[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6408675,"mediaKeyId","3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a","parentId",3413376,"title","Cafeteria workers press council for higher pay and summer compensation during public comment","audioSeconds",533,"startMs",669000,"endMs",1202000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a&start=669&end=1202","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a/thumbnail_669000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6408675/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Cafeteria-workers-press-council-for-higher-pay-and-summer-compensation-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6408675-040e728ef9a89b317c38af6dbc929580/orig.mp4?Expires=1775001617&Signature=AIPwIKXuXjde62xGlu67mlMYaRaGkT8H8ssxtfzIutaOLHa3vav38YeFlkVz1jfQJiXXbAU5AnrbT~fba1Ti4Hk4WQMHYIrLSkH6KVCvvqJHzM6MrFaJVeVgLvlgTGRG8Y-LwUZRpStFrLtFrp9dG1eYWUAwaDLIl0kMEzxLPLqS3nuklkTKcUXUACKujYICs8DBKHD7JTQJjzv8Szv-3-An2ALaeT2RwBELZV23smB2VrUaSOg7kyGN~azYHG8mfr1e4Wj04~CH0a7umdU8pQSi2YoWjbWZdLhjfSgDsfJLaKsJGRCcZ10yHfPepEyJEgaB61se5BDjW9NSsylNfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawrence City, MA","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple cafeteria workers for the Lawrence Public Schools and community supporters addressed the council during the public-participation period on May 20, urging better pay and benefits for school food-service staff.

Speakers said food-service workers perform critical tasks and receive comparatively low pay and irregular summer work. One repeated theme was that many cafeteria workers are paid about $18 per hour and work a limited school-year schedule, leaving them without pay during the summer. Bertila Benitez, who said she has worked in the schools for 23 years, told the council, “We are the ones that feed the children... I have been working in the school system for 23 years, and now after so many years, I've been receiving $18 an hour.” Another worker said her current hourly wage is $18.78 and emphasized the challenge of making ends meet when summer work is not guaranteed.

Speakers described bargaining with the district and asked the city to support fair contracts and better compensation. They also raised concerns about loss of stipends and changes in longevity pay that reduced overall compensation; one speaker said longevity had been removed in 2016 and a past stipend was $5,500.

The statements were made during the public-comment portion of the council meeting; no formal council action on the contracts or school personnel occurred that night. Councilors and school representatives were reminded of the staffing, scheduling and budgetary constraints that underlie school employment contracts.

Workers called for even modest increases and more predictable summer work opportunities. The testimonies provide a public record of staff concerns as the city and the school district continue contract negotiations and budgeting for upcoming fiscal cycles.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle"," Lawrence City Council | 05-20-25","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple Lawrence Public School cafeteria staff and allies told the council they are seeking higher wages, summer pay and restored benefits after years of low pay and limited summer work.","taxTitle","Lawrence City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6408691,"Votes at a glance: Lawrence City Council actions, May 20, 2025",4123,2827000,6950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a&start=2827&end=6950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a/thumbnail_2827000.jpg","/articles/6408691/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Lawrence-City-Council-actions-May-20-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6408691-027f228718cec12fe9a178b29a2f98f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775001617&Signature=UEA7kRNyhL9K2nk5aVgLUlckuMreNpPFRcz9dLHecpZ~tdPjgpJTwpF1BZv98H5Mq78La67Sd1LXKxRWQXbJRYk8LmtTwANs1KQRIjwCDM0mzhViAVg20ptltddfOj3RDRmR8jk9cAo9tAhDnFqVzdcbqa2hO6CAmQfHwECeSoe4C00kb7FN96NHH4RvJV1XCd6wmVhd8OhCFeEfI21WKqrukVezJgR9yYGv6hkPHGjJGP03kBsoEvITYukz2g5RjfVNBHS~k2e7YQnY52DdsfRLPq4dQcQORexb-5UUho7dYrUbJDcTmmXBa6yriIuOtIugSnJG8x2OIc-p6prIXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This 'Votes at a glance' summary lists the principal formal actions the Lawrence City Council took on May 20, 2025, as recorded in the meeting minutes and roll-call votes.

Approved items
- Resolution honoring retired firefighter Ronald LaValle (Item 121-25). Motion approved by voice vote; the council read and adopted a resolution recognizing 32 years of service.
- Confirmation of Maurice Aguilar as police chief (Item 163-25). Personnel committee recommended confirmation; council confirmed by roll-call (9-0).
- Authorization to expend $120,000 toward payoff of Housing Stabilization Fund (Neighborhood Restoration Initiative loan) (Item 165-25). Motion approved by voice vote in finance committee report and full council.
- Transfer of $1,281,354 from retained earnings to fund the Greater Lawrence Sanitation District FY25 assessment (Item 166-25). Motion approved.
- Transfer from free cash to the Fire Department overtime account (approximately $792,000) to cover projected FY25 overtime (Item 167-25). Motion approved after chief's briefing on predictable and unpredictable overtime drivers.
- Authorization to pursue Green Communities competitive grant for upgrades at Lawrence High School (Item 168-25). Motion approved; state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) is the grant source.
- Polling-location changes for several precincts (Items 174-25, 175-25) — motions approved in ordinance committee and ratified by full council.
- Multiple park and event permits, including Bohemian Sunset at Warehouse Park and the Semana Hispana / Fiesta permits (Items 183-25, 131-25) — motions approved with site-protection measures.

Failed items
- Authorization to post and fill Neighborhood Planner (vacant >6 months) (Item 1708-25). Motion failed on roll-call (2 yes, 7 no).

Other procedural actions
- A series of public-hearing orders and minor traffic/parking changes were sent to the appropriate committees or ordered for public hearing by vote. The council also scheduled a public hearing and set special meeting dates for the FY26 budget process.

For full roll-call tallies, agenda item text, and committee reports, see the posted meeting minutes and the video of the May 20, 2025 meeting on the council's official site.","Summary of motions the council approved or considered at the May 20 meeting, including transfers, grant authorizations, and permits. Includes roll-call results where recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6408708,"Council declines to post 'neighborhood planner' position, citing budget uncertainty and role clarity",780,4435000,5215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a&start=4435&end=5215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a/thumbnail_4435000.jpg","/articles/6408708/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-declines-to-post-neighborhood-planner-position-citing-budget-uncertainty-and-role-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6408708-463eac123bbcc2c7a01776dad2dc4091/orig.mp4?Expires=1775001617&Signature=DwiY0Mit8tf2c7wptF0buy3AgKfmAYFuxfywzGIQSQEGMy7Thmm8t8RMIrMs05BtjFmgHyaPCKnj5xH5IEz~ePIsOcWEdnONRJ3K6RW8IjIIagyKkpC5WSZdmi5vX0w9cQQNY6UbysFzyqdkbXwI-4Z82WFiUjxHe-z1lzoD3sUpwqALGw-gHGksD7v4p-ESzCRX8oeRXTv4Toc5pcr6VqNz3xhqNM1~7rsKRrH-3396U4HJz~Wrz-ckUNXRWJx1NLodN5JArnjGQg3TH4KZMFhjVAw29txsPpwNvR3XG6opfFvyJe7XURpaJ~IXFcB4O6ajQFS9RiAt9z7pmrqcgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council on May 20 declined to authorize posting and filling a neighborhood planner position that had been vacant for more than six months. The motion failed on a roll-call vote after councilors raised budget and job-definition concerns.

Planning Director Daniel McCarthy and Personnel Director Carol Garcia presented the request and said the role historically connected neighborhood groups to city officials. McCarthy described the position as a community-facing job: “This position was created to foster better communications between the neighborhoods and the elected officials,” he told the committee and council. The position’s minimum qualifications in the posted description included a master’s degree in urban planning or public administration (or a bachelor’s with additional experience); salary range was described as a level in the city’s compensation schedule (range not finalized in committee remarks).

Opponents focused on competing budget priorities in a year the mayor signaled tight finances. Several councilors said the administration and council should clarify duties and demonstrate why the addition could not wait until after the budget is finalized. Council President Rodriguez and others emphasized a thin overall budget and the need to prioritize core services; Councilor LeBlanc said personnel files and performance reviews for long-serving employees were sparse and flagged that hiring in the current climate was risky.

When the council voted, the clerk recorded two affirmative votes (Councilor LaPlante and Councilor Reyes) and multiple no votes; the motion failed.

The planning department said the role is intended to rebuild neighborhood outreach that diminished during the COVID-19 period and to re-energize neighborhood groups; opponents said those goals could be pursued within existing staff until budget certainty is reached.","A motion to post and fill a neighborhood planner position failed after councilors questioned the job description, budget timing and whether the role matched the department's needs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6408720,"Council approves Semana Hispana rides permit for Common after heated debate over park damage",6177,933000,7110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a&start=933&end=7110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a/thumbnail_933000.jpg","/articles/6408720/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-Semana-Hispana-rides-permit-for-Common-after-heated-debate-over-park-damage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6408720-b7580a553b80af9832e2b64f170e68ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1775001617&Signature=d1Ajmuvx9iv6Cl8qtavuUnawyjCMvpWFZNbqscgk5czatJ20oVJXfUUcXv6i~M5VFO4nhSO3pUr4srC9w66O4xJqkJKofvWjUZL7rBNSQ5z04jKAAh-1gQrMdxzh2oIFjVocBe8m2SKSmL4hsthtfbTSdwoVopXEjKuQj506VWqoArf589KXJ2BfMdd6zv6g7nvA47dwFC2mBCAaPTvWatiB7EaixPWh3Myj3rSkQP5d65Rqit9WJsjHBMz3a6LI-BX-5gXULnrJg6aNBbHURnMnNDcf6cHAkaIZKtcP21kboRh-N~ENK2GYeLBA2eTcsk-QfV-k3cEj8gUW04bnzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council voted May 20 to approve permits allowing rides and associated setup in the City Common for the Semana Hispana / Fiesta event scheduled for June. The vote followed extensive public comment and a lengthy council debate about the site’s suitability and past damage from carnival equipment.

At public comment, residents said the rides are a long-standing family tradition. Philbert Ferreira, who identified himself as a local business owner and father, told the council he wanted his daughter to “experience those same moments,” and urged the city to restore rides with a safety-focused approach: “Let’s bring back the ride safely and proudly.” Other speakers defended the cultural importance of the festival and urged the council to allow family-friendly activities.

Council debate split along practical and fiduciary lines. Councilor LaPlante and others raised repeated concerns about the Common’s ability to withstand ride equipment. LaPlante said repeated use by heavy equipment has produced recurring damage and cautioned against assuming insurance or post-event repairs alone will prevent long-term degradation of public property, warning that the city has previously tried repairs that reappeared within seasons. Planning director Daniel McCarthy and recreation staff said DPW worked with organizers to protect plantings and trees; a DPW representative said, “we actually put fencing around all of the trees,” and staff described a plan to manage the set-up and to inspect the site post-event.

Council members also discussed alternatives and the need for a longer-term policy. Some members urged the administration and community groups to develop a permanent approach to large festivals to avoid repeated strains on the Common. Councilor Rosario urged organizers to return after the event to negotiate firm rules and permitted locations for future years.

After discussion, the council approved the permit. The record shows organizers and city staff coordinated on fencing newly planted areas and that DPW will inspect and address any required repairs; organizers were expected to provide insurance and to coordinate arrival of machinery (set-up was scheduled to begin June 8). The council recorded the motion and approved the permit by voice and roll-call vote recorded during the meeting.

The decision preserves a long-running neighborhood festival and allows rides in the Common for June, while council members signaled intent to pursue clearer rules or alternative locations in future years.","After debate about park damage and long-running concerns about rides on the Common, the Lawrence City Council approved a permit for Semana Hispana and related rides in the Common for mid-June 2025 with DPW involvement and site protections.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6408732,"Lawrence council confirms Maurice Aguilar as police chief after personnel committee recommendation",3290,2374000,5664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a&start=2374&end=5664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413376-b80bf7bdb3bb1915c2e8cc006654c11a/thumbnail_2374000.jpg","/articles/6408732/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Lawrence-council-confirms-Maurice-Aguilar-as-police-chief-after-personnel-committee-recommendation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6408732-1e64dff248264e5d68dea1212fe6bcc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775001617&Signature=S6XwRJ63wSPk2iJ5je~-qFfOC69tAwUmqUhTbFR-rSQhnmtpaI1hIu1U7mwYB-xxS9VRrpmeBCcRyZ7FhayAar6MXY5uZYQPgixEBnEv69qRYbpN35zoCmrOVGFRpoSqwOtMofNsVAkb~iI9Ixm5GtZFugwGPisDTaxG3mNBbbHr4HDTKI7tkq2zuC6~YK4BUczLUyX8aGBfB2V0CMbPKsWJoHKF8~IsW~j8ZdBsJP8yKuW~youK93gRdBQ3~BmMok4uoBGs-quWRO5tC4ZH2bl9I8GbRlZuCQwLxUcy8EcE16EeXy6kx4gB~iqbJN6AtQYl2INIn11zxvGnPB9kRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Council confirmed Captain Maurice Aguilar as the city’s police chief on May 20, 2025, approving the personnel committee’s favorable recommendation and accepting public testimony supporting an internal promotion.

The confirmation follows an interview and vetting process by the council’s personnel committee. Supporters who spoke at the council meeting praised Aguilar’s years of service and local knowledge; Thomas Cuddy, identifying himself as a member of the Lawrence Police Department, urged the council to back the nomination, saying, “I strongly urge each and every 1 of you to vote affirmatively to approve the mayor’s nomination for the next police chief, Maurice Aguilar.”

Aguilar told the council he intends to continue a long record of local service if confirmed. “I’m going to give my all every single day as I have, for most of my life,” he said in his remarks to the council, adding that he would be “available to you, as I always have been long before this day.” During questioning he outlined priorities including recruitment and retention, reducing overtime by filling vacancies, and restoring community engagement the department relied on before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council discussion before the vote focused on operational priorities raised in the personnel hearing and during the public meeting: the department’s staffing levels and overtime, strategies to address motorcycle noise and public order, and community policing and outreach. Aguilar said recruitment was a short-term priority, and that fully staffing the force would reduce overtime and officer burnout. He told the council he intends to “sit with each of you individually” to align departmental resources with neighborhood priorities.

The formal motion to confirm the appointment was made after the personnel committee’s report; the council voted by roll call. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from the nine councilors present, and the council president declared the appointment approved. During his remarks after confirmation, Aguilar said that if confirmed he would begin “starting first thing tomorrow morning.”

The appointment ends an extended period without a permanent chief; council testimony noted the city had been operating without a confirmed chief since early 2023. The council’s action now sends implementation responsibilities to the mayor’s office and the police department for onboarding and any administrative follow up.

Details from the meeting, including the personnel committee hearing, are available on the council’s YouTube channel and in the meeting minutes.","The Lawrence City Council voted to confirm Captain Maurice Aguilar as the city's next police chief on May 20, 2025 following a personnel committee recommendation and public comment in support of an internal candidate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cafeteria workers press council for higher pay and summer compensation during public comment

Votes at a glance: Lawrence City Council actions, May 20, 2025

Council declines to post 'neighborhood planner' position, citing budget uncertainty and role clarity

Council approves Semana Hispana rides permit for Common after heated debate over park damage

Lawrence council confirms Maurice Aguilar as police chief after personnel committee recommendation