MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 8, 2024
29 recorded votes, 23 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
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 for acceptance Finance SC Joint with School Finance SC October 1st; City Council Regular Meeting October...
Accept and place on file: Minutes for acceptance Finance SC Joint with School Finance SC October 1st; City Council Regular Meeting October 1st...
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)
Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing for disposition of properties
Continue the hearing: Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing for disposition of properties
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to continue hearing until October 29, 2024 by C. Mercier, 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, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to continue hearing until October 29, 2024 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department look at the parking issue on Fanning Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department look at the parking issue on Fanning Street
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: Yem, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department place Pawtucket Street, from School Street to Walker Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department place Pawtucket Street, from School Street to Walker Street, 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: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department provide an update to the Council on the progress of the commercial...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department provide an update to the Council on the progress of the commercial...
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 have LPD warn our residents/neighborhoods about the latest scam targeting Lowell residents
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have LPD warn our residents/neighborhoods about the latest scam targeting Lowell residents
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: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the Parking Department work with the community to make sure kiosks at the Leroy Lot are...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Parking Department work with the community to make sure kiosks at the Leroy Lot are...
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: Nuon, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to work with the Greenhalge School to address the illegal dumping centered around the clothing...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the Greenhalge School to address the illegal dumping centered around the clothing 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 begin discussions with the Lowell Housing Authority about increasing police activity on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to begin discussions with the Lowell Housing Authority about increasing police activity on their...
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 Corey Robinson and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to provide a detailed current status update on the City’s Co-Op relocation and what is the plan...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a detailed current status update on the City’s Co-Op relocation and what is the plan...
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 Corey Robinson and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to work with proper department to offer services, notify and remove all individuals tenting...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with proper department to offer services, notify and remove all individuals tenting...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Have City Manager work with federal and state partners to develop a safety plan for areas around established encampments. Motion was
Substitute Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to have City Manager work with federal and state partners to develop a safety plan for areas around established encampments. Motion was defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Jenness, NuonNo: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, 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
“Substitute Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to have City Manager work with federal and state partners to develop a safety plan for areas around established encampments. Motion was defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to provide a timeline on when the restrooms in City Hall will be completed
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a timeline on when the restrooms in City Hall will be completed
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: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department look at what traffic calming measures can be put in place on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department look at what traffic calming measures can be put in place on Fairmount...
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 have proper department investigate the parking spaces on Perkins Street near Riverwalk Way...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the parking spaces on Perkins Street near Riverwalk Way for...
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Request Law Department draft ordinance regarding motion detectors in the City
C) Motion Response - Motion Detection Lights – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger to request Law Department draft ordinance regarding motion detectors in the City. 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
“C) Motion Response - Motion Detection Lights – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger to request Law Department draft ordinance regarding motion detectors in the City. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Belanger)
Communication - City Manager request approval of Out of State Travel (2) DPD
Adopt: Communication - City Manager request approval of Out of State Travel (2) DPD
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 for Items #8.1 to #8.4, inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #8.1 to #8.4, inclusive 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #8.1 to #8.4, inclusive by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $60k FY25 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $60k FY25 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD
Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Vote - Declare 256 Branch Street Surplus and Available for Sale
Adopt: Vote - Declare 256 Branch Street Surplus and Available for Sale
Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Vote - Declare 777 Merrimack Street Surplus and Available for Sale
Adopt: Vote - Declare 777 Merrimack Street Surplus and Available for Sale
Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Vote - Transfer $250k for Infrastructure Improvements
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $250k for Infrastructure Improvements
Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Finance SC Joint With School Finance SC October 1, 2024
Accept the report: Finance SC Joint With School Finance SC October 1, 2024
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Veterans SC October 8, 2024
Accept the report: Veterans SC October 8, 2024
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Claims - (3) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Misc. - Joseph Espinola, III request permission to address the Council regarding reclassification of his retirement
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Joseph Espinola, III request permission to address the Council regarding reclassification of his retirement
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
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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