[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6364065,"mediaKeyId","2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7","parentId",2165395,"title","Lawrence committee approves police grant expenditures including Project Safe Neighborhood and SHINE grant","audioSeconds",1066,"startMs",3258000,"endMs",4324000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7&start=3258&end=4324","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7/thumbnail_3258000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364065/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Lawrence-committee-approves-police-grant-expenditures-including-Project-Safe-Neighborhood-and-SHINE-grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364065-2591aa6f92be7292bb3d834c534830bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201708&Signature=U4n7iRqgdBxzXyVZk852F9lqy9o8lHzLEaRcOiW47h3CwPWOFSPKDULz5VqstX-eaqK3ooWIbPpNeC9ysDoeYiU2OZjRNPIj-IUMXjjK9XsTZvrEL4aCAIApo74vNN27lOFtL4AkHv4HTzb~Cea~0dxu1LxNsn7pgX91JcckF-XZHPHm3Uf-unMHzIl-n55zCJeS~nqwwPMt9B3tvHHHU65gRBzNxGAw2AarcxbcUEC5QHrVijCvYPqixwEp5n-9Z577JOy9QRi6XP8gDGv3cwsd2brSuxHhdshSz1wv58LzWFHVwkvdNGbimOhPUxvks2JbmMv1hNMz0JQDYhMSEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawrence City, MA","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Lawrence City Budget and Finance Committee on Jan. 29 voted to forward multiple police-department grant items to the full City Council with favorable recommendations. The items included a $30,000 Project Safe Neighborhoods authorization, a $299,866.91 SHINE (Executive Office of Public Safety and Security) award for community programming, a $37,490 Edward Byrne/JAG allocation toward a marked cruiser, and a $5,000 mini-grant to buy warming supplies for people experiencing homelessness.

Director Rosa Shepherd, director of support services for the Lawrence Police Department, told the committee that the Project Safe Neighborhoods invitation from Massachusetts State Police would focus resources on \"gangs, violence, illegal firearms, and narcotics\" and that the funds would primarily pay overtime for street narcotics enforcement and related activities.

The department also reported that the SHINE grant will fund partnerships with local groups including the YWCA, Lawrence Family Development, Boys & Girls Club and youth programs such as open gyms and a Junior Police Academy. Shepherd said, \"As of today, it's $30,000 per partner, and the police department will get $6,000 plus the overtime that is dedicated for them.\" Sergeant and program staff described the Junior Police Academy as a free two-week summer program that provides uniforms, backpacks and basic certifications to participants; the police department said more than 80 cadets have graduated from recent academies.

The committee asked for an itemized budget for the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant to clarify the balance between overtime payments and programmatic costs. For the JAG award, the department said the $37,490 would help offset the cost of a fully equipped cruiser; the department will fund the remaining vehicle cost.

A $5,000 mini-grant from a county outreach program will be used to buy gloves, hats, coats and blankets for outreach events and to strengthen trust between officers and people experiencing homelessness, the department said. Lieutenant and outreach staff described the outreach model as building trust through distribution of essentials and referrals to services.

All four grant items were moved to the full council with favorable recommendations by voice votes during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lawrence City Council | Ordinance Committee | January 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Budget and Finance Committee voted Jan. 29 to forward a package of police grants to the full council, including Project Safe Neighborhoods funds, a SHINE community programming award, a JAG allocation to offset a cruiser purchase, and a $5,000 outreach mini-grant.","taxTitle","Lawrence City, Essex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364067,"Committee tables $400,000 ARPA reallocation for small-business grants after Hispanic Federation testimony",1341,1907000,3248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7&start=1907&end=3248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7/thumbnail_1907000.jpg","/articles/6364067/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-tables-400000-ARPA-reallocation-for-small-business-grants-after-Hispanic-Federation-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364067-1ab30afc83bbe9b7a479eba81e89cb1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201708&Signature=Wk8VH5~rebUCUn3VSLvaOZcoThP98WYVw8LT4FZPE0~4QVKA80l6vNLajrqF5dyyowtWiQxuFMNcgeSyQDPN7zGH3jhx2Lyo7pCNS~AmFOkJxj388PqxQPUjwbxD9fHjkJtEe4lw-FkVf9Xyt2oBSjaOSDl-XyZ41V4d3bWTULX5rEp7l15BWiXILKbogFdOTZaVHPJqLab30i1JbdhZIPAXIfDso7PKzrh8PE3UiuJnLp2HAkDJu8D747Xlt~lrVQkvXZGsx3cox~GBu5FtTYwBFbNJLTOsXTzpV3lf-VBB6v8dmDe1pNLkwha3qdjM8XH936zT0MHLuk4gqO6sLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Budget and Finance Committee on Jan. 29 tabled consideration of a $400,000 transfer of ARPA-derived funds to a small-business grant program after hearing testimony from Sarah Perez, president of the Hispanic Federation, and extended discussion about program rules and administration readiness.

The item had been posted to reallocate $400,000 from ARPA/free cash to a Prospering Lawrence small-business grant. At the start of the discussion the committee un-tabled the item so the mayoral administration could present a plan. Committee members said the administration had not yet finalized distribution rules and urged staff to return with a clear, equitable process.

Why it matters: The funds were originally allocated to the Hispanic Federation; committee members and the federation's president said local small-business owners need timely, well-targeted assistance. Perez told the committee, \"We have not decided not to accept. That city is not giving it to us,\" and added that many business owners need operating support, bookkeeping assistance and equipment rather than facade grants alone.

Administration, committee concerns and tabled motion: Senior adviser Stephanie Infante and other administration representatives told the committee they had met with local partners, including the Lawrence Partnership, and were planning additional consultations with groups such as MCCI. The administration said it wanted to ensure a balanced set of awards across start-ups and growth-phase firms and to avoid the earlier controversies that followed a $500,000 distribution.

Councilors expressed frustration that the mayor had publicly urged residents to contact councilors in support of the measure before a distribution plan was finalized. One councilor said the mayor had mentioned the item on radio and in public appearances while staff were still preparing logistics.

Sarah Perez, president of the Hispanic Federation, said the federation had not received the $400,000 and that it would prefer the city to design a program that addressed immediate operating needs for small businesses (for example equipment or refrigeration) rather than fronting only facade improvements.

After extended discussion about eligibility, reimbursement rules and required administration capacity, the committee voted to table the matter pending a firm plan from the administration. Members asked staff to provide distribution criteria, whether grants will be reimbursable or upfront, and proposals for outreach to business owners who did not participate in prior rounds.

Next steps: The committee requested that the administration return with a written distribution plan, including proposed eligibility criteria, payment method (reimbursement vs. direct grants), and outreach strategy; staff also were asked to consult with local business groups before the item returns to the committee.","A proposed reallocation of $400,000 in ARPA-derived funds to a small-business 'Prospering Lawrence' grant was tabled after the Hispanic Federation's president said the city had not provided the funds and committee members expressed concern about program design and administration outreach.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364068,"Lawrence committee splits $300,000 childcare appropriation, forwards $170,000 to full council",1070,798000,1868000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7&start=798&end=1868","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7/thumbnail_798000.jpg","/articles/6364068/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Lawrence-committee-splits-300000-childcare-appropriation-forwards-170000-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364068-b3428f72b019f62ea0e3f168b6b04422/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201708&Signature=msEn7DmvfISNqPd1TVnus9Q1KKnwVVMFRrhc5Y0-FMApOBvPDH38QzFkOL1~VQsWSJLWxLxU-vjjHBgJ~96rJ~Ii67N7gqzySQ2t5NpKfMc7Ii2uaaIeBMzurMTiGJtXS-OnhykED1zi0qbFhZzoZ3Br6XRCZXAYQBuozH6G6gUupyUcw~MpiEXiAZLQjWhDpViZW-FBvS1TGjOLZ54km8NIgQjAtQrdX540jIc3aKSQnJgUaDv-~-KHkRTC01hZxbxoB~9WKoBNZJw~fcGK8ok2xpPQYSQ9DIfJdQDg1xQ4tJM4~DhthdhSLmGX6kOLSXvuNViUky0eJ1K4iCGiaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Budget and Finance Committee on Jan. 29 voted to split a $300,000 appropriation intended for the city's childcare circuit after several previously awarded organizations declined to accept funds. The committee voted to send $170,000 to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation and tabled the remaining portion pending follow-up with two local groups.

The vote followed a presentation by Susan (Sue) Fink, manager of financial and administrative services, who said the mayor requested the additional funds to continue a program that had begun as a pandemic emergency measure and that the appropriation would sustain enrolled families for about three months while staff seek alternative funding. \"The mayor is requesting these funds, to help those family family during that transition,\" Fink said during the meeting.

Why it matters: Committee members said an abrupt end to the program would leave families without a planned transition and urged keeping services in place while staff research longer-term options.

Committee discussion and split motion: Fink told the committee that several originally awarded organizations declined funding because of program terms. \"Both the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and Lawrence General Hospital declined their funding, because they did not want to proceed with the program with the Modelo Pregnancy Tracker,\" Fink said. She added that some nonprofit awardees could not front costs because the Creating a Thriving Lawrence launch program reimburses recipients only after they submit invoices.

Council President Giovanni Rodriguez moved to split the item into \"a\" and \"b,\" placing $170,000 (including $100,000 for Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, $50,000 for Lawrence General Hospital and $20,000 from the airport/loan portion) into 22-25(a) and leaving the amounts awarded to Semana Espa\u0000f1a (Semana Hispana) and Lowtown/LockDown Boxing in 22-25(b) for further discussion. The motion was seconded by Councilor Vivian Marmol and carried.

The committee then voted to send item 22-25(a) to the full council with a favorable recommendation. The committee also invited Maria Muller, identified in the meeting as the childcare-circuit representative, and a representative of Lowtown Boxing to appear at the next full council meeting to explain their standing and to clarify whether they can submit reimbursements.

What remains: The committee tabled 22-25(b) while staff follow up with the organizations that declined awards. Members asked staff to document communications with each recipient and to bring evidence (letters of declination, invoice history or contracts) to the full council.

Actions at the meeting included motions to approve minutes from prior meetings and multiple voice votes approving the split and the transmission of 22-25(a) to the council. The item affecting the remaining $130,000 was tabled pending outreach and additional documentation.

Next steps: Staff will provide details and any written declinations or letters of intent from awardees at the full council meeting; the committee requested that Maria Muller appear to explain program operations and scholarship calculations.","The Budget & Finance Committee moved to split a $300,000 appropriation for the city's childcare circuit after several previously awarded organizations declined reimbursements; the committee sent $170,000 to the full council with a favorable recommendation and tabled the remainder pending direct outreach to two local recipients.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364061,"Personnel committee advances appointments but is dominated by union concerns over leaked Maverick report and police chief search",1404,4827000,6231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7&start=4827&end=6231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165395-e2c88b75d85dc1ae88f128e9110e4cb7/thumbnail_4827000.jpg","/articles/6364061/Lawrence-City/Essex-County/Massachusetts/Personnel-committee-advances-appointments-but-is-dominated-by-union-concerns-over-leaked-Maverick-report-and-police-chief-search","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364061-dfb839642408d3f4ef52680979b1f89f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201708&Signature=GtagrTu4iPIkz4NGnhYNREV~6IlGMObAEZRz-r5PyFdcWShrTHMw2MqOkXmbLkOGBpMzHQYCEwlzC2IDBhJE8hc2fQtdxgiWEiKtv0nZK8huf0peI2qSeXua6s~f2LioQVpq1u3L26p8fUTwTwwFrdlxpKs5-TyhJCtHLso-F74QNyEiakib1tze9dyHhGHXcQLIch5ke~XMyQPZ482BYjw8hklQEasGaBvAFCCljX9o~4u8c12S3~GeKmGOFRoRqCcTziAgglbmeDZClAZnCIBD89RUMSF97GAKRPz5dQkkeC52VEjgYvV8KU-ek0dkeGZE1M6dn8Eb1tfqglEyUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Personnel Committee on Jan. 29 moved nominations for Daniel McCarthy as planning director and Sadie Camilo Perdomo to the zoning board to the full City Council with favorable recommendations, while members spent substantial time addressing union concerns about the police chief search and a leaked investigative report.

Daniel McCarthy, a 21-year city planning employee, described his background in planning and said he would rely on department staff and an updated organizational structure if confirmed. The committee voted to send his confirmation to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

The committee also heard from Sadie Camilo Perdomo, who said she was a Lawrence realtor and former general-contractor employee and would serve the remainder of a zoning board term ending Jan. 1, 2026. Members moved her confirmation to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

Union statement and leaked report concerns: A large portion of the meeting was devoted to a prepared statement read by James (Jim) Razzo, the police department's accreditation officer and a union executive-board representative. Razzo said he was \"exercising all my rights under the Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 149, Section 158, the whistleblower law\" and alleged an attempt to restrict union members' participation in committee proceedings. He called for a transparent review of how an investigative report prepared by a private consultant (the \"Maverick\" report) was disseminated to the public and urged the council to investigate.

Razzo said the council had been told the consultant would redact the report before distribution but that an unredacted or partially redacted document appeared publicly within hours after a meeting. \"It is concerning to me that this confidential ... was at least negligently released by the city, at the worst intentionally,\" he said. He asked the committee to examine whether the city attorney or other officials had improperly withheld witnesses from appearing before the committee and to consider subpoenas if necessary.

Councilors and staff response: Committee members said they shared concerns about access and transparency. Committee members asked the acting human-resources director, Attorney Carol Garcia, to provide a status report on outstanding hostile-work-environment complaints and to identify which matters had been assigned to external investigators. Garcia said she had identified at least one matter in the police department that would be referred to an outside vendor for investigation and agreed to provide a nonconfidential summary listing numbers of complaints and their procedural status.

Search-committee composition and process: Committee members discussed whether department representatives had been included on the police chief search committee and whether the mayor's office had interfered with consultant communications. The acting HR director said the mayor planned to release the names of search-committee members and that those members had accepted; she said she would reach out to begin scheduling meetings with the consultant. Union speakers and some councilors pressed for representatives with operational knowledge of the department to be on the committee.

Next steps: The committee re-tabled a previous agenda item on the police chief search so that the full council could discuss outstanding questions; the committee requested a timeline and records of consultant communications and expects the administration to provide the consultant's timeline, the status of redaction/waivers and answers about how and when the report was shared publicly.","The Personnel Committee advanced the nomination of Daniel McCarthy for planning director and Sadie Camilo Perdomo for the zoning board, but much of the meeting centered on a lengthy union statement alleging retaliation, a leaked investigative report, and calls for a transparent police chief search process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawrence committee approves police grant expenditures including Project Safe Neighborhood and SHINE grant

Committee tables $400,000 ARPA reallocation for small-business grants after Hispanic Federation testimony

Lawrence committee splits $300,000 childcare appropriation, forwards $170,000 to full council

Personnel committee advances appointments but is dominated by union concerns over leaked Maverick report and police chief search