MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting
April 13, 2021
46 recorded votes, 37 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): 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
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. 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
“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. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Rourke)
Minutes Of Finance SC March 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting March 23rd; Transportation SC March 30th; Zoning SC...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Finance SC March 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting March 23rd; Transportation SC March 30th; Zoning SC Joint...
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, 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. Samaras, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Nuon)
Order - Abandon Portion Of Canal St
Continue matter to April 27, 2021 at 7 PM
Motion to continue matter to April 27, 2021 at 7 PM 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 continue matter to April 27, 2021 at 7 PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Take Item #10.9 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #10.9 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #10.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Informational Reports
Take Item #10.17 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #10.17 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. Chau, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #10.17 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Drinkwater)
Motion: Informational Reports
Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater tor refer trash and recycling costs of the report to the 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. Drinkwater tor refer trash and recycling costs of the report to the Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Drinkwater)
Take Items #10.10 and #10.5 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Items #10.10 and #10.5 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. Drinkwater to take Items #10.10 and #10.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Drinkwater)
Communication-Appoint Thavy Hout And Stacey L. Thompson To Lowell Telecomm. Board
Accept and place on file: Communication-Appoint Thavy Hout And Stacey L. Thompson To Lowell Telecomm. Board
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau as to appointment of Stacey L. Thompson. 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. Chau as to appointment of Stacey L. Thompson. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Bundle and waive full reading of Items # 6.1 to #6.8 inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to bundle and waive full reading of Items # 6.1 to #6.8 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. Rourke to bundle and waive full reading of Items # 6.1 to #6.8 inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote On Ballot Question Mayor Election
Adopt: Vote On Ballot Question Mayor Election
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Accept.Expend 17,846.67 FY21 First Responder Naloxone Grant
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 17,846.67 FY21 First Responder Naloxone Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Accept.Expend 32,000.00 FY21 Safety Equipment Grant
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 32,000.00 FY21 Safety Equipment Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Accept.Expend 245,185 Vaccine Capacity And Confidence
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 245,185 Vaccine Capacity And Confidence
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Accept.Expend 59,241 Grant From Commonwealth Amend Emergency Covid 19 Response
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 59,241 Grant From Commonwealth Amend Emergency Covid 19 Response
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Apply Accept Expend Fire SAFE Grant
Adopt: Vote-Apply Accept Expend Fire SAFE Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-License Agreement 370 Jackson St-Lowell Antenna Roof Top 10 Yr Non Cost
Adopt: Vote-License Agreement 370 Jackson St-Lowell Antenna Roof Top 10 Yr Non Cost
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote-Special Act Number Of Sign. Of Qualified Voters Required By Candidates Of Local Elective Office
Adopt: Vote-Special Act Number Of Sign. Of Qualified Voters Required By Candidates Of Local Elective Office
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bonds For Emma Amaro, Ronald Bertheim, John Brouillette...
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bonds For Emma Amaro, Ronald Bertheim, John Brouillette, Steven Brouillette...
In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Subcommittee Reports: 1) Transportation SC March 30th
Adopt: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Transportation SC March 30th
Motion by C. Elliott second by C. Conway to adopt procedures to update Master Plan and remove any directive to incorporate changing or overhauling zoning code as part of that update procedure. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 nay (C. Drinkwater). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Conway, Elliott, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, SamarasNo: DrinkwaterThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Elliott second by C. Conway to adopt procedures to update Master Plan and remove any directive to incorporate changing or overhauling zoning code as part of that update procedure. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 nay (C. Drinkwater). So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Conway)
Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Transportation SC March 30th
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
Take Item #10.14 out of order
2) Zoning SC Joint With Housing SC March 30th - In City Council, Motion to take Item #10.14 out of order 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
“2) Zoning SC Joint With Housing SC March 30th - In City Council, Motion to take Item #10.14 out of order by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Mercier)
Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Transportation SC March 30th
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Chau)
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)
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott, second: Drinkwater)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Chau)
Misc. - Sonia Vasquez Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 375 Pawtucket Street
Refer to Traffic Engineer: Misc. - Sonia Vasquez Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 375 Pawtucket Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation 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, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Conway. So voted..” (Motion: Samaras, second: Conway)
National Grid - Request Reconstruction Of Gas Pressure Regulator Station And Add A SCADA System At The Intersection...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Reconstruction Of Gas Pressure Regulator Station And Add A SCADA System At The Intersection Of...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on April 27, 2021 at 7PM 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on April 27, 2021 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding Status Of The Roundabout At The Intersection Of Old Ferry Road...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding Status Of The Roundabout At The Intersection Of Old Ferry Road And...
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: City Council Vote To Make John Chemly And Gary Sepe Honorary Citizens Of Lowell
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Vote To Make John Chemly And Gary Sepe Honorary Citizens Of Lowell
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 Provide A Report Regarding The Status Of Tri- Annual Inspection Of Rental Units/Renewal...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding The Status Of Tri- Annual Inspection Of Rental Units/Renewal...
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: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to /DPD Provide A Report Regarding Re-Establishing The Two/Three Family Owner Occupied...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to /DPD Provide A Report Regarding Re-Establishing The Two/Three Family Owner Occupied Incentive...
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: Elliott, second: Nuon)
Request: City Council Set Up Interview Process To Hire City Auditor
Refer to the HR Dept: Request: City Council Set Up Interview Process To Hire City Auditor
In City Council, no second needed, referred to HR Dept. 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 Rita Mercier; Rodney M. Elliott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to HR Dept. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding The Number Of Complaints/Citations On Illegal Housing Units In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding The Number Of Complaints/Citations On Illegal Housing Units In The City
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 Rodney M. Elliott and David Conway; Rodney M. Elliott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Elliott)
Request: Law Department Prepare Special Legislation To Reduce The Number Of Required Voter Signatures For District...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Law Department Prepare Special Legislation To Reduce The Number Of Required Voter Signatures For District...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Law Dept. 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/Law Dept. So voted..” (Motion: Conway, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Explore Utilizing A Portion Of The City’s Sixty (60) Million Dollar Stimulus Money Towards...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore Utilizing A Portion Of The City’s Sixty (60) Million Dollar Stimulus Money Towards...
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: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Departments To Discuss Possible Options For Reporting Hate Crimes In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Departments To Discuss Possible Options For Reporting Hate Crimes In The City
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: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Director Of Parks To Explore The Installation Of Basketball Rims And Nets At City...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Director Of Parks To Explore The Installation Of Basketball Rims And Nets At City Parks
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: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Request: Mayor Leahy Recognize The Month Of April As Victims’ Rights Month
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Mayor Leahy Recognize The Month Of April As Victims’ Rights Month
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: Nuon, second: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Contact State Regarding The Issues At The End Of The Lowell Connector...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Contact State Regarding The Issues At The End Of The Lowell Connector...
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)
Waive Rule 5 to continue discussion beyond 10:00 PM
Motion to Waive Rule 5 to continue discussion beyond 10:00 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Defeated by two nay votes of body. So voted.
The minutes record this motion as defeated and name only the councilors who objected; they give no full count, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive Rule 5 to continue discussion beyond 10:00 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Defeated by two nay votes of body. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Elliott)
Request: Report Entitled “Zoning For More Housing In Lowell”, As Discussed In The Zoning/Housing SC, Be Referred To...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Report Entitled “Zoning For More Housing In Lowell”, As Discussed In The Zoning/Housing SC, Be Referred To The...
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: Mercier, second: Elliott)
Ask the City Manager to Join With Lowell Parks And Recreation And Mass. Dept. Of Conservation To Enhance The Green...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Join With Lowell Parks And Recreation And Mass. Dept. Of Conservation To Enhance The Green...
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)
Take Item #10.8 out of order
Motion to take Item #10.8 out of order 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 take Item #10.8 out of order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Implement A “Keep Lowell Clean Campaign” To Beautify The City
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Implement A “Keep Lowell Clean Campaign” To Beautify The City
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: Leahy, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Meeting adjourned under Rule 5. 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, Meeting adjourned under Rule 5. So voted..”
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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