MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 23, 2024
45 recorded votes, 39 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, John J. Leahy, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: Wayne Jenness
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. 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)
Minutes Of City Council Meeting January 16th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting January 16th, For Acceptance
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)
Take Items #5.3 and #5.4 out of order
Motion to take Items #5.3 and #5.4 out of order 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
“Motion to take Items #5.3 and #5.4 out of order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Request: Mayor Create An Ad Hoc Subcommittee To Explore Possible Uses For Vacant Superior Court House
Refer to the Mayor: Request: Mayor Create An Ad Hoc Subcommittee To Explore Possible Uses For Vacant Superior Court House
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to Mayor. 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 Mayor. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Request: City Council Explore Obtaining Outside Legal Counsel On Retainer
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council Explore Obtaining Outside Legal Counsel On Retainer
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 4 nays (C. Leahy, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Nuon, RobinsonNo: Leahy, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 6 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 4 nays (C. Leahy, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Have City Solicitor Provide A Report On Elected Officials Requirements To Accept Employment...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have City Solicitor Provide A Report On Elected Officials Requirements To Accept Employment As...
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 Provide An Update On Hole In Sidewalk And Plate In Front Of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On Hole In Sidewalk And Plate In Front Of Purple...
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 Work With The Proper Department To Explore If Utilizing Snow Blower Attachments And Loading...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Proper Department To Explore If Utilizing Snow Blower Attachments And Loading...
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 Reach Out To The Lowell Youth Baseball And Softball League To Plan An Opening Day Parade In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Reach Out To The Lowell Youth Baseball And Softball League To Plan An Opening Day Parade In...
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 Erik R. Gitschier and Corey Robinson; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Free Cash Certification
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Free Cash Certification
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Status Of The Parking Enterprise Fund
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The Status Of The Parking Enterprise Fund
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: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With An Update On The Maintenance Plan For The Ouellette Bridge...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With An Update On The Maintenance Plan For The Ouellette Bridge (Aiken...
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)
Request: Refiling Of Motions
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Refiling Of Motions
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)
Bundle the following motions and refer to City Manager
Motion to bundle the following motions and refer to City Manager by C. Mercier, 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 the following motions and refer to City Manager by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Refer to Senior Citizen SC: Request: Refiling Of Motions
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to refer to Senior Citizen 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to refer to Senior Citizen SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Open Up Communication With The Owners Of The Railroad Bridge To Restore The Spaghettiville...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Open Up Communication With The Owners Of The Railroad Bridge To Restore The Spaghettiville...
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: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Req, Auditor/Clerk Oversight Personnel SC Meet To Discuss Shared Goals Planning And An Updated Evaluation Tool For...
Refer to Auditor/Clerk Oversight Personnel SC: Req, Auditor/Clerk Oversight Personnel SC Meet To Discuss Shared Goals Planning And An Updated...
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to Auditor/Clerk Oversight Personnel 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 Auditor/Clerk Oversight Personnel SC. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Include A Link To Unanswered Motions On The Weekly Agenda And A Quarterly Report With...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Include A Link To Unanswered Motions On The Weekly Agenda And A Quarterly Report With Updates...
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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report That Includes All Costs To Date Associated With The Cyber-Attack, Any...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report That Includes All Costs To Date Associated With The Cyber-Attack, Any...
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: Scott, second: Gitschier)
Request: Refiling Of Motions
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Refiling Of Motions
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: Scott, second: Yem)
Bundle the following motions and refer to City Manager
Motion to bundle the following motions and refer to City Manager by C. Mercier, 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 the following motions and refer to City Manager by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted.” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Have A Representative From The Commonwealth Care Alliance Appear At A Meeting As Soon As...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have A Representative From The Commonwealth Care Alliance Appear At A Meeting As Soon As...
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 Kimberly Scott and Sokhary Chau; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status Of Phased Construction On 4 Vacant Lots In The Hamilton Canal...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status Of Phased Construction On 4 Vacant Lots In The Hamilton Canal...
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: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Request LRTA Give An Update On The Current Volume Of Bus Only Usage And Expected Usage
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Request LRTA Give An Update On The Current Volume Of Bus Only Usage And Expected Usage
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: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Have LPD And LFD Host A Community Workshop Regarding Job Opportunities In Each Department As...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have LPD And LFD Host A Community Workshop Regarding Job Opportunities In Each Department As...
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 Have LPD Provide An Update On Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) In Cruisers
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have LPD Provide An Update On Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) In Cruisers
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager/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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager/Public Safety SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Refer to Public Safey SC: Ask the City Manager to Have LPD Provide An Update On Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) In Cruisers
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Public Safey 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Public Safey SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding Staffing At The Police Precincts In The City, Particularly...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding Staffing At The Police Precincts In The City, Particularly During...
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)
Request: Public Safety SC Have Discussion With Lowell Police Department Regarding Current Crime Statistics In The City
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Public Safety SC Have Discussion With Lowell Police Department Regarding Current Crime Statistics In 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: Nuon, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Work With DPW To Come Up With A Contract For Patch Repairs On The Streets Throughout The City
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With DPW To Come Up With A Contract For Patch Repairs On The Streets Throughout The City
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Refer to the Rules: Motion Responses
D) Motion Response - Report on Censure Process – Motion to refer to Rules and Election Law SC 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
“D) Motion Response - Report on Censure Process – Motion to refer to Rules and Election Law SC by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
E) Motion Response - Fill Vacant Council Position – Motion to refer to Rules and Election Law SC 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
“E) Motion Response - Fill Vacant Council Position – Motion to refer to Rules and Election Law SC by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Communication - Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions
Approve: Communication - Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Communication - Reappointments To Various Boards And Commissions
Approve: Communication - Reappointments To Various Boards And Commissions
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Communication - Resignations From Various Boards And Commissions
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignations From Various Boards And Commissions
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)
Suspend rules and adopt an Out of State Travel – City Manager
Motion to suspend rules and adopt an Out of State Travel – City Manager by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to suspend rules and adopt an Out of State Travel – City Manager by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and #6.2
Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and #6.2 by C. Nuon, 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 bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and #6.2 by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Vote - Approve Exemption Of Lynda Clark MGL C.268A S.20
Adopt: Vote - Approve Exemption Of Lynda Clark MGL C.268A S.20
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Vote - Transfer 15,000 – DPD
Adopt: Vote - Transfer 15,000 – DPD
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
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
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 6, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. 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 Public Hearing on February 6, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2024
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2024
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 6, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 6, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
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. 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
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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