The declaration of the airport hangar as a school represented a step for the Greater Lawrence Technical School, allowing it to reclaim a property that the city had purchased on its behalf. The technical school is restricted from directly purchasing land or property under its charter, necessitating such arrangements. This action, which did not require a public hearing, was unanimously approved by the council. The move is part of an amendment to the District agreement that also included provisions for future property transactions involving the school and required approvals from all member communities. To date, Andover and North Andover have approved the amendment in their town meetings.

Addressing a need within the city’s administration, the council authorized the hiring for the enforcement prosecutor’s role, which had been vacant for over six months. This position is critical for managing code violations and is expected to generate revenue for the city. The motion was passed without further discussion.

The council also showed its support for energy conservation efforts by approving a 6-month permit for door-to-door outreach by the Mass Saves Assessment program. The outreach, led by coordinator David Fav, aims to provide energy assessments to residents, contributing to the city’s environmental initiatives. The approval, which came after the council’s inquiries about the outreach’s duration and timing, allows the program to operate between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Several other items were on the agenda but did not reach a resolution during the meeting. A request for camping on the common during the Juneteenth Arts and Awareness Festival was postponed due to the absence of the advocate. Similarly, requests for the installation of a utility pole, handicapped parking spaces, and a hawker and peddler’s license for flower sales were tabled as the relevant parties were not present to discuss the council’s concerns.

In an administrative capacity, the council referred requests for handicapped parking and no parking designations to the police department for review, aligning with customary procedures. This step ensures proper vetting and enforcement of parking regulations, which are vital for maintaining order and accessibility in the city.

The council also tackled traffic and safety concerns by discussing a request to install a stop sign at the intersection of Osgood Street and Bailey Street. Furthermore, a request for a loading zone at Hall and Berkeley Street was considered, with the council debating the potential impact on residents and traffic flow. The narrowness of the street and the need for enforcement of existing parking regulations were discussed, and the request was also sent to the police department for further analysis.

In addition to traffic concerns, the council discussed a home rule petition for police and fire services and a 3K walk and cookout at O’Connell Park. The home rule petition was tabled for further discussion. The 3K event prompted debate over park availability and the requirement for proper permits.