MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 27, 2024
22 recorded votes, 22 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. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Wayne Jenness.
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:
- Erik R. Gitschier recused from the vote on: Ordinance - Amend Salary Grid.
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. 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. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting February 20th; Finance SC February 21st, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting February 20th; Finance SC February 21st, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A Plan For The Lincoln School Playground Replacement
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide The City Council With A Plan For The Lincoln School Playground Replacement
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 Work With The Transportation Engineer To Install Speed Limit Signs Along The Stevens Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With The Transportation Engineer To Install Speed Limit Signs Along The Stevens Street...
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 Prepare An Informational Session On Limiting Factors Around Vertical Construction And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Prepare An Informational Session On Limiting Factors Around Vertical Construction And Increased...
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 Have Proper Department Place Stop Signs; Explore Feasibility Of Illuminated Crosswalks; And...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Place Stop Signs; Explore Feasibility Of Illuminated Crosswalks; 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: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide Comprehensive MIS Update Around Current State And Future...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide Comprehensive MIS Update Around Current State And Future Plans...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager / Technology and Utilities 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. Nuon, referred to City Manager / Technology and Utilities SC. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Suspend the rules: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide Comprehensive MIS Update Around Current State And Future Plans To The...
C. Mercier moved, seconded by C. Nuon “To Suspend the Rules for a Point of Personal Privilege” 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
“C. Mercier moved, seconded by C. Nuon “To Suspend the Rules for a Point of Personal Privilege” So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide Comprehensive MIS Update Around Current State And Future Plans To The Technology...
After further discussion C. Gitschier moved, seconded by C. Mercier “To have a 3rd party inspect the bridge after we see the cost and if it is feasible”. 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
“After further discussion C. Gitschier moved, seconded by C. Mercier “To have a 3rd party inspect the bridge after we see the cost and if it is feasible”. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Vote - Accept $2,000 Gift From Lowell Five Bank
Adopt: Vote - Accept $2,000 Gift From Lowell Five Bank
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $12,512.09 FY24 FSE Grant – Fire
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $12,512.09 FY24 FSE Grant – Fire
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - FY24 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation
Adopt: Vote - FY24 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier).
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier)..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Motion: Vote - FY24 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation
C. Gitschier why some of these items were not addressed in the current budget. C. Gitschier said he would not support. 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
“C. Gitschier why some of these items were not addressed in the current budget. C. Gitschier said he would not support. So voted..”
Ordinance - Amend Salary Grid
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Salary Grid
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 12, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. C. Gitschier recused himself. C. Mercier questioned if this applies to every department. CFO Baldwin explained that it governs employees not covered by collective bargaining agreement more for department heads and confidential employees. C. Robinson questioned why tiers and not just add steps. CFO Baldwin said there are 7 steps to each tier and we are adding new tier to have flexibility and better classify employees. 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 March 12, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. C. Gitschier recused himself. C. Mercier questioned if this applies to every department. CFO Baldwin explained that it governs employees not covered by collective bargaining agreement more for department heads and confidential employees. C. Robinson questioned why tiers and not just add steps. CFO Baldwin said there are 7 steps to each tier and we are adding new tier to have flexibility and better classify employees. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Finance SC February 21, 2024
Accept the report: Finance SC February 21, 2024
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux “To accept the report as a report of progress and to adopt motions of the Sub/Committee regarding recommendation of Preservation Commission and use of Free Cash”. 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. Descoteaux “To accept the report as a report of progress and to adopt motions of the Sub/Committee regarding recommendation of Preservation Commission and use of Free Cash”. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Descoteaux)
Wire Insp. - Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Heat Exchange Along Broadway...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Heat Exchange Along Broadway, Wilder, Walker And Waugh...
In City Council, Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to approve and adopt the accompanying 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
“In City Council, Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to approve and adopt the accompanying order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Claims - (5) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (5) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Misc. - Atty. George Theodorou For FTO Realty Trust (Stephen Doherty - Trustee) Request Extension Of Traditional...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Atty. George Theodorou For FTO Realty Trust (Stephen Doherty - Trustee) Request Extension Of Traditional...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. C. Gitschier requested roll call. Defeated per roll call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (C. Scott, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Robinson, M. Rourke).
Yes: Chau, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, YemNo: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Leahy, Robinson, Rourke, ScottThe roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. C. Gitschier requested roll call. Defeated per roll call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (C. Scott, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Robinson, M. Rourke)..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Johnny Arteaga Request Reimbursement For Trash Collection Payments To The City For The Property Located At...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Johnny Arteaga Request Reimbursement For Trash Collection Payments To The City For The Property Located At 73...
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)
Misc. - Samuel Carvalho Request Installation Of A 15 Minute Parking Sign In Front Of Amigos Convenience Store At The...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Samuel Carvalho Request Installation Of A 15 Minute Parking Sign In Front Of Amigos Convenience Store At...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
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)
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 →