MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 1, 2024
38 recorded votes, 34 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): Wayne Jenness.
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
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)
Communication. 1) Golden Gloves National Tournament 2027
Accept and place on file: Communication. 1) Golden Gloves National Tournament 2027
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Belanger)
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Belanger)
Minutes of Neighborhoods SC September 24th; City Council Meeting September 24th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Neighborhoods SC September 24th; City Council Meeting September 24th, for acceptance
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)
Take Item #4.9 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #4.9 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. Descoteaux to take Item #4.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Req, City Manager have the proper department draft and ordinance prohibiting sleeping, tenting and camping of any...
Refer to the City Manager: Req, City Manager have the proper department draft and ordinance prohibiting sleeping, tenting and camping of any kind...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
Take Items #10.1 to #10.4 out of order
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem to take Items #10.1 to #10.4, inclusively 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem to take Items #10.1 to #10.4, inclusively out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department update the City Council on the installation of traffic lights at...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department update the City Council on the installation of traffic lights at the...
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: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to provide an updated timeline for water, sewer and paving repairs on Meadowcroft Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an updated timeline for water, sewer and paving repairs on Meadowcroft Street
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 install a large “No Right Turn for Trucks” sign directly across from Moore Street on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to install a large “No Right Turn for Trucks” sign directly across from Moore Street on Lawrence...
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 explore potential funding options for repurposing the bath house at O’Donnell Park for...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to explore potential funding options for repurposing the bath house at O’Donnell Park for...
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 proper department provide an update on current cannabis businesses and review...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on current cannabis businesses and review zoning...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Cannabis 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Cannabis SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Cannabis Control SC: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on current cannabis businesses and review...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Cannabis Control 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. Nuon to refer to Cannabis Control SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to invite Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell in for a discussion centered around potential...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to invite Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell in for a discussion centered around potential...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Non-Profit Organization 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Non-Profit Organization SC: Ask the City Manager to invite Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell in for a discussion centered around...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization 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. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to invite current executive director of the Coalition for a
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to invite current executive director of the Coalition for a
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Non-Profit Organization 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Non-Profit Organization SC: Ask the City Manager to invite current executive director of the Coalition for a
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization 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. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have Transportation Engineer review the possibility of adding a pedestrian crosswalk on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Transportation Engineer review the possibility of adding a pedestrian crosswalk on Lewis...
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: Chau, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department increase outreach and communication about the updated parking...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department increase outreach and communication about the updated parking...
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: Jenness, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of increasing the maximum on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of increasing the maximum on...
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 Wayne Jenness and John Descoteaux; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of reducing the size of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of reducing the size 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 Wayne Jenness and John Descoteaux; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Refer Items #4.10; 4.11; and 4.12 to Economic/Downtown Development SC
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer Items #4.10; 4.11; and 4.12 to Economic/Downtown Development 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 Items #4.10; 4.11; and 4.12 to Economic/Downtown Development SC. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Motion Responses/Informational Reports/Petition Response
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses/Informational Reports/Petition Response
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Refer to Veterans SC: Motion Responses/Informational Reports/Petition Response
B) Motion Response - Ladd and Whitney Memorial Monument – Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to refer matter to Veterans 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
“B) Motion Response - Ladd and Whitney Memorial Monument – Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to refer matter to Veterans SC. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Informational Reports Informational Report - Andover Street
Refer to Transportation SC: Informational Reports Informational Report - Andover Street
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to the Transportation 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to the Transportation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Communication - Resignation of Louisa Varnum from Conservation Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation of Louisa Varnum from Conservation Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and 6.2
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and 6.2. 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. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and 6.2. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $37,500 SOR PEC Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $37,500 SOR PEC Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Contract with Woodard & Curran Inc
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Contract with Woodard & Curran Inc
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Extend UMF District 234-268 Mt. Vernon, 89 Willie, and 5 Farnham
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Extend UMF District 234-268 Mt. Vernon, 89 Willie, and 5 Farnham
Motion to refer to Planning Board for recommendation and to Public Hearing on November 12, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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
“Motion to refer to Planning Board for recommendation and to Public Hearing on November 12, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Descoteaux)
Neighborhoods SC September 24, 2024
Accept the report: Neighborhoods SC September 24, 2024
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Atty. George Theodorou for FTO Realty Trust (Stephen Doherty - Trustee) request extension of Traditional...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Atty. George Theodorou for FTO Realty Trust (Stephen Doherty - Trustee) request extension of Traditional...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Belanger, C. Gitschier, M. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, YemNo: Belanger, Gitschier, Rourke, ScottThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Belanger, C. Gitschier, M. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Misc. - Heritage Farm Ice Cream (Atty. Brian Leahey) request City Council abandon or accept with an easement of 21...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Heritage Farm Ice Cream (Atty. Brian Leahey) request City Council abandon or accept with an easement of 21 square...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Misc. - Carmen Bermudez request permission to address Council regarding parking issues on Kirk Street
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Carmen Bermudez request permission to address Council regarding parking issues on Kirk Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager/Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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 refer to City Manager/Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request addressing Council regarding safety for individuals on scooters, 2-wheelers, etc....
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request addressing Council regarding safety for individuals on scooters, 2-wheelers, etc., and...
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)
Misc. - Marbelis Feliz Ramirez request removal of handicap parking sign in front of 28 White Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Marbelis Feliz Ramirez request removal of handicap parking sign in front of 28 White Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Belanger)
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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