← Lowell City Council

Lowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night

May 20, 2025

2 meetings this evening, 33 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.

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Lowell City Council · Special meeting

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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

2 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

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. Yem, 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)

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

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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

“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)

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

Lowell City Council · Regular meeting

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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

31 recorded votes, 27 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

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. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Belanger)

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

Proclamation - National DPW Week (May 18th - May 24th)

Accept and place on file: Proclamation - National DPW Week (May 18th - May 24th)

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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

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

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

Citation - Asian American

Accept and place on file: Citation - Asian American

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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

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

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

Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC May 13th; City Council Regular Meeting May 13th, for acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC May 13th; City Council Regular Meeting May 13th, for acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

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

Take Item #5.7 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #5.7 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #5.7 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Robinson)

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

National Grid / Verizon NE - Request installation of (2) JO Poles for service to 9 Baldwin Street

Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid / Verizon NE - Request installation of (2) JO Poles for service to 9 Baldwin Street

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)

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

Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of a replacement gas regulator pit near Rogers and High Streets

Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of a replacement gas regulator pit near Rogers and High Streets

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector 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

“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

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

Ask the City Manager to have the LPD Superintendent provide the City Council with scheduled plan holding a Civil...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the LPD Superintendent provide the City Council with scheduled plan holding a Civil...

Minutes, page 2

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 2 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to meet with the appropriate entities to revisit the Maintenance of Effort Agreement with the...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to meet with the appropriate entities to revisit the Maintenance of Effort Agreement with the...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Jenness)

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

Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the Merrimack River Boathouse concept

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on the Merrimack River Boathouse concept

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Nuon, second: Jenness)

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

Ask the City Manager to work with the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Lowell Police Department to provide a...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Lowell Police Department to provide a summary...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Vesna Nuon and Wayne Jenness; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)

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

Ask the City Manager to place Walker Street from Broadway Street to Waugh Street on the paving list

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to place Walker Street from Broadway Street to Waugh Street on the paving list

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: Yem, second: Mercier)

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

Ask the City Manager to have the DPD provide an update and timeline on the Reilly School playground upgrades

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the DPD provide an update and timeline on the Reilly School playground upgrades

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Belanger, second: Gitschier)

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

Ask the City Manager to work with community partners to organize a regional fundraiser to benefit the Lowell Folk...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with community partners to organize a regional fundraiser to benefit the Lowell Folk...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Belanger and Corey Robinson; Corey Belanger is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger)

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

Suspend rules to comment on future use of the UML Inn and Conference Center (ICC)

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem to suspend rules to comment on future use of the UML Inn and Conference Center (ICC). 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. Yem to suspend rules to comment on future use of the UML Inn and Conference Center (ICC). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Yem)

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

Have City Manager reach out to all interested parties regarding use of the ICC beyond stated closure date of migrant hotels in the state...

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to have City Manager reach out to all interested parties regarding use of the ICC beyond stated closure date of migrant hotels in the state; discussion to include purpose, costs and reimbursements. 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. Robinson to have City Manager reach out to all interested parties regarding use of the ICC beyond stated closure date of migrant hotels in the state; discussion to include purpose, costs and reimbursements. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)

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

Request: City Council, as well as the City Administration, consider drafting and sending a letter of support for...

Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council, as well as the City Administration, consider drafting and sending a letter of support for...

Minutes, page 5

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: Robinson, second: Yem)

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

Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer install residential sticker parking only sign on end of...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Transportation Engineer install residential sticker parking only sign on end of Victor...

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: Robinson, second: Mercier)

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

Motion Responses/Informational Reports

Accept and place on file: Motion Responses/Informational Reports

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

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

Communication - City

Adopt: Communication - City

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · 10–0

In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.

Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, Scott, YemThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.

From the minutes

“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Gitschier)

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

Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds

Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

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

Vote - Approve TIE Agreement - New England Heritage Properties, Inc

Adopt: Vote - Approve TIE Agreement - New England Heritage Properties, Inc

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, 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. Scott, 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: Scott, second: Yem)

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

Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement with The Daly Group LLC

Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement with The Daly Group LLC

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

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

Vote - Transfer 31,329.72 to Cemetery Department

Adopt: Vote - Transfer 31,329.72 to Cemetery Department

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 11 present

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

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

Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMU Zone - 1190 Pawtucket Blvd

Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMU Zone - 1190 Pawtucket Blvd

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 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 Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

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

Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TMU Zone - Branch Street

Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TMU Zone - Branch Street

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 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 Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)

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

Non-Profit Organization SC May 13, 2025

Accept the report: Non-Profit Organization SC May 13, 2025

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)

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

Claim - (1) Property Damage

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

Minutes, page 9

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. Belanger. 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. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Belanger)

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

Misc. - Craig Kincaid (Cliff Whalen - owner) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 28 Coburn Street

Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Craig Kincaid (Cliff Whalen - owner) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 28 Coburn Street

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)

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

Misc. - Debora Smith request installation of a handicap parking sign at 9 Lundberg Street

Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Debora Smith request installation of a handicap parking sign at 9 Lundberg Street

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Descoteaux)

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

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 10

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (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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