MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
September 26, 2023
39 recorded votes, 32 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
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)
Presentation - Middlesex Community College Fulbright Scholars (Cambodian Delegation)
Accept and place on file: Presentation - Middlesex Community College Fulbright Scholars (Cambodian Delegation)
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)
Minutes Of Rules SC September 12th; City Council Regular Meeting September 12th; City Council Special Meeting...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Rules SC September 12th; City Council Regular Meeting September 12th; City Council Special Meeting September...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Take Items #4.1(E) and #11.6 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and take Items #4.1(E) and #11.6 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. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and take Items #4.1(E) and #11.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Refer to the City Manager: Motion Responses
C) Motion Response – Parking – Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Rourke, 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
“C) Motion Response – Parking – Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Take Items #11.8 and #10.5 out of order
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to bundle and take Items #11.8 and #10.5 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to bundle and take Items #11.8 and #10.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Go into executive session: Motion Responses
F) Motion Response - Executive Session Minutes – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuno to accept and release Executive Minutes calendar year 2022 and 2023 (through September 23). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“F) Motion Response - Executive Session Minutes – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuno to accept and release Executive Minutes calendar year 2022 and 2023 (through September 23). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Housing SC by C: Motion Responses
J) Motion Response - HERS Ratings – Motion to refer to Housing SC by C. Jenness, 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
“J) Motion Response - HERS Ratings – Motion to refer to Housing SC by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.3, inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.3, inclusive by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.3, inclusive by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $10,000 Mass State Police Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $10,000 Mass State Police Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Vote - License Agreement For Shoe Time Overhanging Sign
Adopt: Vote - License Agreement For Shoe Time Overhanging Sign
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Vote - License Agreement For The Green Place Overhanging Sign
Adopt: Vote - License Agreement For The Green Place Overhanging Sign
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Resolution - Establish Sister City With Cork, Ireland
Adopt: Resolution - Establish Sister City With Cork, Irel
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bond For Jose Navarro
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval Of Constable Bond For Jose Navarro
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Mercier)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Handhole And Underground Conduit At Appleton And Gorham Streets
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Handhole And Underground Conduit At Appleton And Gorham Streets
In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order 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, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Leahy)
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. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Bundle Items #10.2 to #10.4, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #10.2 to #10.4, inclusive, by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to bundle Items #10.2 to #10.4, inclusive, by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Brandon Choeun Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign On Market Street At 3 O'Brien Terrace
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Brandon Choeun Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign On Market Street At 3 O'Brien Terrace
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Misc. - Maria Ortiz (For The Benefit Of Josephine Santos Centeno) Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Maria Ortiz (For The Benefit Of Josephine Santos Centeno) Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Misc. - Randy Sargent Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At Corner Of 7 Deerfield Street And Stratham Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Randy Sargent Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At Corner Of 7 Deerfield Street And Stratham...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Leahy)
Misc. - Kennith Harkins Request Discussion With City Council Regarding Budget
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Kennith Harkins Request Discussion With City Council Regarding Budget
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, 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 refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Drinkwater)
Motion To Reconsider - "C. Drinkwater/C. Yem - To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That...
Adopt: Motion To Reconsider - "C. Drinkwater/C. Yem - To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That The Section Would Apply...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Rourke, YemNo: Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, ScottThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Reconsider: Motion To Reconsider - "C. Drinkwater/C. Yem - To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That The Section Would...
Motion to adopt the underlying motion of the Motion to Reconsider “To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That The Section Would Apply With The Adoption Of The Home Rule Petition, Which Mirrors Salem, Ma., Granting Rate Reductions And Tax Relief For The Proposed Units" by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Rourke, YemNo: Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, ScottThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt the underlying motion of the Motion to Reconsider “To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That The Section Would Apply With The Adoption Of The Home Rule Petition, Which Mirrors Salem, Ma., Granting Rate Reductions And Tax Relief For The Proposed Units" by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted..” (second: Yem)
Move the question: Motion To Reconsider - "C. Drinkwater/C. Yem - To Add Language To Section 3J Of The Proposed ADU Ordinance So That The Section...
Motion to move the question by C. Rourke, 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
“Motion to move the question by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Take A Look At The Organizational Chart Of The DPW
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Take A Look At The Organizational Chart Of The DPW
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: Leahy, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report To The City Council Regarding Double Poles Throughout The City
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report To The City Council Regarding Double Poles Throughout The City
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Look Into Closing City Hall At Noontime On Halloween
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into Closing City Hall At Noontime On Halloween
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager as amended. 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 as amended. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With An Outline On The Maintenance Plan For The New Overpass...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With An Outline On The Maintenance Plan For The New Overpass Landscaping
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: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Request: City Council Proclaim And/Or Observe The National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 To October 15)
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Proclaim And/Or Observe The National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 To October 15)
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Convene A Task Force To Prepare The Logistics Of Housing, Feeding And Assisting With Daily...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Convene A Task Force To Prepare The Logistics Of Housing, Feeding And Assisting With Daily...
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Election Office To Cover "Do Not Enter" Signs At Schools Uses As Polling Places On...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Election Office To Cover "Do Not Enter" Signs At Schools Uses As Polling Places On...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Work With The Delegation, MCC, UMass-Lowell And The Governor's Office To Make A Plan For The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Delegation, MCC, UMass-Lowell And The Governor's Office To Make A Plan For The...
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: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Include Item #11.12 as part of discussion
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson to include Item #11.12 as part of discussion. 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. Robinson to include Item #11.12 as part of discussion. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Investigate Improvements To The Lighting At The Linden Street Car Condo
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Investigate Improvements To The Lighting At The Linden Street Car Condo
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)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding FEMA And Local Emergency Response Plans To Natural Disasters
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Regarding FEMA And Local Emergency Response Plans To Natural Disasters
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: Chau, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A Report Regarding The Migrant Occupation Of The UMass-Lowell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A Report Regarding The Migrant Occupation Of The UMass-Lowell Inn...
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: Chau, second: Rourke)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
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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