City Council - Regular Meeting

Yeah. God bless you. Thank you. Good evening. Hello. Uh we would like to ask anybody that is standing that outside you can actually watch the entire meeting due to a potential uh overcapacity situation on the chambers. We would like to please uh if you're not sitting to step outside and watch the meeting uh over the TV that is right outside and uh when when it comes to your time to speak on public participation, you can definitely walk in and uh and um provide the public participation. Thank you everybody.

So we good. We're sending the mayor down now. Maria. Maria, tell him to come down now. We're going to do it first. We're going to We're going to do it first. Tell the mayor to come now. Oh, thank you. Thank you.

That's what I'm saying. Mine. The mayor's not here yet. Good evening and welcome to the regular meeting.

Good evening and welcome to the Lawren City Council meeting. Today is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Uh pursuant to chapter 20 of the act of 2022. This meeting is hybrid allowing participation both in person at the city council chambers as well as uh remotely. The Zoom link for this meeting was provided to anybody that requested through the city clerk's office. This meeting is also been transmitted live uh uh through the Lawrence City Council city uh Facebook page as well as the Lawren City Council YouTube page. Roco Madame Clerk. Councelor Gonzalez present. Council Miguel present. Council Marl present. Council Ponte present. Council Reyes

present. Council Del Rosario present. Council Lant present. Council vice president Levy present. Council President Rodriguez

present. Uh, at this point I would like you to join me for a moment of silence. But before you join me, I would like to uh do this in honor of Lawrence police officer Tom Dugan that 36 years ago was killed in the land of duty on March 16, 1990. So please join me for the uh for the moment of silence. Now join me for the pledge of

allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Minutes. We do not have minutes. Uh uh today we have no minutes to be approved and we going straight to uh council president. Yes. Uh councel

if I may I would like to take out of order tabled item 478-25 resolution honoring Gustavo Varela Greater Lawrence Tech student athlete holder of the state's all-star leading rushing record in high school football. Second. There is a motion to unt it properly. Second discussion. There is no discussion on the matters. All those in favor, please say I. I. I would also like to make a motion to approve the item. I don't think we made a motion to approve. Second. Yeah, there's a motion to approve the resolution. Um properly second discussion on the resolution. Uh there is none. All those in favor please say I. I.

Any names? The eyes have it. Uh councelor Lfante, you you can take that uh the mic. And for the not this one. Good evening, counselors. Thank you for the opportunity to present this resolution. Uh this evening I stand with you before you with the co-sponsor of the resolution, councelor Vivian Marmal and also counselor Rosalie Gonzalez who the three of us are proud Greater Lawrence Tech alums. Um and we are here proudly to represent the school and also to continue the Reggie legacy that is so dear um to our hearts and also the city of Lawrence. You guys want to say anything? Are you guys good?

Okay. All right. All right. So, we're gonna This resolution, as as you heard, is to um recognize this young man, Gustavo Varela, who broke a record that hasn't been broken statewide in a long time. And with that being said, I'm going to proceed with the resolution uh so we can all hear about his amazing accomplishments. Whereas the city of Lawrence takes great pride in recognizing those individuals who through extraordinary dedication and perseverance achieve greatness and bring honor to our community. And in that spirit we honor Gustavo A. Varela, a resident of EMTT Street in District E, an distinguished senior at Greater Lawrence Technical High School, who etched his name in the annals of Massachusetts sports history. The second paragraph.

Whereas on the football field, Gustavo Varela officially became the all-time career rushing leader in the history of Massachusetts high school football. A historic feat that culminates in a staggering 6,746 career rushing yards and 92 total touchdowns. Whereas, as noted in his historic coverage by the Boston Globe, this milestone surpasses long-standing records in a state known for its deep football tradition, placing Gustavo at the pine pine pinnacle of the sport above all who have played before him in the Commonwealth. And whereas Gustavo's athletic proesses is matched by his academic discipline as evidenced by his 3.6 GPA while in the plumbing program at Greater Lawrence Technical High School providing that he is the contential

quintessential

quintessential student athlete. And whereas And whereas throughout his four-year varsity career, Gustavo has demonstrated a relentless work ethic, progressing from a 706yard freshman season to a historic two 2,180 yard season his senior year. All while maintaining a reputation of humility, loyalty, and leadership. And whereas I'm gonna keep going. Okay. And whereas this achievement is a testament to the unconditional support of his family, Maryanne Payano, Brian Varela, and Kimberly Varela, and the coaching staff and community at Greater Lawrence Technical School. Now there be now therefore be it resolved that the Lawrence City Council on behalf of the citizens of the of the city of Lawrence hereby extends its more sincere congratulations to Gustavo A. Varela for his record-breaking career and for serving as a role model of excellence, grit, and character for the youth of our city. The Lawrence City Council hereby sets its hand and causes and causes the seal of the city of Lawrence to be affixed this 17th day of March in the year 2026. Respectfully submitted to you, Gustau, on behalf of the entire city of Lawrence and the entire city council. Congratulations. And we're not done just yet. We are not done just yet. We have the pleasure of having our mayor, Brian A. Dea, who has a few words for you as well, Gustavo.

Thank you so much. Uh, I want to explain something to the tonight. It's a very clear agabo represents uh the young community in Lawrence. You know for many year at the whole community investment in the in the community the Lord community John is tonight is a real moment to recognize not only you the whole community uh young community in the city of Lawrence uh include Lauren High School, Central Catholic, many school you know uh in the city of Lauren. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for your family because the family is very important. Uh I want to recognize to tonight with a proclamation to the city uh the city office may major brand Deep Pñena. that whereas continue be it known I Brian De Pñena mayor of the city of Lawrence Massachusetts and on behalf of its residents by and through this proclamation honor and recognize Gustavo Varela and hereby state as follows whereas Gustavo Varela a senior at Greater Lawrence High School has achieved a historic milestone that brings distinction not only to his school but to the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts and whereas Gustavo Varela has officially become the all-time career rushing leader in Massachusetts high school football history, concluding his remarkable career with an outstanding 6,746 rushing yards as highlighted by the Boston Globe. And whereas Gustavo Varela during this past season alone rushed for over 2,000 yards, placing him among the elite high school athletes in the state. And whereas beyond his extraordinary athletic accomplishments, Gustavo Varela

exemplifies humility, discipline, toughness, and strong character. Qualities that have made him a respected leader within his program and a role model throughout the community. And whereas Gustavo Barela's dedication, perseverance, and commitment to teamwork reflects the values we strive to instill in our youth. And whereas as a proud son of the city of Lawrence, his achievements reflect the strength, the pride, and the boundless potential of our community, particularly in his inspiring Hispanic youths to believe in what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and humility. And now therefore, I, Brian De Pena, mayor of the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, on behalf of its residents, do hereby recognize and commend Gustavo Barela for his historic athletic achievement and for serving as an outstanding example of leadership, character, and excellence within our community. Furthermore, I set my hand in seal and affix the seal of the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, this 17th day of March in the year of our Lord 2026. AWESOME.

Thank you. Hold it right there. Oh, one more picture. One more to the city council one. And we're gonna we're gonna one more. We're going to do a group one as well. You want to say a few words? I asked.

Sorry, council. We usually do pictures afterwards. But before we go into a a motion to recess, I do want to give the opportunity for Gustavo to say a few words or at least a thank you if he doesn't want to say a few words um to the city council and to hear a little bit more about him. And like I mentioned, Gustavo, we have three veggies here standing that are now city counselors. So when they say that students from Good Lawrence Tech, I I know I was told that we won't be anything in life. You have four standing here that are proving everybody otherwise every single day.

So um first of all, I want to thank everybody for uh the certificates. I really appreciate it and I'm very grateful to be in this opportunity right now where I went into an environment like Greater Lawrence Tech and I was able to play sports, learn a trade and go to school. I think that's an opportunity that you don't get anywhere else. So, I'm very grateful and happy that I made that decision to go there. I'm thankful for for coach Sarcus here. Uh he gave me the opportunity to start my freshman year, which is something you need to break this record that I did. And yeah, I I worked really hard for 4 years and I'm really happy that, you know, it's paying off. Um, I will be going to college this year at Assumption University. I'm going to be a a first first generation college student. And honestly, I I say it all the time, man. I feel like athletes from Lawrence, man, I wish I wish they stayed at these high schools cuz we would be the best at everything, man. Honestly. And I mean like the athletic potential in the city, it's it's it's amazing. Central Catholic basketball, they just went to the division one state finals. Unfortunately, they lost by three points. But it just goes to show, man, there's so much potential in this community. There's so much stuff that we could do athletically. And I'm really happy to be part of this community. I'm really happy I was born in Lawrence. And um yeah, this was for the city, man. Thank you guys. This is the city.

Thank you so much. Let's put it on you so you can decorate your jacket and then wear it proudly.

I don't know how we're going to do this. I'll put it with the other pins if you want. Not yet. Not yet. We're going to do both. Yeah. Oh, this is a good jacket. It's a quality jacket. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you guys.

Looking like a militant. You can too. I got it. I know it's easy. Beautiful. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Congratulations.

Congratulations. Gustavo, just stay around. We're going to do another recognition and then we're going to take a break to take a group picture. Uh now, counselors, I would like to uh uh we have another item on new business. Uh this is it island uh 8526 which is a proclamation honoring Hillary Macdonald, a Lawrence High School uh varsity wrestler and a three-time state champion all state champion. So under the new rule under the newly modified rule rule four of the city council, we're going to be able to do the recognition for uh Miss Macdonald today. And as of that we would like to u at this time um I will pass them uh the goblet to council vice president Levy so I can uh proceed and and present this proclamation uh to miss uh McDonald Hello.

Hi. Hi.

Thank you, Hillary. Well, today is an special day. This is the third time that we we have Hillary here with us because every time she u she get state champion, we brought him in. And today the city of Lawrence uh have an special proclamation uh for Hillary Macdonald. Whereas the city of Lawren uh take great pride to in recognizing those individuals who uh through the extraordinary dedication and perseverance achievement and greatness and big honor of our in our community. uh that the spit the spit of honor Hillary Macdonald have is a resident of distinguish the distinguished resident of the city of Lawrence and a senior at the Lawrence High School uh who her name into the Arnold Massachusetts sport uh sport history. Uh whereas um on the wrestling math Hillary McDonald's won 2026 Massachusetts MIA girls Allstar Tournament. uh a history feed uh that made her the first girl to be threetime state champion in the history of the state of Massachusetts. OF COURSE and it's a Lorenzian uh whereas Hillary's athletic achievement are matched for uh by her academic effort and uh her work and uh in the medical pathway program at the Lawrence High School. Whereas uh throughout her varsity wrestling career, Hillary demonstrate a uh relentless work ethic, a progre a pro progressing uh from a timing and freshman uh display

athletic abilities but not uh wrestling background uh to her achievement over the past four years. uh as a newcomer uh to the sport all while maintaining a reputation as a friend uh as a friendly and approachable leader who have a loyal team on her. Whereas her achievement is a testament uh to uncondition unconditional support of her family, parents uh Jose and medium McDonald's and the and her older brother Jose McDonald's and her coach and the coaches staff from the Lawrence High School and the entire community of Lawrence. Now therefore to be resolved uh that the city of the city council on behalf of the city of Lawrence and the citizen of the city hereby extend the most sincere congratulations and uh commemoration to Hillary McDonald's uh for her historical uh wrestling career, a three-time state champion, her role model and excellence and her character to the youth in our city. The city council there uh thereby set the hands and cows on the sealed of the uh of the city of Lance to be fixed and on the 17th of March uh for the year 2020 2026. This has been signed by the nine counillors as well as the city clerk. Congratulations. And now I going to uh I forgot my glasses today. So I going to say a few things. Uh a few things uh that is me personally uh knowing Hillary and the family. We're neighbors. Uh we live in

the same neighbor and the same neighborhood. Uh she's part of district uh council Vivian. She's your constituents. And let me tell you something about Hillary. Uh something that uh that I that you see on the on the uh on the on somebody that is perseverance and also uh that is uh always uh very attention to details and I have seen her growth. I have seen her uh you know putting that effort into different set of her life. when she was in middle school, when she was on uh on high school, she was about to get into Abat uh and and she went uh to the regular high school up there, she was able to accomplish a threetime uh state champion in wrestling. And something that, you know, I noticed that it was very, very, you know, cool to me. before she started driving, she used to park her car right here around my house and she was not able to drive yet and she used to go and check the car every day to make sure everything is all set and nobody have taken anything away. So that was something that you when you see a child that is growing uh from point A to point B that's something that is very exciting. So I observe, I quiet and I just laugh and that was something that you know I wanted to share with everybody. So, I wish you the best in your career. A lot of opportunities are going to come up and you're going to be doing well for sure.

Thank you.

So, now we have the mayor as well to do a recognition failure.

Thank you. Thank you so much. It's uh it's the second opportunity I have for rec recognized uh somebody in short time two couple of weeks ago she visited my office and I recognize uh for her dedication it is a symbol for the young community in my city city of Lauren thank you continue don't stop continue the way you may I know you remember in my office I told you uh in the in the way many challenge is normal. I pass everybody pass but I know you continue and you take care of the world. Okay.

Thank you so much and again my congratulations. Okay. Hey guys. home. So, my name is Hillary McDonald and I want to start off by saying thank you to my community for always being there and supporting me. I know as a female wrestler, this is a new sport. It just started two years ago. This is my third year wrestling. And I just want to say that I've seen the growth and I've seen the community help me through a lot of things. But I specifically, even though he doesn't want me to want to thank my coach, um there's many points in my life where I felt like wrestling was not for me and that I wouldn't stay in this sport, but Coach Guzman was there. When I needed a rock, I had Coach Guzman. He break like he broke me down and brought me back up. Like there's no other person like Coach Guzman. um he did a lot for me, you know, and coming from, you know, a Dominican household that, you know, as a girl doing such a manly sport, some people didn't understand that. And I got to say thank you to my parents cuz they understood. Even when my family members were like, "Oh, are you sure she should do that sport or like that's not good? That's not something a female should do." They were there. My coach was there when I had to cry or when I had to run

away from the mat. My teammates were there. You know, from being in a male sport, there were more of the most the most emotional supportive people I've ever had. And I also have to thank my friends because there's been many times where I had to wake cut or where I felt like I don't know just giving up academically too. And they were there. With this being said, this is a community, you know, and I'm never been so proud to say that I'm part of Lawrence. This is not just, wow, it's like the first time people winning. No, there's going to be more winnings. People are going to come to get more titles. And I'm so excited that I was the first girl to do this. And I can't wait to see the next girl. Thank you. coach. Okay. I wasn't expecting to talk. Um Hillary is just a she's a student athlete. When I say student athlete, um I think with one thing we left out and it's a big thing is um she got into a couple schools in premed. Uh she wants to be a doctor and I think that's we got to forget the titles. I think that's the most important thing. Um coming out of Lawrence, that's big. That big. She's the perfect example. We tell every single athlete, "Show up, put in the effort, and then we're going to do everything for you." And um I always tell her, "Don't thank me. Just you did the work. You showed up. I just gave you the tools for it, and you took advantage of it." Um super proud of her. And thank you guys for everything that you guys do and the support. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you uh city council president for allowing me to say a few words. And I I stand here along with uh representing and being a voice uh side by side with my colleagues, the the female colleagues that I have who have also paved the way for for me. Um just as you are doing for the many other girls that are going to come after you um as a Latina and also representing Lawrence. I know that there's a lot of talent and I'm so proud to be one of many counselors to continuously highlight and recognize the talent that the city of Lawrence has and thank you so much for for being that example for us and for for for the city of Lawrence and continue to do the amazing work that you do. We're all proud of you. Thank you. Um, so one more thing I forgot and she doesn't know it yet cuz we just found out this week and we were going to announce it on the team dinner, but um, we compete in the Marramac Valley Conference. It's the hardest conference in New England and Hillary ended up getting female wrestler of the year. So I think that's very cool. And uh something else that she accomplished this year is that she was second in New England. Not just a state champion, but second in New England competing with all the state around here. So we haven't mentioned that, but she she competed in in Rhode Island. And uh for the third time, the first time I went over, I was very excited. and uh and and she got the second second uh second in the entire all the states in New England. Yes.

CONGRATULATIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS.

Good job. Motion for a fivem minute recess.

I have

Listen, I'm not stupid. Can I got a motion to get out of break? Out of recess. Motion to get out of recess.

There's a motion to get out of recess properly. Second discussion. There is none. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any naysay? You guys have it. Going to the top of the agenda. We're going straight to public participation. Um, we have a lot of people on the public participation today. This is the rules. We, uh, you're going to have two and a half minute to speak. Can we close the door? Close. We're going to have two and a half minute to speak.

Can you please close the door very quick? Yeah, you're going to have two and a half minutes to speak. At the 2 minute mark, you're going to hear a beep, a sound, an indication that you still have 30 seconds. Uh, please refer to this council as a whole. So

we uh uh if you are if you are going to be talking about the same topic and you believe that the next person have something value to to share with us uh and you don't have to speak for two and a half minutes. Uh if you got your point across, uh we understand that the the time could be used by someone else due to the fact that public participation rules and the ordinance only establish 30 minutes for everybody to speak. So therefore, if you if you get your point across in a minute, somebody else will share uh their their opinion as well. So the first name that we have is uh Johnny Monroy. Name and address for the record as required. Johnny Monroy. All right. The next person that we have is Francisco Pawino. Representative Palino.

Wait, wait. Let's set up the rules. Hi, Francisco. Give me a moment. So, please hold up your applause for the ends due to the fact that we have restriction on time and is better off to get the point across because applause this town's descent. Words is different. So, name and address for the record, please.

Francisco Palino, 48 Melane Avenue, Meta, Massachusetts. Good evening. Um, I was here last two years ago testifying in favor of DMF and I just want to point out something to some of you that went to college with me that struggle with me when I was without food when we didn't have money that we have to eat at bread with salami there and some of you did that with me. So talking about TMF, some of us believe this just a simple meal once a week. But for many of our brothers and sisters that live in the street, that's the most stable and human moment they have in the whole week. It's more than just food. is about sense of belonging, a place that they can say hi to their friends, place they can talk and sometime get medical help. So many of you believe in God and read the Bible. Something that I learned or heard when I was a kid is that pe some people in the past you know treat with kindness unknown people and without they noticing they were helping angels. So what TMF is doing there maybe maybe we too believe they helping angels because these are people that sometime feel invisible because many of us don't make eyes contact then so that sense of long is important and a meal a week save life. Most of the people that die in homelessness is because they don't like they don't die because overdose they die because they got an infection. They die because they have hunger, malnourishing. So what they do is important and I believe if you care about the people of Lawrence, Matuan or

the home in Mac Valley, any homeless that comes around that goes there for a piece of meal, if you haven't go there, I invite you. So if you care about them, please let them stay and continue doing the great service they provide to our community. Thank you. We have 30 minutes

if you keep on uploading and then you you shorten your time. So keep it for the end. Please keep it to the end and that way we can have more time. The next person is Rich Russell. Councelor Rosso. Top of the evening to your counselors. Rich Russell, 34 Cross Street. Please excuse my uh Irish colored garb considering how I'm probably the last person to serve on the Laurens City Council with any degree of Irish blood in me by virtue of my maternal grandparents coming over from uh the old country in the 1880s. It's the least I could do to celebrate the real St. Patty's Day. Now, to finish the last sentence that I was cut off from at the last council meeting due to my lack of time on my part, I will say this regarding all of the snow emergency parking tickets. The city needs a new winter motto in Latin. are cuminatoua adn nostrm which translates into English from your wallet to ours. The city needs to come up with a better system for winter parking. The city needs more blue lights. The city could sell winter parking permits on city-owned property with restrictions. The city needs to use the red alert system that was instituted by former fire chief Brian Moriotti. And the city needs to improve parking restrictions on the city's website. Speaking of the city's website, it needs to do a better job of notifying the public of upcoming events. I found out

about the Dominican and the Irish flag raising well after the events happened. Are these events turning into photo ops for politicians taken by the mayor's unofficial office photographer? It seems so. Uh, an issue that's going to stir up the assembled multitude behind me, the use of the Buckley garage by TMF. Has anybody ever delved into TMF's financial status? In closing, an Irish blessing. Lawrence Godo or for those that only speak English, Lawrence forever. Thank you for the time.

All right, the next person is H. Mali name for the record, please. Mali, 53 Chester Street. Good evening, honorable members. In this important meeting, we the citizen are proud to support our TMF. Thank you for bringing the best compassion to this great city of immigrant. We the citizen respectfully request from this honorable council to vote yes in support of TMF. Lawrence is a great city because we have the best police department with the impeccable leadership. Honorable Chief Morris Agler, thank you for keeping Lawrence safe. Lawrence is a beautiful city because of our best DPWU employees. Lawrence inspection department. Thank you for excellent job. We support Lawrence teachers union. Lawrence always strong. Lawrence always unite. We are proud to support our brave veteran. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice in this historical night. We the citizen demand of this honorable council. Please support RTFM. They our heart and soul our citizen. Thank you.

The next person is uh Kevin Duin. Name address for the record, please. Kevin Duan, 37 Farnum Street. I want to talk tonight about three arrests that were made in our city recently within the last two weeks. The first arrest occurred on March 3rd on Alder Street. 71 a 12 grams of fentinel was recovered in that uh arrest. Milton Street, March 5th. 875 grams of cocaine and $23,000 in US currency. Anybody in this room have $23,000 in their pockets? I didn't think so. Salem Street, March 9th, 300 block of Salem Street. This one's going to blow you away. This was 465 grams of fentinyl. Folks, I want you to fact check if you think I'm wrong. Two each gram contains 1,000 milligrams. Two milligrams is what is considered to be a fatal dosage of fentinyl. So in every gram, you've got 500 lethal dosages. Let's go back to Alder Street. 71 12 grams. That's 35,750 lethal dosages. Salem Street, I'm sorry. Yes. Salem Street, March 9th, 465 gram. That is 232,500 lethal dosages. TMF is not attracting drug uh uh homeless to Lawrence. Your drug problem is what is attracting the homeless to Lawrence. And what's disturbing about this is in all three arrests, the only thing I can tell you about the three individuals and there were just three people arrested is that they are males.

No name, no age, no address, and God knows no immigration status listed. Okay? Sanctuary cities. And this is exactly why the federal government is threatening to cut funding to sanctuary cities. And it's also why the federal government recently classified fentinel as a weapon of mass destruction because it is. Have a nice night. All right, the next person is Orlando. The next person is Orlando Ramos. Name and address for the record, please.

Hi. Um, my name is Orlando Ramos. Uh, 18 Condor Street. Can you just put the mic just a little bit lower? I got you.

I became a part of TMF in August, a week after my uncle passed to an overdose. I went looking for my uncle a couple weeks before he passed to bring him home after he had been missing for a while. When I found out that he passed, I felt as if I could have done more, that I should have done more. And I felt so lost and helpless. That's when Michael came to my program at CESU and did a speech on what TMF is and what consists of this beautiful community and the goals. I've never felt so seen and heard. So that same day, I went to the bus station with my family and participated with the handling of food and handing out handwritings. It gave me a different perspective on what the people on the streets go through and how they're treated. After seeing what goes down on Wednesdays at TMF, I hope that in the time my uncle was on the streets that at least one person would treat him the way the beautiful people here on the streets are treated at TMF. I've seen people that came the day I started over the past few months I've been a part of this that have improved significantly coming to these dinners. Living in Lawrence and seeing what Michael and TMF does and the impact that these dinners have on individuals on the street has changed the way I look at my beautiful city and has given me hope for the future of the community. And let's not forget the juvenile volunteer program that TMF has with the core. These individuals come to TMF to complete the community service hours that the court has assigned to them. And many of them have completed their assigned hours and have continued to show up every Wednesday. To you guys, maybe TMF might just be another community that does good for our city. But to us, it's more than that. It's a way of life. Not just a community, but a family. I know a few individuals who have nobody, which I have gotten to know and grown close with and consider my family as well. So, I ask just this. Please let Michael and TMF keep the bus station so we can continue to have an impact on our community and uplift our people in the time of need. Thank you.

Thank you. The next person is uh Nelly Lopez. name and address for the record, please.

Okay. My name is Nelly Lopez and um 18 Cond Street.

Hello, my name is Nelly. I am 13 years old and a current eighth grader at the part the middle school. I've been attending the Wednesday dinner since August with my older brother. I first heard about the Movement family when my brother came home talking all about it. We then decided to attend one of those dinners. From that moment on, we continue attending these dinners every week. Since then, I've seen how much these dinners mean to people who come every week. It's not just about the food. It's about the kindness and the respect that everyone is shown. When people come to these dinners, they are not judged. They are greeted with respect and warmth. Many of these individuals who attend these dinners are facing extremely difficult situations in their life. Some are struggling financially and some are dealing with housing insecurity and battling addiction. And others simply feel alone. For some, that Wednesday dinner is something they truly look forward to. It's a place where they feel seen, where someone cares enough to ask how their day was. When we serve there, we're not just giving away food. We're building trust and showing compassion and reminding people that they're not alone. Something as simple as a warm meal and a friendly conversation can make a huge difference in someone's life. These dinners may even be the only granted meal they receive that week. But what makes it truly special is not just the food. It's the care that comes with it. It's the volunteers who take the time to talk with people, the smiles that are shared. This place has become more than just a place to eat. It has become a place of hope, connection, and support. Taking away this place may seem like a small change, but for the people who rely on it, it can make a big difference. I ask that you please let Michael and TMF keep this space so that we can continue continue to help the people who truly need it. Thank you.

The next person is uh Cesar Mixto. Name and address for the record, please.

Caesar Mexico, 32 Lawrence Street in Lawrence. Hi, my name is Caesar. I'm currently 20 years old and reside in Lawrence in my own apartment due to not having a father and mother figure due to alcohol and abuse. I've been on my own since I was 15. My first experience with the movement family was last year, the night prior. I was crying in my bed asking why I didn't have the father and mother love in in my life and felt I was alone and will forever be on my own. I was walking by the bus station starving due to only having enough money at the time to cover rent and bills. I walked past the bus station in tears, still thinking about going home, being alone in my own bed. I felt a gust of wind pull me back to the bus station where I saw Michael and fellow team member Chris cleaning up. I had asked Michael what was this? He explained to me that it was people who are going through something and that they will be always there for them. After that, I walked home with a full plate of food from fellow TMF member Chris and I felt like a I felt a weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could walk home safely and feeling loved. I then went home and prayed and thank God for giving me a family I never had. The Movement family isn't just a night we give out food to to the homeless. It's a night where people go laugh, share, and feel comfortable. The M family has shown me no matter what you are going through in life, they have your side and nothing but the utmost love and respect for you. I always hope and pray that anyone else who is going through my situation knows that TMF is there for you. We just don't also serve dinners on Wednesdays. On Saturdays, we go out to generous amounts of Lawrence and we give out food, clothing, a hug, and even just a converation. I hope we as a MMA family can keep the bus station and use it for people who need love and support from

the Lawrence community. The next person is Rahul Cruz. Name address for the record, please. Hello, my name is Rahul Cruz. Um, my name is Raul. I'm 16. I'm from NDCR, Notre Dame Christian High School. I found out about TMF a while back in September from my cousin Alando. He just recently speak. I never heard about it before at the time, but I knew about the impact that made for the community. Going to TMF every week has taught me so much about like the importance of spreading love and helping others that need it the most. That bus station that we've been in was perfect. Uh it was a perfect place to do events for people in need. We were able to serve food, provide healthc care, and give out donations to people that are having rough times on the streets. The streets of Lawrence this winter has been pretty harsh, and the bus station was always a place for people to get there easily and safely. And TM TMF was a was an organization was wasn't just an organization but was a family. And the bus station is our home where we share countless memories and help so many amazing people in need. When you go to a dinner at the bus station on a Wednesday night every week you start to feel more at home. What might have just been a community service hours to me turned into something I hold closest to my heart. The lessons that I've learned, the people that I've met, the lives that we have changed were all done in in this bus station. I beg that we I I beg for there to be a way to keep this organization, this organization's location at the bus station. There are lives that could be affected by this change. So, I pray that this can be justly resolved.

The next person that we have is Sandra Lopez. Okay. And the next person is uh Miss Martinez.

Um the next person is Yoda Lipñena. Good evening. My name is Jaden Lee Pena. I'm 16 and I live on 53 Main Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. When we talk about a community, most people think that it's a place to live. But it's much more, especially to the Movement family. The Movement family is a community as well, but not where people live. They they depend on people for food, a place to be heard, seen, and emotionally cared for. Before joining TMF, I was very lost and in constant trouble. My uncle recently had passed and mentally I was not okay. But while being here, I have found a sense of hope. Although these homeless people aren't my uncle, they have many struggles that are the same. And the conversations I have with homeless people, I wish I could have with him. The homeless people are often viewed as something that they are not, but they have hopes as well. And TMF cares for them. And not only that, they give them a sense of emotional validation. Lastly, these dinners not only put people in need, but teens

towards the right path. Now, my question for you that are against us, how would you feel if you were put in the same predicament as the homeless people? Would you still be against us? The next person is The next person is Halibas. Name my address for the record, please.

Um, my name is Jade Bias Casanos and I live in 23 Sawyer A. Before I joined this program, I was going through a really hard time. I got into a fight that caused a lot of problems in my life. After that happened, I felt like I lost everything. People looked at me differently and I felt alone and like my entire life changed because of one mistake. When I started coming to Wednesday food meetings for community service hours, I didn't expect much and if I'm being honest, I was just trying to get over it. First day, Michael kept telling us that he was proud of us. And for a lot of people, that might not mean a lot, but to me, it meant everything. Michael and most people who worked knew why I was there. They knew my charges, but Michael and others here didn't stop trying to make an effort to make me feel like I actually mattered. And I felt like I had a second chance. Homeless people aren't a liability. They deserve a second chance and someone to run to. And Michael provides that. It made me want to get better. And I know makes a lot of homeless people who come feel like they could get better as well. And that makes me proud of them. They are like my family and I want them to be happy as well. Those dinners became a place where I didn't feel so alone. And sitting there having conversations with people from all kinds of situations, even people without shelter, you truly get a different outlook of life. Everyone deserves someone to say that they're proud of them. And homeless people are humans just like everyone else. They have feelings and stories and struggles. And just because someone doesn't have a home or the cleanest record doesn't mean they don't deserve kindness, respect, or even an a meal to enjoy. I enjoy speaking to them. and they feel like older siblings I never had. And for someone who's there for being a young offender, the Wednesday dinners help remind that there's always someone out there to help you as well. God teaches us to care about others and the people of Lawrence. We talk highly about God, but he teaches us to care about those especially struggling. And turning away from people who are hungry and homeless would not be something that God would want. They bring me hope and a sense of family and they remind people that they matter. And for me, they help me feel like I belong somewhere when I felt like I lost everything. Thank you. The next person is Dest.

The next person is Christopher. Oh, okay. Got it. Hi guys. Name and address for the record, please. Uh, hi. Uh, my name is Inz. Um, I don't have I'm I'm not a public speaker, so just bear with me, okay? Um, I didn't write anything. Um, I didn't know where to start off until uh Oh, name address for the

Oh, it's it's it's Anz Goule. My address is 255 Main Street in Everett. Um, you want me to start talking now? Sorry. Um, so just a little while ago, we heard the mayor say to the kid with the football kid, you know, uh, he said, "Thank you to your for your family. You know, that family is very important." Okay. TMF has become my family. Without them, uh, you know, I was homeless for three years, okay, outside in the streets of Lawrence, you know, it for my own circumstances, whatever the case may be. Uh, and there'd be times where we didn't have a, you know, you got the Lars's house, you got the Coron, you got, you know, the House of Mercy. Yeah. They feed you then and there. They don't let you bring anything home. you know, they don't supply you with, you know, sleeping bags and blankets and clothes and anything that you need to survive. The winters are cold out there, whether even summer nights are freezing. Okay? So, there's been times that, uh, you know, even the weekend, there's nothing available. Um, what I'm trying to say is without them, you know, you go hungry, you go cold, you can't survive. I know people think like being homeless, you know, most of them are addicts or or they're all addicts. That's not the case, you know. I mean, just and it's not just for the homeless. Uh they feed people that, you know, um Elliot actually just put me up in into a place, you know, and and I'm grateful for it. And but I still I have no job. I have no money. I can't afford food. I still come and grab a plate to go, you know, sometimes that's my dinner for the next couple of days. Um, but in the long run, I

got this. It it just boils down like, you know, whether it's you or her or him or or or me, okay, when we all bunch together and we're all helping each other out, it it Yeah, it's a family. And I'm grateful for my my this family my you know my family because of my own actions turned my back their back against me. So you know I just just think about it. Thank you. The next person is Christopher Dee.

Good evening. Council President Rodriguez and members of the city council, my name is Christopher Demain and I'm here tonight to speak about something that can't be measured in square footage, budgets, or storage capacity. I'm here to speak about character. Your address for the record, please. Say again. Your address for the record, please. Oh, I'm so sorry. Christopher Demain, 99 Club Crossing, Sale, New Hampshire. Thank you.

I'm here to speak about character. Michael Gorman is a man of He doesn't just talk about helping people. He shows up constantly for those often two other who can't be unheard. Through the movement family, he has created something rare. A place where people experiencing homelessness are not judged but welcomed. Not managed but supported. Not ignored but known. And it all started at the Buckley bus station. The space is more than a location. It's where a vision took root. It's where people come together every Wednesday night to find resources, connection, and something even more important, dignity. I also want to share something personal. I am a recovering alcoholic. There was a time when I had lost my sober home and I was searching for direction. I asked God for help. God in return gave me Nancy Gorman who led me to Michael Gorman and through that connection, I found a new perspective and a new way of life. That's the impact of Michael Gorman. I have great respect for the Lawrence Police Department and all they do to keep this city safe. But tonight decision is just tonight decision isn't tonight this decision isn't just about logistics. It's about legacy. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, I ask you to remember that cities aren't remembered for the buildings of the protected, but for the people they chose to lift up. Robert F. Kennedy once said of his brother, "He saw the wrong and tried to write it. He saw the suffering and tried to heal it." That's exactly what Michael Gorman is doing here in Lawrence. The question before you here tonight is simple. Do we make room for vehicles or we do we make room for humanity? Because buildings can store equipment anywhere. What Michael is building cannot be replaced. I ask you to repect, excuse me, I ask you to protect not just a space but a mission and allow the movement family to continue its work where it all began. Thank you.

The next person is Victor Otto. Hello. Hello everyone, 400 Andover Street, Lawrence Mass. Um, I'd like to say um, thanks for having us tonight. Everybody from city council right in front of us. But before I get started, you know, um, I prayed to God today and I was like, God, just be there. You know, I'm super nervous. Like, just be there with me today, please. You know what? And he showed up. Look at everybody. You know, God sent my family to be by my side. you know, we're going to be by each other's side through the end regardless of what happens tonight. But, um, like I said, my name is Victor, and I'm not just here as a volunteer. I'm here as someone who's also walked the path of the awesome people that TMF serves. I know too well what it's like to go through it. I know what it's like to feel invincible. But I what I now know know most is that a sense of family can be one of the only things that can keep hope in life. That's what the movement family does. I am proud that there is hope. When I was in my despair, it wasn't just a hot meal that changed my trajectory. It was the fact that someone saw me as a human being. And that's what TMF does. TMF is not just a food line for the unhoused, for the down and out, but and for all the people Lawrence. It's a place to try find true family. That's what the movement family does. For many of your citizens, what we are discussing here today is the difference between their despair or their moments of dignity. That's what the moving family does. I personally, you know, like I said, I'm coming from experience. I'm a recovering alcoholic myself, you know, just right on the right across the street from House of Mercy living in a tent, you know, and I just happened to be walking down Broadway one day and I saw the movement family. I just couldn't understand what I was seeing. It was just like the most beautiful thing. people there 8:00 at night, pitch black, freezing, and they're smiling. It doesn't get any

better than that, you know? So, I just knew right then and there, you know, I just wanted to be a part of something more than myself, you know, and like and that just started the next few years of my life, you know, and I I ended up growing up side by side. Michael's significantly younger than me, but I look up to him, you know. I look up to the whole movement family organization, you know. Um, like I said, I was able to grow. I was able I got into a shelter with their help. I got into a a rooming board house, you know, like I'm proud to say that today I'm a recovery coach now. I meet people where they are and help them where they need to be or where they want to be. I show them their true potential. I got a lot of that through Michael, you know. So, I'm asking all of you guys today to extend the permit. Let TMF keep doing this awesome thing for our city. Help us show that we will never forget about them, that we won't give up on them, because I am living proof that when you support someone that they can always find their way back. I ask you all to become your time is up. Thank you. The next person is Jun Fischer.

Can you Can you get the mic for her, please? Oh, I can get it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you though.

Good evening members of the city council. Thank you for having us here.

Name for the record, please. My name is June Fischer. I live at 38 Smiley Avenue, Haveril, Mass. I'm here tonight to ask you to please allow TMF to continue hosting the Wednesday night community dinners at the bus station. For the past several years, the dinner has been far more than just a meal. It's become a lifeline for people in our community who are struggling with homelessness, poverty, loneliness, and hardship. Every Wednesday night, people show up not just because they're hungry, but because they know someone will treat them with dignity, respect, and kindness. A lot of people refer them simply as the homeless. But to those who serve them, they are human beings with names, stories, and lives that didn't go the way they were planned. They are veterans, parents, people who lost jobs, people battling illness, and people who simply fell through the cracks. My fiance's motorcycle club and I have been helping with these dinners for the past three years. During the time, we've gotten to know many of these individuals personally. They're not strangers to us anymore. They are part of our community. Some have even spent holidays and cookouts at my home with my own family. That's what happens when you stop seeing people as a problem and start seeing them as what they are, people. The reality is that homelessness is not shrinking, it's growing. In Massachusetts, homelessness has increased more than 50% in recent years, making one in the fastest growing crisis in our state. right here in the Marramac Valley, hundreds of people rely on shelters, community services every night just to survive. For many who attend the Wednesday dinner, their meal may be the only hot meal they receive that week. But just as important as the food is a human connection. It reminds them that they are not invisible. It reminds them that they somebody still cares. If these dinners stop, the impact will not be just empty stomachs. It will be lost hope. So tonight, I leave you with this. The question is whether these people will still be hungry tomorrow. And the

question is whether our community will ch choose to turn its back on them or to choose compassion because the true measure of community isn't how it treats the comfortable. It's how it treats the people h who have the least. So please allow TMF to continue serving those who need it. Thank you for your time. The next person

The next person is uh Kanoxir. Good evening, city council members. My name is Ko Xavier. I'm a lifelong resident of Lawrence. I'm here tonight to speak in support of extending the agreement that allows TMF to continue serving our community. Earlier in my life, I took part, please.

Sure. I'm sorry about that. Conor Xavier uh 102 River Point Lawrence Mass. Um earlier in my life, I took part in criminal activity. I spent and I spent years in and out of incarceration. In 2020, after being released from prison, I made a decision that I didn't want to live that way anymore. I wanted to become someone who contributed to my community instead of harming it. Upon my release, I started volunteering locally. That's when I found TMF. At first, I simply just donated clothes from my closet, gathered supplies, and helped however I could. But that ended up changing my life. Uh because of because of that work, I entered the human services field. Today I hold an associates degree from Northern Essex Community College. I'm currently pursuing my bachelor's at UMass Lobo. I'm a certified recovery coach and I'm working toward a license in addictions counseling. I now work professionally with multiple organizations serving individuals struggling with addiction, uh mental health challenges, incarceration, and homelessness across the Marramac Valley. The same people I serve professionally are the same people we help every Wednesday night. TMF has created something powerful in Lawrence. It's brought together lifelong residents, young volunteers, students, and families who want to help. And at the center of it all is Michael Gorman. Mike has built something special in this city. He's created a safe space where people feel seen, safe, and supported. He's building a legacy of compassion and community in Lawrence. History remembers the moments when leaders chose to support movements that uplift the people. Tonight, you have an opportunity to be a part of that legacy. And before I close, there's a phrase that I carry with me in this work, and that's we all we got. And when I say we, I don't just mean TMF, their supporters, volunteers, and the people you see here today. I also mean you, the city council of Lawrence. You are a part of that we. And at a time when the world is full of chaos and division, our responsibility is is to focus on community and love that we have right here at home. So tonight, we simply ask you to extend this agreement, stand with the people who show up every week to serve others

and be a part of that legacy that we are building, one that's going to be remembered and written into the history books of the city alarms forever. Thank you. Thank you. Uh at this time, uh public participation is over unless we got a a motion to extend it. Otherwise, we can just go straight to the uh to the item and the discussion. So uh these all these names are going to be submitted for the records. Uh we have received also uh over hundreds of emails with letter of support. Yes. Can I speak?

And we we can't in public participation unless we had a motion to extend the time uh passing the 30 minutes. But are you guys even listening to us? because I see you guys talking about each other. That's not right. Excuse me. All right. Going on top of the agenda, public participation is closed. We are submitting this name for the record. We have received from TMF hundreds of emails and we and thank you for the emails. So cons we going

public hearing. We have no public hearings. Uh communication from the mayor. We have no communication from the mayor. Budget and finance committee. We got uh Madame Chair, Madame Clair, um uh the chair from the budget and finance committee, please present this item, item 6226.

Thank you, council president. Through you, the budget and finance committee met last week, and we only have one item to present to the full council, which is item 62-26, SEIU Local 888 Supervisors and Administrative Administrators Union Collective Bargaining Agreement, better known as a a CBA. um which w which is a transfer in the amount of $106,570 from current year salary reserve and other accounts to various salary funds to fund this CBA. Uh this item was sent up to the full council as a favorable recommendation and I make that as a formal motion. There is a motion on the table properly. Second discussion

been properly second discussion. I know um I know the cafo um Sevios she's here. Oh, she's here. Come over. So, counselors, any questions in regard to uh SDIU local a local 8A supervision administrator union collective bargaining agreement. Why miss Miss uh Sevay? Good evening, councilors. Again, this is the uh appropriation request to fund the SEIU um union um agreement. So, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to entertain them. I have one one question.

Okay. Um chair from the budget and finance committee, Stephanie F. Thank you, Council President. I apologize. I didn't think of this during the budget and finance, but is this the last SEIU contract um CBA that we need to approve or do you have more coming? We have three more. Okay. Thank you. Mhm. Uh any questions, counselors, at this time and I call the questions. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any names?

The eyes have it. There is no report from the housing committee. Uh madame chair from the ordinance committee. Entertain item uh 38725. Uh, council president before to start with that item I would like to vote to item uh, 7326. All right. If there is no objections on item uh, to take out of order item 7326. There is no objection. Madam chair from the ordinance committee, vice president in vice president Levy.

Item 7326 is Jesus transforming life. It was sended to the full council with favorable recommendation. It was sended to the full council with pending the approval the availability of the day because uh they said that it was a mistake that July 25 and 26 but the day requested was July 24 and 25. I don't know if somebody Oh, okay. Thank you. Can you say your name and address please? Yes. Um, will Mari Peralta address 31 Hoffman Avenue in Lawrence, Massachusetts? Let me finish. I I'm doing as a for I'm doing as a formal motion. Yes. So, that was sent out to the full council as a recommendation

with favor recommendation. Yes. And uh just pending the the motion was uh favor recommendation pending the approval of the day. That was a mistake that they did it at the park. All right. Uh there is a and there is a a motion is to approve. just to approve. Okay. Second. It's been properly second. Uh discussion. Madame Madame Clair, do you have the confirmation of the date? Uh she said that she's going to bring it today. It's here. Do you have it there? Yes. Can you do you mind providing it to us? Yes. Doesn't matter. Okay. Yes. It's already approved.

All right. Council of the clerk have um have the approval uh right now. discussion. Is that the right day? So what's the council? What's what's the right date? What is the right date? Madam Madame Chair, uh the day is 24 and 25 of July 24 25, 2026. And the clerk can say that that's that's in there. Okay, I'm good. Thank you. So the time is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 13 hours. So tell us set up time cuz there set up time. So that's So you got an event of 12 hours about 11 10 hours.

It's not it'll it'll be the event will start officially at 4:00 but because of setup time um the director allowed me to have it from 8:00 to 9:00. Okay. And that's around the stage area only. Correct. All right. All right. Any other questions? All right. At this time I call the questions. All those in favor please say I. I. Uh any names? The eyes have it. Uh madame chair from the ordinance committee. Yes. Item Thank you.

7426 is the five day of worship for 2026 at the O'Neal Park. August 26 to August 30, 2026 from 1 to 8 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Okono Park. Yes. From 1 to 8. Yes. Uh what's the motion? Hold on one second that was sended to the full Carson with favor recommendation and I made it as a formal motion. There's a motion on the table properly second discussion. I hear no discussions all those in favor please say I.

Any nays? The eyes have it. Congratulations. Uh madame madame uh chair from ordinance committee. Yes. Uh Iron 76265 I'm sorry 7526 is the raining in the valley. Uh it's going to be at the common at the campon common parks August 21st to August 22nd 2026 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. That was sended with favor recommendation and I make it as a formal motion. There's a motion on the table properly. Second discussion. Is the applicants here today? Yeah, they be here today. Are they here today? Yeah, maybe they be outside.

Yes. All right. Any questions, counselors? What item is this? Sorry. 70 75. Thank you. You're supposed to be here. All right. They were here. Okay. Yeah. Well, it says it right there on the notes. All right. Any questions, counselors? No problem. I hear none. All those in favor please say I. The eyes have it. Madame chair from ordinance committee.

So the following item is 6726 is the renewal of the of A to B garage for the weekly meal for the homeless and related service that was sended as as the committee report and I make as a formal motion. There is a motion to accept this item as a committee report. Can I hear a second? Second properly second. Discussion on the committee report only. I just have general just general question. Is this a permit or a license? Nowhere in this document does it say what exactly they're asking for. They reference permit inside of a body of the email, but

it was unclear. I just clear curious. Um the city council has the authority to issue permits to use any city park or facility. So the Buckley is a facility. So you are issuing a permit um to use that facility. So it's a permit. It's a permit. Thank you. It's a two-year permit. Is that they're requesting a two years permit uh to be able to use the Borilly garage. Um this is a committee report. Yes. Yes. Uh which means that we are going to be discussing this item at this time here. So to accept the committee report counselors u

I will call the questions. All those in favor please say I. I. Can I second the the motion for the committee report? Councelor Rees. Uh and now we have the item here item 6726 which is the renewal of the assets uh two barley garage for the weekly meal for the homeless uh and related services. This is a two years license uh permit sorry thank you councel this is a permit and um and now we are going to be discussing uh this item. We have received uh hundreds of emails and support and counselors have also received uh opposition letters uh of this item. So now we are going to be discussing this item. Counselors to be able to discuss this I need a motion. Motion to approve. There is a motion to approve properly second discussion.

Uh councelor Infante before we started with the discussion I'm sorry about that. We are going to be reading the position of the mayor. Why this is important? Because the mayor can veto any type of uh uh resolution that we take or any type of action. So, madame clerk, for the record, please read the position of the mayors of the city of Lawrence. um reads, "Honorable Council President Rodriguez and esteemed members of the city council. Over the past three years, the city of Lawrence has demonstrated a consistent and goodfaith commitment to supporting vulnerable populations within our community. In partnership with the movement family, the city has permitted the use of the Buckley garage for weekly meal."

Closer. Sorry. get much closer. But despite operational and public health challenges at the site, including unsanitary conditions, the city has honored its commitment and support supported TMF's important work. However, the scope of the homelessness in Lawrence has increased significantly. During this period, the homeless population has more than doubled. This rise is not solely attributable attributable to to local conditions. There are credible concerns that other municipalities are failing to address their own homelessness challenges and in some instances are effectively shifting that burden onto Lawrence. Reports of individuals being dropped off in the areas such as Manchester Street and Broadway as well as throughout North and South Lawrence underscore this concern. Homelessness presents complex challenges that place significant and often unbudgeted strains on municipal resources, including police, fire, sanitation, health care, and social services. It raises public health concerns, including the spread of infectious disease and untreated mental health conditions, and contributes to increased use of emergency services. Public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and garages are increasingly impacted, limiting access for residents and affecting quality of life. The economic and community impacts are equally significant. Businesses report decreased foot traffic, sanitation issues, and increased security costs. Municipal expenditures related to emergency responses and services continue to rise, placing additional burdens on taxpayers. At the same time, residents experience growing concerns and fatigue at the visible at the visibility of the crisis as the visibility of the crisis intensifies. The root cause of homelessness,

including the lack of affordable housing, economic inequality, and insufficient access to mental health, addiction, and re-entry services remain unressed as a systemic level. Meanwhile, individuals experiencing homelessness face extreme vulnerability, including exposure to violence, severe weather, and barriers to employment and housing due to lack of documentation. While TMF and other nonprofit organizations continue to provide valuable services, the current trajectory is not sustainable. Lawrence cannot continue to serve as a regional default for homelessness services, including the concentration of services and facilities that other communities have declined to host. The mayor believes that meaningful progress requires a coordinated response among nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and the Commonwealth. To that end, my office has initiated outreach to Governor Mara Healey to begin formal discussions on a regional and statewide approach. We are awaiting confirmation of a meeting date. I respectfully request that the city council join in this effort. The chief of the Lawrence Police Department has raised legitimate legitimate public safety concerns and it is imperative that any future actions prioritize the safety, health, and overall well-being of our residents. In light of these conditions, the mayor is not inclined at this time to continue utilizing the city-owned facilities for services such as mental such as meal distribution. Instead, nonprofit organizations should coordinate and identify appropriate locations within their own capacity to provide these services. Notwithstanding the foregoing and in recognition of the immediate needs the movement of the movement family, the mayor is willing to provide temporary relief in the form of a short-term extension of the current use of the Buckley garage. This extension is intended solely to allow sufficient time to secure an appropriate alternative location. The mayor respectfully defers to the city council to determine the duration and terms of

such an extension should it choose to grant one. The situation requires urgency, coordination, and shared responsibility. Lawrence has acted with compassion and leadership, but it cannot continue to carry this burden alone. I look forward to working collaboratively with the city council, state partners, and community organizations to develop a sustainable path forward. Respectfully submitted, Brian A. Dea, mayor of Lawrence. Right. uh continue with the discussion in the in the meantime uh council infante she have u asked for uh the discussion council

council through you council president um I watched the discussion that occurred um during the ordinance committee last week and a a big chunk of it was um I heard my colleague councelor de Rosario talk about a plan B and growth and and how does that look like? Uh because of what I heard, I actually researched online um financial filings of TMF and just so happens that this was asked uh tonight during the public participation as well. And it brings up some concern. I don't know where where the organization is currently right now for FY2025, but I was only able to find reports on FY2024 and it shows that the organization is in a negative approximately for that fiscal year um $7,95. Um, and I also learned that as as a 501c3 about 96% of of the budget comes from donations and and um contributions. So that what I listened on the throughout the ordinance committee and then when I'm looking when I looked at the the numbers and this is I I was looking for details further details but the only thing I could find online was an overview uh generic uh overview of FY24. And to me that raised a concern because what I heard a lot throughout that discussion also is um the city being a partner with finding a location. Some of our locations whether we grant the Buckley garage or or we partner with TMF for another location. Some of these locations do require leasing require

rent. and say if we had to go to plan B, could TMF afford even at a discounted rate of rent for a space for for municipality space? And um so I I sense and I could be wrong and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I sense that there was some frustration when when asked about a plan B, but these are serious questions um that should be taken in consideration, especially when when it's an on growing organization because you don't know where you're going to be 5 10 years from now. Um, and I guess my question if I may to the the founder TMF, have you guys started working on a succession plan in case should you you would have to rent or lease a space to continue weekly dinners and slash or can I finish my question? and and slash or say if TMF grows to the point where you're able to hire mental health services inhouse where all these donated services um just get to the point where these organizations have to prioritize say more of their day-to-day operations. So, should the organization get to that level, is there a plan to bring it up and not be in a and not be in the red moving forward?

Yes. Name just for the record, please.

Yeah. Michael Gorman, uh 826 Riverside Drive, Mthuan. So, um we we have been in discussion of other places um especially with the uncertainty of of the current permanent status and if it'll get extended or not. Um, I know I've been in touch with, you know, recently, you know, Pavvel Pano, um, with a location in Lawrence, um, as well as a couple other people. Uh, Tom and I actually participated in a in a meeting actually here in city hall. Um I'm not sure the exact time frame, but it it's so up around September and I know we met prior last year as well uh with Octavian Spanner um and some city officials uh where he was actually sitting us down and really put pulled up a map of Lawrence of different locations that he thought would be doable uh for our program. But that conversation uh didn't really continue. Um, I know we we tried to figure out what a couple plan B and C was for the program. I'm not sure if you continue to communicate with Octavian after that.

I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mike, but you're not answering my question. So even even if if a plan B say we don't hypothetically this doesn't get approved and the city does provide additional s um locations

some of these locations would would require some type of fee. My question is what is the plan moving forward to ensure that the organization is not in the negative to continue to to support the rapid growth of the organization? Because we can we can show you a whole map but if the money is not there say per se like if a if a location requires or majority of the location requires a a fee either way there might be some conflict there. So my my question is financially what is what is the plan for TMF financially today and moving forward? Thank you for the question counselor and um I do understand name and address for the record

Tom Dugen 75 Main Street North Andover. Um I do understand the concern. Um one of the reasons why there isn't any money in the TMF account is because we don't ask for donations. We ask people to bring food. We ask people to bring blankets. We ask people to bring amenities so that nobody has to wonder like every other nonprofit in this city that signs up for grants and asks for money and then uses it for overhead and salaries. We never wanted anybody to worry about that. But if there was a possibility, however, that we could identify a location and that the city was willing to work with us to get that location. You saw State Representative Francisco Pledo came up tonight and pledged his support for TMF. we would immediately start applying for grants. We would immediately start looking for donations and we would be fully 100% transparent as I am with my charity bash by posting those online so every penny that gets donated people could see where it was going. So up until now you see that negative balance because we've never needed to ask for money. The community has had an outpouring of food and blankets and hand warmers and the things that people need. But now that we are looking for a plan B, now we can now we can shift in that direction.

Give me one second before you continue. Uh there is anybody in need of translations.

No. Okay. You might continue.

So I guess my my follow-up question Thank you. Thank you for some some of the answers. My follow-up question, I did hear that night um councelor de Rosario mentioned um these services have been TMF has been active for over four years and there's a growth uh that you think it's positive. I think the council disagreed a little bit um in terms of whether if it's a positive thing or not. But the point that I the question that I'm more concerned about is an organization even a 501c3 even if 90% of of of what you're getting are in kind donations. You should also always be planning for the future. To me, that's I'm seeing that as bad organizational management because you're because now we're in the situation and now everyone's running around trying to figure out what's going to happen next when a plan should have already been in place, not in place cuz nothing is set in stone, but something should have been working.

I don't I don't disagree with you, councelor, and I think it's an excellent point. Part of the problem, part of the reason why that is, just to explain it, is that we weren't 501c3 until about a year and a half or two years ago because this was really just a mission. We weren't looking to make money. We weren't looking to have a staff. Nobody gets paid. Nobody gets paid. I did see that.

But so now that we're here, now that it's grown, and I know you say some of the councils see it as a negative. The fact that there are more homeless people is not because of TMF, but the fact that there are more homeless people means maybe we should be thinking even more about how we serve these people. You know, when I was growing up, I want to make one other point. I've been hearing since this started um the chief and several others talking about how most of these people aren't from here, so why are we providing services for them? Well, I'm old enough to remember. I know our city clerk is um old enough to remember and so is Mark. back in the 80s when the Latino population started coming to Lawrence and many of the white people who were here were saying they're not even from here. Why are we providing services for them? So, it was a little jarring to hear from Latinos, no less. Why are we providing services from people who aren't even from here when you take into account that the majority of the people who have homes in Lawrence are not from here? The majority of our voters are not from here. The majority of our homeowners are not from here. I thought Lawrence was the place that was welcoming and affirming and said, "When you come here, we welcome you." But I haven't seen that. I'm very surprised to hear the mayor's words tonight. Very surprised because if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be at the bus station right now.

Well, my question was around the finance the financial p portion, but thank you. Um, I'm going to arrest uh city um council president to hear the rest of those. Thank you. Uh, anybody else? Council LL, you don't need to stand around, Tom. You're good. Thank you. We're all set. Sit down. Okay. Um, so I just have some questions. I I have some thoughts, but I but first I want to ask some questions. So when I was listening to to the ordinance committee as well, you a lot of people were watching that meeting by the way. So I I was I was one of them.

You're welcome. And so um we we Yeah. So we talked I heard that the police department was very involved in having a potential use over there and I'm just we need to flush that out a little bit. So I I wanted to I see the police chief is here and I think he's here to answer this this question. So uh chief, if you wouldn't mind uh through you, council president. I'm there's been talk about the use of the Buckley garage and so I I just want to get a sense from you as to the police department's position on that. Uh good evening counselors. Good evening to everyone here. Um you know councelor that was part and parcel

your name Morice Sagler on 90 L Street Lawrence Massachusetts. Um, you know, that is part and parcel of, you know, a statement that I wanted to make, uh, to address, uh, some of the statements that were made last week in our absence. Um, uh, councelor Plant, I don't know if you'd like for me to address that specifically at this time or if you would like me to address it as as a general matter. It's a very short statement. I I think if it incorporates the answer, I'm willing to listen to the your entire position because it's important for me to understand where the police department is on this issue.

Certainly. Um you know, counselors, I watched last week's meeting and as I said, um you know, just because uh I was told that the meeting was held and I just wanted to take a good All right. I just wanted to get an an idea of what was going on. And and first and foremost, I want to uh respectfully thank uh the city councelor uh Del Rosario and some of the others who found it important to get our point of view uh as well uh as it relates to this. Uh first and foremost, I I do respect the the passion and and quite frankly the strategy um made by those in favor of this particular permit. Um but I have to disagree with some of the inferences that were made. Um I speak for the entire police department. Um and uh and and for many of the people in our community. I can say look at this point uh there's no one against uh you know uh the those that are poor, those that are hungry, those that are in need. I think that you know the issue of homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, this is a national issue and this is something that you know uh affects us all. Um, everyone here is is certainly uh entitled to feel loved, to feel safe, to have a home, to have something to eat. That is not the issue here. That is not what we're talking about in any way, shape, or form. Um, what um the inferences that I must disagree with uh relative to the LPD outreach uh that has been done. The Lawrence Police Department is just a police department. Um you know what I mean? Uh we're not the legislative branch. we uh you know uh we're trying to do the very best that we can and we do recognize some of the needs of some of the people uh within the community. Um just as a general idea of some of the things that we've done um we created the behavioral health unit. So I think that we have been uh we have embraced and been very active with

non-traditional response model uh trying to uh balance compassionate outreach uh with appropriate enforcement uh when necessary. Uh the behavioral health unit now encompasses uh a total of 35 uh community partners uh during our weekly hub meetings and uh in that regard we uh coordinate follow-up services, identify at risk individuals. Uh we provide detox programs, counseling, long-term support, um and uh a ton of outreach efforts. In that regard, we've helped hundreds, not 100 but hundreds of ini individuals access detox services and we also assist with afterare planning. Our approach is easy. We assist with uh afterare planning and we approach and we prioritize dignity and respect for all of the people uh that we encounter. Over the last 12 months alone, uh we have conducted approximately 215 section 12s and that's a psych evaluation uh not voluntary but through the court systems. We've also uh you know effectuated 89 section 35s and that's involuntary commitment for those of substance abuse that uh pose a danger to themselves or others. So we can go on to the outreach and encountment outreach. Our officers and clinicians offer services, crisis intervention, resource referrals. Um we have been very active on that and we have responded to overdose over 105 overdoses during this particular uh period and which is a significant also reduction of 305 overdoses recorded in 22 2022. So that's because of our recognition of the of the program of the problem and our recognition that we need to think out of the box and that we need to create partnerships and then we need to address this as best we can. And again, we're a law enforcement agency. That's got to be something that has to be understood. And I challenge anyone from any other community to say that

their department has done more than we have for those people in need. Now with that said, the city is growing. the city is developing. Okay. And as part of that growth, um the Lawrence Police Department has now, uh have a new building. Um and that new building, unfortunately, at this time, we have no parking. We have no space. And uh I need a place to store our vehicles. Um and we have been uh you know uh the Buckley garage has been afforded to us and we're going to uh use utilize a Buckley garage in order to store the vehicles and in order to uh put together a a sort of a little mini CPOP office there where I want officers on bicycles so they can patrol the downtown areas uh the alleyways the parks and all that. So again with the argument made here I met with TMF approximately 8 to nine uh months ago. So, and I want to clarify something. Um, I wanted to let them know that the time was running out. I wanted to get some leverage for them to understand what my intention was in so far as moving this thing along. And that was eight or nine months ago. So, there was ample time to look for or establish some sort of alternative plan. And to this day, I haven't heard any any plans to the alternative. We begin now. Now, I'm unaware that any such efforts have been made. Now, the consequence to having uh this at the park, and again, we're not voting against those people, is something that's of an unintended consequence. They attract out oftowners and out of town individuals. And this is referenced and this is seen not only by TMF's own account by but by the numbers that we've seen. In 2024, we had 180 identified homeless individuals within the city. That grew in 2025 to 320 individuals. In 2026, we have 363

individuals. That number is going to continue to rise. Now, I'm not saying that getting rid of a of a weekly dinner of 3 hours um is is is is the cause, the root cause of it all, but there are unintended consequences. Like I said, we have trash. We have trash that winds up in our rivers, in our river banks. Okay? We have the the issues of of feces, needles, and crime. Just two weeks ago, I had 10 vehicles broken into at the Buckley garage. 10 in one night. That wasn't done by the residents who parked the car there for security and safety. I leave it to you to use reasonable uh you know the reason to see what happened. And again, who's left to clean this up? Who's left to expend the resources? Lawrence, this community, we expend the resources, do all the cleanups, we expend the personnel, the efforts, and everything else to address also the resources that are required to everything that goes out there uh that that happens. That is an unintended consequence of that. And I'm not uh uh uh blaming uh Mr. Dugen. I'm not blaming TMF Corporation. I'm not blaming Mr. D uh uh uh uh Mike. I'm not saying any of that. They're trying the very best, and I believe in what they've done. In fact, I've served in there myself over the course of the years, but it's getting out of hand and we have to start thinking of something different. You heard here individuals uh that are coming from Everett, Haveril, Maine, what have you. It's growing. It's attracting. We're having an unintended consequence and we have to think out of the box about how we're going to approach it. And again, I'm not opposed to the program, and certainly I'm not proposing a rush to move TMF out of the uh out of the parking garage, but I'm also not proposing a rush to approve another 2-year permit. We need to think. I don't understand why out of eight years I believe that uh TMF has has has been here uh or has grown. I

don't understand why we haven't uh uh talked to other surrounding communities so that they can share the burden so that we can have a partnership that we can address the needs of everyone here. Why not? Why hasn't the Mthuan City Council been approached in this matter? North Andover City Council, Andover City Council. Why have they not been approached with these ideas of how we can provide the services that are needed here that are needed by everyone behind us? Why do we bear the burden for that? And why hasn't that been done? I'm just saying we need to think out of the box. And I'm willing to work with TMF. I'm willing to work with Mr. Dugen. I'm willing to go to other city councils. I'm trying to figure out how regionally we can address this problem. But it's a regional problem. It's a national problem. It's not a Lawrence problem. And so every time and every year and every permit and every time that we continue to go on and on and on with no plan in sight, with no evolution of a plan in sight, we keep concentrating and that population keeps growing and growing and growing. I'm just saying look, I'm willing to work with everyone here. I'm willing to work for an alternative. My office is always available. I'm willing to provide whatever services are needed. I'm not rushing anyone out of here. I believe in the beauty of what is happening here. And I believe that Mr. Gorman has a place in heaven because of that. To be honest with you, all I'm saying from a practical standpoint, the amount of homeless individuals that we have identified within this community constitute about 1%. Who speaks for the other 99%. I wonder what the city council and Mthuan is going to say when we go in. They're proposing this. What are they going to say to their constituents? And I just want to say one more thing before I finish. The decision by the mayor because I heard an an outburst over there was not easy. I met with the mayor several times. Not supporting this was the very last thing that the mayor wanted to do.

The mayor spoke to me several times. What can we do? How can we do it? We looked at maps. We've looked at every alternative under the sun. But the problem is that it always falls on us. Mr. Mr. Dugen said too, find us another location. Is that incumbent upon us to find him another location? Mr. Good Dugen also has numbers about how many tax lean properties in the city of Lawrence. Well, how many in in Methuan did we ask? How many in North Andover did we ask? Think about it. How and why is that not an option?

Anyways, I will close it off. That is our position. I respectfully request that you deny this permit. And again, we stand ready to work with anyone in order to find an alternative that is not necessarily a burden on Lawrence. Thank you. All right. Uh counselors, any other questions? You still have the floor. Council plan was I think we're all set. You Thank you very much. So, and you have the floor. Remind me how long have has the TMF been using the Buckley? Four. Four years. Thank you. Has have had have these No, no, no. Wait, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Four years ago. Last time we approved it was for two years. Prior to that, 2017 around that, it was another like two, three years.

Dan Rivera threw us out of the bus station when when this mayor came in after he was inaugurated, you people uh the council, excuse me, the council approved us for three more years, and it took almost a year to get that done. So now we're here. You gave us that three, if you read the permit, it's a three-year permit. So we haven't been at the bus station the entire time for at least 4 years. We were on in South Lawrence on a private lot that's no longer available for us. No, no, no. Wait a minute. Because I mean, as far as I remember, it's have to be more than 5 years. Uh, Mr. Gun, do you mind um checking on that? Cuz originally was at the Buckley and we approved that a couple of times, at least twice.

Yeah. So, we started at the Buckley in 2018. We transitioned over to Tuc from 2018 to 2022 and now we've been at the Buckley since 2022 to present date. Okay. So almost four years. Almost four years. Okay. Thank you. So So do we Mr. Gorman since you're there um were there any permit fees required at all at during either time at the at the Buckley? Did you have to pay anything for a permit fee to have access to that to the garage? No. No permit fees. No permit fees.

Do you do I don't have in our packet a you said there was an agreement that we voted on 2022, I think. And then and then 2024. In 2024. Do do we have an updated permit packet of of obligations, roles, responsibilities, things responsibilities the city has in doing it? Responsibilities that TMF has in and staying there and clean up and other things. Is there is there a document like that?

Uh I went to clerk's office, I would say uh about a month or two ago to uh get on the agenda to file the extension for the Buckley. Um, I know the permit is on file, but in regard to like details, it it was strictly the time frame of 8 to 11 because at that time the buses were still running. Um, and then it was uh it was basically just time not arriving until 7:45 until the last bus left. That's basically only the requirements that were on the permit.

So, no strings attached, no fees. And the the thing that we agreed upon apparently was the time when the business of the day of the bus is finished until other certain point there was that pretty much that that's the the entirety of the agreement. Is that close to accurate?

Accurate. But when when I mean like we went into the Buckley garage and very active when we got that renewal of the permit of just the public and when I mean these these young individuals behind me actually staying until after 11:00, you know, emptying all the bins, cleaning it up. Uh we left that place spotless. When I mean walking into the bus station on a Wednesday night, pretty messy. Leaving that bus station for the city, we made sure that place was immaculate. So, we we've done a lot of a lot of good as a program and we're getting people off these streets of Lawrence. Um, I can't tell you how many individuals got up today, young Lawrence kids actually from the city. Um, not just outsiders.

I I get that. So, there was so a public somebody in public participation said something. My colleague from district E mentioned something about the money. I is I don't know much about this. I mean, I think there's a secretary of state and I think there's the attorney general and apparently there's money. is are you up to date on all the paperwork through both the Secretary of State and the Attorney General's office? Are you up to date on both? Yep. Secretary of State's up to date. Um we just went through a transition through a treasure. Um filed an extension. Um couple filed a recent extension. Um but every everything is up to date. We're we're a grassroots program that hasn't applied for not one single grant. So everything has just been donations from the public just to feed the people on the streets.

And and and so your Secretary of State's clear. How about the AG's office? Are you clear there? So everything up to date there? Yep, everything is up to date as well. Correct. Yep. Okay. Uh Mr. Gorn, do you do you know what that means? The secretary of state, we just recently updated the treasur, the secretary, president. We just recently updated the attorney general, what the council plan just asked. So you say that you up to date, but I mean you know what's that that means that question means truly about the the the attorney attorney general's office and what is the requirement? Maybe not entirely then. No, I just thought it was basically the the board. Uh, no. It's not just that. It's a lot more than that.

Well, now I'm intrigued. Do you have information? I mean, I'm trying to get answers. Do you have the answers to the questions regarding the AG's office? Uh, well, essentially what they require is the taxes. Okay. Yeah, we filed an extension for the taxes. We we're on we're on point with filing the taxes. Correct. Okay. But just trying to understand totally with with that question like I don't understand where we're going with that. No. So so I think that a lot of nonprofits you have to register and have um with with the secretary of state's office which are good and often times

there there's a requirement with the attorney general's office as well. And so just a basic question I think when I think for example when CDBG monies are doled out these are places that are traditionally looked at to make sure people are up to speed or it's paperwork stuff and making sure that the organization is doing the right thing with giving notice and the proper information so the entire world it's notice so everybody can see and be transparent. I hate to use that language and give it transparent and open about what the organization is about and so that's why there's these requirements to to to to post and to put this information in. So that's the reason for the question. Okay. Um, and I because I I thought I heard something earlier and I just I was unclear on that. So, I wanted to ask You mean you're you're the you're the you're the principal, right? You're the the president

president of the organization. So, I would ask you that question if you're up to date on on the the criteria and requirements that that need to be posted. So, that's why I'm asking you that question. Okay. Sounds good. So essentially uh council plan that on the AG's office website the annual filing for that uh or any type of documents related to the arnal filing there was no document found for the organization and also that uh charity registration document that's because we filed filed the extension and then on the charity registration document there was no document found on the ages office or website. Okay, we just filed we filed an extension though. That's why your is not up to date right there. You and what about that uh charter registration documents?

Say one more time. So the registration documents with AGS. Have you guys registered with AGS? Yeah, we have a board of directors. So we filed the extension for that piece. Everything's pretty much up to date. I'm just trying to understand we're going with the the going with this.

No, no, no. I mean there is information that have uh get to the council uh when it comes to a nonprofit organization and we need to make sure that everything is up to date when when that question was asked that's why I ask you if you know what that means because even though there is a board of trustees within the organizations there is requirements uh that are needed when it comes to the uh to the secretary of state which you you guys are uh find there and also with the ages office which is basically filing the the documentations when when it comes to taxes and also finding uh filing their registration documents uh for the organization as well. So that's why we want to make sure like if you knew uh exactly the questions uh and that way you can get proper you can provide proper answers. Mr. council president with all due respect and to council or plant with all due respect. Um, usually, and you guys all know how this works, but the people at home might not, so I don't want questions being put in their heads that are not appropriate. Usually the financial questions get asked when people come before this council asking for money. TMF's not asking for money. And I think this is kind of a red herring. TMF is not asking for money. We don't want money. We don't want your money. We want a facility that we can do it on our own. We don't ask for anything other than can we have the facility and I'm glad that the chief has now said that he's willing to work with us because when we sat with him and I said we're willing to work with you if you can help us find a location he said we don't want you here go to Mthuan go to North Andover we don't want you in the city so I'm glad that now he's willing to work with us now that it's public but the fact is he brought up the issue of the woman from Everett. Did you hear what she actually said or did you just hear Everett? Because what she said was she

was on the streets of Lawrence and TMF got her housing and now she's in Everett. TMF is getting people out of the city. People aren't coming here for the services. They're coming here for the drugs. And the fact that there's more people coming means that we should be more attentive to their needs so that they have food and blankets and we could try and transition them out of the city. And one more question I'd like to answer. We have met with other communities, but they're not in Methuan. They're not in North Andover cuz that's not where the drugs are. They're not in Andover. They're not in North Reading. They're here cuz this is where the drugs are.

No. No. No. Point of information. Drugs is all over the place. There's no way that there's only allowance. So, let's put that clear out there. Nobody said it's only Lawrence, but this is where the problem is. No, no, but I mean, and that's according to US attorney. US Attorney Linglan, you have the floor. Thank you're all set, Tom. Mr. D. Thank you. So, so Mike, council LL, you have the floor. Thank you. So, one of the things I had a the number jarring that the police chief gave regarding the homeless and and the and the rise uh since 20246, give me one sec. Sure.

Please, let's maintain order so we can keep on going with the discussion and that way we can take a vote on the permit essentially. That's what we need and that's what we want. Council Lang, you have the floor. Thanks. So, I just I met with some planning department officials this past weekend and the number of homeless the the number that they gave me was far in exance of the of the number the chief actually gave. I got a number of 783 homeless. There's a tremendous spike that's going I was shocked when I when I heard that number uh come from planning. Where do you got that number from? From the planning department officials in the city. I got a number of 783. 783 homeless

and that was the official survey that they did on a specific day. That's the number that I got from them that they said to me. This is the number that it was and this is the number that it is now. So, so anyway, so either way, we know that the point here whether it's 783 or 692 or 523, the numbers are going like this and that's the most important thing. It is spiking upwards. That's what we need to know. It as you just mentioned, it could go different points, but I just it it's a a major problem. I want Mr. Gorman to stand up one more time. Mr. Gman, Mr. Gorman, I'm impressed by you.

Appreciate it. Thank you.

Never gotten so many emails from people who are so impassionate about their issue and the kind words that they have about you. It is truly inspirational to see how one person can make a difference. I may have a difference of opinion regarding the use of a public place like the Buckley garage. I may say I may have a difference of opinion regarding how I think an organization should go be better planned perhaps not take things for granted a little more planning. But as a as a person who is leading an organization that has had the kind of impact and the testimonials that I've heard this evening and not just tonight but in the past, you are truly a remarkable person and I'm happy to have a chance to know you and I want you to know that publicly because there's people like you that care about our residents and residents throughout. Never mind if they're in Lawrence, Mass, Mthuan, Mass, North Andover, Everett. You're touching a lot of souls. We need more people who care. So thank you for that. Order, order, order, you have the floor. Thank you. Okay, you have the floor. Thank you.

So, but tonight this is a vote on a permit. This is a vote. The police chief has says that there's a need for it for the for the for parking purposes and we need to work on taking care of the needs as well on the municipality. I think that they're the vote here tonight is not on whether or not the organization is doing good work. That's not what this vote is about. This vote is about a permit to say we are going to allow a public location to be utilized for any purpose. We don't have a contract um or a permit stuff. We we is very amorphous. It's it's you just use it. Uh even the mayor who has been a for I mean I'm not basing my decision based on the mayor's um position this evening. I took my vote three years ago. We all know how I voted three years ago, so it has nothing to do with the mayor. But even the mayor, who has been a supporter of this, has seen that at some point we have to start looking at finding ways that others can get involved in helping this regional problem out. And I I'm going to differ. Yes, we have a drug problem. And as the council president says, we're not the only place that's got a drug problem. Yes, we have a drug problem, but we also have a lot of services here. We do. We do. You know why? We have a lot of great people in our city who want to do a lot of good work. People like you coming to our city. If you don't live here and you want to help, whether you're at St. John's Prep or the all the different groups, I hate to bring my kids to school. Hey, all the different groups that have come from various places to get involved, right? They amazing and and they and they get something out of it. But we but we cannot do this all on our own. And that's the point. And maybe

the other point is too, what has this organization done to try to find the plan B to try to find another location and not just say we're relying on your government structure for that. But I'm Mr. Dugen has said we have we've you've we've the the garage now has been utilized for three years. I would have thought on year one, you know, we got a three-year thing. We got a window of time. We can start working toward finding that. And yes, it's fantastic that people are providing rather than money. As Mr. Dugen says, they're providing the blankets. They're providing the food. They're providing Somebody said they're cutting the barbers and the cutting of the hair and the music and and everything else that's provided there. The the therapies and the and the transitions and the and the connections and everything that's that's over there, right? All the stuff that people have written to us about.

Well, with all due respect, council, just to answer your question, I I'm sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. I apologize. You have my apologies.

I was taking a breath because I was talking a lot. Um, but the point here is that we have to find a there was time there to find a way to to get to a different place. I I mentioned this to people that I that I talked to council president. I I don't want I want to single out an organization and I I'm going to regret saying this. The only reason why I'm saying this organization in about in two seconds is because I know they got a facility, but it doesn't mean that they're not responsible. They're a fantastic well- reggarded organization. Have you reached out to the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence which has this beautiful facility there and said hey can we do something there have you gone to we have so many churches in our city whose mission it is to help those who are unfortunate who are struggling whose that's their mission have we gone to them and said we can we partner with you I want to know I'm not going to be able and I'm not that I want to necessarily want to stop a private entity getting together working on this on a problem but when you're asking government to give up a a resource for for

for three hours a week for for whatever the time is and and expecting that and expecting it. There's expectation. We have responsibility to to give the tools to our police department and others. 1 hour a week, 1 hour a week, 5 hours a week. But order council plan, you have the floor. I'm almost done. So that's not helping. Council Lang, you have the floor.

Thank you. So So that's so that's that's the thing. And I I I do think that I do think that you mentioned correctly about the drugs, but you're missing the all the entire part of it. People are here because we are tremendous city. We've got a lot of resources that help people out. And in this particular case, one of the resources is this free resource called the Buckley Transportation Center that TMF is doing some fant I'm going to say some fantastic stuff at. I'm done. Go ahead. Council President, Mr. President, can I answer his question? Do you have it? There really wasn't a question. We asked if we had reached out to other statement, not a question. He asked if we had reached out to others and why it took so long.

And the fact is it took so long because when we first got this permit 3 years ago, we sat with Octavian Spanner in the mayor's office and we did try to find a location and we also tried to identify other nonprofits that we could work with and other businesses that we could work with. But you had a homeless coordinator at the time that was hellbent on stopping TMF. And every time the mayor's office actually made some grounds on this, and I give them credit, they really did try. Their homeless coordinator continued to throw roadblocks in our way. And the minute the Valley Patriot wrote a story about the homeless coordinator trying to get $300,000 for her own nonprofit, we understand now. All of the cooperation stopped. Let's Mr. Let's move on on the permit.

But that's his important to talk about the future and not and not what happened in the past. He wants to know he wants to know why we waited. We didn't wait. We tried. We did try. We got it. Thank you so much, Mr. Dunan. Any other counselors, before we go, President? Give me one minute. Any other counselors uh have any questions before we go to the second round of questioning? Any other questions? Counselors. All right. Now, we going to the second round of questionings. Councelor Infante.

Thank you, Council Council President Rodriguez. I believe my colleagues know um this isn't the first time I've mentioned this when we speak about the homelessness issue, the drug issues that we have in our city. I'm one that is aware of the challenges our city faces particularly because I used to work for Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. So, I was at the table with my colleagues when we tried to get regional help when the CEO was told, "We send them to you guys. We don't we don't want to be part of it." I was there in those meetings. I've heard it myself as a counselor and as as an employee. And it's really frustrating because I know this is not what you guys want to hear, but it is a break on the city's shoulder. And I and I know that's hard that that's hard to accept cuz what you're doing is a good thing, but there are many layers to this. Additionally, I'm also not oblivious to the fact of why we have this this issue and it is a drug issue. And I'm looking at the chief now because I want to ask the chief, what is the police department's plan moving forward to reduce the number of drugs in our streets? Because that is a factor.

Mr. Chief,

wait actually before before you answer that, I have I have one more thing. And also, additionally, the last time I went to a TMF, it's been a while. I want to say like a year and a half, two years ago, as I was walking out to go to my car, I did see an individual get off the bus with luggage to go to this. Now, do I I don't know if this individual went back to where they they were or if they stayed in our streets. I've also have accounts of people being told directly that they stay in Lawrence because of the services. Not all. Not all. That's just a small portion.

That's just a small portion. Speaking out of turn, please. Council Lante, you have the floor. Please maintain order. And also and and I was going to say the lack of the quorum. You guys are asking us to take a vote and you've been disrespectful the entire time. Regardless if you're liking the discussion, I understand to be honest with you.

We are here to take a vote and and as council president was mentioning, it's not helping. I'm right here to be completely transparent. I'm extremely annoyed because this is an important topic and the entire time has just been disrespectfulness. You can see for example Mike Gorman, he's pissed. I can see it in his face. But he's not standing in the podium being disrespectful to the city council and you guys are a reflection of him and his organization. So um so that's one point. But Mr. my uh majority my majority or at least 50% right you've heard me say before for example homelessness

and a major factor of homelessness in in our community is that we don't have affordable housing a major fact of drug addiction and why individuals are in our communities is because the access of drugs so what is the police department I know you've reported it before what is the plan moving forward

uh so what we have going on right now is I've been in contact with the new uh agent in charge, a special agent in charge of the whole northeast region. Um, and that is a special agent uh 4J. I it's spell forget. I hope I'm not uh killing his name. I did have him uh his office has committed to coming in here meeting with the mayor's office and eventually he wants to make a presentation here uh to the city council office. Now, we haven't had that done before. I'm reaching out specifically to our federal partners and uh state police partners and everything else. I think that you know uh there was a gentleman that spoke here earlier too talking about all of the uh drug busts that we are doing. Our our drug unit is as active as it's ever been. But I think that you know as as the efforts that we put you're going to see the frustration with drugs and that's on a national level. The only difference is we can't be blowing boats out of the water. The very president of the United States is upset with the drug issue. He's blowing boats out of the water. Okay. They're they're they're they're invading Mexico with the CIA and they're killing cartel members. We are trying everything. That is a sign of the desperation that we have with drugs and our battle with drugs. Our drug unit continues to fight drugs. Our we we continue to have uh you know relationships with the state police and everybody else who will join us to do that and now with the DEA. and we will facilitate whatever they need and we will partner up with whoever we can partner up with until we can reduce everything that we can as far as the drugs coming into the city. So, we're fighting it just like every other police department, LAPD, NYPD, BPD, everywhere you go, we're doing it, too.

I this council right here and maybe perhaps it's a visit to the police station. I would like an official report presentation. I know you mentioned the the the uh I'm sorry um the individual but from the police department on how we're going to tackle it. I know majority of those operations are confidential. You don't want the information out there. So whether we do it at the council level in executive session or we do it, you know, you invite two counselors at at a time or something, but we need to know what the police department is doing because this this is this is a major issue in our community and we can't be oblivious to that and I know you're not, but yeah, absolutely. It's a national crisis. I agree.

Uh thank you. Um, one last one last comment. One one last order. Councelor Lefante, you have the floor.

One last comment. I'm I'm going to say and I you know there there's always there's also been mentions about private and public conversations back in December. I had a conversation with Mr. Dug in over the phone where I said to you and it was re regarding my my abstension vote um for the ordinance the knowing cabin ordinance and um and I and I said to Mr. Dugen, I don't know what the answer is because on one side, we are dealing with humans that deserve the decency and deserve that the care, but on the other hand, as a counselor, I'm the one getting the calls when things are going bad. And there and it's and and it's it's hard. It's hard as a city counselor to balance that. Um, I also want to say I hopefully I I don't know if if there is a happy medium, but if we can figure out a happy medium to this, I'll be more than happy to vote. But I'm one counselor. I rarely vote as an absention or president. And I pride myself in being a counselor that rarely votes that way. But this is a is a tough conversation because there's many layers to it. And um I want to hear more of my colleagues. I spoke, council the plan spoke. I know ordinance committee spoke, but there's some of us that aren't part of the ordinance committee. And this is I want to hear more and hopefully

I would really like for you to hear what I have to say. Comment she's part of the organization. She's part of the board. Okay. You authorize her to discuss with her.

I'm not I'm not the No, no, but I mean we we we do not have poly participation. I'm sorry. If you're authorized by the organization to respond any of the question that the council have and then we going to be able to hear you. Uh but I mean uh we receive hundreds of letters of support. I hope that you have sent one and also we we enterain public participation which allow us to uh hear the public when it comes to an issue. But right now public participation is closed and we are discussing a strictly with the organization and if they authorize you to speak on their behalf and then we happy to hear you but in the meantime Mr. Can I just say one thing?

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can't. I mean, thank you so much. Uh, but we are we would like to open up uh the discussion. Continue the discussion. Councelor de Rosario.

It's just one thing that I want to tell I want to say to all of you guys. You guys are putting it hard to us to make a decision and we about to I'm about to make a motion to table. And what that's going to happen is it's going to stop everything and you're going to lose your permit if you continue to interrupt us and talking all over us. Um, we're trying to help you, but you're not helping us to make a decision. So, if this continue, I'm going to be the one making emotional table. No, no discussion and you're going to lose completely your permit because it's going to be overlapping the the authorization. So, please let us do what we do and and I know it's a difficult time right now and we all anxious to get out of here and probably you want your decision. We also want to make a decision, but if you don't allow us to do it, we're not going to be able to do it. So, I'm going to help my colleagues if this continue, I'm going to make the motion on the table and and the discussions will be over. So, think about it. Thank you, Council President.

No problem. Any other questions, counselors? Councelor Marmo.

Uh through you, Council President. Um I want to address Mr. Gorman. Um with the respect and admiration that I do have for you, I want you to stand, you know, stand proud of your organization and don't walk back there. I want you to stand in front of that podium and speak on behalf of your organization and what the purpose is for your presence and all these uh volunteers and advocates, you know, the reasoning why they are here, you know, it means a lot for you to be standing there. So just to see you walk back there or primarily seeing Mr. Dugen speak on behalf of you like to me it means more to hear things to hear from you. Um, and and I truly say that I admire you because I I understand that the work that you're doing, not everyone is willing to do it. Um, I've also been honored enough to to participate, not as much, but I've been around you guys and have participated. So, I I understand what it means and how the model that you guys have in feeling that this is a, you know, this is a family for you guys. Um, but I share the same sentiments as some of my colleagues here. Um, I've noticed and I must say that I've been in opposite, you know, on opposite sides with the administration. Um the mayor and I, we buted heads, but one thing I could say is that from the onset of him when he was running for mayor is I I saw personally myself how he tried to work with you guys and have advocated, you know, to to h to have the movement family work out of the Buckley station. Um, I'm not understanding the energy or the the the perception that and and I could be wrong, but the energy right now feels very off and it comes across as if like this elected body is

against you guys. This elected body is we've consistently approved. That's why you've managed to to be part of taking space in the city of Lawrence working in the Buckley station. However, I think it's really unfair when we ask questions, and these are fair questions. It is fair to ask, "Have you worked with other organizations?" I think it is fair to ask, have you worked with other um other neighboring cities and towns because of the burden and challenges that the city who's already facing budgetary financial strain to begin with with with the departments that is required for us to even be effective and efficient to run adequately. Um, so again, Michael, I I just want to say that I I respect you. I admire the work that you do. Um, and despite how some of us may vote, I I have a track record of being able to separate the way I feel about an individual and how I need a vote, to me, it's business. and being part of the housing committee, being part of public safety and being part of budget again along with my colleagues, we get a lot of complaints. We hear the issues when it comes to public safety matters. We hear the the issues when it comes to housing matters. We hear the issues when it comes to budget, when we have the fire department that comes before us saying how there's not enough resources to allocate funding. um to have enough firefighters, how we don't have enough police officers uh in order to address the the issues that we have um here in the city of Lawrence when it comes to crime or when it comes to um having to address certain calls. Um we don't have enough resources to hire enough

inspectional services um uh employees. So, I say all of this in order for you guys to gain an understanding that as elected officials here, it is definitely not an easy job. I could in one in one hand, I could admire what you do and I and I think that what you do is amazing, but I also have to look at this from an elected official standpoint. And when um in housing, when we have a list of city- owned property that comes before us, there's a list of department heads that have to say whether they need it or not in order for us to make a decision on whether we're willing to sell these properties. Correct? So, I'm looking at this situation as right now it is being expressed that this city-owned property um this space is needed. Is it needed right now? I don't know. I did not hear a plan from um from the chief in terms of if this plan is already set in place for them to use this space immediately. Is this something that, you know, they have planned for 6 months from now? I don't know. So, I'm at a point where, like my colleague said, um, if there's a way to work with this organization, whether it's on a at a month-to-month basis at will, if, uh, you know, if it's going to, I could see myself supporting this only if it's amended. I don't see myself supporting this with the two years. Um, I feel like this space, um, although is underutilized with my counselor hat on and again separating how I feel about you and I know the amazing work that you do, I'm looking at things from an elected standpoint and the the city comes first and the city's needs. So, if I hear a

department that that is stating that they need this space and um, you know, I'm going to have to take that into consideration. Um, so in order to work with both of you and allow you to have the time and the space to to figure things out, I'm trying to see if the conversation could be had in terms of not necessarily saying no, but let's let's figure out if we could amend the the terms and maybe add something in the language where it's like it's allowing them to use the space. Uh but the the the the council or the administration could revoke that if and when the city needs that space.

Yeah. Uh councelor LMO that is always u once we uh allow uh an organization or a permit uh that that permit could be revoked because it's a permit. It's a privilege. uh definitely I understand where you're coming from when it comes to the terms uh that I hear many uh other uh expressing the sand then and also considering that you ask uh a specific questions I think it will be appropriate to uh to allow the organization to respond uh to potentially any uh suggestions and also another question that you ask them when it comes to uh Mr. going to uh uh talk to us about uh from his perspective about what they what they doing what why they doing it and so far. Uh so yes two things two questions were asked. Are you guys uh by is the organization uh willing to understand uh the fact that uh the two years term might not work and also there is any any other suggestions from the organizations and u and and just tell us uh more about that if you can please. So in regard to like the time period.

Yes. You mean? So um I know Vivian. So how you guys come up with the two years? Say it one more time. How you guys come up with the two years term?

Well, it's kind of been what we've done the last couple times. Um I think a 2-year period. Um, it just like allows us an opportunity to continue to have just the the Buckley garage in our eyes has always just been an ideal location where it's been able to provide an overhead for shelter, uh, lighting, electricity, where we we tried to be on a vacant lot for 3 years, and I can't tell you how difficult that was for our program, fighting with the weather, trying to set up canopies, um, not no electricity, being super dark and having no lighting. So, the Buckley just being a safe place, you know, in in regards to weather. Uh, number two, just being in North Lawrence, um, the way it's centralized, uh, with individuals, I would say that like our inactive addiction, homelessness, uh, it was sometimes difficult to get individuals to even walk across the bridge to to South Broadway to attend those dinners for those three years. Um, everyone on the streets of Lawrence um, is aware of our dinners at the Buckley Garage and it's really just become this, I would say, this safe place. You have individuals that go to that Buckley garage on Wednesdays that don't seek services really at all that have found a really safe place to go. Um, you're having individuals that won't go to the shelter like Daybreak or Lazarus. You have individuals that don't seek the soup kitchens throughout the day. And we're getting a lot of those individuals that have totally given up on life. And we have such a beautiful partnership with Spectrum Health Systems in Westboro, Mass. where they hold a few beds every single Wednesday evening. So if someone is just sick and tired and wants to get into a program, we're able to send them directly to Westboro that same night, which is really extraordinary because just to get a bed these days is extremely difficult. and

the Lawrence District Court, uh, specifically the diversion program. Um, they have just been really blown away with sending so many of these young individuals behind me, uh, to complete community service hours due to legal involvement that just really are just extremely excited to have them experience giving back. So I think it's combination of the Buckley just being an ideal location for the population we're serving, but when I mean you have schools all across the state of Massachusetts and young individuals behind me learning how to just give in life, I feel like we're reaching so many different people, not even just the homeless and people addicted.

Understand? Councelor LMO, do you have any other questions or suggestions?

Um, I guess so. Are you opposed to if it's not two years, are would you be willing to be okay with the fact that potentially it could just be a year or it could be on a month-to-month basis? Um, the reason why I asked is because again I feel like there's an expectation and I don't know if that's part of the reason why there hasn't been a plan B is because to me it's there's an expectation that because this is an ideal location um that you're not thinking of a plan B because this is the location. It's a prime location. Um, so are you okay with the fact that potentially the the terms could be different?

I would be open to to terms being different. Obviously, two ideas would be super ideal to us, but even if it was say, you know, a year, you know, obviously that would still mean a lot to us to be able to utilize that space for that time being.

Okay. Um, and I'm not sure if this was mentioned. I know Mr. Dougen may have touched on it, but I didn't get to hear a a concise answer. I um seeing that the elected body from Methuan has drastically changed, new elected members, h you know, was there conversations with any of those electeds as to building a hub or a station in Methuan as well? Um, I feel like having this conversation right now, it's as if it's it's translating as if Lawrence is kicking TMF out. And when we ask these questions, it's not necessarily kicking you guys out. It's seeing the growth of your organization, which is amazing cuz that means you're servicing more people. yet that means the burden tends to be a lot higher in Lawrence when Lawrence is the only city that's um putting up the resources and the challenges that come with those resources. So have that, you know, has that conversation, again, considering that it's new elected uh members in in the Methuan Council, has that conversation taken place to build a hub, to build a a a station in Methuan as well?

So conversations, not in detail with specific people, but when I mean like I've studied these streets of Lawrence since I was 18. I'm 33. So 15 years of studying these streets, alleyways, railroad tracks, bridges, like I've studied these streets inside and out. And even if Methuan was to set up a location to be able to help the issue, just knowing these people and their stories and who they are, they're not going to walk to Methooan, walk to North Andover, walk to Andover to seek a Wednesday night dinner. It's just not happening. They're comfortable where the the drugs are. You know, these are people I speak to on the daily. They're comfortable where the drugs are. um this is really where where the drugs are and they're not going to walk to a surrounding town to be able to go to a three-hour dinner to walk back to where they are. It's just uh it's something I've realized geographic wise when it comes to the city of Lawrence and surrounding communities. And I think that's why sometimes people speculate, you know, oh, I'm having people come up to public participation that might be from Salem or or Reading. But at the same time, I think it's beautiful that you have individuals from those surrounding communities that are seeing a problem in Lawrence and wanting to lend a hand to the city of Lawrence. That that's amazing. I got a guy that drives an hour away just because he he thinks there's an issue in Lawrence with addiction and homelessness and he's going to the store purchasing over a couple hundred worth of donations to be able to help the people in the community of Lawrence. Um, I just don't see a surrounding community opening up a a Wednesday night dinner because I might have two people show up. It would the service wouldn't be utilized at all. The Buckley Garage, North Lawrence, a lot of activity. You know, you look at I'm sure you guys know where the certain locations are where where people migrate to. Like it it's North Lawrence specifically where we serve our dinner. So, even if I had that conversation with Methoo or Andover and they opened up

like this vacant lot in their town, I'm not getting anyone to go over there. Um, Michael, throughout the years that uh you've had this organization and and uh feeding this community, have you kept track as to the numbers throughout the years? Yeah, so we have a sign-in sheet every every Wednesday night of everyone that walks through that bus station. So, that's when I sent that email to all the counselors. We have approximately 125 individuals that show up every Wednesday. I would say the 125. Is that for this fiscal year? Like is this 2025?

I would say right now 125. And that's just due to obviously numbers change, seasons change, so they can differ from the winter compared to the summer. Okay. And what would you say your numbers were last year?

I would say it was still around the 100 range. Um again, and I'm not Lawrence. I love with my whole heart. It's such a beautiful city. I just think a lot of people are attracted to Lawrence at times in addiction because of the drugs. Trust me, I understand. I work as a clinician in the drug addiction field. I know it's a nationwide issue, but I do know Lawrence specifically in New England is a hub for it. So, it's not TMF is bringing people, you know, for a three-hour dinner one day a week. You know, if you ask someone down the street, you wait, you know, he shows up on Friday, you're going to wait till Wednesday to go to three-hour dinner. It's just not happening. They they show up on Wednesdays when they're in Lawrence seeking some sort of love and guidance. And that's why we've actually been able to get over a hundred people off your streets of Lawrence and into an impatient program. And I felt bad because a guy in the back drove 2 hours today who used to live under the Casey Bridge for 3 years and he was able to find his way out and he wanted to share a picture with you guys today. He wasn't able to speak. Uh he was one of five individuals standing in front of the liquor store across from McDonald's and he was two out of five people that were able to survive. And what he wanted to tell you guys is I wish I had a Wednesday night dinner to go to in 2013 because the one thing that I was missing in life wasn't services and Lawrence. It was love that was displayed on a Wednesday night dinner. And he he believes his girlfriend in the picture could be alive today if it was for more love, not for more services. Um almost suffer now.

Councelor Rees. Uh thank you councelor president. Uh follow the my collection.

There is a motion to pass then second. It's been second. Uh no discussion. All those in favor please say I. I.

Any names? Guys have it. You may continue. Councelor Reyes. Thank you councelor president. Uh but at the same time I love the idea what presenting uh consular mamo we need to thinking in place uh what we can do to connect other communities to have a plan because it's an issue we have a short time because you need to renew the permits but at the same time the chiefs say we need a space. So what is the plan? Because when we remove the permit for two years and they need before than two year and you don't have any plan to move in for another place and you don't try to find out another place. I know it's not easy but I think it's great opportunity to connect a beautiful committee connect law city council but h at the same time connect me to city council too to have this kind of conversation because it's really hard to put one city with the bigger issue and I know you did a great job because what councelor La mentioned the whole body mentioned this night you doing a great job. Nobody have this kind of uh people to say a beautiful word about us. But we need to figure out what is the next step because uh councelor Marmo mentioned a couple suggestion but I think it's not a good idea for you guys what we need to figure out. What you thinking about it? The council marmon offer she mentioned one year permits uh monthto month. What is your feel about that?

I mean uh it is really up to the council to allow to propose in a specific uh time limit for the permit because it's a permit that is being given by the council. Uh any suggestions have to be through a motion. So the motion that we have in front of us is for approve the two years and it's been properly seconded. If it is any changes to that, it is u it's going to have to be either through a friendly amendment to the motion or another motion on top of the the that overseing motions that we already have. So

I would like to ask it to the chief since they need it because we don't know the time he is meeting as soon as possible or or what is the timeline? There is a question been posed to the chief. So chief uh um please uh provide us with u the answer.

Uh thank you. Yeah, we wanted to uh get in there as soon as possible. Ideally what the idea was uh you know uh April 24th is what's expected as far as the you know the turnover into the new station and at that point I wanted to consolidate all of our resources there and at the minimum in in April begin repairs and what have you but I mean in light of the situation and everything else I mean I I think that we can we can work on just a little a little bit more time uh in order to to to facilitate perhaps uh finding um I don't know if it's a partnership with one of the 186 churches within the city, 300 for-profit uh nonprofit organizations, whatever the case may be, just to give a little bit more time. Um, you know, to do that. But, I mean, ideally, that's what we what we wanted and and that's what we needed. Um, but I I can I can move things around and try to figure it out. I mean, it's not infinite, but we can work a little bit. We have a little time.

Thank you. All right. We have the answer from the shift. Any motions? Council councel Rosario.

Thank you. Uh one comment and and and one question. My comment is I hope my kids are asleep. So when I get home, they don't tell me that we need to move out of Lawrence because there's only drugs in Lawrence. So I'm assuming in North when there's no drugs. That's my comment. So I hope they are asleep. Question is I have no problem amending my my my motion which is to approve the two years, right? I have no problem amending it. My question to that is we amend it to one year. What's going to happen in one year? uh what will happen in one year? We did it for two years, right? There was no plan B. Now we here trying to again get it for two years. So if we amend it, we need to put something in writing that this is what we giving you. This is the day there's no more extension or this is the day we extend it after that day. So it needs to be something in writing that hasn't been done in any time. So it we need a commitment somehow from us to them and to them from us for us to amend or do anything else if this is going to go anywhere else but the motion right now is to approve the two years.

So then we have a motion for uh in front of us that is for two years and uh if that gets approved they will have uh two years permit unless it's uh uh revoked by the council. uh we don't want we don't want to go through that obviously if we approve it we approve for the specific amount of time the council is asking for a a plan B which is towards the organization as of u um what is it that's going to happen after uh after the time period that we approve if there is any approval because we don't know it have to be a majority vote uh but uh in the meantime there is a there is also an an idea around reducing the timing to another amount of uh time which we we don't know yet. So what is the amount of years or friendly suggested amendment that is haven't been suggested yet? Councelor Mamo

um through you council president if councelor de Rosario would accept the friendly amendment of uh the language being tenants at will. So there is no there's no need for that language. equal be tenants at will means it's on a month-to-month basis. Um so they could continue to work with the LPD in a transition for a transition period if if need be. But um is the city attorney here? His own his office. Um yeah, we can get an opinion on that. I mean u are we trying to solidify

the specific language? Because it's a permit. The permit is for a specific time. If it is a month to month and then it have to be specified as of monthto month is stating that April 24th is the transition to the new station. So that's a little over a month from now. So a year seems like it may pose an issue as well be you know so I'm thinking at will to kind of alleviate the the discussions and the debates. Okay. So there is the friendly amendment to be at at will uh permit which is a month-to-month operation. Councelor Dario, do you accept the friendly amendment?

But didn't we didn't we say we need a legal opinion for we're doing a monthto month. Well, I will ask that the city chief is here to give us an opinion. But I mean a monthto-month uh permit it is valid. Council president. So, but I mean uh councelor Rosario before we continue, do you is a is a friendly amendment I need to hear from you if you accept the friendly amendment. I mean my my question wasn't asked. I mean what's going to happen after this month is end. I mean are we going to have a full city council and 3,000 emails more and support it? So that's a that's a good question.

That's a question that I asked him before before council Marmo took took the took took the podium and and Mr. Gorman went and set up. Yes. the you you you you put that question up there, but in the meantime, there is a friendly amendment. You need to either accept the friendly amendment or not accept the friendly amendment. No, I I don't accept the friendly amendment. Okay. The it's been uh the friendly amendment was not accepted. Council Maro, uh let's continue with the discussion. Councelor Council, you you have another questions. Council Lan,

I was going to suggest if we need to have more of a discussion on it. I I don't I'm not in favor of that necessarily, but if you were to make a motion a motion to amend it, I would second it cuz I'm intrigued by the concept and that would give time for Yes, it is. It is a definitely an order. If council Marmo propose another motion on top of that motion, not as a friend, but and that will that will be an order as well. So, council momo, it is a suggestion. Please put your mic on. Okay. Excuse me for the confusion. Over here. Can I help you? Oh, so let me let me put it in perspective. If you have that as a motion by itself, doesn't have to go through motions on the table, not amending,

but your motion will be on top of council's motion. Motion. So there is a motion. I'll second it. Um motion to what? I make a motion. What is the motion for this permit to be at a month basis? Okay, there is a motion that is in a month for a month-to-month basis. Can I hear a second? Second for discussion that is in order is being second by councel plant. Discussion council plan, you have the floor.

Yeah. So, I just I I think it's worthy of a discussion. I just we needed a vehicle to have a conversation. So, this is a good vehicle. So, um I'm not all that crazy about month-to-month. I I would rather have a maybe a three-month. I I don't like a year. I think that's I I think that there needs clearly the message three years ago was you can have it for three or four years and then you know we we'll come back u because that's you know I'm not saying there wasn't any work. I'm not denigrating. I'm not saying that there weren't conversations. I'm not saying that. But it's I'm it seems to me in my ear it seems to me so in the back pocket we've got the Buckley. I mean we'll do whatever we can but we've got the the Buckley and and now the Buckley is in play. the buckley is not necessarily there. So now I as I can understand it, there's a bit of a concern. So and and a little concern is a good thing. It builds some urgency, not complacency, urgency. And I'm in favor of some urgency on this issue, frankly. And so a year, but if you do 3 months and they have to come back and say, and then we say to them, okay, where are you? What's the conversations you have? Where are you going right now? and and but it a year's too much. Three may be just right. I don't know. But but I want to have there if we're going to if we're going to give our government resource, our asset, and we're putting out the police department, there needs to be some urgency and we need to find out what's going on. And that's

it is a it is a potential suggestion of a three-month, I guess, right? Pardon me. You're suggesting that. I also want to hear I also want to hear from a Did you suggest the three months? Is he here? Yes, I want it. Oh, he is. Yeah, he just got here. There he is.

So, so I I I've got that question and I also have a question regarding language. I mean, I don't as an attorney, I don't feel comfortable just saying, "Yeah, we're just going to do this." We don't know. I mean, what happens if there's a slip or fall? Something happens on the at the at the at that on their clock when if we're giving it a permit to do that. I want to make sure that we as a city are protected. So, I've got a few questions as well. So the the question will be the first one will be uh it is in order to have a month-to-month permit uh for the use of the Borg garage. Can you do it? Sure. Okay. We can do anything but really the devil's in the details. What are you going to Okay. What are you getting for it? What are you requiring for it?

It is okay to do a a will a will permit which is a monthto-month a I'm sorry at will. At will. Yes. Okay. So that's the answer. So the next the next question by councelor plan was the details uh on their uh on the permit I've written per I mean we're issuing a permit without the details it's just like almost a hand that's what I'm saying the devil's in the I I need to know you know time date who's going to be there is there insurance is there a fee is there right I mean it's kind of like when you do you know the carnivals what time you going to be open what's going to be there what do we allow what do we not allow

bonding etc you Is is there a requirement of a police detail? Is there no is there a requirement of fire? Is you know, as with any permit, I'm not treating this permit any different than any other permit. Right. And counselors, to be honest with you, I I think we

I think we need that. Right. Some of the detail could be uh the definition of that pre-evaluation of the inspections of the place, the post uh inspection of the place, uh the uh the moni the monitoring of that active event uh to maintain the supervision of the volunteers around uh the waste management. uh the damage of uh any of the damage or any incidental reporting uh documentations uh when it comes to uh how many people uh is the the intent of the service uh for capacity all that stuff could be part of the contract.

That would be my that would be my recommendation to this to this council that we have provide potential language for the permit to the city clerk. So to answer your question, I we we could do that. Um I I'd like to have for me my per my preference is to have more rigidity. I know in three months I know that gives them a little bit of time. Police department knows they've got three months. So there's so there's certainty that we know and then nothing's certain after 3 months. It could go sideways go we can get an a solution but at least they police department knows it's three months and it could go away after three. TMF knows it's three months and then that provides certain again I'll use the word urgency move move on something

council president uh yeah let's uh let's let's allow the organization to speak on that

can I can I just ask that if you're going to go down this road and we're happy to work with you we're happy to work with the chief if this is the direction that we're going in but can we just get a commitment that you know if you're going to say 30 days 90 days 6 months whatever you're going to say you know can we have your commitment that when that time comes if we do find another place if we're looking for the pean park if we find someplace else that you guys will will work with us and we won't have to go through the whole process all over again. It's such a cumbersome, you guys know it's government. It's such a cumbersome process. You know, if you're going to be tweaking the language of this permit with this temporary issue, we're okay with that, but can you somewhere work into that that you're going to be willing to work with us to extend the permit to a different location so we don't have to go back to the drawing board and start this all over again. So, for example, if tomorrow um we were to find a spot maybe under one of the bridges or we were to find another spot where there used to be a park and it's city-owned property and we've got a corporate partner that wants to give us tents and a generator for electricity. We don't want to have to come back here and start all over again. We'd like to be able to use this permit if you're going to if you're going to you take the time away and we're okay with working with that. like can you work into the language that you can change the you can change the location of that permit so we don't start it we don't start a new we don't

so let let's put in perspective what you're asking is potentially to uh not necessarily go to committee and come straight straight to the full council to discuss the new the new location that's that's what we asking because as far as I understand the process uh you put up an item fill up an application ation and that goes to the city clerk. City clerk uh put on the agenda. I send it to committee. Committee make a determination. Send it over a month. But that's a 30-day, right? It's a 30-day process.

It's a 30-day process. So by not going to committee uh it is it have to be defined as an emergency that is for a specific reason that the city charter was established or potentially we can bring it as an old business and uh and discussed due to the fact that it could be a 3-month period. Uh but at the end of the day the council need to make a determination. So this part this discussion right here cannot be avoided. All right. Okay. So yeah that's what I'm that's that's what we're looking for. We're looking for definitely work with you the organization to make sure that uh not that the process is shorter is a continue a continuation of the process

because I don't want to have an impression on the public that says oh they been they getting benefit uh by shutting down the process uh and that's not the case the case is might be that we continue the discussion uh to on the time that we come back uh on a period that the the permit is going to be issues for Okay. Thank you, Council. No problem. Council President, uh, Council Lang, I still have the floor.

Yeah, I just just a comment. You know, I was listening to Mr. Dugen speak and and and I'm I'm hopeful that he gets away from the government properties and finds either a nonprofit or a private place where they where they can do this kind of stuff. Um, I that's just a a strong preference that I have if we're going to be doing things over the long term. Um, I hope that's the direction you're going in. We have a lot of we have a lot of fantastic organizations council president in the city and and asking to partner with them. Um and the now now with Mr. Gorman there's a track record of success and so you're you're going to another boutique established nonprofit. It just the sheer success

I would think there's going to be a greater ability or willingness to to merge and to provide some assistance. I mean, I'm going to look to my colleague from district E who used to work for a nonprofit. She volunteered that this evening. I mean, I'm not suggesting that nonprofit you were in necessarily, but do you think there's an appetite in the nonprofit community to maybe work with a with an organization like TMF? Casant, you have the floor.

Thank you. Uh well, the nonprofit world that I used to work in was a little bit different and they had their own um situations as being um again carrying uh these these challenges solely on their shoulders as as a community health center with resources across the region. Um, from what I've heard from multiple nonprofits that we've had before us, it does sound like they they want to collaborate. They want to join forces. I mean, we heard it loud and clear back in December when we when we took the the anti-enccampment ordinance vote. Um, so I don't I don't think there is there is um there is a lack of interest. It's all it all comes down to what is the plan and how and how can they come together to to get it done.

Uh but suggestion on the motion do I have okay so

I have a couple things because I I wanted to speak even before that motion was made. I don't think 3 months is long enough and I'm going back and I know Mr. Dugen mentioned you know we're not here in front of you guys for for a financial allocation. However TMF is in the negative right now. um three months say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say say if they if they have no choice but to go the private route they don't have the financial resources to to get a place um I also I also saw a number of their fundraising their fundraising was only a little over $1,000 um in FY 24 so three months is is not enough maybe six to a year I think is more doable um and I'm going to suggest that to my to my colleagues but Aside from that, I also wanted to make a comment. Um, I I heard frustration from my from my colleague about, you know, is is there is there it sounds like North Andor Mthuan don't don't have drugs or etc. being at at at those tables. Um, I can say one thing. Obviously, we know drug is one one factor, but it's not the only factor that that causes homelessness and the issues that we have in our streets. And I think we're all aware of that there are many factors contributing to this. But um what I have learned throughout the years is that it's not about them not walking to North Andover or Mthuan or etc. You started in Lawrence only helping 5 to 10 people and look at how much has grown. What they're seeing is that there is a potential to grow and people will find a way to get there. They may not stay there because their issues or what they need is not in that community. They'll come back to Lawrence, but they will find ways to get what they need. And that's why that's one of the not but that's one of the

reasons why municipalities are hesitant to come together and join forces as as a region to combat this ongoing situation. That's what I have learned in working in this space. Um, in my own in my own um neighborhood, I have seen people walking up Andover Street going into Andover. I have seen them walking towards the highway when you're going um to 495 towards the to the other side of Andover. And I, like I mentioned, I have seen people getting off the bus. So, they will find ways, but they will come back because of underlying conditions. And I made that clear that I I would like to know a solution to that. Um, council president,

suggestion to the motion, council infant, I suggest that we amend. Um, so this is what we have. We have an underlying motion for two years uh permit. And then we have a a motion on top of that motion which is a monthly basis or at will motion. uh both of them were uh one uh the latest for by councelor Mamo and that uh original motion was by councelor de Rosario. So are you willing to make a friendly amendment to any of those two motions or to put another motion on top of that the second motion to have it as as your own motion? I don't know if you get me.

I maybe a friendly amendment what I'm is what I'm understanding. I would like to make a friendly amendment to increase it to six months. So your friendly amendment to what motion to the council marmo motion to or to the to the under the line motion to reduce the two to reduce it for one year. Yeah. So it will be to uh council marl's motion. Okay. So friendly amendment to council marmal's um motion to what is the increase it from six from 3 months to 6 months. No to increase it for a month basis. Month by month to to increase it month by month basis to six months. To six months um I do six months.

Six months. Yeah. So okay that's and then we need a second for that. Second. Oh no no no. Wait wait wait wait. It will be a friendly amendment. Councelor Mamo. Do you accept that friendly amendment for 6 months? I do not. And I'm going to explain why I can't. Do I have the floor? Uh you do not. Okay. So, uh, let's keep it up there and then we can discuss once you have the flooration. But before I go, do I still have the floor? Yes.

I I have another, um, friendly amendment since councelor um, since I was not going through. But before I do that, there is one thing that I forgot to mention when I was speaking a few minutes ago. I keep hearing also um this dependability on city city city buildings city etc. And that is not in the long term sustainable because you never know what can happen. Which is why I know you mentioned earlier this is not a financial thing but why my questioning started with the fi financials because it would be great to see um TMF h even if it is in Lawrence but having its own building that maybe it's not a city-owned building but something that they were able to accomplish. We cannot always depend on the city of Lawrence or or any government. Um, there has to be a plan, a organizational plan that is sustainable within their own foundation.

Council, that's what I was trying to say when I was shut down earlier, Mr. Doug, is that we through the council to the president. Um, that's what I was trying to say earlier when I got shut down was that we had sat down with the mayor's office. We were identifying buildings. We were talking to uh Francisco Pino, our state representative, and Frank Moran and some of the other state representatives in other communities about trying to find a way to get grants about trying to find a way to get a building. But then all of a sudden, we were told through the homeless coordinator that they wanted us out of the city. We've heard it now time and time again. They say it privately, but they don't say it publicly. They want us out of the city. So, how do you work with people to get there when they publicly say we want to work with you? When the homeless coordinator publicly said she wanted to work with us, and then privately said in front of the mayor that they don't. So, we're happy to do that. We've tried to do that and we'll be happy to do that again. Um, but that's not something that's going to happen overnight,

right? It's not. And it starts today and I'm hoping that TMF moving forward, you come up with a with a development plan. and you come up with a fundraising plan, you come up with how to get those grants because you're going to need these resources in the future. Even if you do stay in Lawrence, things are getting more expensive. We might go into a global war. Who knows? Things are getting costly for for individuals and businesses. They also your donations may not be at at the level that they are right now. We don't we don't know what the future holds. So, you want to be prepared in every aspect. And I hope that's one takeaway that that you that you get from tonight is is that is moving forward, let's plan five 10 years a strategic plan for TMF.

Can I also answer council council plan's question as far as working with the other nonprofits and private businesses. You know, somebody mentioned that there are over 400 nonprofits. None of them helped us. That's why TMF exists. TMF exists because on paper you've got 400 nonprofits or so, but most of them don't really exist. they only exist on paper. And the ones that actually do exist, their only interest is applying for grants so they can supply themselves with salaries. Teams is doing it the other way around. And that's one of the reasons why we're having the financial discussion now is because we we weren't looking to set up an organization to have salaries and pay ourselves and then go in the newspaper and say, "Look what we're doing." We were doing it the other way around. We put the needs of the people of Lawrence first. So we tried to work with the churches when the temperature goes below two two below zero below zero five below zero the churches are also just like the nonprofits they want to pat themselves on the back but when it comes time to providing the services they take a walk and the proof of that is TMF's existence TMF wouldn't exist if the 200 churches in in Lawrence walked the walk that they talk the talk on Sundays and the nonprofits we wouldn't have a TMF if all these nonprofits that say they care about the poor. There would be no need for TMF. So, our frustration and what you heard tonight from the crowd, and I understand your frustration on that, but the frustration was they're sitting there thinking, "We're doing it right. We're making a difference and we're suffering because of it." And I think that's why you heard some of the comments tonight. You heard some of the frustration because they don't understand the political process. They just hear the questions and the questioning and Mr. Russell's ridiculous comments and all these other things. I'm sorry. And all these other things. And what they don't what what they don't understand is that, you know, they don't understand why TMF is paying a price for doing it right for

not asking for money by not paying salaries and being visible about the people that we are getting off the streets. 100 people no longer breaking into cars, no longer breaking into homes, no longer buying drugs on the streets of the city. One woman from Everett started on the streets of Lawrence. Now she lives in another community with housing. You know what she does on Wednesday nights? She Ubers to TMF to help us serve food to the next person that we can get out of the city I still have. Right. Um so I just want to make sure that may

my example is and I understand TMF is doing doing it right but my example of quote unquote very potential global war. What I what I'm trying to say is that there are external factors that contribute to everyday life that's not just at the local level. And TMF needs to be ready for that because these individuals and these businesses may not have the resources whether physically or financially to contribute to this level in the future because we don't know what life can throw at at us. And that's what I hope the biggest um advice or lesson that is taken from tonight is that is

we get it. We understand that that the bus station's about to no longer be an option for us. We understand that and we are absolutely willing to work with you, the chief or anyone else. Thank you, Council Gonzalez. Thank you, Council President. Um my question is actually for Mr. Mike Gorman. Oh, good. I can sit down. Come to Hi, how you doing?

So, first of all, I want to say that what you're doing is something great for the community, something great for um these homeless people and even for the people that are not homeless, the young kids that you're helping. Um I do have one and it was due to the comment that you made earlier. uh you said that even if you were to have a location in North Andover or MDUN or any other city, you wouldn't be able to get anyone to get to go there. So my concern is if you have that mindset, are you still willing to ask for help to these other connecting cities?

Most definitely can ask for help. Sure. I just don't know how that process would totally work or look like though just due to like what what I've seen uh I know Stephanie uh mentioned she's seen people you know walk to say Andover by like Starbucks and South Lawrence or you know people coming off the bus and going back to where they're from. But I just don't personally see that working out. Am I open for discussion? 100%. It's okay. Why wouldn't so how you started here in Lawrence?

How did I start here in Lawrence? Um well the program has changed over the years. It was founded in 2011. Mission statement basically for anyone looking for a second family in life that was seeking love, guidance, and support. So that's kind of how a lot of the young individuals joined the program. The dinners didn't start until 2018. Um, a few of us TMF members were driving through the Buckley garage on a one Wednesday night in 2018 at 9:00 and saw about four to five people sleeping on the benches. Uh, we went back to our following meeting the next week. And a couple TMF members said, "Why don't we set up uh a table, a couple chairs, and get some pizza at Little Caesars's on Broadway?" And that's what we did. Uh, that following Wednesday, went back to the Buckley. those four to five people came to the center and it was like a a family dinner that night. Uh from that point on uh we wanted to figure out a way as a program of how can we like work our way into these individuals hearts and make them like believe again in themselves. And that's when we started to bring a lot of services to Wednesday night like it was a one-stop shop. uh guest speakers, donations, haircuts, um you know, food, live music, uh programs, the mobile unit from Greater Lawrence Family Health Center where we've been being able to meet the individual where they're at, uh build a relationship of trust and then be able to work with them to take that step to seek treatment to to get out of Lawrence because all those individuals that you see, whether it's hanging at the Fruitia, West Street Park, um you know, back where Lawrence Street where the baseball field was. It's it's a sea of pain out there. You know, I'm not going to get into the clinical level of like substance use here, but what we're able to provide on a Wednesday is uh it's a really beautiful opportunity to get individuals help that are roaming around these streets of Lawrence as lost souls. So, that's kind of how it started to where it's at right now.

Angela, so thank you. So what I what I want to understand from your perspective so you are saying that homeless are only in Lawrence. No

basically. So then it wouldn't be a problem for you to have another location in another city because other cities do have these same issues. Not as much as Lawrence but they do have the same issues. So like I even know the spots that are in Methuan of individuals that are homeless, but they're on the rail trail bordering the Futaria and there's like three tents and they're not going any farther down that rail trail to head deeper into Methuan because there's nothing for them in their minds that side. You know, if you go by Starbucks coffee, there's a couple tents in the woods right there, but they're not going any farther into Andover because they're comfortable where they're at right there. So it's like they're on the borders of the of the community, you know. I I think the buses have been free for a period of time. So, you do have some individuals that might be staying in, you know, by Haveril Street in Mthuan by a plaza, but since the bus is free, they're able to get back to Lawrence. But, um, like I said, open for discussion. I just think it would be a very complex situation of trying to get a group of people there. I think the ones that show up on Wednesday night, I'll say it again, are individuals that really aren't seeking services, but the one thing they seek on a Wednesday night is uh is comfort. And I, you know,

I would say don't don't shut it down. At least think about it. And I believe that it would be a great idea for you to think about looking for a location in other in other cities besides Lawrence. Okay. And but I think and not not to cut you off but like we do want to remain in Lawrence as a program where basically a Lawrence based group. Most of these members are from Lawrence. A lot of these TMF members they walk to the bus station on Wednesdays. Some of them walk a great distance just to serve food. So it's like I go to a different community. More than half of these TMF members don't drive. Transportation has been a barrier for years for us. So

do I understand it? I'm sorry to cut you off. I understand that they walk. They don't have transportation. But your organization is growing tremendously and that is that is something great for what you're doing but it is a good idea for you to expand your locations not only in Lawrence because we have a lot of issues already with the fact that we have too many homeless people in in in the city. We have um the fact that as the um uh chief, I'm sorry, uh stated that there has been trash left in some areas. Not sure if it's by your crowd or not, but that is something that maybe if we can if we can fix that, we can resolve that, it will be better for your organization and it will help us help you uh grow. Okay. And I do have something else to say. Um, as far as you not having a plan, we understand that or as a council we understand that, but do you at least have an idea hypothetically an idea of where a location? Have you thought of anything? Even if it's not a plan that you've spoken to anyone, but have you thought of a location?

We have like even as of recently, I've really been looking at two specific locations and kind of having those conversations. Obviously the Buckley's been the ideal location for a per understand that but um yeah there has been a couple different locations for discussion. Okay I'm happy to hear that. Thank you. All right, counselors at this time. Um, councelor Levy, well, we have a few talk a few days ago about taking right now.

Okay. No. Right.

Uh yes, I think so is the moment for you or for your organization to start thinking you know on getting another place. So in a short time, in a long time, whatever, the B is not the place for you guys to any any longer. And I can sing, you know, and I see also uh like one of my fellows, you can start thinking in some other like a location. And on the same way, I can tell you something. In the same way that maybe you started also you can start on those places and you're going to be growing in the same way that you start because they they are not they looking for so many thing they looking for the service they looking for they looking for uh something to get on you know on them and there is so many thing that can attract all of these people to come to you. You're doing a great job. Are you age? I can say wow you're doing great. Okay, you are a leader. But right now there is so many thing happen in the city at city and we need help you. But you guys need to help us too.

Well, this is what we have. We have another this is what we have in front of us. We have an underlying motion a motion for two years period of time uh for the permit uh related to the TM. We like to offer friendly amendment.

Uh give me one minute council infante. Uh we also have an a motion um on top of that motion which is for um a permit at will which means that uh it it will be month to month and if there is no vote uh to revoke that permit that permit will continue for the following month uh and into the following month until there is a motion to stop the apartment because it will be uh well until we stop. Uh now uh if that is the final motions I will uh

excuse me I want to talk no no it's it's now we we're not moving on that direction we are going to call the motion unless there is any suggestions to the current motion I'd like to offer a friendly amendment there is a friendly amendment to be offered what is the friendly amendment

I would like to offer a friendly amendment to ex to um shorten the two years but to expand it to one year. I don't think the month to month is stable enough. Um they're asking us to work with them. We're asking on our end to have the freedom to use government buildings when government departments need it. But I just like I mentioned earlier, given the the financial situation, I don't think that's enough time for them to to figure something out. And I want to make sure that we're we're being fair to both parties. So councelor councel, do you accept the friendly amendment for a year

for cuz it's there is a a mot there is a friendly amendment being offered to a year. The motion that is been a meant is that the latest motion which is a will motion. Do you accept the friendly amendment to to a year? I just wanted to make sure that that was an amendment to my motion. It is to your motion only to your motion. Uh it have to be to your to the latest motion in front of us. No. So you're not accepting that. So the motion in front of us is that um the and the one that we need to take a vote on is the latest motion which is um month to month the month to month because the friendly amendment was not accepted. Any other discussion? Quit discussion. Uh councelor plan.

So the discussion I have is is it and I'm I'm putting a lot of my eggs in the in in the police department basket. So I I just want to make sure that we're not shorthanding ourselves. The chief made mention to us that he's willing to work. He's sometime I don't think a year is probably what he had in mind. I'm just trying to get a sense from the chief as how much time. That's why I said three months because I'm thinking that might be in the ballpark. But can I ask the chief like we're not getting He said April. He said April but he but he also made it sound he could go a little beyond that. So, I just want to get how how far beyond that can can is he is he thinking?

Again, like I said, it's a little mini station and a reserve area uh you know, in April, this April. Um you know what I mean? I think that the one-year extension or, you know, would really uh defeat the purpose. I'm willing to work in a and and I think that the three-month suggestion on a revocable permit um would be ideal in that regard. I think that you know at that point um you know there's still that urgency that that the then alternative has to be sought there's still that uh that that cooperation between us but one year and respectfully um kind of defeats the purpose one year when I'm going to at that point um you know the need our need is is superseded okay understand we have a motion that is a a friendly amendment council plan

a friendly amendment just based on what the chief said not because it's my idea but the chief said a three-month made some sense I'm just going to offer that and see if that's something that makes sense to the to the author. So 3 months that's that's the friendly amendment. Do you accept that? Uh I accept. Okay. Okay. This is this is uh the the amendment in front of us. Now the license is for three month not at will not for two years three months. In three month that license that permit will be the end. Different than at will at will will be renew every month. Three month will be the end. Just you mean three months from tonight or three months from the current?

Three months from assumment from the current end day which is basically in the future. I I would April. Yeah. From April I would recommend the three months I would recommend three oddly enough happens to be the end of the fiscal year. If April 1 would be um May, June, July. So it would be June 30, June 30th or July. Yeah, something like that. the it's the that's the that's the that's the friendly amendment. Do you accept the friendly amendment to June 30? So you didn't just So before before we before we continue, do you accept accept?

Okay. June 30. That's the friendly amendment. That's what we have in front of us. Any other discussion? Call the role. We need to call the vote. Okay. on the motion. Madame Cler, please call the role.

Councelor Lelant, yes. Councelor Del Rosario, yes. Councelor Reyes, yes. Councelor Infante, yes. Councelor Marmal, yes. Council Miguel, yes. Council Gonzalez, yes. Council Vice President, yes. Council President Rodri, yes. Yes. Motion carries. Congratulations. Yes. Just for clarification, I thought I heard you say, maybe I misheard you, that after the 3 months there's no more renewal or at the end of the 3 months, we can revisit. No, this this permit was uh was until June 30, right? But then with the option to extend if we're if we're

and then the the council will make a determination again after. Thank you councils very much and thank you for your time. I know this took a significant part of your night almost three three hours truly. Councelor Council President, can we have a motion to recess for 5 minutes? Motion to recess is do you proposing? I have 10 minutes. I'm proposing a motion. A motion to recess. Been probably second discussion. There's discussion. All those in favor, please say I. The eyes have it.

Order. I can do this. All right, let's go. Personal. Madame ch Madame Chair from the personnel committee. Item 6026. Item 60-26, renewal of contract. City attorney Timothy Hooton, who's our current city attorney, was sent up to the full council as a favorable recommendation. And I make that as a formal motion. There is a motion on the table properly. Second discussion. Uh Mr. Hen, please uh explain to us the difference between what we have in the past and what we have now. Well, I'm happy to say that I'm before you and it's still Patrick's Day, so I

um this is a two-year contract. Um it contains the first year at 165. It then has a 3% raise. Uh there are no other differences in the contract that the vacation remains the same. U all other the terms remain the same, the goals remain the same. The only difference is this is just an extension for the two more years. So So the um you've been with us for how long? Uh seven years. Seven years. So now the instead of just going up on a specific percentage, you started this second this other contract at one one specific amount.

It actually worked out to be uh the amount is slightly less than 3% from my old one. But it's an even number and it just looked easier than if I would have say 166 285 39. So no, I mean the reason why is because the the the public might have a perception. So we starting up a new salary when truly what it was less than 3%. What is that? Are you hearing it? Huh? Oh, all right. Uh, so the the the it's not more than a 3%. Exactly. So it's is the previous salary plus less than three less than 3%. Slightly less. Not really.

Slightly less. Right. Quest. Any questions? Councelor, Mr. President. Councelor de Rosario

s attorney I I I have it's something that has been bothering me or or I have it in my mind for so long and I wanted to ask you and I wasn't able to come in to it. Do you feel because I hear it from people but do you feel that you let us fall on the budget without advising us on the date and because you are legal advisor if you know that we were running out of time. Why did you you never come out and said council president I mean if you did I never got the advice. If you did to anybody says you guys are running out of time and at the end of the day this budget is going to pass like that if you don't approve it. Um I did not because I was not involved in it at all. I normally am not involved in your budget whatsoever. Um you people have the by you I mean the counselors you have your own rules. You follow your rules. No one was asked me about it. No one asked me about the budget. I wasn't involved in any of that. It was only at the end when the day started running out that people told me to get involved. But for instance this year I I have no business of telling you when to start to review your budget. I have no business to tell you what's going on. Now, granted, um, had I known and at any time during that 45 days, you as counselors had a right to vote on it. You chose not to. Um, again, I don't know how that becomes my fault that you you chose not to, but um, and no one no one asked me. I mean, I'm available for a question anytime.

No, but I was as as as our legal advisor, we hire you. we extend your contract in any point on time. I mean, you sit down and see the rules and said they 43 days into it and they still arguing about it. I mean, if you want to continue to go counelors, that's fine, but in 45 days, this is going to pass regardless of what decision you're making. As as our legal advisor, it's not that you have to be involved in the budget, but legally wise, I I I wanted to believe that you should have you should have been there. I mean, you should have been checking the books when it comes to legal or illegal or you guys are going to pass the day. That's that I mean if you feel that's that but that's fine but that was something that has been in my head for the longest and every time I I was looking for you or I've been looking for you I don't find you but but that's okay if you feel you're not a fall that's fine that's and I say that I don't find you cuz after another thing that that it it kind of bother me uh the other day is that you're not playing any part of on the on what's coming with the L but you went into the second reception. So if we have a lawyer that is going to represent us and they have a lawyer once the exact session you have nothing to do with it. So why were you in the exact section inside and and also nobody after that I wasn't in the meeting that's fine but nobody after that even my legal advisor which would be you or whoever was there put me to the side and say this happened on on that exact session and I heard I'm not for certain sure said well he's not here he don't need to know which is which is not which is not good but as a legal advisor also said everybody needs to know in case I come and I speculate something that I didn't hear and Again, I'm an illegal. I I'm saying something that happened on the exact recession. But again, I'm that bothers me that you went into that uh exact session. You shouldn't been in there by what I read. And also, I believe that's my own belief, right? That you should be aware of the 45 days we before before we fall

or we fall, we went into default when it cames to the to the to the budget as our legal advice. All right. Any other questions, counsel? I respect your opinion. Any other questions, counselor? All right, Madame Clair, I call the questions. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any names? Madame Clair, please call the role. Councelor Gonzalez,

yes. Council Miguel, yes. Council Mama, yes. Council Fonte, yes. Council Reyes, yes. Council Del Rosario, no. Council La Plant, yes. Council Vice President, yes. Council President Rodriguez, yes. Motion carries. Um, going, do we have anybody? If I may approach, I will leave you the original contract. Yeah, please provide it to the clerk so she can send us a copy. It should be most of this.

Uh, anybody from the public that have an specific item? Uh, as of right now, do you have any items with us? Yeah, ground work. Huh? Ground work. Okay, ground work. Okay, perfect. Uh going to the ordinance committee report we have um item uh 7626 and also 7726. Uh madame chair from the ordinance committee please provide us with an update on those two. Are we taking both item? No just one just one by one.

So item 7626 is the farmer market on Wednesday. I'm going to say June 10 through September the 30, 2026 from 8 to 5 was favor recommendation and I make it as a formal motion second. There's a motion on the table properly second uh by councelor Miguel. Any questions? All right, there's no questions. All those in favor, please say I. I.

Any names? The eyes have it. Item 7726. Item 7726 is the farmer market on Saturday, June 13 through September 26, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. was sended with favor recommendation and I do it as a formal motion. Second

there is a motion on the table second. Properly second discussion I hear none. All those in f please say I. Any names? There you have it. Item uh going on top of the agenda item 38725. Item 387 25 is the remove handicap parking at five Durang street as submitted by councelor Wendel Lon. Uh also was sended with favor recommendation to order a public hearing. There's a motion to order a public hearing prop second. Uh discussion there is none. All those in favor say I. I. Any nays? The eyes have it. Item 47 uh 45925.

Item 45925 is a handicap parking at 474 Habro Street submitted by councelor Guzar to order a public hearing was with favor recommendation and I make as a formal councilors. Do we do you do you mind uh taking item 4 459 uh 25 uh 35 26 and 36 25 26 uh those three items is are for handicap to order public hearing. Do you mind taking it as a block? No taking it as a block. So can I hear a motion? Motion to approve. Motion uh to order public hearings for those three items and take it as a block.

Second. There is a motion to take it as a block to order a public hearing for item 45925 uh 3526 and 36 uh 26. There is a there is a motion properly second discussion. I hear none. All those in favor please say I. I have it. Um item 6526. It's a proposed updated to the noise ordinance but I don't see nobody here. That was sended with favor recommendation as submitted by Captain Ariel Monta the Lawrence Police Department. I to order a public hearing. I make a formal motion.

There is a motion to order a public hearing on this item. Properly second discussion. I hear none. All those in favor, please say I. I. The eyes have it. Uh Madame uh 6626 is resolution honoring the Lord school senior Daniel Rodriguez on his admission and for scholarship to Jor University was submitted by councelor Stephan was sended with favor recommendation for motion. Can I get a motion to table? Motion to table. There's a motion to table properly second. No discussion on the table matters. All those in favor please say I. I. You guys have it. Item 7426.

We already did that. Oh, yeah. Sorry. All right. Uh uh we done with um ordinance uh personal committee. There is no other items. Public safety, public safety, nothing to report. Economic development item 726. Can I get a motion to table that? Motion to table. I mean, sorry. Uh uh the chair from the committee, councel de Rosario. I mean uh through you chair. I mean item 0726 economic development was sent to the full council with a favor recommendation but I I heard that it was referred to the uh budget and finance. So I think you should motion to send it to the budget and finance. No table. Motion to table. There's a motion to table. Can I hear a second? Second.

Properly second. All those in favor please say I. I. The eyes have it. Uh committee of the hall. There is no report or business that is no report any any uh table matters that we want to discuss today. Council President Councel can I take a moment of privilege to uh Of course. Thank you. Moment of personal privilege by councelor Llan.

Thank you very much. Council I was supposed to speak on public participation this evening but I didn't quite get to my didn't end of the list but um the reason why I I wanted to speak very briefly I know the hours late. uh history is pretty important um I think for all of us learning our city's history and what I want to do is I want to provide something to each of you as a gift um the white fund of which um clerk Bernell was once a trustee um has a a book written about it by a former city councelor Jay Dow and u the book is fascinating had a chance to listen to councelor Dow speak over the weekend and started reading the copy of his and talk very briefly about what it is that the the white fund does. I'm going to read the back of the thing very quickly. It says in Lawrence today we find the names of the white first white fund trustees Charles Storo first mayor Henry K. Oliver the school and Nathaniel G. White. You may not hear about him. If you go to the Lawrence library you'll see his name on on a plaque on streets schools and plaques. Not so for trustee Raul. Judge Wilbur Ral will serve in the White Fund for 46 years beginning in 1899. And during his tenure, the White Fund expanded its reach and influence in a manner enabled by benefactor Daniel Appleton White, whose 1852 philanthropy set the trust in motion. In 1941, Judge Ral chronicled the White Fund story deeply rooted in the city of Lawrence's history. In this book that I'm going to give each of you, it has the actual Raul story that has never been published before, but it's in here. And then talks about the White Fun. Um, very quickly, uh, there are several elements of the White Fund where the Lawrence Old Library is right now on Hampshire, is it Hampshire Street across from St. Mary's Church?

Yeah.

Uh, where the where the charter school is, that used to be Lawrence Public Library in that section right there was owned by by um by White. Um and then he before the Essex company came into existence and he essentially gave that property for them to sell and that started the city of the town of Lawrence that became the city of Lawrence. So White was instrumental there. Uh through his time he started the White Fund and a series of speakers. Tell me if you've heard these names before. Booker T. Washington, Oliver Window Holmes, Robert um Ralph Waldo Emerson, Robert Frost. Each one of those individuals came to our city to speak. These are the the highest of people in the entire country and world came to our city to give information to our residents. White Fund was a part of that. Also at the the Museum of Fine of of Fine Arts, we have through the White Fund paintings of immense value that are in Boston. One of them is a Monae Poppies in the Field that came through the White Fund. Um they um they so they're still alive today. They're not the the organization still alive today. They're working in the library. That library, that first library was primarily financed by the White Fund. So when we go into our history, we may have forgotten them. And one more thing, remember that big picture everybody says, "Who's the big guy?" That picture in the that in the back, I think it's in this room now. It's of Eaton. Eaton was a was a White Punch trustee back in the day and also a mayor. So anyway, in this book that I'm going to give each of you, it has not only the n the names of the former trustees, including our clerk and former former city council Dave Avenue, for example, each of the white fund

speakers. I was privileged to be a white fund speaker in 2019. And um it has all the pictures that the city owns in here as well. That's in the that's in the Museum of Fine Arts. And it has um some basic information regarding what the White Fund has done. It's fantastic. So with that, I just want to give each of you this to you and thank you for your service. And I the last point is this. I think I think the one of the secret sauces that I look back on is if we have a fundamental understanding of our city's history, I think we've become better and more effective leaders. And so I encourage I encourage you to read this book and hopefully you do.

All I give people is a cookie. What is the value of the book? Thank you.

Do I need to report this to what is the value of $30? So it's under 50. Okay. End time donation. And it's individualized. Okay. And you'll see and you'll see um Jay Dow's signature on there too. He was on the council from 86

just uh as part of your uh your goodwill uh words. Do you mind uh sharing with the public and us uh the tour that uh the wife funds goals and the the tours that they put together to visit uh the the museum of fine of arts as well as part of your

Yes. So I'm not on I'm not the white fun trustee but they do on occasion uh have trips I might have to lean on my my call my former colleague councelor Bernell who was a white bunch trustee but they do on occasion do that. Dave Mian has been an individual who's more of a dosent and an expert in in in that um and um I I can't I will tell you this if they knew if the White Fund trustees knew that the city council was excited about the White Fund, I think they would charter a bus and take us to the Museum of Fine Arts uh to meet and do some stuff. I can't promise you that because it's not in my daily work, but I think they'd be thrilled to know that we as a legislative body and part of the government is interested. I think they would they would try to help us out.

Yeah, I I was part of one of those tours and and and it is absolutely worth it to go and see um that great tour. Uh counselors uh thank you councelor La Plant for uh for for do to uh thank you for doing this and actually thank you for uh providing us with that uh history of the white font of Lawrence. Uh this is great. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Counselors at this time we'll go back to new business. And on the new business we have item 7926. Please bear with me. Yeah, I didn't have I don't have my glasses today. Y today budget review. Uh the fire department. This is going to the budget and finance committee. Item 8026. Authorization to expand $70,000 uh grant funds from the commonwealth of uh Massachusetts uh federal fund of uh and infrastructure office uh municipal and uh tribal technical assistance. This going to the budget and finance committee. Item 8126, acceptance of a device under the mass broadcast institute MB MBI conducted an online program. This is going to

go to budget because it's accepting. Yeah, it's acceptable uh fund. Uh this is bud. This is going to budget uh to the budget committee. Item 8226 uh recision recision of board authorizations nine bond uh totaling of totaling the amount of 9,821 to 827 uh 98 that's going to the budget and finance committee item 8326 authorization to transfer 97,552 from free cash uh to the account uh 051 1 Z 5380

uh 50 uh 15,552 uh and uh then to the account uh 0 5120 5770 and $82,000 um to for the amount of $82,000. Uh that's going to the budget and finance committee. Item 8426, acceptance of uh the new lay layout plant of public ways uh from part of Short Street, Maple Street, Curry Street, and Irvin Avenue. This is going to housing committee. Uh item 28626 uh resolution honoring uh Danielle Rodriguez Lawren High School's Lawren High School uh Quest Bridge National Scholar and accepted onto Yel.

I'm sorry that's I apologize. So that's twice. Yeah. With star.

Uh okay. Item 8726 resolution wondering uh Joan Ortiz Lawrence High School uh post scholar uh scholarship winner that's going to ordinance committee items 8826 resolution honoring uh J de los Santos uh Lawrence High School uh Quest Bridge National Scholar that's going to the ordinance committee ite resolution to uh to enforce ordinance 024 081 that's going to enforcement of ordinance I mean ordinance

going back to ordinance what are we going to do with it resolution to

oh resolution to enforce okay yeah according to ordinance I item 9026 proposed modification of ordinance a uh 20481 one that's going to ordinance committee item 9126 resolution honoring uh deceased worth uh World War II service members from Lawrence uh the final restant place in the Netherland American cemetery and the memorial uh Kal Amoros that's going to ordinance committee item 9226 resolution honoring uh deceased World War II uh service members from Lawrence with the final resting place at the Cambridge American Cemetery and the memorial uh maism normal that's going to the ordinance committee item 9326 resolution honoring this the decease of World War II service members from Lawrence with the final resting place on uh Adams America Cemetery that's going to the ordinance committee item 94 426 resolution moning uh room newspaper uh in their 30 years of service of publications that's going to ordinance committee. Item 9526 resolution honoring uh 2025 firefighters of the year. Uh Patrick Driscoll that's going to ordinance committee. Item 9626 resolution honoring 2025 police officer of the year. the Janelis Bonet that's going to ordinance committee. Item 9726 resolution London in 2025 police officer of the year that is Dela uh Southworth that's going to ordinance committee item 98 26 um resolution in 2025 EM EMT of

the year uh Paul Brightman that's going to ordinance committee item 100 oh no item 9926 sidewalk produce display 187 L Street. Okay, that's going to ordinance committee.

Uh item 126, childc care parking, uh 10 terms avenue. That's going to ordinance committee. Uh item 101 126, child care parking at the 73 Colonia Road. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 10226 healthcare healthcare handicap parking at 83 Bennington Street. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 10326 handicap parking at 22 217 FM uh Farhinger Street. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 104 26 handicap parking at 177 Gardening Street. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 10526, removal of Indica parking at 10 2011 207 West Street. That's going to ordinance committee as well. Item item 106 uh 26, remove handle parking of 2020 Exchange Street. That's going to ordinance committee. 10726 uh residential parking Saratoga Street. Uh that's going to ordinance committee item uh 10826 uh per rule 25. The proposed change to the rule number six to modify the housing committee uh was uh that's going to be written by the city clerk and and submitted to the council because that's how you need to submit.

They have so it's in your package with your new business. Um you all got email personally to all of you. Um the I can send it to you again though. Um but you did all get Yeah. Um do we need to send this to committee? I don't think so. It doesn't go to committee. It has to be presented at least once. Yeah. Um it need to be presented. So uh counselors, you have received a a um an item or not an item but a document. I'll send it again.

Yeah. by email and also on the package of new business um to uh to change rule six and to modify the housing committee. Uh you have received that. And also item 10926 as per rule 25 proposed change to rule six to create a public safety committee uh and to make it as a um as an um as an standing committee uh and also an emergency management committee. I don't have any book.

Yeah. So Teresa takes your new business and puts it in the things and So it's not but in the package that you got emailed to you, you have it and I will make sure that everyone gets it by email just as it own separate item so that it's not mixed in with everything else. Yeah, it's part of the the package on the on the email copies right now so that people requirement that you received.

Yeah, let's do that. Idon 11026 um installed at J Paul at uh my friend Franklin Court near Water Street uh p 110550 between Paul 11550 and 1106 that's going to ordinance committee 11 um 11:26 install a 1J pole on uh Maple Street near Kodia Street and relocate Paul 3460 that's going to ordinance committee item 1126 relocate J Paul on Maple Street near George Street and relocate Paul 3455 that's going to ordinance committee item um 11326 uh preach the word of God in various location preach the word of God by in various at uh various location on Saturday doesn't say the date

item 11326 uh well that's going to ordinance committee with uh the proper date on item 11426 American taxes renewal of uh renewal taxi liberty license that's going to ordinance committee item 11526 liberty taxes inc Renewal of taxes liberty license. That's going to the ordinance committee. Item 11626. Popular taxes LLC. The renewal of the license. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 11726. Balby transportation LLC. The renewal of taxi liberty license. That's going to the ordinance committee. Item 11826. Uh Marmac Taxes renewal of taxi liberty license. That's going to the ordinance committee. Item 11926 re rioondo transport LLC the renewal the renewal of taxi liberty license that's going to the ordinance committee item 120 26 LNM transportation LLC the renewal of liberty taxi liberty license that's going to the ordinance committee item 12126 New York City United Express uh Inc the renewal of tax liberty license that's going to the ordinance committee item 12 22 226 BP luxury transportation uh the renewal of taxi liberty license that's going to the ordinance committee item 126 uh item 12326 uh lock line transportation LLC the renewal taxi li or liberty t liberty license that's going to the ordinance committee item 125 12426 universal lotus event 2026 at the company commons Saturday August 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. That to the ordinance committee

item 12526 ICM Aristo Vienn Lawrence 2026 uh May 16 uh William Kennedy Park and June 13 at the Roal Park 11 uh June 11 at the company common August 29 William Kennedy Park from 12:00 p.m. to 400 p.m. That's going to the ordinance committee item uh 12626 di de glamour 2026 uh companion common uh that's going to happen on August 29, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. That's going to the ordinance committee. Item 12726 home petition credible service of the Lawrence police officer. That's going to the U ordinance committee counselors. We are receiving the documentation regarding to uh rule six as per uh rule 25 to modify the housing committee as well as to add that uh the as well as to add that safety committee as an standing committee. Oh

yeah. Yes. One second. This is a city.

This is a city council matter, but the letter may

answer. Can you sign the other one? city. That's not my You don't report to the mayor. I don't understand the city. I really don't

um the original two signatures. There's two different changes. All right. Uh there is a motion. Uh can I get a motion to adjourn? Any other questions? Oh, sorry. Committees. Ordinance committee. Ordinance Committee 6. Agree. Okay. 24th. The 24th. Yes. Budget on finance.

Budget and finance. Budget and finance. Bud, budget and finance. We're going to do 6 pm on Wednesday. Wednesday the 25th. Uh there is any other business. Uh housing.

No, because we have the the year to date for the fire department. Um, you want to do it after finals? I tried.

Who's in? Well, yeah, the three of us are in budget and finance. We just going to we just need to stay. What time is your meeting? At six. I'm not changing it this time. We went way too late. The whole purpose was of me scheduling earlier was that we wouldn't stay that long. How many items do you have on budget? We have like four, but but the budget part reviewing the year-to-ate budget of the fire is what's going to take a bit. Okay, let's do it at five.

You know, you can do it at five. 5:30. You want to do Monday another another day or you stay late? What is the item for housing? It's only one layup acceptance of the new layout of public say that you think it's one item and it's wham bam 15 minutes and it's not

to another day. I'm trying to be considerate. Motion to pass 11. Says a motion to pass 11. Probably second discussion. There is none. All those in. Yeah, I have it. Too late for that. But um Monday, what is it? The 23rd. What time? At what time? Um six o'clock. Monday. Monday. Does that work?

If it's not, just join virtual. Is it Is it going to work? It work for me. 6:00. Could you also schedule public safety for that same day? The 23rd.

You Have you seen more minutes?

I already had mine at 6:00. They actually taste delicious. So, we have we have all the committees. We're good. We're good. Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjurnn. There's a motion to adjurnn. Properly second. Discussion. There is none. All those in favor, please say I. I. The every every the eyes have it.