MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
February 25, 2025
23 recorded votes, 22 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, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Sokhary Chau
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. Jenness, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Minutes of Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC February 18th; City Council Regular Meeting February 18th, for...
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC February 18th; City Council Regular Meeting February 18th, for...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to add the Murkland School driveway and parking lot to this spring and summer paving schedule
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to add the Murkland School driveway and parking lot to this spring and summer paving schedule
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)
Take Item #8.4 out of order
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #8.4 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. Mercier to take Item #8.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report outlining how many water main breaks the City has...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report outlining how many water main breaks the City has...
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 provide the City Council with the number of elevators in each facility and school building...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the number of elevators in each facility and school building; the...
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 have the proper department (Engineering/Wastewater) provide the City Council with the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department (Engineering/Wastewater) provide the City Council with the process...
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 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. 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 the DEI officer to provide summary report of activities, training/workshops and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the DEI officer to provide summary report of activities, training/workshops and...
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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the implementation of maintenance of vacant commercial properties...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the implementation of maintenance of vacant commercial properties in...
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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to explore replicating the “Deep Energy Retrofit ” Program that was completed at the Stoklosa...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to explore replicating the “Deep Energy Retrofit ” Program that was completed at the Stoklosa...
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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to provide a report on improvements at the Shedd Park Field House
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a report on improvements at the Shedd Park Field House
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 explore and report on a potential ordinance allowing...
Motion: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department explore and report on a potential ordinance allowing residents to own and raise...
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier for discussion as C. Chau was absent. Defeated per Roll Call vote 1 yea (C. Yem), 9 nays (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Chau). So voted.
Yes: YemNo: Belanger, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottFiled by Paul Ratha Yem and Sokhary Chau; Paul Ratha Yem is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier for discussion as C. Chau was absent. Defeated per Roll Call vote 1 yea (C. Yem), 9 nays (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Gitschier)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Refer to the Municipal Facilities SC: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer to Municipal Facilities 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer to Municipal Facilities SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 - Sustainability Council
Refer to the City Manager: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 - Sustainability Council
Motion to refer to City Manager for further review 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
“Motion to refer to City Manager for further review by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC February 18, 2025
Accept the report: Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC February 18, 2025
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
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. 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Maria Feliz request installation of handicap parking sign at 245 Moody Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Maria Feliz request installation of handicap parking sign at 245 Moody Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Belanger)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO Pole on Hayes Avenue
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO Pole on Hayes Avenue
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 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 March 11, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Dennis McCarthy request permission to address Council regarding saving Smith Baker Center
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Dennis McCarthy request permission to address Council regarding saving Smith Baker Center
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Yem)
Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Pursuant to the Provisions of City of Lowell Code of Ordinances...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - Regarding Litigation Update, Pursuant to the Provisions of City of Lowell Code of Ordinances §50-7...
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. (8:05 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Chau). 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. (8:05 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Chau). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Descoteaux, 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 Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Yem)
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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →