MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
June 14, 2022
43 recorded votes, 33 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, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: John J. Leahy
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)
Recognition/Citation/Presentation:
Accept and place on file: Recognition/Citation/Presentation:
Recognition - Monk Traditional Council (Fru Nkimbeng) In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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
“Recognition - Monk Traditional Council (Fru Nkimbeng) In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Minutes Of City Council Meeting May 31st, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting May 31st, For Acceptance
In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Replacement Of 4-Inch Regulator Station On Lakeview Avenue
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request Replacement Of 4-Inch Regulator Station On Lakeview Avenue
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
National Grid - Request Installation Of 7 Feet Of Gas Main Along Dalton Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request Installation Of 7 Feet Of Gas Main Along Dalton Street
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Take all Items in Motion Responses (#5.1) at the end of the agenda
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take all Items in Motion Responses (#5.1) at the end of the agenda. 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. Rourke to take all Items in Motion Responses (#5.1) at the end of the agenda. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Accept and place on file: National Grid - Request Installation Of 7 Feet Of Gas Main Along Dalton Street
Motion to bundle, accept and place on file Items #5.1(A) to #5.1(S), inclusive, by C. Robinson, 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
“Motion to bundle, accept and place on file Items #5.1(A) to #5.1(S), inclusive, by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Communication - Resignation Of Mark Paton From Election Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Mark Paton From Election Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Communication - Resignation Of Weston Standish From Conservation Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Weston Standish From Conservation Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, 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. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Bundle and waive second reading Items #6.1 to #6.6, inclusive, and Item #6.8
Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #6.1 to #6.6, inclusive, and Item #6.8 by C. Mercier, 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #6.1 to #6.6, inclusive, and Item #6.8 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - Approve The 2023 Community Preservation Fund Budget
Adopt: Vote - Approve The 2023 Community Preservation Fund Budget
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With Portuguese American Youth Center, Inc
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With Portuguese American Youth Center, Inc
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote – Authorize CM Ex. License Agr With Lowell Fire Fighters Assoc - Sidewalk Seating
Adopt: Vote – Authorize CM Ex. License Agr With Lowell Fire Fighters Assoc - Sidewalk Seating
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Temporary Access Agreement With Lowell Litter Krewe - Gold Star Park
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Temporary Access Agreement With Lowell Litter Krewe - Gold Star Park
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize CM. Ex. License Agreement With UnWrapped, Inc. - 294 School St
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM. Ex. License Agreement With UnWrapped, Inc. - 294 School St
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize School Dept. Ex. Lease Agreement With Bon Marche Trust
Adopt: Vote - Authorize School Dept. Ex. Lease Agreement With Bon Marche Trust
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Vote - FY2023 Appropriation Order
Adopt: Vote - FY2023 Appropriation Order
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)
Vote -Transfer Funds For Law - Workers Comp
Adopt: Vote -Transfer Funds For Law - Workers Comp
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Resolution - Gun Violence Awareness Day
Adopt: Resolution - Gun Violence Awareness Day
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Claims - (3) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Gerry Emond Request City Council Abandon Castle Road Ext. (Paper Street)
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Gerry Emond Request City Council Abandon Castle Road Ext. (Paper Street)
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Opening The Cawley Stadium Track For Walking During The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Opening The Cawley Stadium Track For Walking During The...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council On The Enforcement Of Purchasing Municipal Vehicles That Meet The Green...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council On The Enforcement Of Purchasing Municipal Vehicles That Meet The Green...
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: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With Electricity Cost Increases By Department Over The Last Two...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With Electricity Cost Increases By Department Over The Last Two Fiscal...
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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Look Into Feasibility Of Utilizing CPA Funds To Acquire And Preserve The Apple Orchard Near...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into Feasibility Of Utilizing CPA Funds To Acquire And Preserve The Apple Orchard Near...
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 Erik R. Gitschier; 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 Work With School Superintendent To Review And Update Current Facility Safety Status And Protocol
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With School Superintendent To Review And Update Current Facility Safety Status And Protocol
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 Work With Proper Departments To Identify Key Corridors To The Districts And Look Into...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Departments To Identify Key Corridors To The Districts And Look Into...
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 Look Into Reducing Parking Fees In Garages For Business Owners And Their Employees
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into Reducing Parking Fees In Garages For Business Owners And Their Employees
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 Proper Department Look Into Potential Traffic Calming Measures At Cumberland And Ludlum...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into Potential Traffic Calming Measures At Cumberland And Ludlum...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Address The Collapsed Sewer Cover At 90 Lincoln Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Address The Collapsed Sewer Cover At 90 Lincoln Street
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 Proper Department Look Into Potential Traffic Calming Measures At Hildreth And Ludlum...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into Potential Traffic Calming Measures At Hildreth And Ludlum...
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: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to And City Council Begin Exploring The Feasibility Of Implementing Local Government Metric...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to And City Council Begin Exploring The Feasibility Of Implementing Local Government Metric...
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: Robinson, second: Drinkwater)
Request: City Council Declare “Racism Leads To Crisis” And Make Commitments Into Some Key Areas
Adopt: Request: City Council Declare “Racism Leads To Crisis” And Make Commitments Into Some Key Areas
In City Council, no second needed, Motion to amend by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to declare racism a public health crisis and to continue to make commitments and investments into key areas; specifically, education/training; public health; social/economic equity; and growing generational wealth. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, Motion to amend by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to declare racism a public health crisis and to continue to make commitments and investments into key areas; specifically, education/training; public health; social/economic equity; and growing generational wealth. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Suspend rules to allow unregistered speaker, Vincent Rush, to address the body
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to suspend rules to allow unregistered speaker, Vincent Rush, to address 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
“Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to suspend rules to allow unregistered speaker, Vincent Rush, to address the body. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Waive Rule 5: Request: City Council Declare “Racism Leads To Crisis” And Make Commitments Into Some Key Areas
Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Take Items #10.13 out of order
Motion to suspend rules to take Items #10.13; 20; 24; and 28 out of order as there are registered speakers with these items by 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
“Motion to suspend rules to take Items #10.13; 20; 24; and 28 out of order as there are registered speakers with these items by Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke)
Request: City Council Begin Conversations Around Zoning And ADU’s With Focus On Potential Increase In Housing Stock
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Begin Conversations Around Zoning And ADU’s With Focus On Potential Increase In Housing Stock
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 John Drinkwater; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Refer to the Joint Housing: Request: City Council Begin Conversations Around Zoning And ADU’s With Focus On Potential Increase In Housing Stock
Motion by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Joint Housing and Zoning 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. Yem to refer matter to Joint Housing and Zoning SC. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Feasibility Report On Implementing A Sludge Plant Or Regional Sludge Plant In Lowell
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Feasibility Report On Implementing A Sludge Plant Or Regional Sludge Plant In Lowell
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: Scott, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Locate The Indian Maiden Statute Donated To The City By L.C. Howell By A Council Vote Dated...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Locate The Indian Maiden Statute Donated To The City By L.C. Howell By A Council Vote Dated...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Potential Traffic Calming Measures For Traffic Travelling...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Potential Traffic Calming Measures For Traffic Travelling On...
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 Sokhary Chau and Erik R. Gitschier; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Rourke)
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 →