← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

February 20, 2024

21 recorded votes, 17 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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Attendance

Note on these minutes: Mayor Daniel P. Rourke presiding. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Sokhary Chau.

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

Every vote, in order

Communication Remote / Zoom Participation

Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Communication - Ad Hoc Subcommittee Regarding Renovation Of Superior Court House

Accept and place on file: Communication - Ad Hoc Subcommittee Regarding Renovation Of Superior Court House

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Minutes Of City Council Meeting February 13th, For Acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Meeting February 13th, For Acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24

Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs

Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Gitschier, 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 refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Heat Exchange Along Broadway, Wilder, Walker And...

Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Heat Exchange Along Broadway, Wilder, Walker And...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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

“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Clean Out Air Ducts At The Senior Center, Especially In The Great...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Clean Out Air Ducts At The Senior Center, Especially In The Great...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Apply For Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants From...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Apply For Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants From The...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Yem, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Discuss Items #6.5 and #6.6 with this item

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to discuss Items #6.5 and #6.6 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. Scott to discuss Items #6.5 and #6.6 with this item. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Formulate and RFP to demolish the Smith Baker Center

Minutes, page 4

ApproveFailed · 2–9

Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to formulate and RFP to demolish the Smith Baker Center. Failed by Roll Call vote, 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.

Yes: Descoteaux, GitschierNo: Chau, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 2 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to formulate and RFP to demolish the Smith Baker Center. Failed by Roll Call vote, 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Look Into Appointing A Student From Lowell High School To The LHS Building Committee

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Look Into Appointing A Student From Lowell High School To The LHS Building Committee

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Report On The Possibility Of Developing A Grant Program For Owner Occupied Two, Three And

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Report On The Possibility Of Developing A Grant Program For Owner Occupied Two, Three And

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department It Identify Either Existing Or New Locations For Cooling/Warming...

Motion: Ask the City Manager to Work With Proper Department It Identify Either Existing Or New Locations For Cooling/Warming Center That Will Open...

Minutes, page 5

ApproveFailed · 4–7

In City Council, no second needed, Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (C. Chau. C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, M. Rourk, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.

Yes: Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, NuonNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Filed by Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (C. Chau. C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, M. Rourk, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to Work With The LFD And Local Non-Profits To Produce A 5-Point Fire Safety Protocol Translated...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The LFD And Local Non-Profits To Produce A 5-Point Fire Safety Protocol Translated...

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Communication - Resignations Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions

Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignations Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Communication - Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions

Approve: Communication - Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions

Minutes, page 7

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Communication - City

Adopt: Communication - City

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Order - Dedicate Unsworth Street And Bunker Hill Intersection For Norman Pelland

Adopt: Order - Dedicate Unsworth Street And Bunker Hill Intersection For Norman Pell

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Claims - (3) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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

“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

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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