← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting

June 13, 2023

36 recorded votes, 31 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

Citation - Citizen

Accept and place on file: Citation - Citizen

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Minutes For Acceptance City Council Regular Meeting May 30th; Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1st; City Council...

Accept and place on file: Minutes For Acceptance City Council Regular Meeting May 30th; Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1st; City Council Special...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)

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

Take Item #4.2 out of order

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #4.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (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. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Drinkwater)

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

Refer to Youth Services SC: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

C) Motion Response - Youth Commission – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter 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.

From the minutes

“C) Motion Response - Youth Commission – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Youth Services SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)

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

Communication - Appointment Of Andrew Taing To License Commission

Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Andrew Taing To License Commission

Minutes, page 2

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

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

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

Vote - Accept Gift From Middlesex District Attorney

Adopt: Vote - Accept Gift From Middlesex District Attorney

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)

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

Order - 60 Day Trial

Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)

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

Take Item #9.15 out of order

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to take Item #9.15 out of order by C. Rourke, 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

“Motion to take Item #9.15 out of order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)

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

Subcommittee Reports: 1) Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1, 2023

Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1, 2023

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, 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 the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)

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

Adopt: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1, 2023

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · 10–0

Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to adopt the motion of subcommittee approving the funding for applications before the board. Adopted per 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 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to adopt the motion of subcommittee approving the funding for applications before the board. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)

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

Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1, 2023

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Gitschier, 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 the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)

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

Take Item #8.4 out of order

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #8.4 out of order and allow speaker. 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. Rourke to take Item #8.4 out of order and allow speaker. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)

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

Claims - (2) Property Damage

Refer to the Law Department by C: Claims - (2) Property Damage

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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 Law Department by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)

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

Misc. - Elaine Hopkins Request Handicap Parking Sign Installation At 67 Tyler Park (Apt. 4)

Refer to the Transportation Engineer by C: Misc. - Elaine Hopkins Request Handicap Parking Sign Installation At 67 Tyler Park (Apt. 4)

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer 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 refer to Transportation Engineer by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)

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

Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid Request Installation Of SCADA Box At Intersection Of Bradley And First Streets

Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid Request Installation Of SCADA Box At Intersection Of Bradley And First Streets

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM 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, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)

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

Waveguide (FirstLight Fiber) Request Installation Of Underground Conduit On Appleton Street For Services To Verizon

Send to a public hearing: Waveguide (FirstLight Fiber) Request Installation Of Underground Conduit On Appleton Street For Services To Verizon

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM 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, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department(S) To Update City Council On Progress Regarding The...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department(S) To Update City Council On Progress Regarding The Proposed...

Minutes, page 4

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: Nuon, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Work With Lowell's

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Lowell's

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: Nuon, second: Leahy)

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

Request: City Council Discuss And Vote To Register Support Of H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements

Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Discuss And Vote To Register Support Of H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Law Department Provide A Report On The Implications Of The US Supreme Court's...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Law Department Provide A Report On The Implications Of The US Supreme Court's...

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: Yem, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Evaluate Turning Elmwood Avenue Into A One-Way

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Evaluate Turning Elmwood Avenue Into A One-Way

Minutes, page 5

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 5 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Work With The Proper Department To Consider Improving Area Of Aiken Avenue That Contains...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Proper Department To Consider Improving Area Of Aiken Avenue That Contains...

Minutes, page 5

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 5 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Departments Explore The Feasibility Of Implementing A "Right To First...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Departments Explore The Feasibility Of Implementing A "Right To First Refusal...

Minutes, page 6

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: Robinson, second: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Take A Look At Any Surplus Properties City-Wide With The Intent On Increasing City's Real...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Take A Look At Any Surplus Properties City-Wide With The Intent On Increasing City's Real...

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 Work With Proper Department To Provide Potential Ways To Significantly Increase Police...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To Provide Potential Ways To Significantly Increase Police Presence...

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Examine Reorganization Of Our DPW Garage Structure For Efficiency And Cost Savings Potential

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Examine Reorganization Of Our DPW Garage Structure For Efficiency And Cost Savings Potential

Minutes, page 6

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 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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The On-Line ARPA Dashboard Previously Requested By The...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On The Status Of The On-Line ARPA Dashboard Previously Requested By The Council

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 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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Implement An Outreach Program To Inform Businesses About The New...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Implement An Outreach Program To Inform Businesses About The New Street...

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: Jenness, second: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Develop And Implement A Line Painting Program In Conjunction With...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Develop And Implement A Line Painting Program In Conjunction With...

Minutes, page 7

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: Jenness, second: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Present The Current Financial Status Of The Residential Trash...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Present The Current Financial Status Of The Residential Trash...

Minutes, page 7

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: Jenness, second: Scott)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Departments Work With The Youth Baseball/Softball League On The Upcoming...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Departments Work With The Youth Baseball/Softball League On The Upcoming...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Gitscier, 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. Gitscier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Gitschier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Allow Free Parking For All Combat War Veterans And Refer

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Allow Free Parking For All Combat War Veterans And Refer

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted.

Filed by Rita Mercier and Sokhary Chau; Rita Mercier is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Go into executive session: Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Allow Free Parking For All Combat War Veterans And Refer

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Motion to enter into Executive Session by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to enter into Executive Session by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Motion: Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Allow Free Parking For All Combat War Veterans And Refer

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

(8:40 PM) 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

“(8:40 PM) So voted..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Robinson, 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 Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)

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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