MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
August 22, 2023
39 recorded votes, 35 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): John Drinkwater.
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Drinkwater, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: Kimberly Scott
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)
Proclamation - Opioid Awareness Day - August 31, 2023
Accept and place on file: Proclamation - Opioid Awareness Day - August 31, 2023
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)
Citation - Megan House Foundation
Accept and place on file: Citation - Megan House Foundation
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)
Introduction - Selepak Khmer And Angkor Dance Troupe
Accept and place on file: Introduction - Selepak Khmer And Angkor Dance Troupe
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)
Minutes Of City Council Meeting July 25th Continued To August 8th; City Council Finance SC August 9th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting July 25th Continued To August 8th; City Council Finance SC August 9th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Jenness)
MOTION RESPONSES
Accept and place on file: MOTION RESPONSES
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)
Request City Manager express written concern regarding impact of migrants entering the City to the Governor and all other governmental leaders...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to request City Manager express written concern regarding impact of migrants entering the City to the Governor and all other governmental leaders involve with the placement of migrants in the City. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to request City Manager express written concern regarding impact of migrants entering the City to the Governor and all other governmental leaders involve with the placement of migrants in the City. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Take Items #9.8 and #9.23 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and take Items #9.8 and #9.23 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 bundle and take Items #9.8 and #9.23 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Ad-Hoc subcommittee being established: MOTION RESPONSES
Motion Response - Superior Courthouse and Restorative Center – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Ad-Hoc subcommittee being established for property restoration. 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 Response - Superior Courthouse and Restorative Center – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Ad-Hoc subcommittee being established for property restoration. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Postpone to a later meeting: MOTION RESPONSES
Motion Response - Plan for Enforcement of Chapter 176-2 (WITH ATTACHMENT) - Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to next meeting so that C. Scott can provide input. 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 Response - Plan for Enforcement of Chapter 176-2 (WITH ATTACHMENT) - Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to next meeting so that C. Scott can provide input. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Refer to Finance SC: MOTION RESPONSES
Motion Response - Financial Status Update on the Residential Trash Program – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Finance 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
“Motion Response - Financial Status Update on the Residential Trash Program – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS Informational Reports Informational Report - Lowell Forward Housing Production
Bundle and waive the second reading of Items #5.2 to #5.5, inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive the second reading of Items #5.2 to #5.5, inclusive. 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 bundle and waive the second reading of Items #5.2 to #5.5, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Communication - Reappointment Of Kerry Jenness To Historic Board
Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Kerry Jenness To Historic Board
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
The minutes give the count (9 yeas, 0 nays) but do not name how each councilor voted, and 10 councilors are shown present. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Take Item #4.4 out of order
Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #4.4 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #4.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $75,000 MCC Grant – LMA
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $75,000 MCC Grant – LMA
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)
Take Items #8.1 out of order
Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness to take Items #8.1; #8.3; #8.4; and #8.6 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness to take Items #8.1; #8.3; #8.4; and #8.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Vote - Authorize CM Confirm A 3 Year 4 Month Contact With UpNext LLC
Approve: Vote - Authorize CM Confirm A 3 Year 4 Month Contact With UpNext LLC
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 9 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Vote - Authorize CM To File Special Legislation
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM To File Special Legislation
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 9 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Vote - Transfer $102,000 – Elections
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $102,000 – Elections
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 9 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Vote - Transfer $60,000 – Cemetery
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $60,000 – Cemetery
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 9 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Take Item#8.5 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item#8.5 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. Robinson to take Item#8.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bond For Jason Burke
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bond For Jason Burke
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Claims - (3) Property Damage; (1) Personal Injury
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage; (1) Personal Injury
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Misc. - Norma Von Fricken Request Discussion Regarding Model City
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Norma Von Fricken Request Discussion Regarding Model City
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)
Misc. - Michael Tembo (Lady Maria Hair Design) Request Removal Of "15 Minute" Parking Sign At 688 Merrimack Street...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Michael Tembo (Lady Maria Hair Design) Request Removal Of "15 Minute" Parking Sign At 688 Merrimack...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Misc. - A.G. Hutchinson Request Discussion Regarding Soliciting, City Buildings And Police Response
Accept and place on file: Misc. - A.G. Hutchinson Request Discussion Regarding Soliciting, City Buildings And Police Response
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)
Misc. - Ken Harkins Request Discussion Regarding Budget, Cemetery, Mark One And Homelessness
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Ken Harkins Request Discussion Regarding Budget, Cemetery, Mark One And Homelessness
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)
Take Item #4.5 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #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. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #4.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Elizabeth Patino Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 239 School Street (Apt. 2)
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Elizabeth Patino Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 239 School Street (Apt. 2)
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
National Grid - Request Installation Of Handhole And Underground Conduit At Appleton And Gorham Streets
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request Installation Of Handhole And Underground Conduit At Appleton And Gorham Streets
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on September 12, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on September 12, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Concrete Pad (Support SCADA Box) And Conduit At...
Waive Rule 5: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Concrete Pad (Support SCADA Box) And Conduit At Intersection Of Bradley...
Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Defeated in Roll Call with 2 nay votes (C. Mercier, C. Nuon). So voted.
The minutes record this motion as defeated and name only the councilors who objected; they give no full count, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive Rule 5 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Defeated in Roll Call with 2 nay votes (C. Mercier, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With The Police Department Policy On Driving To Endanger...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With The Police Department Policy On Driving To Endanger Unregistered...
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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #5.1 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #5.1 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #5.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Take Item #8.2 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #8.2 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. Nuon to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On Any Plans By The LRTA To Provide Bus Services On Sundays And To Keep The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On Any Plans By The LRTA To Provide Bus Services On Sundays And To Keep The...
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 Kimberly Scott; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Take Item #9.1 out of order
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #9.1 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #9.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Keep The Senior Center Open On The Weekends
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Keep The Senior Center Open On The Weekends
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)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Robinson 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 Adjourn by C. Robinson seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, 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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