MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
January 26, 2021
41 recorded votes, 34 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: Taking part remotely (Zoom): Vesna Nuon, Rita Mercier and William Samaras.
Present: William Samaras, Vesna Nuon, Sokhary Chau, John Drinkwater, Rodney M. Elliott, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Daniel P. Rourke
Absent: David Conway
Every vote, in order
Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom 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. 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Drinkwater)
Minutes Of City Council Special Meeting (Evaluations) January 12th; City Council Regular Meeting January 12th; City...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Special Meeting (Evaluations) January 12th; City Council Regular Meeting January 12th; City...
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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
Communication - FY21 Year To Date Budget (First 2 Quarters)
Refer to Finance SC: Communication - FY21 Year To Date Budget (First 2 Quarters)
In City Council, Motion “To refer to Finance SC” 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 refer to Finance SC” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Nuon)
National Grid / Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole And Relocate (6) JO Poles Along Andover Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid / Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole And Relocate (6) JO Poles Along Andover Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Crown Castle NG East, LLC - Request Installation Of 55 Feet Of 4 Inch Fiber Conduit To Existing Customer At 650...
Refer to Wire Inspector: Crown Castle NG East, LLC - Request Installation Of 55 Feet Of 4 Inch Fiber Conduit To Existing Customer At 650 Suffolk...
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
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. 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. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Refer to the Arts & Cultural SC by C: Motion Responses
Motion to refer matter to Arts & Cultural SC 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
“Motion to refer matter to Arts & Cultural SC by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Take Items #12.5 and #12.8 with this item
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #12.5 and #12.8 with this item. 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 take Items #12.5 and #12.8 with this item. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Petition Court to amend decree regarding the selection of the Mayor of the City of Lowell by citizens
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke to petition Court to amend decree regarding the selection of the Mayor of the City of Lowell by citizens. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 2 nays (C. Nuon, C. Samaras), 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, RourkeNo: Nuon, SamarasThe roll call names the no votes and gives 6 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke to petition Court to amend decree regarding the selection of the Mayor of the City of Lowell by citizens. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 2 nays (C. Nuon, C. Samaras), 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Petition Court to amend decree regarding establishing 8 voting districts for the selection of the Lowell School Committee
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to petition Court to amend decree regarding establishing 8 voting districts for the selection of the Lowell School Committee. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 1 nay (C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, SamarasNo: 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
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott to petition Court to amend decree regarding establishing 8 voting districts for the selection of the Lowell School Committee. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 1 nay (C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Informational Reports
Refer to Finance SC: Informational Reports
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)
Bundle and adopt Items #6.3 to #6.9 inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and adopt Items #6.3 to #6.9 inclusive. 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 bundle and adopt Items #6.3 to #6.9 inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Communication-Appoint Mony Var-Lowell Housing Authority
Approve: Communication-Appoint Mony Var-Lowell Housing Authority
In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Appoint Syed Hasan And Katy Aronoff To Pollard Memorial Library
Approve: Communication-Appoint Syed Hasan And Katy Aronoff To Pollard Memorial Library
In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Reappoint Joanne Keegan And Dr. Galvin To Board Of Health
Approve: Communication-Reappoint Joanne Keegan And Dr. Galvin To Board Of Health
In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Reappoint Robert Malavich To Planning Board
Approve: Communication-Reappoint Robert Malavich To Planning Board
In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Reappoint Weston C. Standish-Conservation Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication-Reappoint Weston C. Standish-Conservation Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Resignation Of Amy Pessia From Council On Aging
Accept and place on file: Communication-Resignation Of Amy Pessia From Council On Aging
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Communication-Resignation Of Paul Ratha Yem-Election
Accept and place on file: Communication-Resignation Of Paul Ratha Yem-Election
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Vote-Accept 150.00 From Martha Iarrapino And No Name Book Club To Pollard Memorial Library
Adopt: Vote-Accept 150.00 From Martha Iarrapino And No Name Book Club To Pollard Memorial Library
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Vote-Accept Gift Of 7,500.00 From Digital Federal Credit Union
Adopt: Vote-Accept Gift Of 7,500.00 From Digital Federal Credit Union
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
Ordinance-Extend UMF Zoning District To Include 4 Wiggin And 153 Willie Streets
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance-Extend UMF Zoning District To Include 4 Wiggin And 153 Willie Streets
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation and to public hearing on March 9, 2021 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation and to public hearing on March 9, 2021 at 7PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Samaras)
Resolution-Support Democracy And Condemn President Trumps Words And Actions
Adopt: Resolution-Support Democracy And Condemn President Trumps Words And Actions
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Economic/Downtown Development SC January 26, 2021
Accept the report: Economic/Downtown Development SC January 26, 2021
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C, Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater)
Claims - (4) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (4) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Verizon - Request Permission To Install 12 Four Inch PVC Telephone Conduit On Middlesex Street From Thorndike Street...
Send to a public hearing: Verizon - Request Permission To Install 12 Four Inch PVC Telephone Conduit On Middlesex Street From Thorndike Street To...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 9, 2021 at 7PM 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
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on February 9, 2021 at 7PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report And Update Containing A Plan On Fire Station Closings With An Objective To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report And Update Containing A Plan On Fire Station Closings With An Objective 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)
Take Item #12.7 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #12.7 out of order for discussion. 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. Mercier to take Item #12.7 out of order for discussion. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Request: City Council Vote To File Home Rule Petition To Adopt A Means-Tested Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Vote To File Home Rule Petition To Adopt A Means-Tested Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption
In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager/Law Department. 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/Law Department. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Take Item #12.9 out of order
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #12.9 out of order for discussion. 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. Chau to take Item #12.9 out of order for discussion. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Request: City Council Discuss Using Cares Act Funding To Waive Permit And License Fees For Small Businesses Affected...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Discuss Using Cares Act Funding To Waive Permit And License Fees For Small Businesses Affected By...
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: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Contact DCAM Regarding Reuse Of Juvenile Court Building
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Contact DCAM Regarding Reuse Of Juvenile Court Building
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)
Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To State Officials Regarding Designating Lowell As A Vaccination Center
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To State Officials Regarding Designating Lowell As A Vaccination Center
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: Rourke, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to Have LPD Look Into The Viability Of Placing Cameras At The Christian Hill Reservoir
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have LPD Look Into The Viability Of Placing Cameras At The Christian Hill Reservoir
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 LFD Chief Provide An Update Regarding Brownouts In The City
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have LFD Chief Provide An Update Regarding Brownouts In 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Information As To The Status Of The State’s Plan To Provide Vaccinations To The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Information As To The Status Of The State’s Plan To Provide Vaccinations To The...
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 Have City Assessor Provide A Report And Recommendation For Increasing The Annual Senior...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have City Assessor Provide A Report And Recommendation For Increasing The Annual Senior...
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: Chau, second: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Investigate Upgrading The Intersection Of Puffer Street And Winthrop Avenue From A 2-Way...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Investigate Upgrading The Intersection Of Puffer Street And Winthrop Avenue From A 2-Way Stop...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The Riverwalk Improvement Projects
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The Riverwalk Improvement Projects
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: Drinkwater, second: Rourke)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Motion
Motion by C. Elliott, second by C. Chau to discuss rate setting by Comcast. 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, second by C. Chau to discuss rate setting by Comcast. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
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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