MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
May 13, 2025
26 recorded votes, 22 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, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: John Descoteaux
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 Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6th; City Council Regular Meeting May 6th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6th; City Council Regular Meeting May 6th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Loan Order - 40 Market Street. (Cont. from 4/29/25)
Remove item from agenda: Loan Order - 40 Market Street. (Cont. from 4/29/25)
In City Council, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to remove item from agenda. 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 by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to remove item from agenda. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the installation of “No Parking” signs on 20th Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the installation of “No Parking” signs on 20th Street, off...
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)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a suitable alternative location for Roberto Clemente...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a suitable alternative location for Roberto Clemente...
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)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed overview of all development projects permitted...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed overview of all development projects permitted...
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)
Ask the City Manager to provide suggestions on pathways to improve communication between developers and residents...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide suggestions on pathways to improve communication between developers and residents...
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 provide an update on construction of training facility at Cawley Stadium / Martin Athletic...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on construction of training facility at Cawley Stadium / Martin Athletic Complex
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 provide an update from proper departments on the 2018 ADA Transition Plan for City buildings
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update from proper departments on the 2018 ADA Transition Plan for City buildings
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: Belanger, second: Jenness)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept Timely Submission of the Budget
Adopt: Vote - Accept Timely Submission of the Budget
In City Council, Read twice, Motion , “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read twice, Motion , “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order
Send to a public hearing: Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $5,050,000 OneStop for Growth Grants
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $5,050,000 OneStop for Growth Grants
In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Jenness)
Vote - Authorize CM Execute MOU and Temporary Access Agreement with Wexford Development LLC
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Execute MOU and Temporary Access Agreement with Wexford Development LLC
In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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 May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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 May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III - DPW
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III - DPW
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, 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 May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 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 May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6, 2025
Accept the report: Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6, 2025
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - (1) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford...
Adopt: Wire Insp. - (1) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street; (2) Boston Gas d/b/a...
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to accept and adopt the accompanying orders. 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. Mercier to accept and adopt the accompanying orders. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
Executive Session – To Consider and Discuss Potential Tax
Go into executive session: Executive Session – To Consider and Discuss Potential Tax
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. (8:44 PM). 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. (8:44 PM). 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Gitschier, 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 from Executive Session by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, 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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