MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
March 1, 2022
39 recorded votes, 29 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 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
Every vote, in order
Communication Remote / Zoom Participation: Meetings Will Be Held
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. Gitschier. 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Gitschier)
Communication - Regarding Lowell Memorial Auditorium 100th Anniversary
Accept and place on file: Communication - Regarding Lowell Memorial Auditorium 100th Anniversary
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Minutes Of City Council Executive Session February 8th; City Council Regular Meeting February 15th; Auditor/Clerk...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Executive Session February 8th; City Council Regular Meeting February 15th; Auditor/Clerk...
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.
From the minutes
“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)
Loan Order - Historic Preservation Bonds
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Historic Preservation Bonds
Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Loan Order - Open Space And Recreation Bonds
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Open Space And Recreation Bonds
Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of New 2 Inch Gas Main From 73 Beech St. To 6th Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of New 2 Inch Gas Main From 73 Beech St. To 6th Street
In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants, Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants, Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Refer matter to Finance SC along with Item# 6.2Q (ARPA Budget Plan)
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to refer matter to Finance SC along with Item# 6.2Q (ARPA Budget Plan). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to refer matter to Finance SC along with Item# 6.2Q (ARPA Budget Plan). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Refer to the Election Laws: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter 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.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to Election Laws and Redistricting SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Informational Reports
Take Items #7.5 out of order
Motion suspend rules to take Items #7.5; 8.1; and 10.13 out of order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 suspend rules to take Items #7.5; 8.1; and 10.13 out of order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Communication - Appointment Of Judith Davidson To Library Board Of Trustees
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Judith Davidson To Library Board Of Trustees
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Bundle and waive second reading for Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle and waive second reading for Items #7.1 to #7.4, 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. Gitschier to bundle and waive second reading for Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Vote - Merrimack St_375 CPC Funding Recommendation
Adopt: Vote - Merrimack St_375 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Leahy)
Vote - Varnum Ave_1413 1415 CPC Funding Recommendation
Adopt: Vote - Varnum Ave_1413 1415 CPC Funding Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Leahy)
Vote- Auth City
Adopt: Vote- Auth City
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Leahy)
Vote-Accept.Expend 40,000 MA Dept Of Mental Health Grant_03.01.22
Adopt: Vote-Accept.Expend 40,000 MA Dept Of Mental Health Grant_03.01.22
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Leahy)
Vote-Auth City
Adopt: Vote-Auth City
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Subcommittee Reports
Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of subcommittee by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Jenness, C. Yem, C. Nuon, C. Leahy) So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, YemThe 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 to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of subcommittee by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Jenness, C. Yem, C. Nuon, C. Leahy) So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Robinson, 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.
From the minutes
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Claims - (19) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (19) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Maria Keratsopoulos Request Removal Of Handi-Cap Sign From In Front Of House At 63 Mt. Vernon Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Maria Keratsopoulos Request Removal Of Handi-Cap Sign From In Front Of House At 63 Mt. Vernon Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Gas Main From 114 South Whipple To Sidney Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Gas Main From 114 South Whipple To Sidney Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 15, 2022 at 7 PM 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 15, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report Revenues Derived From Meals Tax To The City; Specifically In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report Revenues Derived From Meals Tax To The City; Specifically In...
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: Mercier, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Prepare A Report That Will Give An Update On The Progress And Strategies Of The Monthly...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Prepare A Report That Will Give An Update On The Progress And Strategies Of The Monthly...
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 Create A Pothole Hotline
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Create A Pothole Hotline
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Jenness)
Request: City Auditor Provide The City Council With The Current Policy For Wire Transfers For Paying Invoices
Refer to City Auditor: Request: City Auditor Provide The City Council With The Current Policy For Wire Transfers For Paying Invoices
In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Auditor. 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 Auditor. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Outline The Upcoming Plans For Spring Fields To Be Ready For Sports
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Outline The Upcoming Plans For Spring Fields To Be Ready For Sports
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Update The Council On The Current Cross Connection/Back-Flow Survey Underway
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The Council On The Current Cross Connection/Back-Flow Survey Underway
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: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Take A Look At The Current Overhead Traffic Light Situation At...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Take A Look At The Current Overhead Traffic Light Situation At The...
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: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look At Mt. Pleasant Street As It Is Beginning To Be Used As A...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look At Mt. Pleasant Street As It Is Beginning To Be Used As A High...
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Council With An Update From Coordinated Outreach And
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Council With An Update From Coordinated Outreach And
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On Total Number Of Reported Weather Related Accidents On Saturday, February...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On Total Number Of Reported Weather Related Accidents On Saturday, February...
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: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Report On Status Of Smith Baker Building And Any Potential Future Owner Or Occupant...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Report On Status Of Smith Baker Building And Any Potential Future Owner Or Occupant And...
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Suspend the rules: Ask the City Manager to Provide Report On Status Of Smith Baker Building And Any Potential Future Owner Or Occupant And What...
Motion by C. Mercier requesting suspension of rules to discuss lighting in the City, 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.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier requesting suspension of rules to discuss lighting in the City, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Present Rapid Recover Plan And Convene A Stakeholder Meeting To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Present Rapid Recover Plan And Convene A Stakeholder Meeting To...
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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Staff To Ensure That All Communications From The City Intended For...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Staff To Ensure That All Communications From The City Intended For Public...
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Leahy)
Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The...
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. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:20 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (9:20 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →