MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
July 9, 2024
38 recorded votes, 24 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. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Corey Robinson.
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
During the meeting:
- Erik R. Gitschier recused from the vote on: Motion Responses.
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. 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. Chau, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Gitschier)
Minutes Of Transportation SC June 25th; Senior Citizen SC June 27th; City Council Regular Meeting June 25th For...
Accept and place on file: Minutes Of Transportation SC June 25th; Senior Citizen SC June 27th; City Council Regular Meeting June 25th For Acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descpteaux, 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. Descpteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to And Mayor, Declare August 4th As "BAPS DAY" In The City Of Lowell, With A Resolution If So...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to And Mayor, Declare August 4th As "BAPS DAY" In The City Of Lowell, With A Resolution If So...
In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager/Mayor. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager/Mayor. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Request: The City Manager Explore The Feasibility Of Making Middle Managers In The DPW Salaried Employees
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Manager Explore The Feasibility Of Making Middle Managers In The DPW Salaried Employees
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: Gitschier, second: Leahy)
Request: The City Manager Update The City Council On The High School Project, The Budget, And If Any Change Orders...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Manager Update The City Council On The High School Project, The Budget, And If Any Change Orders Have...
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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Request: The City Manager Have The Proper Department Add 4 Handicap Parking Spots To The East Side (Adams St. Side)...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Manager Have The Proper Department Add 4 Handicap Parking Spots To The East Side (Adams St. Side) Of...
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 Rita Mercier; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Request: The City Council Facilities Subcommittee Meet To Solicit Public Input Into The Process Of Replacing...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Council Facilities Subcommittee Meet To Solicit Public Input Into The Process Of Replacing Lowell's...
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: Scott, second: Leahy)
Request: The City Manager Have The Traffic Engineer Review And Report On The Process To Add Traffic Signalization At...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: The City Manager Have The Traffic Engineer Review And Report On The Process To Add Traffic Signalization At...
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 Have Proper Department Prepare A Presentation For The Council To Summarize This Term's...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Have Proper Department Prepare A Presentation For The Council To Summarize This Term's Supreme...
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: Jenness, second: Leahy)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Refer to Law Department to prepare proper ordinance to restructure Election Department
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer to Law Department to prepare proper ordinance to restructure Election Department. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 recuse (C. Gitschier). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemErik R. Gitschier recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer to Law Department to prepare proper ordinance to restructure Election Department. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 recuse (C. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Suspend Rules
Motion to Suspend Rules by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss status of Home Rule Petition regarding vacancies in elected bodies. 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 Suspend Rules by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss status of Home Rule Petition regarding vacancies in elected bodies. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Fill the vacancy of City Council by way of appointment by body; in which candidates may submit their name to the City Clerk if they have lived in...
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to fill the vacancy of City Council by way of appointment by body; in which candidates may submit their name to the City Clerk if they have lived in the district for one year and that from the list of names provided the Council will select the vacant seat as anticipated by the resignation of a sitting Councilor. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson), 1 present (C. Leahy). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Nuon, RobinsonAbstained: LeahyThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes. John J. Leahy abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to fill the vacancy of City Council by way of appointment by body; in which candidates may submit their name to the City Clerk if they have lived in the district for one year and that from the list of names provided the Council will select the vacant seat as anticipated by the resignation of a sitting Councilor. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson), 1 present (C. Leahy). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Bundle Items #6,2 to #6.7, inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle Items #6,2 to #6.7, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle Items #6,2 to #6.7, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Communication - Appointment Of Lloyd Dejesus To Commission On Disability
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Lloyd Dejesus To Commission On Disability
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - Appointment Of Paul Paradise To Veterans Commission
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Paul Paradise To Veterans Commission
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - Appointment Of Sothea Chiemruom To DEIB Committee
Approve: Communication - Appointment Of Sothea Chiemruom To DEIB Committee
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - Resignation Of Andeth Vann From Veterans Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Andeth Vann From Veterans Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - Resignation Of Rafael Cotto From DEIB Committee
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation Of Rafael Cotto From DEIB Committee
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Leahy)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.9, inclusive
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.9, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.9, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept/Expend $120,000 Department Of Mental Health Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grants
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $120,000 Department Of Mental Health Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grants
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/Expend $196,706 MassCall3 Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $196,706 MassCall3 Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/Expend $35,000 Department Of Public Health Sexual Assault And Domestic Violence Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $35,000 Department Of Public Health Sexual Assault And Domestic Violence Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/Expend $97,000 Tobacco Control Program Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $97,000 Tobacco Control Program Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $1,125,000.00 For Year-End Payroll And Taxes
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $1,125,000.00 For Year-End Payroll And Taxes
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote – Transfer $100,000 For Bicentennial Fund
Adopt: Vote – Transfer $100,000 For Bicentennial Fund
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $148,611.61 To Fund Retiree LifeLock Expenses
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $148,611.61 To Fund Retiree LifeLock Expenses
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $176,700.00 For Gas.Electricity Closeout
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $176,700.00 For Gas.Electricity Closeout
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $380,000.00 For FY2024 Snow And Ice Closeout
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $380,000.00 For FY2024 Snow And Ice Closeout
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Subcommittee Reports: 1) Senior Citizen SC June 27, 2024
Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Senior Citizen SC June 27, 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)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request To Install 1 JO Pole Boston Road
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request To Install 1 JO Pole Boston Road
In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Scott, 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 adopt the accompanying order by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request To Install Underground Facilities Intersection Of Boston Road And Foundry Street
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request To Install Underground Facilities Intersection Of Boston Road And Foundry Street
In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Descoteaux, 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 adopt the accompanying order by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Yem)
Claims - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Aaron Tavares Request To Address Council Regarding Speed Limit, Lack Of Lighting, Lack Of Crosswalks And A...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Aaron Tavares Request To Address Council Regarding Speed Limit, Lack Of Lighting, Lack Of Crosswalks And...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Sheila Toppi Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 49 Jewett St
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Sheila Toppi Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 49 Jewett St
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Disposition Of Parcels Within The Hamilton Canal District, Public...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Disposition Of Parcels Within The Hamilton Canal District, Public...
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier. (8:40 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Leahy, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier. (8:40 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Jenness, 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 Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Leahy)
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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