MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 1, 2025
26 recorded votes, 20 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. 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 Technology and Utilities SC March 25th; City Council Regular Meeting March 25th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Technology and Utilities SC March 25th; City Council Regular Meeting March 25th, 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
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License
Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, 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: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide quarterly summary updates to the City Council from data within the 311 system to...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide quarterly summary updates to the City Council from data within the 311 system to give...
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 Wayne Jenness and Corey Robinson; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information on what erosion control methods should be in...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information on what erosion control methods should be in...
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)
Request: the City Manager have the proper department explore putting the worst sections of By and Barker Street on...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: the City Manager have the proper department explore putting the worst sections of By and Barker Street on the...
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 look into benefits of outsourcing irrigation start up and shutdown due to staffing levels
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to look into benefits of outsourcing irrigation start up and shutdown due to staffing levels
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 all open positions and how long they have been vacant
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with all open positions and how long they have been vacant
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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update and timelines on the upcoming Andover Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update and timelines on the upcoming Andover Street project
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 send a letter to the Joint Committee on Education, with copies to our state delegation, in
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to send a letter to the Joint Committee on Education, with copies to our state delegation, 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 Kimberly Scott and Daniel P. Rourke; Kimberly Scott is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to work with proper department to provide the Council with a report on the feasibility and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with proper department to provide the Council with a report on the feasibility and process...
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 Daniel P. Rourke and Rita Mercier; Daniel P. Rourke is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the City Auditor for consideration and approval by the City...
Adopt: Ask the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the City Auditor for consideration and approval by the City Council, to continue her term...
CFO Baldwin commented the motion would delegate the negotiations to the City Manager and that it would still come back before the appointing authority for approval. C. Gitschier noted that it was just day to day stuff in overseeing that position and not contract negotiations. C. Gitschier questioned why the City Council evaluates that position. M. Rourke commented that the position does work for the City Council. M. Rourke stated that it would still come back before the council for changes and to vote. C. Gitschier stated he believes it should be sent to Personnel Sub/Committes where it should be negotiated. M. Rourke requested roll call. Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem C. Belanger), 3 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So Voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Robinson
From the minutes
“CFO Baldwin commented the motion would delegate the negotiations to the City Manager and that it would still come back before the appointing authority for approval. C. Gitschier noted that it was just day to day stuff in overseeing that position and not contract negotiations. C. Gitschier questioned why the City Council evaluates that position. M. Rourke commented that the position does work for the City Council. M. Rourke stated that it would still come back before the council for changes and to vote. C. Gitschier stated he believes it should be sent to Personnel Sub/Committes where it should be negotiated. M. Rourke requested roll call. Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem C. Belanger), 3 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson). So Voted..”
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to negotiate a contract with the City Auditor for consideration and approval by the City Council...
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: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Communication - Appointment of Courtney McSparron to Library Board of Trustees
Approve: Communication - Appointment of Courtney McSparron to Library Board of Trustees
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, 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
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, 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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Bundle items: Communication - Appointment of Courtney McSparron to Library Board of Trustees
At this time C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon made a Motion “To bundle 7.1-7.4”. 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
“At this time C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon made a Motion “To bundle 7.1-7.4”. So voted.” (second: Nuon)
Vote - Accept/Expend $117,645 Tobacco Control Grant FY25/26
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $117,645 Tobacco Control Grant FY25/26
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, 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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $1M EOHLC Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $1M EOHLC Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, 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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $118,750 from City
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $118,750 from City
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, 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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Vote - Transfer $250k for Perpetual Care
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $250k for Perpetual Care
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, 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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Loan Order - Rescind Water Loan Order
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Rescind Water Loan Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - Water Infrastructure Improvement
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Water Infrastructure Improvement
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 – Kennels
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 – Kennels
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, 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 refer to Public Hearing on April 15, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Technology and Utilities SC March 25, 2025
Accept the report: Technology and Utilities SC March 25, 2025
Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to accept the report as a report of progress. 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Claims - (6) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (6) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
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 →