MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
January 17, 2023
28 recorded votes, 27 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. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Daniel P. Rourke.
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. Nuon, 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
“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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Presentation - Lunar New Year By Siamphone Xaiyavong And Cuong Trinh
Accept and place on file: Presentation - Lunar New Year By Siamphone Xaiyavong And Cuong Trinh
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Suspend rules to discuss event at Merrimack Repertoire Theatre
Motion by M. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to discuss event at Merrimack Repertoire Theatre. 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 M. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to discuss event at Merrimack Repertoire Theatre. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Suspend rules to discuss cleaning homeless encampments
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to suspend rules to discuss cleaning homeless encampments. 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. Scott to suspend rules to discuss cleaning homeless encampments. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Request City Manager provide Council with current policies and procedures regarding cleaning of homeless encampment sites
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to request City Manager provide Council with current policies and procedures regarding cleaning of homeless encampment sites. 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 request City Manager provide Council with current policies and procedures regarding cleaning of homeless encampment sites. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Minutes City Council Regular Meeting January 10th For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes City Council Regular Meeting January 10th For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Ordinance - Create Position ARPA Project Construction Manager
Adopt: Ordinance - Create Position ARPA Project Construction Manager
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Have City Manager explore other communities’ procedures regarding filling these types of positions
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to have City Manager explore other communities’ procedures regarding filling these types of positions. 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 have City Manager explore other communities’ procedures regarding filling these types of positions. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Suspend rules to discuss vandalism at Lowell High School
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Leahy to suspend rules to discuss vandalism at Lowell High School. 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. Leahy to suspend rules to discuss vandalism at Lowell High School. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Leahy)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $12,797 Fire SAFE Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $12,797 Fire SAFE Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Drinkwater)
Vote - Accept/Expend $15,000 Cultural District Grant – CASE
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $15,000 Cultural District Grant – CASE
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Scott)
Misc. - Francis Ward Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 1 West Burnside Avenue
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Francis Ward Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 1 West Burnside Avenue
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Leahy)
Misc. - Isidoro Maldonado Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 7 Hanover Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Isidoro Maldonado Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 7 Hanover Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Verizon New England Inc. Place One New 4" Conduit Approximately 46' Southwesterly Direction From Existing Pole...
Send to a public hearing: Verizon New England Inc. Place One New 4" Conduit Approximately 46' Southwesterly Direction From Existing Pole Lakeview...
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 31, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Leahy, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 31, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Request: City Council Dedicate The Corner Of Westford/Osgood Streets In Remembrance Of Geoffroy Brothers
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Dedicate The Corner Of Westford/Osgood Streets In Remembrance Of Geoffroy Brothers
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: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Request: The City Manager Update The Council On The Restoration Of The Restrooms In City Hall
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Manager Update The Council On The Restoration Of The Restrooms In City Hall
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Current Traffic Control Measures Between The New Roadway...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Current Traffic Control Measures Between The New Roadway In...
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: Jenness, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Ways To Make The Crosswalk Across Central St. At The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Ways To Make The Crosswalk Across Central St. At The Warren...
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: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Study Traffic Patterns And Flows At The Market / Central / Prescott...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Study Traffic Patterns And Flows At The Market / Central / Prescott...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Explore Potential For Targeted Mixed Use Development On One Or More...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Explore Potential For Targeted Mixed Use Development On One Or More...
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 John Drinkwater; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Increase Enforcement Efforts Around Trash And Recycling Barrels...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Increase Enforcement Efforts Around Trash And Recycling Barrels...
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: Scott, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Review And Investigate Other Permanent Traffic Calming Measures To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Review And Investigate Other Permanent Traffic Calming Measures To...
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: Chau, second: Leahy)
Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To The Former Lowell District Court...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To The Former Lowell District Court Building...
In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session. (8:45 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session. (8:45 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by M. Chau, seconded by C. Yem 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 M. Chau, seconded by C. Yem in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Yem)
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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