MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Special meeting
June 7, 2022
23 recorded votes, 17 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)
Allow public to speak first and then have Council go department by department regarding the budget
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to allow public to speak first and then have Council go department by department regarding the budget. 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
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to allow public to speak first and then have Council go department by department regarding the budget. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Adopt: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, YemNo: Gitschier, Nuon, Robinson, ScottThe 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 adopt by C. Mercier seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Drinkwater)
Take Clerk’s Department; Law Department; Treasurer; and DPW (Administration) out of order as some members have conflict present
Motion by C. Leahy seconded by C. Mercier to take Clerk’s Department; Law Department; Treasurer; and DPW (Administration) out of order as some members have conflict present. 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 take Clerk’s Department; Law Department; Treasurer; and DPW (Administration) out of order as some members have conflict present. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Reduce item by $25,000 (C. Gitschier salary)
Following departments were discussed: City Council – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce item by $25,000 (C. Gitschier salary). Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (M. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Drinkwater, Gitschier, Leahy, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: Chau, Jenness, Mercier, 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
“Following departments were discussed: City Council – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce item by $25,000 (C. Gitschier salary). Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (M. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Reduce item by $1,000,000: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $1,000,000. Defeated by Roll Call vote 3 yeas, 8 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Nuon, ScottNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, YemThe minutes say Erik R. Gitschier recused from discussion of this item, but the roll call count includes every councilor present, so Erik R. Gitschier is shown voting. The roll call names the no votes and gives 3 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $1,000,000. Defeated by Roll Call vote 3 yeas, 8 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Allow members to speak more than once during budget session
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to allow members to speak more than once during budget 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
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to allow members to speak more than once during budget session. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Reduce item by $186,017 (2 positions): Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $186,017 (2 positions). Defeated by Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (M. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Drinkwater, Gitschier, Nuon, Robinson, ScottNo: Chau, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $186,017 (2 positions). Defeated by Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (M. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Waive Rule 5: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Reduce item by $187,500.00: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $187,500.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 9 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: GitschierNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: JennessThe roll call names the no votes and gives 1 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Wayne Jenness abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $187,500.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 9 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Reduce item by $150,000.00: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $150,000.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 10 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: GitschierNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 1 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $150,000.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 10 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Reduce item by $1,000,000.00 (Waste Collection Account)
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $1,000,000.00 (Waste Collection Account). Defeated by Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson, ScottNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, YemThe minutes say Erik R. Gitschier recused from discussion of this item, but the roll call count includes every councilor present, so Erik R. Gitschier is shown voting. The roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce item by $1,000,000.00 (Waste Collection Account). Defeated by Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Move to vote on budget: Vote - FY23 Appropriation Order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to move to vote on budget. 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. Jenness to move to vote on budget. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Vote - Endorse The 5 Year Capital Plan
Adopt: Vote - Endorse The 5 Year Capital Plan
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)
Loan Order - Capital Plan Loan Order
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Capital Plan Loan Order
Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by 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
“Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Loan Order - Grand Manor Judgment
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Grand Manor Judgment
Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY23
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY23
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by 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
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY23
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY23
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by 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
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Ordinance - Create New Position (DPD - Energy Advocate)
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Position (DPD - Energy Advocate)
Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Drinkwater)
Ordinance - Create New Position (DPW - Facilities & Infrastructure Project Manager)
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Position (DPW - Facilities & Infrastructure Project Manager)
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by 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
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Create New Position (Fire - Assistant Chief)
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Position (Fire - Assistant Chief)
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Create New Position (HR - HR Generalist)
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Position (HR - HR Generalist)
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, 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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