MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
December 12, 2023
31 recorded votes, 25 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): Corey Robinson.
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. 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Minutes Of Economic/Downtown Development SC December 5th; City Council Meeting December 5th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Economic/Downtown Development SC December 5th; City Council Meeting December 5th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Vote - Cancel Council Meeting 12.26.23
Adopt: Vote - Cancel Council Meeting 12.26.23
Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Re-Examine The Placement Of Stop Signs And The Stop/Yield Lines...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Re-Examine The Placement Of Stop Signs And The Stop/Yield Lines In...
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: Yem, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Surrounding Communities, The State Administration And...
Table: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Surrounding Communities, The State Administration And Community Partners As...
In City Council, Motion to table by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Mercier, RobinsonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to table by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status On Filling The Vacant Director Of Human Resources Position
Table: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status On Filling The Vacant Director Of Human Resources Position
In City Council, Motion to table by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Mercier, RobinsonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to table by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Concerning The Number Of Positions In The City Dedicated...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Concerning The Number Of Positions In The City Dedicated To...
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: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Concerning Strategies The City Can Employ To Generate...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide City Council With A Report Concerning Strategies The City Can Employ To Generate...
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Work With State Delegation To File A Bill, Similar To SB110 (An Act Relative To Residency...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With State Delegation To File A Bill, Similar To SB110 (An Act Relative To Residency...
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: Nuon, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Implementation Of The 311 System
Remove from the table
In City Council, Motion to remove from the table by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Leahy). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: LeahyThe 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, Motion to remove from the table by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Implementation Of The 311 System
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Informational Reports. Informational Report - CD Overview – Aaron Fox (WasteWater) provided presentation entitled...
Bundle and move forward Items #6.4; #6.5; and #8.1
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and move forward Items #6.4; #6.5; and #8.1. 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 bundle and move forward Items #6.4; #6.5; and #8.1. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Take Item #7.1 out of order
Motion to take Item #7.1 out of order by C. Drinkwater, 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
“Motion to take Item #7.1 out of order by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading for Items #6.1; #6.2; #6.3; #6.6; and #6.7
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to bundle and waive second reading for Items #6.1; #6.2; #6.3; #6.6; and #6.7. 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. Jenness to bundle and waive second reading for Items #6.1; #6.2; #6.3; #6.6; and #6.7. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Vote - Accept/Expend $75,624 EOPSS Grant – Fire
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $75,624 EOPSS Grant – Fire
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 - Amend JAM Plan - 20 Favor Street
Adopt: Vote - Amend JAM Plan - 20 Favor Street
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 Evelyn Lally MGL C.268A S.20
Adopt: Vote - Approve Exemption Of Evelyn Lally MGL C.268A S.20
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 - EPA Consent Decree
Adopt: Vote - EPA Consent Decree
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Vote - Transfer $200k - EPA Consent Decree
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $200k - EPA Consent Decree
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Vote - Transfer $180K - Wastewater Wages
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $180K - Wastewater Wages
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 - Transfer $608,691 - Administrative Employee Wage Adjustments
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $608,691 - Administrative Employee Wage Adjustments
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 abstain (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottAbstained: Gitschier, Mercier, YemThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Erik R. Gitschier, Rita Mercier and Paul Ratha Yem abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 abstain (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Loan Order - MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion “To refer to Public Hearing on January 2, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Drinkwater, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion “To refer to Public Hearing on January 2, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 272 Water And Sewer Article X
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 272 Water And Sewer Article X
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion “To refer to Public Hearing on January 2, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Jenness, 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, Given 1st Reading, Motion “To refer to Public Hearing on January 2, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Economic/Downtown Development SC December 5, 2023
Accept the report: Economic/Downtown Development SC December 5, 2023
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness to accept the report as a report of progress. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Jenness)
Bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4, inclusive, by C. Scott, 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
“Motion to bundle Items #9.2 to #9.4, inclusive, by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 280 Foot Four Inch Plastic Main On Canal...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 280 Foot Four Inch Plastic Main On Canal Street From Jackson Street...
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Morse Street To Improve Service...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Morse Street To Improve Service To Lowell Housing...
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Doanne Street To Improve...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Doanne Street To Improve Service To Lowell Housing...
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Gitschier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →