MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 8, 2025
35 recorded votes, 32 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. 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)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 1st, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 1st, 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)
Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue
Continue the hearing: Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue
Motion “To continue hearing until April 22, 2025 at 7 PM” 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 continue hearing until April 22, 2025 at 7 PM” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Take Item #7.2 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.2 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Take Item #5.9 out of order
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #5.9 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 #5.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the unaccounted water numbers for calendar years, 2022, 2023...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the unaccounted water numbers for calendar years, 2022, 2023 and...
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 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. 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 provide the City Council with the last three years of fire hydrant inspections done by the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the last three years of fire hydrant inspections done by the...
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 provide the City Council with a list of fire hydrants replaced, their location and date they...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a list of fire hydrants replaced, their location and date they...
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)
Req, Mayor call an Executive Session for the purpose of outlining the negotiation procedure, the goals, and the...
Motion: Req, Mayor call an Executive Session for the purpose of outlining the negotiation procedure, the goals, and the language to be bargained...
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson) 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Descoteaux, Gitschier, Nuon, RobinsonNo: Belanger, Chau, Jenness, Mercier, Rourke, Scott, Yem
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson) 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Request: Parks and Recreation SC hold a meeting with the Board of Parks to revisit some proposed policy changes...
Refer to the Parks: Request: Parks and Recreation SC hold a meeting with the Board of Parks to revisit some proposed policy changes regarding...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to Parks and Recreation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to provide update on sidewalk on Douglas Road from the Reilly School to Cawley Stadium
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide update on sidewalk on Douglas Road from the Reilly School to Cawley Stadium
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: Belanger, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to send a letter to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, with...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to send a letter to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, with a...
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: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the installation of sidewalks on Campbell and Fleming Streets
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the installation of sidewalks on Campbell and Fleming Streets
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)
Take Item #6.1(B) out of order
Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.1(B) 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. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.1(B) out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide options to create shade improvement opportunities at City...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide options to create shade improvement opportunities at City...
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, 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. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide possible solutions to address the increase of commercial...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide possible solutions to address the increase of commercial...
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 re-installation/installation of speed...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on the re-installation/installation of speed bumps...
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 report on the status of the old Centralville Social Club
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department report on the status of the old Centralville Social Club
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Discuss the parameters in Executive Session before releasing to public
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss the parameters in Executive Session before releasing to public. Failed on Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Mercier, Nuon, RobinsonNo: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Rourke, Scott, Yem
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss the parameters in Executive Session before releasing to public. Failed on Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Take Item #6.2 (NMCOG Annual Report) out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #6.2 (NMCOG Annual Report) 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #6.2 (NMCOG Annual Report) out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Informational Reports. Informational Report - MassDOT RT 110 Paving Project RRFB Request
Bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1, 7.3 and 7.4
Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1, 7.3 and 7.4 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
“Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1, 7.3 and 7.4 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Vote - Authorize CM Execute Annual Action Plan FY25-26
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Execute Annual Action Plan FY25-26
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. 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. Robinson. 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: Robinson)
Vote - Increase Cost of Living Adjustment for City of Lowell Retirees
Adopt: Vote - Increase Cost of Living Adjustment for City of Lowell Retirees
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: DescoteauxJohn Descoteaux abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Motion: Vote - Increase Cost of Living Adjustment for City of Lowell Retirees
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by Nuon to take Item #6.2 (LHS Update from Skanska). 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 Nuon to take Item #6.2 (LHS Update from Skanska). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Vote - Transfer $140,750 – Cemetery
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $140,750 – Cemetery
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. 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. Robinson. 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: Robinson)
Vote - Transfer $250k - Overlay Surplus
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $250k - Overlay Surplus
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. 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. Robinson. 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: Robinson)
Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8, 2025
Accept the report: Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8, 2025
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Annette Tourville request installation of handicap parking sign at 776 Lakeview Avenue parking lot (A.G....
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Annette Tourville request installation of handicap parking sign at 776 Lakeview Avenue parking lot (A.G....
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Misc. - Infuse Afro Fushion (Munah Carmina Slopadoe) request installation of an overhanging sign at 11 Kearney Square
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Infuse Afro Fushion (Munah Carmina Slopadoe) request installation of an overhanging sign at 11 Kearney Square
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above...
Send to a public hearing: Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above...
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 11 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
No: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, Yem
From the minutes
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 11 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Refer to the Environmental: Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above...
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Environmental and Flood Issues 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. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Environmental and Flood Issues SC. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Gitschier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
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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