City Council - Regular Meeting

They're different.

Okay, he's here. He was here before.

He missed incident. She's crazy. I had my admin. That's what my administrative assist They might be considered Madam Chair, can we get started because we got back

Where's the trip?

I don't know about everybody else. No, they have your name over there. Are we good to go?

Good evening, guys. I'm calling the meeting to order. This is the housing committee. Today is Monday, February 9th, 2026. It is approximately 5:37 p.m. Uh note this meeting is also being conducted as a hybrid meeting. You may remotely access this meeting through the digital platforms that are listed um such as our Facebook Lawrence City Council page and our YouTube Lawrence City Council page. Pursuant to chapter 20 of the acts of 2022, this meeting of housing committee is being conducted both in person and via remote participation. A reminder that persons who would like to listen to review this meeting while in progress may either attend in person or at the locations that I had just recently mentioned. Uh once again, which is our Facebook uh city council page and YouTube city council page. Um members that are present uh with me today to my left is uh vice chair of the housing committee and city councelor for district 8, Frankly Miguel. Um city council president Javanni Rodriguez and councelor at large is here with us today uh arriving as we speak. And we have our uh city councelor from district F uh councelor Mark Leel Plant. Um let's stand for the pledge of allegiance before commencing today's meeting. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, I do see that we have minutes for council approval. This is dated June 12th of 2025 and July 8th of 2025. Can I get a motion for approval? So move second.

Motion made properly second. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Um the first item on the agenda under new business we have item 28.26 the declaration of surplus property 15A Boston Street map 73 lot 2-1. This is under the home equity protection act. Um, Miss uh, Pasqual, if you could please come before us and um, describe what this item is about and go into detail as to what you're looking for from the council.

Absolutely. Thank you. Good evening, uh, council chair and members of the council. I'm before you today to present item 0 28-26, the declaration of surplus property 15A Boston Street, map 73, lot 2-1 under the home equity protection act. So before you I have for the declaration of surplus property said address it is I'm just going through this give you some details of the property um it is a lot area of 1,110 square ft um in a R2 zone it is a condo and the assessed value is 249,3 300. The estimated annual taxes is 2,193 with 84 cents. And I have provided a map and uh information regarding the property and also pictures as you had asked me previously um to include in our packages for a better visual.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Absolutely. So, uh, before you, like I said, is, uh, one of these properties under the Home Equity Theft Protection Act, uh, we have to, uh, get back to the courts and let them know what we were going to decide to do with the properties. Um, all under the Home Equity Theft Protection Act. Um, so, uh, post, uh, retaining the property, we need to respond to the court within 180 days as to whether we're going to sell or retain the property. A lot of these properties came in after a change in legislation last year, uh, 2025 in January. Um, and so some of these properties were already into that 180day period. So, we're just, uh, responding back to the court and trying to not delay or extend more of that um, of that time and provision to be um, in line with what the courts have asked for us. So, these properties under the Home Equity uh Protection Act are uh subject to a response from the city on our behalf. And so, we've decided to sell the property. Therefore, we're before you for a declaration of surplus. Um, real quick, do you mind describing where I because I see the address. I'm not familiar with it. Um, I'm not sure if all the counselors are. uh if you don't mind giving a little more details regarding what part of Lawrence is this property located in is your district. Okay. Okay.

Um and if you don't mind, we do have a a a new counselor uh that's joining us uh especially here in the housing committee. If you don't mind touching on uh this act, which is fairly new for us as well. Absolutely. Um but if you don't mind kind of giving a refresher.

Sure. Um welcome to the housing committee. Uh councelor um Miguel. We are welcome you on to this committee and we're excited to have you on uh to be part of this process. So welcome. Um a little bit of the home equity theft protection act. We have uh the city attorney here. I'm not sure if he wants to just on the legal side give you more of a legal definition of what the home equity if that's good evening councilors attorney Hooton city attorney um basically just to tell you what this is is in in the old days what would happen is that we would take properties for taxes and you know let let's say the property was owed $10,000 in taxes and the property was worth 200,000 Well, the city would keep the difference between the 190 and the the 10,000 in taxes. This no new law came into effect which basically said listen um it wasn't so much that cities and towns would do that but the actually the city of Lawrence did it once made made the mistake which I consider a mistake of going out to a third party and selling all our tax delinquents. And what these people would do is they would do everything in their power to not let these people reclaim their properties. So they and they would keep all the run up the fees and and and keep the equity. So what the law states now is if you have any of these properties that you uh have a tax foreclosure on that the first thing you have to do is just before the judgment is you kind of decide what are you going to do with this property on this one. You can see that these are two condos. A lot of the times what you what you mostly end up specifically is an old decrepit lot that nobody knows who owns or nobody wants it anymore. So really, you know, nobody's really claiming it. There really is no no equity in that. In this one, it is actually the type of lot that they're they're con they're concerned with with equity. So, um I

don't know why we have sent this owner so many letters and I just sent one just the other day. um she is looking to lose $250,000 home uh both if you consider both sides for like $20,000 in in in taxes. But she hasn't paid her taxes since it's in 2000 and has no intention of paying her taxes. I don't know why she thought that's a great idea, but uh if she is in if you know who she is in your district, I I would be happy because the city is not designed to take properties. We we don't want properties. We want people to pay their taxes and have nice home ownership. So, so what they make you do is we have to decide whether we're going to keep it or where we're going to sell it. If we keep it, we have to have an appraisal on it and see what the the value is and we go down that road. You're the ones that decide that or we decide that we're going to sell it. U obviously the city has no use for a couple of condos. Uh if this was a nice parking lot in the neighborhood, we might consider, hey, that's a good municipal use. We could use it as a parking lot, help relieve the overcrowding of parking in the city of Lawrence. But um so we have to make that deci decision. You have to make it early and and in doing that you we also have requirements that we have to get appraisals and then we have to put it out to a broker because you have to get the fair market value. In the old days you would just put it out to bid and whoever bid that would be the price. But they're saying no more of that. We want to make sure that these people, you know, if they do have equity in the home that they get it and that's the ultimate goal at the end. At the end, if we were to sell this these two um condos to some a third party and they would to pay X amount of dollars, we would reimburse us for the taxes and our costs and then we would take that check and we would contact the woman that owns the property and say here's here's the value of your home. U not much, you know, person that's where she's living. I'm sure it's not much comfort that she's going to get it. Uh she could sell this on her own if she wanted right now. I don't know why she's ignoring all process, but so it's important that we have to keep this

moving because they've given us timets. So that's what this meeting is right now is for you to decide and and to the council um whether we want to keep it or sell it. Again, I think this one is pretty obvious because it is condos. The city has no use for two condos. Um you know, it's not like we have to, you know, put up the the DPW director in a house or something like that. So um so again, it's your decision. You decide what to do it, but that that's the purpose of it. We just they give us specific timets and we have to confirm with those timetables. Okay. Any questions, counselors? Thank you. Um,

no, you don't want you don't want to close to us. I'm so sorry. Sorry. You know what? There's there's a strategy behind me sitting to look at you people. Oh, no way. We can look at you. Councelor Rodriguez, you have the floor.

Yeah. Thank you, uh, Madame Chair. U well, essentially have a few questions in regard to the s the new act that we that we are um implementing on this property. So essentially based on what you have described. So the pro I'm assuming that the process of the foreclosure already went through and we are into the one-year period of u of whether or not the person can take the property back. Correct.

Okay. So that was missing. Okay. So we did went through the foreclosure. We acquire the property and then within the year or whatever amount of time uh that is defined by the law, people can take the property back and just pay the difference when it comes to uh uh car cost I mean core cost and stuff like that. Right. Correct. Okay. So basically um we would love for her to do that. Okay. So did have we contact this person, the owner, and said, "Listen, we went through the foreclosure. Now you want the city this amount on taxes and uh court cost?" Probably 15 to 20 times.

Okay. So most and most recently, I sent a letter um because one of the things we we have to be concerned of is technically we own this property right now. So I had to contact I sent a letter just recently saying can you please give me proof of your property insurance because there's it's now a liability and telling her that uh that if you don't give me proof of that the property is insured then the city is going to insure it. It's called force place insurance. It's twice as expensive as regular insurance but we have to protect the city. So um and I said please get back to me. So any communication at all all that time? Nothing. have anybody from the city have reached out like this on their door?

Not that I've I've looked up 30 phone call numbers. It's not like the old days where you can find a number. I mean, I've gone through the internet searches and each number I keep calling that has her name on it is disconnected. So, no. Have I gone to the property physically? No. I I know that um Mr. McCarthy went to the property one time and he he couldn't find it. I don't know. Yeah. because it could be that you know potentially the the assuming that is an old person that have somebody that is in charge of the property and not even getting potentially the mail. I don't know. Yeah. I mean they also would have had this there's five recorded notices at the registry of deeds. Uh I mean we've we've done everything again as I said and I always say we're not trying to take people's property.

No, I understand. But you know and and the notices have gone out in Spanish and English. So, it's if the person doesn't, but they obviously I mean it wasn't that long ago that they bought this property. They paid cash. Um, you know, so how long ago was the one they I mean 2013. 2013. So, 12 years ago. They bought it from a Millennium LLC, a limited liability company. But this person paid cash for both these units. Um, no mortgage on it. Uh, they bought it for $280,000. Why if they bought it for 180? The assessment is less than that. Oh, is for both units. Oh, okay.

So, it's you might say it's 140 each. Okay. Gotcha. All right. So essentially this property uh goes through the new process which is that uh homemaker protection act which the council based on uh the previous discussion we have only can um can actually u just declare the property as a surplus not this position. Well you you are describing the disposition you're deciding whether we're going to sell it for fair market value or we're going to keep it. That's the disposition you're deciding.

So we are but I mean before used to be okay we declare a surplus because nobody wants it. We take a vote for that and then we take a vote for the disposition as well. So this is different now. This I know this different but I want it's different in this in this effect. You don't get to determine I don't get to determine who's going to buy this. This isn't the old situation. And I know what you're guiding against is No, no, no. And and I know what I'm going to Tim Hootton has a friend and he's gonna put in a sneaky offer on it and he's gonna get the prop. That's why we have to hire an appraiser to get the price and a realtor and a realtor. So the realtor is independent. Much like you selling your house, you have no idea who's going to buy it.

I understand. And this is my next question. I noticed that because every time that there is an RFP on the city, I get a text message. So I know what's going on. RPS. You guys have an RP for a a uh for a realtor not that long ago. I noticed that you guys have that. What is the result? Who is the realtor? Who we going to give in the authorization to sell the property? Because we haven't know we we have we don't know that person. Who is that person? Uh actually the bids were received. It it's not just one person. There'll be various people that they'll use. You you know you're not going to be the exclusive broker. I believe that the appraiser is one person. Um and the decision

one appraisal and then there is multiple realtors multiple realtors but the decision of who that is it has to be signed off on but yes so it's not it's not it's not nothing yet it's near finalization but no I can't say that okay because I mean if we are doing this uh I'm assuming that if we if we are doing this process it's because the the entire system is in place because we're trying we're trying to because of the timetable, we're trying to get everything in place. This will be the one that we hope that when this finally gets through the system that we'll have the realtor in place, the um the appraiser in place so that that will be the role model for all our future ones.

How many how many biders you got on that realtor section? There was seven. How many real? So, we got a total of uh 11 came in. Nine of them were responsive. We went through the we had a task force that reviewed them. Uh we came up with a selection of the four highest rated and those are now in the uh procurement office. So we started with uh nine that were responsive to the RFP and we're down to four. Okay. And there's going to be four total.

No, they'll probably there'll be either one or possibly two depending on we might do one who does specializing in commercial properties which will be very few that we'll see. uh or we'll hire one person to do both the residential and the commercials. Okay. But it'll be one it it will probably be one realtor in my estimation. I don't know that there's enough work for two.

All right. I going to follow up on a question next uh after everybody goes. Okay. Um and just to add some context, I did have a conversation with um Miss Pasqual in regards to these RFPs. So not just share with me but share with all the counselors regarding the list of all like I would like to see all the RFPs that uh were submitted and then we'll uh once you guys have made your selection uh it would be nice for you guys to also attach as to what they provided in in terms of how you guys came about in making your decision. Absolutely. Councelor Llant,

I don't have much to say. This seems the more I listen the more I listen about this issue, the more becomes cut and clear, cut and dry to me anyway. So, um, but my my re recommendation is that you have made the the point that you the city does not want the properties for obvious reasons.

I think that in the memo that you send us going forward that you should stipulate in the memo what your recommendation is. you are asking or you're recommending or that we put this out to for sale and through the the the process the new process that we have now. I just think because it's not anywhere on here does it say that in the memo. So I just think to make that clear that would be helpful. So we have a record of that. That's the recommendation. Um I will be curious at some point down the road as you can imagine there may be times where we're going to be looking to put and have some more housing units around the city based on something like this. And I'm just curious what would happen if a committee or a full council says, "Uh, no, we don't think it's a great idea." What I guess we'll deal with it when it gets there, but just know that's a kind of a question that I'm going to be asking, not on this one. So, because of the time, we have very few. We have a another meeting in five minutes, so I'm going to I'm going to stop right here. Thank you.

Okay. I'll definitely include that. Uh, counselor. Um, can I add one more thing?

Absolutely. Um, I find this to be amazing. Thank you for attaching all these documents um, as reference. I'm wondering, would it be too much to ask for any future um, any future properties uh, in regards to this act that you guys would come before us? Could you also attach part of the memo the dates that you guys have made contact with a property owner and in what fashion? Was it via telephonically? Whether it was uh you guys mailed a letter notifying them or was it physical contact? Uh that way it lets us know you know the the proper channels were actually made and uh the efforts were exhausted to notify uh these property owners.

So uh uh just to clarify the 25 notices that the attorney uh mentioned earlier that he sent specifically to this property, you would like to know like the date and time and method of communication. Yes. Okay. So, you see I see something similar along the lines of how you reach to every department head of whether this property is needed or not. So, if some I don't know could make something that's efficient and definitely yeah unless counselors um if you guys have any suggestions on any additional information that you would want uh for them to add. No. Uh councelor Rodriguez

I do have a question. Uh so I would like to I feel like you know uh when we have a system in place we need to have all the components of the system in place before we act upon and I feel like we we rushing the city council stuff but we not we not we don't know like we don't know who is the realtor who is that uh who is that uh that uh the the adjuster adjuster the appraisal appraiser

uh and any of those stuff like we I think that we we you guys should come over in front of the city council and and and introduce the members of that uh who is going to be working with this act uh on different aspect of uh of the of the process and then therefore we we understand first of all we we we got the system a new act but now this is those are the parties in place those are the stakeholder that are going to take different different uh different uh going to play play a role on the different scenarios Uh but I mean uh I think that we you guys should be more like on top of it to so we can we know like this is what we are.

So do you mean a counselor with uh your permission? Do you mean who sits on the commission or who sits on the board or our group of of internally or it in and out? everybody that is involved throughout the process A through Z like like right now you're recommending uh for us to sell the property that requires a vote from the city council who's recommending that out of this committee which is the u the real estate um task force sit on that committee or whatever it is yes the city owned property advisory yeah who is on that committee who is recommending it and what was the uh the vote on that

absolutely I can definitely do that subsequently like at some point bringing up oh those are the people that are going to be working by uh putting that on MLS uh those properties on MLS and those are the process that they're going to follow they're going to have an open house on those property every so often as per required uh by our own regulations uh once we we have those those u those open house this is the requirement we're going to those are the step we're going to take in order for the people to to to go ahead and take you know fair opportunity on bidding on the process or putting an offer on the process and this is how we're going to publish it if it is going to if it is such thing like that the entire the entire system. So it's no doubt about about this is what we're doing and if anybody in the public wanted to know like how these things work now they can go and and and take a look at the meeting post that meeting on the on the website perhaps and understand that this is the new act and this is how we how we how we are approaching it

but it's different pieces all over the place is like there's a lot of moving parts but I mean it's a lot of moving part yeah just one thing council just let me just say this with due respect to the council is you're the cho. We don't choose anything right now. You could tell me Tim, you know what, we're keeping it and then we go down that path. So, I don't want to give you all the again, I'll give you all the information, but I don't want you to suddenly say Tim Hootin is deciding what the city is doing with this property. You're the deciding. We don't know right now. I don't know whether you're keeping the property or you're selling the property. That's your vote, not my vote. I understand. But I mean, but when I give you the information, I don't want anybody to be offended like we're pushing you one way and the other. No, no, no, you're not.

What I'm trying to what I'm trying to say is that if we go this route as per recommended, we take a vote today to send it to the full council with this recommendations whatever. Uh and then we take a vote at the full council. Yes, we moving along this direction. What is that direction? How that look like? Sure.

What is it? Who is going to take over after that? uh that is going to be doing step A, B, C, D, and E. And then subsequently, how we going to get to ultimately getting a check to the city to be able to split that check into whatever they t they own on taxes and whatever it is and the the reming money that is going to go to the uh to the current owner. So, what is it that that we going to do next? So, we don't know as a council. Like, I just noticed that we have an RP because I got a text message. You know what I mean? It's like what is the next step basically? Okay. Okay. Councelor Megan

through you shar. Thank you. Um so can you clarify are we all are we all all I mean are we only charging the taxes to these property when we sell them? Um in terms of uh city resources that I mean is that is it just the taxes or are we including the water and sewer are we putting in that number all the resources that we are

we can spending we can only put anything that's attached to the property. So if there's an outstanding if if the water bill has been attached or whatever or behind I'm assuming that I've never heard from the water company that the water department that the water bill is behind on this. I would have gotten a notice on that. But um what additionally what you charge is they're going to be charged a broker's fee. They're going to be charged if we have to, you know, go in and clean it out. You know, I don't know what conditions. Again, I'm not saying this, but this person could be a hoarder. We might have to go in and clean out everything that's in there. So there there's a bunch of other fees that we will charge, but So we're only allowed to charge them the taxes and water and sewer in case that they owe if they if they have an outstanding balance with the city, right?

Okay. I mean, my only concern is that, you know, I see the three of you and all the resources that we've been putting as a city, you know, trying to get these people to pay and we are just selling the property and we're just getting the taxes. But what you know, if we should be able to charge them more for all the resources that we as a city actually put into this, you you should treat this like it's a regular transfer. If you transfer your house, the the person that's buying is going to make sure that all the water bills are paid, all the electric bills are paid, and everything's paid because they don't want to get stuck with them. All right, counselors, I'm looking for a recommendation for this item. Councelor Lelant, I can make a motion and we send this up to full counsel with the recommendation to sell or dispose of the property.

Second. Motion was made, properly second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any nays? Okay. The eyes have it. Motion carries. Yes, cler.

Okay. So, a motion was made properly second for the to send to full council with a favorable recommendation. The declaration of surplus for real properties located at 15A Boston Street, map 73, lot 2-1. And let me see. Oh, wait. You want me to go into the square footage? Yes, you're right. Um 2-1. This is a lot area with 1,110 uh square footage um with an assessed value of $249,300. Is it necessary to also uh notate the estimated annual taxes as well? Is that information you need? No. Okay. Um, real quick, counselors, we have an additional new item which is the same similar to is attached to this condo. Um, item 2926, the declaration of surplus property 15B, Boston Street, map 73, lot 2-2 under the Home Equity Protection Act. Miss Pasqual, if you could please proceed.

Absolutely. So, this is the condo right next to it. Same one, 029-26, Declaration of Surplus Property, 15B Boston Street, Map 73, lot 2-2 under the Home Equity Protection Act. Uh, this property is 1,110 square ft. Also in a residential 2 area. Uh, the status of this property is a condo. The assessed value is 249,300 with an estimated annual tax of $2,193.84. Counselors, any questions? Seeing none, Kenna, I'm looking for a recommendation. I'll make a motion. I'm not going to repeat all that. I'll repeat it. I'll repeat it.

I think it's already part of the record. As already previously mentioned by the chair and by Miss Pascal, uh that we send this up to full council with the recommendation to dispose/ell. Second. Okay. Motion has been made properly second. All those in favor say I. I.

I. Any nays? Um, so the motion carries to send item Jesus Christ, I'm losing my train of thought. Thank you. Item 2926, the declaration of surplus property 15B, Boston Street, Map 73, lot 2-2 under the Home Equity Protection Act. This is um lot area with 1,110 square footage. um assessed value of 2,400 um 249,300. Okay. So, you're all set, Miss Pascal. I'll see you at uh the city council meeting in reference to those two items. And if you guys could also I don't know if by then um if we we'll have an update regarding the RFP process. Uh please check updated as to where you guys are at. If you guys are still uh evaluating and

we should have more information by then. No, no, I'm requesting for that for the next meeting. Um, thank you. Thank you. Give me one second. I'm sorry, guys. Right here. I have it. Okay. I believe under ta tabled items, right? Uh uh Mr. McCarthy, I believe is under 48325. Is this the item?

That's correct. Surplus declaration 4,97 square foot parcel of land located at rear of 47 Hamlet Street. Uh planning director, Mr. McCarthy, could you please go ahead and proceed? Um we'll give you a a brief um recap of what we discussed uh two weeks ago that the the property in question is um a piece of land that was uh subdivided from a parcel of land owned by the school department uh or by by the city through the school department uh as part of the Frost School campus. Uh it was a small piece of land that this the the city school department and the and the in the determined uh didn't have any value to them. An inquiry was made by the budding property owner um whether or not she could acquire this property. Um Kelly um Stanniski is the property owner. Uh she's been inquiring about this property for a couple years. Uh we've gone through the process now of of having it uh separated and subdivided. It needs to be declared surplus. It's going to be sold through the city's yard sale program. So the yard sale program is a very specific program that the city's used. It's been in place for about 20 years now. Um I've given you um you should have on your on your desk a uh proposed vote. These are the votes that we used to use back in I think I took this one from 2014. um one of the cases. So, it's fairly straightforward. It's um it says that the property is going to be declared suri surplus for the property and they identify the property. Then it says who it's going to be sold to and uh it says a sum and the sum is based on a number that we clarified uh 20 years ago. It's a dollar a square foot. So, it's the same number. There's no negotiations. There's no debate about the value. And then it's served with a with a number of

conditions. So we have what are they called standard conditions that we always use in in this process. I think the most important one is is that the person's responsible for for purchasing uh an ANR plan and having that plan recorded merging the two lots. So that becomes one lot. So now the p the parcel of land that's coming from the city that we're selling will become part of the 47 Hamlet Street um tax um tax card uh will come down as one as one number. Uh so we have the conditions are on that document as well if you want to take a look but these are certain ones I sent copies of of the standard ones over I believe last week. You should have got a copy on Thursday or Friday of last week. Um these are from 2022. Um the again the properties in question we there's some element of judgment that goes into it. Um you know if in the in the case there's there's photographs in your packages about the this land showing that it's all wooded land. It's been maintained and kept in great shape. So we're not going to be asking for a landscaping plan from them obviously. Same thing with the water the water plan. Um the storm water we only want a storm water plan if there's a determination made by usually by the water commissioner that there's some kind of element that this person by adding this land to the property needs to take certain steps. So that will be something that'll be assessed. And anyways um again I I I recommended to Mrs. Danniski that when this project when this is all done and she gets the uh in the property closes that she complies with all these requirements as soon as possible and uh gets a a compliance letter from my department and she can get a release of these documents on there. So they'll they will become permanent but the conditions will all be taken off of it. A lot of people don't do that and 15 20 years later we're

going back to satisfied these documents years later. So, we're trying to just get ahead of the curve on this one. But again, it's a fairly straightforward process. We we've done a couple like this before coming from city properties. This is not uh tax title. This is not an equity issue. It's uh a pretty much just a straight sale. Counselors, any questions? I have a question. Discussions. Okay. Councelor Rodriguez. Um so, essentially, we are using that uh the URL. Correct. They're using what? The yard sale program that we have the yard sale program. Yes.

Okay. So, essentially we are doing we are doing the surplus declaration and subsequentally we are doing the uh the the disposition of the property.

Correct. So essentially what I have seen uh here is that um usually when we do a yard sale at $1 square foot is one of the thing that that is been included since I'm been the council uh is that no structures are permitted on that part. That's not correct. The the rule has always been that you can build a sec what are called accessory structures. So this has been I think a little bit complicated. I think uh councelor Llant brought this up at the last meeting because of the new ADU law um because this land will merge the an accessory unit. Accessory building will be something like um a garage, a swimming pool, a garden shed, a dog house. Those are accessory units. There's accessory dwelling. Not those are accessory buildings that go to the primary focus. If it's a single family house, there there accessory buildings that would go along with that. So, you're allowed to build those type of structures based and you have to comply with this, you know, our our zoning laws uh with the setbacks and the in the yard coverage requirements and all the different elements. I think the one change that's been different now is that the state has issued a new law called the ADU unit law and you're all familiar with this because we've discussed this many times and they are considering uh they're allowing everybody in the state to be have a by right ability to build a unit which is going to be an accessory dwelling. it becomes part of the single family home or the building or whatever it is and it's considered an accessory unit and we we use the same rules that we use for all accessory units. Uh in doing that uh the state was very specific about how much limitation we have in restricting this and again it would be um it would be the same rights that every other property owner in the

city or in this neighborhood has a right to do. So right now everybody in the city who lives can can is entitled to construct a single family dwelling by right. No zoning board, no planning board. That's what the law is. Yeah. The law for the ADU unit is that is that what you mentioned. Mhm.

Yes, you're right. Absolutely. But you cannot tell me that the the the the that uh the condition we set for the last 10 years is this because we never use the accessory use before first time we use it and I actually highlight it because this is not in the past have been used. So on last week

I'm actually looking at my my own my own rules over here my own uh rules that we have set before. So essentially what I'm saying is what we have always said is that not a structure uh not any structure can be built on that or you know except for things that are not liveable.

Yeah. And I have one here from uh from uh let me see what year uh long time ago. Comply with the purchase of sale agreement. Most execute the portion of sale agreement uh within the city 30 days from the from the from where we are. Uh must submit the approval not requires subdivision plan. Uh must submit the landscaping plant must include the storm water management uh conditions. must agree to utilize utilize this this property for parking green space only. Construction of any kind except for the allowable accessory use is prohibited. Well, whoever did that, I think that's wrong. I think that's wrong.

Oh, is this is from their uh a property that we sold as a as a as a uh as a u January 15, 2015. This is on my agenda here. I just went back to my agenda and I look at the uh at the conditions that we set from the last 10 years. Yeah, that's that's a that's a mistake I do have on Friday. So, we've been making mistake for 10 years. Um, we shouldn't have been, but that's what I'm looking at. I'm looking at my agenda. Kelly, please. We We're not Let me deal with the process first because it's not about the the you. It's about the process. That's what I'm trying to deal with. direct buying

and I'm trying to deal with the process only. It's not about you itself at all. I'm trying to deal with the process. I have no issues whatsoever selling this property to you whatsoever. But I just want to make sure like we are consistent with the process that we have used for 10 years

and I've been I've been the chair of this committee for quite some time. So that's what I'm you telling me that the what we have done is wrong. I I am the person who initiated the yard sale program. I gave you a copy of some of the conditions we had from 2014. That's as far back as I could go and find one. And that one had the accessory uses. And then the one that I have um the other one I gave you is from 2025. I had sat down at one point with Susan Datti, who's the uh who works in the city's attorney office to to go over these. Now, there's been several people working in the job position doing land disposition. I don't know how or why they would have altered that, but that was not part of what the program was for. The program has always been to allow uh accessory construction within um property. So, if somebody wanted to have a pool in their backyard, they would be allowed to do that. under we I I don't know why you know if if that's what's if that's what happened it happened but it's wrong

and I don't well the big difference when we use uh when we use the program BRL is that technically uh it is for properties that are not buildable and that's why it's just by default going to the person right next to the property because it could be used for parking for green or for just to extend the yard correct if that's the intent we use the program for a dollar square foot because it's a dollar square foot. Correct.

That's why and we have no problem. I haven't I don't think that I have vote on against this program whatsoever. But I want to make sure like what is set to be uh part of the program that we fulfill that we have occasions that people come up in front of us saying look I have these conditions that I cannot build on this property because of the condition that were set back then 20 years ago. Yes. You get the property for $3,000 $4,000. Mhm. That's why if you get it get it for the price that is uh the assessment value of the property no problem built. But if you get it for a cheap amount Mhm.

and then eventually it it it a dwelling is allowed. Yeah. And then that's that's another issue.

I think you're both talking about the same things using different words. What he's saying is you can build a pool on it. You're not going to build another house on it. Now that's not not counting the ADRs. You are correct. If we give this property it the zone is not zoned for an additional house. You can't build another house on it. they can build a pool or a shed or something on that. But so I agree with both I think both of you were on the same page and I do council I remember exactly in some of these properties it was you can't build anything on it because it was not clean and some of it it was just tied over parking space so we gave it to them for parking. So I agree with you there were those conditions in there.

Um this the same with this one. This can't be used for a structure not counting the ADU law which supersedes everything. you're going to have to rethink this program. But she could build a she could build a pool or she could build a little house or a

Yeah. We the person who buys a land, we don't want to put them in any worse position than anybody else who owned the land. It's not we're we're we want this land to become part of their property to use like they would if it was part of their yard. Whe that means if they want to put a garden shed there or they want to put a a a freestanding garage for the vehicles, they're entitled to do that as long as they meet the building code and the variance requirements in our uh construction ordinance. Well, in the future, I'm going to have to rethink my boat when it comes to this program because this program will allow a lot of people to build on it exactly what we don't want it to build, which is another unit. an ADU unit is on any anything under 900 square feet. That's that's on a small apartment.

But that but you're correct there. In the past, we never would have let anybody build another unit of housing on the land. That was a restriction. That was what it and the the other restriction is that you can't resubdivide the property after you purchased it. You can't purchase the property, put it together, and then turn around and say, "I'm going to sell the land for a third person to build a house or do whatever." It's not. it becomes part of your house and part of your your primary lot. That's the intention of the program. I going to have to I'm going to have to rethink about my board when it comes to

I mean maybe we can re rethink the program and have it brought back to be um reviewed. Like I said, the the the big issue that I find is the dealing with this law for the ADU apartments. I'm not a big fan of that. I think that was thrust upon the communities like Lawrence, but it is the law. It's the law of the land. And we and again, we can't put these individuals buying land in a worse position than somebody who hasn't bought the land and has the same physical out uh construction. Okay, counselors, I just want to make mention that we do have other uh committees.

So, um this is I believe the last item on the agenda. So, if we could uh wrap up and try to be more concise, but by no means am I rushing you, Councelor Lelant, so you have the floor. No, I will certainly take it your advice to heart. So, really a couple things. Number one, um there there's nothing in here regarding pavement uh putting pavement over there. And I I just think that based on what we've learned as a council over the last few years that um and I realize this is I think this is all wooded. So that's that potential is that it's all wooded, right? This particular one this

this honest with you. The whole thing is I wanted to come before you before I did a subdivide or a plan. I could do an ADU on my lot right now. I can do an addition on my lot.

I could do a substantial addition and get zoning approval. So, I have the land to do it. I wanted to go to an architect and say, "What could I do that fits well with my neighborhood? Where would it go? What should I do?" So, that's why I'm coming to you. If you voted no and you don't want to sell me the land that's behind my house, then the city's tagged six trees, I think, back there. You'll see in one of the pictures that I had to block off my own yard because it almost hit a dog. They don't go back there because they can't reach back there. So, if you don't want to sell it to me, I talked to the assessor. The assessor said it's worth pennies on the dollar because it's landlocked and there's no access to it. So, nobody else would want it. You don't want to sell it to me, that's fine. Clean up the trees and then I want my street fixed.

I I have questions. I thought I thought I had the floor. So, I have some questions and this has nothing to do with my questions at all. My question is very simple.

Mr. Mr. McCarthy, M. If you don't mind, I just This is from M Mr. McCarthy. In this property right here that we're looking at, I see rocks, I see ledges. I don't I I What I wanted to do is I wanted to make sure that going forward on any yard sale program that we have that we have a prohibition really have a discussion about there's a prohibition of putting any kind of imperial surfaces on it. The reason why I'm saying that is because we've seen all too frequently recently the amount of impermeable surfaces that we face throughout the city, lawful and unlawful. And what that is doing is causing a lot of flooding issues throughout the city.

And and because of that, I think that we would be doing a disservice if we have properties that we can control and then we're allowing people to put pavement or something on thereby making the problem even worse. So my question is is that in this particular case it's probably not even a point just because of the pictures that I see here it's wooded there's a rock there's ledge I don't even think that could happen but I just think by as a general you have storm water for example as part of this I think something like imp impermeable surfaces or restrictions would be useful that's number one okay you want to comment on that you can quickly because you know we're running against the clock you have a quick comment yes no

no quick comment Okay. Second thing is that uh we're charging a buck a a buck a square foot on this. How long have we been doing that? How many years? 20 years. 20 years. I has Has has any thought been considered about increasing that real estate prices have gone through the roof in the last 20 years and I realize some of these So, so what's been the discussion on that if you don't quickly? Um it's it's been brought up in the past. I think we'd probably have to bring it back to city council if we're going to change that that when we had this program approved 20 years ago.

That was we the number we sat on. Um it it was it was just it was just a number to give us uniformity. The problem was we having properties being sold to this person for a certain number that person for a certain number. There was no thought be evaluation these processes. We had properties being sold for $50 and then another one sold for thousands of dollars. So, we said we we need to come down with a uniform process for for everybody in the city so it's fair. That's where we came up. Um, if we're going to increase it, we can probably do that. Um, you know, but

I am curious. I am curious and we don't need to delay this any further, but talk to me later. I'm curious as to whether or not this is an ordinance. I'm not familiar with it. Is it a policy? What is it that that that requires council approval that we have to move it to a different number? I'm not familiar with that. I'd have to check it out and see where cuz like I said it was on the agenda 20 plus years ago. Yeah, it might have been just forformational purposes because I I don't know. Maybe it's in there. So I I Okay, that's one too. Now, Miss Anzooski, I've got a question for you. Sure. What is your intent with this property? I I don't know because I wanted to get somebody to survey. I know my house is too small for the amount of people that are in there. Y

So, I'm either looking for an addition or garage with, you know, an apartment above it for me and my husband. I'll leave the kids up front. I I you know, it's just too small. Okay. That's I'm going to It's housing. It's what you're looking for. That That's the use. It's housing. It's like a ADU or um Okay. You know, that's fine. A garage. I could rearrange my house, but and I do want a driveway on the side.

Okay. So, I'll wrap this up. Thank you. I'll just wrap this up. I I actually fundamentally agree with the council president on this. Um, I I do think that uh we really need to examine whether or not we uh what we deal with with folks already have by right the ability to put housing units on. I I think that we should be really questioning if we should be making it easier for that to take place rather. I suspect that for where I'm sitting based on the phone calls I got for snow plowing and everything else that we've gotten recently and I don't need to go through all the hash the hassles that we faced regarding what new units mean in our city, but I would really question whether or not we can go forward on something and just allow to be make it easier for more housing. So, I actually agree with the council president and his and his reserv reservations and concerns regarding this and I don't know how I'm going to vote on this. Thank you. Okay. Any lasting remarks, counselors, before I'm looking for a a recommendation on this item?

Okay. I'll make a motion just to allow the council to go through and understand what we're going through at the committee to move it forward and I will send it up to as a committee report. As a committee report. Agreed. Second. Okay. Uh motion has been made to submit item 48325 as a committee report to the full council properly second. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Um so I'll see you at uh next city council meeting. Can I give you these two other things? Sure. Thank you. Do you have enough for everybody? So I'll make a copy to Maria. Could you give it to our clerk and they'll make a copy of it? Thank you. I'm looking for a motion to adjourn this meeting if we don't have any.

Second properly second. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Thank you, ladies and gents.

social media um platforms. This point, can you please join me in the pledgece to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for its one indivisibley for all

counselors? We don't have any minutes to approve, so we're going straight into new business. The first item is item 3-26, reclass reclassification of nonUN position, the update of the Collins Center report to reflect the cost of living living adjustments, um, better known as Cola. And we have our HR director, um, Director Garcia, you have the floor.

Good evening, everyone. Uh, Cara Garcia, personnel director for the record. Uh this presentation concerns the reclassification and compensation plan for the non-UN employees that was completed by the Collins Center and became effective in January 1st of 2023. That study was conducted to ensure non-UN positions were properly classified and paid competitively with comparable municipalities, particularly because it had been about approximately a decade since a form of review of nonUN compensation had been performed. Since the plan's implementation, non-UN employees did not receive a general increase in 2024 and received only an average increase of two 2.5% effective on January 1st of 2025. While uh union employees received cost of living adjustments or colas under their negotiated three-year contracts. As a result, the market alignment achieved through the Collins Center study has begun to erode. Rather than commissioning a brand new classification study or restructuring the compensation plan, this proposal makes a modest adjustment by applying a 2.8% COLA based on the CPA or the consumer price index. This adjustment affects 68 employees. It affects it helps, excuse me, the city remain competitive and retain experienced staff while also recognizing that non-UN employees do not have access to certain benefits that are available through collective bargaining agreements such as just cause protections, union uh representation and grievance matters, and other negotiated allowances such as lump sums, clothing allowances, just to name a few. So, for those reasons, we're asking that the city council vote yes to this or recommend it up to uh full council.

Thank you. Um, director, you mentioned that this affects 68 positions. U, why wasn't that included in the in the document, the positions that it's going to affect if we were to approve this? The document that was sent down. Yeah, we I mean it's not I do have a copy of our draft. We don't have I know it was just it was just completed this this afternoon. Okay. Um councilor, do you have any questions or comments for director Garcia?

Can you um state verbally the the positions that these that this would affect factor? It would be all all of the non-unions. Oh, okay. For the most part, unless they they have been hired after January 1st of 2025. If they were uh hired after January 1st of 2025, they would not be receiving the the increase. Okay. Um, Council Vice President Levy, you say uh all of the nonunions non-union. Yes. Non. Yes. Okay. unions for the most part are getting their their colas. Uh yes. So I think so that why we saw some report right now for the increase for the people that are on the union.

I'm sorry that we saw some increase proposed for people in the union. Yes, that's correct. Okay. Those contracts have been in front of you recently. So and for uh to you can suppress it. Um and this when is going to start this would be good thing that my CAFO is here 2026 effective 2026 so by July 1st. So the last can you come to the podium cap please?

Good evening council Rona Sabalos. So the last increase was January 1st 2025. So it will be a year ago last month.

Okay. Okay. So that is going to so practically it's going to be approved by by the the next budget but I going to be retroactive that's is what are you saying so like we have been bringing before the council um the union negotiations none of those were in the budget because as we negotiate and come up with the increases um then is presented to to the council and we also asked for the funding. So, this here is updating the Collins reclassification for non-union which um was effective 3 years ago 2023. So, instead of us having to go and do another reclassification with the call-in center, we're just adjusting it by the cola.

Okay. So, January the 1st. How many people did you say? 68. 68.

So there is so this recommended I'm sorry councelor do you are you all set? Yeah. So this recommended minimum annual salary, recommended maximum annual salary reflects the increase that you're proposing. That's correct. So it would depend on where the the employees in in the in the range essentially.

So here's my issue with this. I understand the cost of living is is getting more expensive by the day, but there are some of these these positions and it's not the position itself. And I know we we should take people out of out of the titles, but first every time we have a position come in front of us, there's supposed to be a range. It's never it's always recommended at the max max salary. There's no buildup to earn the max salary range. That's a trend that I've been seeing. Secondly, a lot of individuals within leadership positions in the city as a counselor, they can't sometimes I not all but sometimes you ask them a question or you make them a comment, you give them feedback and it's like you're bothering them. So, I'm over here about to I'm being asked to to approve this or or to be in support of this, but our city services is not up to par. So, I'm I'm personally conflicted on how to vote for this. I I I do think that some positions deserve it and others don't from the work that I've been seeing as a counselor. And it's really frustrating, not just as a counselor, but also when constituents call you and they say, "Oh, I called this department. I called that department. They didn't know. They didn't have an answer. They didn't know what I was talking what I was talking about." And we continue to give these six figure salaries to folks. When are we going to start doing the right thing? So that I could feel comfortable approving something like this. That's all I have to say about this. Any other counselors through you? Um, councelor Gonzalez,

is there any way that we can weave through this list? Just following by by what um, councelor Infante said pertaining to her comment? Yes. Unfortunately, we can't go we can't weave through the list because then we would be speaking about individuals rather than the positions, right? We have because an individual can leave tomorrow can be either terminated or they can quit but the position still exists. Right. Okay. Council uh council vice president, when do you need this to be approved?

Hopefully sooner rather than later. I know that we still have to get through the budget and finance committee and because it's an ordinance, it's within the ordinance. I do anticipate it has to go in front of ordinance as well. So, we're a couple of weeks out if I'm not mistaken.

The reason what I'm asking is because I got this today. I haven't had the time to to read and to see you know so and to make a decision without looking for something uh principal when is really related to salary is a little hard you know that's why I say you know how soon so if we table and look and have a time to look everything and the pro and the coms and make is the recommendation.

I don't have much to say. I would like some time to review these numbers too. It would still have to go in front of the budget which is scheduled for tonight at some point. Um it would still have to go to ordinance and it has not gone to ordinance yet. It hasn't been sent to ordinance yet. So if we have an ordinance tonight too, but it's not on the agenda tonight. No, it's not in the agenda. So we are waiting for the recommendations. So it would we're at least two to two to three weeks out. Okay. At least. Okay.

Depending on obviously the city council's scheduling. So I So this this is what I believe might be the best course of action and that gives the committee members also some time to review and also listen to questions or comments made by the ordinance and the budget um committee. Let's table at this um level. That way all three committees can have the opportunity to review this. And once we have the recommendations, we can either schedule another meeting or per council um rules. the president has the with with the vote of the council, but we can also take it out of committee with a with a five with a five votes and put it under old business once everything goes through its process. I think that's the best way to go about this. Um, so at this time, if anybody wants if you agree, I I would I would entertain a table motion if there's no other questions or comments either. Do you have a question?

No. Okay. Any other questions or comments, counselors? So, motion to table this labor and then to wait and wait for the other two committee that need to review it. Second. And has been made. Motion has been made by council vice president Levy, seconded by councelor uh Miguel. No discussion on tabled motions. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you, director. Thank you.

All right. The next item we have item 40-26, confirmation to appoint Adonis Rodriguez Ramirez to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority, uh, brought to us by the administration. We do have Mr. Rodriguez Ramirez here with us. Hello. Good evening, everyone. Um, please, uh, your name and address for the record. My name is Adonis Rodriguez. I live in 123 Street, Lawrence, Mass. 0 01843. I have two zip codes cuz I mean three. No, two.

Okay. Um, Director Garcia, I'm assuming you're here for this for the next two items as well. So, no one. So, we have no Okay. Okay. Um, I'm going to allow the discussion cuz you guys I see the two candidates here. You guys showed up, but I don't not seeing any representation from the administration. So,

uh, but I would like for I know most of us know you already and and know that you are you are business owner in the community, but talk to us um a little bit more about that background. Um, why are you interested in serving the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority and why why would you be a good fit for the for the board?

Well, uh, I want to be part of the the city decision making cuz, uh, I've been here in Lawrence for 10 years now. I've been owning business. uh Marata I own two business here in Lawrence and uh I I have seen you guys uh searching um analyzing every decision that before being taken and I think I can do I can do pretty good job doing that because uh of my bank background I'm an industrial engineer I studied that long time ago uh I came out of the toughest university in Dominican Republic and I'm looking forward always for the challenge to do the things the proper way.

Thank you. Councilor, do you have any questions or comments um for Mr. Rodriguez Ramirez? Council uh council vice president for how long are you living in here? I've been living here for almost 10 years now. September 16 night two I mean 2016. Can I know possible the name of your business? I own now two business in here. One is Adica restaurant and the other one I just bought it Elvago Cantina. Which one? Elvago. Elbago. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Okay. All right. So, had you been part of any redevelopment before? I've never been part of any uh board before, but I I've been part of the society to uh for a long time in different places, not just here. And uh I like to be involved in the development of the of the city where I live, the society, the where I where I spend my days. So, for how long is the this position? It's a two-year. Um, it is

Director Garcia, correct me if I'm wrong, it's a two-year appointment for the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority. I do not remember off the top of my head, but most boards and commissions are two years, particularly to the L. I'm not sure. I think it's two years. Yeah. Um, sorry about that. I find it I I would have liked to see either the chair of the LRA, the senior advisor who put this on or the mayor's office who put this on. Um any other questions or comments?

Uh no offer. No, council. Um council Gonzalez Um, so I see on your application here that you wrote that you always you've always helped our community. Can you just elaborate a little bit on that?

Well, as a business owner, not just from here, because I said 10 years, but it's here in Lawrence. I've been doing business for more than 25 years now. when I can say that I I've succeeded in business and when you're succeeding in my mind, what you need to do is help the the people surrounding you, even the business surrounding you. Cuz uh I don't know if I'm weird, but I like to I like to be the one not the the best one. I like to be around surrounded by a lot of excellent people. That's that's that's my my main goal. I I like to if I know something I like the to teach the one that is around me. Same thing with uh talking business-wise, talking like society wise that's what I have in my mind. So I've been helping uh I can tell you giving utilities to any sports uh team uh helping people in anything that they need if I can do it. That's how I've been like uh helping the people that are that lives in right now here in in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Okay. Thank you. Thanks to you.

I also would like to know, and I'm going to question this because it's it's part of our public docs. I know Andrea McCain uh M is the enforcement prosecutor and I know she's she's doing a great job with that. Um we've had conversations her and I and also myself and the director and I also understand that she steps in um when help is needed but making requests to the city council on behalf of the administration. Why is that happening?

Sorry, I don't have the answer to that. I'm not privy to any of those type of communications. And if I may be excused, it is Mr. Spanner that is calling me. Okay. Okay. Um, counselors,

I I personally, uh, but I'm not going to hold the the committee. Um, I'm going to actually follow whatever the committee decides, but personally, I don't feel comfortable setting this up. Um, we don't have a representative from the LRA. We don't have a representative from the administration's um, office. uh we our HR director wasn't wasn't informed about this either. So, however, I do know you and I do know your professionalism and your background and and I know um I I know the type of person you are and I do believe you would be a good asset to this board. But actually, now that I'm saying this a lot, I have a question for you. There's there's conflict currently between the LRA and the city council pertaining the properties that are the properties the city properties how would you handle yourself during this is still ongoing so I'm assuming it's going to be brought up again as a board member how would you handle the relationship between the city council and also the administration where you're going to get political pressure from both sides Well, that's I think something that I've been through throughout the whole the whole life my life cuz uh most of the people thinks about them personally. I'm not the type of that of that person. I I like to be like I I like to try to bring to the table like uh consiliation if I can say like to understand each parties if we can say it like that to get to the best uh outgoing not just for one people or for for for the other people. Saying that that's something that it might be a little bit tough for for

anybody to put me in a board because I'm not the type of people that going to say yes just for saying yes. uh uh tell telling you the truth, my interest is to to help the city that I am right now, which is Lawrence. Uh and I learned about that situation sitting in a place uh nobody knows I I think nobody knows what I was trying to be. I didn't even know that that situation was happening. I learned about that situation hearing few people talking about that and I'm not I'm not I won't lie it gets me like oh uh it's something that uh I trying to help the city but at the same time uh definitely it can be something not that good for me as a business uh owner but I'm willing to to try to be the person that can make everybody understand that we got to take the right decision for the city, not not not for personal uh advantage.

I think you I was going to ask a followup, but I think you you touched it touched upon it a little bit. Um many of these these properties for the most part are being proposed as housing developments. Um, we're seeing the domino effect of our residential situation and how that's impacting our neighborhoods and perhaps maybe a developer, someone that you know, maybe a friend. But I would want to make sure that if and when these projects go before the L once the the conflict is is resolved. There are some properties that are not ideal for housing. There are some properties that are depending on the area of the city. And I I don't think from my conversations I I don't think the LRA is thinking about the future of the city and how that impacts us 10, 15, 20 plus years from now. And having that futuristic vision is highly important. It's not just an it's not just a present gratification that we need to focus on. That has been another trend that that we've been um engaging in. So I what I ask of you is if you do get confirmed for this for this board to please keep the future of this community in mind. Many of us who are sitting in decision decision making roles already have their investments already have their businesses are getting ready to retire. They're not thinking about for example me turning 32 this month. I'm I'm building that right. I'm going to be here for a very long

time. I'm only using myself because it's just safer to use myself as as an as an example, but um then my generation and younger, we're going to be stuck with the issues that we're not currently fixing because we're just focused on development development um or you know, etc. So, I'm just going to repeat it. I ask that you also consider the future of our city so that it continues to be the great city that it is. Definitely. Thank you, Council Chair.

Uh, council vice president. I would like to make a motion and send item 4026 to the full council as a committee. No. Yes. as a committee report, but also I would like to invite or ask to be there uh somebody from the administration or maybe uh the assessor um from the I would like to if you would make an amendment to also include um the chair of the L. Yes, that is what I was thinking to say. Okay.

Mr. Senior adviser does apologize for not being here. he is feeling under the weather. Uh he did tell me to please take into consideration both of the gentleman's uh credentials. Thank you. All right. There is a motion on the floor to send as a committee report and also a request to send correspondence to the administration and also the chair of the L um to be present for the next meeting. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by councelor Miguel. Any further discussion or questions? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. And the eyes. Thank you. We will see you next Tuesday. Thank you.

All right. The final item we have is item 41-26, confirmation of curving Valdez to the airport commission, brought to us by the administration. We do have Mr. Valdez here with us tonight. Mr. Valdez, you have the floor. Hi everyone. How you doing? Hello. Hello. Hello. State your name and address for the record. Uh, tell us a little bit about yourself and why you're interested in serving the airport uh, commission.

My name is Kervin Valdez. Address is 24 Doyle Street. Kervin ke Vin Valdez Vde. Uh, the reason why I want to join the Lawrence airport board is I've been fortunate enough to spend some time there for the last decade. um and I can identify opportunity for the local economy and for our local constituents and workforce and being a part of it gives me the opportunity to help enhance and complement our community's growth. Using my resources, expertise in logistics and airport travel enough. All right, counselors. Do we have any questions or comments for Mr. Valdez?

Uh, council council vice president. So, practically it's the same. We don't have any representation in here from the airport or neither uh the senior advisor or anybody from the administration. But are you replacing somebody from the commission or this is a a vacant position? Uh, I don't know that much information. I'm assuming I'm just being added or maybe replacing someone. And this is for how long do you know for how long you going to be? I believe is a minimum of two years.

Just give me one. So it are you are you all set? Yeah, you can go ahead. Okay. So it was brought to my attention that obviously as as we see here in your application, you do have a a delivery company. Mhm. Um and that you have service individuals at this airport. Correct. Correct. So, um, and I would have to double check this, but I don't believe that you can conduct business at this airport while serving on the commission. And that might be a conflict of interest. I think it's a conflict of interest if I try to do direct business or bring on business as I'm serving, which is not my goal.

Okay. My goal is to uh help the community expand with the corporate global traffic that's happening in that space. Right. Right. It's not to bring more business to my operation. It's to bring more business to the community. Right. And and I do see your global um uh expertise or background that you have. You did write uh include this in your application. However, it's still a question that needs to be asked. Sure. And I would like to get a formal response from the ethics commission

to get their legal opinion on this. Um, it was also brought to my attention that there was an individual that has that the board recommended who is a licensed pilot and has already been interacting with the commission and going to meetings. Um, I don't know why that individual was not considered. I wish someone from the commission and slash or the administration was here tonight uh to talk about why this individual was not considered uh given his his activity with the commission uh given that he is a licensed pilot and um etc. So can we can I I'm going to stop here. Councilors, do you have any other questions or comments? Councilors, I would like to table this item and so we get a formal response from the Massachusetts Ethics Commission and also I would like the commission to be here um to address the other concern that I that I just stated and also I would like uh senior advisor Spanner to be here as well as a representative from the administration so that we can uh figure this out. On the flip side, I do see uh Mr. Vald Valdez. I know you have done many things for our community. Uh he also serves on the executive board of SWOO's basketball. He's been involved with our community for a very long time. Uh which I appreciate, but I just want to make sure that we cross our tees and dot our eyes, especially with the ethics commission portion of it to make sure that we're okay and that the city isn't, you know, in a bad spot. I mean, I'm not sure what the difference is between a pilot background and a ground transportation

background um and logistics expert. Uh air, ground, and land is the same. We all cover the same sectors. It's all part of the same infrastructure of logistics. He's just in the air. We're ground there's land. So

uh what I can tell you is from the experience and the global leaders that I have been attending to in that space there's been a huge neglect in the level of community growth that can be happening. So it doesn't matter if he's a mechanic, pilot or landman or lineman. It's the fact that we need to take action and it's for the higher greater good for the community. It's not about for my business. It's about for us.

Right. Right. No, I'm I'm following you. Um I also think I know that you do care about the community. Um I don't think I I don't think you you will be a negative um factor if if you were to be approved uh to be on this comm commission, but I do want to double check the the with the Massachusetts Ethics Commission. That's really my primary concern. Everything else I know we'll have that discussion, but really my my foundational concern is that Sure thing.

I can certainly send a message to Mr. with everything that you just said and also just so that u Mr. It's clear the the request has to come from you otherwise the state ethics commission won't provide a legal opinion to anyone but the person asking for crest for for the opinion the legal opinion of of whether or not you can serve on the commission that business with the commission

and the if it's preferred in email that way that we can have it in writing they do it's obviously easier to to call them but um that That way we can all have a copy of it. It does take them. It could be a week, it could be two weeks. Sometimes it takes them long, a little bit long, but it's important for us to have it on the record. I know we're going to get asked about this and that's why I'm I'm making the statement public.

I've been in the city living here 30 years plus. I've been work I've been an established business in the city since 2013. I've been working the Lawrence airport. Well, my operation has been working at Lawrence Airport for over a decade. If it had to create a conflict of me trying to gain more business, I would have never put myself in this position. This has nothing to do with gaining business. This has to do with bringing more to the community. No, I 100% understand that. and you as a business owner knowing how liabilities and the and stuff like that works, you can understand why it's important for us to have in writing from the Massachusetts Ethics Commission stating that you're clear to continue. Absolutely. All right. Thank you.

Oops. Um counselors, can I have a motion to table item 41-26? Second. Motion has been made by councelor Levy. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by councelor Mcdow. All those in favor say I. I. I. And the eyes have it. I recommend send that email as soon as you get home. Okay. That way we can get the ball rolling. Okay. Can I get a email contact? Uh I can certainly provide that for you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. U counselors. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. A motion has been made. Um second properly seconded. All those in favor say I.

I. And the eyes have it. Thank you. Okay.

like to listen or view this meeting while in progress may either attend here in the city council chamber or view or view the meeting through our um YouTube page. Councilors, at this point, can you join me in the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Counselors, can I have a motion to approve the minutes from our January 12th, 2026 meeting? Motion to approve. Second.

Motion has been made by the vice chair, seconded by the council president. Discuss discussion on the minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I.

I. The eyes have it. All right. First item under new business, we have item 27-26, authorization to expend $13,900 uh for the SFY 2026 Commonwealth Project Safe Neighborhood Neighborhood Initiative with Massachusetts State Police Grants. And we have uh Director Shepard here from the Lawrence Police Department. This is a grant that we approve on a yearly basis. Director, you have you have the floor.

Good evening, city councils. Uh Rosa Shepard, director of support services at Lawrence Police Department. Uh for the past six years, the Lawrence Police Department has had the privilege of partnership with the state police. Uh as a so grantee under the project safe neighborhood or PSN, that's usually it's called. This program provides critical resources to help combat violence crime and improve public safety in the city of Lawrence or our community. Um the key component of our efforts has been that the Lawrence Police Department with the uh the street narcotics enforcement unit has undertaken a um a comprehensive appro approach to supplement investigations and conduct proactive street enforcement patrol patrols aiming to preventing deterring and disrupting street uh street crimes, gang activity, firearms and drug distribution. Um the PSN the pro uh project safe neighborhood has also allowed the the nar the the street narcotics enforcement uh members to conduct undercover investigations and operations throughout the city um targeting narcotics and firearms and apprehending those responsible on distributing opioids. Um unfortunately the Lawrence uh the city of Lawrence has been identified as the primary source opio opioid in New England with residents from nearby states including New Hampshire, Vermont uh may which travels throughout uh throughout New England to come to the city of Florence to purchase a dangerous opioid and firearms. Thank you councilors. Any questions or comments for director Shepard? Council Le

actually one of the first times I actually heard somebody officially say that we are the opiate capital of New England. And I don't think I've ever heard if I have I not remember saying that but um when these grants come up through you these grants come up I'm I'm curious to see and especially longtime grants like this just some stats that tell me that this thing's working that I mean it's one thing to get money and that's fantastic right but if we're getting money and there's no results I mean what's the sense so can you do you have any numbers do you have anything that can butress or support that this is a worthwhile uh public expenditures that we're getting into the city in regards to public expenditure or in regards to the grant the grant.

The grant um are you looking for the results or the actual numbers? I want to know this is all about numbers results not about the dollar amounts. I want to know the dollar amounts that we're bringing in. What does that mean? What impact is that having in our city? Good evening, counselors. Good evening.

Uh Joe Bullia. Uh I'm a sergeant with the Lawrence Police Department. I'm in charge of the uh the drug unit and the gang unit. And uh again, thank you for having us again tonight. I know you said this is a yearly uh yearly grant. So, um, last year when I was here, I actually provided packets to everybody with the previous year's, um, um, totals and whatnot, and we had a really successful year. But I'll just spout out um, just over the last couple of years. So, obviously, it's a partnership that we do with uh, with the Mass State Police and other cities and towns that are involved in as Bonstable, Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Holio, Lawrence, Lynn, and Springfield.

Sergeant, if you don't mind, I'm not looking for an overview of the program. I just want to know just because we're short on time. I don't mean to cut you off. I just want to know. Just give me just give me data on So I'll give you um

so I'll give you um I'll break I have it broken down into two into two parts. Um so for 2021 to 2024 so just in a threeear span and then I'll get into last year's numbers. Now this grant only goes from March until June we have to use it um hopefully it gets approved we can start using it immediately and um and it ends June 30th. So, in the 3-month span over those last three years, uh, uh, just in Lawrence, we executed 525 arrests. We seized 32 firearms, approximately 20,000 gram of fentinel, and approximately 11,000 grams of cocaine. Last year, for the 2025 grant, again, that was March, until um until June, um the street crimes unit, we executed 64 arrests. We cleared 47 outstanding arrest warrants. We executed um eight search warrants, seized four firearms, 3,446 gram of fentinyl, 200 g uh 208 gram of cocaine, 30 g grams of methamphetamine, and over $15,000 in cash. So, in a three month span, that's great. Thank you. So, my my my question now is this. If we didn't have this grant that provided for this program, are you telling me that these results would not have taken place?

Correct. The these these stats here that I just read off are over and above what we do on our regular patrol. Correct. Yes. So, we would still have our regular stats. These would these are extra. Thank you. not extra but while we worked on the grant. So, so I mean what kind of I'll ask you this one kind of metaphorical question and I don't I won't be doing this that often.

If we didn't have this grant here in the city and you didn't have these arrests, these warrants, the grams of fentanyl, the grams of cocaine and the search warrant arrests, etc., etc. that you that you just described. I mean, what kind of what is this? Is this a drop in the bucket compared to what we're facing in the city or is this a significant effort in and response to what we're facing in the city? I mean, I'm not sure what I'm not Give me context question.

So, in a 3-month span, I mean, if if if any department and and again, this is just the extra patrol. So, whatever the grant was last year, I I forget what the exact number was. um you know to make 64 arrests at at that you know those quality arrests the four firearms the you know 3500 gram of of of fentinel is again those are amazing numbers I've been in the drug business a long time you know in charge of the unit since 2018 I was in the drug unit before that for 10 years and and and those are the numbers are are excellent and again you know we're out every day doing our job and and trying to combat the the drug problem and and and the gang problem and and the gun problem. This is just over and above. So on this grant, we have to work with the Mass State Police. So you know, at the end of their shift or at the end of our shift, this is these are extra patrols that we do together. So the drug unit will be together, you know, the three guys and myself and then three or four guys from the state police. So now we have six or seven guys at the same time going out there and and focusing on one certain area or one drug investigation or or whatnot. So you know obviously it's um you know the more the marrier and and um um yeah I think the numbers the numbers speak for themselves.

Thank thank you question. Thank you. Are you council president?

Yeah I have a question. Uh Mr. Shapper when you were me you were mentioning you were you you gave that statement that it was u first time I hear uh but I mean I actually you know if that's the case we need to deal with it but you also mentioned that uh people come from other state uh to buy drugs fentinel and um opioidate drugs and also for to buy you mentioned to buy guns. So to to to actually I mean I just want to have like what what is that you have there when it comes to the gun on your statement?

Well I my my apology if I mention the gun but it's just only for the opioid part. Okay. So it's it's not like you know no understand. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? See none I'll entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to send it to the full council with a f recommendation. Second. Motion has been made by the council president, seconded by council marmal. Any further discussion on the matter? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you.

Um, next item is item 30-26, reclass reclassification of non union position update of the Collins Center report to reflect the the to reflect the cost of living adjustments cola. And we have the HR director, uh, Director Garcia here with us. Good evening. Good evening. director.

Should I go through my spiel again? Yeah. New set of counselors here. Different set new different set of counselors here.

Yes, absolutely. So, this presentation concerns the reclassification and and compensation plan for non-union employees that was completed by the Collins Center and became effective on January 1st of 2023. That study was conducted to ensure that non-UN positions were properly classified and paid competitively with comparable municipalities, particularly because it had been almost a decade since a formal review of non-UN compensation had been performed. Since the plan's implementation, non-un employees did not receive a general increase in 2024 and received only a average increase of 2.5 in January 1st of 2025. So just last year, while union employees received cost of living adjustments under their negotiated three-year contracts, as a result, the market alignment achieved through the Collins Center study has begun to erode. Rather than commissioning a brand new classification study or restructuring the compensation plan, this proposal makes a modest adjustment by applying a 2.8 COLA based on the CPA or the consumer price index. This adjustment affects 68 employees. It helps the city remain competitive and retain experienced staff while also recognizing that non-UN employees do not have access to certain benefits that union employees do under their collective bargaining agreements such as just cause uh protections, union representations, and grievance matters and other negotiated allowances such as lump sums and clothing allowances to name a few. So, for those reasons, we're asking that the city council uh send this up with a favorable recommendation to the full council. Thank you, director. Um, so counselors, before I go into the questions and comments, we did have this before the personnel committee just before this meeting. Um, we the personnel committee tabled the item um to wait to see what the discussions were

going to be in budget and also ordinance committee. Uh we also received the spreadsheet tonight of what those numbers uh look like pertaining that reflect the changes. So members also wanted some time to to review those that data. Um and I am for the most part um questions were around the how many individuals. Uh, I made a comment expressing my frustration of um some of these positions as counselors when you ask questions or you give feedback or whatever the case may be that the feedback you get back it's it's like they have this attitude like they can't be bothered. Um, and that's really frustrating as a counselor. I also expressed that I receive calls from my constituents at times that when they call to when they make calls to departments, they are unable to get service because they the person or the department doesn't know what they're talking about or whatever the case may be. So, my frustration with that is that now I understand that the cost of living is going up. Um however I don't believe city services are up to par not in every area but in general just to generalize it and um I feel conflicted that now I'm being asked to give another raise um to these highlevel positions. I also brought up the fact that um at least at the council level when these positions some of these positions that require confirmation when they come in front of the council they're always started at for the most part at the max range instead of the minimum being able to work up um to show whether or not

they they can they they um comply with the KPIs within contracts and etc. So those are I did the most talking. So those are the the the primary concerns that were um discussed and as as a committee as a whole they we wanted more time to review the data and also hear what the budget and ordinance committee um were going to say about this. Gaw council president first and councelor the plan council president. Thank you chair for the opportunity.

Thank you madam chair for the opportunity. So uh the reason that I sent this item to multiple committees is because it's different aspect of the contract of that uh of the study that uh were done uh back in 2020 starting on 202021 and approved by the council 2022 if I remember correctly January 23.

Yeah it went on effect in 2023. So for about two and a half years this was under discussion implementation of the study and then subsequently approved by the council back in 2020 2021 2022 and and and 2022 to be took effect. Am I correct? Thank you. Uh so now increasing it uh increasing the the money part of it is also important to take a look at what is it that we did uh during the story and what was the intent of the story of the story. What I'm seeing here that is missing tremendously that it going to give me a full picture is that we only see the recommended minimum salary from the study but we're not seeing what is it that it was back in 2023 for those positions perhaps and that way I can give you a good example if we look at the I don't want to take positions

hold the president excuse me do you have more copies of of the spreadsheet fortunately I have just one One more copy. Well, because they're going to Yeah. Let me let me ask the questions and then I'll pass it over. So, if I look at it uh that uh if I look at a position from uh let's say um from the grade B perhaps any position from grade B. Mhm. It's 100,000. That's 100,000 the minimum. And it goes any position from grade B it goes all the way to 145,600. Right.

That's correct. So what is it that it was on 2020 20 whatever 21 19 what is it that it was there and then due to the result of the story of the story now increasing the minimum to $100,000. So I'm not sure what the original what what data they used. However, I can tell you that the Collins report, the purpose of the Collins report was to make sure that uh our employees were being paid competitively compared to other I got to get there. I got I got you. I got you.

So, the 2020, let's call it 2022, although it was instituted or established in 2023 would be the current Collins report that does I believe has some of the numbers that you're requesting. So it's the but the thing is is the thing is is like this is this is what I want to get. I don't want to I don't want to lose my uh uh my uh my thought. This is what I'm this is what I wanted to get into the point before we went into the uh into before before we approved this this study. We don't know what the minimum was because right now we're looking at this. If the minimum for grade B was perhaps um $80,000, we jumping to the to the minimum now at that moment, which was 100 $100,000 uh to the maximum of $145,000. What happened at that point and this is the case of I believe a good 80 to 90% of the employees that are there that they are maxed out to 145,000 and if they are maxed out to 145,000 what that tells me is that they went from 80,000 I'm just picking a number this is not the correct number from 80,000 on 2023 And in 2026, we increased $65,000 per position. So it is an increase of 2.5%. It is an increase of going from 80,000 that you were at 20 2023 to in 2026 you are maxed out on 145,000. So, we increasing $65,000 to a position that if

it was $80,000 before and you increase $65,000 more, we are increasing over 80% of that position. So and that's why the col the calling the calling story is not telling us the or this this part right here is not telling telling us the whole story because the increase has been almost 80% of the salary and give me one minute hold on one second I got you but just let me finish with my thought and also what is important to recognize is that the Collins the Collins study or Collins report is telling us that the new minimum is 100,000 but you cannot max out on two years three years

you can't it is it is a it's supposed to be that the minimum is this amount and if you are at 80,000 at that point for great VA I'm giving you an examples and now the con the studies is telling us the minimum is 100,000 you the administration should manage those salaries to be at 100,000 at that point and then subsequentally increase the the living the living wage plus another percentage of one year and then keep on going up. But to me this situation was not managed properly. The intent of it and the approve of it was not to just max out every position just because Because that's why the the the the study is telling us the minimum should be that and the maximum should be that and that's why we're in the situation now that we need to increase uh 2.8% or who knows what it's like I don't know I I think that it was mismanaged the whole thing because it is it is it was not called to max out every position

within three years. So, if I may. Yeah.

So, I I I understand your your concerns. Um, but I I I want to touch upon a couple of things. Um, when it refers to when you're referring to maxing out, first and foremost, I think that most of or at least, yeah, most of of the the employees that are hired uh have to either start at a minimum or a mid-range per the ordinance. mid-range showing that you have the background experience, training and or the required education, right? So, you can start at mid-range and just start at day day one. You can start at mid-range if you have all the necessary requirements. Um, again, background, experience, training, um, so on and so forth. Or loft,

I'm sorry. Or loft. Yeah. Or love. If you have love for the community and then you can be maxed out anytime and that's the this is what we have leave in the city of L. I I don't know I don't know if that's the case. I can give you a couple example. Do you want me to go through? No, no, please. I I do not need my employees names um circulating. If you have love for the community and then you can max out. Um so that is um point one. And I I lost my train of thought. Sorry. Sorry. I apologize. It went up to 4:30. I also I'm gonna go I I'll remember you council the plant and yeah councelor the plant I had a

and if and if I may I know that this wasn't my point but I again I understand your concerns however I want to stick to the the positions because as I stated in personnel it's about positions someone can quit and someone can can be terminated tomorrow but the position still remains so if we're looking at positions if if everyone is getting at least most of the of the unions are getting at least a 2.5 plus all of their allocated benefits that that they're getting including like I said large uh uh um lump sums uh allowances and so on and so forth which non-unions are not entitled to non-unions just get exactly what what you see which is a salary and that's not I I don't like talk talking numbers because I went to law school for a reason I very bad at numbers, but when you when you're including an 11% just for retirement and all of the other added taxes and and and um and your medicals and all all of everything else. A lot of our our employees are being poached poached because we are not competitive at at this point. You have people being poached from Andover, North Andover, Haveril, Methuan. I mean, just the the the the person that left prior to uh Attorney Owens, uh Gina LGrea left to Methuan and still is in Methuan,

but that's a qualified candidate. We're we're seeing a trend that not even the minimal requirements are being satisfied in the city of Lawrence. So, the ones that actually have the qualifications to go to Mthuan for that higher salary to go to North Andover, Wilmington, etc. are leaving because they're able to go through that interview process with their qualifications. So we again I mentioned this in personnel we are giving six figure high six figure salaries to individuals that don't even meet the minimum qualifications and I understand that individuals leave and the positions stay but we're also seeing a trend where this administration has not fixed that they continue to bring on people who still don't don't um check off the minimum requirements that we post and that we we make an ordinance of that's the situation that we have when it comes one of one of the factors that we have when it comes to these salaries and these salary ranges council the plat

first question is the council president mentioned he said it's multiple committees I'm just wanting to know what part of this are we supposed to be focusing on at this committee uh three council uh council president the my intent was for us to look at the numbers at the at the budget and finance committee the personnel the intent was to look at their uh at the qualification all that to see if we follow up on that and then ordinance is in case that any ordinance change have to have to be looked at oh sorry

so the intent is to for us to look at the numbers actually what I was focusing on uh which is basically what is it that we're going to be paying the percentage and all that stuff but we have the item here feel free to ask any particular questions Hopefully it's not math. This is the way you find she's attorney or capital. So just so I'm clear. So I thank you for the sheet for those of us who are struggling with age and need bigger numbers. Um is there a way possible we can get bigger numbers? Oh det. Could you could you send it digitally as well?

This is I mean this I'd be very confident in my abilities. I'm flattered, but I really it's hard for me to read. Don't you have a Don't you have So, what what I think I'm seeing here is is a 2.8% increase. Is that right? That's correct. That's what we're looking for. Uh that's the that's the cost of living adjustment that you're describing. That's correct.

And then so the one of the columns is that's the that's the amount. And then the second set of columns that looks like that's the the new adjusted numbers from minimum all the way midpoint and maximum just so I'm clear. Yes. Okay. So all right. Uh, one of the things that I think we have to be careful of is when we start making comments, I I just and and I don't know

I I when when there was if if the if the comment was made that folks are not qualified or um uh or that people are being put to the very top of of the rung. If if if that's if if I'm listening to this discussion and I need to make a a wise and educated decision, an informed decision on whether or not I support or not support that and I'm hearing those comments, I I there needs to be some basis for it. I I need to hear if not just people are unqualified getting it. Well, who's unqualified? What are the positions that are that are happening? If I if I if I'm hearing if I'm hearing that folks are are at the very top of the of the of of the at the maximum level and they should not be there. It's important for me to know well I mean do we have any data on on that? Because as I'm looking at this and and I'm being asked I'm being asked to to adjust these things and and the personnel director makes a very good point. We're not looking at individuals. We're looking at the position and if somebody leaves you need to have you know that's the basis of what we're doing. But pragmatically I think what I'm hearing from my colleagues also makes sense. If we have a system right now that's in place that is doing what I'm hearing, well, we're we are undercutting the very system that we're trying to have that is that's uh that that that we voted on back in 2002 or three, whatever year we voted on it. So, um so I'm asking my colleagues if we're going to and I I know that somebody wants to say something, but I'm eager to hear if if we got comments, I want to hear them. Now, I'm not sure if this is the right necessarily the forum for those kinds of discussions, but if we're going to be bringing these things up, I you know, I'm I'm kind of torn council chair.

Thank you. Uh pertaining to council plant.

So, as a counselor, I've been on this council for five years. Throughout the five years, we have voted on individuals that have not met the minimum qualifications. um they're live streamed and there's a voting record. I can get you your voting record and also the personnel live streams and every and I'm I'm only saying yours because you're the one that's asking this question. Um that can reflect or can be data towards your questions. So one particular and I'm going to use this as an example because it was a long time ago ISD director former I acting ISD director did not have the minimum qualifications. This administration wanted to put him permanently. So luckily in that particular incident we did have a candidate that at least met the minimum qualifications and he's doing an amazing job. Look at the situation that that's going on with community development. I can go on. We're not let's the it's it's I'm not here to act like like things like this have not been before us because you as a counselor know very well it has been before the committees and the full council. I'm not talking about one specific person. And I'm talking about the trend that we're seeing over and over again that this administration is doing. And yes, this does pertain this this is relevant to those to to that to the cola to those numbers and also the positions. So we either speak up about it or we continue with the status quo and then we'll we'll continue see our community declining.

So, so let's just let's just let's just play this out. Let's say that everything that you that that that the chair said is accurate and true. And I'm not here to debate the chair on those. What What is What's the recommendation then? Is the recommendation is the advice then to vote against this because because of these things and and is that is that is that the direction that that's that's is that the argument that's being espoused here? What other alternatives are there? I'm just curious as to where we're going.

I can tell you from my point, my statement during the personnel committee was I don't know how I'm going to vote on this because of the trend that I continue to see. And it's unfortunate that yes, it might affect an an entire 68 individuals because the administration continues to not do the right thing in terms of this. I can't speak for any other. I don't know what HR is doing to ensure that qualifications are met, KPIs are met or you know our processes for that. When we do ask about it, what I hear continuously is something's being worked on, something's being worked on. I don't know where where you are at with that, but even with that to ensure that we are following our ordinances and we are um hiring individuals uh that that at least meet the minimum qualifications that that do have the expertise to have these these salary ranges. We there is no accountability there is no process for accountability or followup. So, and we have and again we have asked about it. The feedback is we're working on it. We're working on it. So, I actually don't know I don't have an answer to you for you because this isn't the first time that this type of topic has been brought up to HR and to the administration.

So, so, so HR is here. Um, and I So, I mean, attorney you've been hearing the conversation here. So, I'm I would love to get your kind of reaction and response to what you're hearing this evening.

What I'm hearing is that you're being inclined to to essentially penalize um penalize the the the non-UN while the union is is while the union they have their union representatives negotiating on their behalf and they're sitting for hours and and months on end like we have been. they are they have contracts and now while I understand that those contracts some of them are still in front of you they've been ratified by their members they're accepting the numbers but what I see here is that the non-unions are being treated a little bit disparitly just a tad bit because again the unions have protections the unions have their bargaining units they have their own attorneys that they that work for them and fight zealously for their rights but the non-unions here Here we are.

And while I understand that there are some there are some concerns, there's a whole bunch of us. There's a whole bunch of us that are going to be affected. Just like you said, it might be the whole 68 of us cuz I can include myself in there. I'm a non-union. So, I I will leave you with this. Um my my sense is that we have two issues here. I'm going to put them in two boxes. One issue is what I'm hearing from the personnel director, which is is that out of fairness, we need to go ahead and provide folks with adjustments to their salary because we all know how expensive life has been getting in the last several years. And while other if you're a union, you are getting those protections and those allowances. and we need to be fair and equitable and provide those same kinds of understanding that those those financial economic pressures are still attuned for those folks who are non-union. So that's one side of what I'm hearing. The other side of what I'm hearing is that is that we've got real issues with some of the personnel decisions that have been made and it just seems very unfair that that uh that some folks are and I'm going to put words these are these are my I'm extrapolating so these may not be the words others have used favoritism has been utilized um people who are unqualified are getting positions etc. There's a whole list of things I'm just wondering and and I and I don't know I've been hearing the same things as well. Um but I think what I'm looking for then is I'm okay with a vote on cola, right? I'm okay with that because that that fundamentally makes sense to me. That fairness thing that makes sense to me that I think we need to do that for our employees. Poaching is real. The job market is real. That's that's a real that's a real element. So, I'm okay with that. But what I think I'm hearing, and

this is where I think we can use your expertise, director, and your help, is if if colleagues of mine have issues regarding um the things that they already mentioned, there's got to be a way. There's got to be a way for us because we're looking I think what I'm hear is we're looking for leverage and we're not finding leverage. Now, we've got a leverage point. You want this, we better act up because we're not going to get this. I'm People are looking for leverage, right? So my point here is rather than holding this hostage, is there an opportunity outside of this that the concerns that I'm hearing this evening can be addressed? I I believe and what is that?

I'm always available. I I I've had a couple of of of city council members come to my office and we've had, you know, uh really good conversation and and pretty uh frank conversation. So my office is always open.

But but that but that's fantastic. and and I'm grateful. I' I've used that and I'm appreciative of the fact that you've been available and and and very candid and I appreciate the confidence etc. that that's that in our conversation. That's fantastic. But then I'm I want to go beyond that. I'm asking you, is there an opportunity for city councilors to have what what I'm hearing this evening is saying either if they're if they're feeling specific cases and they're able to say this person this person this person is is something is wrong. What is the vehicle by which a city council are we waiting for the 2027 budget where we're looking for budget cuts because that was tried I think last year at at some levels for FY2026. Is that the is that the lever that people are going to be using? People are looking for a lever, some sort of mechanism by which they can go ahead and and make known the concerns that they have regarding um and these are allegations at this point because nothing's been proven, but allegations that there's been favoritism and and and things that are happening that shouldn't be happening in our city. What is that besides talking to you?

That's the first step. What can you do? What can you know a little bit more specifically? Like you said, I think I need a little bit more examples or particularities. Now, I don't want that to be a public record because obviously that has to do with the the names and and uh confidentiality of of our city employees. We don't want to necessarily blast them out there and their personal information and their salaries and so on. Um so I think that that's that's our first our first avenue, let's say. I'll roll back. I I'll listen to the rest of the conversation. Thank you, Council President.

All right. Thank you. U couple of things here that I have here. Uh couple of things that we have. I don't know if you noticed that the last position that the city council approved through a grant the council chair of this committee council infante she put a a copyart on the on that specific position and she says the following correct me if I wrong please. If minimum qualification is not met, this grant is not longer authorized. You know why she did that?

Why I added that clause?

Why? Because we have seen position that were filled with not meaning not meeting the minimum requirement based on education based on experience and this is put in it very nice in a nice way. He's seeing that and what we see in here is that that positions that were filled with not meeting the minimum requirements out of love and and and there is a reason why I mentioned loft is because uh the mayor have mentioned that in a public setting that there is people that were professional that they were they don't have that love for the city of Lawrence and we as a council we can add anything to an ordinance, but at the end of the day, if you don't have that passion, that love for the city of Lawrence, you're not getting that job. And there is people that don't have the minimum requirements for a position and they'll still get the position because they do have that. And essentially when we put a when we put all that work, all that effort into an ordinance to have somebody qualified to come to the city of Lawrence and to allow people like you guys have uh not only the minimum requirements to work for the city of Lawrence. Instead, you go above and beyond to to work hard to to, you know, advance yourself through the school, through the through the uh study and and all that and be able to work on a in an environment that people are when we are talking about grades, if people are on that specific grade that they meet the minimum requirement for that grade. Essentially, what we're seeing here is that that is not being met. And we even

though we do the legislative body, we put that on place and we emphasize that uh those minimum requirements attached to a salary. We put that on the ordinance. But I mean, you know that that's that's not always the case and you know as a as a HR director that that's not the minimum requirement is not always uh met on positions and we all know that ultimately the mayor is the one appointing appointing people on positions even though uh the minimum requirement for publication is met but not necessarily the minimum requirements and we all know that those people not necessarily after 6 months stay on the minimum range of the salary range that we what we're looking at that they jump in right away to mid-range and potentially within a year two years they go to the top and max out on that specific range. We are not punish we are not using this as a punishment for the non non-union employee. What we're looking for is to have a system that no matter what happen you need to go through the system to max out perhaps I give you a good example ma plan council man and myself we all the sell employee we all the employee you know what the stay steps and salary increase if you are a step 14 I'm talking about like my area if you are step 14 and then you're maxing out on that salary for you. But if you begin step three, step four, step five, you need to go through the steps every year and you know how much salary you're going to be getting. When we approve this this this study

back in 2022 and get implemented in 2023, we are we are we were expecting the city and the administration to follow a process not just to give the maximum based on somebody's signature. That's not how it work because this is part of the taxpayers's money. This is not my money. at all. But it's the taxpayers that need to that is been we've been we've been asking them to step up on on tax increasements for the last two years. The last tax increase we have it was 4.6 something I think

over over 4%. On property taxes and and it's not about penalizing the non employee. No, we don't want to look at the position. We want to look at the system because we have ordinance that we need to follow with the minimum requirements for those positions and those if we don't meet those requirements on those ordinance and then we we are not we we cannot you know look at the situation the same the same way. We can't because at the end of the day what we looking for is to have a system that is fair

but also that is follow. That's the most important part. If we would have this this this system in place and the minimum requirement going again from a grade B that it was 60 something 70 something and the minimum become in 2023 100,000 that person should be at a 100,000 or mid-range but not to the max within a year or two or not starting up right away on the max because it was supposed to be a scale it up and based on the steps. And if that's the case, we would have a couple of years of giving over 5% to any any city employee and we would never get or will take a while for us to get to 145,000. Just putting you the example of grade B. It's like the grade B range from 100,000 to 145,000. But we don't know what was the minimum before like or the maximum before like it is it is like we need to develop the a system that is based on something and then increase it no problem. I I have no problem with the 2.8% increase whatsoever. You know what I have problem with is that the steps that we're not taking and everybody smacks out of nowhere. There is people here that in the city of Lawrence that are maxed out without having the proper time and the institutional knowledge to be maxed out on a salary and and and is it shouldn't it shouldn't because it's unfair. It's unfair for the people that's been here for 20 years that they are not maxed out yet. And speaking of that, to add that because fairness was brought up um to add to

your comment, council president, we have non-union employees that have been advocating for years for a higher salary and for whatever reason for those employees is the answer is there's no money. There's no money. But we get positions that are already maxed out with contracts that have the 3% or when it's budget season they it's it's a $30,000 salary raise, etc. Where is that balance? Cuz we're going to talk fairness. Let's talk about fairness across the board. I don't see that balance and I'm what I'm hearing is that you don't see that balance either. I don't see it.

Let me give uh Are you all set, Council President? Uh, council Marmal, do you have you haven't said do you have any questions or comments or are you all set? What I'll add to this is that I I do concur with the sentiments of my colleagues. Um, I think I heard you say that union already have um 2.5% increase um when there's cola negotiations. For the most part, most of them have been ratified at least the civilians. Okay. And is that is that the reason why we didn't do a study for union members? We only focus on non-union. That's a convoluted question. I'm just wondering. Um, so like how do we come about doing the study?

This study for nonun for for a non-union. Yeah, that that's what we're speaking on. Well, you were just speaking about unions. So, if we're talking about non-unions, this came about, like I said in the beginning, it looks like there was a because this was way prior to my time there. It looks like the non-union positions uh hadn't had an increase of some sort or some compensatory uh uh study done in over a decade. So they were extremely underpaid essentially um in order to come to par with their neighboring cities or similar similarly um um similar municipalities.

So that's how this came about. Now pertaining to your question regarding the unions that's something that needs to be negotiated. Okay. So from my understanding the unions have asked year over year to for them to have a cost of cola study for their negotiations has to be negotiated. So h it so why is there there there isn't money to also do a cost of living negot uh study for union contracts but for non-unions there there is money to do the study. This was performed years ago and hadn't been performed in over a decade. Okay. So they were, like I said, they were wholly extremely underpaid.

Now, unions year after year get a 2.5. Typically, contract years are three years in a at a term. So year after year, they're getting either 3% which was what was in the past for the most part. This year is a 2.5 for the most part across across the board, right? So they get their increases. non-unions hadn't gotten an increase in over 10 years because there hadn't been a compensatory uh study performed. Now, if a any given union wants to have a compensatory um uh uh study performed to their positions, it has to be negotiated. Same thing. So, if they wanted to if they want uh let's say uh very you know ne negotiations, you got to give so you can get

understood, counselor. um in this sheet that we're we're looking at. This is my first time seeing it. So, and I'm trying to understand it because I wasn't I don't know if you um during personnel if you were giving a breakdown in us understanding what what you're referencing here. I was just hoping to see and maybe you could just let me know that it's already there. Um what the current salary is. So, we're looking at recommended minimum and recommended maximum. I would like to see where where where everyone is at and what that would mean given the 2.8% increase

to the specific uh uh uh positions like where the position is currently being paid the individuals get. Yes. Okay. So, that I I don't have. Now, if what we're looking at is at the position, then that that's where we look at the partic the the last column report. I want to make sure that you understood or that I'm understanding your response. Um because I'm looking at the recommended minimum annual salary for that position and what the max is for that position. So, I was looking for like a middle column that tells me what that position is current like what is the city currently paying that individual for that position.

Right. So, you're asking for partic particular particularity as to what the the person is being paid. Exactly. Okay. Cuz it it helps me understand are they on the more on the minimum side? Are they already maxed out? Um and then given the 2.8, what what does that like how would that reflect? Um I think this question is more for Ramona. If approving this does that also does that also reflect any changes? So you know how during budget right the mayor during the next fiscal year he's already planning out what the the changes are if any

um if approving this would let me I'm trying to see how could I word it. I think I know. Would there be any potential additional increases on top of the 2.8%. So this is this would be the amount that each department needs to reflect on their budget. Um now this is a calendar year versus a fiscal year. So we are going to assume that for the rest of the fiscal year it's going to stay the same. Then come next year we can come back to the council and ask for an additional appropriation. So it wouldn't be reflected. The budget is not going to increase. It's going to reflect what this has.

Okay. Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. So this and not an additional cuz I I didn't know when this would if would this come into play right when budget is approved. So this was explained in the personnel, but I'll I'll repeat it now just for the new members. Um the last cost of living adjustment for the non-unions was effective January 2025. So a year ago a month a year ago a month ago. So this will be effective January. So it will be the whole calendar year for 2026. Okay.

And before that just so you know 2023 was the first year that the the Collins Center was implemented. 2024 there was no increase for the non-unions. Okay. Through the budget point of information on that point of information, of course, because people were mid-range and then they went max out at the end of 2024. But I just want Right. But not everybody's at the max. I I do want you to understand. No, but the thing is is like nobody if nobody's on the max, you have the room because this this 2.8% is only for the max outs. Yes. No, it's for everybody. No, it's not because you know why we are not giving an increase.

Give me let me explain to you as of why my confidence give me a give me a second. Give me a second. If it is not for the max out you have room to increase salaries. We don't. Sorry I have to excuse myself. Um the vice chair will be taking over the rest of the meeting. Have a good night everyone. Good night. Thank you. Uh if you're not if you're not max out I mean if you're not max out like let's say perhaps I give you a good example. stay on the great P. If you are at the 130,000 Mhm.

right now 100,000 that that range from 100,000 to 145,000 and if you are making 140 130,000 right now are you are telling me that the city is not increasing the salary to that person? We do not have that in the budget. So we need the council to approve the No, but but but you can increase it at the budget season. No, because it will be effective January. We do not have that in the budget. Yes, you have the ability to increase salary if people are not maxed out. The only people that you cannot increase salary is to the people that are maxed out, which is this is going to benefit.

So that's what the ordinance part of it is. But the budget and finance portion is someone that is in the budget for 63,000 I cannot increase 2.8%. the budget June. Well, no, because so June in June you put it on the budget and you increase the salary.

I think we have an issue with calendar versus fiscal. So the the last time the non-unions got a raise was January 2025. So they have not a month ago in January they it's been a year since they got a raise. So, in order for me to allow them to get a raise, I need to ask for funding from the council before the next budget. But what you're looking for on these 2.8% increase is to have room to increase to those that are maxed out. It's twofold. You're right. You are correct. It's twofold. The ones that are maxed out, I need permission from the orders. Increase 2.8%. Right. But the ones that are not maxed out, I need that as well. You need but but

I need the funding because I do not have that. I need the funding. Correct. And on Jan and no in June, you put on the budget as a recommended increasement on that specific salary and if the budget get approved, you have the funding. Well, no. I'd like to give them a a January 2026 because that's when their their race is due. They're they're missing out on several months. six months worth of. So basically you given like anybody that anybody that you increase salary on June last year. No, we the last race was January 2025. Not June.

How what is the percentage of people being maxed out on this on this thing? Just the percentage of people if we if we have 100 people, how many of those are maxed out of the 100? I'd have to get that to you. If I may.

Go ahead. I think we're villainizing if you're if you're mid-range or you're maxed out. If you're if you're I'm sorry. I think you're I think you're villainizing if you're a mid-range or you're maxed out. You can have like I said, you can have the experience, the training, the background, and be mid-range or or at the max and you should still be entitled to a cola. I mean it it's it's it's it if you go to the grocery store last year is not the same thing that that that you're getting when you go to the grocery store this year. And that applies universally to everybody whether you're mid-range maxed out or as you're

speaking as an attorney right now, not as a human resources. And I think it's okay for us to ask for that information, not with the intent to villainize, but with the intent to make certain decisions to approve and know and having all the information I completely before us. I'll speak for myself.

What I'm what I'm saying for you, Madame Bashier, what I'm seeing here is that I'm not against the 2.8% increase. What I wanted to have is a system that actually allows it to go step by step because if next year like perhaps this year we seeing that on the budget that is an increase of a step on salary that people are going from a step 10 or step eight to a step 9 or 11 and this is an increase on the step and that represent a percentage that's that's fine but that's not what we have seen. with this calling center a story

council president though um those steps and this is uh educate me at this point um normally steps we see that with union with union positions you don't normally see steps in non-union positions so how would you like for these steps to be reflective um reflecting on non-union employees. Well, do we have to create a system? Let's create that. Yeah. Let's say perhaps that we have a $45,000 to work from the minimum to the max that you split that into an a specific amount of steps. Let's say 10 steps. Each step represent 45 $4,500.

But does the city have to create a step system for non-unist? That normally doesn't exist for non-unit. Exactly. It doesn't exist. And that's why it is so much like this is the thing like because the thing is is like the fact that we've been doing it with our system, it puts so much pressure. I understand. Yeah. So much pressure into into some employees that haven't get to what they think they deserve and they probably ask, "Okay, when am I going to get the an increase?" And if we have an step system that work towards getting you to the max, it makes it fair.

It makes it fair. And if somebody have the minimum requirement, we know that on the first year as a minimum requirement, you're going to start on the bottom and then you're going to increase your your way up all the way to whatever is maxed out. But what we've seen is that in the last three years, a lot of people are are already maxed because of a specific color of ink. True. And then what we what we're not seeing is like and and then we have people that say look if this person is making this amount and then we I deserve to get this amount and if that person and then we become a whole system a domino effect that at the end of the day is the only the taxers are the one that want to be responsible for it long term and and trust me I have no problem with the 2.8%. I believe it should be approved but we need the system. How? If somebody started today and three years later that person cannot be maxed out even though I have the a PhD and that's not the case. I'm exaggerating. I'm exaggerating because if somebody's put a PhD, of course she'll be looking for the way of of getting that person up there

because we want to keep that person. But essentially that's not the case. That's not what we seeing here. So a couple of questions because we need to move on on the on the different meetings that we have. So a couple of things that I'm going to request from you. um is that we need we need to have a minimum as of before the calling sent the calling center was approved the minimum uh column on that because we have the recommended ones and then we have we we I would like also to get on those positions what are the current salaries of those and you probably going to tell me oh that's personal information no that's public information if you work for the public that is not such thing as as as expectation of privacy if I go to the internet right now I at it.

Okay. If I may inquire. Sure. Uh pertaining to um before the Collins Center, the minimum, there's been a little bit of a turnaround, not only my department, but also the CAFO, which are the two departments that would be in charge of having um that information. Probably the clerk might have it on the when the calling center was approved. She probably have on those package. That's that's good enough to get a a base. It's actually in our ordinance book attorney. It's under the very outdated one that I that I schedule A. Okay. Is that what you're talking about? That was updated. That might be it. It was updated in 2022. No, that's that's the newer one. That's I'm looking at the ordinances. I'm seeing it right here.

But the the one that that um council president is asking for is the one the baseline before that. So what was the baseline as of where we started before we approved the calling center? So we can have that column as of because is like in your statement you you you saying something like oh they only received 2.5%. But after the calling sent in 2023 it was a significant increase that it was it represent over over 60% 80% of some occ some occasions because it was so outdated and they were so yeah it was but I mean it

poorly paid. Yeah, but I mean it's not like, you know what I mean? It making kind of sounds like we we're not doing the right thing at the be at the very beginning of the conversation, but I mean we'll move on from this. But yeah, that you got the point. Councelor Rodriguez, any further questions, discussions? Councelor Lant. Yeah, this is real. I think this would be quick. Earlier this evening, we talked about steps and you didn't have a chance to comment on that. So, I I don't know what's true, what's not true. Are there steps with the non-UN salaries? Can can can the uh I know that there's a hiring midpoint

by ordinance. I know that you can't go through the top, but once that's satisfied, can can the can the executive branch moved somebody wherever they want after that's been satisfied? Because that's what I'm hearing. So, I just want to make sure we're grounded in truth. So, what is the law? What are ordinances? What's our policies? So the the Colin Center as is has quadrants. So up on top has quadrants and it says essentially per quadrant where where that that salary should be. That's not where I'm going. However, pertaining to your steps, we don't have steps for non-unions.

Okay. So, so, so we have a minimum, we have a maximum, and so is it fairly arbitrary that you can put someone at a at a at a salary and you were in there? I how does I mean the point that was made this evening that was not challenged was that somebody can put somebody at the highest rank and we got that no one knows the numbers but there's a bunch of people who are at the very top and they probably started somewhere low much lower and then all of a sudden they got to the top and and I want to base our conversation on on statistics and facts. So I want to know what is the facts now with respect to that. Can can can the executive branch at some point after someone's been in the job for a year say I like I like what you're doing

six months. I like what you're doing. I love you. Yes. For whatever the reasons are. It could be anything, right? Any reason they're already in. They can go to the very top. Do they have that kind of does does the executive branch have that kind of discretion? They are the appointing authority. So they have the discretion. There are no boundaries. There's no limitations on on how they how they go. The ordinance states that Okay. No, I want to hear. No, the ordinance states the six months and then after that and then after that it's whatever.

It's whatever whatever for whatever reason, for whatever purposes, whatever. There's a there's wide discretion on on salaries after six months. It's good to know. I mean, I think we should I think we should Can you Can you affirm that? Yes, I affirm that the mayor is the appointing authority. Okay. Per the charter.

No, no, that's okay. And I'm not I'm not saying the charter is right. I'm not saying the charter is wrong. I'm not saying what is happening is right or wrong. It seems like what's happening right now is lawful. I don't think anything's happening is unlawful. It may it may it may challenge our sensibilities. We may say that doesn't seem so great. U but it's not unlawful. Uh but but but but perhaps if someone is so inclined and I'm not and and I I may support something like this. Uh finding some sort of we can change ordinances that say that you can only have in the course of a year no more than a 5% I don't know what the number is increase. You can't increase somebody after the six months by more than 5%. And you can't do it more than annually or something like that. so that you're not jumping from the midpoint to the maximum on month seven, something like that. But that's that's the council's prerogative if the council wants to do that

and and that's why I sent that over to the to the ordinance committee. Let's see if they they get to that point. It wasn't no personel personel. Got it. Okay. You're confusing with another item that No, no, no. It should it it is you'll get through eventually. Yeah, it will get to that point. I'm good to answer your question. I'm good. Thank you. Okay. Are we What are we doing with tonight item, Mr. Do? Are we going to send it up? What are we doing? Um I can't be the one making the recommendations. Um I mean, I'll send this I'll make a motion to send this up to the full council with the favorable recommendation for the colar alone.

My apologies, guys. Um Okay. in a second. I have u I have a I mean what are you what are you saying on that?

Um well I wanted to make one more statement and this is just to like um given how contentious this conversation has been. Um I my personal opinion is this 2.8% 8% would have been approved within maybe 20 minutes of discussion had the council not have seen a pattern or an egregious amount of uh positions in questions to which um I mean we could debate it all all we can right now but um if it wasn't a a huge pattern of these positions where we're discussing how um a lot of the a lot of folks are are being hired um within a range and for a position that they would not have qualified for. I feel like we wouldn't even be debating this right now. And that's the only reason why I feel like this conversation is being dragged out uh to the length that it's been dragged out at this point is because it has happened. And I think, you know, just to um playing devil's advocate and kind of speaking on behalf of my colleagues, we're we're just trying to make sure that we we are hiring the best of the best and that we want to retain those folks as well. We don't want them to leave. Um, but I as counselors approving budgets and trying to be fiscally responsible when when it comes to um approving these budgets, I think it gets to a point where we're just kind of tired of kind of seeing um some of these salaries being approved for for folks that are not quite qualified for these positions and we're just trying to do our due diligence. So, you know, that's not, you know,

I just that's something I felt like I make a motion to send this up as a committee report. Can I get a second?

Not second. Before we make a motion, I would like to make uh one last request or or statement perhaps. So I going to council president Rodriguez. I going to concur with uh the council vice chair.

The the issue here is not the 2.8%. That's that's something that we definitely I would like uh the employees to get that or maybe maybe 3%. That's not that's not my issue. My issue here is that is the is the system that we we don't have in place yet that we need to make sure that we at least talk about it. The budget discussion back in June was around this issue. And if we don't talk about that now, it sounds like the budget is also going to be around the same end because we're not following a system. So a lot of the counelors back on June have that main issue of salaries being increased without having a proper protocol. What you what what we just hear from you is that if somebody come in six month six six and a half months later can be maxed out on our on our tables on our salary range could be max out starting up at the beginning mid-range and then a month later get an increase of going to the top

could be at mid-range I'm sorry

at the beginning and then a month later mid-range ending at 6 month a month later getting an increase of going to the top. In seven months, you can be on the top and that's not fair for any employee that has been here for any amount of time. It could be the best of the best. But that psych that psychology of I'm not getting what somebody else is getting that bring up a domino effect that is going is affecting the city more than benefiting the city. The city and and and and I mean we at the beginning of the conversation it was the union on union a lot of union employees they don't get to this salary they don't get to even close to $145,000 at all a lot of union union that we have debate the laborer they're making 23 22 20 $35 an hour that's not even 100,000 100,000 you make you know almost $50 now to make 100,000. So it's like I I to be honest with you comparison is not quite good but what I would like to do is like keep the de keep the debate open at this level having those data that we ask analyze those at this level and present that to the full council so we be able to have it a a discussion when it comes to what are the issues. uh we just identified and confirmed that people can be maxed out within seven months.

They can be placed at the midpoint and then there on and then six for the first six months they can be placed on the on the fir on the mid-range. So if they so just for clarification if they have the background experience training and so on and so forth they get hired they can be at midpoint. Yes. Yes. and make but if they start at minimum after six months which is almost like a probationary period let's say then you can go typically to midpoint at least that's the pattern that I if they get hired today and they have the minimum qualification they can start it at the mid-range and that's for the first six month if you have higher experience

if you have high I'm not saying that you're not qualified I'm saying that if you have experience you can be placed at the mid-range. If you have the minimum requirements, you can be placed at the mid-range for the first 6 months. You could be placed in any range. There's discretion. There's there's discussion for not more than the the mid-range. You cannot start it at the at the very top. You can't based on the ordinance, right? That's correct. For the first six months. No, but there's discretion between the minimum to

Exactly. But I mean on the mid-range you can be if you have qualifications and the minimum qualification you can be at the mid-range for the first six month after the six month you can be maxed out a month later that's why the system that we have in place allow right I mean in theory

in theory no in reality in reality we have people that have max out their salary within less than a I mean, I know I I would feel comfortable making decisions whether approving um or whether it's approving it to full counsel with a favorable recommendation or whether it's at a committee report. There were many things that um I guess we had requested from this table. So that I know me personally for me that's information that I would feel it's necessary in order for me to uh digest and process the decisions cuz this is not like this isn't something small. It's it's it's a huge ask. So I just wanted to make sure that um I um I am processing and making the decisions um adequately with the information that we've requested. Um, councelor Llan, you had any qu Oh,

councelor Rodriguez, do you have any additional comments? I I'd like just to make sure that I have everything that the council is requesting of me. So, um, councilwoman, I believe what you're asking me is um where the the position is now, what they're being paid now. Correct. Correct. Oh, perfect. And um um and I'm not sure if councelor Rodriguez already asked, but I want to know how many even though I could tell given that column, but if there's a way to also know as to how many and which of these positions are already maxed out? Okay. I mean, once they provide that information, we will know.

No, I know. I I've done negotiations at Great Allence Tech and it was colorcoded. Like I could see it was colorcoded as to like which positions were maxed out. Oh, okay. Got it. Not that I'm requesting that, but if it could happen. Wink wink. Yeah. Make it make it look nice. And um council president is requesting what the minimum was prior to the Collins Center was approved. So what the data was at the beginning um what they used in order to make this determination. And I have current salaries. Current salaries. I mean that's the what that's kind of uh

and I also add that that is not in in case that people uh might say no you're not supposed to provide that data that's public information that is no sense of privacy when you when you work for the government. So names if name is requested I'm not requesting names but if the name is requested that should be provided as well but I'm not at this point I'm not requesting names

we agree with that is you have everything I have all of that okay so can we finalize as to what we're going to do with this item I'll make a motion to table. Motion has been made to table. Can I get a second? You got table automatic. He's right. It doesn't make a difference. But but yeah, you got table automatic. Oh, it does. It really doesn't cuz if no one moves on, it's just going to say, but I'll second it. Okay. Probably second. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Um I'll see you for the next meeting. I'll definitely call you so I could kind of absolutely

be a little bit more prepared for my office any future meetings. Can I send those digital please? Absolutely. Thank the next You have an Excel, right? Okay. Send it on Excel. I want to do some uh math. Oh, you're better than me. Okay. The next item on this agenda um is item 3026, the reclassification of non-UN positions. No, that was that was this one.

I mean, not 30 3826. Um 3826 SEIU Local 3 Library Union Collective Bargaining Agreement. Um we have our CAFO here with us. Uh CAFO, if you could please proceed with this item.

Yes. Uh Ramona Spalos, CAFO. Um so the SEIU local 88A library union has ratified and unlike other unions I am not requesting a an appropriation. Um this uh union has or this department has enough funding through the current budget and vacancies. So, um, the amount that it's needed, um, I'm not asking for an appropriation, but I'm presenting to you, um, for the C, uh, council president request, uh, an overview of what this union is getting. Um, so some of the synopsis of the items that were negotiated was the the night the night differential will be adjusted. instead of starting at 3, it will start at 5:00 in the in the evening. There's a couple of positions that are being moved per the director's request, changing the titles and some uh to reflect a better um job responsibility, amending job titles and so forth. Also, the um the uniform allowance for the custodian has a minimal increase and the tuition reimbursement that is already part of their negotiation. Um it's allowing them to utilize the funds that is not used at the end of the fiscal year. Um so that is pretty much in a nutshell uh what they're getting with the addition of the 2.5 cola increase for the next uh three years. Any questions?

Councilor's discussion. I have a few questions. Councelor Rodriguez, can you can you clarify from the education portion that that you guys are changing? Yes. So, if you go to page three on the MOA, on the top of the page, it shows the associate degree, bachelor's, and masters of library science. It shows what the previous effective day is and and now um the effective the last effective date was 1999. Now, it's 2025 and there's a minimal increase there. No, I'm talking more like the reimbursement for Oh, the 3,000

the tuition reimbursement.

Yes. So, in the budget book, which I don't assume you have, but I can take you through um in the library section of the budget book, which is page 140, it shows per CBA education incentive per article 29. So that amount um in the budget was $4,000. And what happened was if the employees of part of the members of the union did not use um the full amount, it will stay in the budget. But now this opens up um just read it so that I have the right wording. I'll read it to you. Maybe make more sense. The city shall provide tuition reimbursement for courses in the library science or the library related courses to all current employees which are approved in advance by the library director. Said courses must be passed with a grade of B or better where no grade is assigned. The course must be successfully completed. The city shall provide funds for this article not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year provided that there shall be a cap of $300 per employee per fiscal year. So what we're adding here is effective July 2025, funds that remain unused will be distributed among employees that have utilized the fund in the current year. So we're not adding any additional funding. We're just distributing whatever is left from the 3,000 that's budgeted to other employees. Um

so it's $3,000 for the entire staff. Yes. In cap $300 per employee. Mhm. What type of courses can you take with $300? Um I mean I just wondering like surely may sure um so any coursework in pursuant to the requirements of the job position so bachelor's or master's degree and there is institutions that actually that have courses for 300 unfortunately I want to say yes and no but yes there are institution um just they offer tuitions and this is the extra right I'm sorry

they institution offer tuitions and this This is the extra they need to pay in case they need to pay extra. No, no, no. So, if that's if they're under like a financial aid or so forth, but if they're paying whether out of pocket or whether it's a finance, the reality of it is they would be entitled to based on the credit of the course for that tuition reimbursement. Maybe that maybe in the community college they might have courses that at that level, but I mean there is not many. There isn't many. Absolutely. And that's why we would like the pool where if the the employee has additional funds because we only have maybe one or two students enrolled in additional education, they can get an an additional sentence out of that 3,000 that's already budgeted for the library.

Yeah. Uh and the reason that I asked the question is because due to the fact that it's not many that the cap assist of $300 uh per employee and if they don't have any cars available and nobody actually take it. The $3,000 will be distributed throughout and that's not the intent of that uh of that uh of the money is to have people that are that take courses. So it's kind of like you know I don't want I want the money to be used you know what I mean and that's what this is intending to do and it's it's being used every year

correct no not every year currently it is being used we have an employee pursuing their bachelors and and another employee pursuing their masters in library and information science. This is a way to incentivize and cultivate education within our our administration and within the library sector. Um it's something that we've seen time and time and again to be um uh more prominent in regards to how we resource and distribute our information coming from you know sources and and encouraging that educational concept of it. Yeah. Th those people only get $300. Correct. As of right now this is choosing to change that. Okay. So essentially if you have two employees that cap at 300 you 600 that rest is being distributed

right? So the cap is kind of going away because the money is there to be used for whoever needs it. So $3,000 if you if you need it, you get it. If nobody else is using it, do you know what I mean? So it starts at 300 and then if there's money left and you are pursuing education, you need more money for credits, then you can um so and that when does the termination happen? Like at what month like on June?

It's just based on semesters, right? So they have to submit our their curriculum and according to that they also have to submit their grades because it does say that they have to have an average of a B um in order to be eligible for that reimbursement. So they have to actually first spawn like pay for their education and this will be initially a reimbursement. So, if there were two employees and they originally get their $300 per their credit courses and then there's still that $3,000 pool minus the 600, they will then be eligible if no other employee has applied for it to divide the rest of that fund towards their education.

No. And my question is when that happen does that happen in June at the end of the fiscal year or or because if it happened throughout the year I mean you're not being fair to an employee to actually take an opportunity to take advantage of it. But if it happened on June, that's the end of fiscal year. Okay, nobody's going to use it by this time. So, we can distribute it. That's that's what I'm saying. So, there is a there is a a way of of of a u like something on writing that says by June this money if it's not used and then we use it as as we prefer.

I understand. Um so, we do have performance evaluation plans including to that and that's part of it. So they have to share with us that they are in enrolled in a program and what the program outcome is and then they have a certain eligibility to submit to us what after they completed the coursework those grades. It's also based on the school and what they're pursuing. Some grades come before others. So in answer to you yes our performance evaluation does have a time frame when they have to submit to us are their final grades for the submission of a reimbursement.

Well that's not a question at the end of the day. What I'm saying is is like it have to happen on a specific month the the the distribution of funds but and and you provide that fund to someone else because if you do it perhaps let's say that we approved this in June and by the first semester of the year of September to December oh nobody use it and then in December you say okay nobody use this money now it's going to go towards this employee that is enroll in college I mean you're not providing the opportunity to other employees is to actually even think about it like you know but if it happened in June the following year and then we can we can prepare and say you know what this money was not used uh whoever used whoever whoever went to college give me the receive and and then the money going to be distributed alone you know what I mean so it have to happen on an specific month I'm just putting June there because June is the end of of the fiscal year

okay I think I understand what your request is it is a request because quite frankly right now this is something that we're just trying to actually implore just so that we act they can take advantage of those funds that are sitting and actually go back to the city pool. So as of right now we haven't faced those challenges that you're addressing and I think that that's something that we can definitely bring up to the table to our board of trustees. Um I also do feel that there is a semester right so they happen in those quarterly censuses. So even prior to June they would have been completed or already enrolled and the reality they have to complete it. So it's even if they're enrolled they're not eligible for it and even if they complete it and fail they're not eligible for it. So if we look at semesters normally by the time fiscal budget report um is is done the the fiscal year is over. No, the semester doesn't go by semester.

Master finished by June. Exactly. So, we would already know whether the the employee based on the performance evaluation has enrolled in the coursework. Yeah. I mean, it have to have some type of uh some time when you actually make the determination as a director. Okay. The fund is going to be gone towards those two three people. It can be just in the middle of the fiscal year like okay just because of this just because of that

if they don't pass and they're not eligible for it. So see that there that's the condesur right so you're basing it on well these three folks enrolled and they say they enrolled so we're budgeting for those three those three folks but then they don't pass so the the pool is still available the completion is what we're actually after. Yeah, at the end of the day like the final determination of the distribution of the funds had to be at the end of the year at the end of a fiscal year because you're going to come in front of us saying okay this is this is the fund that we need to fulfill this part of the part of the union and then the question will be uh when the money was distributed at the end is is like it was in January because if it wasn't January is like because it could be it could be you know trainings that begins in February like at the local community college and be able to advance their career and be able to take advantage of the funds uh at the distribution at the distribution point and and that's something that we will we would like everybody to take advantage of it but I mean um I just want to I just want you to think about you know a specific date happening at the end of fiscal year because that will more equitable and fair to everybody that is applying for the funds.

Thank you, Council President. And I just also want to mention just please be rest assured this is based on completion, right? So if they have not completed the coursework based at the end of the fiscal year once they complete it, that means that we'll have the new funds which is already within the budget, the 3,000, they will be eligible to submit their um their accreditation, their credits, and then they can be reimbursed for that that fiscal year. So it's essentially even if we do put a date or do not put a date, they're only eligible upon completion. Meaning if they complete within this fiscal year, next fiscal year within the budget, they're eligible because it's based on their completion date. So if let's say they they finish exactly on June and they're in June and budget is closed and they will be still eligible for a reimbursement out of the 3,000 for the calendar year.

Thank you, council plant. I think I'm trying to make this brief. So two questions. one. I'll tell you what they both are and then you can answer them however you want to tell them. And may I'm sorry. Janella Brew, director of Lawrence Public Library. I messed that part. Sorry. All right. I didn't I'm sorry. I didn't ask. No, it's okay. I thought about it after as a second thought. Uh I want to know a little bit more about the archivist and in your shop. And that's one. And the second I want to talk I want to ask you regarding summer hours and if there's any progress being made with that. So I'm ready to listen. Thank you. So currently just give me the summary on both because of the hour if you don't mind.

So our archival librarian position is currently vacant. We are budgeted for that from last fiscal year to meet the requirements of certification. Uh currently that is vacant. Um but we did put the new names in the um union contract because we want to acknowledge that these are master holding positions. Um it's a requirement from the MBLC. It's a requirement that we should uphold within the city of Lawrence to have folks within those positions have a certain title in order to be um within those position. Uh again, those positions would have to wait until union negotiations and it's passed through council in order to be public and then we would submit a requisition form for those vacancies. Um so as of right now, we do not have an archavist librarian. Our hopes is to fill that. Um, and we're working alongside our consortium, other library partners to make sure that our job description aligns with the competitiveness of finding an archival librarian out there. Does that answer that first part?

To summarize, no, nothing yet. It's in progress. Correct. Got it. After we finalize the full council vote, then we can submit a requisition. Just keep in mind this vote before the council is unnecessary. It mean no offense. This is more of a preuncter. Oh, okay. Then then I can list it. It's already there's already money in the budget and we're just doing as a courtesy so we can have more information. That's correct. So the second thing was the uh summer hours which is a huge deal for some of us power users. Go.

Absolutely. Thank you so much for allowing me the um mic for that council of plants. I I am happy to share that we did listen to our constituents regarding our summer hours. Uh we do operate from 9:00 a.m. to 900 p.m. um in the spring, in the winter, and the fall uh Monday through Thursday. and we're open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Uh we work alongside other libraries and those are library hours that are conducive to our our community, right? Uh our library hours during the summers though was only operating I call them bank hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays and we were closed on the weekend. being a valuable source of the community. What we have done is that we've actually um gotten rid of the language and I'm very supportive and thankful for my staff for understanding the importance of the resources of the library and the place that we hold here. We eliminated the language from September through May and five shifts during the period of Monday through Friday from June through August, which would limit our staff from only working Monday through Fridays, those summer hours. This would allow the library to progressively look at increasing their hours to hopefully in the future with staffing meet the needs of the community and meet the current hours we serve the public which is 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday in additional to have some weekend hours as well.

And let me just say this because I I probably won't say this at the full council level. So this last part is really important. We want to think of ourselves as a as a first class city. A first class city does not have summer hours Monday through Friday 9 to5 and a closeup shop is like education and advancement doesn't take place on the weekends or at night. So if we're if we're really serious about being a first class municipality, we need to have a first class library. And one of the steps to becoming a first class library is making sure that if a patron has a desired to go and to use the library for whatever their purposes are that that asset is available to them. So I think the reason why I'm asking that question because this is huge. This is big. For so long, for too long in our city, I don't even remember when we went from we probably were seven days a week at one point and then how we went down to five is beyond me. It's budget cuts, I'm sure. And then and then that was it. out a matter of convenience, we just said we don't need it. It's not that important. We rather do something else. So, so this is big. So, I just want to um I want to thank you and and and and commend you for your efforts in making this thing happen and in addition to yourself to your staff because you can't do it unilaterally. You needed to get cooperation from others to make that happen. So, um that that I think bodess well for your leadership because you had staff that was able to work with you to get to that point. So kudos to you and good for us. Good for us that we're able to be able to use it at more than just than we currently are during during the weekend on the weekend. So thank you.

Thank you councel plant. And if you could just get South Lawrence Branch Library that that would be the that'd be the last in due time. All right. Thank you. Thank you counselors. I'm looking for a recommendation. I'll send this over to the full council as a committee report because it's not need for a vote. Second. Motion has been made properly second. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Thank you. Have a good evening.

Uh counselors, I believe we have three more items on this agenda. Um we need to be cognizant of the fact that I think we have another meeting right after budget. Um, so wait, wait. Um, give me one second. Uh, Mr. McCarthy, I'm so sorry. I was told you were here for tabled item 626 2426. That's with you. But Ramona, are you here for 626? Is that the clerical? Yeah, that that is. I would love to untab that. Okay. Do you have the information that we

I sent you an email last week. Uh, you did. She did. Okay. We sent it over to the full council. We discussed it. Wait, wait, wait. We have to mo uh I do have a copy if you want. I I sent it, but I can give you a copy. I mean, we can discuss it at the full council at this point. That's before we're getting into discussions. Can I get a motion to unt 626 SEIU local 3 clerical union collective bargaining agreement transfer of $83,54 from general fund and enterprise fund accounts to various salary funds to fund the CBA. I'll make a motion on table.

Motion has been made properly second. All those in favor say I. I. Okay. Can I get a motion as to what the recommendation is for this item? Uh we'll make a motion to send it to the full council as a committee report. Uh and you can you please send that email to everybody? She did. I did. She did. To every council member or you send all the to Okay. Sure. Absolutely. Just just we have enough money for this. Yes. Yes. I Yes. That's all we're here for. Enough money. Good. Thank you. My apologies, counselor. Did I skip the discussion part?

I like roll call, please. Uh oh. And okay, just for the sake of my memory, all those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. All right. I'll see you on Tuesday. I'm sorry. Just be ready for next week. Yes. She's always ready. She stays ready. She stays ready. Okay. Mr. McCarthy, item 2426. So, we have an issue. Authoration. Wait. Authorization to expand. I can't I can't do this. Oh, you can't. So, we don't have quorum. We don't have quorum. Um, I'll be I'll be making a request. I I did bring a PowerPoint presentation.

Are we even allowed to discuss? We haven't been able to unable it. No, we you guys can, but I can't. Oh, okay. So, can I get a motion? If you're going to say anything in regards to this item, let me just make a motion. No, I I can stay. You could stay. Um, you can't stay. M what I would recommend, Madam Chair, is this. Yes, please. What I would recommend is just because I understand where the council president's predicament is. Why? We we're not going to take this up tonight. Mhm. Um what I would recommend is putting it as old business at the next full city council meeting and discharging it out of committee. Okay. So that's what I that's be my recommendation. Yeah, that would be fair. That way.

Is it the same for Yes. Mass DOT on uh uh item 48125 as well, which Mr. McCarthy was here for this item as well. 48125 and 2426. Correct. That's correct. Okay. So, we're You don't have to do anything. It just we can't So, we're going to be discussing these two items under old We're going to be pulling them under old business. I would re That's right. I would recommen I would recommend somebody putting that under old business and then we can discharge it. Okay. A motion needs to be made to make that. No. So uh motion has been made to adjurnn. Can I get a second?

No, we don't have anything else. No, that wasn't it. But uh second. Sorry, Dan. Sorry, Mr. McCarthy. Next week. All those in favor say I. I. And the eyes have it. Um do you want me to be presenting this at at the full council? The full council. So yeah, it'll be discussed at full council under old business. I'll yeah I'll present it by myself. I did bring the engineers for the answer questions but

Government Relations Committee is meeting of the Lawren City Council Monday. Today is Monday, February the 9, 2026. And what time is it right now?

9:00. There is a 9:00. uh city council chamber all this meeting is also being conducted as a hybrid meeting and you may remotely access the meeting through the digital platform. Um com with me tonight is uh board member uh Franklin Miguel who is the vice chair um Selena Rey Council Allar who is right now by Zoom and myself Anna Levi who is the chair and the vice president of this committee person to the charter 20 of the act of 2022. This meeting of ordin committee is being conducted both in person and via remote participation. A reminding the person who would like to listen to view this meeting choir in progress may either attend in person at the location above or use any of the following location through fu or YouTube. So now there is no minutes for council approval and let's stand for the

pledge of the the flag.

I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stand one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Council. Um, Maria, you make the the call. The roll call. Sure.

Councelor Selena Reyes. Councelor Selena Rees. Councelor Selena Reyes, are you present via Zoom? Yep. Yes.

Councelor Selena Reyes, can you hear us? Let me check with John. cancel ready.

Is she there? Yeah, she's

okay. She kicked her.

Hold on one second. And you're here. hand. Can you hear? Can you hear us?

The frequenc is is terrible right now. Okay. Can you look at it? Okay. So, we can hear you. Uhhuh. I can hear you too. Okay. Okay. So I think so that we are okay right now. Okay. Councelor Selena Reyes. I'm doing a roll up. Thank you. Councelor Franklin Miguel present. And madame chair Anna Levy present.

Thank you. So uh today in the agenda we have item 20 3126 is a resident parking fon street and west side from our street to county road. Uh that was submitted by council Bian Malmore and Marlin Hot Rodriguez. Council, any question on this item?

Um a motion to send uh items 31 item 3126 to Lawrence Police Department. Um there is a motion to send it to Lawrence Police Department. Item 312C, a resident parking on Fairway Street, West Side. Can I hear a second? I already second it. Okay, it's already second. And it's going to be sended to those in favor say I. I. I. Make it. Oh, yes. Please make it the roll call. Okay. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Con councelor Franklin Miguel.

Yes. And madame chair Anna Levy. Yes. Thank you. Item 322 is a resident parking on Fermo Street east side from Arbor Street to County Road. So this item was submitted by councelor Vivian Marmmore and Maline Hot Rodriguez and this is going to be the hour is going to be from 5:00 p.m. to 7 a.m. So there will be a motion to send to um item 3226 to the Lawrence Police Department.

There is a motion to send the item 3226 to the Lawrence Police Department. Can I hear a motion to a second? Second. So Iron is already second. All those in favor say I. Roll call, please. Sure. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And Madame Chair, Anna Levy. Yes.

Thank you. Motion pass. So item 3326 is a oneway fermon street from Albon Street to Hol Street also submitted by councelor B Maro and Maline Hot Rodriguez. May I hear a motion? Motion to send item 3326 to DPW. Motion is already in place. May I hear a second? Second. Uh, please roll call. Roll call for document 3326. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And Madame Chair Anna Levy. Yes.

Thank you. Motion carries. So motion item. Okay. I'm going to take item no 3426 is to remove handicap parking signage in three corer S3 by Sophia Rosario and this item is for withdraw. So I will submit a motion to uh item 3526 34 34 34 uh 26 to remove handicap parking signage three courier street uh to send to full council to withdraw. All those in favor

now you have to second we need Maria the final clarification we don't need to to ordering a public hearing. Yeah. No, for withdraw we don't need to order a public hearing. Don't they usually send it to the Lawrence police department police? No. So it being sended to the BPW or Lauren Police Department? Yeah, the usually that's what I see. Oh, okay. Is remove the handicap parking. Okay. Yes.

Is that remove? Yes. 3426. Okay. send it to the full council for remove uh no uh the no need. So and also be sended to the police and to DPW. You want to do pending the report? Yes, please. Thank you. So motion is already made. Um uh roll call.

Roll call, please. Councelor Selena Reyes, yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel, yes. And Madame Chair, Anna Levy, yes. Thank you. Motion passed. So I'm going to take item 35 and 36 as a block. So the boss are a parking request. One is on 33 Juniper Street by council Gregorio de Rosario and guiding Jordan that another one is on 42 Kry Street and Pat by Patrick Cadet. Uh please can I hear a motion?

A motion to send to Lawrence Police Department item that's a block. Yeah. So the motion is already made it and already second. Please roll call. Roll call. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And madame chair Anna Levy. Yes. Thank you. Motion carries.

So item 3726 install and maintain all the ground conduit on Ansbury S3 at Canaris Street. So we don't have nobody from the national agree in here. So I would like to hear a motion to table. Yeah. Motion to table item um 3726. Second. Motion to table already second. No discussion. Um roll call. Roll call. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And madame chair Anna Levy.

Yes. Thank you. Motion pass. Item 3926 is amend emergency declaration ordinance regarding hours of enforcement by councelor Vivian Marmmo. So she was here. I think she left. I don't know. She is still I think she left in here. If she not here, motion to table.

She's coming. She's coming. She's coming back.

Thank God. I was talking about 39 item 3926 is the amenian snow emergency declar uh declaration ordinance so regarding the hour of enforcement um okay I can speak right okay um so may address what was that the name address

name and address Vivian Marl 341 W street Lawrence us um given the challenges and issues that we were facing with the snow removal. I I did have conversations with our director and I had asked like normally my my way of thinking as a counselor is I know I know we've made mistakes as a city um as a director you know what is it that you can say that we can do better as counselors or like what are the changes that we should be proposing in order for this process to be more effective? Um I'm not sure if um there was miscommunication cuz I was advised when I had initially proposed an amendment to the ordinance. Um I was advised that the ordinance that we currently have in place is from 12 in the morning. When I had the conversation with director Heyman, he told me that it's it was from 12 in the morning to 6:00 or 7 in the morning. you say it's

but it's actually I ended up finding out after the fact after I've already submitted this item on the agenda that uh the ordinance as is as is from 12:00 in the morning to 7:00 at night is it? I'm not quite sure. So, I submitted this um to the agenda so we could review the current ordinance and for us to have the ability to propose any changes to that in order for the DPW workers um and administration to be able to effectively remove snow um be able to ticket and tow vehicles that are in violation of the uh parking bans because of the ordinance that we have in place. Um I know that there is a a multitude of things that come into play um such as um the contracts that we have in place with um the tow companies. So I know that in one of the last meetings that we've had it we've added a third toe company. So I'm not sure if that's going to potentially be a positive influence in terms of numbers when it comes to towing capacity. But um yes, the the whole purpose is for us to whether is um myself or just the ordinance committee to meet and plan with the DPW director and administration and review and analyze the current ordinance that we have in place and if there are um any needs for us to make amendments to that in order for us to have a better plan for any future snow emergencies. So practically what would you like is to send this item to DPW director but I also I think that we uh we will send it to the city attorney just to looking on the ordinance and me maybe with you who

are the original of this proposal to do the change and whoever from me me or or the president or whoever that would like to join us that um maybe law enforcement as well. Law enforcement um because we are talking about enforcement when it comes to this ordinance. So yeah, I I just wanted to make sure that we have the opportunity to be part of the discussion um in terms of like if changes need to be made, let's start planning now

so we don't face uh the the same issues that we are facing. I just hate having to go through the same conversations and the same complaints. So, if we have a future snowstorm, if we're going to have complaints, hopefully it's something completely different. Um, so let's address uh the issues that we're seeing um now and uh try to see how we could provide some sort of solution or alleviate um what those concerns are. And that way for the next or any future snow emergencies um we'll be better prepared. Um I think the last thing of what I wanted to state was um in terms of the ordinance, yes, I think it's important for us to like collectively come together to make um if we are going to make changes um to see how that would work for the city um in terms of the time frame that when when should the time end um in terms of the the parking ban um and um I'm not sure if there's going to be future conversations, but it could be discussed. us within this item if you know through you guys if you feel that it's better if there was like a permanent which we don't um but other cities and towns have a permanent alternate parking regardless of the weather or regardless if we have the blue lights but you know I just feel like this is important to have that conversation as of now

I think so that I I agree with you uh on that regard is uh So um we don't want it uh see we have another storm so that we don't have something in place or maybe how we can work better and comply with most of this uh uh ordinance that we already have in the city. Okay. Okay. So the motion the motion at this moment uh we're going to make a motion to send it corresponded to DPW to Syria to only what is the other

I believe law enforce so whether it's the chief or some representative a representative from the Lawrence um to exactly so and try to maybe uh counelor Marmo if you can call also in a schedule uh the time for the meeting. So I really be very well appreciated. In this meeting would you want to include like so it's a meeting between DPW Lawrence PD and all members of the ordinance committee. We can do that. Yes, we can invite all of the members of the Okay. of the ordinance committee. All right.

All right. All right. So, will be a motion to send item 3926 uh to DPW uh Lawrence Police Department and um what was the other one? Lawrence and and the attorney. City attorney. The city attorney. The city attorney and the enforcement. Yes. To Lawrence. Second. So, the motion is already second. Uh please. Roll call. Roll call. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And Madame Chair Anna Levy. Yes. Thank you. Motion pass.

Yeah. You has to do this. I I'll stay just in case you guys have any questions. I'm not sure. Um item 4226 is the request for audit on number of handic space and child care parking space submitted by councelor Burvar Maru.

Okay. So, I'm submitting this as a request just because obviously as a counselor, we do sit through these meetings where we're constantly approving um constantly approving the handicap plaque um signs and childcare parking signs. Um so, out of curiosity, I felt like it was important for us to do an audit to see how many do we have in the city. Um, and uh, I believe in my email request in reference to the handicap spaces is also like are we is how is the city keeping track if this is still um, an active h handicap uh, sign that's still needed? Has that person moved? Have, you know, god forbid. I'm sorry, but you know, have they passed away? Um, so it's like how is the city keeping track if these signs are still necessary just because of the fact that we're continuously seeing how there's so many of them that come before us for approval. Um, so I'm just wondering at what point do we review um cuz some of them we do receive as to like withdrawing it or removing it but it's very far and few in between that uh that comes before us. So yeah, I think that was the main purpose and intent is for us to like be aware as to how many do we have and what is the city doing in order to evaluate if these signs are still needed.

Yeah. Council any comments on this regard through you chair. Um so uh I wouldn't know who who would do the audit. Would it be DPW? It would be it will have to be DPW. So that we will have to send it to them and wait for the recommendation. Um I mean we do approve all the the the handicaps uh signs but

per u the city councelor it will be I mean we don't keep track uh ourself of it. Um so it is DPW who installed them and when we have to remove them is because someone come uh to us and ask to to the sign to be removed. Mhm.

I have noticed the same in my district in not it is not only in yours but uh it is an increased number of handicap requests and I have received as well uh calls from um my constituents asking um how do we keep track of of the the handicaps? Um do we have to do this like per uh every year or every three years? Um, how do we know that that person is still there? And we are having handicaps um sign installed in houses with parking spaces available. Um, so that would be

is there a renewal process? So like once a handicap sign has been approved by city council we rely on the on the basically on the police department uh I mean for the process of approval but then once we approve it we will have to rely on the probably let's say a house got sold and they have that uh handicap sign. Exactly. That person that person needs to come to us and basically request the the removal.

And a lot of folks don't understand that that is a process. I feel like if I was to, you know, if it wasn't for being a counselor, I would not know a lot of the nuances of how things get done uh locally in the city. So, thank God for, you know, I've been enlightened um being a counselor as to how the city functions, but the average person, you know, um if you're buying a property, like you mentioned, counselor Miguel, a lot of folks, if you're buying a property, they don't know if they see that a handicap sign is there, they're just I'm probably automatically assuming that it's, you know,

that someone within it was approved for someone within that block, not knowing that it was for the property that they just bought. Um but yeah, this this purely came out of curiosity given given sitting through these meetings. I'm seeing an not an influx, but there are large numbers of handicap signs that uh get approved. So, I was just um it's I feel like it's important for the city to keep track as to how many we have and to ensure that those those signs are still necessary. Councelor Rey, do you have any comments?

I don't have comment. Uh I don't have question for now. I want to see what the information DPW send to us and see what what is the more better way to moving forward to identify how many handicap we have.

Okay. Thank you. uh we need to take in mind uh they had a doctor recommendation to to have the handicap play but it's interesting to know how many we have in our city uh when we talking about family charign we have a very young ordinance is a very new so uh if my colleague had the the curiosity to have to know how many we have. I think it's a a a great opportunity to know what is the way they tracking the number in the area we have around the whole the citywide.

Thank you. Uh I have a comment. So at one point I heard that um that we hired an agency to see how many handicap parking we have in the city. I don't know if the agency came from DPW that was DPW who's going to hide it or so was the administration who's going to hide it. So what I because the amount I know that most of the time um councelor Lelan keep talking about how many uh sign we have in in the city how many handicap I we have in the city and I hear that they got a consulting or they hire something but I don't really really can tell you who was the person who the agency gency inside the city hall or the administration who was doing this. What I would like to recommend at this point is to send corresponded to the administration to DPW and find out find out they already hire someone to do this investigation. Um or if not we can make a recommendation to hire a consulting to verify on the whole city how many handicap parking do we have and how many could be removed you know at this time and give it the opportunities to somebody else that may be needed. So maybe that's the reason why we had so many handy handicap parking requested that we haven't receive any notification or any information either from the police or from the PW.

Okay. All right. I'm just asking um uh if you guys need me uh to be to come before you if communication could be sent to me. So um I'm aware because this isn't my committee. So, I wouldn't normally I I'll forget. So, if you need like if there's ever a need for my presence uh based on a followup or based on any uh pending information that we're requesting, if you guys could just let me know or I'm not sure if I would be able to would I would I be able to have access to the information provided to you guys. Um okay.

With you know the the request to send certain correspondents to DPW. So if I could just be made aware as to yeah we can stand. So okay so I will recommend to do this and we can table for now until we got the information and then so if no we can make a recommendation to hide it uh consulting uh regarding um verification on how many handicap we have. Uh to you madame sher. Yes,

I believe DPW had this information. We can send the correspondent to DPW to asking for to send some outdated how many handicap sign we have in the whole city and how many char sign we have and they can send this information to us. We can send correspondent to DPW to ask him for that information. Okay. Any other comments on this regard regarding item 4226? So motion to table. So motion to table.

Who made that motion? He made motion to table. Okay. item 4226 and to send the correspondence and send correspondence to DPW and administration for uh clarification. Okay. Second already second for council Selena Re. Okay. Um roll call please. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And Madame Chair Anna Levy. Yes.

Thank you. Motion pass. So item the next item is item 4326 is the review snow emergency process and procedury and winter parking inform also winter parking and uh policy enforcement.

Yeah I know it goes it sounds very similar and goes hand inhand with the the previous item but one of the items is based on the ordinance that we already have and to see if we could make changes to that. This was um and honestly we had a meeting so the whole point of this item was to have the director come before us to like have this conversation but we already had that. Um but I still think it's important if you guys still see the importance of this as well by all means um I would love for us to see this item move forward. If not, because if you guys decide to not do that because of the fact that we already had the meeting, then that's fine as well. But um so to review the snow emergencies process and procedure and winter parking enforcement policies, um I think it's important for us to understand what the current plan is in place. I'm not sure. I we weren't invited to the conversations when it comes to the the planning and procedures for uh winter park um for due to the winter storm and when it comes to what their uh you know their analysises when targeting certain parts of the city. Um therefore it made it difficult for us as counselors to relay communication to our constituents and when constituents would reach out to us it was difficult to um relay that information to someone from the department as well and have them respond um in a timely manner and to address the needs um in real time. And when I say in real time is, you know, if someone is messaging you regarding that, uh their street has not been plowed. Um it's nice for uh that issue to be addressed at least within 24

hours, not 2 to 3 days later. Um so if there's a way for us to, and you could correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think I've seen a plan in place. Um, does the the city does uh DPW, the director and and his employees, do they ha the administration, I mean to say, does the administration and DPW have a plan in place when it comes to snow emergencies? And if so, what is it? I I feel like that's something that it it should be presented to us as to what the process is. So once again, we should send a correspondence to the PW to the administration just to send us any plan that they already have and if we need to do any cororation or make any change on that so we can discuss it after we receive the information. But at the same time also just to remind them to invite the safety committee, the people who are part of the safety committee to be on those meeting when we have any storm or any problem that has to be uh in some way to address before it happen and see already happening. how we can go a little beyond of whatever that they have in place.

Yes, I agree. And from my understanding, we still have future like there's more snow days to come. So, if there's anything that we could tackle, even though, you know, it's nice to get it uh to get it before, you know, um before the snow season, but um if there's anything that any positive changes that we could make right now that could be potential solutions to like two to three more snow days that of whatever we have left. Um it's nice to see if whatever changes that we're making is uh is an improvement um to the process and and policies that we currently have in place. So, um it'll be not not necessarily trial and error, but it'll be nice to see um whatever, you know, conversations that um that we'll have them with them and if we propose any changes that if there are any future snow days left, if we could see that and to see if that would work for our city. I think you know one thing that maybe we can ask is to do well beside all of the advertisements. So to have uh I see before um to have a song light not a not a not a blue light but there are places that you can see um a snow is coming or a bad weather is coming. You talking about like the

it's like kind of like the board with the like when Yes. when they're about to you know give a message. Yes. Do just to Buddha's message you know on that uh important uh street that's you know when people are coming in or out that they able to see it and they give the an idea that you know of the things that is going to happen. I think that this is could be one of the the things that maybe we can address or request. So um you share um

in my opinion items u 4326 and item uh 4426 are basically related to item 20 3926 which uh we already sent correspondent. It is because councelor Miguel 4426 I'm not sure if you remember uh director Heyman when I had asked regarding the the tech like the text alerts I didn't get one and he mentioned that residents have to sign up for it I forget I forget in what fashion it is a code red is called the red

the code red so my intention was how when was the last time that this list has been updated, how many people are signed up for this. I just don't think that this process that we currently have for alerting residents and having residents sign up for the code red, I don't think it's the I feel like we're dropping the ball. Yes. Uh I in terms of h how could we what more could we do to to know because I feel like a lot of folks don't even know that this is

okay. Let me see if I can say this in a different way. uh with the the purpose and the intention of this item. It's me looking to see how what is it that we could do better and and easier because I constantly, you know, and I know you guys see it for yourselves as well. You're constantly seeing complaints on how people say they didn't see the blue lights cuz it's like granted, we know that it's a limited amount of blue lights and they're only located in certain specific locations. Then not everybody's in social media. Then not everybody listens to the radio. So it's like oh my god you know like and I I I could definitely acknowledge that the city is trying um so many

and I think this is another additional way of trying. So besides having sign having residents sign up in order to receive alerts, is there like a number that they could call where it's like an auto like an automated 411 not 911, but like a a number that it's linked to DPW that a resident could call to see like, oh, you know, if they're confused um and they don't know what side to park on. This is what the whole intention of uh this item was. How could we do better in terms of alerting residents about snow emergencies? Um whether it's using the current uh method that we have, which is the red, what is it you call it? Code red. So, if we're going to just try to continue to use the code red, then how are we going to make that better? if we're going to add something additional to the code red, which is adding a some line that residents could call into in order to know what side that they could park on and any important information, then that's something I feel like we should tap into. And

yeah, I agree. What I was going actually is that when we sit down with them um and all parties involved who handle the snow operations, we're going to we're going to review the ordinances and review the process and review everything um you know from top to bottom. So that's why I'm saying it will be related one way or another because everything will be changed. We'll have to meet anyways and we have to you know come up with all the the complaints that we had. What was that? You could link it. Um,

so um, basically I mean we still have to meet and go through all this process. We might not know that they're doing something that they're actually doing it and I know that you know that platform code red is uh I mean it has multiple functions. So um that will be something that we will be have to I mean when we meet for to review the ordinances uh the implementation of it and um how we I mean all I mean every process that we go through even with the with the law enforcement um unit we will have to you know discuss the alerting process the the procedure to how to implement the the the parking ban and all of that. I understand that the blue lights are there and not everybody can see it but that was installed in when in 2019 and it hasn't been expanded I don't think so that could be something a potential solution let's expand the blue light for discussion

and everything so that's basically what we have to meet with them so I mean we I mean whatever we come up with um the meeting still need to happen we have to wait for their recommendation on the ordinances we have to wait for the city attorney to you know provide and review all the ordinances. So eventually um everything is going to come out from that meeting uh is what I was trying to say. Okay. Do you think it's um beneficial because it is linked uh it is part of uh the process of snow emergencies

and so do you guys feel that it would be easier to do 43A and 43B in terms of addressing those two items? I don't know. We can do that. We can we can change it and still 43 26 and 44 26 and still 43 A and 43 B and compare. Yeah. Mhm. And make it just only one items. So and send the same. Uh so this

but let me let me let me Okay, hold on. I wanted I wanted people to know who are looking to um through Facebook or any other media is we um item 4426 that we are talking in this moment that's we're going to try to converge is a review process for alerting resident of the wheel winter parking bank aivation also submitted by councelor BBR manu and we will also So waiting for uh uh for recommendation from the from the public safety that is your your committee. So one of the recommendation that we are doing right now is to convert the two item 43 and 44 and just only one item uh item 43A and 43B. Council Marmo do you agree? Oh, no. I agree. And um as I'm looking at a lot of these items that I submitted as uh requesting them to be added to agend the agenda was with the intent that as a being part of the public safety I want it I wanted it in in my committee and I was like oh it's it's ordinance

through you chair uh it is the in the agenda that uh it is waiting for recommendation from public safety committee those two items. Um, so eventually my recommendation will be basically to table these two items until we get the recommendation for public safety or until we have the the the meeting and the recommendation from item 3926 before uh Yeah, because this doesn't necessarily require an ordinance change, right? Yeah, I because I remember when I submitted these items to the agenda was for the purpose for this to be in public safety. Public safety. But the president decided to send it first to to ordinance basically

to the ordinance in case that there is any uh ordinance that has to be changed or replaced. Okay. So now now can go through uh the public safety because it's not an ordinary in this moment is practically to sit down and review whatever that is uh how we can better okay what is in place right now. Councelor Rees, do you have any comments on this?

No, thank you. So the recommendation is well we're going to table anyway because this item has to come back to uh the ordinance committee uh waiting for the recommendation of the public safety committee. Okay.

Okay. So we going to send the also the item to the public safety committee for um and we're going to wait for them for the recommendation. uh at the same time we're going to send correspondent to DPW and to uh the emergency uh to the administration just recom uh to recommend them to send invitation anytime that they meet because we need to uh principle to invite the people from the safety committee to be part of any meeting regarding any idol or any storm or whatever that is happening in the city. Okay. All right.

Yep. So motion to table then uh this uh item 43 26 A and 43 26B. Okay. So Maria, did you have so item 43A and item 43B? 43. So yes. So we're going to make 4326 and 4426 in just only one item. That is going to be 43A and 43B. Yeah. So iron and both iron are going to be um waiting.

We're going to be waiting at the ordinance committee. We're going to be waiting for recommendation for the public safety at the same time that we are going to send uh the uh to the public safety correspondent to DPW and to the administration just waiting to for them to send any information on on that regard. Yep. Got it. So the motion is to table. Yep. Can I hear a second? Second.

So motion already second by council re. Uh roll call please. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And madame chair Anna Levy. Yes.

Thank you. Motion pass. So, councelor um I'm going to take iron 18525 out of table is a handicap parking at 136 Davy S3. That item was submitted by councelor vice president Stephanie Infante and Sara Rodriguez. Uh and this item is going to be sended to the full council because it's going to be full withdrawal.

Um motion then to send if there is no discussion madame chair. Yeah, you can do a discussion. I mean um motion to send uh item 18525 to full council to withdraw. So ite is a motion to send it 18525 is a motion to send it to the full council for withdraw. Can I hear a second? Second. So iron is already second. Um Maria please. Roll call. Roll call. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And madame chair Anna Levy.

Yes. Thank you. Motion passes. So councelor uh any other item that you would like to take out of uh the agenda or item table. There is nothing to take it from the table right now. So motion to adjourn. Motion to second. All those in favor I roll call. Councelor Selena Reyes. Yes. Councelor Franklin Miguel. Yes. And Madame Chair Anna Levy. Yes. Thank you and have a great week. Thank you.

Thank you. Have a good night. Thank you, Maria. Thank you.