MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 15, 2024
34 recorded votes, 30 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)
Presentation: Library (Bridget Cooley-Director)
Accept and place on file: Presentation: Library (Bridget Cooley-Director)
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)
Suspend rules to allow Brian O’Keefe to address the body
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Gitschier to suspend rules to allow Brian O’Keefe to address the body. 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. Gitschier to suspend rules to allow Brian O’Keefe to address the body. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Gitschier)
Accept the item and place on file
Motion to accept the item 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
“Motion to accept the item and place on file by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Minutes of Veterans SC October 8th; City Council Regular Meeting October 8th. for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Veterans SC October 8th; City Council Regular Meeting October 8th. for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Take Item #5.3 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #5.3 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #5.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMF Zone - 534-556 Chelmsford Street
Take Item #6.2 out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.2 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMF Zone - 534-556 Chelmsford Street
Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #6.3 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.3 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the recent repairs to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and a projected 5...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the recent repairs to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and a projected 5...
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: Descoteaux, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to and his team look at an alternative site to relocate the Lowell Transitional Living Center...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to and his team look at an alternative site to relocate the Lowell Transitional Living Center out...
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: Yem, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the installation of a volleyball court at Gage Park...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the installation of a volleyball court at Gage Park...
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: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore expanding on working with the Refuge Art School and other...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore expanding on working with the Refuge Art School and other...
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 HR Director explore creating comprehensive department specific training manuals for...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the HR Director explore creating comprehensive department specific training manuals for...
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)
Req, City Manager provide the Fire Department with the proper funding for materials to complete the kitchen area at...
Refer to the City Manager: Req, City Manager provide the Fire Department with the proper funding for materials to complete the kitchen area at the...
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 Kimberly Scott; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Take Item #10.1 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux 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. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #10.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Request City Manager have Law Department review ownership status of existing concession stands throughout the City
C) Motion Response - Review Board of Parks Policy Handbook – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to request City Manager have Law Department review ownership status of existing concession stands throughout 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 - Review Board of Parks Policy Handbook – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to request City Manager have Law Department review ownership status of existing concession stands throughout the City. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Motion Responses
H) Motion Response - Council Employee Evaluation Tool – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem to adopt recommendation for management tool via Collins Report. 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 - Council Employee Evaluation Tool – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem to adopt recommendation for management tool via Collins Report. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)
Communication - Planning Board recommendation zoning code amendment from Regional Retail to Suburban Multi-Family at...
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board recommendation zoning code amendment from Regional Retail to Suburban Multi-Family at...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Communication - Appointment of Paul Belley to Conservation Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Appointment of Paul Belley to Conservation Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 and #7.2
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 and #7.2. 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 and #7.2. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $37,617 FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $37,617 FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Allocate $102,502.50 Opioid Settlement Funds
Adopt: Vote - Allocate $102,502.50 Opioid Settlement Funds
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $2.9mil from Special Education Stabilization Fund
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $2.9mil from Special Education Stabilization Fund
Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Belanger, Descoteaux, Gitschier, RobinsonThe roll call names the no votes and gives 7 yeas, which matches the other councilors present; they are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Chap 222 - Unlawful Camping on Public Property
Refer to Law Department: Ordinance - Amend Chap 222 - Unlawful Camping on Public Property
Motion to refer back to Law Department for changes regarding stronger language for within 1000 feet school zone by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to refer back to Law Department for changes regarding stronger language for within 1000 feet school zone by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Law Department for changes regarding first time violators are given a warning. 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
“Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Law Department for changes regarding first time violators are given a warning. 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: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule – Parks
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule – Parks
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacing existing gas main 789-940 Chelmsford Street to...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacing existing gas main 789-940 Chelmsford Street to facilitate tie-ins
In City Council, Motion “To accept and adopt the accompanying order” by C. Gitschier, 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 accept and adopt the accompanying order” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Misc. - Westford Street, LLC (Dave Daly, Mgr.)(Atty. John Cox) request extension of Tradition Two-Family Zone to...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Westford Street, LLC (Dave Daly, Mgr.)(Atty. John Cox) request extension of Tradition Two-Family Zone to include...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of rectifier and anode bed for gas main protection along and...
Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of rectifier and anode bed for gas main protection along and near...
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of replacement gas main on Vernon Street, from Sixth Street to...
Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of replacement gas main on Vernon Street, from Sixth Street to...
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of gas service line for parking garage at 330 Jackson Street
Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of gas service line for parking garage at 330 Jackson Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 29, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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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