MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
December 19, 2023
34 recorded votes, 26 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 City Council Meeting December 12th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting December 12th, 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)
National Grid - Request Installation Of Upgraded Underground Conduit On McIntyre Street At Middlesex Street
Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request Installation Of Upgraded Underground Conduit On McIntyre Street At Middlesex Street
Motion “To refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” by C. Nuon, 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. So Voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Gitschier)
Motion “To refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” 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
“Motion “To refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So Voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 3 Vent Poles To Upgrade Gas Pressure Regulator At 20 Clark Road
Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 3 Vent Poles To Upgrade Gas Pressure Regulator At 20 Clark Road
Motion “To refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” by C. Gitschier, 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
“Motion “To refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Leahy)
Take Item #5.5 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #5.5 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #5.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Create A Law That Reads As Follows: In An Effort To Be...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Find Ways And Means To Create A Law That Reads As Follows: In An Effort To Be Environmentally And
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: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Look At Re-Evaluating The 9 Million Dollars In ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Funds And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look At Re-Evaluating The 9 Million Dollars In ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Funds And Invest...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Prepare An Assessment Of City-Owned Properties That Can Be Quickly...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Prepare An Assessment Of City-Owned Properties That Can Be Quickly And...
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 Create A Plan To Reconstruct The Bailey School Parking Lot Which Is In Need Of Milling...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Create A Plan To Reconstruct The Bailey School Parking Lot Which Is In Need Of Milling, Overlay...
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: Nuon, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Draft A Comprehensive Language Access Plan For The City Of Lowell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Draft A Comprehensive Language Access Plan For The City Of Lowell That...
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: Yem, second: Scott)
Suspend the rules: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Draft A Comprehensive Language Access Plan For The City Of Lowell That Includes...
Motion to suspend rules to allow neighborhood advocate to address body. 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 allow neighborhood advocate to address body. So voted..”
Ask the City Manager to Provide Detailed Report To The Council Showing Vehicle / Pedestrian, Vehicle / Bicyclist And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Detailed Report To The Council Showing Vehicle / Pedestrian, Vehicle / Bicyclist And...
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)
Bundle Items #5.7, #5.8 and #5.9
Motion to bundle Items #5.7, #5.8 and #5.9 by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to bundle Items #5.7, #5.8 and #5.9 by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Drinkwater)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On What Measures Have Been Implemented To Curb Parking At Intersections
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On What Measures Have Been Implemented To Curb Parking At Intersections
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, RourkeNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Explore Cost Of Bringing In Supplemental, Contracted Street...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Explore Cost Of Bringing In Supplemental, Contracted Street Sweeping Services Twice...
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, RourkeNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To Explore If Utilizing Snow Blower Attachments And Loading...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department To Explore If Utilizing Snow Blower Attachments And Loading Trucks To Remove Snow In...
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, RourkeNo: Chau, Drinkwater, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Drinkwater, C. Jenness, C. Leahy C. Nuon, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Leahy)
Communication - Resignation Of Various Members From Lowell Cultural Council
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Various Members From Lowell Cultural Council
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 to #7.5, inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 to #7.5, inclusive, 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1 to #7.5, inclusive, by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Rourke)
Vote – Accept Gift Of $2,000 From Digital Credit Union
Adopt: Vote – Accept Gift Of $2,000 From Digital Credit Union
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote – Accept/Expend $180,825 FY2024 Staffing Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote – Accept/Expend $180,825 FY2024 Staffing Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $47,499 FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $47,499 FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $474,078 FR-CARA Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $474,078 FR-CARA Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote – Accept/Expend $5,000 Mass State Police Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote – Accept/Expend $5,000 Mass State Police Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote - Approve Exemption Of Haley Rourke MGL C.268A S.20
Adopt: Vote - Approve Exemption Of Haley Rourke MGL C.268A S.20
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
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)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging Committee
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging Committee
In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion “To refer to Public Hearing on January 9, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Drinkwater, 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 January 9, 2024 at 7PM” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, second: Leahy)
Misc. - Will Noonan Request Permission To Address Council Regarding Visitor Parking Passes
Refer to Transportation Engineer / Parking Department: Misc. - Will Noonan Request Permission To Address Council Regarding Visitor Parking Passes
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer / Parking Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, 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 / Parking Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Jenness)
Misc. Deven Kenison (Koto Asian Fusion Lowell) Request Installation Of Overhanging Sign Located At 76 Merrimack Street
Refer to Law Department: Misc. Deven Kenison (Koto Asian Fusion Lowell) Request Installation Of Overhanging Sign Located At 76 Merrimack Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Andrea DeAngelis Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign At 33 Jordan Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Andrea DeAngelis Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign At 33 Jordan Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Suspend the rules to allow vote regarding date of the inauguration
Motion to suspend the rules to allow vote regarding date of the inauguration by C. Gitschier, 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
“Motion to suspend the rules to allow vote regarding date of the inauguration by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Drinkwater)
Set time and date of 2024- 2025 City Council Inauguration on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to set time and date of 2024- 2025 City Council Inauguration on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to set time and date of 2024- 2025 City Council Inauguration on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Drinkwater, 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Drinkwater, 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).
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