MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
January 28, 2025
27 recorded votes, 25 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, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Wayne Jenness, Rita Mercier
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 of City Council Regular Meeting January 21st, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 21st, for acceptance
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)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266-43 Special Speed Regulations
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266-43 Special Speed Regulations
Motion “To adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2025
Adopt: Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2025
Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #5.11 out of order
Motion to take Item #5.11 out of order by C. Robinson, 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 take Item #5.11 out of order by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to work with proper department and/or utility company to address overgrown trees along Andover...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with proper department and/or utility company to address overgrown trees along Andover 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: Belanger, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to outline the process in which City funds are deposited into local financial institutions and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to outline the process in which City funds are deposited into local financial institutions 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: Belanger, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update Council as to the relocation of the Lowell Transitional Living Center
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update Council as to the relocation of the Lowell Transitional Living Center
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: Belanger, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update Council on the Lord Overpass as to busses and public safety vehicles using emergency...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update Council on the Lord Overpass as to busses and public safety vehicles using emergency...
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)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department provide the City Council on Smith Baker ’s containment...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department provide the City Council on Smith Baker ’s containment...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, , C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Descoteaux, Gitschier
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, , C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department provide the City Council with any plan to save historical...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department provide the City Council with any plan to save historical...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, , C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Robinson
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, , C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 2 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explain the current winter operations plan including the citywide...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explain the current winter operations plan including the citywide...
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: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore any potential opportunities to create a public outdoor...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore any potential opportunities to create a public outdoor...
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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore offering the free property fraud watch alert system to...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore offering the free property fraud watch alert system to the...
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to inquire with Congresswoman Trahan ’s office on any potential impacts on federally supported...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to inquire with Congresswoman Trahan ’s office on any potential impacts on federally supported...
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 and City Council provide a letter of support in conjunction with our state delegation for...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to and City Council provide a letter of support in conjunction with our state delegation for 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 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 the City Council with the policy for all school dude requests (work orders); what is...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the policy for all school dude requests (work orders); what is...
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 investigate the feasibility of establishing a Facilities Department for maintenance of buildings
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Facilities Department for maintenance of buildings
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: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Develop Facilities Department: Ask the City Manager to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Facilities Department for maintenance of...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux to develop Facilities Department. 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. Descoteaux to develop Facilities Department. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Have Anti Bullying police included with HR packet to City Councilors
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to have Anti Bullying police included with HR packet to City Councilors. 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. Scott to have Anti Bullying police included with HR packet to City Councilors. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Take Items #6.1 E-J as one: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Items #6.1 E-J as one. 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. Descoteaux to take Items #6.1 E-J as one. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $50k FY25 FSE Grant Award
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $50k FY25 FSE Grant Award
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Apply/Accept/ Expend $45k MassDevelopment Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/ Expend $45k MassDevelopment Grant
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 absent (C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Misc. - Patricia Camara and Marybeth Bue request to discuss status and safety issues regarding Doherty Court
Refer to the Law Department/City Manager: Misc. - Patricia Camara and Marybeth Bue request to discuss status and safety issues regarding Doherty Court
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department/City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Scott, 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 refer to Law Department/City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Gitschier)
New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing pole near 11...
Send to a public hearing: New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing pole near 11...
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 11, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, 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 refer to Public Hearing on February 11, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
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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