← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

April 30, 2024

25 recorded votes, 23 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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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 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. 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 1 (PDF)

Minutes Of Public Safety SC April 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting April 23rd; Technology And Utilities SC April...

Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Public Safety SC April 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting April 23rd; Technology And Utilities SC April 24th...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Evaluate The Installation Of Bollards At The Corner Of Central And...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Evaluate The Installation Of Bollards At The Corner Of Central And...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Chau)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Daylighting Of Crosswalks On Central Street At Warren And...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Investigate Daylighting Of Crosswalks On Central Street At Warren And...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Jenness, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to Review Possibility Of Restructuring The Elections Department In Regards To The Table Of...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Review Possibility Of Restructuring The Elections Department In Regards To The Table Of...

Minutes, page 2

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: Mercier, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Report On The Upcoming Contract Negotiation With Waste Management...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Report On The Upcoming Contract Negotiation With Waste Management...

Minutes, page 2

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: Nuon, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Supt. Of The LPD Update The City Council On Grants That Offset The Costs Of Video...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Supt. Of The LPD Update The City Council On Grants That Offset The Costs Of Video...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide What Is Our Current Policy To Protect The City Against...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Provide What Is Our Current Policy To Protect The City Against...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Ask the City Manager to Explore Possible Means To Assist The Lowell Public Schools In Retaining The Community...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore Possible Means To Assist The Lowell Public Schools In Retaining The Community Schools...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)

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

Refer to the School Committee through the Mayor: Ask the City Manager to Explore Possible Means To Assist The Lowell Public Schools In Retaining...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · 6–5

Substitute Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to School Committee through the Mayor. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 5 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, RobinsonNo: Gitschier, Jenness, 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

“Substitute Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to School Committee through the Mayor. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 5 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Development At 4-8 Wiggins...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Development At 4-8 Wiggins...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Request: The City Council Vote To Take The School Department Unpaid Invoices From Prior Years From The Table

Adopt: Request: The City Council Vote To Take The School Department Unpaid Invoices From Prior Years From The Table

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · 10–0

In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: DescoteauxThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 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

“In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)

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

Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Amend Chapter 266 Subsection 82 (Acre/Highlands Residential Parking...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Amend Chapter 266 Subsection 82 (Acre/Highlands Residential Parking...

Minutes, page 4

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 Erik R. Gitschier and John Descoteaux; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.

From the minutes

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

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

Ask the City Manager to Have The Traffic Engineer Reach Out To DeMoulas To Make The Proper Repairs To The Sign...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Traffic Engineer Reach Out To DeMoulas To Make The Proper Repairs To The Sign Located...

Minutes, page 4

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 Erik R. Gitschier and Daniel P. Rourke; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.

From the minutes

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

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

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Take Item #6.2 out of order

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.2 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 C. Robinson to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)

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

Refer to Housing SC: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing 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. Robinson to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)

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

Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Various Establishments

Adopt: Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Various Establishments

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

From the minutes

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

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

Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations. (School Department)

Adopt: Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations. (School Department)

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · 10–0

(See Item #4.9) Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: DescoteauxThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 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

“(See Item #4.9) Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)

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

Public Safety SC April 23, 2024

Accept the report: Public Safety SC April 23, 2024

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Technology And Utilities SC April 24, 2024

Accept the report: Technology And Utilities SC April 24, 2024

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Claims - (3) Property Damage

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

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Misc. - Jacqueline Alameda Vargas Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign In Front Of 134 Lakeview Avenue

Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Jacqueline Alameda Vargas Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign In Front Of 134 Lakeview Avenue

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)

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

Executive Session - Discuss Matters Of Litigation (Open Meeting Complaint), Public Discussions Of Which May Have A...

Adjourn: Executive Session - Discuss Matters Of Litigation (Open Meeting Complaint), Public Discussions Of Which May Have A Detrimental Effect On...

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion to enter session and adjourn from same by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion to enter session and adjourn from same by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

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

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Robinson, 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 in Executive Session by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (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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