← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

April 15, 2025

31 recorded votes, 24 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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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

During the meeting:

  • John Descoteaux recused from the vote on: Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations.

Every vote, in order

Communication Remote / Zoom Participation

Accept and place on file: Communication Remote / Zoom Participation

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Presentation - Red Cross (Kyle Lopez and Jonathan Goldfield)

Accept and place on file: Presentation - Red Cross (Kyle Lopez and Jonathan Goldfield)

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Minutes of Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8th; City Council Regular Meeting April 8th, for acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes of Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8th; City Council Regular Meeting April 8th, for acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Take Item #7.4 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #7.4 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. Yem to take Item #7.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Loan Order - Rescind Water Loan Order

Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Rescind Water Loan Order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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 and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Loan Order - Water Infrastructure Improvement

Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Water Infrastructure Improvement

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” 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

“Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” 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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 - Kennels

Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 - Kennels

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. 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: Scott, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer check out the area at the corner of Appleton Street and the...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer check out the area at the corner of Appleton Street and the...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Mercier, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer look into traffic mitigation strategies for Starbird Street

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer look into traffic mitigation strategies for Starbird Street

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the proper department install speed bumps on heavy pedestrian foot traffic throughout...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department install speed bumps on heavy pedestrian foot traffic throughout the City

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council of any indication the City maybe short-changed by federal funding

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council of any indication the City maybe short-changed by federal funding

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report concerning current and actual receipts relative to...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report concerning current and actual receipts relative to the...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report regarding a breakdown of the 311 program, since...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a report regarding a breakdown of the 311 program, since...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the DPD partner with UML to host a regional developer open house to highlight the...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the DPD partner with UML to host a regional developer open house to highlight the numerous...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3, inclusive

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3, inclusive by C. Robinson, 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 bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3, inclusive by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Vote - Accept/Expend $1,115 SFPE New England Fire Service Grant

Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $1,115 SFPE New England Fire Service Grant

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. 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: Belanger)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote - Accept/Expend $2,178 EOPSS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant

Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $2,178 EOPSS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. 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: Belanger)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote - Authorize CM Enter License Agr with Infuse Afro Fusion LLC

Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Enter License Agr with Infuse Afro Fusion LLC

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. 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: Belanger)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations

Adopt: Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · 9–0

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness), 1 recusal (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Yes: Belanger, Chau, Gitschier, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemJohn Descoteaux recused and is left out of this vote.

From the minutes

“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness), 1 recusal (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Loan Order - 40 Market Street

Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - 40 Market Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, 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 April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Order - 60 Day Trial

Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Claim - (1) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Bundle Items #10.2 to #10.7, inclusive

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to bundle Items #10.2 to #10.7, inclusive by C. Nuon, 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 bundle Items #10.2 to #10.7, inclusive by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street

Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 53 Meadowcroft Street

Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 53 Meadowcroft Street

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main Princeton Boulevard

Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main Princeton Boulevard

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO Pole at 969 Westford Street

Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO Pole at 969 Westford Street

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

National Grid - Request installation of underground facility on Quebec and Blossom Streets

Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of underground facility on Quebec and Blossom Streets

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. - Request installation of an underground monitoring well in sidewalk located at 219...

Send to a public hearing: CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. - Request installation of an underground monitoring well in sidewalk located at 219 East...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, 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 May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

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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