MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
56 recorded votes, 39 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
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
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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.
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
Accept and place on file: Recognition - Specialty Materials
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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.
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Accept and place on file: Recognition - October As The National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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.
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Suspend rules to allow business to be recognized by the body
In City Council, Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to allow business to be recognized by the body. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“In City Council, Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to allow business to be recognized by the body. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Finance SC September 22nd; City Council Meeting September 22nd; Finance SC Jointly With School Committee...
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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.
“In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
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.
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Refer to Housing SC: Motion Responses
B) Motion Response - City Owned Property – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“B) Motion Response - City Owned Property – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Take Items #5.6 and #7.2 out of order
Motion to take Items #5.6 and #7.2 out of order as they relate to this discussion. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion to take Items #5.6 and #7.2 out of order as they relate to this discussion. So voted..”
Have Law Department draft ordinance regarding posting requirements
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to have Law Department draft ordinance regarding posting requirements. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to have Law Department draft ordinance regarding posting requirements. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Suspend rules
Motion to suspend rules by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to discuss covid rules regarding schools. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion to suspend rules by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to discuss covid rules regarding schools. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Bundle Items #4.3 to #4.6 inclusive
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to bundle Items #4.3 to #4.6 inclusive. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to bundle Items #4.3 to #4.6 inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Approve: Appoint Carolyn McCarthy To Sustainability Council
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Approve: Appoint Latashia White To Veterans Commission
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Approve: Appoint Robert Njoroge To Board Of Appeals
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Approve: Re-Appoint James Pope And Beverly Anthes To Election Commission
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.10 inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott to bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.10 inclusive. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott to bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.10 inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Adopt: Accept Gift From Tewksbury Police Dept
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote -Accept Expend Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote- Accept.Expend Grant Center For Tech And Civic Life
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Take Item #10.3 out of order
Motion to suspend rules to take Item #10.3 out of order by C. Rourke, 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.
“Motion to suspend rules to take Item #10.3 out of order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Adopt: Vote -Apply.Accept.Expend 100,000 Dept Of Public Health
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote -Auth Mgr Req Approval For Second Plan Change From DHCD
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 140,100 Shared Street And Spaces
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Adopt: Vote-Supplemental Appropriation (Pollard Memorial Library)
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote-Transfer Cemetery
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Vote-Transfer Library
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Adopt
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Refer to the Planning Board on November 2: Ordinance - Amend Zoning
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Planning Board on November 2, 2020 for report and recommendation and to a public hearing on November 10, 2020 at 7PM 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.
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Planning Board on November 2, 2020 for report and recommendation and to a public hearing on November 10, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance- Amend Sidewalk Seating Outside Restaurant
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM 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.
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance- Create Position And Salary Nurse Case
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM 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.
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Accept the report: Neighborhoods SC October 13, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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.
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Neighborhoods SC October 13, 2020
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to approve Markley Group, LLC petition to amend license to include an additional 15,000 gallons of Diesel II. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to approve Markley Group, LLC petition to amend license to include an additional 15,000 gallons of Diesel II. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Have Manager cease further contract negotiations with SiFi
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras to have Manager cease further contract negotiations with SiFi. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras to have Manager cease further contract negotiations with SiFi. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Samaras)
Accept the report: Technology & Utilities SC October 13, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Mercier, 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.
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - LynnLowell, LLC (Atty. George Theodorou) Request Zoning Change To Extend UMF Zone Into LI Zone At 4 Wiggin St. /...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation and to draft ordinance by C. Nuon, 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation and to draft ordinance by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Joann Camilli Request Permission To Address The City Council Regarding Property At 25 Arlene Road
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager and DPW for report and recommendation 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager and DPW for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Tina Degree Request City Council Develop A Residential Parking Program For Area Around Market And Merrimack Streets
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Refer to the Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C: Misc. - Tania Ormonde/Pedro Camara Request Installation Of A Traffic Mirror At The...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer to draft ordinance by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Ronald DiBerto Request City Council Establish A Lowell Walk Of Fame
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Chau, 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.
“In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Rourke)
Send to a public hearing: TC Systems, Inc. (AT&T) - Request Installation Of Two (2) Telecommunication Conduits At Intersection Of University...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM 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.
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on October 27, 2020 at 7PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Bundle Items # 10.1 to #10.12, second them and refer to City Manager
Motion to bundle Items # 10.1 to #10.12, second them and refer to City Manager by C. Elliott, 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.
“Motion to bundle Items # 10.1 to #10.12, second them and refer to City Manager by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Meet With The Lowell Housing Authority Chairman Regarding PILOT In Place And Address...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On Illegal Dumping And Efforts To Have National Grid Clean Up Their Property In South Lowell
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Interim Election Director Explain Early Voting In Massachusetts In Order To Make Voting As...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To Lowell General Hospital And The Lowell Community Health Center To Request They...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to , DPD, And Business Recovery Task Force Work On Grant To Hire A Business Coordinator For...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager/DPD. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager/DPD. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Departments On Ways To Improve The Accessibility Of Public Documents And...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Direct The Law Department To Draft An Ordinance Relative To Housing Stability Notification...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Develop And Report On Preparations And Plans For A Second Wave Of Covid-19
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding The Halloween Plans Within The City
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Investigate And Report On Possible Additional Funding For Small Businesses Within The City
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Post The Appropriate Traffic And Speed Signage On Andover Street
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Elliott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Continue To Work With School Department And Comcast For Improved...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Chau)
Go into executive session: Executive Session
In City Council, M. Leahy stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:15 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, M. Leahy stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:15 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
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.
“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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