MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
May 9, 2023
45 recorded votes, 41 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: Vice Chair Erik R. Gitschier presiding.
Present: 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: Sokhary Chau
Every vote, in order
Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Yem, 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 accept and place on file by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)
Suspend rules to present citations to the Daley and Pyne Arts Schools for placement in the Knowledge Bowl
Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to present citations to the Daley and Pyne Arts Schools for placement in the Knowledge Bowl. 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. Nuon to suspend rules to present citations to the Daley and Pyne Arts Schools for placement in the Knowledge Bowl. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Take Item #7.2 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #7.2 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. Robinson to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting Of April 25th And Continued To May 2nd, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting Of April 25th And Continued To May 2nd, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Scott, 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 accept and place on file by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Take Item #8.12 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #8.12 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #8.12 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Take Items #4.3 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #4.3; 4.4 and 4.5 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #4.3; 4.4 and 4.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Non-Profit Organization SC: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Non-Profit Organization SC. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Robinson, C. Rourke), 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted.
Yes: Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Scott, YemNo: Robinson, RourkeThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Non-Profit Organization SC. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Robinson, C. Rourke), 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Take Item #4.2 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #4.2 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 Item #4.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Refer to the Technology: Motion Responses
M) Motion Response - Digital Equity Grant – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Technology and Utilities 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
“M) Motion Response - Digital Equity Grant – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Technology and Utilities SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Informational Reports Informational Report - LeLacheur Park Sale
Take Item #4.1 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #4.1N 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #4.1N out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Drinkwater)
Communication - Appointment Of New Members To Various Boards And Commissions
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of New Members To Various Boards And Commissions
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - Reappointment Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions
Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Communication - Resignation Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions
In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Rourke , 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 accept and place on file by C. Rourke , seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
In City Council, Read twice, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read twice, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
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. Scott, 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Christine Florence/Maggie O'Rourke Request Permission To Discuss Donation Of LifeVac Choking Rescue Devices...
Include device in all emergency vehicles
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to include device in all emergency vehicles. 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. Leahy to include device in all emergency vehicles. So Voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Suspend rules to read letter in record of Senator Kennedy regarding MSBA funding for Lowell High School Project
Motion to suspend rules to read letter in record of Senator Kennedy regarding MSBA funding for Lowell High School Project 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 suspend rules to read letter in record of Senator Kennedy regarding MSBA funding for Lowell High School Project by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Send letter of support to State House representatives
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to send letter of support to State House representatives. 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. Nuon to send letter of support to State House representatives. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Removing The Double Poles Along Moore Street
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Look Into Removing The Double Poles Along Moore Street
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Have Parks Department Explore Installing Pickle Ball Courts Throughout The City
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have Parks Department Explore Installing Pickle Ball Courts Throughout The City
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Explore The Feasibility Of Placing Micro Dog Parks In Around...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Explore The Feasibility Of Placing Micro Dog Parks In Around...
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 John J. Leahy and Erik R. Gitschier; John J. Leahy is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have Superintendent Of Police Update The City Council As To What Measures Are Being Taken To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Superintendent Of Police Update The City Council As To What Measures Are Being Taken To...
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 Erik R. Gitschier and John J. Leahy; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Request: Mayor Request Our State Delegation File Legislation That Would Bring Into Question The Dover Amendment...
Refer to the Mayor: Request: Mayor Request Our State Delegation File Legislation That Would Bring Into Question The Dover Amendment (M,G.L. Ch....
In City Council, no second needed, referred to Mayor. 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 Erik R. Gitschier; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to Mayor. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate The Department Of Labor's Building Pathways To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate The Department Of Labor's Building Pathways To...
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 Erik R. Gitschier; 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 Explore The Feasibility Of Creating Outdoor Co-Working Spaces
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Explore The Feasibility Of Creating Outdoor Co-Working Spaces
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 Corey Robinson; 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 The Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On The Impact Of The Behavioral Health...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On The Impact Of The Behavioral Health Unit Police...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Detailed Report Updating Any Potential Plans To Implement A Pedestrian Only Food...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Detailed Report Updating Any Potential Plans To Implement A Pedestrian Only Food, Drink, Small Business...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report On Collaboration Strategies, Such As Joint Patrols That Could...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Report On Collaboration Strategies, Such As Joint Patrols That Could 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 Wayne Jenness and Daniel P. Rourke; 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 Provide An Update On The Feasibility Of 4th Of July Baseball/Fireworks Program At LeLacheur
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Feasibility Of 4th Of July Baseball/Fireworks Program At LeLacheur
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Public Update On The Recent Cybersecurity Incident; Including Timeline For...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Public Update On The Recent Cybersecurity Incident; Including Timeline For...
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)
City Auditor Provide An Update Regarding Bi-Weekly Payroll
Motion: City Auditor Provide An Update Regarding Bi-Weekly Payroll
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred City Auditor. 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 City Auditor. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Request: City Auditor Provide City Council With A Report Concerning The Feasibility Of Auditing Overtime...
Motion: Request: City Auditor Provide City Council With A Report Concerning The Feasibility Of Auditing Overtime Expenditures Throughout The City
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred City Auditor. 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 City Auditor. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Leahy)
Request: City Council Celebrate The Role Of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians And
Motion: Request: City Council Celebrate The Role Of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians And
In City Council, seconded by Rourke, referred Mayor/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 Rourke, referred Mayor/City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Work With The Superintendent Of Schools And Police Superintendent To Ensure Plans Are In...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Superintendent Of Schools And Police Superintendent To Ensure Plans Are In Place To
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Req, City Manager Accept And Arrange An Invitation From The Lowell CO-OP Team To All City Council Members To...
Motion: Req, City Manager Accept And Arrange An Invitation From The Lowell CO-OP Team To All City Council Members To Participate In A Narcan...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Place Hadley Street On The Re-Paving List
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Place Hadley Street On The Re-Paving List
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Update The Council On The Hometown Heroes Banners, As To When...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Update The Council On The Hometown Heroes Banners, As To When They Will Be Ready And...
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The MVP Grant Project For An Urban Forest Master Plan And Master...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The MVP Grant Project For An Urban Forest Master Plan And Master Plan For Urban Heat...
In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred 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 City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to And The Mayor Draft A Letter Urging Massachusetts Senators And Congresswoman Lori Trahan To...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to And The Mayor Draft A Letter Urging Massachusetts Senators And Congresswoman Lori Trahan To Support H.R. 8197...
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred City Manager/Mayor. 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 City Manager/Mayor. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Request: City Of Lowell Declare Homelessness A Public Health Crisis
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Of Lowell Declare Homelessness A Public Health Crisis
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 Daniel P. Rourke, Corey Robinson, Kimberly Scott and Paul Ratha Yem; Daniel P. Rourke is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke)
Have City Manager develop action plan from summit meetings
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to have City Manager develop action plan from summit meetings. 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 have City Manager develop action plan from summit meetings. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Take Item #4.1 out of order
Motion to take Item #4.1N out of order by C. Robinson, 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 take Item #4.1N out of order by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, 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 Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, 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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