MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 18, 2025
27 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. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Belanger)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting February 11th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting February 11th, 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 Fee Schedule - Body Art License
Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License
Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review 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 back to City Manager for further review by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update on MBTA property clean-up in the Middlesex Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update on MBTA property clean-up in the Middlesex Street area...
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 information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts use for the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts use for the...
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: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide current policy on whose responsibility is the maintenance...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide current policy on whose responsibility is the maintenance...
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: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information on what is the reasonable expectation of time...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information on what is the reasonable expectation of time...
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 provide a detailed DPW chart including a breakdown of divisional...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed DPW chart including a breakdown of divisional...
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)
Request: Mayor enter into negotiations with the City
Motion: Request: Mayor enter into negotiations with the City
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred as amended to Mayor. 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 as amended to Mayor. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Amend to for a three-year extension: Request: Mayor enter into negotiations with the City
Motion to amend to for a three-year extension by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson
From the minutes
“Motion to amend to for a three-year extension by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Adopt: Request: Mayor enter into negotiations with the City
Motion to Adopt as amended by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Jenness, Nuon, Robinson
From the minutes
“Motion to Adopt as amended by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have Health Department investigate and report on Ideal Tape’s immediate plan to reduce toxic...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Health Department investigate and report on Ideal Tape’s immediate plan to reduce toxic...
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)
Ask the City Manager to update as to potential development in the HCID District
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update as to potential development in the HCID District
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: Belanger, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have CFO provide a breakdown of outstanding debt for the City by fund and by type, including...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have CFO provide a breakdown of outstanding debt for the City by fund and by type, including...
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: Belanger, second: Jenness)
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. 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Jenness)
Refer to the Cannabis Control SC by C: Motion Responses
B) Motion Response - Drafting Delivery Ordinance Cannabis Industry –Motion to refer to Cannabis Control SC 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
“B) Motion Response - Drafting Delivery Ordinance Cannabis Industry –Motion to refer to Cannabis Control SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Rules SC by C: Motion Responses
D) Motion Response - Local Business Announcement – Motion to refer to Rules SC 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
“D) Motion Response - Local Business Announcement – Motion to refer to Rules SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Communication - Appointment of Lucia Walker to Historic Board
Approve: Communication - Appointment of Lucia Walker to Historic Board
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Communication - City Manager request approval of (1) Out of State Travel Mayor/Manager
Adopt: Communication - City Manager request approval of (1) Out of State Travel Mayor/Manager
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Vote - Authorize CM Approve Contracts for EPA Brownfields Grant
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Approve Contracts for EPA Brownfields Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend Division of Ecological Restoration Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend Division of Ecological Restoration Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Create New Chapter 268 - Wage Theft
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Create New Chapter 268 - Wage Theft
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 4, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 4, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing pole near 11 Crowley Street
In City Council, Motion “To accept and adopt the accompanying order” by C. Nuon, 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 adopt the accompanying order” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Jenness)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Debra Potter request installation of a handicap parking sign at 39 Robbins Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Debra Potter request installation of a handicap parking sign at 39 Robbins Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Misc. - Emile Kaufman request permission to discuss with Council regarding the condition of the Artillery Piece at...
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Emile Kaufman request permission to discuss with Council regarding the condition of the Artillery Piece at the...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, 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. Chau, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Robinson)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercie. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercie. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, 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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