Personnel committee tables reauthorization of enforcement‑prosecutor post after review of posting and candidate timeline

The Lawrence Personnel Committee on Feb. 24 tabled a request to reauthorize the ordinance that allows the city to fill an enforcement‑prosecutor position in Inspectional Services.

Acting Personnel Director Attorney Garcia and Inspectional Services Director Pat Ruiz told the committee the position had been posted in 2024 and that Ruiz had recommended one candidate to the mayor but the statutory six‑month authorization lapsed before the hire could be completed. Ruiz said the department has collected about $32,000 in enforcement revenues while roughly $160,000 in violations remained uncollected.

The item was brought to the personnel committee so members could compare the ordinance language with the job posting and to confirm the process used to fill the role. “This position is of paramount importance to our department’s success,” Ruiz said, explaining the prosecutor would handle citations, correction orders and the lien and housing‑court process after the 21‑ and 30‑day notice steps. Ruiz said inspectors issue many tickets daily and that staff lack a dedicated person to manage collections and court work.

Councilors raised procedural and transparency concerns: several members said the public and some councilors already knew the candidate’s name and requested clearer internal notification of postings. Councilor Wendy Luzon said she was concerned that the council and internal candidates were not being notified consistently. Attorney Garcia replied that the position does not require council confirmation and that personnel practice historically had not included citywide emails, but she agreed to implement a citywide distribution for future postings.

Committee members also asked why the hire had not completed within the six‑month window. Ruiz said he had extended an offer in June but the candidate was unable to start within the required timeframe and additional personnel issues and discussions with the mayor delayed final appointment. Assistant City Attorney (presenting later in the meeting) noted that part of the delay also related to a shared‑services discussion with Methuen connected to a DPH grant and to department reorganization.

The committee voted to table the reauthorization and requested a written opinion from the city attorney’s office or HR confirming the legal and procedural basis to proceed. The committee chair moved the tabling motion; it was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What’s next: the committee asked staff to supply the ordinance, the job posting, candidate documentation and a legal memo clarifying what can be disclosed and whether re‑posting or restarting the hiring process is required before reauthorization.