MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
April 22, 2025
24 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, 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. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Informational - Chris Porter (Porter Productions, LLC) regarding Town and City Festival. Speaker: Chris Porter...
Accept and place on file: Informational - Chris Porter (Porter Productions, LLC) regarding Town and City Festival. Speaker: Chris Porter provided...
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)
Vote - City
Adopt: Vote - City
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem)2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier, Robinson
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem)2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
Vote - Reappoint City Auditor Kelly Oakes
Approve: Vote - Reappoint City Auditor Kelly Oakes
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. C. Gitschier commented he asked to have these conversations not in the public and stated the City Auditor is phenomenal employee. C. Gitschier also stated back in July this position got a 6.5 percent increase to that position and now we are looking 28.2 percent since September as well as retro. City Manager Golden clarified that there will be no retro pay, or COLA increase this July 2025. C. Gitschier questioned if there was a change to the contract because as it is written Retro and COLA are in there. Solicitor Williams commented that the vote would be on the contract as amended with the changes the city manager mentioned. After further discussion the vote was taken as amended to remove retro pay and COLA increase for July 2025 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. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. C. Gitschier commented he asked to have these conversations not in the public and stated the City Auditor is phenomenal employee. C. Gitschier also stated back in July this position got a 6.5 percent increase to that position and now we are looking 28.2 percent since September as well as retro. City Manager Golden clarified that there will be no retro pay, or COLA increase this July 2025. C. Gitschier questioned if there was a change to the contract because as it is written Retro and COLA are in there. Solicitor Williams commented that the vote would be on the contract as amended with the changes the city manager mentioned. After further discussion the vote was taken as amended to remove retro pay and COLA increase for July 2025 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: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Minutes of Parks and Recreation SC April 15th; City Council Regular Meeting April 15th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Parks and Recreation SC April 15th; City Council Regular Meeting April 15th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. (Continued from April 8, 2025)
Adopt: Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. (Continued from April 8, 2025)
Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, 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: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to send a letter to our state delegation and the Speaker of the House in opposition of House...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to send a letter to our state delegation and the Speaker of the House in opposition of House Bill...
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)
Adopt: Ask the City Manager to send a letter to our state delegation and the Speaker of the House in opposition of House Bill number 2347 (Yes, In...
Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 abstain (C. Nuon), 1 nay (C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: YemAbstained: NuonVesna Nuon abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 abstain (C. Nuon), 1 nay (C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..”
Motion: Ask the City Manager to send a letter to our state delegation and the Speaker of the House in opposition of House Bill number 2347 (Yes...
M. Rourke then made a motion seconded by C. Nuon "To send the motion to the Housing Subcommittee to discuss further with state delegation", Defeated per roll call vote 2 yeas (C. Nuon, C. Yem), 8 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Nuon, YemNo: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott
From the minutes
“M. Rourke then made a motion seconded by C. Nuon "To send the motion to the Housing Subcommittee to discuss further with state delegation", Defeated per roll call vote 2 yeas (C. Nuon, C. Yem), 8 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on facilities staff being assigned to Lowell High School full time
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on facilities staff being assigned to Lowell High School full time
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 have the proper department provide an update with anticipated timeline on draft of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update with anticipated timeline on draft of construction...
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 Corey Robinson and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department install a convex traffic mirror at the corner of Butterfield...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department install a convex traffic mirror at the corner of Butterfield...
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 update on the progress of a Facilities Department
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update on the progress of a Facilities Department
In City Council, seconded by C. Belanger, 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. Belanger, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Belanger)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on Shedd Park Pavilion repairs and upgrades
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on Shedd Park Pavilion repairs and upgrades
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 have the proper department come up with a plan to revitalize Central Street from Gorham to...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department come up with a plan to revitalize Central Street from Gorham to Elm...
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: Scott, second: Nuon)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Communication - Resignations of Members from Various Boards and Commissions
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignations of Members from Various Boards and Commissions
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)
Vote - Accept Proposal of George Skaff for 93 Mammoth Road
Adopt: Vote - Accept Proposal of George Skaff for 93 Mammoth Road
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)
Vote - Approve ORR Permit for Captain John's
Adopt: Vote - Approve ORR Permit for Captain John's
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)
Parks and Recreation SC April 15, 2025
Accept the report: Parks and Recreation SC April 15, 2025
Motion by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, 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. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Jean Hubble request reimbursement for towing charges
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Jean Hubble request reimbursement for towing charges
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Executive Session - Review/Accept/Release of City Council Executive Session Minutes: January 14, 2025 and February...
Accept the minutes: Executive Session - Review/Accept/Release of City Council Executive Session Minutes: January 14, 2025 and February 4, 2025
In City Council, Motion to waive and accept and release above set of Executive Minutes by C. Robinson, 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 waive and accept and release above set of Executive Minutes by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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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