MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
50 recorded votes, 38 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 Sokhary Chau presiding.
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Drinkwater, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: None
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation: Meetings Will Be Held
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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)
Accept and place on file: Citation - Raul Cardona Oquendo
In City Council, 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, 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: Citation - Lee Furusa (Dwelling House Of Hope)
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Jenness)
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Auditor/Clerk Oversight And Personnel SC February 8th; City Council Regular Meeting February 8th; Finance SC...
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Take Items #9.5 and #9.6 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #9.5 and #9.6 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.
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #9.5 and #9.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Rourke)
Refer to the Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC by C: Motion Responses
Motion to refer matter to Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
“Motion to refer matter to Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Adopt: Informational Reports
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness to approve the extension of the program. 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. Jenness to approve the extension of the program. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Refer to Housing SC: Informational Reports
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson 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.
“Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
Bundle items: Informational Reports
Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.6, inclusive; #5.8, #5.9, #5.11 and #5.12. 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 and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.6, inclusive; #5.8, #5.9, #5.11 and #5.12. So voted..”
Take Item #7.1 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to take Item #7.1 out of order to discuss before votes. 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. Leahy to take Item #7.1 out of order to discuss before votes. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Adopt: Vote - A Place To Live CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Acre Crossing CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Church St_99 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Clemente Park CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Downtown Lowell Building Restoration CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Gorham St_80 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting
In City Council, Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Adopt: Vote - Merrimack St_555 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - OnePlusLowell CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting
In City Council, Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to continue matter to March 1, 2022 meeting. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Adopt: Vote - Worthen St_243 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Adopt: Vote - Submit For Reimbursement FY21 Foster Care Expenses
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Historic Preservation Bonds
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 1, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Leahy, 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.
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 1, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Drinkwater)
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Open Space And Recreation Bonds
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 1, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. 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 March 1, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Accept the report: Finance SC Joint With Neighborhoods SC February 9, 2022
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
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. Robinson. 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. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Refer to Traffic Engineer: Misc. - Soeung Suon Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 374 Walker Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. 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 Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Engineering Department Look Into Adding Grass Strips Between The Road And Sidewalks On...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On The Payroll Direct Deposit Issues For City And School Employees
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, 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. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Send A Letter To The State Delegation And The Governor Respectfully Requesting An Increase In...
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, 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. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department And/Or Community Organization To Identify And Roll Out A Pilot...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department On The Feasibility Of Installing A Street Light On Burrell Place
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To Establish A Logo Or Button On The City Of Lowell’s Website That...
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, 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. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Repair/Replace Roof On City Property At 77 Arch Street
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore The Feasibility Of Allowing Volunteer Groups To Assist With Maintenance Issues At Local...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report To City Council Regarding Municipal Broadband Plan Throughout The City
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Drinkwater)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update Regarding Sidewalk Plan Throughout The City For Summer Of 2022
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Rourke)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report On The Status Of The Veteran’s Park On Douglas Road
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Remove Mask Mandate In City Buildings
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, 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. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Develop A One Stop Shop For Licensing And Permits
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, 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. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report On A Process To Change Voting System To Elect The Mayor
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Refer to the Election Laws: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report On A Process To Change Voting System To Elect The Mayor
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to refer to Election Laws and Redistricting SC. 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to refer to Election Laws and Redistricting SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Lowell Equity And Inclusion Fund; Including The Amount Of Money Raised...
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 John Drinkwater and Vesna Nuon; John Drinkwater is shown as mover.
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater)
Refer to Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC: Request: City Council Refer To Auditor/Clerk Oversight And Personnel SC To Report And Establish...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC. 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. Robinson, referred to Auditor/Clerk Oversight & Personnel SC. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Robinson)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Direct Appropriate Department To Develop A “Pothole Rapid Response” Team And Plan For...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Direct The Proper Department To Replace The Lights On The Telephone Poles At The Public Parking...
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.
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Go into executive session: Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The...
In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:56 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:56 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Cancel meeting of February 22, 2022
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to cancel meeting of February 22, 2022. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to cancel meeting of February 22, 2022. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott in Executive Session. 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 by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
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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