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Lowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting

February 4, 2020

36 recorded votes, 17 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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Attendance

Note on these minutes: Mayor John J. Leahy presiding.

Present: William Samaras, Vesna Nuon, Sokhary Chau, David Conway, John Drinkwater, Rodney M. Elliott, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Daniel P. Rourke

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

Minutes of City Council Meeting January 28th, for acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Meeting January 28th, for acceptance

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Take Item #5.15 out of order

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to suspend rules and take Item #5.15 out of order by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to suspend rules and take Item #5.15 out of order by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Vote-Cancel Council Meeting 2.18.20

Adopt: Vote-Cancel Council Meeting 2.18.20

Minutes, page 1

ApprovePassed · 8–0

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Elliott). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Rodney M. Elliott as absent for this vote; left out of it.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Elliott). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

National Grid - Req. installation of new handhole and 100 feet of underground electric conduit at 15-21 Surrey Lane

Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Req. installation of new handhole and 100 feet of underground electric conduit at 15-21 Surrey Lane

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Refer to Public Safety SC to provide a recommendation regarding turning back hours of operations from 2AM to 1AM in downtown establishments

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to refer to Public Safety SC to provide a recommendation regarding turning back hours of operations from 2AM to 1AM in downtown establishments by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to refer to Public Safety SC to provide a recommendation regarding turning back hours of operations from 2AM to 1AM in downtown establishments by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Informational Reports

Refer to Finance SC: Informational Reports

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Finance SC and request Law Department provide opinion regarding what body is responsible for authorizing payments for children school outside of the system. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Finance SC and request Law Department provide opinion regarding what body is responsible for authorizing payments for children school outside of the system. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Communication - City

Adopt: Communication - City

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Bundle items

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

In City Council, Motion to Bundle and Adopt Votes Item #5.1 to #5.14 inclusive by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to Bundle and Adopt Votes Item #5.1 to #5.14 inclusive by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote-1. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Daley Middle School

Adopt: Vote-1. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Daley Middle School

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote-2. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Greenhalge Elementary

Adopt: Vote-2. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Greenhalge Elementary

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote-3. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Lincoln Elementary

Adopt: Vote-3. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Lincoln Elementary

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote-4. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-McAuliffe Elementary

Adopt: Vote-4. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-McAuliffe Elementary

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote-5. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-STEM Academy at Rogers School

Adopt: Vote-5. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-STEM Academy at Rogers School

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-6. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Pawtucketville Memorial

Adopt: Vote-6. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Pawtucketville Memorial

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-7. Authorize Supt to File Statement of Interest to MSBA-McAvinnue Elementary

Adopt: Vote-7. Authorize Supt to File Statement of Interest to MSBA-McAvinnue Elementary

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-8. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Moody Elementary

Adopt: Vote-8. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Moody Elementary

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-9. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Murkland Elementary

Adopt: Vote-9. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Murkland Elementary

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-10. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Shaughnessy Elementary

Adopt: Vote-10. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Shaughnessy Elementary

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-11. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Butler Middle

Adopt: Vote-11. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Butler Middle

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote-12. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Robinson Middle

Adopt: Vote-12. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Robinson Middle

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote-13. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Wang Middle

Adopt: Vote-13. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Wang Middle

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote-14. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Bartlett Community Partnership

Adopt: Vote-14. Authorize Supt File Statement of Interest to MSBA-Bartlett Community Partnership

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote-Accept gift to light Aiken Street Bridge

Adopt: Vote-Accept gift to light Aiken Street Bridge

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote-Accept.Expend FFY20 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program STEP Grant

Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend FFY20 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program STEP Grant

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Take Item #9.7 out of order

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules and take Item #9.7 out of order. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules and take Item #9.7 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ordinance-Create Grant Funded Position and Salary entitled Youth Outreach Specialist at the HHS Dept

Send to a public hearing: Ordinance-Create Grant Funded Position and Salary entitled Youth Outreach Specialist at the HHS Dept

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

National Grid - Request installation of ten feet of underground electric conduit to service 336 Central Street

Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of ten feet of underground electric conduit to service 336 Central Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Conway)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have Law Dept. research the legality of placing a safe haven baby box at a Lowell fire station

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Law Dept. research the legality of placing a safe haven baby box at a Lowell fire station

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to meet with Supt. Of LPD to strategize with the State Police with the goal of re-instating or...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to meet with Supt. Of LPD to strategize with the State Police with the goal of re-instating or...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Elliott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide a report on the number on new housing units that were permitted for construction in...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report on the number on new housing units that were permitted for construction in...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide a report on companies with current Tax

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report on companies with current Tax

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Elliott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding installation of lighting at Clemente Field

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding installation of lighting at Clemente Field

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding bridge repairs in the area of Sparks and Beaver Streets

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding bridge repairs in the area of Sparks and Beaver Streets

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to investigate the intersection of Stedman and Westford Streets for possible safety...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to investigate the intersection of Stedman and Westford Streets for possible safety improvements...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn C. Mercier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted.

The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn C. Mercier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

From the Lowell City Council’s official minutes, posted by the City Clerk in the city’s Agenda Center (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: the City of Lowell’s official councilor headshots, from each councilor’s page in the city’s staff directory (linked from “Meet the City Council” on lowellma.gov).

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