← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting

March 22, 2022

31 recorded votes, 26 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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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

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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. 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

“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. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Suspend rules to allow M. Chau to issue a statement

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to suspend rules to allow M. Chau to issue a statement. 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to suspend rules to allow M. Chau to issue a statement. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Communication - Director Of Human Resources Discussion Regarding Selection Of Applicants To Interview And Scheduling...

Accept and place on file: Communication - Director Of Human Resources Discussion Regarding Selection Of Applicants To Interview And Scheduling For...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Interview Thomas Golden on Wednesday for the Manager’s position

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott to interview Thomas Golden on Wednesday for the Manager’s position. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott to interview Thomas Golden on Wednesday for the Manager’s position. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Minutes Of Finance SC March 15th; City Council Meeting March 15th, For Acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Finance SC March 15th; City Council Meeting March 15th, For Acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, minutes read, 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.

From the minutes

“In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. 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. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Request that ARPA funding element concerning backflow measures be brought forward in a quicker fashion

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Drinkwater to request that ARPA funding element concerning backflow measures be brought forward in a quicker fashion. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Drinkwater to request that ARPA funding element concerning backflow measures be brought forward in a quicker fashion. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Request Manager prepare letter to State delegation to assist with increasing funding to the Stare Fire Academy

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to request Manager prepare letter to State delegation to assist with increasing funding to the Stare Fire Academy. 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to request Manager prepare letter to State delegation to assist with increasing funding to the Stare Fire Academy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Take Item #4.2(E) out of order

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #4.2(E) 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #4.2(E) out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Informational Reports

Refer to Transportation SC: Informational Reports

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to the Transportation 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to the Transportation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Communication - Reappointment Of Peter Finnegan To Board Of Parks

Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Peter Finnegan To Board Of Parks

Minutes, page 4

Confirm appointmentFailed · 4–7

Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (C. Gitschier, M. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.

Yes: Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, NuonNo: Chau, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (C. Gitschier, M. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Leahy)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

VOTE - Accept Expend Fire SAFE Grant For LFD

Adopt: VOTE - Accept Expend Fire SAFE Grant For LFD

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Vote – Authorize City

Adopt: Vote – Authorize City

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

VOTE - FY21 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation

Adopt: VOTE - FY21 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Bundle Items #6.1 and #6.2

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle Items #6.1 and #6.2. 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle Items #6.1 and #6.2. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Loan Order - $2,000,000 For Replacement Of Parking Kiosks

Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - $2,000,000 For Replacement Of Parking Kiosks

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 5, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 5, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Loan Order - $7,508,000 For Repairs To Ayotte And Downes Parking Garages

Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - $7,508,000 For Repairs To Ayotte And Downes Parking Garages

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 5, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 5, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Subcommittee Reports

Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Scott, 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 to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Leahy)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Gas Main From 114 South Whipple To Sidney Street

Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Gas Main From 114 South Whipple To Sidney Street

Minutes, page 6

Adopt orderPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order 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.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Claims - (5) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claims - (5) Property Damage

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have The DPW Address The Trees At Fort Hill Park For Spring Opening

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The DPW Address The Trees At Fort Hill Park For Spring Opening

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Look Into Purchasing A New Ladder Truck For The Fire Department As Soon As Possible

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into Purchasing A New Ladder Truck For The Fire Department As Soon As Possible

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Erik R. Gitschier and Kimberly Scott; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Work Planned And/Or Completed Around Rodent Control Within Our...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Work Planned And/Or Completed Around Rodent Control Within Our Neighborhoods

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Scott, second: Leahy)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have DPW And City Engineer Develop A Plan To Address Drainage Issues On Freedom Way

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have DPW And City Engineer Develop A Plan To Address Drainage Issues On Freedom Way

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Lands And Buildings Department Replace The Dugout Roofs At Campbell And Cote Fields

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Lands And Buildings Department Replace The Dugout Roofs At Campbell And Cote Fields

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Daniel P. Rourke and Corey Robinson; Daniel P. Rourke is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of Hot Pot Restaurant On Middlesex Street

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of Hot Pot Restaurant On Middlesex Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Work With DPW Lands And Buildings And The Greater Lowell Voke To See...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Work With DPW Lands And Buildings And The Greater Lowell Voke To See If...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Robinson, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Provide Update As To When Policy Regarding Closures Of Engine 6, Engine 4 And Engine 10 Was...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update As To When Policy Regarding Closures Of Engine 6, Engine 4 And Engine 10 Was...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Robinson, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Work With Lowell Public Schools To Discuss Creation Of Centralized Facilities Department...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Lowell Public Schools To Discuss Creation Of Centralized Facilities Department With...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Robinson, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Progress Toward Integrating The “City Council Documents” Spreadsheet On...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Progress Toward Integrating The “City Council Documents” Spreadsheet On...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, 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 Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

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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