MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
July 14, 2020
40 recorded votes, 31 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
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
Communication Remote Participation:
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote Participation:
For Zoom - https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a- Meeting In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, 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
“For Zoom - https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a- Meeting In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
Take Items #11.1 and #11.2 out of order
Motion to suspend rules to take Items #11.1 and #11.2 out of order by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 5 nays (C. Conway, C. Elliott, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Samaras). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Leahy, NuonNo: Conway, Elliott, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to suspend rules to take Items #11.1 and #11.2 out of order by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 5 nays (C. Conway, C. Elliott, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Samaras). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Minutes of Finance SC June 23rd; City Council Meeting June 23rd; Finance SC June 30th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Finance SC June 23rd; City Council Meeting June 23rd; Finance SC June 30th, for acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, 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. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Conway)
Communication - FY20 YTD Budget Report ending June 30, 2020
Refer to Finance SC: Communication - FY20 YTD Budget Report ending June 30, 2020
In City Council, Motion “To refer to Finance SC” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. 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 refer to Finance SC” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, 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, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Resignation of Sabrina Pedersen- Sustainabily Council
Accept and place on file: Resignation of Sabrina Pedersen- Sustainabily Council
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Vote- Approve Appropriation Order FY21 One Twelfth Budget August
Send to a public hearing: Vote- Approve Appropriation Order FY21 One Twelfth Budget August
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on July 28, 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 July 28, 2020 at 7PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Conway)
Bundle and waive full reading of Items #6.2 to #6.7
Motion to bundle and waive full reading of Items #6.2 to #6.7 by C. Noun, seconded by C. Mercier. 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 bundle and waive full reading of Items #6.2 to #6.7 by C. Noun, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Accept Gift of Hand Sanitizer
Adopt: Accept Gift of Hand Sanitizer
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote -Accept By Donation Easement in Furtherance of Concord River Greenway
Adopt: Vote -Accept By Donation Easement in Furtherance of Concord River Greenway
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote- Accept.Expend 109,540 FY20 Justice Assistance Grant for Corona virus Emergency Supplemental funding Program
Adopt: Vote- Accept.Expend 109,540 FY20 Justice Assistance Grant for Corona virus Emergency Supplemental funding Program
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote- Accept.Expend EOPSS 2020 Pedestrian Grant-Police
Adopt: Vote- Accept.Expend EOPSS 2020 Pedestrian Grant-Police
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote- Concord River Greenway Gateway City Parks Program
Adopt: Vote- Concord River Greenway Gateway City Parks Program
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote- MassDevelopment Site Readiness 375K
Adopt: Vote- MassDevelopment Site Readiness 375K
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. 60-day trial.
Adopt
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Ordinance- Create Citizens Advisory Committee
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance- Create Citizens Advisory Committee
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on July 28, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. 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 July 28, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Samaras)
Finance SC June 30, 2020
Accept the report: Finance SC June 30, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Transportation SC Joint with Public Safety SC July 14, 2020
Accept the report: Transportation SC Joint with Public Safety SC July 14, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Chau, seconded by C. Samaras. 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 accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Chau, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Samaras)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Work with Department of Planning & Development to Put Together a Comprehensive Asset...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work with Department of Planning & Development to Put Together a Comprehensive Asset Management...
In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, 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. Samaras, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Samaras)
Ask the City Manager to Work with Department of Planning & Development to Compile a List of HUD Projects with...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work with Department of Planning & Development to Compile a List of HUD Projects with...
In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, 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. Samaras, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Samaras)
Request: City Council vote to set up Lowell Equity and Inclusion Fund to raise money from private donations to...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council vote to set up Lowell Equity and Inclusion Fund to raise money from private donations to address...
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 nay (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasNo: NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 nay (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Involve Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras to involve Greater Lowell Community Foundation. 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. Samaras to involve Greater Lowell Community Foundation. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Request: City Council discuss reallocating state and federal grant resources for HR Audit or other programs to...
Refer to Finance SC: Request: City Council discuss reallocating state and federal grant resources for HR Audit or other programs to address equity...
In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, referred to Finance SC. 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. Conway, referred to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Conway)
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke to refer matter to Finance SC. 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. Rourke to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Request: City Council adopt Resolution regarding inclusiveness, equity and racism in the City
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council adopt Resolution regarding inclusiveness, equity and racism in the City
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 3 nays (C. Drinkwater, M. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Elliott, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasNo: Drinkwater, Leahy, NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 6 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Filed by Rodney M. Elliott, David Conway, Rita Mercier, Daniel P. Rourke, William Samaras and Sokhary Chau; Rodney M. Elliott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 3 nays (C. Drinkwater, M. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Elliott)
Request: City Council resume meeting in the City Hall Chamber for the next meeting for those City Councilors who...
Adopt: Request: City Council resume meeting in the City Hall Chamber for the next meeting for those City Councilors who wish to partake
In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred as amended for return date of August 11, 2020, to City Manager. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 2 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasNo: Drinkwater, NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred as amended for return date of August 11, 2020, to City Manager. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 2 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Take items #11.10 to #11.12 out of order
Motion to take items #11.10 to #11.12 out of order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to take items #11.10 to #11.12 out of order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to provide the Council with a comprehensive report regarding Lowell Police Department’s...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the Council with a comprehensive report regarding Lowell Police Department’s...
In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, 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. Conway, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Conway)
Ask the City Manager to create a City Commission to investigate and identify systemic inequities and racism in the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to create a City Commission to investigate and identify systemic inequities and racism in the...
In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
Refer this item and item #11.12 to City Manager to develop a combined response for both motions
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway to refer this item and item #11.12 to City Manager to develop a combined response for both motions. 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway to refer this item and item #11.12 to City Manager to develop a combined response for both motions. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Conway)
Ask the City Manager to update Council regarding Small Business Emergency Grant Program initiated in May using CDBG...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update Council regarding Small Business Emergency Grant Program initiated in May using CDBG...
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: Chau, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to investigate upgrading the intersections of Wedge, Campbell and Luce Streets from 2- way stop...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to investigate upgrading the intersections of Wedge, Campbell and Luce Streets from 2- way stop...
In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, 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. Conway, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Conway)
Request: City Council vote to assert that racism is a public health crisis affecting the health, safety and...
Motion: Request: City Council vote to assert that racism is a public health crisis affecting the health, safety and well-being of residents in the...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, DEFEATED per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 5 nays (C. Conway, C. Elliott, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Samaras). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Leahy, NuonNo: Conway, Elliott, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, DEFEATED per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 5 nays (C. Conway, C. Elliott, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Samaras). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Waive City Council Rule 5 to allow debate beyond 10 PM
Motion to Waive City Council Rule 5 to allow debate beyond 10 PM by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive City Council Rule 5 to allow debate beyond 10 PM by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Nuon)
Request: City Council vote to establish a Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that will conduct a...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council vote to establish a Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that will conduct a...
In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Drinkwater)
Discussed with Item #11.8 and referred to City Manager with that item to develop a combined response for both motions. 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
“Discussed with Item #11.8 and referred to City Manager with that item to develop a combined response for both motions. So voted..”
Suspend rules to allow following motion to be discussed
In City Council, Motion to suspend rules to allow following motion to be discussed by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Mercier. 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 suspend rules to allow following motion to be discussed by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Mercier)
Motion: Request: City Council vote to establish a Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that will conduct a thorough review of...
“Req. City Mgr. work with City Health Department to determine whether City’s recent ordinance banning the use of plastic bags should be temporarily suspended in light of State lifting its order relative to plastic bags and in furtherance of local public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.” by C. Conway, 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
““Req. City Mgr. work with City Health Department to determine whether City’s recent ordinance banning the use of plastic bags should be temporarily suspended in light of State lifting its order relative to plastic bags and in furtherance of local public health measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.” by C. Conway, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (second: Rourke)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras)
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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