MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
February 21, 2023
33 recorded votes, 31 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. Jenness, 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
“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. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Citation - Black History Month - Lura Smith
Accept and place on file: Citation - Black History Month - Lura Smith
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Minutes Of Public Safety SC February 14th; City Council Regular Meeting February 14th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Public Safety SC February 14th; City Council Regular Meeting February 14th, For Acceptance
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)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Sister City Committee
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Sister City Committee
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)
Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 12 Inch Plastic Gas Main On Chelmsford Street To Gas...
Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 12 Inch Plastic Gas Main On Chelmsford Street To Gas Regulator...
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
National Grid - Request Revision Of Previously Approved Petition For Added Installation Of 75 Feet Of Underground...
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request Revision Of Previously Approved Petition For Added Installation Of 75 Feet Of Underground...
Motion to refer to Wire Inspector 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
“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Take Item #11.12 out of order
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #11.12 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #11.12 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Yem)
Request City Manager develop partnership with downtown businesses, City and art community
A) Motion Response - Making it Public – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to request City Manager develop partnership with downtown businesses, City and art community. 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
“A) Motion Response - Making it Public – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to request City Manager develop partnership with downtown businesses, City and art community. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Communication - Appointments And Reappointments To The Pollard Memorial Library Board Of Trustees
Approve: Communication - Appointments And Reappointments To The Pollard Memorial Library Board Of Trustees
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 and #7.2
Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 and #7.2 by C. Nuon, seconded by 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 and #7.2 by C. Nuon, seconded by Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $30,000 REACH LOWELL Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $30,000 REACH LOWELL Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Leahy)
Vote - Authorize CM Enter Into License Agreement With Savin Foods USA, Inc
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Enter Into License Agreement With Savin Foods USA, Inc
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Leahy)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon and Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Rourke)
Claims - (4) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (4) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Request: Joint Zoning/Housing Subcommittees Meet To Resume Discussion On Accessory Dwelling Units
Refer to the Joint Zoning/Housing SC: Request: Joint Zoning/Housing Subcommittees Meet To Resume Discussion On Accessory Dwelling Units
In City Council, no second needed, referred to Joint Zoning/Housing SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by John Drinkwater and Paul Ratha Yem; John Drinkwater is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to Joint Zoning/Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work With Various Veteran Organizations And Business To Come...
Refer to Veterans SC: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work With Various Veteran Organizations And Business To Come Up With...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to Veterans 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. Nuon, referred to Veterans SC. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Status Of The Youth Commission
Refer to Youth Services SC: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Status Of The Youth Commission
In City Council, no second needed, referred to Youth Services SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by Paul Ratha Yem and Corey Robinson; Paul Ratha Yem is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to Youth Services SC. So voted..” (Motion: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Meet With The Superintendent Of Schools To See How We Can Provide Support And Partnership...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Meet With The Superintendent Of Schools To See How We Can Provide Support And Partnership For...
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 Work With Proper Department To See What Can Be Done To Correct The Muddy Corner At...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To See What Can Be Done To Correct The Muddy Corner At Intersection...
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 Work With Proper Department, MassDOT, Lowell Litter Krewe And Residents Of Centralville To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department, MassDOT, Lowell Litter Krewe And Residents Of Centralville 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: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Work With The Career Center And Local Businesses To Explore The Feasibility Of Creating A...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Career Center And Local Businesses To Explore The Feasibility Of Creating A...
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 Provide City Council With An Update On All Fully Funded Positions That Are Currently Vacant...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With An Update On All Fully Funded Positions That Are Currently Vacant In...
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: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Add Sayles Street To The Re-Paving List
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Add Sayles Street To The Re-Paving List
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: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Create Proclamation Stating That The City Council And The City Of Lowell Officially...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Create Proclamation Stating That The City Council And The City Of Lowell Officially Recognize...
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: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Assess Staffing Shortages In The Law Department And Create A Plan To Fill Vacancies
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Assess Staffing Shortages In The Law Department And Create A Plan To Fill Vacancies
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: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Report On The Status Of The Property On Race Street That Was Damaged In The November 2022...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On The Status Of The Property On Race Street That Was Damaged In The November 2022 Water...
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: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Take an item out of order
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item # 6.1C 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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item # 6.1C out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Direct The LFD To Produce Fire Prevention Materials, In Printed And Video Formats And In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Direct The LFD To Produce Fire Prevention Materials, In Printed And Video Formats And 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: Nuon, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Report On Feasibility Of Issuing Two Separate Tax Bills; One For City Operations And School...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On Feasibility Of Issuing Two Separate Tax Bills; One For City Operations And School...
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Drinkwater, Gitschier, JennessThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Repair Collapsed Wall On The School Street Side Of The School Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Repair Collapsed Wall On The School Street Side Of The School Street...
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 Paul Ratha Yem; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Executive Session - To Discuss Matters Of Pending Litigation, Public Discussion Of Which May Have A Detrimental...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Discuss Matters Of Pending Litigation, Public Discussion Of Which May Have A Detrimental Effect...
In City Council, M. Chau stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session. (8:40 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session. (8:40 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon 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. Nuon in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
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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