MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Special meeting
June 4, 2024
21 recorded votes, 13 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. These minutes were posted as scanned page images; MassVoter read them with text recognition (OCR), so quoted wording may contain reading errors.
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. 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)
Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order
Adopt: Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order
Motion to adopt FY25 - Budget Appropriation of $519,919,557.00 by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. 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
“Motion to adopt FY25 - Budget Appropriation of $519,919,557.00 by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Continue matters to Saturday June 8, 2024
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to continue matters to Saturday June 8, 2024. Defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, RobinsonNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 2 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to continue matters to Saturday June 8, 2024. Defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Review and comment on the budget department by department
C. Mercier noted recent cuts to the budget that would favor the residents and that they reflect the goals of the Council. _ Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to review and comment on the budget department by department. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Leahy, RobinsonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 8 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“C. Mercier noted recent cuts to the budget that would favor the residents and that they reflect the goals of the Council. _ Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to review and comment on the budget department by department. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Reduce $25,000.00 from City The City of LOWE LL Alive, Unique. Inspiring. Council budget item
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce $25,000.00 from City The City of LOWE LL Alive, Unique. Inspiring. Council budget item. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 5 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson, ScottNo: Descoteaux, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, 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
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce $25,000.00 from City The City of LOWE LL Alive, Unique. Inspiring. Council budget item. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 5 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Reduce budget across board as indicated by Manager’s recommendations outlined in Exhibit A (Attached) in the amount of $1,745,978.00
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to reduce budget across board as indicated by Manager’s recommendations outlined in Exhibit A (Attached) in the amount of $1,745,978.00. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 3 nays (C. Jenness, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 2 abstain (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, YemNo: Jenness, Robinson, ScottAbstained: Descoteaux, GitschierThe roll call names the no votes and gives 6 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. John Descoteaux and Erik R. Gitschier abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to reduce budget across board as indicated by Manager’s recommendations outlined in Exhibit A (Attached) in the amount of $1,745,978.00. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 3 nays (C. Jenness, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 2 abstain (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Reduce line-item in Mayor’s budget by $5,000.00
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce line-item in Mayor’s budget by $5,000.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 10 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Leahy,.C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: GitschierNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 1 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to reduce line-item in Mayor’s budget by $5,000.00. Defeated by Roll Call vote 1 yea, 10 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Leahy,.C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Reduce line item in Finance Department budget by $70,000.00
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce line item in Finance Department budget by $70,000.00. Defeated per Roll Call vote 3 yeas, 8 nays (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Descoteaux, Gitschier, RobinsonNo: Chau, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 3 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce line item in Finance Department budget by $70,000.00. Defeated per Roll Call vote 3 yeas, 8 nays (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Motion: Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order
City Hall + 375 Merrimack Street * Lowell, MA 01852 Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce line item in Law Department by $84,000.00. Defeated per Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (C. Chau, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, RobinsonNo: Chau, Leahy, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call names the no votes and gives 5 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“City Hall + 375 Merrimack Street * Lowell, MA 01852 Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to reduce line item in Law Department by $84,000.00. Defeated per Roll Call vote 5 yeas, 6 nays (C. Chau, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (second: Robinson)
Vote — AcceptProvisions Of MGL C. 59 S. 5, Clause 54 - Property Tax Exemption
Adopt: Vote — AcceptProvisions Of MGL C. 59 S. 5, Clause 54 - Property Tax Exemption
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Loan Order - Rescind Wastewater Loan Order
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Rescind Wastewater Loan Order
Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Loan Order - Wastewater EPA Compliance Capital Improvements Loan Order
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Wastewater EPA Compliance Capital Improvements Loan Order
Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer back to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article Ill - DPW
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article Ill - DPW
Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Mercier). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: MercierThe roll call names the councilors not voting yes and gives 10 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. Rita Mercier abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article Vil Department Of Management Information Systems
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article Vil Department Of Management Information Systems
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted.
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. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article XI Office Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article XI Office Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events
Motion to adopt by C. | Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. | Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Waste
Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Waste
Motion refer back to City Manager for further review and recommendation 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
“Motion refer back to City Manager for further review and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by - C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY25
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY25
Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Leahy, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY25
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY25
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Create New Positions In Various Departments
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Positions In Various Departments
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
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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