MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
April 26, 2022
31 recorded votes, 25 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. 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
“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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Citation - Mary Taurus (Lowell Votes)
Accept and place on file: Citation - Mary Taurus (Lowell Votes)
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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Gitschier)
Citation - Elliott Veloso (Law/Elections)
Accept and place on file: Citation - Elliott Veloso (Law/Elections)
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Minutes Of Municipal Facilities Joint With Lowell School Committee Facilities SC April 12th; City Council Regular...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Municipal Facilities Joint With Lowell School Committee Facilities SC April 12th; City Council Regular...
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Robinson)
Ordinance - Eliminate And Amend Position Of Director Of Homelessness Initiatives
Adopt: Ordinance - Eliminate And Amend Position Of Director Of Homelessness Initiatives
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)
Ordinance - Temporary Outdoor Seating & Other Initiatives To Support Small Businesses
Adopt: Ordinance - Temporary Outdoor Seating & Other Initiatives To Support Small Businesses
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Take Items #6.2 out of order
Motion to suspend rules by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #6.2; 9.1; and 9.2 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 to suspend rules by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #6.2; 9.1; and 9.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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)
Refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022. 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. Mercier to refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Vote - Authorize CM Become Member Of Sister Cities International
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Become Member Of Sister Cities International
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 Items #7.1; 8.1; and 11.2 to 11.5, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #7.1; 8.1; and 11.2 to 11.5, inclusive 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
“Motion to bundle Items #7.1; 8.1; and 11.2 to 11.5, inclusive by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Order - Abandon Portion Second Street
Send to a public hearing: Order - Abandon Portion Second Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 10, 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 May 10, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 89 Agawam
Refer to Planning Board: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 89 Agawam
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation and to City Council Public Hearing on May 24, 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 Planning Board for report and recommendation and to City Council Public Hearing on May 24, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Resolution - Establish Sister City With Envigado, Colombia
Adopt: Resolution - Establish Sister City With Envigado, Colombia
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Resolution - Establish Sister City With Kalamata, Greece
Adopt: Resolution - Establish Sister City With Kalamata, Greece
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Take Items #12.12 out of order
Motion to suspend rules by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Items #12.12 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 to suspend rules by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Items #12.12 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
National Grid - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole (17-50) On Market Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole (17-50) On Market Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 10, 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 May 10, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 New 4 Inch Underground Electric Conduit To Property At 555 Middlesex Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of 4 New 4 Inch Underground Electric Conduit To Property At 555 Middlesex Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 10, 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 May 10, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Installation Of 50 Feet Of Underground Electric Conduit From Market Street To Service...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of 50 Feet Of Underground Electric Conduit From Market Street To Service Property...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 10, 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 May 10, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Installation Of Manhole, Hand Holes And (2) Underground Conduits On French And Kirk Street...
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of Manhole, Hand Holes And (2) Underground Conduits On French And Kirk Street To...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 10, 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 May 10, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Request: City Solicitor Work With The Council To Change DEI Officer Position To Report To City Council Directly
Motion: Request: City Solicitor Work With The Council To Change DEI Officer Position To Report To City Council Directly
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott referred Personnel SC. Registered speaker, Narim Sunuon addressed the body. 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 Personnel SC. Registered speaker, Narim Sunuon addressed the body. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Refer to Personnel SC: Request: City Solicitor Work With The Council To Change DEI Officer Position To Report To City Council Directly
Substitute Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem to refer to Personnel 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
“Substitute Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem to refer to Personnel SC. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)
Take Item #12.21 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #12.21 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. Nuon to take Item #12.21 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding Hiring Of The Director Of Elections Department
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding Hiring Of The Director Of Elections Department
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: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Take Item #12.9 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy to take Item #12.9 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy to take Item #12.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Request: City Council Negotiate The Manager's Contract
Motion: Request: City Council Negotiate The Manager's Contract
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, defeated by Roll Call vote 2 yeas (C. Mercier, C. Gitschier), 9 nays. So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, MercierNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the yes votes and gives 9 nays, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting no.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, defeated by Roll Call vote 2 yeas (C. Mercier, C. Gitschier), 9 nays. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Take Items #13.1 out of order
Motion to suspend rules by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #13.1 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 to suspend rules by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #13.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Executive Session - To Conduct Contract Negotiations Regarding Nonunion Personnel (City Manager), Public Discussion...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Conduct Contract Negotiations Regarding Nonunion Personnel (City Manager), Public Discussion Of...
In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn after returning back to the public session (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn after returning back to the public session (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022. 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. Mercier to refer remaining items to City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Executive Session - To Conduct Contract Negotiations Regarding Nonunion Personnel (City Manager), Public Discussion Of Which May Have A...
Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..”
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Jenness, 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
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
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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