MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
December 10, 2024
40 recorded votes, 36 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 and Corey Robinson.
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. 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Communication - Lowell Folk Festival Ad Hoc Committee
Accept and place on file: Communication - Lowell Folk Festival Ad Hoc Committee
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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 place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC December 3rd; City Council Regular Meeting December 3rd, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC December 3rd; City Council Regular Meeting December 3rd, for acceptance
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)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 684 Westford Street
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 684 Westford Street
Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 71 North Billerica Road
Withdraw the petition: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 71 North Billerica Road
Motion to withdraw the petition by C. Mercier, 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 withdraw the petition by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have the Law Department draft a home rule petition to prevent the forced imposition of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Law Department draft a home rule petition to prevent the forced imposition of broker’s...
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: Jenness, second: Yem)
Take Items #6.5 and #6.6 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #6.5 and #6.6 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 Items #6.5 and #6.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department implement the use of solar driven LED streetlights, as...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department implement the use of solar driven LED streetlights, as stated...
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: Yem, second: Nuon)
Bundle Items #5.3 to #5.8, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #5.3 to #5.8, inclusive by C. Scott, 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
“Motion to bundle Items #5.3 to #5.8, inclusive by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer pilot a three-way stop at the intersection of Hollis Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer pilot a three-way stop at the intersection of Hollis Street...
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)
Have City Manager have Transportation Engineer work with NMCOG with regards to traffic calming measures in the Hollis Street area
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager have Transportation Engineer work with NMCOG with regards to traffic calming measures in the Hollis Street area. 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. Gitschier to have City Manager have Transportation Engineer work with NMCOG with regards to traffic calming measures in the Hollis Street area. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer assess the feasibility of prohibiting through truck traffic...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer assess the feasibility of prohibiting through truck traffic 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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to direct the Transportation Engineer to review and report on the process for adding traffic...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to direct the Transportation Engineer to review and report on the process for adding traffic...
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 Transportation Engineer evaluate the feasibility of restricting through traffic on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer evaluate the feasibility of restricting through traffic 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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to conduct a trial installation of speed tables on Hollis Street. (Refile)
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to conduct a trial installation of speed tables on Hollis Street. (Refile)
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 direct the Transportation Engineer to explore adding stop signs at streets intersecting with...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to direct the Transportation Engineer to explore adding stop signs at streets intersecting with...
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 Work With Appropriate Department(s) To Compile A List Of Programs And/Or Organizations Over...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to Work With Appropriate Department(s) To Compile A List Of Programs And/Or Organizations Over The...
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 proper department provide an update on current status of the Superior Courthouse...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on current status of the Superior Courthouse, as...
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 Vesna Nuon; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Refer to the Ad-Hoc Restoration of Superior Courthouse SC: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on current status...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to Ad-Hoc Restoration of Superior Courthouse 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. Chau to refer matter to Ad-Hoc Restoration of Superior Courthouse SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop a long-term needs assessment for City...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop a long-term needs assessment for City owned...
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: Robinson, second: Scott)
Request: Mayor establish a committee with the intention of identifying and establishing locations and funding...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Mayor establish a committee with the intention of identifying and establishing locations and funding streams...
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: Robinson, second: Scott)
Refer request to the City Manage: Request: Mayor establish a committee with the intention of identifying and establishing locations and funding...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercie to refer request to the City Manage. 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. Mercie to refer request to the City Manage. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the City Council with the plans for water infrastructure...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the City Council with the plans for water infrastructure...
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 reach out to District Attorney Marian Ryan to follow up on a conversation from a past...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to reach out to District Attorney Marian Ryan to follow up on a conversation from a past downtown...
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 work with proper department to put Garden Road on the paving list
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with proper department to put Garden Road on the paving list
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: Belanger, second: Gitschier)
Motion Responses/Informational Report
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses/Informational Report
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Informational Report Informational Report - Frontrunner City – M. Rourke relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Yem at...
Take Item #7.2 out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.2 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. Mercier to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcels at 684 Westford Street
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcels at 684 Westford Street
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcel at 71 North Billerica Road
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcel at 71 North Billerica Road
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Communication - Resignations from the Planning Board
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignations from the Planning Board
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Communication - Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions
Approve: Communication - Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds - Vacant Storefront
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds - Vacant Storefront
Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Vote - Authorize CM Enter into MOU for Frontrunner City Status
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Enter into MOU for Frontrunner City Status
Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Belanger)
Subcommittee Reports: 1) Housing SC November 26, 2024
Accept the report: Subcommittee Reports: 1) Housing SC November 26, 2024
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Misc. - Ana Mena De Cruz request installation of a handicap parking sign 7 Cedar Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Ana Mena De Cruz request installation of a handicap parking sign 7 Cedar Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Descoteaux)
National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street 75 feet south
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street 75 feet south
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 7, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 7, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
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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