MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
September 10, 2024
41 recorded votes, 33 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, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Erik R. Gitschier recused from the vote on: Vote - Transfer $3,530,160 for COLA Union Funding.
- Rita Mercier recused from the vote on: Vote - Transfer $3,530,160 for COLA Union Funding.
- Paul Ratha Yem recused from the vote on: Vote - Transfer $3,530,160 for COLA Union Funding.
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. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Minutes of City Council Meeting August 27, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Meeting August 27, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Take Item #6.7 out of order
Motion to take Item #6.7 out of order by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to take Item #6.7 out of order by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Vote - Adopt MGL c.44 s.55C
Refer to the City Manager: Vote - Adopt MGL c.44 s.55C
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study by C. Nuon, 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, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 193 - Linkage Fee
Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 193 - Linkage Fee
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study 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, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Establishment of Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Establishment of Affordable Housing Trust Fund
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study by C. Jenness, 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, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to refer matter back to Manager for further study by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to update the Council on the Smith Baker Center
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the Council on the Smith Baker Center
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: Descoteaux, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have Election & Census Director appear before the Council to answer questions relative to...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Election & Census Director appear before the Council to answer questions relative to the...
In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Take Item #12.4 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #12.4 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. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #12.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update the Council regarding the Smith Baker Center structural engineering report
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the Council regarding the Smith Baker Center structural engineering report
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: Yem, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department conduct a targeted education and/or enforcement campaign around...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department conduct a targeted education and/or enforcement campaign around...
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: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department review Boston’s “Recharge Boston” program to evaluate the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department review Boston’s “Recharge Boston” program to evaluate the...
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: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department develop a repair and maintenance plan for the benches in Lucy...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department develop a repair and maintenance plan for the benches in Lucy Larcom...
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: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Request: City Council vote to declare September 16-20, 2024 as “Annual Voter Registration” Week in Lowell to...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council vote to declare September 16-20, 2024 as “Annual Voter Registration” Week in Lowell to recognize...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager as amended. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager as amended. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department begin reconstructing short segments of ADA ramps and bridge...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department begin reconstructing short segments of ADA ramps and bridge...
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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop a master plan for pedestrian movement through the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop a master plan for pedestrian movement through the 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: Scott, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer propose what traffic calming measures can be taken on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer propose what traffic calming measures can be taken on...
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: Belanger, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update on the paving of the driveway and catch basin work...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update on the paving of the driveway and catch basin work at...
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: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department install a stop sign, as well as examine the area of Carolyn and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department install a stop sign, as well as examine the area of Carolyn and...
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 the proper department recommend safeguard applications in line with ADA compliance in...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department recommend safeguard applications in line with ADA compliance in the...
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)
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. 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Refer to Finance SC: Motion Responses
D) Motion Response - Responsibility for School Department Lawsuits - Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter 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
“D) Motion Response - Responsibility for School Department Lawsuits - Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
G) Motion Response - ARPA Update - With Attachment – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter 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
“G) Motion Response - ARPA Update - With Attachment – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
H) Motion Response - ARPA Phase Projects Update With Attachment - Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter 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
“H) Motion Response - ARPA Phase Projects Update With Attachment - Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Informational Reports Informational - Solid Waste and Recycling Update
Refer to Neighborhoods SC: Informational Reports Informational - Solid Waste and Recycling Update
Informational Reports Informational - Solid Waste and Recycling Update – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to Neighborhoods 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 Reports Informational - Solid Waste and Recycling Update – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to Neighborhoods SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading Items #8.1 to #8.5, inclusive
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and waive second reading Items #8.1 to #8.5, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and waive second reading Items #8.1 to #8.5, inclusive. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $54,330.44 State 911 Department Training Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $54,330.44 State 911 Department Training Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept/Expend $540,496 State 911 Department Support and Initiative Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $540,496 State 911 Department Support and Initiative Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $220,102 Green Communities Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $220,102 Green Communities Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $40,000 Urban and Community Forest Challenge Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $40,000 Urban and Community Forest Challenge Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Vote - Transfer $3,530,160 for COLA Union Funding
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $3,530,160 for COLA Union Funding
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 recuse (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottErik R. Gitschier, Rita Mercier and Paul Ratha Yem recused and are left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 recuse (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMF Zone - 534-556 Chelmsford Street
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMF Zone - 534-556 Chelmsford Street
Motion to refer to Planning Board for recommendation and to Public Hearing on October 15, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Planning Board for recommendation and to Public Hearing on October 15, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Brandi Jong request installation of overhanging sign for the "Lazy Cat Lounge" located at 177 Merrimack Street
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Brandi Jong request installation of overhanging sign for the "Lazy Cat Lounge" located at 177 Merrimack Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Magaly Ronan request permission to address City Council regarding residential parking/traffic concerns at...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Magaly Ronan request permission to address City Council regarding residential parking/traffic concerns...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Take Item #10.1 out of order
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #10.1 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. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #10.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Weisong Shan request removal of a handicap sign located at 32-34 Hampshire Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Weisong Shan request removal of a handicap sign located at 32-34 Hampshire Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. (8:36 PM) 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. (8:36 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Noun, 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 Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Noun, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
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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