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Boards & Commissions
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, Governor Baker issued an emergency Order on March 12, 2020, allowing public bodies greater flexibility in utilizing technology in the conduct of meetings under the Open Meeting Law. The City of Lawrence greatly values the participation of its citizens in the public meeting process, but given the current circumstances and recommendations at both the state and federal levels to limit or avoid public gatherings, including Governor Baker’s ban on gatherings of more than 25 people, together with the present closure of the Lawrence’s City Hall and other public buildings to the public, the City of Lawrence has decided to implement the “remote participation” procedures allowed under Governor Baker’s emergency Order for all boards, committees, and commissions. This means that:
- All or any of the members of the public body may choose to participate in a public meeting via remote access. Meetings may be virtual, in their entirety.
- The public will not be allowed into a Board/Committee meeting, even where there are any members of the public body and/or City of Lawrence staff or official(s) physically present at the meeting location during the meeting. “Public comment” portions of meetings will be temporarily suspended.
- However, the public will be provided with alternative access through which they can watch or listen to meetings “in real time,” and meeting notices will specify the manner in which members of the public may access audio or video of the meeting as it is occurring.
- If, despite our best efforts, our technological capabilities do not adequately support public access to virtual or remote meetings, the City of Lawrence will ensure that an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of the proceedings at the meeting is posted on the City of Lawrence’s website as soon as possible after the meeting.
- Notices for public hearings will contain additional information about how the public may participate via electronic/technological means.
- For executive session meetings, public access to the meeting will be limited to the open session portion(s) of the meeting only. Public access to any audio, video, internet or web-based broadcast of the meeting will be discontinued when the public body enters executive session.
- Where individuals have a right, or are required, to attend a public meeting or hearing, including executive session meetings, they will be provided with information about how to participate in the meeting/hearing remotely.
- Meeting notices will still be posted at least 48 hours in advance (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays), unless it is an emergency meeting as defined under the Open Meeting Law (in which event, the meeting notice will be posted with as much advanced notice as is possible in the circumstances). Minutes will still be taken.
Please check individual meeting agendas that are scheduled on the City of Lawrence’s website, for the latest information regarding meetings. Each meeting may experience unique circumstances that may require last minute changes in protocol, including cancellation or rescheduling. We appreciate your patience as we undergo this shift in a significant aspect of how the City of Lawrence conducts business.
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Airport Commission
The airport commission shall have the care, custody and responsibility for the management of the municipal airport.
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Bellevue Cemetery Board
Find information regarding the Bellevue Cemetery Board.
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Board of Health
The Board of Health meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
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Board of Registrars
The Board of Registrars of Voters are responsible for maintaining the list of registered voters in the city and conducting elections.
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Commission on Disability
The commission shall coordinate and carry out programs designed to address issues concerning persons with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
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Conservation Commission
A city or town which accepts this section may establish a conservation commission, hereinafter called the commission, for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of said city or town.
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Council for the Aging
It shall be the duty of the council to establish policies which will carry out programs designed to meet problems of the aging in coordination with programs of the council for the aging established under Chapter 19A of the General Laws.
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Cultural Council
The Lawrence Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.
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Greater Lawrence Sanitary District
The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District was established by Chapter 750 of the Massachusetts Acts of 1968 for the purpose of building, maintaining, and operating a system of sewage collection and disposal for the City of Lawrence, the towns of Methuen, Andover, and North Andover.
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Historical Commission
The historical commission shall have all of the powers and duties granted to historical commissions by General Laws, chapter 40, section 8D, and acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto.
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Housing Authority
The Lawrence Housing Authority consists of 5 members.
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Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission is composed of 9 members which serve 3 year terms.
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Library Board of Trustees
The Library is under the management and control of its Board of Trustees.
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Licensing Board
Review members of the Licensing Board and the members involved.
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Licensing Commission
The Greater Lawrence Licensing Commission consisting of 3 persons, who shall not be engaged, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages, who have been residents of the City of Lawrence for at least two years immediately preceding their appointment.
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Planning Board
The planning board shall have all of the powers and duties granted to planning boards by General Laws, chapter 41, sections 81A to 8IGG inclusive, and acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto.
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Prospect Hill Historical District Commission
The Prospect Hill Historical District Commission works to protect historical integrity within Lawrence. Find agendas, minutes, member and meeting details.
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Redevelopment Authority
The redevelopment authority establishes rehabilitation and design standards, relocates businesses and residents occupying property in urban renewal areas, issues bonds, and participates in real estate development and revitalization.
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Retirement Board
If you are employed by the City of Lawrence on a permanent basis and holding a position, which requires you to work a minimum of 20 hours per week (excluding teachers), you are eligible to become a member of the Lawrence Retirement System. The City of Lawrence Retirement Board Members and Office Staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your retirement system.
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School Building Committee
Applications to join the Oliver School’s “School Building Committee” are now being accepted.
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Zoning Board Of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals, special permits, and variances from the building commissioner or other administrative officer under zoning;