MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
March 12, 2024
25 recorded votes, 23 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, Rita Mercier, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem
Absent: John J. Leahy, Vesna Nuon
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. 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)
Minutes Of Senior Citizen SC March 5th; City Council Regular Meeting March 5th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Senior Citizen SC March 5th; City Council Regular Meeting March 5th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Salary Grid
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Salary Grid
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 recusal (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemErik R. Gitschier recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 recusal (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Work With The Lowell Environmental Youth Task Force To Create A...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Work With The Lowell Environmental Youth Task Force To Create A...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager/Joint Youth Services and Environmental/Flood Issues 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. Robinson, referred to City Manager/Joint Youth Services and Environmental/Flood Issues SC. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Refer to the Joint Youth Services/Environmental: Ask the City Manager to Have Appropriate Department Work With The Lowell Environmental Youth Task...
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Joint Youth Services/Environmental and Flood Issues 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. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Joint Youth Services/Environmental and Flood Issues SC. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update Regarding
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 Provide An Update On Status Of The Eroded Areas Along The Reservoir On Reservoir Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On Status Of The Eroded Areas Along The Reservoir On Reservoir Street...
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 An Update On When The Trees Will Be Removed And If There Will Be A Tree Replacement...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide An Update On When The Trees Will Be Removed And If There Will Be A Tree Replacement...
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)
Req, City Manager Provide An Update On Status Of The Traffic Calming Measures For Billings And West 6th Streets
Refer to the City Manager: Req, City Manager Provide An Update On Status Of The Traffic Calming Measures For Billings And West 6th Streets
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 A Detailed Report On All Phase 1 ARPA Projects; Including...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On All Phase 1 ARPA Projects; Including Timelines
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 Have The Proper Department Install “Caution Deer Crossing” Signs On Christian Hill Around...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Install “Caution Deer Crossing” Signs On Christian Hill Around The...
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 A Detailed Report On What Are Our Options To Provide Animal Control Response 24/7 To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Detailed Report On What Are Our Options To Provide Animal Control Response 24/7 To...
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 Provide A Report On City Owned Properties, To Include Their Current Status (Tax Title, Etc.)...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report On City Owned Properties, To Include Their Current Status (Tax Title, Etc.)...
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 Sokhary Chau and Kimberly Scott; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Transportation Engineer To Develop A Better Traffic/Parking Plan On Prince Avenue
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Transportation Engineer To Develop A Better Traffic/Parking Plan On Prince Avenue
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)
Ask the City Manager to Explore Any Grant Opportunities Or Other Means To Purchase And Install Solar Speed Lights In...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore Any Grant Opportunities Or Other Means To Purchase And Install Solar Speed Lights In...
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: Scott, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department To Determine What Road Improvements Can Be Made To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department To Determine What Road Improvements Can Be Made To Meadowcroft...
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)
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. 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Refer matter back to Transportation Engineer to act on recommendations regarding rescinding speed limits in certain areas. Motion failed 5 yeas, 4...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter back to Transportation Engineer to act on recommendations regarding rescinding speed limits in certain areas. Motion failed 5 yeas, 4 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Jenness, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. The minutes record this as failing with more yeas than nays (5 to 4); some council votes need a two-thirds majority (for example borrowing, appropriations or zoning). MassVoter shows the result as the minutes record it.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter back to Transportation Engineer to act on recommendations regarding rescinding speed limits in certain areas. Motion failed 5 yeas, 4 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Communication - Reappointment Of Mary Wambui-Ekop To Sustainability Council
Approve: Communication - Reappointment Of Mary Wambui-Ekop To Sustainability Council
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/Expend $30,000 NEFA Grant – CASE
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $30,000 NEFA Grant – CASE
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Leahy, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $2.025 Million - Salary/Wage
Postpone to a later meeting: Vote - Transfer $2.025 Million - Salary/Wage
Motion C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to next Council meeting, March19th. 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 C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to next Council meeting, March19th. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Amend Ch.243-23 - Outdoor Restaurant And Retail Areas
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Ch.243-23 - Outdoor Restaurant And Retail Areas
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 26, 2024 @ 7 PM 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 Public Hearing on March 26, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Veterans SC March 12, 2024
Accept the report: Veterans SC March 12, 2024
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Claims - (4) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (4) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Descoteaux)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, 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).
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