MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 14, 2025
35 recorded votes, 28 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: John Descoteaux, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Sokhary Chau, Kimberly Scott
During the meeting:
- Paul Ratha Yem recused from the vote on: Motion Responses.
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. 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Descoteaux)
Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC January 7th; City Council Regular Meeting January 7th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC January 7th; City Council Regular Meeting January 7th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Take Item #6.1 out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.1 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. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made within the Lowell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide City Council with a report concerning efforts being made within the Lowell Fire/Police...
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)
Req, City Manager with MIS provide a timeline for the full implementation of the 311 system
Refer to the City Manager: Req, City Manager with MIS provide a timeline for the full implementation of the 311 system
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 update the City Council on the construction at the Westford and Steadman Street intersection
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the construction at the Westford and Steadman Street intersection
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: Nuon, second: Descoteaux)
Take Item #5.2 out of order
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #5.2 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #5.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to reach out to members of Congress, including Congresswoman Lori Trahan, to advocate for...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to reach out to members of Congress, including Congresswoman Lori Trahan, to advocate for federal...
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: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore holding a Civil Service Exam recruitment session with...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore holding a Civil Service Exam recruitment session with...
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 contact the Governors Office, our Congresswoman ’s office, Senator Kennedy ’s office and our...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to contact the Governors Office, our Congresswoman ’s office, Senator Kennedy ’s office and our...
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 update the City Council on the maintenance plan for the Aiken Street Bridge
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the maintenance plan for the Aiken Street Bridge
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 update the City Council with change orders for the High School Project and the contingency...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council with change orders for the High School Project and the contingency...
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 provide the City Council with a report on all training/professional development attended by...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report on all training/professional development attended by...
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: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to draft a letter to Secretary Augustus in opposition of waiving the cost of water and sewer...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to draft a letter to Secretary Augustus in opposition of waiving the cost of water and sewer tie...
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: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to set up a tour of the finished portion of the high school project and the areas still needing...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to set up a tour of the finished portion of the high school project and the areas still needing to...
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 Wayne Jenness; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department correct and eliminate the mold growing in the LPD holding cell...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department correct and eliminate the mold growing in the LPD holding cell ceilings
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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update Council regarding handicap ramp access at the Bartlett School
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update Council regarding handicap ramp access at the Bartlett School
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: Belanger, second: Descoteaux)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Descoteaux)
Begin process to demolish the Smith Baker Center
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to begin process to demolish the Smith Baker Center. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, M. Rourke), 2 nays (C. Mercier, C. Robinson), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott), 1 recused (C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, RourkeNo: Mercier, RobinsonPaul Ratha Yem recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to begin process to demolish the Smith Baker Center. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, M. Rourke), 2 nays (C. Mercier, C. Robinson), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott), 1 recused (C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Allow nonregistered speaker, Brian Monahan, to address the body
E) Motion Response - Maryl Drive - One-Way and No Commercial Vehicles – Motion to allow nonregistered speaker, Brian Monahan, to address the body by C. Belanger, 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
“E) Motion Response - Maryl Drive - One-Way and No Commercial Vehicles – Motion to allow nonregistered speaker, Brian Monahan, to address the body by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Mercier)
Communication - Appointment of New Members to Various Boards and Commissions
Approve: Communication - Appointment of New Members to Various Boards and Commissions
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept Gift of $1,000 from Enterprise Bank – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept Gift of $1,000 from Enterprise Bank – LPD
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $15,000 MCC Cultural District Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $15,000 MCC Cultural District Grant
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted as amended per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted as amended per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Remove Section 266-37 (Maryl Drive) and Section 266-44 (Rogers Street) from order for further review
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to remove Section 266-37 (Maryl Drive) and Section 266-44 (Rogers Street) from order for further review. 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. Mercier to remove Section 266-37 (Maryl Drive) and Section 266-44 (Rogers Street) from order for further review. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Order - Demolition of 290 Branch Street
Adopt: Order - Demolition of 290 Branch Street
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Order - Demolition of 40 Seventh Avenue
Adopt: Order - Demolition of 40 Seventh Avenue
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266-43 Special Speed Regulations
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266-43 Special Speed Regulations
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 28, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, 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 Public Hearing on January 28, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2025
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2025
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 28, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 28, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Non-Profit Organization SC January 7, 2025
Accept the report: Non-Profit Organization SC January 7, 2025
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Robinson, 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 report as a report of progress by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street 75 feet south
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Jenness)
Misc. - Residents First Development Corporation (Geary & Geary, LLP) request to rezone 12.5 acre parcel (River's...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Residents First Development Corporation (Geary & Geary, LLP) request to rezone 12.5 acre parcel (River's Edge...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation and draft ordinance by C. Jenness, 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 and draft ordinance by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Misc. - Xindi Hennessey request permission to address Council regarding EV charging stations at the DPW
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Xindi Hennessey request permission to address Council regarding EV charging stations at the DPW
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)
Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Possible Acquisition Of Property At 40 Market Street, Public...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Possible Acquisition Of Property At 40 Market Street, Public...
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. (8:55 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. (8:55 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session 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 from Executive Session 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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