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Lawrence council accepts Councilor Fidelina Santiago—s resignation; charter bars replacement this term
Summary
At a special Aug. 26 meeting the Lawrence City Council voted to accept Councilor Fidelina Santiago—s resignation. The city attorney said the city charter prevents appointing a replacement because the resignation occurred after the first 18 months of the term, leaving the council with eight members until the next election.
The Lawrence City Council voted Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, to accept the resignation of Councilor Fidelina Santiago (District A), and the city attorney said the city charter prevents appointing a replacement because the resignation falls beyond the first 18 months of the term.
The special meeting was held in the City Council Chambers and remotely under Chapter 20 of the Act of 2022 and was livestreamed on the council—s Facebook and YouTube pages. Councilors Levy, LaPlante, Luzon, Del Rosario, Marmol, Reyes, Vice President Infante and President Rodriguez were present; Councilor Santiago was absent.
During a brief public-participation period, a resident identifying herself as Mali of 53 Chester Street praised Santiago. "We, the citizen, are united in support of her honorable council," Mali said.
A motion "to accept the letter of resignation" was made and seconded; the council conducted a voice vote. "All those in favor, please say aye," the chair said; members answered "aye" and the chair announced, "The ayes have it." The council recorded acceptance of Councilor Santiago—s letter of resignation.
After the vote the city attorney clarified the legal effect of the vacancy: "It should be noted that under our charter, we are beyond 18 months during her term. As a result, there will be no replacement for the remainder of her term. The charter does not provide for that. It only provides for you to replace it during the first 18 months, so you will remain a body of 8 until the next election," the city attorney said.
No committees reported business at the special meeting. With the acceptance of the resignation and the attorney—s clarification, the council took no further action to fill the District A seat and then adjourned.
Note: The transcript did not specify a replacement timeline beyond "until the next election," nor did it provide additional details about election scheduling or interim representation for District A.
