MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 23, 2024
27 recorded votes, 21 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
Every vote, in order
Communication / Zoom Participation
Accept and place on file: Communication / 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 City Council Regular Meeting April 16th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting April 16th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Take Item #6.1 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.1A 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.1A out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs
In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Leahy)
Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24
In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: JennessThe roll call names the no votes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Ordinance - New Ch. 51 - Code For Elected And Appointed Officials
Approve: Ordinance - New Ch. 51 - Code For Elected And Appointed Officials
In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Hearing held, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to Start The Process Of Notifying Lupoli Companies, LLC Of Our Intent To Terminate The Current...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to Start The Process Of Notifying Lupoli Companies, LLC Of Our Intent To Terminate The Current Agreement Per Section...
In City Council, no second needed, defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 7 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 present (C. Jenness, C. Leahy). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, RobinsonNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: Jenness, LeahyThe roll call names the no votes and gives 2 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Wayne Jenness and John J. Leahy abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting). Filed by Erik R. Gitschier and Corey Robinson; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 7 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 present (C. Jenness, C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Go into executive session: Ask the City Manager to Start The Process Of Notifying Lupoli Companies, LLC Of Our Intent To Terminate The Current...
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to an Executive Session. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to an Executive Session. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to Have The LPD Coordinate With Local Faith Organizations To Demonstrate The Advanced Training...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The LPD Coordinate With Local Faith Organizations To Demonstrate The Advanced Training Our...
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 Have Traffic Engineer Consult With The Safe Routes
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Traffic Engineer Consult With The Safe Routes
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: Descoteaux, second: Leahy)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work With National Grid To Remove The Fence At The Corner Of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Work With National Grid To Remove The Fence At The Corner Of...
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: Yem, second: Mercier)
Request: City Council, Through The Mayor, Bring Forward A
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council, Through The Mayor, Bring Forward A
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 Daniel P. Rourke; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Have Mayor work with School Committee to establish an ad-hoc subcommittee with members of the Council to research modifying but not vacating...
Substitute Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Scott to have Mayor work with School Committee to establish an ad-hoc subcommittee with members of the Council to research modifying but not vacating Consent Decree. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas 7 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Rourke, ScottNo: Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 4 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Substitute Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Scott to have Mayor work with School Committee to establish an ad-hoc subcommittee with members of the Council to research modifying but not vacating Consent Decree. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas 7 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Scott)
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. 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Take Items #6.2 (Duck Island and Drain Ordinance) out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by Descoteaux to take Items #6.2 (Duck Island and Drain Ordinance) and Item #9.1 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. Gitschier, seconded by Descoteaux to take Items #6.2 (Duck Island and Drain Ordinance) and Item #9.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Provide current data regarding services provide by the Merrimack Valley Housing Association
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to provide current data regarding services provide by the Merrimack Valley Housing Association. 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. Yem to provide current data regarding services provide by the Merrimack Valley Housing Association. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Informational Reports Informational Report - The Town and The City Festival – Mr. Porter, event organizer, outlined...
Refer to Finance SC: Informational Reports Informational Report - The Town and The City Festival – Mr. Porter, event organizer, outlined various...
Informational Report - CIP FY25 Update – Motion C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to 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
“Informational Report - CIP FY25 Update – Motion C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Vote - Amend Council Rules - New Rule #41
Adopt: Vote - Amend Council Rules - New Rule #41
Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: RobinsonThe 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize CM To File Special Legislation
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM To File Special Legislation
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, RobinsonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 9 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Jenness)
Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Brew’d Awakening
Adopt: Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Brew’d Awakening
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations
Table: Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations
Motion to Table by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. Tabled by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Leahy, C. Mercier), 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Leahy, MercierAbstained: DescoteauxThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. John Descoteaux abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion to Table by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. Tabled by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (C. Leahy, C. Mercier), 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Ordinance - Amend Chap. 272.30 - Drain Layer Licensing Regulations
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chap. 272.30 - Drain Layer Licensing Regulations
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 7, 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 May 7, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Resolution - Support The Cherish Act - Higher Ed For All
Adopt: Resolution - Support The Cherish Act - Higher Ed For All
Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Wayne Jenness as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Claims - (3) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, 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 Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
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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