WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=h59N6eedt2o

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.520
and Broadway. Um, and the um she was an an activist and someone who was a an activist of regarding veterans uh veterans issues. And so what we we do a new sign for her. And then Eugene McAuliffe is the following Thursday and he is I think

2
00:00:16.520 --> 00:00:33.000
it's Myrtle Street at the intersec- right by the Hayden Schofield Park there on the corner. And Eugene McAuliffe was a captain in the army and he was also um very well known as a a funeral home a a an undertaker in the city. And so I of course I invite all of you

3
00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:50.040
to show up and and and if anybody here has an interest or a desire to to read or to talk a little bit, I've got the narratives during the ceremonies. I invite any one of you to reach out to me and and be a part of this. It's not just a Mark Leplant show.

4
00:00:50.040 --> 00:01:06.480
It's a lot of people who are involved in this. So I invite everybody to if they want to be a part to get more involved. So there's that. Uh the second thing a little heavier but I don't want to make it too heavy is um I'm a little disappointed. I'm borderline frustrated. Uh we were supposed to deal with the camera

5
00:01:06.480 --> 00:01:21.800
surveillance issue this evening. Uh came out of the committee with a favorable recommendation. Uh it's not on the agenda and I'm not here to um mistakes happen. I understand that. Um oversights. I don't think there's

6
00:01:21.800 --> 00:01:38.400
anything malicious about it. Uh but this is in the heels of you know, being blocked to try to do a discharge um last month on this and that didn't happen. And now this. It's a little frustrating but um but I just wanted you to know that I came out of the committee and hopefully you will all

7
00:01:38.400 --> 00:01:54.600
have a chance to look at it and to make whatever recommendations we have as we try to advance what the ordinance does, which is to provide our community, our citizens uh information regarding um cameras throughout our city so they are aware. It's about being open and

8
00:01:54.600 --> 00:02:10.520
transparent. So that's it. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you. All these names are going to be submitted uh the hearing for tonight. And we go straight to committee report. Madam uh Madam Chair

9
00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:40.600
from the Board of Finance Committee. >> First item under the Budget and Finance Committee, we have item 30-26, reclassification of non-union physicians. Update calling center report to reflect cost of living adjustments that we call COLA.

10
00:02:40.600 --> 00:03:02.760
Um and that was sent up as a favorable recommendation, and I make that as a formal motion. >> There's a motion in front of us, properly seconded. Discussion. I hear none. Madam Madam Clerk, please call the roll. >> Councilor Plante. >> Yes.

11
00:03:02.760 --> 00:03:22.360
>> Councilor Del Rosario. >> Yes. >> Councilor Reyes. >> Yes. >> Councilor Infante. >> No. >> Councilor um Marmol. >> No. >> Councilor Miguel. >> No. >> Councilor um Gonzalez.

12
00:03:22.360 --> 00:03:39.239
>> Yes. >> Council Vice President. >> No. >> Council President. >> Vote no. That's the count. >> Um five opposed and four in favor, so the motion fails. >> Motion fails. Item 248-26, Madam

13
00:03:39.239 --> 00:03:55.200
>> I >> Madam Chair from the Board of Finance Committee. >> Item 248-26, the LPPA Local 120-25, Lawrence Police Patrolmen's Association funding approval was sent up as a committee report, and I make that as a formal motion. >> So, motion for the committee report. Can

14
00:03:55.200 --> 00:04:11.200
I have a second? Properly second. Discussion. >> Discuss. >> I hear none. On the committee report. There is no discussion on the committee report. Uh matter >> Discussion Council of Glendora, the reason why I just think it's important. Um this has already been The money's already been funded for this, and this is more of an informational thing. I

15
00:04:11.200 --> 00:04:28.080
just want our colleagues to know. Uh that's why it's a committee report, and it's a favorable recommendation. There's nothing to really vote on this evening. Thank you. >> So, um as as as you mentioned Council of Glendora, you're right. This is an informational uh item. Uh not any allocations are going to be

16
00:04:28.080 --> 00:04:43.480
as it's being asked to the council to approve. So, any questions to uh to the council or to the union members? I hear none. Thank you so much. Thank you for uh the work that you guys have done. Thank you to the union

17
00:04:43.480 --> 00:05:00.880
uh for being here present and supporting your your members. All those in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> The ayes have it. Uh item 249-26. >> Item 249-26, end-of-year transfers between budget

18
00:05:00.880 --> 00:05:20.240
accounts was sent up as a What am I forgetting? as a favorable recommendation, and I make that as a formal motion. >> Second. >> There is a motion in front of us, properly second. Discussion. I hear none. All those in favor, please say aye.

19
00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:39.919
>> Aye. >> Any nays? The ayes have it. Item 250-26. >> Item two What? 250-26, transfer in the amount of 1,325,743 from the FY26 capital reserve fund to

20
00:05:39.919 --> 00:05:55.360
various city accounts was sent up as a favorable recommendation, and I make that as a formal motion. >> The motion in front of us properly second discussion. I hear none. >> Discussion. >> Uh counselor plan. >> Uh listen, we're always looking for some

21
00:05:55.360 --> 00:06:10.160
good news. Um I don't we don't want to be here long tonight. Could I invite the gentleman from Colonial Power to come up uh to speak um on something that was brought up during the committee hearing committee meeting.

22
00:06:10.160 --> 00:06:25.919
Would you please come forward? >> What's that? I don't know the tool that's >> I'm so excited about talking about this that I wouldn't >> This is not the 51. This is the next one. >> Then I would Thank you. Just you know, I'll be calling on you

23
00:06:25.919 --> 00:06:42.720
very soon. Thank you. >> Item 258 the transfer of 1 million 1.3 million dollars uh for the various account. All right, counselor Mama. >> Um in the budget committee, I'm noticing

24
00:06:42.720 --> 00:07:01.480
um the transfer to DPW sign replacement. Um was there any details regarding the specifics of signage? Um exact location. >> Any >> Oh. If anything I'm >> Counselor, do you have any any answer on

25
00:07:01.480 --> 00:07:17.240
that? >> Uh that wasn't discussed at the um Would would anybody in this room uh would know? >> [laughter] >> All right, I guess not. I'm just The reason why I asked is

26
00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:32.360
because um you know, the last time we you know, we did these transfers um and I believe it was with DPW and No, let me correct me if I'm wrong. I know sometimes when we approve for certain grants, um DPW

27
00:07:32.360 --> 00:07:48.160
specifically it was like two over 2 million and it was to fix some signs, fix some sidewalks. And sometimes we don't do our due diligence to get the specifics of these things. so I'm just wondering if this item in particular would require for us to ask those

28
00:07:48.160 --> 00:08:03.480
questions. >> Well, the item per se doesn't require to ask the questions, but if they're good questions because there is a project that is going to come up. >> It says sign replace. >> signs replacements, so >> Um >> signs replacements, so it could be

29
00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:18.919
>> as well, so it's like are we asking the questions as to what lighting units Sorry. >> That's okay. Good evening councilors from Mona Acevedo's school. So, it's my understanding that these lighting units are mainly on Broadway

30
00:08:18.919 --> 00:08:36.240
and also those ornamental units that are very costly, so they are working on replacing them. A lot of them are intersections that have been probably hit by cars or they are in dire need of replacements. And for the signs, the variety of signs, I know the council is

31
00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:52.120
very busy approving a lot of handicap signs and there's a lot of expenses involved with that, so DPW has to constantly replace those signs and update them as well. Also, when they do different things within the signs on the

32
00:08:52.120 --> 00:09:08.080
on the roads and and and things like that, so that's pretty much >> Okay. >> the bulk of it, yeah. >> Um I guess I'll send out my communication cuz I would like to get the specifics as to, you know, naming all the the streets or the the

33
00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:24.320
the signs that are affected and the the light >> the light uh uh fixtures that that are affected and impacted and therefore we're using these funds to allocate it to fix to fix that, so uh that's something I'll do on my own end. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> my help, let me know.

34
00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:54.000
>> Uh I will be. >> Mr. Scofield, now that you're there So, So, the DPW is going to be working with the fire department to do the repairs on the lighting units. >> Well, those >> For those are the street the street lighting.

35
00:09:54.480 --> 00:10:12.120
>> Yes, so it could be both actually. So, um I know the fire department has uh has been asking for um some funding to also replace some of the street lights. So, if we have money available, we'll just try to stretch the money as much as we can to you cover both.

36
00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:28.200
>> Correct. So, another thing that I would I wanted to bring up on the these two items. >> Mhm. >> Um There is it Does the city have a uh a uh a recovery procedures uh when somebody have an accident that hit

37
00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:43.760
some of uh the infrastructure that we own. Do we have like a follow-up process when we get a police report of somebody having an accident? Uh you know, hit a a a something a sign perhaps

38
00:10:43.760 --> 00:10:58.720
or a a fence or something like that uh to be able to recoup those funds and be able to fix those? >> It's my understanding we do. Um usually when the the police report or uh the report's filed, um a lot of the

39
00:10:58.720 --> 00:11:15.400
times the the city attorney's involved and they try to get if they have the information of the the person responsible, they do try to to pursue um some uh some funds to cover those. >> um do you mind sending us the typical process also how the city

40
00:11:15.400 --> 00:11:31.400
pursue those? Sure. Uh if it is if it is anything like formal and if it's not, can you guys work on something related to that? >> Okay. >> Uh counselors, any questions? I hear none. Uh Madam Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

41
00:11:34.480 --> 00:11:51.600
>> Um Counselor Gonzalez? >> Yes. >> Counselor Miguel? >> Yes. >> Counselor Marmol? >> Yes. >> Counselor Infante? >> Yes. >> Counselor Reyes? >> Yes. >> Counselor Del Rosario? >> Yes. >> Counselor Le Plant? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President?

42
00:11:51.600 --> 00:12:07.000
>> Yes. >> Council President? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um, thank you, Counselors. I I do want to clarify something under the um year-end transfers, the only thing we had was the one um presented from the mayor's office.

43
00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:23.000
Um, I just want to make sure that we're clear that that's the one or cuz I know it might have seemed like it was a one-off separate item, but it was the the item which um within the year-end transfers to clear up the transfer um

44
00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:47.600
that the senior advisory uh requested. >> 15,000? >> Yes. >> Or Mr. Castro. That's what it is. Simply by the script. >> Can we go into an executive session, please? >> Mhm, we can't. >> Question.

45
00:12:47.600 --> 00:13:03.120
>> Mhm. We We not We not Do we post it? Okay. >> I did I did I sent it as a as a >> I know you did, but I mean I don't I don't I don't I don't see it on the on the item posted.

46
00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:17.600
>> Well, the Budget and Finance Committee did and did request it. >> We did, but I mean we didn't post it. We post it. We need to have to be posted for 48 hours. >> I understand. >> I mean, we can you can ask. It is what it is.

47
00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:35.040
>> If you can't ask you Council President, um, Advisor Swan, if you can't answer, just say >> Uh, hold on a second. Let Let's go back to the item. So, we need to go back to item 249-26 before we engage into discussion. Can I get a motion to

48
00:13:35.040 --> 00:13:50.480
um >> reconsider? >> reconsider. Or that anybody can make a motion to reconsider and then we can go back we can go back. >> There's a motion to reconsider item 249-26 properly second discussion on the reconsideration. >> discussion

49
00:13:50.480 --> 00:14:07.000
>> Uh on the >> discussion >> Uh Counselor Reyes. All those in favor of approving say aye. >> Aye. >> There is a tie. What's the motion? >> Motion to approve. >> There is a motion to approve. Properly second discussion. >> discussion >> Uh Counselor Infante. >> Thank you. Advisor Spanner, if you could

50
00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:22.040
if you're publicly allowed to um there's there's some confusion on I understand what your explanation at the budget and finance committee. It was it was >> Can you repeat Can you repeat it for the councilors as well? Both times ask the question. I would like to ask the question.

51
00:14:22.040 --> 00:14:39.520
>> So, my first my question is is there is a confusion between what happened. There is talks that the individual was let go and then there's other talks that the individual resigned.

52
00:14:39.520 --> 00:14:55.400
Uh originally the communication that was sent out was that the individual resigned. So, what what actually happened here? >> Okay. The I'm going to do it as cautious as I can because I'm also named in in one of the

53
00:14:55.400 --> 00:15:12.440
uh pending litigation. And so let me think how I'm going to respond to it. Number one to your question, the individual was terminated. >> So, the communication we received was wrong? He never resigned?

54
00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:27.840
>> He never resigned. >> Okay. That's a problem. >> That was terminated. I don't know from whom you received the communication. >> mayor's office. >> Okay, but the individual was terminated. >> It was a press release to the public.

55
00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:43.040
And now you're telling us something different. >> No, there was a press release was wrong. There were it was the information some information was leaked, but the information in was not correct. The individual was terminated. >> So, the information was never a press

56
00:15:43.040 --> 00:15:59.280
release, you said? It was a press release. >> Well, not to my knowledge. If that information was it it's sorry. If if that information was uh given that the the person resigned was incorrect. The person was terminated.

57
00:15:59.280 --> 00:16:16.160
And I'll repeat it again, terminated. The um So, the other question >> No, it was just a to clear that up. It was a >> Yeah, terminated. Yeah, terminated. >> And what's the consequence? >> And um and the other question that the way

58
00:16:16.160 --> 00:16:32.280
in the finance committee was related to the $15,000. That was to What was the purpose of it? >> The purpose is that the um uh it's cost related to his termination. And I don't want to give more information. We can go into a executive

59
00:16:32.280 --> 00:16:53.920
session. >> No, we didn't post it. >> Yeah, so that would be the the uh the matter. But it's going to be needed anyway. I mean >> Any questions? All right, I'll call all the questions. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

60
00:16:55.040 --> 00:17:12.640
>> This is on our documents. 249 >> 249 >> 249 26 >> Thank you. >> Um Councilwoman Plant >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Rosario >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reyes >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Infante >> Yes.

61
00:17:12.640 --> 00:17:29.160
>> Councilwoman Mungo >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Miguel >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Gonzalez >> Yes. >> Council Vice President? >> Yes. >> Council President Rodriguez? >> Absent. >> Abstain? >> Yeah. >> All right. Item 251-26.

62
00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:46.880
>> Item 251-26. Net metering electricity off-take agreement was sent up as a favorable recommend Make that as a formal motion. >> Second. >> There's a motion on the floor properly seconded. Discussion Council Lebon. >> Thank you.

63
00:17:46.880 --> 00:18:03.880
I like to finally invite the gentleman from Colonial Power. Uh so so first of all, I think that with the item that's before us, I'm supporting it. I think it's frankly a no-brainer and helps the city out in saving some money in our municipal buildings. What I

64
00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:18.600
wanted to hear though during the discussion that we had at the budget committee, and I think each counselor will want to know this cuz I think we talk about good news and we often times have a lot of bad news. So, would you please uh inform us as to on the

65
00:18:18.600 --> 00:18:34.040
aggregate program, how much if you if people decided to opt in or stay in and not opt out, stay in, how much money would they have be saving either monthly or the course of the annually? So,

66
00:18:34.040 --> 00:18:49.720
>> the the starting in August, basic service rate is going up to the 17.3. Given your rate of 13.2 on the aggregation, the average household would save about $25 $24 per month over the 6 months you know, somewhere in the range

67
00:18:49.720 --> 00:19:05.800
of $145. Um no one needs to do anything if you're already in the program. Um we've just done a what we call a sweep. So, anyone that's moved to the city uh in the over the last 6 months, uh you know, that someone might have moved out, someone else moved into the apartment, they're basic service

68
00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:22.800
customers. We've done a sweep of 5,400 accounts. If they decide to do nothing, they'll be enrolled in the program. Enhancing the savings of for the city. At this point the the the city has saved 1.8 million dollars through March of 26

69
00:19:22.800 --> 00:19:39.400
and the savings, I'm just using the average that we did last year over the six months, you'd save another 1.5 million because of the increase in price. >> So when I talked to my neighbors, they decided to stay in. I could

70
00:19:39.400 --> 00:19:54.840
essentially say to them because they decided to stay into the program that they probably saved around over the course of a year about $150. >> That's correct. >> And that's, you know, when we're all fighting to scrape nickels together, people are trying to figure out where can they save money. We go to Market

71
00:19:54.840 --> 00:20:10.840
Basket, prices keep going up and so every now So this is good news. I finally at least on the energy portion, on the electrical portion, they're able to save some money if they decided to to stay in. And the good news is well as if we

72
00:20:10.840 --> 00:20:27.200
had neighbors of ours who opted out, they can come back in now that they've seen that other people have received savings, more the more the merrier. So how can how can our neighbors or other residents or constituents get a hold of you

73
00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:42.680
whoever to to opt in? >> No no problem. So if you had opted out, we didn't re-mail to you because people have exercised their choice. You can always opt back in without fear penalty. If you dial 866-485-5858

74
00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:59.200
extension one, we have a translators in line if they needed that. They'll take care of your opt in. If you wanted to go online, simply go to colonialpowergroup.com, choose Lawrence and there's an orange button. Click on that button if you have your electricity bill.

75
00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:15.080
Literally less than five minutes to to fill out the opt out the opt in. And you pay nothing one way or the other. You're just going to pay the lower price. We know right through February there's savings involved with this current price. >> Thank you.

76
00:21:15.080 --> 00:21:31.320
Thank you, counselor. President Rosario, before you continue, do you give us the your name and address? >> Mark Capital One Colonial Power at 5 Mount Royal Ave, Marlborough, Mass. >> Thank you, Rosario. Thank you, counselor. Answer, President. And

77
00:21:31.320 --> 00:21:47.520
and you know this is public, right? This is out there. And I know my neck of the woods I mean, it's a neighborhood. Tomorrow is going to be some people advertising this pretending to be you. And then people are filling out this uh and opting in and another program. So, what are we doing to get the correct information out

78
00:21:47.520 --> 00:22:02.680
there? What are you guys are going to do? Cuz tomorrow I can ensure you there's going to be tons of people out there promoting what you just said but with another company. And then people are going to fill out thinking this is what it is. And then settle of a sudden they got another bill from another company and they enroll in

79
00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:18.960
another program. >> So, here's the good news, counselor. The mailing has already gone out. And if they haven't responded, they're going to be enrolled in in June. So, if someone else is trying to get them in right now, they will not get into the program cuz we'll have first in. If somebody comes down the road, and I agree with you,

80
00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:34.720
someone will come down the road, third-party supplier, there's not a lot we can do because they are able to do that currently. I'll tell you that there is legislation in front of it's H5151 that the council can vote if they you don't want third-party supply any

81
00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:49.760
longer. The municipality right now, if that gets in incorporated in the joint bill, third-party supply would not be able to to participate here in Lawrence any longer. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And any other questions?

82
00:22:49.760 --> 00:23:06.440
>> So, do you mind I mean, I I know you went over very quickly, but do you mind going over a little bit more as of why this program happened because we have new counselors and new people

83
00:23:06.440 --> 00:23:22.680
watching. >> As far as the program itself, the the program is for the city. It's a an opt-out municipal aggregation. The the prior council had approved this. They entered a contract with FirstPoint Power. And this is an opt-out aggregation. I

84
00:23:22.680 --> 00:23:39.120
want to make sure everyone understands this. Everyone was mailed to, if you didn't do anything, you were automatically enrolled. So far, it's just been savings, but it could go both ways. So, the rate that was locked in was 13.2 on the supply portion of your bill. So,

85
00:23:39.120 --> 00:23:56.440
National Grid has two parts. National Grid is a distribution trans- transportation piece of the bill. That's the top part. We're talking about only the supply portion of your bill. That's locked in at 13.2. Right now, basic service, what National Grid is going to charge you, is 15.3. On

86
00:23:56.440 --> 00:24:13.840
August 1st, that goes up to 17.3. So, your your rate won't change, as Councillor Plant mentioned, and the savings will almost double at that point. What does it require from you, the the resident or or the homeowner? Literally, nothing. Meaning, if you were

87
00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:30.000
mailed to and you didn't do anything, you were automatically enrolled. Sometime over the next year, we'll be back to the council. This This rate is going to be good until November of '27. We'll come back and we'll explain what the new contract is, whatever those terms and conditions may be. They'll make a decision whether they

88
00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:45.720
sign up or not. It still won't require anyone at home to do anything. You'll automatically be moved to the new supplier. You won't need to do anything. What I want you to know is if you did opt out >> [clears throat] >> because you weren't certain of the program, you can always opt in. The city

89
00:24:45.720 --> 00:25:01.120
council made sure that this program had a free opt-in and a free opt-out, and you can go back and forth whenever you want without fear without a fear penalty. So, it's very very that everyone understands this is a choice the city council has brought you and you get to make that but you need to

90
00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:17.440
actively do something if you have opted out. >> All right. Now that was a program that we approved 2 years ago that is going to take place on June this year. >> I'm I'm I'm sorry. >> That was the program that we approved 2 years ago.

91
00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:33.320
>> That is correct. >> And now it's going to take that going to take a place uh this year on June. >> We we just did another mailing of that exact same rate. The contract is good until November of 2027.

92
00:25:33.320 --> 00:25:50.280
>> All right. And now now this item is related to the 50% discount which is completely different than than what we're discussing. >> That is correct. >> So let's let's talk about what we what we here for today. >> Yes. So what's in front of the council here tonight is a savings of 15% off the

93
00:25:50.280 --> 00:26:06.160
municipal buildings. So whatever that rate is and you know, right now if you calculate it it's about $12 million in savings. Um but it could be more if rates continue to escalate the way they are. But if they were to go down it might be slightly less but right now it looks

94
00:26:06.160 --> 00:26:22.640
about 850,000 per year. And it's a 15% discount. I just want to make sure everyone gets that on on both national grid side and the supply side. >> Any questions counselor? This is a 20 years contract.

95
00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:39.840
>> A discount for 20 years. That's correct. >> Councilor >> And options of two 5 years. >> Councilor President >> Councilor Levin >> Thank you. Um I have a question. >> Yes. >> I got a resident who sent me

96
00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:56.440
something in Facebook that I is being called city saying against Eversource. Well, their bills have been crazy. People, practically.

97
00:26:56.440 --> 00:27:15.760
>> So, Eversource is probably your gas bill cuz National Grid is your electricity bill that we're talking about. I should have mentioned that. I want to apologize. We're talking about the electricity bill. I believe Eversource is your gas. >> Eversource is the >> Okay.

98
00:27:15.760 --> 00:27:32.320
>> And and I didn't I that probably should have been the the opening salvo. My apologies, counselor. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> No, no. I'm sorry. >> Counselors, any questions in uh Uh, counselor Mama. >> No, Gonzalez. >> Oh.

99
00:27:32.400 --> 00:27:47.000
Sounds like Counselor Gonzalez. >> Thank you. Um, so to my understanding, just I just want to be clear on this. This is this is a charge is going to be extra as

100
00:27:47.000 --> 00:28:03.880
a supplier on the National Grid bill. Right? >> Not Not Not extra. >> Because Okay. >> Because the rate is lower right now. It's at 13.2, the city plan. >> All right. So, from personal experience, >> Yes.

101
00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:20.800
>> I had a situation where something like this was presented to me. >> Yes. >> And it was as a supplier. I agreed. >> Yes. >> Went into contract. >> Yes. >> And it increased my bill. >> Yes. >> So, it will increase the bill.

102
00:28:20.800 --> 00:28:36.440
>> The No, so you were on a third-party supply. >> Okay. >> And I'll tell you this. Many times, the Attorney General has given out their their latest report about $780 million extra of a basic service. Many times, what they'll do, especially this time of

103
00:28:36.440 --> 00:28:52.840
year, they'll give you a short-term, I'll call it a loss leader. It will be below the basic service rate. And as soon as they you're done with that term, everyone's busy life, they slightly step up your rate. And then before you know it, you're paying more than basic service. That is not the city plan.

104
00:28:52.840 --> 00:29:07.960
That is not. That's an individual third-party supply contract that you entered. And if anyone's on one of those, I ask, please look at your bill. It should say city of Lawrence First Point Power if you're part of the program or basic

105
00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:24.960
service. If you have anything else, I mean this because most likely when you sign the contract, it was below basic service, and you should take a look and say, "Hey, is the rate below 13.2 or at a minimum below the 15.3 that basic service is right now?" If you're paying

106
00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:40.080
more than that, you're paying too much, and you can always call 866-485-5858 extension one to get in the city program. >> So, uh Antelo Gonzalez, 2 years ago, we adopted this program for the entire city of Lawrence.

107
00:29:40.080 --> 00:29:56.760
Everybody that is using that was using National Grid uh was going to be transferred over to the uh the city's program. The good thing about this program is that as you mentioned, you can just leave. No contract. >> Okay. >> And go back to National Grid. If you go

108
00:29:56.760 --> 00:30:12.320
to the third-party supplier, then you have an issue. >> Okay, so it's supposed to be either New Leaf Energy or National National >> Grid, essentially. And if you decide to go to a third party, it's your choice. But I mean, that's not what is recommended. So, National Grid or the

109
00:30:12.320 --> 00:30:27.520
city's uh plan, and that way you don't have contract, you can leave, come back and forth anytime with one phone call, uh essentially. >> Yep. Or grow on the list. >> it's like no it's not like about oh, I called you 2 months ago and nothing changed.

110
00:30:27.520 --> 00:30:42.000
>> Okay. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something that was >> It sounds like they're saying I have the same question 2 years ago. >> the bill. Okay. Thank you. >> Um all right. Um this the like I said, this is a a 20-years contract for that a

111
00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:58.960
municipal building discount of 15%. That's what we did what we discussed in today and two additional extension of 5 years each uh for the 15% discount. So, any questions on this item, councilors?

112
00:30:58.960 --> 00:31:15.720
I hear none. Please call uh All those in favor, please say "Aye." >> Aye. >> Any nays? The ayes have it. Item 263-26. >> Item 263-26, authorization to expand 573,000

113
00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:32.640
of the Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets for All Signs and Lines Project Grant was sent up as a favorable recommendation and I make that a make that as a formal motion. >> There's a motion in front of us, properly second discussion.

114
00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:48.720
I hear none. All those in favor, please say "Aye." The ayes have it. Uh now, there is no report for the for the housing economic development committee. Ordinance Committee Milan chair and vice president uh for the uh of the council.

115
00:31:48.720 --> 00:32:14.160
Item 143-26. >> Item 4 What Item 483 143-26 is the request for the council to adopt resolution to support of the Massachusetts audit of the estate lately

116
00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:30.080
per question one on the November 5th, 2024 ballot. This was submitted by Council Richard Russo and Council Vice President Anna Leray and was sent it to the full council with favorable recommendation

117
00:32:30.080 --> 00:32:50.360
and I make it as a formal motion. >> Second. >> There's a motion in front of us, properly second discussion. Yes, let's go through that the resolution, please. >> Council, regarding document number 143-26, the resolution reads, um, "Resolution in

118
00:32:50.360 --> 00:33:05.480
support of the State Auditor's effort to implement Question 1. Whereas, the City Council for the City of Lawrence recognizes that over 60% of the voters in the City of Lawrence supported Question 1 in the November 5th, 2024 election. And the Council

119
00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:20.880
desires to just express its strong support for the implementation of Question 1, giving the State Auditor the authority to audit the Massachusetts State Legislature. And whereas, 71.4% of the voters across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts also voted in support of

120
00:33:20.880 --> 00:33:35.720
this measure. And whereas, the voters of Massachusetts clearly expressed their desire for an independent commission to review the records and issue findings. And whereas, Question 1 is designed to directly enhance government transparency, accountability, and fiscal

121
00:33:35.720 --> 00:33:52.080
responsibility. And whereas, the State Auditor has been unsuccessful in her efforts to implement Question 1. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Lawrence City Council, by and through this resolution, hereby urges the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Massachusetts Attorney General to honor

122
00:33:52.080 --> 00:34:08.560
the will of the voters and acknowledge the passage of Question 1 and allow the State Auditor's office to proceed with this audit. In witness whereof, the Lawrence City Council hereunto sets their hands and causes the seal of the city to be affixed this 16th day of June, 2026. >> Councilors, any questions?

123
00:34:08.560 --> 00:34:24.000
Question. Councilor O'Miguel. >> Um, when this item was submitted to the Council, um, after, uh, it was submitted to the Council and we uh, had it in the Ordinance

124
00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:39.240
Committee, uh, we, I I mean, we saw in the news that there was a response on the state uh, on the state house to the state to the auditor. And I went

125
00:34:39.240 --> 00:34:56.600
online and I saw that there are um audits published online. And so I would just some type of um thinking of you know when this item was submitted there was no response from the

126
00:34:56.600 --> 00:35:14.360
from the house from the the state legislature. And after it was submitted then they established a process to follow. What I'm seeing here is that we have two state bodies um you know having some type of um dialogue

127
00:35:14.360 --> 00:35:31.040
and we shouldn't expose um the city to come in the middle when the other party already responded to it. Um whether you know if it is not the moment to do so or um you know just to wait if there is any

128
00:35:31.040 --> 00:35:48.280
um issues down the road. But I see that there is a response from the state house to the to the auditor and um I would just wanted to you know to express that that I saw that they are in dialogues. Um that I would if if we

129
00:35:48.280 --> 00:36:03.800
would if we would have been otherwise I would you know support this um motion because we you know it is what the the voters expressed and it is there is no a biggest or a bigger resolution that the votes of the people they already

130
00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:20.320
um you know it was voted and we had an we had an audit um posted online. So it is not something that is not that is being neglected or rejected. >> Any other questions counselor? >> Council President. >> Council

131
00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:34.520
Council Infante. >> Thank you. I first want to thank um former Council Rich Russell and Council Vice President Anna Levitt. When I saw this because I'm one of those 60% voters that voted in favor of question one.

132
00:36:34.520 --> 00:36:49.640
So, thank you for that. Um, I want to respond to the to the comment about the audit. It's like the city of Lawrence, we have an audit every year, but we still have some concerns that perhaps may may need a a deeper

133
00:36:49.640 --> 00:37:05.400
uh a deeper investigation or and maybe investigation is the wrong word, but a deeper dive into. So, the audits can be made, but you don't 100% know if it's actually fully made um or if or fully done. So, that's why I appreciate this

134
00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:22.760
that this question was on the ballot and why I'm I supported it. And I'm I'm going to be honest, I was a little nervous when I saw this on the agenda knowing that I do have two colleagues that are aspiring to be um state reps and I know this is such a

135
00:37:22.760 --> 00:37:39.720
controversial topic, but I also want to applaud my two colleagues for taking this on, discussing it at the at the committee level, and essentially making a a determination to send it up as a as a favorable recommendation. I don't think that was easy.

136
00:37:39.720 --> 00:37:56.280
Um, but I just want you to know that at least I I noticed it. So, thank you. Thank you for that. >> Any other questions? >> I got a question. >> Councillor Laplante. >> Through you to my colleague from District A. So, in reviewing the the the state house

137
00:37:56.280 --> 00:38:12.560
website or whatever, was it was it compre- I haven't seen it and I didn't hear anything about this, so I'm learning from from you. >> [clears throat] >> Was it comprehensive? Did Was it a full audit? Is it hasn't been Is it just negotiations? I mean, it

138
00:38:12.560 --> 00:38:29.960
How far I I don't know anything about whether I they have satisfied the will of the voters in what they've done. >> Well, it all depends uh through you uh Council President. It's all depends, you know, upon the audit that you're seeing the report. Uh, I mean, whether it what is it that there are the reader is

139
00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:46.800
looking for. The audit is faster, uh, whether you're looking, you know, for something in specifics. It would be up to the reader. Um, in my opinion, it it was, uh, it is an audit and it's both of them. Um, so if it is, you know, that

140
00:38:46.800 --> 00:39:01.640
the auditor is looking for something in specifics, that would be something different. Um, but it is it complies with the question one that it was audited and and and and posted online. >> Did, uh, through you, >> Mhm.

141
00:39:01.640 --> 00:39:18.640
>> President, did the uh, did the auditor comment, do we know if the auditor commented on said, yes, uh, this satisfies what we were with the with question valid question one had to do? Or did she as she Do you know if she

142
00:39:18.640 --> 00:39:35.840
if she's commented to say how that's >> We're good now. They did it. >> Yeah. Yeah, well, uh, I don't I'm not sure what what is the comment about this. Um, it it's same as the question. The question was to if we if we agree with the audit. And I was one of those who

143
00:39:35.840 --> 00:39:52.680
voted yes. And here you have you have the report. It is subject to the interpretation of whoever is reading the the audit. >> I I I don't mean to put put you on the spot. I I I just you seem to have >> No, no, no. I don't I don't work for any of the offices, so I

144
00:39:52.680 --> 00:40:08.720
I believe you We can bring them on and and send them a an invitation and have them and question, you know. I mean, if we want to, you know, go for it, we can send them invitation and you we can, um, interview them here. >> Uh, let's let's allow the clerk to give

145
00:40:08.720 --> 00:40:25.640
us some clarity. >> Just from listening to the news, I have not spoken with the auditor on this, but what I heard on the news was that the State House had released their financial reports up through FY 2024 and posted them on the website.

146
00:40:25.640 --> 00:40:40.400
My understanding is what the auditor wants is to go in and verify that information. That's what an audit is, is to not see what you post, but to like when we get audited, these people come into the building and they sit with Ramona and with previous to Ramona's Mark Iannello and they go through the

147
00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:55.440
books and and they verify that the books line up with what we posted in our report. And they look for the backup to verify the report. So, my understanding is that the financial reports are now posted, but if that actually constitutes an audit or not, I don't know and I don't know if the auditor has said that

148
00:40:55.440 --> 00:41:11.480
she's satisfied with that. But what NPR has reported is that the financial reports up through FY 2024 are now online. So, that's just for the background. >> Any questions? Any other questions? Councilor Levy? >> Okay.

149
00:41:11.480 --> 00:41:28.760
>> Councilor President Levy. >> Uh what I would like is I would like to thank you each one of you that are supporting this resolution in favor of this. Uh I think that's one of the thing that I always have been fighting is like to

150
00:41:28.760 --> 00:41:45.320
make sure that the voice of the voter is being heard. So, and the voter vote to do the audits, to do the audits and we need to continuing supporting things like this and because we need

151
00:41:45.320 --> 00:42:06.960
transparency. We need somebody also who represent the voice of the voters. Thank you. And thank you so much for supporting us. >> Any other questions? Madam Clerk, please call the roll. >> Just looking for a guy. Does anyone know

152
00:42:06.960 --> 00:42:25.120
who went last? You went last. So, you're going to go first. Uh Okay. to you. Your mic is off. My mic is off. Councillor Gonzales. >> No. >> Councillor Miguel? >> No. >> Councillor Mama? >> No.

153
00:42:25.120 --> 00:42:41.760
>> Councillor Infante? >> Yes. >> Councillor Arias? >> Yes. >> Councillor Del Rosario? >> Yes. >> Councillor Leplant? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President? >> Yes. >> Council President. >> I vote yes. >> The motion is 6 to 3.

154
00:42:42.320 --> 00:43:01.320
>> All right, continuing with the meeting uh item 169-26. >> Item 169-26 is the all gold dealer license renewal by Brother and Yuri. We have sent it to the full council with favorable recommendation and we make this as a formal motion.

155
00:43:01.320 --> 00:43:18.600
>> There's a motion in front of us, properly seconded. Discussion. I hear none. All those in favor please say "Aye". >> Aye. >> Any nays? >> Nays have it. >> Item 260-26. >> Item 260-26 is being styled 1 J04 on

156
00:43:18.600 --> 00:43:35.680
Broadway near the Holy St. Reference number is 311-277-52 from National Grid. We have sent it to the full council to order a public hearing and I make this as a formal motion. >> There is an motion to order a public hearing.

157
00:43:35.680 --> 00:43:53.440
It's been properly seconded. Discussion. I hear none. All those in favor to order the public hearing please say "Aye". >> Aye. >> Nays have it. >> Thank you. See you all later. >> Item 262-26 is the annual family picnic and sports

158
00:43:53.440 --> 00:44:10.320
day at the Oppolito Park. Uh this is going to happen on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I'm sending this up to the full council as a formal >> There's a motion There's a motion from a

159
00:44:10.320 --> 00:44:34.160
last property second. Discussion? Are you a no? All those in favor, please say "Aye." Any nays? The ayes have it. Um Personnel Committee, there is none. Public Safety, there is no reports. Committee of the other, there is no

160
00:44:34.160 --> 00:44:51.360
report. Old business, there is none. Any table matters that we would like to discuss today? Uh all right, we go straight to new business. Item 264-26, extend uh temporary appointment for Officer Santiago Matias

161
00:44:51.360 --> 00:45:08.680
as the director of public um of the director of planning and development for the next 90 days. Uh that's going to Personnel Committee. Item 265-26, appointment of uh Valencia Tamaiti to the Conservation uh to the

162
00:45:08.680 --> 00:45:23.880
Conservation uh Commission. That's going to Personnel Committee. Item 220 Item 266-26, appointment of Rolando de Castro to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority. That's going to the Personnel Committee.

163
00:45:23.880 --> 00:45:43.280
Item 267-26, authorization authorization to spend um uh $5,409.26. MassDOT aeronautic aero- aeronautic grant uh for runway five uh drainage improvement. That's going to the Finance Committee.

164
00:45:43.280 --> 00:46:00.960
Item uh 268-26, authorization to spend $22,447.34. Uh MassDOT um aeronautic uh grant for runway five drainage improvement. Item 260 Uh that's going to the Finance Finance

165
00:46:00.960 --> 00:46:18.040
Item 269-26, naming of park under the construction of on base on base on base state road >> [clears throat] >> as a Billy Robert Park. Uh that's going to the Ordinance Committee.

166
00:46:18.040 --> 00:46:35.320
Item 270-25, item 270-26. It's a typo there. 270-26, uh parkers and parallel license Lourdes Urena, that's going to uh the

167
00:46:35.320 --> 00:46:52.880
Ordinance Committee. Item 271-26, naming of corner of Haverhill and Ames Street uh as Anthony uh Defusco Square. That's going to the Ordinance Committee. Item 272-26, groundwork Lawrence

168
00:46:52.880 --> 00:47:08.480
5K Manchester Street Park, Spicket River Greenway, uh Enos O'Donnell Park, that's going to uh take place on uh Sunday, June uh Sunday, August 9th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. That's going to the Ordinance Committee.

169
00:47:08.480 --> 00:47:24.760
Item 273-26, resolution honoring uh Youth Development Organization uh Inc. YDOs, the 20th anniversary in recognition of July 16th, 2026 as the YDO day.

170
00:47:24.760 --> 00:47:40.560
That's going to Ordinance Committee. Item 274-26, request for uh zoning change 46 Windows uh uh rezoned to a highway access district. And that's going to

171
00:47:40.560 --> 00:47:56.280
Housing Committee. Item 2 Oh. Okay, you're right. So, um the the zoning Have we decided already? >> No, you need to confirm the quorum. I'm sorry. >> Okay, we're going to refer to

172
00:47:56.280 --> 00:48:12.560
the Planning and Zoning the All right. >> we're going to we're going to be requesting this item to planning and also to ordinance. Uh the planning board and also to ordinance. >> 274? >> That's uh 274-26.

173
00:48:12.560 --> 00:48:30.640
Once we receive the item from the planning board and then we can proceed. Item 275-26, proposed a proposed ordinance naming uh name change of ordinance uh 02.48

174
00:48:31.040 --> 00:48:46.120
to office of human resources and uh labor relationship. Uh labor relations. That's going to ordinance committee. Item 276-26, creation of propo- uh crea- creation of

175
00:48:46.120 --> 00:49:03.840
proposed ordinance 0248 uh 050 uh deputy director of human resource. That's going to personnel ordinance, sorry. Uh item 277-26, handicap parking 37 Benton Street. Uh ordinance committee. Item 278-26,

176
00:49:03.840 --> 00:49:21.760
handicap parking of 40 uh 42 Tonnele Ave street uh that's going to ordinance committee. Item 279-26, handicap parking uh 35-37 Woodrow Street. Uh ordinance committee. Item 280-26, Russian parking 15 uh 15 uh

177
00:49:21.760 --> 00:49:43.720
Bonker Hill Street. Uh are they referring to only one spot as a Russian parking? >> So, the petitioner came in with their own thing. I said to them that you really need to get the rest of your neighborhood on board and they said that they would be doing that, but I have not received backup for the other neighbors.

178
00:49:44.560 --> 00:50:02.040
I'm going to wait. Okay. He said I'll deal with it. >> So, is it the street or the the one spot? All right, you uh figure it out. Uh 280-26 is going to go is going to go to the ordinance committee. Make sure that we guys don't get one

179
00:50:02.040 --> 00:50:19.200
spot because then then everybody's going to be looking for that specifically. All right. Um councilors committee meetings. Next week. >> Ordering Tuesday or the next week after 10:00 p.m.

180
00:50:19.200 --> 00:50:41.280
>> Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. >> Yes. >> Budget and finance? >> Wednesday uh 7:00. >> Uh personnel? >> Wednesday at 6:00. >> Any housing? >> Do we have any items? >> Any housing?

181
00:50:41.280 --> 00:51:20.040
>> Yes. Several housing. >> I'm going to I can I can make that Wednesday. And then I what I can make another day. >> You can make a switch but you just can't make it that day. >> You can make it that day. Can do Thursday? Thursday's open. Okay. Then

182
00:51:21.160 --> 00:51:57.280
You can do No, but I said Wednesday at 5:00. What was the item that we have there? What was the item that we have on the housing? Oh, the 141 23. Yep. That can wait. All right,

183
00:51:57.280 --> 00:52:12.920
any other anything else, councilors? Before we adjourn. Anything else? Councilor Tomorrow we have our final I mean our the special meeting for the budget. We received

184
00:52:12.920 --> 00:52:39.240
allocations today. I hope that every councilor have looked into it. It's in your email. The special meeting is at 7:00 tomorrow. Motion to adjourn. We haven't finished yet. So, the allocation have been submitted.

185
00:52:39.240 --> 00:52:57.120
We asked the mayor to sign those allocations. And they will be presenting those tomorrow. Also, in case that we don't vote on the budget tomorrow. We we have asked for another meeting on

186
00:52:57.120 --> 00:53:12.400
Thursday. Yes, in case we doing that as a precaution in case that we need to we need to meet on Thursday to special meeting for the budget. And then we have that date as well. But hopefully we can move on

187
00:53:12.400 --> 00:53:28.840
tomorrow. Move on on this item tomorrow. >> Councilor Bessinger. >> Councilor Lobby. >> But according to what we talked yesterday, still we have 45 days in front of us since yesterday. >> Yeah, we we have The 45 days have reset.

188
00:53:28.840 --> 00:53:45.800
So, to zero starting yesterday. But if if anything, I mean, all the procedures that need to happen on July 1st, I hope that we don't get to that point. But that's not that's not is not going to affect

189
00:53:45.800 --> 00:54:01.600
uh, the 45 days because the 45 days reset yesterday. Since we took it um, we took them up. >> Did you get confirmation? >> When you vote. >> Did you get confirmation on that? >> That's how it is. We we as a matter of fact uh, we have that because our city

190
00:54:01.600 --> 00:54:18.040
attorney is unavailable. Uh, I don't know if unofficially you guys have here, but I don't want to make it public. Uh, mean then he's not here he wasn't here today. But tomorrow we're going to have another meeting for the budget.

191
00:54:18.040 --> 00:54:35.640
Um, we have the original 45 days and on the 27th of this month. So we are within the original 45 days, but for sure we took a vote we took a stand yesterday. And the budget was rejected. We have no budget until we have it tomorrow.

192
00:54:35.640 --> 00:54:54.600
Hopefully. So Are we good? Any questions counselor? All right, I need you to make a motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All those in favor please say aye. >> Aye.