The committee questioned the hiring process, including the duration the position was open and the number of applicants. They sought additional documentation to confirm Matos’s qualifications and previous employment. The discussion also touched upon the potential oversight of various departments by Matos and the status of the relevant ordinance.

Moreover, Matos highlighted the need for a different workflow to support businesses, emphasizing a holistic strategy for planning and community improvement. The council debated the balance between the director’s role and the administration, the proper process for calling references, and the necessity of thorough background checks. These concerns led to a consensus on the need for a more detailed examination of Matos’s background and the hiring process’s transparency.

The meeting also addressed changes proposed for the Lawrence School Committee, as it transitions from state receivership. A hybrid model was proposed for the school committee’s structure, comprising six elected members per district, one student representative, and three mayoral appointees. This prompted discussions on the balance of power, community representation, and the involvement of non-residents to bring diverse expertise. The council considered holding a public hearing to gather community feedback on the matter.

Further, the council’s agenda included a debate on potentially transformative changes to the school committee’s composition. Proposed modifications involved removing the mayor as chair, creating a nominating panel for appointments, and considering the inclusion of a student representative with voting rights. Questions arose about the legality and practicality of a minor serving in such capacity and the broader impact of these changes on governance.

The subject of student involvement in local government extended to discussions on voting rights for 16 and 17-year-olds and the selection process for board spaces, emphasizing a taxpayer perspective. The council pondered a Home Rule petition related to the school committee, revealing concerns about the drafting process’s inclusivity and the council’s authority in educational matters.

The proposal to change Crawford Street to a one-way street during school drop-off and pickup hours also featured prominently. A presentation highlighted community support but faced council queries over survey methodology and broader traffic implications. While some members suggested bypassing a public hearing due to cost concerns, the matter remained unresolved.

Additionally, the council considered a proposal for a voting ID and discussed a resolution in support of a financial audit of Lawrence Public Schools by the state auditor. The council agreed to seek further information from the city attorney and city clerk before finalizing decisions on these issues.

Lastly, the issue of urban cleanliness was addressed, with a suggestion to draft an ordinance requiring landowners to maintain open areas, thereby reducing litter. The council resolved to forward this to the city attorney for review.