Lawrence administration warns residents of spring heavy-trash week, schedules park master-plan open house; deputy chief of staff to depart

City administration used the May 5 Common Council meeting to announce resident services and staffing news, including spring heavy-trash collection, a park master-plan open house and a forthcoming mental-health resolution.

The deputy chief of staff and council liaison told the council that spring heavy-trash week runs May 5–9 and that residents may place up to three heavy or bulky items at the curb for pickup on their regular trash day at no additional cost. The deputy chief of staff said the service is provided twice a year and the next scheduled week will be in October; residents with more than three bulky items should contact Priority Waste directly. The deputy chief of staff said construction debris such as bricks and concrete blocks are not accepted curbside, and that hazardous items such as batteries or toxic chemicals must not be placed for pickup.

Administration also announced an open house for the Lawrence Community Park master plan on Monday, May 12, with public drop-in hours from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Community Center. The administration described the event as an interactive workshop to collect resident input that will help guide future park improvements and funding priorities.

The deputy chief of staff said this would be their last meeting addressing the council in that role, noting that another opportunity had presented itself; the staff member said they and their spouse will remain Lawrence residents. Separately, a staff member identified as David noted that May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and that May 5 is recognized as Silence the Shame Day; David said the administration plans to present a formal resolution on mental-health awareness at the next council meeting.

On procedural business during the meeting the Common Council approved minutes of a prior regular meeting (motion moved by Councilor Chavis and seconded by Councilor Wells; outcome unanimous) and approved signing vouchers (motion recorded; second by Councilor Freeman; roll-call tally 7 yes, 1 no with Councilor Wells voting nay). No citizen comments were made during the public-comment period at the May 5 meeting.