MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
December 8, 2020
36 recorded votes, 28 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. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Sokhary Chau, David Conway and William Samaras.
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 / Zoom Participation
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
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)
Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting November 24th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting November 24th, For Acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning. (Cont. From 11/10/20)
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning. (Cont. From 11/10/20)
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Vote - MRF Vote FY2021
Adopt: Vote - MRF Vote FY2021
Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Take Item #7.4 out of order
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon to take up Item #7.4 out of order as it relates to this hearing. 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. Nuon to take up Item #7.4 out of order as it relates to this hearing. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Extend Outdoor Seating
Adopt: Ordinance - Extend Outdoor Seating
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
National Grid - Request Installation Of Of 24 Feet Of Electric Conduit At 179 Bridge Street For Service To Riverwalk...
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request Installation Of Of 24 Feet Of Electric Conduit At 179 Bridge Street For Service To Riverwalk Phase II
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)
New Cingular Wireless (D/B/A AT&T) - Request Installation Of Wireless Small Cell Facility At 6 Industrial Avenue
Refer to Wire Inspector: New Cingular Wireless (D/B/A AT&T) - Request Installation Of Wireless Small Cell Facility At 6 Industrial Avenue
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Drinkwater)
New Cingular Wireless (D/B/A AT&T) - Request Installation Of Wireless Small Cell Facility At 282 Appleton Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: New Cingular Wireless (D/B/A AT&T) - Request Installation Of Wireless Small Cell Facility At 282 Appleton Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Suspend rules to discuss recent flooding in the Clay Pit area
Motion to suspend rules to discuss recent flooding in the Clay Pit area 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
“Motion to suspend rules to discuss recent flooding in the Clay Pit area by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Conway)
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. 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 accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Elliott)
Bundle and waive full reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3 inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive full reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3 inclusive 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to bundle and waive full reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3 inclusive by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Vote- Accept Donation From DCU 2020
Adopt: Vote- Accept Donation From DCU 2020
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)
Vote- Accept.Expend 5K Mass Atty Generals Office
Adopt: Vote- Accept.Expend 5K Mass Atty Generals Office
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)
Vote-Accept.Expend Grant-Health Dept 100K Covid 19
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend Grant-Health Dept 100K Covid 19
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)
Vote-Transfer Surplus Overlay
Adopt: Vote-Transfer Surplus Overlay
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Samaras)
Public Safety SC December 8, 2020
Accept the report: Public Safety SC December 8, 2020
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Bundle Items #8.2 to #8.4 inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #8.2 to #8.4 inclusive 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to bundle Items #8.2 to #8.4 inclusive by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 60 Feet Of 2 Inch Gas Main To Service 39 Campbell Drive
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 60 Feet Of 2 Inch Gas Main To Service 39 Campbell Drive
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 50 Feet Of 2 Inch Gas Main To Service 106 Gilmore Street
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 50 Feet Of 2 Inch Gas Main To Service 106 Gilmore Street
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Appleton Street For Service At...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Appleton Street For Service At 193 Appleton Street
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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. 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4 inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4 inclusive 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
“Motion to bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4 inclusive by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Installation Of 24 Feet Of Underground Electric Conduit At Bridge Street At Mass Mills Drive
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of 24 Feet Of Underground Electric Conduit At Bridge Street At Mass Mills Drive
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of Two (2) Jointly Owned Utility Poles On Varnum Avenue At Elene Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of Two (2) Jointly Owned Utility Poles On Varnum Avenue At Elene Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Verizon - Request Permission To Install (1) JO Pole At 190 Butman Road
Send to a public hearing: Verizon - Request Permission To Install (1) JO Pole At 190 Butman Road
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 22, 2020 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Conduct A Study And Review To Address The Concerns Causing Serious...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Conduct A Study And Review To Address The Concerns Causing Serious...
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: Samaras, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding Safety Of Our School Buildings; Such As Inspections Of HVAC Unit...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding Safety Of Our School Buildings; Such As Inspections Of HVAC Unit...
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 The Lowell Public Health Department, Center For Disease Control, Commonwealth...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Meet With The Lowell Public Health Department, Center For Disease Control, Commonwealth...
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)
Request: Auditor & Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC Meet Regarding Evaluation Of City Manager, City Auditor And City Clerk
Refer to the City Council: Request: Auditor & Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC Meet Regarding Evaluation Of City Manager, City Auditor And City Clerk
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Council. 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 Council. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Request: Environment & Flood Issues SC Meet With Lowell Fire Department Chief And Director Of Emergency Management...
Refer to Environment & Flood Issues SC: Request: Environment & Flood Issues SC Meet With Lowell Fire Department Chief And Director Of Emergency...
In City Council, no second needed, referred to Environment & Flood Issues SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by Rodney M. Elliott and Daniel P. Rourke; Rodney M. Elliott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to Environment & Flood Issues SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update From MassDOT Regarding The Rourke Bridge Design
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update From MassDOT Regarding The Rourke Bridge Design
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: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have Law Department Draft An Ordinance Relative To Responsible Contracting And Community...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Law Department Draft An Ordinance Relative To Responsible Contracting And Community...
In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Elliott)
Request: City Council Vote To Convey Opposition To The MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board Regarding Proposed...
Adopt: Request: City Council Vote To Convey Opposition To The MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board Regarding Proposed Service Cuts To Commuter...
Substitute Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier request City Manager prepare and distribute report regarding citizens of Lowell use of MBTA services in terms of necessity for transportation purposes for home and work. Adopted per roll call vote 5 yeas, 4 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Nuon, C. Chau, M. Leahy). So Voted.
Yes: Conway, Elliott, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Leahy, NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Substitute Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier request City Manager prepare and distribute report regarding citizens of Lowell use of MBTA services in terms of necessity for transportation purposes for home and work. Adopted per roll call vote 5 yeas, 4 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Nuon, C. Chau, M. Leahy). So Voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Suspend the rules
In City Council, Motion to suspend rules to discuss HR audit bids 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 suspend rules to discuss HR audit bids by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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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