MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
August 11, 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. 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
“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. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Nuon)
Minutes of City Council Meeting July 28th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Meeting July 28th, for acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, 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
“In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Chau)
National Grid - Req. installation of (1) SO pole on Andrews Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Req. installation of (1) SO pole on Andrews Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
National Grid - Req. installation of PVC conduit from new pole to existing manhole on Andrews Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Req. installation of PVC conduit from new pole to existing manhole on Andrews Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Samaras)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, 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. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)
Take Item #9.7 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules and take Item #9.7 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Suspend rules to allow Memorandum of C. Drinkwater dated August 10, 2020 entitled “Response to Communications from Chief Information Officer Miran...
D) Motion Response - Public Participation in Zoom Meetings – Motion to suspend rules to allow Memorandum of C. Drinkwater dated August 10, 2020 entitled “Response to Communications from Chief Information Officer Miran Fernandez” to be discussed and accepted has a communication by the body 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
“D) Motion Response - Public Participation in Zoom Meetings – Motion to suspend rules to allow Memorandum of C. Drinkwater dated August 10, 2020 entitled “Response to Communications from Chief Information Officer Miran Fernandez” to be discussed and accepted has a communication by the body by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Accept the report: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to accept the reports and place them on file. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to accept the reports and place them on file. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Establish a citizens’ commission to assist and administer the fund
Motion by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott to establish a citizens’ commission to assist and administer the fund. 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. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott to establish a citizens’ commission to assist and administer the fund. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Elliott)
Take Item #9.9 out of order
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott to suspend rules and take Item #9.9 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott to suspend rules and take Item #9.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Informational Reports
Refer to the Law Department to prepare: Informational Reports
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to Law Department to prepare and issue response to the complaint. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to Law Department to prepare and issue response to the complaint. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Appoint John S. Marshall, III to Cemetery Commission
Accept and place on file: Appoint John S. Marshall, III to Cemetery Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Vote-Approve One-Twelfth Budget for the City of Lowell for September of FY21
Send to a public hearing: Vote-Approve One-Twelfth Budget for the City of Lowell for September of FY21
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.2 to #6.8 inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.2 to #6.8 inclusive by C. Rourke, 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 bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.2 to #6.8 inclusive by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations Police
Adopt: Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations Police
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Refer to Finance SC: Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations Police
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras to refer 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. Samaras to refer to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations School
Adopt: Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations School
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations Wastewater
Adopt: Vote-Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations Wastewater
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-MassWorks Infrastructure Grant-Tanner St Realignment
Adopt: Vote-MassWorks Infrastructure Grant-Tanner St Realignment
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-Transfer $60,000.00 to Law
Adopt: Vote-Transfer $60,000.00 to Law
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-Transfer $7,950.00 to Cemetery for Columbarium
Adopt: Vote-Transfer $7,950.00 to Cemetery for Columbarium
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Vote-Transfer $750.00 to Cemetery to pay for ad in The Sun
Adopt: Vote-Transfer $750.00 to Cemetery to pay for ad in The Sun
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Rules SC August 10, 2020
Accept the report: Rules SC August 10, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Bill Dzoung (for the benefit of John Martin) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 236 West Street
Refer to the Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C: Misc. - Bill Dzoung (for the benefit of John Martin) request installation of a...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C. Chau, seconded by C. Elliott. 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 Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C. Chau, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
National Grid - Request installation of 375 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement from 1500 to 1524...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 375 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement from 1500 to 1524 Gorham...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Samaras, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request installation of 700 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement along Gorham Street...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 700 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement along Gorham Street...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
National Grid - Request to reconstruct gas pressure regulator and add SCADA system at the intersection of Carlisle...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request to reconstruct gas pressure regulator and add SCADA system at the intersection of Carlisle and...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Nuon, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on August 25, 2020 at 7PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to have Transportation Engineer poll the residents on Corbett Street to see if there is...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Transportation Engineer poll the residents on Corbett Street to see if there is interest...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding the steps taken to acquire 75 Arcand Drive; include total costs...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding the steps taken to acquire 75 Arcand Drive; include total costs to...
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: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to meet with appropriate Departments/Organizations to develop a report showing the readiness of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to meet with appropriate Departments/Organizations to develop a report showing the readiness of...
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)
Ask the City Manager to / CFO report on possible options to reduce the demand fees on taxes established by State law
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to / CFO report on possible options to reduce the demand fees on taxes established by State law
In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, referred to City Manager/CFO. 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/CFO. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding UTEC involvement with criminal investigations
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding UTEC involvement with criminal investigations
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: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Request: Finance SC meet regarding potential savings from police precinct relocation plan
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Finance SC meet regarding potential savings from police precinct relocation plan
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to invite WinnCompanies to speak on HCID motion and advice on what it would take to build more...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to invite WinnCompanies to speak on HCID motion and advice on what it would take to build more...
In City Council, no second needed, 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. Filed by Vesna Nuon and Daniel P. Rourke; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department provide update regarding HCID parking; HCID development projects...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department provide update regarding HCID parking; HCID development projects...
In City Council, no second needed, 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. Filed by Vesna Nuon and William Samaras; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to report on result of previous negotiations with SiFi Networks and explore options to provide...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to report on result of previous negotiations with SiFi Networks and explore options to provide...
In City Council, no second needed, 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. Filed by Vesna Nuon and William Samaras; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to communicate with school administration as to what steps were taken to clean and sanitize our...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to communicate with school administration as to what steps were taken to clean and sanitize our...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report on the number of applicants for marijuana cultivation or retail licenses...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report on the number of applicants for marijuana cultivation or retail licenses that...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on discussions with the construction manager for the Lowell High School...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on discussions with the construction manager for the Lowell High School...
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: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
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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