The council’s decision to extend Acting Police Chief Malik Bonia’s term by 90 days emerged as the most significant topic of the meeting. The personnel committee had favorably reported on the extension, and the council acknowledged the challenges Bonia faces in his temporary role. The acting chief expressed his willingness to continue serving until a permanent leader is appointed, stating, “I’m ready to serve until you find a new leader.”

The process for selecting a new police chief was outlined in detail, with plans for a national search supported by a seven-member committee comprising representatives from the mayor’s office, the city council, and community stakeholders. A recruitment consulting firm, MGT Consulting, will assist in screening candidates, conducting background checks, and setting up an assessment center for objective evaluations. The council emphasized the importance of community engagement, including public comment periods and forums with the candidates to ensure transparency and public participation in the selection process.

Councilor Rosario raised concerns about the selection of the search agency and the associated costs, highlighting the need for a thorough and independent search process. The personnel director assured that the firm was chosen through a bidding process and has experience with local searches, including the city of Somerville. The initial cost for the search is set at $20,000, with potential additional expenses.

Concerns about procedural consistency in reviewing new managerial positions were also a focal point. Council members debated the differences in the review process for the newly proposed Manager of Financial and Administrative Services position under the DPW and a previous grant writer position. Emphasizing the need for a uniform approach, councilors argued that all new roles should undergo the same thorough evaluation process, including reviews by both the personnel and ordinance committees, to avoid any perception of “special treatment.”

The council also discussed the creation of the Director of Project Management and Development position, which would replace the existing grant writer role and report directly to the director of Planning and Development. The position is critical for overseeing grant activities, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration across city departments. The council amended the job description to clarify that the role should focus on broader city initiatives rather than specific projects related to the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority (LRA).

Further discussions highlighted the allocation of city employees’ time, particularly the 25% of work hours some employees dedicate to LRA-related matters. Senior advisor Tavan Spanner and personnel director Mik Owens addressed concerns about tracking this allocation, noting the current “honor system” and the need for better technology to monitor employee involvement accurately.

Financial authorizations were another key topic, with the council approving the expenditure of $1 million from the EPA multi-purpose grant, $664,000 for lead service line inventories and replacements, and $1,061,800 from the MVP stormwater resilience grant. These funds will support various projects throughout the city, emphasizing the importance of clear allocation and effective project execution.

The meeting also addressed old business, including the reconsideration of an invoice related to a previous fiscal year and the authorization to expend $286,000 from the EPA revolving loan funds for demolishing a city-owned property. The council decided not to move forward with the reconsideration of the demolition project, despite safety concerns about the property’s dilapidated state.

In addition, the council discussed the need for quarterly reports from department heads, with a motion passed to remind the mayor’s office and the chief of staff of this requirement. There was some disagreement about the frequency of these reports, with one councilor suggesting that annual reporting would suffice.

The meeting concluded with the referral of various new business items to the ordinance committee, covering events, parking regulations, and the establishment of new ordinances in compliance with state laws. The council also scheduled subcommittee meetings for finance, ordinance, and personnel matters before adjourning.