MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
August 25, 2020
37 recorded votes, 36 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: Sokhary Chau is listed as absent at the opening roll call but is named as moving or seconding a motion later in the meeting, so MassVoter counts Sokhary Chau as present. 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. Rourke, 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
“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. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
Minutes of Rules SC August 10th; City Council Meeting August 11th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Rules SC August 10th; City Council Meeting August 11th, for acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Conway, 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, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Conway, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Drinkwater)
Vote-Approve One-Twelfth Budget for the City of Lowell for September of FY21
Adopt: Vote-Approve One-Twelfth Budget for the City of Lowell for September of FY21
Motion to adopt 1/12th budget of $41,909,381 by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt 1/12th budget of $41,909,381 by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request installation of 375 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement from 1500 to 1524...
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request installation of 375 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement from 1500 to 1524 Gorham Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Samaras)
National Grid - Request installation of 700 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement along Gorham Street...
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request installation of 700 feet of gas main for infrastructure reinforcement along Gorham Street...
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Conway, 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Conway, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Elliott)
National Grid - Request to reconstruct gas pressure regulator and add SCADA system at the intersection of Carlisle...
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request to reconstruct gas pressure regulator and add SCADA system at the intersection of Carlisle and...
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)
Request Law Department prepare Home Rule Petition regarding waiver of certain demand fees
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to request Law Department prepare Home Rule Petition regarding waiver of certain demand fees. 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 request Law Department prepare Home Rule Petition regarding waiver of certain demand fees. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Informational Reports
Refer to Transportation SC: Informational Reports
D) Informational - Construction Update – Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras to refer matter to Transportation 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
“D) Informational - Construction Update – Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Communication-Appoint Candace Lawrence to Sustainability Council
Approve: Communication-Appoint Candace Lawrence to Sustainability Council
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)
Vote-Accept Expend $40,244.36 AFG Award
Adopt: Vote-Accept Expend $40,244.36 AFG Award
Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Rourke)
Vote-Accept Gift from Greater Lowell Technical High School (truck)
Adopt: Vote-Accept Gift from Greater Lowell Technical High School (truck)
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Conway)
Vote-Accept.Expend $12,500 Municipal Energy Technical Assist. Grant
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend $12,500 Municipal Energy Technical Assist. Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Conway)
Vote-Apply Accept Expend $28,935 JAG FY 2020 Grant
Adopt: Vote-Apply Accept Expend $28,935 JAG FY 2020 Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote-Authorize City
Adopt: Vote-Authorize City
Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. 60 Day Trials.
Adopt
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Ordinance-Amend Ch 150 Fees
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance-Amend Ch 150 Fees
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on September 8, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on September 8, 2020 at 7PM by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Conway)
Zoning SC August 25, 2020
Accept the report: Zoning SC August 25, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
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. 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
Misc. - Kaushik Patel request installation of street light on pole at the beginning of Cheryl Lee Lane
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Kaushik Patel request installation of street light on pole at the beginning of Cheryl Lee Lane
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Bryan Cowell request continued trash removal service at 24 Nesmith Street
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Bryan Cowell request continued trash removal service at 24 Nesmith Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager and DPW for report and recommendation by C. Conway, 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, Motion to refer to City Manager and DPW for report and recommendation by C. Conway, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Chau)
Misc. - The Markley Group, LLC request to amend flammable materials license for additional 15,100 gallons of Diesel...
Send to a public hearing: Misc. - The Markley Group, LLC request to amend flammable materials license for additional 15,100 gallons of Diesel Fuel...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on September 22, 2020 at 7PM by 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on September 22, 2020 at 7PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Drinkwater)
Misc. - Michael Deangelis request installation of a handicap parking sign at
Refer to the Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C: Misc. - Michael Deangelis request installation of a handicap parking sign at
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C. Rourke, 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, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Conway)
Suspend rules to update body regarding preparation of school buildings
Motion to suspend rules to update body regarding preparation of school buildings by C. Conway, 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 suspend rules to update body regarding preparation of school buildings by C. Conway, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding hiring of our retired police officers for uncovered special details
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update regarding hiring of our retired police officers for uncovered special details
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: Conway, second: Samaras)
Ask the City Manager to find ways and means to extend the guard rail along Fisher Street to prevent vehicle cut...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to find ways and means to extend the guard rail along Fisher Street to prevent vehicle cut through...
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 have Law Department take appropriate steps necessary to address the abandoned home at 150...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Law Department take appropriate steps necessary to address the abandoned home at 150...
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 and explanation regarding what material is going into the jersey barrier...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report and explanation regarding what material is going into the jersey barrier...
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 provide a report regarding the installation of a walkway along the river behind the Lowell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding the installation of a walkway along the river behind the Lowell...
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 have proper department implement that all rental properties in the City have publicly posted...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department implement that all rental properties in the City have publicly posted...
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: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Request: City Council support the enhancement of the USPS through November 2020 elections for the successful...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council support the enhancement of the USPS through November 2020 elections for the successful outreach...
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)
Request: appropriate Council subcommittee hold a hearing to discuss measures for prevention of illegal dumping...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: appropriate Council subcommittee hold a hearing to discuss measures for prevention of illegal dumping within...
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: Chau, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding large truck traffic on and around Olive Street; report to include...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding large truck traffic on and around Olive Street; report to include...
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: Leahy, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding traffic flow around Boylston and Laurel Streets; report to...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report regarding traffic flow around Boylston and Laurel Streets; report to include...
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: Leahy, second: Samaras)
Executive Session - To consider and discuss the possible purchase or sale of properties (Hurd Street site and the...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To consider and discuss the possible purchase or sale of properties (Hurd Street site and the...
In City Council, M. Leahy stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (8:25 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Leahy stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (8:25 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Elliott, 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 Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
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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