MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
April 5, 2022
42 recorded votes, 35 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, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: Rita Mercier
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)
Suspend rules to allow Chris Porter to address body
Motion to suspend rules to allow Chris Porter to address body by M. Chau, 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 suspend rules to allow Chris Porter to address body by M. Chau, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Leahy)
Take Item #6.1 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.1V 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. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.1V out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Minutes Of City Council Meeting March 29th; City Council Special Meeting March 30th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting March 29th; City Council Special Meeting March 30th, For Acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, 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. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Loan Order - $2,000,000 For Replacement Of Parking Kiosks
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - $2,000,000 For Replacement Of Parking Kiosks
Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Loan Order - $7,508,000 For Repairs To Ayotte And Downes Parking Garages
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - $7,508,000 For Repairs To Ayotte And Downes Parking Garages
Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to the Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To LeLacheur Baseball Stadium Pursuant To...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To LeLacheur Baseball Stadium Pursuant To The...
In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to return to regular session to continue remainder of meeting (7:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to return to regular session to continue remainder of meeting (7:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Take Item #8.2 out of order
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #8.2 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. Scott, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Drinkwater)
Refer to Economic/Downtown SC: Motion Responses
D) Motion Response - Home Occupation – Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Economic/Downtown 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
“D) Motion Response - Home Occupation – Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Economic/Downtown SC. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Refer to Transportation SC: Motion Responses
E) Motion Response - Electric Vehicle – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to 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
“E) Motion Response - Electric Vehicle – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Transportation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Refer to Finance SC: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Scott to refer 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Scott to refer to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Scott)
Refer to the Technology: Motion Responses
K) Motion Response - Municipal Broadband Plan – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Technology and Utilities 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
“K) Motion Response - Municipal Broadband Plan – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Technology and Utilities SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Take Item #11.12 out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #11.12 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #11.12 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Informational Reports
Refer to Finance SC: Informational Reports
Motion by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Gitschier)
Request Auditor provide year to date budget reports quarterly
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to request Auditor provide year to date budget reports quarterly. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to request Auditor provide year to date budget reports quarterly. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Bundle Items #6.3 and #6.4
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke to bundle Items #6.3 and #6.4. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke to bundle Items #6.3 and #6.4. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Communication - Reappointment Of Ryan Rourke To Board Of Parks
Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Ryan Rourke To Board Of Parks
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)
Communication - Reappointment Of Thomas Caunter To Board Of Parks
Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Thomas Caunter To Board Of Parks
In City Council, Read Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)
Vote - Transfer 75,000 – DPD
Adopt: Vote - Transfer 75,000 – DPD
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Eliminate And Amend Position Of Director Of Homelessness Initiatives
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Eliminate And Amend Position Of Director Of Homelessness Initiatives
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 26, 2022 at 7 PM 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 26, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Ordinance - Temporary Outdoor Seating & Other Initiatives To Support Small Businesses
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Temporary Outdoor Seating & Other Initiatives To Support Small Businesses
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 26, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 26, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Take Item #10.2 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy to take Item #10.2 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. Leahy to take Item #10.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Claims - (6) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (6) 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.
From the minutes
“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)
Misc. - John/Carol LeMay Request City Council Abandon A Portion Of A Paper Street Known As 2nd Street Near Billings...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - John/Carol LeMay Request City Council Abandon A Portion Of A Paper Street Known As 2nd Street Near Billings And...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Drinkwater)
Take Item #11.7 out of order
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #11.7 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #11.7 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Misc. - Laura Lamarre Anderson (Lala Books) Request Installation Of Overhanging Sign Located At 189 Market Street
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Laura Lamarre Anderson (Lala Books) Request Installation Of Overhanging Sign Located At 189 Market Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into The Feasibility Of A Splash Pad Installation At McPherson...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into The Feasibility Of A Splash Pad Installation At McPherson Park...
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 Proper Department Provide A Follow-Up On The Status Of Splash Pads And Pools Readiness...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Follow-Up On The Status Of Splash Pads And Pools Readiness For...
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 Corey Robinson and Kimberly Scott; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Cemetery Work Garage Facility And Status On...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Cemetery Work Garage Facility And Status On...
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)
Request: Election Laws And Redistricting SC Develop Suggestions To Refine The Outcome Of The Consent Decree, I.E....
Refer to the Election Laws: Request: Election Laws And Redistricting SC Develop Suggestions To Refine The Outcome Of The Consent Decree, I.E....
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to Election Laws and Redistricting SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Provide A Report On All Recent Community Outreach And Education...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Provide A Report On All Recent Community Outreach And Education...
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: Scott, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Departments To Develop A Plan To Have Brush And Overgrowth Removed...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Departments To Develop A Plan To Have Brush And Overgrowth Removed Across...
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: Scott, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Direct Appropriate City Department To Install A Street Light On Utility Pole #41, 465 School...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Direct Appropriate City Department To Install A Street Light On Utility Pole #41, 465 School Street
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 Paul Ratha Yem; 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 Consider Having The City Website Include A “Social Services” Button On The First Page That...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Consider Having The City Website Include A “Social Services” Button On The First Page That Will...
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 Petition The Massachusetts Department Of Transportation To Review The Present Traffic Scheme...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Petition The Massachusetts Department Of Transportation To Review The Present Traffic Scheme At...
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 John J. Leahy; 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 Have DPW Reset The Traffic Lights At The Intersection Of Vanrnum Avenue And VFW Highway
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Reset The Traffic Lights At The Intersection Of Vanrnum Avenue And VFW Highway
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: Rourke, second: Yem)
Request: City Council Appoint An Interim City
Motion: Request: City Council Appoint An Interim City
In City Council, 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, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Approve: Request: City Council Appoint An Interim City
Motion by C. Leahy to place City Clerk, Michael Q. Geary, as interim City Manager, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Leahy to place City Clerk, Michael Q. Geary, as interim City Manager, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Installing A Three Way Stop Sign At The Intersection Of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Installing A Three Way Stop Sign At The Intersection Of...
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)
Take Items #6.1 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #6.1 N & P 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 Items #6.1 N & P out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, 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, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, 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).
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