MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
March 18, 2025
25 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, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Wayne Jenness
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. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC March 11th; City Council Regular Meeting March 11th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC March 11th; City Council Regular Meeting March 11th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Order - Taking and Acceptance of Delaware Avenue
Adopt: Order - Taking and Acceptance of Delaware Avenue
Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop and implement a beautification program from...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop and implement a beautification program from Gallagher...
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 Paul Ratha Yem and Kimberly Scott; Paul Ratha Yem is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department expand the hanging of Hometown Heroes Banners along the new...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department expand the hanging of Hometown Heroes Banners along the new...
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 Paul Ratha Yem and Kimberly Scott; Paul Ratha Yem is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the status of the anticipated timeline of opening of the Lotus House...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the status of the anticipated timeline of opening of the Lotus House...
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 appropriate department to explore the feasibility of establishing a year-round...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to direct the appropriate department to explore the feasibility of establishing a year-round...
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: Scott, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide updated timeline for installation of the wastewater tank at the Cawley Stadium...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide updated timeline for installation of the wastewater tank at the Cawley Stadium parking lot
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 proper department provide a detailed, in-depth report of tree planting/replacement...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed, in-depth report of tree planting/replacement...
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)
Reg. City Manager have the proper department explore improving Gage Field including the addition of irrigation
Refer to the City Manager: Reg. City Manager have the proper department explore improving Gage Field including the addition of irrigation
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 provide an update on the status of the DPW cemetery garage...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on the status of the DPW cemetery garage improvements
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Refer to the Rules & Election Law SC by C: Motion Responses
A) Motion Response - 2025 Election – Motion to refer to Rules & Election Law SC by C. Descoteaux, 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
“A) Motion Response - 2025 Election – Motion to refer to Rules & Election Law SC by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Motion: Motion Responses
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by Robinson to set the City of Lowell preliminary election for September 9, 2025. 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 Robinson to set the City of Lowell preliminary election for September 9, 2025. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Refer to Rules & Election Law SC: Motion Responses
B) Motion Response - Online Census – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer to Rules & Election Law 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
“B) Motion Response - Online Census – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer to Rules & Election Law SC. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Yem)
Refer to the joint Neighborhoods/Finance SC: Motion Responses
D) Motion Response – CPA – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to refer to joint Neighborhoods/Finance 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
“D) Motion Response – CPA – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to refer to joint Neighborhoods/Finance SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Informational Report/Informational Report - Open Space and Recreation Plan
Refer to the Parks: Informational Report/Informational Report - Open Space and Recreation Plan
Informational Report/Informational Report - Open Space and Recreation Plan – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Parks and Recreation 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
“Informational Report/Informational Report - Open Space and Recreation Plan – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Parks and Recreation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Communication - Resignation of Joyce Dastou from Council on Aging
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation of Joyce Dastou from Council on Aging
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Communication - Reappointments to Council on Aging
Approve: Communication - Reappointments to Council on Aging
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 290 - Flood Plain Overlay
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 290 - Flood Plain Overlay
Motion to refer to Planning Board (4/24/25) and then to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, 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 Planning Board (4/24/25) and then to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 1, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 1, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Belanger)
Non-Profit Organization SC March 11, 2025
Accept the report: Non-Profit Organization SC March 11, 2025
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO Pole on Hayes Avenue
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO Pole on Hayes Avenue
In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Mercier 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Mercier seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Claims - (1) Personal Injury; (6) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (1) Personal Injury; (6) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, 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).
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