WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=dTZGILQoEe0

Part: 1

1
00:05:47.360 --> 00:06:03.039
To my left is councelor Franklin Miguel. Uh online is councelor Selena Re and councelor de Rosario is absent and myself that are present today.

2
00:06:03.039 --> 00:06:21.919
person to chapter 20 of the act of 2022. This meeting of ordinance committee is being conducted both in person and via remote participation. A reminder that person who would like to listen or to view this meeting while in

3
00:06:21.919 --> 00:06:39.880
progress may be either attend in person at the location above or use one of the following location Facebook or YouTube. Council, let's stand to praise the flag.

4
00:06:42.479 --> 00:07:02.800
>> I pledge to the flag of the United States of America in the stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and yours for all. Council, there are some minutes for

5
00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:16.560
approval. Um, March 1026, April 28 26, May 126, and May

6
00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:32.960
26 2026. Can I hear a motion? >> Some move. >> Second. Mesio already made it by councelor Selena Re and second by councelor Franklin Mig.

7
00:07:32.960 --> 00:07:49.360
All in favor? Um, >> roll call. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice chair Franklin Miguel. >> Yes. >> Councelor Selena Reyes. >> Yes. >> Councelor Gregor Rosario is absent. And

8
00:07:49.360 --> 00:08:25.039
Madame Chair Anna Levy, >> yes. Motion carries. I'm going to take a counselor. I'm going to take a item from new business day 25426. I was asked to table this item

9
00:08:25.039 --> 00:08:43.120
today because the person um the director Vtor Ortega is not here and he want to speak on on that. I know that councelor La you would like to speak on

10
00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:58.560
on that item. I would >> before we make the motion to table. >> Thank you for the courtesy. I do appreciate that. I may not be here for the next meeting, so I'd like to get my comments in now. Um

11
00:08:58.560 --> 00:09:16.720
uh the the request that we u name a building after um Alex Himenez um um is uh an action that um I question. I don't question it because of the

12
00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:32.720
the measure that Alex meant as he gave his life for his country. I and his family, his dad, most specifically a gold star family has poured his heart and soul and the empathy that I have for the Jimenez

13
00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:49.680
family runs deep. The reason why I have a concerns about about naming a building after him is that we already have two things named after Alex Jimenez. And I just think

14
00:09:49.680 --> 00:10:06.240
that we start going down this road of doing multiples. Why are we doing some and not others? I think we put ourselves in a very difficult position. The places that we have already named for Alex Mendes

15
00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:21.920
are the Canal Street Bridge right near uh Lawrence General Hospital and also the park. There's a corner right by the park over here, the O'Neal, that corner is named after him. Um I I think that

16
00:10:21.920 --> 00:10:35.839
again to repeat I think highly of of Alex men as a matter of fact the project that I spearheaded at Stockton Park out of the five panels one of the panels that was chosen to provide the story was

17
00:10:35.839 --> 00:10:53.279
for Alex Jimenez. So um to me u I think his story and he his name needs to be remembered his story needs to be told. But I I just ask I just question whether or not we need to go and do one more thing because that's a can of worms

18
00:10:53.279 --> 00:11:09.360
that I don't think we as a council want to engage in having more people saying well my son or daughter did this or this how come we don't have that and that puts us in a very difficult position. So that's my comment on that. Thank you.

19
00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:25.360
>> Thank you councelor. Um, there is a motion for it on 25426 to request to rename municipal building located at 255 SX3

20
00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:42.320
in honor of the United State Army staff Sergeant Alex R. Himemen. The motion is to table. >> Can I have a second? Second

21
00:11:42.320 --> 00:12:00.000
>> motion is already second by councelor rea. There is no more discussion on item porteo. Thank you. >> Call the roll. >> Roll call. >> Roll call. >> Councelor Gre Rosario is absent. Uh councelor Selena Reyes.

22
00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:43.920
>> Yes. >> Vice chair Frank Miguel. >> Yes. >> And madame chair Anna Levy. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. So So the item I'm going to take a item 14426

23
00:12:43.920 --> 00:12:58.639
out of table. Can I hear a motion to take a item 14626 out of table is the resolution opposing the state implementation

24
00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:15.279
of accessory dwelling unit. So we have councelor mala plan um in here to talk about this item. >> So move >> second.

25
00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:31.040
>> Roll call please. >> Um councelor Grego Rosar is noted absent. Vice chair Frankle Miguel. >> Yes. >> Madam Madame Chair Anna Levy. >> Yes. >> And councelor Seline Reyes. >> Yes.

26
00:13:31.040 --> 00:13:48.240
>> Motion carries. Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of the committee. I rise today to offer a resolution from this council uh that opposes the state mandate implementation of the accessory

27
00:13:48.240 --> 00:14:03.760
dwelling units, otherwise known as the AADUs. Uh we and all the entire the Commonwealth are under a law that allows for uh structures to be built in in

28
00:14:03.760 --> 00:14:19.519
in addition to their current structure at various locations throughout the city. Uh specifically uh an ADU uh up to 900 square ft or 50% of the principal dwelling whichever smaller is by right. By right meaning they don't need

29
00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:35.279
anybody's permission. by right in any zoning district where single family dwellings are allowed. Um we and I'll just kind of go through the resolution briefly. You know, we are one of the more dense cities in the Commonwealth

30
00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:53.120
and we are going to be adding to that dense density with in throughout our various U R1's, R2s, and R3 zoning districts. Um we already have congested neighborhoods. Uh look, we all know the

31
00:14:53.120 --> 00:15:10.880
challenges we're facing with parking. Your agenda this evening is probably has a bunch of handicap parking because the folks that have handicap parking can't find spots. So they need to have it because all the spots are taken. So parking is a traffic congestion. It

32
00:15:10.880 --> 00:15:28.480
takes forever to get across the city. We are dealing with water getting strain on our water and getting water to our places specifically you know the the water that we're bringing or we're going to have more and more people with giving a demand for that water. Uh we're going

33
00:15:28.480 --> 00:15:45.360
to be increasing our sewer and storm water systems and of course when you have more people that's going to put a further strain on our schools, our police and our fire. Uh listen, we're an old miltown. We have an old layout. We have a lot of

34
00:15:45.360 --> 00:16:02.639
multifamilies, mixed-use properties. And the challenge that we're facing is a challenge regarding public safety and neighborhood stability. And when what the state legislature did was a one-sizefits-all, it doesn't make a difference if you're living in North Andover or if you're

35
00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:20.079
living in Welssley or East Hampton or Lawrence. This law applies to everybody. And we all know each one of those areas is not the same as Lawrence. We are a completely different community with respect to our housing projects. So

36
00:16:20.079 --> 00:16:37.600
what this resolution will do, it's going to send I'll read that part of it. The city council calls upon the mayor, the Lawrence legislative delegation, and the governor to support legislation that would repeal or substantially amend the

37
00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:55.120
ADU by rightight mandate to restore greater local control, particularly in densely populated urban communities such as ours. The planning department, the building inspector, and all other relevant city departments are directed to imple implement the ADU law using the

38
00:16:55.120 --> 00:17:11.120
maximum reasonable regulations permitted under state law, including but not limited to strict enforcement of the dimension standards, setbacks, heights, and lot coverage. Site plan review were allowable, compliance with all building, fire, and title 5 septic and sewer

39
00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:25.839
requirements, and any lawful restrictions on short-term rentals. The council requests that the planning department prepare and present a report within 90 days detailing the projected impacts of ADU development on Lawrence's infrastructure, parking, schools, and

40
00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:42.320
municipal services, and identifying any additional local measures that can lawfully mitigate negative effects. The clerk of the city council is directed to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the mayor of Lawrence, the Lawrence delegation to the Mass General

41
00:17:42.320 --> 00:17:57.840
Court. That's our delegation. The governor, the executive office of housing livable communities, and any other appropriate state officials. So, a lot of the details inside the resolution, you can read that more to get more of those details, but I ask that this committee send this up to the full council with a table

42
00:17:57.840 --> 00:18:15.760
recommendation. It's a resolution. Nothing here is binding except that we're asking or or that our internal staff give us information. So I ask that you send this up with the payable recommendation. >> Council plan. >> Yeah.

43
00:18:15.760 --> 00:18:37.200
>> Yesterday at the budget committee I was hearing part of the presentation from the school committee. So they mentioned that this year we going to have a diminish or a student.

44
00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:54.240
My question is why we going to have less student at the school when we know that the population is growing and every day we have more people living in the city of Lawrence.

45
00:18:54.240 --> 00:19:11.039
>> I don't have an answer. I can speculate. I I don't have an answer. I think we talked about that last night with Superintendent Carrero. Um I think we're all surprised by that, but we all all know that there are many more developments coming down the pike. And if any of us have gone to the

46
00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:26.799
planning board or zoning board meeting, you will see firsthand that there are variances that are being permitted to allow more and more units to be brought in. And what we do know in my conversations with the mayor is that we do have a lot of unlawful apartments in

47
00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:42.160
the city. According to the mayor, his number is not mine. There are 9,000 unlawful apartments in the city. Not my number. It's his number. Um, that's a big number. Um, so if you combine all these things together, I can't give you a good reason. I can speculate, but I

48
00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:58.400
can't factually give you a good reason as to why we're down 183. Because my eyeballs, your eyeballs, we see the cars. We know what's going on. There's many more people in our city than has been. So I can't explain that to you. >> Well, I just get when I hear about it,

49
00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:13.919
what I hear about in conversation that I have with uh with the people from the school department, but I also like I say the population is growing and we are trying to build

50
00:20:13.919 --> 00:20:29.360
more housing, more buildings and it's true. We have a lot of those house that's no do not have a permit. People start making a lot of apartment in the

51
00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:47.919
basement. This the roof and it is questioning you know how the city will solve all this problem and there is something that we has to we'll

52
00:20:47.919 --> 00:21:03.520
have to look at a solution on this. So, do you think that sending this resolution we going to try to solve some of these problem? >> I don't want to overstate anything,

53
00:21:03.520 --> 00:21:20.400
council. Madam Chair, this resolution, if we pass it, it's not going to be the panacea. It's not going to cure all of our problems. There's no silver bullet. For us to take control over our housing situation, we need to do a lot of different things. Starting off with the unlawful apartments.

54
00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:37.120
Starting off with that. Then we got to start off not only that, but then we have to be smarter about we as a government, meaning our zoning board needs to be smarter about what kind of permits they're allowing for various things. And then which includes not only

55
00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:53.919
not only transitioning from businesses to residents in some places, but also these major mill conversions. We're practically all mil these a lot of places with mill conversions. And then we've got, I know, in my district, we have a couple of different things happening where the old Knights of Columbus was. I mean, that's looking to

56
00:21:53.919 --> 00:22:11.039
be another significant housing unit. Right down the street from my district on on Market Street near Osgood Street, there's another location where the original proposal was for 360 units. They've dropped that down to a little over 300. That is an extraordinary

57
00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:29.919
amount. 300 360. That's huge. Low Street, not my district. It used to be my district. when I was on Tower Hill, but they're looking at a significant portion as well on L Street near Tower Hill and that's going to go up there and it's not stopping. Um, if if if

58
00:22:29.919 --> 00:22:46.000
the LRA gets these parcels that they're looking for, we have all seen the plans. We know what is looking to be done with those plans. It is going to start up. So, there's a lot of places that we can go. the if the L does have it, they need

59
00:22:46.000 --> 00:23:03.120
to be smart about how they grow. We need the our zoning board needs to be smart about the the permits, the variances that they allow. We have to be more aggressive with inspectional services and the fire department on illegal apartments. And we just need to be, you know, we're not going to solve this

60
00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:18.000
problem overnight. This took us a long time to get here. It's not going to be snapped away. So that's my point. This resolution and then the ADUs doesn't help. And that's the point. I love our delegation. I love our legislature.

61
00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:34.240
This doesn't help us. This did not help us. They didn't carve anything out. They did a cookie cutter. When I say they, I mean the entire legislature did a cookie cutter approach across the Commonwealth. We're not like

62
00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:49.919
We're not like Welsley. I mean, you can name any other city. We're not like that. We're different. We're so We're 6.6 six square miles, but we're being treated like we're like we're a very leafy lots of grass, acres of space.

63
00:23:49.919 --> 00:24:08.559
That's not what we're that's not us. >> As I know, the governor approve this. >> It's a law, >> you know, it's a law right now to Massachusetts, >> right? So that could be one of the

64
00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:24.000
obstacle maybe we're going to have because this is a lot right now >> council >> through you share um I do have >> comment or question um I I mean I hear the same um

65
00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:41.360
concerns that uh our colleague u councelor Lan has on on the ADUs and the overpopulation and the traffic situation. you know, all the vehicles on the street. It's not just affecting us like right now even we remember during the

66
00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:56.640
snowstorm that we couldn't >> um you know plow some of the streets because of the uh double parking situation on small areas and eventually in case of emergencies

67
00:24:56.640 --> 00:25:13.840
um you know a fire truck wouldn't be able to to make it. But um you know taking into consideration that this is not a law and we don't we don't know uh any legal implication that that could have even the resolution

68
00:25:13.840 --> 00:25:29.520
um and we don't have any any data. I would like to send it to table it but send correspondence to the city attorney and um ISD to get uh to get the data of you know the amount of uh adus that we

69
00:25:29.520 --> 00:25:46.320
have registered in the city as well as you know even if we need to send it to planning and development to to see if they have any any data that we can support um you know this uh resolution further um in case that you know the planning and development

70
00:25:46.320 --> 00:26:03.039
How is the ADUs affecting our population? And as you mentioned that uh the mayor comment of about 9,000 uh units uh I mean those numbers are we failing as a

71
00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:18.640
city to bring them into compliance uh now that we have the ADUs or is that something that the administration is working with? Um so I would like to I don't know if you have uh the same you know if we can share the same um

72
00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:33.520
I mean the same concerns about it that I would like to get some type of data from inspectional services if they have any uh I'm assume that you know we have any type of permits for the units. Uh we we should have um any type of report from

73
00:26:33.520 --> 00:26:50.240
from from the city departments. >> So the second last paragraph addresses that point. Mhm. >> Maybe we add specifically ISD. I'll read that. >> The city council requests that the planning department prepare and present a report. >> Within 90 days detailing the projected

74
00:26:50.240 --> 00:27:07.279
impacts of ADU development on Lawrence's infrastructure, parking, schools, and municipal services, and identifying any additional local measures that can lawfully mitigate ne negative effects. So, that language is in there. But to to your point, I have no problems adding

75
00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:32.320
inspectional services department as part of that plan department and ISD since they are a major player in this. >> So what is your what is the motion? Uh okay. >> There was no physically. Yes. Can you

76
00:27:32.320 --> 00:27:48.559
make sure that's uh the >> Yeah, mostly in the radio it's present in person. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Um do you have any we are talking right now

77
00:27:48.559 --> 00:28:05.120
about the res the resolution. This is item 14426. Resolution proposed the estate mandated implementation of accessory dwelling unit ADU. Uh do you have any comment or

78
00:28:05.120 --> 00:28:23.760
you have any question on that regard? Councelor Re. >> Uh I don't have a question right now. Uh because I'm through Zoom listening the whole conversation. Uh but the I don't need to oppose

79
00:28:23.760 --> 00:28:39.760
through the uh >> it's a resolution to Yes. It's practically just to to change the way so the ADU

80
00:28:39.760 --> 00:28:53.760
unit in the city of Lawrence. Um, I'm voting in favor for tonight to moving forward to the full council, but I'm opposed because I love the proposal

81
00:28:53.760 --> 00:29:11.600
to maintain uh ADU in our community. >> Well, uh, there is a motion. What is the motion? Uh, council me. >> Well, I haven't made a motion. I was >> Oh, >> I was suggesting that we table it and get correspondent from the city attorney uh to see if there is any conflict with

82
00:29:11.600 --> 00:29:27.600
uh the resolution with the and the state uh um >> through the state uh >> and and to the to the different department. It is stated on the on the resolution that we're going to I mean to request from the department. >> You motion it to send to uh legal department. >> Yeah.

83
00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:42.080
>> To review and then come back to the committee again. >> Yeah. >> Okay. and uh and uh and the the the ISD and the other department. >> There are some other department that he also would like to get some report

84
00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:59.840
before send it to the full council. >> Yeah, >> that is your motion. Second. >> Okay. Can you repeat the motion council man? >> Yes. The motion will be to uh table item 14426 and send correspondence to the

85
00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:16.880
city attorney to ISD and planning and development requesting data on ADUs. Um before we move this to the full council with her recommendation. >> So motion already made by council me a

86
00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:56.880
second by councelor Selena Re. Thank you. >> We pressing everything in favor. >> All in favor? >> Say I. >> I. >> I. >> Okay. Councelor Plan, do you have another item? >> I do have another item. Document number

87
00:30:56.880 --> 00:31:12.080
162. >> 162. Okay. I'm going to take a item 16226 out of table

88
00:31:12.080 --> 00:31:29.520
from April 21, 2026. That is a resolution directing a review of chapter 9.25 of the municipal code surveilling technology and reaffirmiling the coun

89
00:31:29.520 --> 00:31:48.000
the city council oversight role and insurance compliant with the ordinance council. Can I hear a motion? Motion to on table. >> A motion to on table is already made it.

90
00:31:48.000 --> 00:32:04.000
>> Second. >> Already second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I plan. >> Thank you. Wasn't that long ago when we heard about the problems on the third floor with the cameras and that sparked

91
00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:20.480
a lot of attention. Um, and in so doing, uh, it sparked my memory regarding an ordinance that we passed in 2018. Um, I was sitting there with you folks in 2018 when, um, when police chief came

92
00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:36.399
and he wanted to put cameras in our city for protection services. And so we, um, we had some concerns as a council. We were concerned about privacy rights. We were concerned that what kind of

93
00:32:36.399 --> 00:32:51.679
information would be retained, who would have access, where would these cameras be, what kind of controls would we have? And I and I remember the debate very distinctly. And I can tell you that I wasn't the lead on the debate. I will

94
00:32:51.679 --> 00:33:08.799
tell you flat out. It was councelor Pano who was the lead uh during the questioning. And I think he was driving the bus with respect to making sure that if we were going to go ahead and we were going to have cameras in our city that

95
00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:26.080
if we were going to do that, we need to protect our residents from any kind of uh civil rights violations, violations of privacy, excuse me, privacy violations. So, not civil rights, privacy violations. And so we approved and

96
00:33:26.080 --> 00:33:42.720
allowed for the purchase of the cameras conditioned upon adopting an ordinance that provided some safeguards. So what does one have to do with the other? Well, what happened on the third floor asked

97
00:33:42.720 --> 00:33:58.720
made me ask the bigger question. What do we where are the cameras throughout our city today? We didn't know about that one. How many others did we not know about? Are our city departments following the ordinances that we have crafted with

98
00:33:58.720 --> 00:34:16.000
respect to uh privacy rights? And the answer I think it's become no. There's many reasons. I'm happy to speculate with that. I think I've got some solid ground on the speculation. But what this if you have it in front of

99
00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:32.159
you what this does um it talks the res this resolution that's action for action it's going to be asking for action just talks about the transparency that we all talk about and and and making sure that people know that there are cameras and what those

100
00:34:32.159 --> 00:34:47.919
cameras are doing and what their purposes are. And what this ordinance has done or what it does do is it allows for before any kind of camera is set up in our city. There needs to be a proposal put before

101
00:34:47.919 --> 00:35:03.760
the city council, a public hearing needs to be made and there needs to be by the department a statement saying why these cameras are needed. And depending on the department, if it's police for example, there's different a little bit of a different

102
00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:18.000
nuance to that because they don't want to tell folks all the time where the cameras are if there's a small police function going on. But in the but generally where the cameras are and what their functions are, it even happens before you apply for funding.

103
00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:35.040
So, and at the end every year, we're supposed to get a report that says what happened with the cameras? What are the results of the cameras for the past year? Counselors, do you recall getting any reports?

104
00:35:35.040 --> 00:35:52.560
Do you recall getting any proposals that have gotten to a public hearing that allows our residents to know what's going on? I think the answer is no. I think the police chief when he Basque when he first got on board did a

105
00:35:52.560 --> 00:36:09.200
report only recently under Chief Aguilar within the last couple of months did he submit a report to at least provide some basic understanding about where the stuff is but we have more cameras in our budget now there are going to be

106
00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:27.200
more cameras when ISD was here they they said right here that they are that they are applying for a grant for a camera. Our ordinance says when it comes to even that

107
00:36:27.200 --> 00:36:42.480
a municipal entity, this is 9.25 25 is our ordinance. A municipal entity must obtain approval from the city council subsequent to a mandatory properly noticed public hearing at which the public is afforded a fair and adequate

108
00:36:42.480 --> 00:37:00.560
opportunity to provide testimony prior to engaging in any one of the following. And the first thing there's three there's four things. First thing is seeking funds for new or existing surveillance technology including but not limited to budgetary appropriations,

109
00:37:00.560 --> 00:37:18.000
authorizations for borrowing or bonding, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting state or federal funds or other inind contributions. ISD has already gone or either has gone or is about to go forward asking for

110
00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:33.760
monies to get some cameras. I told the ISD director that according to our ordinance before we can even do that, he needs to come down to us by our law and tell us that he's looking why he's looking to do and we have to have a

111
00:37:33.760 --> 00:37:50.160
public hearing before we can even apply for the grant. So, I'm hopeful that we have on our agenda for next Tuesday because I said you got to get this done an item that has it on there. But anyway, back to the resolution. But this I wanted to give

112
00:37:50.160 --> 00:38:05.440
you an understanding, a little bit of color as to why this is important, why we're not doing anything that we're supposed to be doing. And despite this, all the stuff that's going around with the AG's office and all the other stuff,

113
00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:22.320
we have our own job to do. And I say, let's do our job. Let the other folks do what they're supposed to do. We have our job. We're not doing anything criminal. All we want is information. And we want to make sure that our public, the people we represent have that information. So this resolution

114
00:38:22.320 --> 00:38:39.760
um goes into a little bit of detail but I'll again like I did on the last one I'll go after all the whereas all the recitals I'll go to the very end. Now therefore be it resolved by the city of Lawrence um city Lawrence as follows. The city council hereby directs a formal

115
00:38:39.760 --> 00:38:56.560
review of the implementation of and compliance with chapter 9.25 of the municipal code. The review shall examine this. All surveillance technologies currently in use or proposed by any municipal entity, any department. Number

116
00:38:56.560 --> 00:39:12.240
two, whether city council approval was obtained for each technologies funding, acquisition, and deployment as required by ordinance. I think we know the answer, but we we're going to ask. Number three, whether the approved surveillance impact reports and

117
00:39:12.240 --> 00:39:28.960
surveillance use policies are being strictly followed. In our ordinance, it does talk about each of those items and what is required for the impact reports and the policies. Number four, the adequacy and timeliness of all required data reporting to the city council and

118
00:39:28.960 --> 00:39:48.560
the public. and e uh the city council last last one on this one. The city council's ongoing role and procedures in exercising its oversight and enforcement responsibilities under the ordinance. That's the first big one. The second big

119
00:39:48.560 --> 00:40:05.440
thing is the report that's required. the mayor in coordination with the police department, the IT department, the DPW and any other municipal entity that has deployed or seeks to deploy surveillance technology. Now I know ISD I just before

120
00:40:05.440 --> 00:40:22.079
that didn't know shall prepare and submit a comprehensive written report to the city council within 45 days of the adoption of this resolution. The report shall be made publicly available and shall address each of the elements listed in that first section.

121
00:40:22.079 --> 00:40:38.720
Number three, a public hearing is scheduled. The city council shall schedule a properly noticed public hearing to be held no later than 90 days after adoption of this resolution for the purpose of receiving the report, hearing public testimony, and discussing

122
00:40:38.720 --> 00:40:55.359
any recommended actions to strengthen compliance in the enforcements of the ordinance. And finally, what I say is this re reaffirmation of the council's role. The city council hereby reaffirms our central role as established by the

123
00:40:55.359 --> 00:41:14.359
ordinance in protecting Lawrence's civil rights and liberties through a rigorous oversight uh of surveillance technology. So that is the resolution uh with action items at the end. Councelor

124
00:41:14.560 --> 00:41:30.640
Llam, I just remember when we had those discussion uh and when we were looking the installation of the first I think so that was 70 something camera in the city

125
00:41:30.640 --> 00:41:47.760
at the beginning. saying we will increasing the amount of camera. But we I remember that council Payano at that time said that he would like or that we as a city council got a report

126
00:41:47.760 --> 00:42:03.920
every six month I think so that he put it twice to make sure the compliance or those camera before and it's true we had never ever get a report from at least

127
00:42:03.920 --> 00:42:20.640
from the police department who was the one who was what managing uh the camera at this moment. After that we having never hear about it in possible the increments or the increase or having

128
00:42:20.640 --> 00:42:39.520
uh do you know how many camera we have right now? How you being fine in the city? And and Madam Chair, that's the question. We should have at our fingertips the information about how many cameras and where they are. Not

129
00:42:39.520 --> 00:42:55.119
only should we have it, but the whole idea about this ordinance is to make the people that we represent aware. That's the idea. It's good that we're aware, but you know who needs to be aware? the people we represent that they know that

130
00:42:55.119 --> 00:43:10.800
there are cameras and they there's good reasons why we support the cameras. I'm not here to defend or support the camera system. There are things that that are good about it, but what we need what this is what this ordinance we did in 2018 was for the residents that we

131
00:43:10.800 --> 00:43:37.200
represent. >> Yes, I agree with you. So council any discussion or any question on this regard may I hear a motion motion to send with favor recommendation

132
00:43:37.200 --> 00:43:53.839
to the full council. Second >> a motion to send with favor recommendation to the full council. It's already made it by councelor Rey and second by councelor Miguel. All those in favor >> I

133
00:43:53.839 --> 00:44:18.240
>> say I have it. Thank you too. Um I want to take it also uh out of table document 143

134
00:44:18.240 --> 00:44:34.560
26. Item 14326 is the request for council to adopt a resolution and support of Massachusetts audits of the state legislator for question number

135
00:44:34.560 --> 00:44:53.480
one on the November 5th 2024 ballot. So, this item council was sended to uh the city attorney and I got um

136
00:44:54.000 --> 00:45:11.040
Okay, I got something in here that say that this proposal language was approved by the attorney that you already had it uh the language that I was sended to you guys and that was approved by the City

137
00:45:11.040 --> 00:45:36.319
attorney and this can be extended uh to the full council for for vote uh to you uh okay first um we are taking the iron out of table from >> second

138
00:45:36.319 --> 00:45:53.839
>> all those in favor >> I >> the I had it Okay, councelor Re. >> Uh, what is the documentation or email department sent to us?

139
00:45:53.839 --> 00:46:11.119
Well, I got in here by the city clear that the proposed language approved it by the city attorney and the language that I was sending was going approve it by the city attorney. >> Okay.

140
00:46:15.680 --> 00:46:40.400
So, council, can I hear a motion to send this to the full council? The resolution >> motion to recommendation. >> Can I >> a second? So that's

141
00:46:40.400 --> 00:46:58.359
a motion was made by councelor Reier and second by councelor mig or in favor I >> so item 14326 thank you let's start from the beginning of the agenda.

142
00:47:05.119 --> 00:47:21.920
Oh, we have we have council Lung and Council Lung, can you hear us? >> Uh, yes, Madame Chair. I'm here. I can hear you. >> Hi. Good evening.

143
00:47:21.920 --> 00:47:40.800
>> Thank you. Good evening, Madam Chair. I'm going to take a I'm going to take a item 26126 is the review of the current sexual harassment policy and reporting pol procedures within the city and government

144
00:47:40.800 --> 00:47:58.640
administration. So also I have information that whatever that's we decided in here we need to send it to the personal for

145
00:47:58.640 --> 00:48:15.440
any corresponder and documents. So council uh council Lon can you tell us about your proposal? Uh thank you, Madame Chair, and thank you, council, uh committee members. Uh

146
00:48:15.440 --> 00:48:33.599
yes, it's very self-explanatory. I I'm requesting uh a review of the policy of uh of the policy of sexual harassment. If you go back madame chair to the handbook that is given to the employee

147
00:48:33.599 --> 00:48:48.000
uh the last time according to the one that I received that I was reviewed was in 2007 and uh it doesn't include any uh it doesn't mention social media text

148
00:48:48.000 --> 00:49:04.880
etc. So based on the importance of providing a place for the employees um a safe place I I'm requesting the council to review the policy because something

149
00:49:04.880 --> 00:49:22.720
that is uh last time according to what I have it was reviewed in 2007 so it's kind of old and this type of document madame chair it needs to uh be reviewed. It needs to uh up be updated.

150
00:49:22.720 --> 00:49:37.920
Um um we are not addressing any incident that had happened or uh recently. We just I'm requesting the policy to be reviewed for the sake of the employees

151
00:49:37.920 --> 00:49:53.040
uh in city hall. And as you know, madame chair, sexual harassment can happen uh to men as well. So we would like to see um we would like the city to provide administration to provide a safe

152
00:49:53.040 --> 00:50:08.880
environment for any employee also uh to make sure that the law is been followed. We also want to know if what is the procedure once a complaint is made to what department uh what is the

153
00:50:08.880 --> 00:50:31.920
department that that actually deals with the complaint. >> Okay. Uh, okay. Um, we we are going to send this document to the personal department

154
00:50:31.920 --> 00:50:48.480
or to send your request to personal department for review. And I think that you should also you know the procedure that maybe you should contact the personal department and express your concern uh and tell what

155
00:50:48.480 --> 00:51:07.599
will you like to to see and review maybe to what or I know that uh there is so many things right now that is going on and like you say this is something that had not been reviewed for many many years and this is the moment to start

156
00:51:07.599 --> 00:51:23.280
working and doing some changes in some of the ordining or policies that we have in our city. >> Madame chair, if I may, uh for for me and for other members of the community,

157
00:51:23.280 --> 00:51:38.800
it's important to uh have a clear understanding when a case is is reported. Uh we want uh accountability. Um we want to know how to how the report

158
00:51:38.800 --> 00:51:55.760
who gets the report who is responsible for handling the complaints and what's the process of an investigation. Uh basically uh yes to revise this policy and and yes if it has to go to the personal depart to the personal

159
00:51:55.760 --> 00:52:13.359
committee um I think that that that is a great idea and we'll be there to support the item. That's Lon. Yes. As far as I know, most of these report when it's something related to sexual harassment or anything uh has to be reported first

160
00:52:13.359 --> 00:52:30.480
to the personal department. >> Yeah, that's our concern madame chair. That's one of the concerns that we have that the procedure is not clear or it's not being followed. But uh but thank you for uh for that clarification.

161
00:52:30.480 --> 00:52:48.160
>> Okay. So uh councelor um any discussion or any questions to uh to councelor uh lung on this item item 26126 uh regard regarding the current sexual

162
00:52:48.160 --> 00:53:05.280
harassment policy. >> You sure I want to you know congratulate um councelor son for you know her activeness in the community. um she served this community and she's uh she

163
00:53:05.280 --> 00:53:22.000
still continue to advocate for the the good of the the community. So uh with that said I will proceed just to recommend this uh motion to send to uh personnel department as you consider. >> Yes.

164
00:53:22.000 --> 00:53:39.119
So a motion is already made it to send it uh to the personal department and already second by council re uh all those in favor >> I >> I have council can I hear a motion to

165
00:53:39.119 --> 00:53:54.800
table >> motion to table second >> the motion to table was made by councelor re and second by councelor Miguel all those in favor I >> the I have it. Thank you councel

166
00:53:54.800 --> 00:54:11.040
>> and thank you for your service to the city. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Uh uh through you madam chair. >> Yes. >> I want to take a item on table. >> Which one?

167
00:54:11.040 --> 00:54:26.880
>> 169-26. Motion to on table. >> Yes. I Okay. So a motion to on table iron wax 16926 from

168
00:54:26.880 --> 00:54:44.240
April 21 2026 is the old Gillan license renew renewal by brother jury. So can I hear a motion >> second? So the motion is already made and second

169
00:54:44.240 --> 00:55:02.319
by council mig or in favor I I um motion to send with favor recommendation through the full council. There is a motion to sing item 16926 by councelor Re and second by councelor Mig. All those in favor.

170
00:55:02.319 --> 00:55:29.359
>> I have. >> So let's start from the beginning of the agenda. So I think that we already done. So we have okay so new business item 25326 is the creation of the ordering uh

171
00:55:29.359 --> 00:55:44.480
prohibiting city employee from serving on city of floren board and commissions uh by councelor Franklin Miguel. Councelor Miguel. >> Yes. Thank you chair. Um if I you allow me to read what I submitted. Um

172
00:55:44.480 --> 00:56:01.839
traditionally uh city employees have not served on boards and commissions unless unless is it is in a specific esto official capacity or as a bar administrator. The city charter prevents city employees from serving uh as

173
00:56:01.839 --> 00:56:16.319
elected officials. However, the chatter is silent as to appointed officials and an ordinance does not exist that specifically prohibit city employees from uh serving as appointing board

174
00:56:16.319 --> 00:56:34.880
members. In regards uh in that regards, I propose the following ordinance. Uh 024.115. No personal employee by the city of Lawrence in No personal employee employed by the

175
00:56:34.880 --> 00:56:53.200
city of Lawrence including um employees of school department shall serve on any city board, commission, authority or multiple member body whether appointed uh by the mayor, city council or otherwise with the exception

176
00:56:53.200 --> 00:57:09.280
of exopicio members whose designation is established under the Massachusetts general law or uh those board member elected by the peers uh per Massachusetts general law chapter 32 on the retirement board.

177
00:57:09.280 --> 00:57:25.280
Uh first I want to be clear that what uh this ordinance is and what is not. This ordinance is not an attack on city employees. Our municipal employees are dedicated public servant who work every

178
00:57:25.280 --> 00:57:40.799
day to provide essential services to our residents. Their contribution to our community are valued and appreciated. This ordinance is uh is also not an attempt to limit

179
00:57:40.799 --> 00:57:57.280
the mayor's appointment authority. The mayor will continue to remain the authority granted under the city charter to appoint qualified individuals to the board and commissions. Rather, this proposal is about preserving the

180
00:57:57.280 --> 00:58:11.680
independence, impartiality and public confidence in our boards and commissions. Boards and commissions are often called upon uh to exercise independent judgment on matters affecting the city.

181
00:58:11.680 --> 00:58:27.920
While I do not while I do not question is the integrity of any uh individual's employee, it is excuse me it is important that these bodies remains free from both um actual

182
00:58:27.920 --> 00:58:43.119
conflicts uh and the and the appearance of conflicts when a board member's primary employee salary benefits and professional advance uh advancement are tied to to the same to the same

183
00:58:43.119 --> 00:58:59.280
municipal administration, the public may reasonably question whether that individual can act with complete independence even when acting in good faith. This ordinance seeks to strengthen the

184
00:58:59.280 --> 00:59:16.880
public's uh the public trust by ensuring that boards and commission members can carry uh their responsibility without uh perception on due influence uh influence pressure or divided loyalties.

185
00:59:16.880 --> 00:59:33.440
I have received um you know the correspondent raising uh legal or policy concerns regarding this proposal and I welcome that discussion. It is in fact I believe uh it is uh appropriate and beneficial for the city council to

186
00:59:33.440 --> 00:59:48.960
receive a formal legal uh review before um taking uh any further action. This is ultimately um a conversation about good governance, public confidence, and maintaining the independence of our municipal boards and

187
00:59:48.960 --> 01:00:09.559
commissions. I look forward from uh receiving that legal guidance, and I want to uh send this uh make a motion to send this item to the city attorney for uh review and get his legal advice. >> Ready?

188
01:00:09.839 --> 01:00:25.839
Your mic is your mic is off. >> The whole language what you already reading uh it's not in the packet. >> It is. >> Oh, really? >> The first right there. >> No, no, it is u it is right there. That's the ordinance.

189
01:00:25.839 --> 01:00:42.480
>> I just supported the what that uh the the ordinance I submitted. That was my an opinion. I mean supporting that item. The whole >> no the >> the whole discussion what you presenting right now is your own opinion. Yes. It's not through the ordinance.

190
01:00:42.480 --> 01:00:57.760
>> No no the ordinance is right there in front of you that >> because the ordinance and only the proposal here. You don't have any draft any any documentation. We only have your opinion. Okay. >> Yes. >> I want to make sure because I try to figure out what is the whole document.

191
01:00:57.760 --> 01:01:13.839
You already read it. I don't have anything in my packet but okay. I second your motion. saying for the right opinion through the right department. Okay. >> Thank you. >> So can we are also to table >> mention to table and send it to uh city

192
01:01:13.839 --> 01:01:27.520
attorney. >> Okay. So item 25426 is the the request to renate the municip I'm sorry that's it 253 5326

193
01:01:27.520 --> 01:01:49.440
the creation of ordining prohib city employee from serving on city of Florida bo and commission that was already made it by councelor mig and second by councelor Re and second by councelor Reyes or to send

194
01:01:49.440 --> 01:02:13.640
it to um the city attorney. All in favor? >> I >> I have it council. I'm going to take it as a block. Iron 25526 25626

195
01:02:14.000 --> 01:02:33.440
25726 25826 25926 Can I make can I hear a motion? >> Motion to take it as applause. >> Second or in favor? I >> I so item 25526

196
01:02:33.440 --> 01:02:52.880
is a resident parking on Gor Street. Item 255 5626 is a resident parking from Greenwood Street. 25726 is a resident parking SX3 from Green Wu

197
01:02:52.880 --> 01:03:11.839
Street to Waring Street. 25826 is a handicap. Oh, I'm sorry. I have to >> Okay, they all have to go to the >> Yeah, I have to divide it. I'm sorry.

198
01:03:11.839 --> 01:03:28.400
Maria, I has to divide it. 255, 256, and 257. uh those three item to be sended to the Lawrence Police Department for measuring review and recommendation. Can I have a motion?

199
01:03:28.400 --> 01:03:45.680
>> Motion to to send it to the Lawrence Police Department. >> Or in favor? Can I have a second? >> Second or in favor? >> I >> the I have it. So item 25826 is I'm going to take as a block. Item

200
01:03:45.680 --> 01:04:02.160
25826 and item 25926. Can I hear a motion? >> Motion to take a 258 256. 258 and 59. >> 258 and 259 as a block >> as a block. Yep.

201
01:04:02.160 --> 01:04:16.799
>> Also in favor. I >> I have it. 25826 is a handicap parking. 494 street and 25926 is a handicap parking

202
01:04:16.799 --> 01:04:34.400
156 park street. So both of them to be sended to Lawrence Police Department for measuring review and recommendation. Can I hear a motion please? >> Someone >> second. No.

203
01:04:34.400 --> 01:04:51.359
>> Can I hear a second? >> Second. All those in favor? >> They I madame chair. >> Yes. >> Quick question. Um wouldn't 256, 257, and 255 go to DPW?

204
01:04:51.359 --> 01:05:08.160
>> Yes. And LP and the Lawrence Police Department. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I got in here also by consideration to be sended to the LPW according to the city clear. >> Yeah. That's what I DPW and

205
01:05:08.160 --> 01:05:26.240
Lauren Police Department >> and the Lawrence the first three. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Item 26026 is to install one J4 on Broadway near

206
01:05:26.240 --> 01:05:48.000
Holiest Street. reference 31127752 that was submitted by the national grid and to be sended to the 4 council to order a public hearing. Can I hear a motion? >> Motion a second.

207
01:05:48.000 --> 01:06:07.839
>> Motion made it by council re and second by council Miguel. All those in favor I have it. Item 262 26

208
01:06:07.839 --> 01:06:25.440
is from Ahmedar family pini and sport day at the Okonum Park. This is going to be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 900 a.m. to 4 p.m.

209
01:06:25.440 --> 01:06:41.920
Uh, this one is already approved by the recreation department. >> Motion to send to full council with fer recommendation. >> Second. So motion made by councelor Mig and second by council reos in favor. I

210
01:06:41.920 --> 01:07:21.440
have it. So, we have the item 162. We have item 169. Council, there is another item that you would like to take out of table. >> No.

211
01:07:21.440 --> 01:07:36.559
>> No. >> So there is no more iron. So can I hear a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion to by councelor Rey and second by councelor Mig. All those in favor? Hi.

212
01:07:36.559 --> 01:07:41.640
>> May I have a good night? >> Good night.

