The meeting began with the ordinance committee discussing item 40324, which proposed a dedication for Officer Jacob Essie. Councilor Fidelina Santiago introduced the item. Officer Essie, who had sustained severe injuries while responding to a domestic call in September 1986, succumbed to those injuries in May 1993. Thomas Cudy from the Lawrence Police Department provided historical context, noting that the Home Rule petition for Officer Essie’s recognition was signed into law by Governor Baker on July 13, 2022. Cudy emphasized the dedication of Officer Essie’s family, who continue to uphold his legacy in Lawrence. The proposed dedication aims to honor Officer Essie at the new police station, alongside other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ordinance committee members expressed their support, and a motion to send the item to the full council with a favorable recommendation passed unanimously. A councilor suggested careful wording on the commemorative signs, including a picture to maintain a connection with Officer Essie’s legacy.

Following this, the council discussed item 40124, concerning the naming of a park on Canal Street in honor of former city councilor Julio Silverio. Economic Development Director Frank Franco presented the case for naming the park after Silverio, citing her extensive contributions to the community, including her roles as a city councilor and member of the Lawrence Alliance for Education. Silverio was recognized as the first Latina appointed as a justice of the peace in Massachusetts and the first Dominican woman elected as city councilor in both Lawrence and Massachusetts. Councilor Gregory Del Rosario appreciated the initiative to recognize individuals while they are still alive, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging contributions in real-time. He supported the recognition of Silverio, noting her significant impact on local development, including the transformation of Essex Street into a two-way street. Del Rosario also underscored the significance of selecting a location relevant to Silverio’s life and work.

The council meeting also touched on a memorial dedicated to Joan Rosario Picardo, who lost her life in Afghanistan. A council member brought attention to a mural at the veteran stadium, affirming the need to remember her sacrifice, particularly as the anniversary of her death approached.

Later in the session, the council addressed a request for a special event permit for the “Month of the Bible” celebration. Maria, representing the congregation at a local Methodist church, requested permission to raise a flag on September 12, 2024, and to hold a march on September 28, 2024. The council clarified that flag raising fell under the mayor’s office’s jurisdiction but confirmed they could authorize the use of the park for the event. They stressed the importance of ensuring no other events were scheduled for the park on the requested dates to avoid conflicts. Discussion ensued about establishing a standard procedure for confirming park availability with the recreation department.

The council also processed multiple requests for handicap parking. A request for handicap parking on Oxford Street was referred to the police department for review. Another item concerned the removal of a handicap parking space on Stearns Avenue due to a resident with a handicap placard not utilizing the spot. This matter was also sent to the police department for further investigation. Additionally, a request for handicap parking on Milton Street was noted to involve an expiring placard and was sent to the police department for review. Lastly, a request from a resident on Street for a designated handicap parking space due to increased parking challenges was referred to the police department.

The meeting concluded with the council addressing various new police department reports and other documents, many of which were referred to the city engineer or scheduled for public hearings. Councilor Gregory Del Rosario expressed gratitude for accommodating the schedule, and a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded, passing without any discussion.