MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
January 2, 2024
2 meetings this evening, 31 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Lowell City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Attendance
Note on these minutes: Mayor Daniel P. Rourke presiding.
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Descoteaux, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: None
24 recorded votes, 20 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
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 19th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting December 19th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Create Performance Surety Deposit Revolving Fund
Adopt: Ordinance - Create Performance Surety Deposit Revolving Fund
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)
Loan Order - MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
Send correspondence to local delegation and MSBA regarding implementing sustainable options in projects
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to send correspondence to local delegation and MSBA regarding implementing sustainable options in projects. 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to send correspondence to local delegation and MSBA regarding implementing sustainable options in projects. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 272 Water And Sewer Article X
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 272 Water And Sewer Article X
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On Installation Of Generators At All Fire Houses
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On Installation Of Generators At All Fire Houses
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)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Creation Of The Facilities Department For All Municipal...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Creation Of The Facilities Department For All Municipal...
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: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Have Treasurer Report As To How Many Constables We Have In The City; How Much Revenue Is...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Treasurer Report As To How Many Constables We Have In The City; How Much Revenue Is...
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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Coordinate With The Superintendent Of Schools To Investigate And Evaluate The Feasibility Of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Coordinate With The Superintendent Of Schools To Investigate And Evaluate The Feasibility Of...
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: Descoteaux, second: Scott)
Provide School Committee with information of the request to consolidate departments
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem to provide School Committee with information of the request to consolidate departments. 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. Yem to provide School Committee with information of the request to consolidate departments. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Communication - Resignation Of John Descoteaux From License Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of John Descoteaux From License Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Robinson)
Communication - Resignation Of Janelle Diaz From Commission On Disability
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Janelle Diaz From Commission On Disability
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, Descoteaux 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. Jenness, Descoteaux by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Communication - Appointment Of Joseph Donahue To License Commission
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Joseph Donahue To License Commission
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: DescoteauxThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. John Descoteaux abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Vote - Accept Expend FY24 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept Expend FY24 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists John Descoteaux as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Vote - Amending Prior Order Approving CPC Recommendation To Fund The Preservation Of Rollie's Farm
Adopt: Vote - Amending Prior Order Approving CPC Recommendation To Fund The Preservation Of Rollie's Farm
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists John Descoteaux as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Vote - Authorize CM Enter Into License Agr With Koto Asian Fusion
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Enter Into License Agr With Koto Asian Fusion
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists John Descoteaux as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Vote - Approve Exemption Of John Descoteaux MGL C.268A S.20
Adopt: Vote - Approve Exemption Of John Descoteaux MGL C.268A S.20
Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: DescoteauxThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. John Descoteaux abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Wire Inspector
Adopt: Wire Inspector
In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying orders 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 adopt accompanying orders by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Executive Session – Discuss Matters Of Potential Litigation (Open Meeting Law Complaint), Public Discussion Of Which...
Go into executive session: Executive Session – Discuss Matters Of Potential Litigation (Open Meeting Law Complaint), Public Discussion Of Which...
In City Council, Motion to enter Executive Session by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to enter Executive Session by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas.” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Motion: Executive Session – Discuss Matters Of Potential Litigation (Open Meeting Law Complaint), Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A...
At 7:40 PM. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Gitschier, 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 in Executive Session by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Lowell City Council · Special meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Attendance
Note on these minutes: Inauguration of the 2024-2025 council (the City Clerk chaired until the Mayor was chosen).
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Descoteaux, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: None
7 recorded votes, 7 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
INAUGURATION 2024 - 2025 CITY COUNCIL-ELECT
Accept the official notice of the election results
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy “to accept the communication and place it on file.” 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. Leahy “to accept the communication and place it on file.” So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Leahy)
Proceed to elect a Mayor
Motion to proceed to elect a Mayor by C. Scott 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 proceed to elect a Mayor by C. Scott seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Elect the Mayor (Daniel P. Rourke chosen)
On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Daniel P. Rourke as the Mayor of the City of Lowell by receiving 9 votes.
A vote choosing a person, so MassVoter shows the result only. The minutes read: “On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Daniel P. Rourke as the Mayor of the City of Lowell by receiving 9 votes.”
From the minutes
“On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Daniel P. Rourke as the Mayor of the City of Lowell by receiving 9 votes..”
Proceed to elect a Vice Chair
Motion to proceed to elect a Vice Chair by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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 proceed to elect a Vice Chair by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Elect the Vice Chair (Paul Ratha Yem chosen)
On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Paul Ratha Yem as the Vice Chair of the City of Lowell Council by receiving 11 votes.
A vote choosing a person, so MassVoter shows the result only. The minutes read: “On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Paul Ratha Yem as the Vice Chair of the City of Lowell Council by receiving 11 votes.”
From the minutes
“On the first ballot the Council designated Councilor Paul Ratha Yem as the Vice Chair of the City of Lowell Council by receiving 11 votes..”
Adopt present rules of the City Council for 2024-2025
Motion to adopt present rules of the City Council for 2024-2025 by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to adopt present rules of the City Council for 2024-2025 by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
- Time for meeting to stand adjourned.
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn by C. Leahy, 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 Adjourn by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, 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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