← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting

October 4, 2022

34 recorded votes, 27 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

ROLL CALL

Take Item #4.3 out of order

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #4.3 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. Gitschier to take Item #4.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)

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

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. 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)

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

Presentation - Hoops For Hope/Play For A Purpose 2022 (Jay Grasso/Phil Arsenault)

Accept and place on file: Presentation - Hoops For Hope/Play For A Purpose 2022 (Jay Grasso/Phil Arsenault)

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Minutes Of Arts And Cultures SC September 27th; City Council Regular Meeting September 27th, For Acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Arts And Cultures SC September 27th; City Council Regular Meeting September 27th, For Acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Take Item #11.3 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #11.3 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. Nuon to take Item #11.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)

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

Take Item #11.6 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #11.6 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. Drinkwater to take Item #11.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Drinkwater)

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. 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)

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

Refer matter to Law Department to draft ordinance establishing a 25 MPH speed limit in the City

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

L) Motion Response - Citywide 25 MPH with Attachments – Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to Law Department to draft ordinance establishing a 25 MPH speed limit in the City. 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

“L) Motion Response - Citywide 25 MPH with Attachments – Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to Law Department to draft ordinance establishing a 25 MPH speed limit in the City. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Jenness)

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

Informational Reports Informational - Presentation on American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") Budget & Spending...

Bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.4, inclusive

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke to bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.4, inclusive. 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. Rourke to bundle and waive second reading of Items #5.1 to #5.4, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)

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

Vote - Accept Donation Of $5,000 From DCU

Adopt: Vote - Accept Donation Of $5,000 From DCU

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Vote - Accept/Expend $429,979 FY22 Body-Worn Camera Policy And Implementation Program Grant

Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $429,979 FY22 Body-Worn Camera Policy And Implementation Program Grant

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Temporary Access Agreement With Broadway Street Holdings, Inc

Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Temporary Access Agreement With Broadway Street Holdings, Inc

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Vote - Authorize CM Proceed Under MGL 30B Centrisys Corporation 5 Years

Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Proceed Under MGL 30B Centrisys Corporation 5 Years

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Order - 60 Day Trial

Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

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

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

Ordinance - Create Position Cross-Connection/Backflow Administrator

Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Create Position Cross-Connection/Backflow Administrator

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM 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

“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)

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

Resolution - Hispanic Heritage Month

Adopt: Resolution - Hispanic Heritage Month

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Resolution - International Overdose Awareness Day

Adopt: Resolution - International Overdose Awareness Day

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Claims - (2) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) 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. 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)

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

Misc. - Bonnie Whitehouse Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At

Refer to Traffic Engineer: Misc. - Bonnie Whitehouse Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, 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 refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)

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

Misc. - Ruben Ceballos Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At

Refer to the refer to Law Department to prepared a 60 Day Trial Order by C: Misc. - Ruben Ceballos Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to refer to Law Department to prepared a 60 Day Trial Order 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 refer to refer to Law Department to prepared a 60 Day Trial Order by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)

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

Misc. - Muhammad Usman Yousaf Request Removal Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 86 Third Street

Refer to Traffic Engineer: Misc. - Muhammad Usman Yousaf Request Removal Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 86 Third Street

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)

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

National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole On 135-155 Chelmsford Street

Send to a public hearing: National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole On 135-155 Chelmsford Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Drinkwater, 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

“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)

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

National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit At 135- 155 Chelmsford Street

Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit At 135- 155 Chelmsford Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Robinson, 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

“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look At Traffic Measures At Lowell Catholic On Stevens Street During...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look At Traffic Measures At Lowell Catholic On Stevens Street During...

Minutes, page 7

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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On Current Utility Rates, Agreement Terms And Costs Saving Measures...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On Current Utility Rates, Agreement Terms And Costs Saving Measures...

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: Gitschier, second: Jenness)

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

Ask the City Manager to Dedicate/Name The Lowell Senior Center After Councilor Rita Mercier

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Dedicate/Name The Lowell Senior Center After Councilor Rita Mercier

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · 10–0

In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Mercier). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: MercierThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Rita Mercier abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting). 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. Adopted as amended by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Put Council Rules On City Website So They Are Accessible To The Public

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Put Council Rules On City Website So They Are Accessible To The Public

Minutes, page 7

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: Robinson, second: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to Begin Conversations Around A Possible Partnership With Lowell Catholic With Focus On...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Begin Conversations Around A Possible Partnership With Lowell Catholic With Focus On...

Minutes, page 8

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: Robinson, second: Gitschier)

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

Request: City Council Vote To Compensate The Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee, Lowell Members, A...

Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Vote To Compensate The Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee, Lowell Members, A Stipend...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · 10–0

In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Gitschier). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: GitschierThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Erik R. Gitschier abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)

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

Motion: Request: City Council Vote To Compensate The Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee, Lowell Members, A Stipend Of $5,000 Annually...

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness for point of discussion. 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. Jenness for point of discussion. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)

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

Refer discussion to Education Partnership SC

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer discussion to Education Partnership 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. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer discussion to Education Partnership SC. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Law Department Review Rules And Regulations Pertaining To Use Of State Forests And...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Law Department Review Rules And Regulations Pertaining To Use Of State Forests And...

Minutes, page 8

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: Rourke, second: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Improve Availability Of Information On The City’s Website Regarding...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Improve Availability Of Information On The City’s Website Regarding...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)

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

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (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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