MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
May 21, 2024
45 recorded votes, 40 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 Remote / Zoom Participation
Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation
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)
Minutes For Acceptance Housing SC May 14th; City Council Regular Meeting May 14th, For Acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes For Acceptance Housing SC May 14th; City Council Regular Meeting May 14th, For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Take Item #7.5: Minutes For Acceptance Housing SC May 14th; City Council Regular Meeting May 14th, For Acceptance
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #7.5. 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. Nuon to take Item #7.5. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Create Deputy Chief Information Officer Position And Salary - MIS
Adopt: Ordinance - Create Deputy Chief Information Officer Position And Salary - MIS
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, YemNo: Gitschier, Robinson, ScottThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Transportation Engineer Look At Installing Sidewalks Along The East Side Of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Transportation Engineer Look At Installing Sidewalks Along The East Side Of Westford...
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: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Commissioner Reschedule The Current Hours Of Operation (Tuesday, Wednesday...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have DPW Commissioner Reschedule The Current Hours Of Operation (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Contact The LRTA Requesting A Report To Specifically Detail The Expected Increase For The...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Contact The LRTA Requesting A Report To Specifically Detail The Expected Increase For The LRTA...
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)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Members Of Our Community To Dedicate And Acknowledge Al...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Members Of Our Community To Dedicate And Acknowledge Al...
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)
Allow speakers regarding this motion: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Work With Members Of Our Community To Dedicate And...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to allow speakers regarding this motion. 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 allow speakers regarding this motion. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Take Item #6.4 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #6.4 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. Yem, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Explore And Provide A Detailed Report On Creating A “Portal...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Explore And Provide A Detailed Report On Creating A “Portal...
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 Explore Working With Members Of The Western Avenue Community To Explore The Creation Of An...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore Working With Members Of The Western Avenue Community To Explore The Creation Of An...
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 Begin The Process To Replace The Lowell Police Department Building And The Adjacent Lowell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Begin The Process To Replace The Lowell Police Department Building And The Adjacent Lowell Fire...
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: Leahy, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to Explore The Creation Of A Resident Yard Waste Drop-Off Site In Our City
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Explore The Creation Of A Resident Yard Waste Drop-Off Site In Our City
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 Update The Council And The Public On Current Yard Waste Collection Status
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The Council And The Public On Current Yard Waste Collection Status
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)
Discuss Item #5.13 with current item: Ask the City Manager to Update The Council And The Public On Current Yard Waste Collection Status
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to discuss Item #5.13 with current 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. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to discuss Item #5.13 with current item. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The City- Wide Line Painting, Crosswalk Painting And Arrow Painting
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Update The City Council On The City- Wide Line Painting, Crosswalk Painting And Arrow Painting
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: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Enforce “No Motorized Vehicles ” In City ’s Parks And Open Space
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have The Proper Department Enforce “No Motorized Vehicles ” In City ’s Parks And Open Space
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: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to Have Transportation Engineer Report On The Feasibility Of Making Hollis Street A “No Through...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Transportation Engineer Report On The Feasibility Of Making Hollis Street A “No Through...
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: Scott, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Detailing Steps That Will Be Taken To Provide Yard Waste Collection On Time
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Report Detailing Steps That Will Be Taken To Provide Yard Waste Collection On Time
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 Provide A Progress Report On All Neighborhood Park Projects Funded By ARPA; Said Report To...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Provide A Progress Report On All Neighborhood Park Projects Funded By ARPA; Said Report To...
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 Paul Ratha Yem; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Refer to Public Safey SC: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Public Safey 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Public Safey SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Gitschier)
Communication - Appointment Of William Samaras To Housing Authority
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of William Samaras To Housing Authority
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Leahy). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: LeahyThe 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, Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept Timely Submission Of The Budget
Adopt: Vote - Accept Timely Submission Of The Budget
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order
Send to a public hearing: Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Leahy, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Vote – Accept Provisions Of MGL C. 59 S. 5, Clause 54 - Property Tax Exemption
Send to a public hearing: Vote – Accept Provisions Of MGL C. 59 S. 5, Clause 54 - Property Tax Exemption
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Gallery Z
Adopt: Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Gallery Z
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 CM Ex. Purchase And Sale Agreement For Jeanne D'Arc School
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Purchase And Sale Agreement For Jeanne D'Arc School
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Bundle Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive 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
“Motion to bundle Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - Rescind Wastewater Loan Order
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Rescind Wastewater Loan Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - Wastewater EPA Compliance Capital Improvements Loan Order
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Wastewater EPA Compliance Capital Improvements Loan Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Bundle Items #9.1 to #9.7, inclusive
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle Items #9.1 to #9.7, inclusive. 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle Items #9.1 to #9.7, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article VII Department Of Management Information Systems
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article VII Department Of Management Information Systems
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article XI Office Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article XI Office Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule – Waste
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule – Waste
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY25
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY25
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY25
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY25
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Create New Positions In Various Departments
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Create New Positions In Various Departments
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Housing SC May 14, 2024
Accept the report: Housing SC May 14, 2024
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson 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. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Executive Session – To Consider And Discuss Potential Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public...
Go into executive session: Executive Session – To Consider And Discuss Potential Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public Discussion...
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon in Executive Session. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon in Executive Session. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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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