MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
March 28, 2023
43 recorded votes, 37 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. 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
“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. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Citation - Fundraising
Accept and place on file: Citation - Fundraising
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)
Minutes Of Housing SC Joint With Zoning SC March 21st, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Housing SC Joint With Zoning SC March 21st, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Nuon)
Take Item #6.3 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.3 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Marijuana
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Marijuana
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Take Item #9.11 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #9.11 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. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #9.11 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, 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. 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Leahy)
Communication - Planning Board Recommendation Regarding Zoning Amendment For Marijuana Delivery Businesses
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board Recommendation Regarding Zoning Amendment For Marijuana Delivery Businesses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept Gift Of Black Joy Sculpture From Kamil Peters And DIY Lowell
Adopt: Vote - Accept Gift Of Black Joy Sculpture From Kamil Peters And DIY Lowell
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Vote - Approve Exemption Of Julio Pastrana MGL C.268A S.20
Adopt: Vote - Approve Exemption Of Julio Pastrana MGL C.268A S.20
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations – Schools
Postpone to a later meeting: Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations – Schools
In City Council, Motion to refer matter to April 4, 2023 City Council meeting by C. Gitschier, 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 matter to April 4, 2023 City Council meeting by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Leahy)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.4 and #6.6
Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.4 and #6.6. 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.4 and #6.6. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Vote - Declare 16 Kimball Ave And 17 Albion St Surplus
Adopt: Vote - Declare 16 Kimball Ave And 17 Albion St Surplus
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Robinson)
Vote - Declare 25 Liberty Street Surplus And Convey To Reth Noy
Adopt: Vote - Declare 25 Liberty Street Surplus And Convey To Reth Noy
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #6.1 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.1 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. Mercier to take Item #6.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Vote - Declare 32 Union Street Surplus And Available For Sale
Adopt: Vote - Declare 32 Union Street Surplus And Available For Sale
Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Robinson)
Vote - Transfer $25,000 – MIS
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $25,000 – MIS
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Transportation SC March 28, 2023
Accept the report: Transportation SC March 28, 2023
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
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. Leahy, 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Charles Kafasis Request To Address City Council Regarding Enforcement Of The Reserved Dwelling Parking Ordinance
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Charles Kafasis Request To Address City Council Regarding Enforcement Of The Reserved Dwelling Parking Ordinance
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report regarding number of calls made by petitioner and outline of police response 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 City Manager for report regarding number of calls made by petitioner and outline of police response by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Bundle Items #8.3 and #8.4
Motion to bundle Items #8.3 and #8.4 by C. 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 bundle Items #8.3 and #8.4 by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Robert Hooker, Sr. Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Spot On Market Street Near Crosswalk At Family...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Robert Hooker, Sr. Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Spot On Market Street Near Crosswalk At...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Jacqueline Alameda Vargas Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 134 Lakeview Avenue
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Jacqueline Alameda Vargas Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 134 Lakeview Avenue
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Bundle Items #8.5 to #8.7, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #8.5 to #8.7, inclusive, by C. 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 bundle Items #8.5 to #8.7, inclusive, by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Comcast Southern NE - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Underground Conduit For 600 Lakeview Avenue
Send to a public hearing: Comcast Southern NE - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Underground Conduit For 600 Lakeview Avenue
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. 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
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Comcast Southern NE - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Underground Conduit From Kirk Street To Merrimack Street
Send to a public hearing: Comcast Southern NE - Request Installation Of 4 Inch Underground Conduit From Kirk Street To Merrimack Street
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. 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
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Moving Existing Gas Line To Accommodate Water Work By The City Of Lowell
Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Moving Existing Gas Line To Accommodate Water Work By The City Of Lowell
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. 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
“In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 11, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Explore The Feasibility Of Contracting Out The City Of Lowell’s Hiring Processes And Procedures
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore The Feasibility Of Contracting Out The City Of Lowell’s Hiring Processes And Procedures
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (M. Chau). So voted.
Yes: Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: ChauThe roll call names the no votes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide A Report On How Many Employees Have Been Hired Without...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide A Report On How Many Employees Have Been Hired Without The...
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 The Western Avenue Studios To Help Create A Safer, More Welcoming And Cleaner...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Western Avenue Studios To Help Create A Safer, More Welcoming And Cleaner...
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 Department To Consider Adoption Of Boston’s “Scofflaw Property Owner List”...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To Consider Adoption Of Boston’s “Scofflaw Property Owner List”...
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 Look Into The Feasibility Of Removing The Recreation Department Form The Health Department...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into The Feasibility Of Removing The Recreation Department Form The Health Department...
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 Report On Why Police Calls On The Main Number Can Not Be Answered By A Live Dispatcher In A...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On Why Police Calls On The Main Number Can Not Be Answered By A Live Dispatcher In A...
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: Mercier, second: Rourke)
Request: City Council Recognize And Congratulate The Daley School For Winning The 2023 Stocklosa Knowledge Bowl, As...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Recognize And Congratulate The Daley School For Winning The 2023 Stocklosa Knowledge Bowl, As...
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 Vesna Nuon and Paul Ratha Yem; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Reviewing The Process By Which ARPA Funding Proposals...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Reviewing The Process By Which ARPA Funding Proposals Were...
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 Vesna Nuon and Paul Ratha Yem; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department To Review Locations Throughout The City Where Trees Should...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department To Review Locations Throughout The City Where Trees Should Be...
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 Vesna Nuon and Paul Ratha Yem; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Our State Delegation To Ensure The Financial Burden Of The Surrounding...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Our State Delegation To Ensure The Financial Burden Of The Surrounding Communities’...
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 Vesna Nuon and Paul Ratha Yem; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into Traffic Calming Measure Around The Hellenic American...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Look Into Traffic Calming Measure Around The Hellenic American Academy...
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: Yem, second: Nuon)
Take Items #5.1 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #5.1D and Item #6.5 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #5.1D and Item #6.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Install No Commercial Vehicle Signage On Easton Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Install No Commercial Vehicle Signage On Easton Street
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: Scott, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work To Have Street Lights Installed On Adie Way
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work To Have Street Lights Installed On Adie Way
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: Scott, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On City Efforts To Diversify City Investments And How The Administration...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On City Efforts To Diversify City Investments And How The Administration Will...
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)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
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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