel Ortiz to Airport Commission (9-0)
• Approved appointment of Saviel Ortiz to Airport Commission (9-0)
• Untabled DOC #98/25 appointment of Dioisio Cruz to Airport Commission (9-0)
• Approved appointment of Dioisio Cruz to Airport Commission (9-0)
• Passed motion to recess (9-0)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Lawrence Budget & Finance Committee will consider two new business items: a review of the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority's financials and a $54,932.70 expenditure from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Fund for the DPW. The committee will also revisit several tabled items from past meetings, including updates on opioid settlement funds, an ARPA transfer to small businesses, and amendments to grant requirements for local health centers.

• Review of Lawrence Redevelopment Authority’s Financials (item 117/25)
• Authorization to expend $54,932.70 from Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Fund (item 138/25)
• Update on Opioid Settlement Funds and Modelo Application Development (tabled item 44/25)
• Transfer $400,000 from ARPA/Free Cash to small business via Prospering Lawrence Grant (tabled item 568/24)
• Resolution amending reimbursement requirement for Creating a Thriving Lawrence Grant: $150K to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and $100K to Lawrence General Hospital (tabled item 76B/24)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel and Administration Committee will meet to discuss the temporary appointment of Caryl M. Garcia. The committee will also review several tabled items regarding city appointments and job descriptions.

• Extension of 90-day temporary appointment for Acting Personnel Director Caryl M. Garcia
• Creation of job descriptions and postings for School Committee Appointees (Education, Finance, and Legal)
• Confirmation of Pamela Gonnell as Asst. Commissioner of Health and Code Services
• Confirmation of Sheila Cabrera to the ZBA
• Proposed new ordinance for Manager of Financial and Administrative Services (02.64.060)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a petition to approve a special permit for the New England Training Center. Members voted, resulting in three votes for approval with conditions and two votes against, which did not meet the required supermajority, so the petition was denied. A motion to adjourn the meeting was subsequently approved.

• Petition for New England Training Center special permit denied (3 Yes with conditions, 2 No)
• Motion to adjourn approved

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will hold a public meeting on April 9, 2025, to decide on several license applications. Items include a manager change for a liquor license at El Vago Cantina, new Common VIC licenses for Bonanza Food Market and D' Flaca Cafe, an alteration of premises for Bocao Latin Restaurant, and new all-alcohol licenses for El Ricon Del Encuentro and Puro Mexa Restaurant. The board will also handle roll call, approval of minutes, old business, and tabled matters.

• Manager change for liquor license at 179-181 Essex St. (El Vago Cantina)
• New Common VIC license for Bonanza Food Market at 179-183 Jackson St.
• New Common VIC license for D' Flaca Cafe at 255 Lowell St.
• Alteration of premises for Bocao Latin Restaurant at 206 Winthrop Ave.
• New all-alcohol licenses for El Ricon Del Encuentro and Puro Mexa Restaurant (151 So. Union St.)

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education Board is conducting a public hearing on the proposed FY26 school budget. The meeting includes an opportunity for public comment in person or by email. No specific budget figures or votes are listed in the agenda.

• FY26 school budget public hearing
• Public comment period (in-person sign-up or email by 2:00 p.m. on meeting day)
• Next anticipated board meeting: May 14, 2025

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will meet to receive the FY26 draft budget presentation and consider updated policy sections A-C. The board will also vote on school choice, a MSBA Statement of Interest application, facility rentals, March 12 meeting minutes, and a donation from the Schusterman Foundation. Public comment is accepted in person or by email before 2 p.m. on April 9.

• FY26 Draft Budget Presentation
• Policy sections A-C for consideration
• Vote on School Choice
• MSBA Statement of Interest Application Submission
• Donation from Schusterman Foundation

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will consider extending Caryl M. Garcia's 90-day temporary appointment as Acting Personnel Director. The agenda also includes several tabled items from previous meetings, such as job descriptions for School Committee appointees, confirmations for various positions, and updates on the police chief search. No final decisions are guaranteed on tabled items.

• Extend 90-day temporary appointment of Caryl M. Garcia as Acting Personnel Director
• Creation of job descriptions and postings for School Committee appointees (Education, Finance, Legal)
• Confirm appointment of Pamela Gonnell as Assistant Commissioner of Health and Code Services
• Update on Personnel Director hiring (possible executive session)
• Confirm appointment of Sheila Cabrera to Zoning Board of Appeals

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee meeting scheduled for April 9, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or voted on. The agenda included new business to extend a temporary appointment and several tabled items from prior meetings.

• New Business: Extend 90-day temporary appointment of Caryl M. Garcia as Acting Personnel Director (Item 118/25)
• Tabled: Creation of job descriptions for School Committee appointees in Education, Finance, and Legal (Items 89/25, 90/25, 91/25, tabled March 2025)
• Tabled: Confirm appointment of Pamela Gonnell as Assistant Commissioner of Health and Code Services (Item 38/25, tabled Feb 2025)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is meeting to review the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority's financials and a request to spend transportation funds. The body will also address a long list of tabled items ranging from school repairs to vacant property taxes.

• Authorization to expend $54,932.70 from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Fund
• Review of Lawrence Redevelopment Authority’s financials
• Resolution for Lawrence Public Schools' MSBA Accelerated Repair Program submission for roof and window repairs
• Proposed $400,000 transfer from ARPA/Free Cash to the Prospering Lawrence Grant for small businesses
• Proposed amendment to the Housing Development Incentive Plan (HDIP) Tax Increment Exemption percentage

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance Committee will discuss a proposed ordinance to prohibit school buses from parking on residential streets (item 137/25). They will also consider numerous parking regulation changes including new resident parking zones, handicapped parking spaces, and stop sign installations. Several resolutions honoring individuals and special event permits are on the agenda, along with a large backlog of tabled items from previous months.

• Ordinance proposal to prohibit school bus parking on residential streets (137/25)
• Handicapped parking request at 343 South Broadway (124/25)
• Resident parking zone on Jackson Court (119/25)
• Renewal of taxi/livery licenses for 10 companies (tabled from March 18, 2025)
• Proposed anti-camping ordinance tabled from November 2024 (551/24)

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

This is a notice of a regular meeting of the Lawrence Housing Authority scheduled for April 8, 2025. The agenda does not list any specific items for discussion or decision, indicating the meeting will likely cover routine administrative business.

Commission on Disability

The Lawrence Commission on Disability will consider applying for the FY2025 ADA Grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The commission will also hear from IT Director Carlos Castillo on improving ADA compliance for the city's website and technology. Updates will be provided on purchasing devices for deaf residents and on the Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

• Apply for FY2025 ADA Grant with Massachusetts Office on Disability
• Discussion on making IT and website more ADA compliant with IT Director Carlos Castillo
• Update on purchase of devices for deaf residents on behalf of City Council
• Update on Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan
• Visit by Toni Wolf, Commissioner of Mass Ability, on April 23

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee will meet to discuss the curriculum dashboard and the Acceleration Academy. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Curriculum dashboard overview
• Acceleration Academy overview

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will discuss legal strategy concerning the transfer of city property to the LRA pursuant to the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan. An executive session is anticipated. The meeting includes remote participation and a public comment period.

• Discussion of legal strategy for transferring city property to the LRA under the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan (executive session)

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will meet to review proposals regarding student graduation requirements and the integration of financial literacy courses. The body will also discuss expanding technical education and provide guidance to the City Council on committee members and compensation.

• 2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools
• Proposal: Integration of Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum
• Expanding Technical Education for LPS Students
• Guidance for City Council on appointed members of the School Committee (DOCS # 89/25, 90/25, 91/25)
• Guidance on Compensation for Lawrence City Council for Lawrence School Committee (DOC# 528/24)

Lawrence School Committee

The School Committee will review proposals for graduation requirements and the integration of financial literacy and technical education into the curriculum. The body will also discuss the LPS Strategic Plan and guidance for the City Council regarding committee members and compensation.

• 0001-2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools
• 0007-2025 Proposal: Integration of Financial Literacy Courses into LPS Curriculum
• 0008-2025 Expanding Technical Education for LPS Students
• 0011-2025 LPS Strategic Plan
• 0010-2025 Guidance on Compensation for Lawrence City Council for Lawrence School Committee

Planning Board

This meeting was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2025.

• Continued cases: 186 Mt. Vernon St., 577 Broadway, 123 Lawrence St.
• New business: petition for a special permit to construct a 27-unit apartment building at 148-154 Bailey Street (R-3 Residential District)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold public hearings on numerous parking and traffic changes, consider a proposed ordinance to create a clinician position and an act to deter illegal parking during snow emergencies, and discuss rezoning on Jackson Street and Bay State Road. The council will also vote on appointments to the Municipal Airport Commission and authorize a $125,215 housing choice grant.

• Proposed Ordinance 2.56.160 to create a Clinician position
• An Act to Deter Illegal Parking During Snow Emergencies
• Rezoning Jackson Street from R-2 to B-1 between Kendrick Street and Spicket River
• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Authorization to expend $125,215 Housing Choice Grant for planning

The Lawrence City Council approved the Preaching Event (DOC #115/25) to be held July 17‑18, 2025 at O’Connell Park. It also re‑appointed William Collins and Sharon Birchall to the Municipal Airport Commission and withdrew two parking‑area proposals. Two other airport‑commission appointments were tabled, and a zoning amendment for Jackson Street was sent to a public hearing.

• Approved DOC #115/25 Preaching Event (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved DOC #95/25 Re‑appointment of William Collins to Airport Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved DOC #96/25 Re‑appointment of Sharon Birchall to Airport Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled DOC #97/25 Appointment of Saviel Ortiz to Airport Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled DOC #98/25 Appointment of Dioisio Cruz to Airport Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Withdrawn DOC #252/25 No Parking area, 402 Lowell Street (unanimous voice vote)
• Withdrawn DOC #494/25 No Parking area, 160 Garden Street (unanimous voice vote)
• Ordered public hearing for DOC #574/25 Amend Zoning on Jackson Street (unanimous voice vote)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold public hearings on numerous parking and traffic regulations, including child care parking, handicapped parking, and stop signs. The council will also consider a proposed rezoning of city land from industrial to open space recreation, a grant authorization of $125,215 for housing planning, and a new ordinance to prohibit school buses from parking on residential streets. Several items from previous meetings remain tabled.

• Rezoning city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR) (46/25)
• Authorization to expend $125,215 Housing Choice Grant from EOHLC for planning grant (42/25)
• Proposed ordinance to prohibit school buses from parking on residential streets (137/25)
• Multiple child care parking and handicapped parking public hearings at specific addresses
• Confirmations of appointments to the Municipal Airport Commission

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will discuss an operational update for Inspectional Services and the creation of a citywide master plan. The body will also address items related to the film industry and a parking meter contract.

• Inspectional Services operational update
• Creation of a Citywide Master Plan
• Film and Motion Picture Industry Development
• Update on the parking meter contract with PCI Municipal Services LLC

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider several variance and special permit petitions. The board will review requests for new residential construction and commercial liquor use permits.

• Petition for 27-unit apartment building at 148-154 Bailey Street
• Special permit and variance for liquor use at 89-95 Essex Street
• Special permit and variance for liquor use at 431 Essex Street
• Variance to construct four apartments at 414-422 Essex Street
• Dimensional variances for two-family houses at 88-92 Oxford Street, 122-126 Weare Street, and 23-27 Hancock Street

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals met on March 27, 2025. It continued consideration of twelve variance applications without a decision. It approved a special permit and liquor variance for 431 Essex Street, passing the motion 4‑0 with three conditions. It also approved a dimensional variance for 23‑27 Hancock Street, passing 4‑0 with five conditions.

• Continued variance for 262‑278 Lowell Street
• Continued variance for 640 Essex Street
• Continued variance for 577 Broadway
• Continued variance for 123 Lawrence Street
• Continued variance for 168‑170 High Street
• Continued variance for 88‑92 Oxford Street
• Approved liquor special permit for 431 Essex Street (4‑0, 3 conditions)
• Approved dimensional variance for 23‑27 Hancock Street (4‑0, 5 conditions)

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will vote on accepting the FY 2024 audit and discuss three community credit options. The meeting also includes an executive session for collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 170. Other business covers capital project updates, approval of invoices, and the executive director's report. The meeting is open for public listening only, with no participation allowed.

• Vote on acceptance of FY 2024 audit after presentation by CBIZ
• Discussion and vote on three community credit options
• Executive session for collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 170
• Payment of invoices including Kleinfelder ($ for Administration Building Roof Project) and AECOM ($ for MCC Replacement Project)
• Approval of February 26, 2025 regular meeting minutes

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Lawrence Ordinance Committee will discuss a proposed zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units as a permitted use, an anti-camping ordinance, and a city-wide speed hump program, among numerous other tabled items. The committee also has new business including parking changes, taxi license renewals, and event permits.

• Proposed zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units citywide (item 520/24)
• Proposed anti-camping ordinance prohibiting unauthorized camping in public spaces (item 551/24)
• Proposed city-wide speed hump program (item 576/24)
• Rezoning of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from industrial to open space (item 46/25)
• Proposed ordinance for inspections and related fees (item 47/25)

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will hold a public hearing to decide whether to grant a Cost of Living Adjustment effective July 1, 2025. They will also consider applications for accidental death benefits and superannuation for three individuals, and discuss a commercial lease renewal. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and routine financial items.

• Public hearing on PERAC Memo #6/2025 regarding a COLA increase effective July 1, 2025
• Accidental death benefits application for Theresa Fay, spouse of Raymond Fay
• Superannuation applications for Ronald Lavallee and William Jakubec
• Commercial lease renewal at 354 Merrimack Street
• Approval of January 30, 2024 retirement board minutes

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will consider confirming four appointments to the Municipal Airport Commission as new business. The committee will also revisit several tabled items from previous meetings, including job descriptions for School Committee appointees, a health official appointment, and updates on personnel director hiring and police chief search.

• Confirm re-appointment of William Collins to Municipal Airport Commission (Term to 2027)
• Confirm re-appointment of Sharon Birchall to Municipal Airport Commission (Term to 2027)
• Confirm appointment of Saviel Ortiz to Municipal Airport Commission (Term to 2027)
• Confirm appointment of Dioisio Cruz to Municipal Airport Commission (Term to 2026)
• Tabled: Personnel Director hiring update (November 2024) and Police Chief position update (October 2023)

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission will consider a 30-year lease request for the WTF Flyers Hangar Complex and vote on the Airport Master Plan's aviation and non-aviation land use designations. They will also receive updates from finance, lease, and security committees, as well as an update on the OPM Administration Building. The meeting will be held in hybrid format and includes public comment.

• Lease request for 30 years for WTF Flyers Hangar Complex
• Vote on Airport Master Plan Aviation/Non Aviation Land Use
• OPM Administration Building update
• Finance Committee, Lease Committee, and Airport Security Procedures reports
• Approval of minutes from February 20, 2025 meeting

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will decide on a change of manager for Spicket River's liquor license at 56 Island St. and a new liquor and common victualler license for Atlantico Restaurant Inc. at 170 So Union St. The board will also review incident reports from the Lawrence Police Department regarding Acqua Lounge at 151 Essex St. and Mamasitas Restaurant at 206 Lawrence St.

• Change of manager for Spicket River liquor license at 56 Island St.
• New liquor and common victualler license application for Atlantico Restaurant at 170 So Union St.
• Incident report #25000059 for Acqua Lounge at 151 Essex St. from Detective Henriquez
• Incident report #24007151 for Mamasitas Restaurant at 206 Lawrence St. from Officer Pichardo

Planning Board

The Lawrence Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a joint public hearing to gather testimony and input on the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority's Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of city-owned properties. No specific properties or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda. Copies of proposals are available online.

• Public hearing on Lawrence Redevelopment Authority’s RFP for redevelopment of city-owned properties

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals will reopen a public hearing per an Essex Superior Court order to consider a special permit for retail sales of firearms and ammunition at 5 Ballard Way. The applicant, New England Training Center LLC, seeks the permit under Article III, §29-9 of city ordinances. The hearing will take place on March 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

• Reopening of ZBA Case 4182 per court order for New England Training Center LLC special permit
• Proposed retail sales of firearms and ammunition at 5 Ballard Way
• Public hearing scheduled for March 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM at 255 Essex Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a joint public hearing to gather testimony and public input on the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority's Request for Proposals for redevelopment of city-owned properties. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is solely for discussion and public comment.

• Public hearing on Lawrence Redevelopment Authority's RFP for redevelopment of city-owned properties
• Joint meeting of Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Copies of proposals available at lawrenceredevelopmentauthority.org

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will review several high-value grant expenditures and approve polling locations and calendars for the September and November 2025 local elections. The meeting also includes numerous public hearings regarding handicapped and restricted parking across the city.

• Authorization to expend $7,365,455.92 for Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant
• Authorization to expend $1,298,760 for Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Site Based Program
• Approval of 24 polling locations, early voting, and vote-by-mail for 2025 local elections
• Authorization to expend $125,215 and $130,000 for Housing Choice Planning Grants
• Public hearings for handicapped parking at 234 High St, 359 Lawrence St, 71 Farley St, 17 Butler St, and 111A Chester St

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will review and deliberate proposals from developers who responded to a July 2024 Request for Proposals for multiple city-owned properties, including parcels on Common Street, Methuen Street, Franklin Street, and Hampshire Street. The board will also consider a request for a minor amendment to the Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan and review a draft letter to the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities.

• Developer selection for 422-502 Common Street (Map 145 Lot 25)
• Developer selection for 245-251, 261, 265, 277-283, 289-293 Methuen Street parcels
• Developer selection for 9 Franklin Street (Map 145 Lot 46) and 11 Hampshire Street parking lot (Map 125 Lot 19)
• Review of Request for Minor Amendment #2 to Lawrence TBD Urban Renewal Plan
• Draft letter to EOHLC concerning the minor amendment

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority held a special meeting on March 17, 2025, and voted to recommend developers for multiple city-owned properties. Matias Companies was recommended for 245-251 Methuen Street and 11 Hampshire Street, Westchester Group for five Methuen Street parcels and 9 Franklin Street, and New Lawrence Development for 422-502 Common Street, subject to parking conditions. The board also approved pursuing a second minor amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan to include only the three Common Street lots. All votes were unanimous among present members, with Pedro Tejeda recusing from the Methuen/Hampshire and Franklin votes.

• Recommended Matias Companies as developer for 245-251 Methuen St and 11 Hampshire St (4-0, Tejeda recused)
• Recommended Westchester Group as developer for 9 Franklin St and 261, 265, 277-283, 289-293 Methuen St (4-0, Tejeda recused)
• Recommended New Lawrence Development for 422-502 Common St with parking conditions (5-0)
• Approved pursuing second minor amendment to Urban Renewal Plan for Common Street lots only
• Approved procedural motions: take street parcels out of order, recess, resume, vote on Common St developer, adjourn

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will meet to discuss IT ADA compliance and a proposal for the Mayor to support changing MassHealth guidelines for diagnosing autistic children. The body will also review ADA violations at the Lawrence Public Library and vote on an annual autism awareness flag raising in April.

• Discussion with IT Director Carlos Castilior on website and IT ADA compliance
• Vote on a letter to the Mayor regarding Angello Nunez as a City appointed Commissioner
• Vote on annual one-week flag raising for Autism Awareness Month in April
• Presentation by Janelle Abreu on ADA violations at the Lawrence Public Library
• Review of a self-evaluation and transition plan by ADA Coordinator Richard Rodriguez

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will discuss a new item (71/25) to review parking ordinances and regulations, with an invitation to Traffic Enforcement. The bulk of the agenda consists of dozens of tabled items dating back to 2014, covering topics such as towing criteria, speed limits, illegal dumping, fire prevention, syringe services, and school safety. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is a discussion and review session.

• 71/25: Review parking ordinances and regulations with Traffic Enforcement
• 30/25 (tabled): Review city towing list, criteria, and procedures with LPD and DPW
• 125/17 (tabled): Establish 25 mph citywide speed limit and amend Chapter 10.26
• 496/24 (tabled): Speed Limit Pilot Project Act
• 470/23 (tabled): Illegal dumping on alleyways and homeless situation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025, has been cancelled. The public hearing has been continued until April 10, 2025.

• Case Number 4182: Special Permit petition by New England Training Center LLC for retail sales of firearms and ammunition at 5 Ballard Way

Bellevue Cemetery Board

The Bellevue Cemetery Board of Directors will meet on March 13 to discuss routine business including minutes and director's report. They will consider an estimate for paving and repaving, repairs to the wooden barn, Winslow tomb, and an electrical line. New business includes salary increases, creation of an assistant superintendent position, spring planting, and planning for Beautification Day on May 17.

• Estimate for paving and repaving of cemetery
• Repairs to Wooden Barn, Winslow Tomb, and electrical line to Receiving Tomb
• Salary increases and creation of Assistant Superintendent position
• Beautification Day scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Commissioned memorial bench for Nicholas Kolofoles (65 years of service)

The Bellevue Cemetery Board discussed the memorial bench for retired director Nicholas Kolofoles and prepared a presentation for a meeting with the mayor about city help, including fountain repairs. The board agreed to invite the Ground Works Initiative to a future meeting to explain their work. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was largely discussion and planning.

• Minutes accepted (motion by S. Murphy, second by E. Machuca)
• S. Sweeney to record minutes (motion by E. Charlton, second by S. Murphy)
• 5-minute break approved (motion by S. Murphy, second by E. Machuca)
• Return to session approved (motion by S. Murphy, second by E. Machuca)
• Unfinished business and committee reports tabled (motion by E. Charlton, second by S. Murphy)
• Motion regarding flowers passed (motion by S. Murphy, second by E. Machuca)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM (motion by S. Murphy, second by E. Machuca)

Economic Development Committee

The Lawrence Economic Development Committee is holding a hybrid meeting on March 13, 2025, to consider several new business items and a tabled item. Discussion items include an update on inspectional services, film industry development, creation of a citywide master plan, and business development vision. Additionally, a tabled request for information on the parking meter contract with PCI Municipal Services LLC will be addressed.

• 88/25 Business and Economic Development Overview – Inspectional Services Operational Update
• 510/24 Film and Motion Picture Industry Development
• 511/24 Economic Development – Creation of Citywide Master Plan
• 512/24 Business Development and Economic Vision
• 25/24 Request for update on Parking Meter Contract between City of Lawrence and PCI Municipal Services LLC (tabled from February 2024)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025, has been cancelled. The agenda listed several pending items for discussion, including an Inspectional Services update and a citywide master plan.

• Inspectional Services Operational Update
• Film and Motion Picture Industry Development
• Creation of Citywide Master Plan
• Parking Meter Contract update regarding PCI Municipal Services LLC

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is reviewing several funding authorizations, including grants for lead hazard control and substance use programs. The body is also considering a resolution to support school roof and window repairs through the MSBA. Additionally, the committee has a lengthy list of tabled items ranging from 2015 to 2025.

• Auth to Expend $7,365,455.92 for Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant
• Auth to Expend $1,298,760 for Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Site Based Program
• Resolution for Lawrence Public Schools' MSBA Accelerated Repair Program for roof and window repairs
• Payment of prior year bills totaling $10,496.55 to Brody Hardoon
• Proposed transfer of $400,000 from ARPA/Free Cash to Prospering Lawrence Grant for small businesses

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on a competency determination policy and facilities rental, and approve previous meeting minutes. The superintendent will present a literacy presentation, a fiscal update for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and report on a Dominican Republic immersion program for teacher professional development.

• Vote on Competency Determination Policy
• Vote on Facilities Rental
• Approval of February 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Literacy Presentation
• FY25/FY26 Fiscal Update

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee will consider several new business items, including a request for city-wide pedestrian crossing lights, a snow-emergency parking ordinance, and a resolution on non-compliant housing. The committee will also approve polling locations and election procedures for the 2025 local elections, and discuss numerous tabled items from prior meetings covering parking, zoning, and other ordinances.

• Request for pedestrian crossing lights with timers at all city intersections, starting with Main Streets (item 70/25)
• An Act to Deter Illegal Parking During Snow Emergencies (item 73/25)
• Resolution Addressing Non-Compliant Housing within the City of Lawrence (item 74/25)
• Approval of 24 polling locations and police details for local elections on Sept. 16 and Nov. 4, 2025 (items 81/25, 92/25)
• Proposed ordinance for inspections and related fees (tabled item 47/25)

Board of Health

The Lawrence Board of Health is meeting on March 11, 2025, to discuss public health updates, tobacco product sales, and several enforcement cases. Key items include a report from the Tobacco Control Director on tobacco activities and a continued discussion on a possible policy change for hookah smoking in private clubs, which had been tabled. The board will also consider new appointments for health agents and address a food establishment operating without proper permits at 54 Union Street.

• Tobacco Product Sales Updates and general report from Tobacco Control Director Cesar Pungirum
• Discussion on possible policy change about hookah smoking in private clubs (tabled from prior meeting)
• New business: 54 Union Street food establishment without proper permits (ISD case #25-001948)
• Continued business: City Attorney Housing Court criminal proceedings at 245 Jackson St and 279 Salem St (tabled)
• Board of Health appointments for Orlando Maldonado, Phillip Stephenson, Melyn Dominguez, Michael LaFrance, Rafael Mejia Objio, and Joseph Rosario

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will review and select developers for properties based on proposals submitted for a July 2, 2024, request. The board will also discuss disciplinary procedures from Robert’s Rules of Order and legal strategies for transferring city property to the LRA.

• Selection of developers for properties including 115 Common Street, 205 Essex Street, and 261 Methuen Street
• Discussion on Robert’s Rules of Order Chapter XX disciplinary procedures
• Review of Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for James Carras
• Discussion of LRA enrollment in Group Insurance Commission and PERAC/Lawrence Retirement System
• Review of consulting contract with Hem Vora

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority voted to recommend developers for seven city-owned property groupings to the Mayor and City Council, including a hotel at 115-139 Common Street, By the River Park for 7-19 South Canal Street, Sire Group for 55 South Canal Street, Aquino Ltd. for 205-223 Essex Street, and Syramad Properties for Pemberton Park with 20% affordable housing. Two items were tabled: 422-502 Common Street (WealthBridge) and the Methuen Street/9 Franklin Street recommendation, which was reconsidered due to an agenda discrepancy. The board noted all recommendations require City Council approval.

• Recommended Jowamar Properties' Saint Republic Hotel for 115-139 Common Street (4-1)
• Tabled 422-502 Common Street; requested clarity from WealthBridge on affordability and financing
• Recommended By the River Park for 7-19 South Canal Street (4-1)
• Recommended Sire Group for 55 South Canal Street (5-0)
• Recommended Westchester Properties and Matias Companies for 261-293 Methuen St & 9 Franklin St, then tabled due to agenda omission
• Recommended Aquino Ltd. for 205-223 Essex Street (5-0)
• Recommended Syramad Properties for Pemberton Park with 20% affordable housing (4-0, 1 recusal)

Personnel Committee

The Lawrence Personnel Committee will consider confirmation of Victor Ortega Cruz as Director of Veteran Services and re-appointment of Francisco Abad to the Planning Board. The committee will also discuss creating job descriptions for three School Committee appointee positions (Education, Finance, Legal). Several tabled items from prior meetings remain on the agenda, including authorization to fill an enforcement prosecutor position in Inspectional Services.

• Confirm appointment of Victor Ortega Cruz as Director of Veteran Services
• Confirm re-appointment of Francisco Abad to the Planning Board (term to 2028)
• Creation of job descriptions for School Committee appointees in Education, Finance, and Legal
• Authorization to fill Enforcement Prosecutor position (vacant >6 months) in Inspectional Services
• Personnel Director hiring update (executive session expected)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider a Notice of Intent for a rehabilitation project and construction of a recreational park on Bay State Road, submitted by the City of Lawrence Planning Department. No old business is scheduled. The meeting also includes board business and correspondence, as well as approval of minutes from the February 4, 2025 meeting.

• Notice of Intent: rehabilitation project and construction of a recreational park at Bay State Road
• Applicant: City of Lawrence Planning Department
• Site walk to be determined
• Approval of minutes from February 4, 2025 meeting

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will meet to address tabled matters and new business regarding local business licenses. The board is reviewing applications for wholesale dealer and common victualing licenses, as well as a change in ownership.

• Wholesale to Wholesale Dealer License application for MT Motors Sports at 439 So Union St
• Common Vic License application for Delicias Latinas at 518 Lowell St
• Change of manager and ownership for El Cesar Café at 11 Newbury St
• Common VIC License application for 1 Winthrop Ave

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on two zoning map amendments: one for a portion of Bay State Road from Industrial to Open Space Recreation, and another for 22 parcels on Jackson Street from Residential to Local Business. The board will also consider three special permit and site plan applications: a new 1,836 sq ft Dunkin restaurant with drive-thru at 577 Broadway, a drive-thru at the existing Dunkin at 123 Lawrence Street, and illuminated sign installation at 600 Essex Street. A continued case for 486 Andover Street and 186 Mt. Vernon Street is also on the agenda.

• Zoning map amendment for Bay State Road and City land Map 204 Lot 44 from General Industrial (I-2) to Open Space Recreation (OCR)
• Zoning map amendment for 22 parcels on Jackson Street (140-237 Jackson St) from Residential (R-2) to Local Business (B-1)
• Special permit and site plan for a new 1,836 sq ft Dunkin restaurant with drive-thru at 577 Broadway
• Special permit for a drive-thru at the existing Dunkin restaurant at 123 Lawrence Street
• Special permit for one illuminated wall sign and one illuminated monument sign at 600 Essex Street by Ezzi Signs Inc.

The Planning Board voted to send favorable recommendations to the City Council for two zoning amendments: one to rezone a portion of Bay State Road from industrial to open space for a park, and another to rezone 22 parcels on Jackson Street from residential to local business. The board also approved a sign permit at 600 Essex Street with a condition, and continued several other hearings.

• Approved illuminated sign at 600 Essex Street with condition that lights shut off within an hour of business close (4-0)
• Recommended zoning change for Bay State Road (Map 204 Lot 44) from I-2 to Open Space Recreation (all in favor)
• Recommended zoning change for Jackson Street (22 parcels) from R-2 to B-1 (all in favor)
• Continued hearing for 186 Mount Vernon Street to allow updated plans (all in favor)
• Continued hearing for 577 Broadway pending traffic plans (all in favor)
• Continued hearing for 123 Lawrence Street (all in favor)
• Granted withdrawal without prejudice for 486 Andover Street (all in favor)

Lawrence School Committee

The Lawrence School Committee will discuss the Graduation Requirements Proposal (0001-2025), a LAE amendment regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests, and several new business items including an Open Meeting Law violation allegation and a student commuting safety plan. The committee will also hold executive session votes on the reputation of members and dismissal of an employee, and review numerous tabled matters from previous meetings.

• 0001-2025 Graduation Requirements Proposal for Lawrence Public Schools
• 0002-2025 LAE Amendment to Section E: Support Services – Immigration and Customs Enforcement Request
• 0003-2025 Open Meeting Law Violation by the Lawrence Alliance for Education
• 0004-2025 Plan to Safeguard Students Commuting to and from School
• Executive session votes on 0044-2024 Reputation of Members and 0046-2024 Dismissal of employee

City Council

The Lawrence City Council holds its regular meeting on March 4, 2025. Key items include a Budget and Finance Committee report transferring $511,100 in ARPA funds to the First Time Homebuyer Program, multiple appropriation transfers and grants, and an anticipated executive session to discuss litigation strategy on a Wage Claim Act case. The council will also consider numerous parking and street sign requests, personnel authorizations, and resolutions honoring first responders.

• Budget and Finance Committee: Transfer of $511,100 in ARPA funds to First Time Homebuyer Program from various accounts
• Appropriation Transfer of $130,000 from various accounts to the Child Care Circuit
• Authorization to expend $361,190 from MA DOT Aeronautic Division grant for airport
• Executive session anticipated to discuss litigation strategy re: Wage Claim Act
• Request to expend $150,000 from EOPSS Byrne Crisis Intervention Program

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will vote on transferring $511,100 in ARPA funds to the First Time Homebuyer Program and a $130,000 transfer to Child Care Circuit. They also plan to discuss litigation strategy for a wage claim act in executive session. Numerous parking and signage ordinances, including child care parking at multiple addresses, are pending hearings or decisions.

• Transfer of $511,100 in ARPA funds to First Time Homebuyer Program (Budget & Finance Committee item 303/24)
• Appropriation transfer of $130,000 to Child Care Circuit (22B/25)
• Authorization to expend $125,215 Housing Choice Grant for Reviviendo/Gateway 2.0 planning (42/25)
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy on wage claim act (31/25)
• Multiple child care parking signage ordinances (e.g., 38 Cornish St., 106 Berkeley St., 112 Park St., etc.)

Lawrence Housing Authority [LHA]

The Lawrence Housing Authority will hold a regular session on March 4, 2025. The provided document is a notice of the meeting and does not list specific agenda items.

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board is holding an election for two board member positions with 3-year terms starting July 3, 2025. Nomination papers are available from March 4, and must be returned by noon on March 27. Ballots will be mailed to all active, inactive, and retired members, with tabulation on June 26.

• Election for two board member positions, terms starting July 3, 2025
• Candidates must be active or retired members and submit 20 signatures
• Nomination papers due by noon on March 27, 2025
• Ballots mailed to all members, must be returned by June 20, 2025
• Ballot tabulation on June 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Retirement Office

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing on February 27, 2025, to consider multiple petitions for variances and special permits. Continued items include properties at 262-278 Lowell St, 640 Essex St, and 348 Jackson St. New cases include requests for a Dunkin restaurant with drive-thru at 577 Broadway and 123 Lawrence Street, a 10-unit residential addition at 199-229 Broadway, and liquor-related variances for 276-280 Essex Street and 473 Haverhill Street. The board will also hear a lot subdivision and two-family home construction at 37 Norris Street and 168-170 High Street.

• Petition for Dunkin drive-thru at 577 Broadway (I-2 Industrial District)
• Petition for 10 residential units above commercial at 199-229 Broadway (B-23 Business)
• Petition for liquor use variance at 276-280 Essex Street (B-3 Business)
• Petition for package store at 473 Haverhill Street (B-2 Business)
• Petition to subdivide 11,730 sq ft lot at 37 Norris Street and construct two-family homes

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a café with liquor use at 276-280 Essex Street with four conditions, denied a beer and wine license for El Tesoro Supermarket at 473 Haverhill Street, and approved removal of a fabric screening condition for National Grid at 75 Canal Street. All other agenda items were continuances or a withdrawal, with no substantive decisions.

• Approved café with liquor use at 276-280 Essex Street with 4 conditions (4-0)
• Denied beer and wine license for El Tesoro Supermarket at 473 Haverhill Street (0-4)
• Approved removal of fabric screening condition for National Grid at 75 Canal Street (4-0)
• Continued 262-278 Lowell Street (RayProgress LLC) (all in favor)
• Continued 640 Essex Street (Edwin Solano) (all in favor)
• Withdrew without prejudice 348 Jackson Street (Jorge Filpo) (all in favor)
• Continued 577 Broadway (Cafti Realty Trust) (all in favor)
• Continued 199-229 Broadway (Alternatives Plaza LLC) (all in favor)

Greater Lawrence Sanitary District

The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission will discuss and vote on an appropriation for electrical upgrades (requiring a super majority) and an extension of the operational services contract with New England Energy Services Corporation. The meeting also includes a capital projects update and an executive session for collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 170. The meeting is open for public listening only with no public participation.

• Discussion and vote on appropriation for electrical upgrades (super majority vote required)
• Discussion and vote on extension of operational services contract with New England Energy Services Corporation
• Capital projects update
• Executive session for collective bargaining with Teamsters Local 170
• Approval of January 29, 2025 regular board meeting minutes

Lawrence Alliance for Education [LAE]

The Lawrence Alliance for Education will vote on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy update, the 2025–2026 LPS student and faculty calendar, and ratification of a Safety Officers Union contract. Also anticipated is a vote on a Student Learning Time Waiver for Rise Night School. The superintendent will report on MSBA projects at Leahy and Oliver schools, special education, and the district planning process.

• Vote on Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy update
• Vote on SY 2025–2026 LPS Student and Faculty Calendar
• Safety Officers Union Contract Ratification (anticipated)
• Student Learning Time Waiver for Rise Night School (potential vote)
• Facilities rental and meeting minutes approval

Ordinance & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

The Ordinance Committee will review a proposed ordinance establishing inspection and related fees (47/25) and another for video requests (51/25). They will also consider multiple parking changes and resolutions honoring public safety personnel. Tabled items from previous meetings cover zoning, parking, and other ordinances.

• Proposed Ordinance for Inspections and Related Fees (47/25)
• Proposed Ordinance for Video Requests (51/25)
• Rezoning portion of city land off Bay State Road and Jordan Street from I-2 to OCR (46/25)
• Resolutions honoring 2024 Paramedic, Police Officers, and Firefighters of the Year (57/25-63/25)
• Proposed Anti-Camping Ordinance prohibiting unauthorized camping in public spaces (551/24)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss a extensive list of tabled new business items. These items range from current requests regarding towing procedures to long-term tabled discussions dating back to 2013.

• Review of City’s Towing List, Criteria and Procedures (30/25)
• Proposal to establish a city-wide maximum motor vehicle speed of 25mph (125/17)
• Speed Limit Pilot Project Act (496/24)
• Concerns regarding illegal dumping on alleyways and homelessness (470/23)
• Concerns about trash pick-up by Capitol Waste Services (472/23)

Redevelopment Authority

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority will discuss and select a project manager. The board will also hear presentations and deliberate on developer proposals for several city-owned properties.

• Selection of a project manager
• Aquino, Ltd. proposals for 205, 209-215, and 217-223 Essex Street
• Sire Group proposal for Pemberton Park Site on North Canal Street
• Syramad Properties Inc. proposal for Pemberton Park Site on North Canal Street

The Lawrence Redevelopment Authority voted to engage RAG Associates as the day-to-day project manager for smaller developments and the 300 Canal (Unit Hydro) site, with Colliers Project Leaders and Collaborative RED to be considered later for larger projects like Pemberton Park and Merrimack Paper. The board also heard presentations from three developers for city-owned properties, but no developer selections were made. A special meeting was proposed for the following week to vote on project selections.

• Approved motion to engage RAG Associates as day-to-day project manager for smaller developments and 300 Canal (Unit Hydro) (4-0, Perez abstained)
• Approved motion to take Item 1 out of order
• Approved motion to return to original agenda order
• Approved motion to break for recess
• Approved motion to resume meeting
• Approved motion to adjourn

Housing Committee

The Housing Committee will discuss two new business items: a proposed merger of a portion of Bay State Road with city-owned land for a recreational park, and an amendment to the city's zoning ordinances to permit accessory dwelling units. The agenda also includes a lengthy list of tabled items from previous years, many involving surplus property declarations, dispositions, and deed restrictions, but no action is scheduled on those at this meeting.

• Merger of a portion of Bay State Road with city-owned land for future development of a recreational park (45/25)
• Amendment to zoning ordinances to allow accessory dwelling units as a permitted use (520/24)
• Declaration of surplus property at 55 Bromfield Street, Map 171, Lot 132 (91/24, tabled)
• Direct disposition of 22 Hancock Street, Map 185, Lot 9 (394/23, tabled)
• Request to remove deed restriction at 113 Walnut Street (208/23, tabled)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will discuss new business including a $150,000 grant for a police crisis intervention program and a transfer from stabilization reserve for litigation. The committee will also take up numerous tabled items from previous meetings, covering appropriation transfers for airport safety easements, housing planning grants, child care funding, and ARPA allocations for small business and first-time homebuyer programs.

• $150,000 EOPSS Byrne Crisis Intervention Program grant request for police support services
• $511,100 transfer of ARPA funds to the First Time Homebuyer Program (tabled from June 2024)
• $300,000 appropriation transfer from various accounts to the Child Care Circuit (tabled from January 2025)
• $361,190 grant from MA DOT Aeronautic Division for mandated safety easements at the airport (tabled from February 2025)
• $125,215 Housing Choice Grant for Reviviendo/Gateway 2.0 planning (tabled from February 2025)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will vote on authorizations to fill four positions that have been vacant for more than six months: an Enforcement Prosecutor in Inspectional Services, an Assistant Superintendent of Cemeteries, and two positions in Planning and Development (Intake Specialist and Data Specialist/Outreach Coordinator). Several tabled items are also on the agenda, including the confirmation of Pamela Gonnell as Assistant Commissioner of Health and Code Services and an update on the Personnel Director hiring process, which may occur in executive session.

• Authorization to fill Enforcement Prosecutor position in Inspectional Services (vacant >6 months)
• Authorization to fill Assistant Superintendent of Cemeteries (vacant >6 months)
• Authorization to fill Intake Specialist and Data Specialist/Outreach Coordinator in Planning and Development
• Tabled: Confirm appointment of Pamela Gonnell as Assistant Commissioner of Health and Code Services
• Tabled: Personnel Director Hiring Update (executive session expected)

Airport Commission

The Lawrence Municipal Airport Commission will consider several lease-related actions, including assumption of the North Ramp lease for M.E.M.L.V, selection of a proposal for 21 Clark Street, and a long-term parking lease with Safelite. The commission will also receive reports from the Finance, Lease, and Airport Security committees, and discuss the Administration Building update.

• Lease Assumption of North Ramp Lease for M.E.M.L.V
• 21 Clark Street - RFP Selection
• Safelite Long Term Parking Lease
• Administration Building Update
• Approve minutes from January 16, 2025 meeting

Licensing Board

The Lawrence Licensing Board will consider several license applications at its February 19, 2025 meeting. Items include a one-day all-alcohol license for St Patrick Parrish, new common victualler licenses for two restaurants, a change of manager and ownership for a café, a retail dealer license for a used car dealer, and a tabled wholesale license matter. The board will also approve minutes and handle old business.

• One-day all-alcohol license for St Patrick Parrish at 118 So Broadway on March 22, 2025
• Common Vic License for Delicias Latinas at 518 Lowell St
• Common Vic License for Tu Cocina Restaurant & Deli at 109-115 So Broadway
• Change of manager and ownership for El Cesar Café at 11 Newbury St; proposed manager Ingrid Tevenal
• Retail dealer License Class II for Morales Motors at 292 Lowell St (was closed by M & L Auto Care in 2020)

Retirement Board

The Lawrence Retirement Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on February 18, 2025. The board will consider three superannuation applications (one involuntary, two voluntary) and schedule a public hearing on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for March. Tabled items include an anti-spiking provision and several liability requests. The agenda also covers routine approvals of minutes, expenses, and disclosures.

• Carl Farrington — Involuntary Superannuation
• Timothy Dube — Superannuation
• Marisol Marte — Superannuation
• COLA public hearing scheduled for March
• Anti-Spiking provision tabled (position of Director of Office of Finance to CAFO)

City Council

The Lawrence City Council will hold public hearings on various handicapped parking requests and a probationary period ordinance. The body will also review airport funding and new proposals for inspection fees and personnel filings.

• Authorization to expend $361,190 MA DOT Aeronautic Division grant
• Appropriation transfer of $100,000 from Airport Acct. 26-3590 for safety easements
• Proposed Ordinance for Inspections and Related Fees
• Request to expend $150,000 Byrne Crisis Intervention Program grant funds
• Authorization to expend $35,000 for 2025 Dept of Fire Services Safety Equipment Grant