← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting

November 8, 2022

34 recorded votes, 32 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

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. 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

“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. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)

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

Citations - Fundraising Efforts Of Tommy Harry, Gus Zahareas, Bella Mike, Sophia Bedard, Charle Farley, Merryn Kay...

Accept and place on file: Citations - Fundraising Efforts Of Tommy Harry, Gus Zahareas, Bella Mike, Sophia Bedard, Charle Farley, Merryn Kay...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

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

Presentation - Lowell City Of Learning Event (Margaret Shanahan/Carolyn McCarthy)

Accept and place on file: Presentation - Lowell City Of Learning Event (Margaret Shanahan/Carolyn McCarthy)

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Minutes Of Housing SC November 1st; City Council Regular Meeting November 1st, For Acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Housing SC November 1st; City Council Regular Meeting November 1st, For Acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

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

Take Item #8.15 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #8.15 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. Yem to take Item #8.15 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)

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

Request City Manager have Law Department begin process to amend ordinance regarding street eateries to expand time frame. Adopter per Roll Call...

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · 8–4

While under suspension, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to request City Manager have Law Department begin process to amend ordinance regarding street eateries to expand time frame. Adopter per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 4 Nays (C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.

The roll call gives 8 yeas, 4 nays and names 3 councilors; this does not add up to the 11 councilors shown present. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“While under suspension, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to request City Manager have Law Department begin process to amend ordinance regarding street eateries to expand time frame. Adopter per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 4 Nays (C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)

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

Have City Manager forward letter as indicated in the report

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

G) Motion Response - Natural Gas Aggregation with Attachment – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to have City Manager forward letter as indicated in the report. 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

“G) Motion Response - Natural Gas Aggregation with Attachment – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to have City Manager forward letter as indicated in the report. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)

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

Vote - Accept Donation Of $5,000 From DCU

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

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Housing SC November 1, 2022

Accept the report: Housing SC November 1, 2022

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, 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 by accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Transportation SC November 8, 2022

Accept the report: Transportation SC November 8, 2022

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by accept the report as a report of progress and adopt the motion as recommended by the Transportation SC by C. Yem, 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 by accept the report as a report of progress and adopt the motion as recommended by the Transportation SC by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Claim - (1) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Misc. - Melissa Laurin (Meems Realty Trust) Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign Located At 327-329 East...

Refer to Traffic Engineer: Misc. - Melissa Laurin (Meems Realty Trust) Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign Located At 327-329 East Merrimack...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation 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

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

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Request: City Clerk (And/Or City Solicitor) Provide A Report On What Options May Be Available To Increase The...

Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Clerk (And/Or City Solicitor) Provide A Report On What Options May Be Available To Increase The...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager/Rules 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. Scott, referred to City Manager/Rules SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Refer to Rules SC: Request: City Clerk (And/Or City Solicitor) Provide A Report On What Options May Be Available To Increase The Requirements To...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater to refer to Rules 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater to refer to Rules SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Explore Creating An Office Of Housing Stability To Help Address The Needs Of Housing...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore Creating An Office Of Housing Stability To Help Address The Needs Of Housing Insecure...

Minutes, page 4

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: Jenness, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Include Board And Commission Vacancies In The Routine Job Alert...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Include Board And Commission Vacancies In The Routine Job Alert Updates...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Jenness, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On The Current HR Policies Around Employee Demographic Data Collection As...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On The Current HR Policies Around Employee Demographic Data Collection As Well...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, 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. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)

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

Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Chief DEI Position

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Chief DEI Position

Minutes, page 5

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: Jenness, second: Gitschier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The Hunger/Homeless Commission And Plans To Re-Start The...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The Hunger/Homeless Commission And Plans To Re-Start The...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Wayne Jenness and Vesna Nuon; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Parking Department Provide Tutorial Information To The Public In Regards To Operation...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Parking Department Provide Tutorial Information To The Public In Regards To Operation Of...

Minutes, page 5

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: Nuon, second: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The LFD Fire Chief Review Existing Staffing Policies To Present Both A Short Term And...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The LFD Fire Chief Review Existing Staffing Policies To Present Both A Short Term And Long...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Provide Council With An Update Regarding City Master Plan

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Council With An Update Regarding City Master Plan

Minutes, page 5

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: Nuon, second: Gitschier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Recently Released Decision (November 2, 2022) By The MSBA...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Recently Released Decision (November 2, 2022) By The MSBA Board...

Minutes, page 6

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 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On What The DPW Has Done To Prepare For The Massachusetts Department...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On What The DPW Has Done To Prepare For The Massachusetts Department Of...

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Gitschier, second: Rourke)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On Recycle And Trash Bin Replacement...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On Recycle And Trash Bin Replacement Including...

Minutes, page 6

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: Robinson, second: Drinkwater)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Report On The Amount Of School Buses That Use The Area Of...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Report On The Amount Of School Buses That Use The Area Of 1st....

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of 6th And Beacon In Regards To Citizen...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide An Update On Status Of 6th And Beacon In Regards To Citizen...

Minutes, page 6

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 6 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide The Current Policy Regarding Commercial Vehicles Being Parked...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide The Current Policy Regarding Commercial Vehicles Being Parked On...

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Explore The Feasibility Of Installing A Mirror By Railroad...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Explore The Feasibility Of Installing A Mirror By Railroad...

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: Scott, second: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Add Ground Covering To The Reilly School Playground To Bring It...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Add Ground Covering To The Reilly School Playground To Bring It To...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Kimberly Scott and Rita Mercier; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Review The Feasibility Of Establishing A Mayor’s Opioid Commission That Would Partner With...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Review The Feasibility Of Establishing A Mayor’s Opioid Commission That Would Partner With...

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: Chau, second: Nuon)

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

Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The...

Go into executive session: Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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 from Executive Session. (8:56 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

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 from Executive Session. (8:56 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)

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

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness in Executive 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

“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (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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