MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 9, 2024
38 recorded votes, 34 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 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
During the meeting:
- John Descoteaux recused from the vote on: Motion Responses.
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 2024-2025 City Council Inauguration January 2nd; City Council Regular Meeting January 2nd, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of 2024-2025 City Council Inauguration January 2nd; City Council Regular Meeting January 2nd, 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)
Move from table and place “Unfinished Business” motions to “City Council – Motions" on this agenda
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to move from table and place “Unfinished Business” motions to “City Council – Motions" on this agenda. 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. Mercier to move from table and place “Unfinished Business” motions to “City Council – Motions" on this agenda. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Update On Potential Business District Improvements To Bridge And Third Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update On Potential Business District Improvements To Bridge And Third Street Parking Lot
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: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Update On The City’s Status On Winter Operations Preparedness
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update On The City’s Status On Winter Operations Preparedness
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: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Update Council On Any Potential Parking Locations In The Denser Neighborhoods For Winter...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update Council On Any Potential Parking Locations In The Denser Neighborhoods For Winter Operations
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: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Update To Leaf Removal Operations In All Public Green Space
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update To Leaf Removal Operations In All Public Green Space
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: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Surrounding Communities, The State Administration And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Surrounding Communities, The State Administration And...
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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status On Filling The Vacant Director Of Human Resources Position
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status On Filling The Vacant Director Of Human Resources Position
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: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging Committee
Refer to Law Department: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging Committee
Motion to refer to Law Department for further drafting to include City Council approval of appointments by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Jenness, Leahy, NuonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to refer to Law Department for further drafting to include City Council approval of appointments by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Take Item #6.5 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.5 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. Mercier to take Item #6.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A List Of All Professional Development Attended By Lands And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A List Of All Professional Development Attended By Lands And...
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 Look Into The Feasibility Of Offering City Employees The Human Resources Seminar Being...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into The Feasibility Of Offering City Employees The Human Resources Seminar Being Offered...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Allow All School Principals Access To Schooldude Tickets To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Allow All School Principals Access To Schooldude Tickets To Enable...
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: Gitschier, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Plan To Celebrate The City...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Plan To Celebrate The City...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Provide Update On The Renovation Of North Common And Roberto...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Provide Update On The Renovation Of North Common And Roberto...
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: Yem, second: Nuon)
Have City Manager provide timelines for ARPA projects
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager provide timelines for ARPA 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. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager provide timelines for ARPA projects. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Re-Examine The Parking Lot Entrance At Smyth Cannabis On Rogers Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Re-Examine The Parking Lot Entrance At Smyth Cannabis On Rogers Street
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: Leahy, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Commissioner Present Winter Operations Plan And Preparedness To City Council At A...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Commissioner Present Winter Operations Plan And Preparedness To City Council At A...
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)
Discuss Item #4.3 with this item: Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Commissioner Present Winter Operations Plan And Preparedness To City Council At...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to discuss Item #4.3 with this item. 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to discuss Item #4.3 with this item. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Refer discussion of winter operations to Public Safety SC
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer discussion of winter operations to Public Safety 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 by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer discussion of winter operations to Public Safety SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Status On Hiring Of City Human Resource Director
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Status On Hiring Of City Human Resource Director
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)
Discuss Item #4.7 with this item: Ask the City Manager to Provide Status On Hiring Of City Human Resource Director
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss Item #4.7 with this item. 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss Item #4.7 with this item. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide Update And Status Of Potential Support To The Police Department, Fire Department...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide Update And Status Of Potential Support To The Police Department, Fire Department...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To Lowell Housing Authority Director To Make Presentation Regarding Final River...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To Lowell Housing Authority Director To Make Presentation Regarding Final River Edge...
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)
Request: Housing SC Meet To Consider The Adoption Of The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Law (MA. Chapter 44...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Housing SC Meet To Consider The Adoption Of The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Law (MA. Chapter 44...
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager/Housing 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager/Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Update Council On Rourke Bridge Repairs
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update Council On Rourke Bridge Repairs
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: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Repair Guard Rail On Corner Of Mammoth And East Meadow Roads
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Repair Guard Rail On Corner Of Mammoth And East Meadow Roads
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: Rourke, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Contact Waste Management Concerning The Quality Of Extra Waste Purple Trash Bags; Also...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Contact Waste Management Concerning The Quality Of Extra Waste Purple Trash Bags; Also Request...
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: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Joint City Council/School Committee Finance SC: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to refer to Joint City Council/School Committee 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 by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to refer to Joint City Council/School Committee Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Communication - Appointment Of Ellen Anstey To Library Board Of Trustees
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Ellen Anstey To Library Board Of Trustees
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive by C. Scott, 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept/Expend $166,189.98 FY24 State Aid To Public Libraries Program Award
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $166,189.98 FY24 State Aid To Public Libraries Program Award
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)
Vote - Authorize CM Convey 20 Favor Street
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Convey 20 Favor Street
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)
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agreement With Lowell Festival Foundation
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agreement With Lowell Festival Foundation
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)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Begin the City Council Meeting of January 16^(th) at 6:00 PM to accommodate year-end review
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to begin the City Council Meeting of January 16^(th) at 6:00 PM to accommodate year-end review. 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. Robinson to begin the City Council Meeting of January 16^(th) at 6:00 PM to accommodate year-end review. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Scott, 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 Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
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 →