MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
May 27, 2025
21 recorded votes, 12 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: Vice Chair Paul Ratha Yem presiding.
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Descoteaux, Erik R. Gitschier, Wayne Jenness, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Daniel P. Rourke
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. 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
Minutes of City Council Special Meeting (Evaluation Procedures) May 20th; City Council Regular Meeting May 20th, for...
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Special Meeting (Evaluation Procedures) May 20th; City Council Regular Meeting May 20th, for...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, 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. Belanger, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Mercier)
Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order
Adopt: Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order
Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Chau)
Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order
Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements
Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW
Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26
Motion “To adopt” by C. Chau, 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, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Chau, 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, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26
Motion “To adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. C. Gitschier noted concern for floating emergency water main breaks into loans where we are paying interest on loans when it should be done by city employees. CFO Baldwin explained this order is for water rates. C. Gitschier noted that the residents are not only paying for it at contractor's rates but also interests rates and there is no way he will support this increase. City Manager Golden noted there are issues at the Water Department on the distribution side. City Manager Golden noted he trying to bring Water and Wastewater together and having it run by one new Chief Utility Officer to bring everyone together. C. Scott also noted concern about minimum usage 1400 cubic feet and feel that it is a penalty for residents who don’t consume as much water and should have some type of study for higher usage users. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Nuon, YemNo: Gitschier, Robinson, Scott
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. C. Gitschier noted concern for floating emergency water main breaks into loans where we are paying interest on loans when it should be done by city employees. CFO Baldwin explained this order is for water rates. C. Gitschier noted that the residents are not only paying for it at contractor's rates but also interests rates and there is no way he will support this increase. City Manager Golden noted there are issues at the Water Department on the distribution side. City Manager Golden noted he trying to bring Water and Wastewater together and having it run by one new Chief Utility Officer to bring everyone together. C. Scott also noted concern about minimum usage 1400 cubic feet and feel that it is a penalty for residents who don’t consume as much water and should have some type of study for higher usage users. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
City Manager Golden noted they have not finalized this yet and it is a placeholder and will run it by the City Council when finished. C. Robinson noted he would support as long as language states required and not preferred. City Manager Golden noted if approved he would take feedback from the council and bring back to the council final version. C. Scott also shared concern regarding licensure being optional and that the job description come back to the council for approval. C. Gitschier questioned the legality of approving the Ordinance. City Solicitor Williams explained that this is the purview of the manager, however if he is willing as he stated would take feedback from the council. C. Gitschier noted he strongly agrees with C. Robinson and C. Scott. C. Jenness requested future cover letters include something that says the attached job description is not finalized and watermark the job description with draft. C. Robinson asked for clarification that the City Council will get to see finalized version before it goes out to the public and City Manager Golden said yes. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“City Manager Golden noted they have not finalized this yet and it is a placeholder and will run it by the City Council when finished. C. Robinson noted he would support as long as language states required and not preferred. City Manager Golden noted if approved he would take feedback from the council and bring back to the council final version. C. Scott also shared concern regarding licensure being optional and that the job description come back to the council for approval. C. Gitschier questioned the legality of approving the Ordinance. City Solicitor Williams explained that this is the purview of the manager, however if he is willing as he stated would take feedback from the council. C. Gitschier noted he strongly agrees with C. Robinson and C. Scott. C. Jenness requested future cover letters include something that says the attached job description is not finalized and watermark the job description with draft. C. Robinson asked for clarification that the City Council will get to see finalized version before it goes out to the public and City Manager Golden said yes. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..”
Motion: Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
C. Descoteaux then made a motion “That the city take $2 million dollars from the stabilization fund to help the School Department”, 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
“C. Descoteaux then made a motion “That the city take $2 million dollars from the stabilization fund to help the School Department”, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Adopt: Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments
C. Belanger noted he did not want the classrooms touched and that he would live up to his word and that he would support the motion. C. Scott noted she understands the competing needs in the city, and she would be supporting this and asked that Superintendent Skinner be at the meeting when council approves the appropriation to let us know what his plans are for the additional funds. C. Nuon noted and shares his advocacy of his colleagues for the schools and asked CFO Baldwin how much money was in the reserves now and CFO Baldwin stated $17,132,000.00. City Manager Golden thanked the council for bringing concerns forward. After discussion Motion adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“C. Belanger noted he did not want the classrooms touched and that he would live up to his word and that he would support the motion. C. Scott noted she understands the competing needs in the city, and she would be supporting this and asked that Superintendent Skinner be at the meeting when council approves the appropriation to let us know what his plans are for the additional funds. C. Nuon noted and shares his advocacy of his colleagues for the schools and asked CFO Baldwin how much money was in the reserves now and CFO Baldwin stated $17,132,000.00. City Manager Golden thanked the council for bringing concerns forward. After discussion Motion adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..”
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the policy for the fire department during routine patient...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with the policy for the fire department during routine patient...
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)
Request: joint subcommittee of the City Council Municipal Facilities SC with School Committee Facilities SC to...
Motion: Request: joint subcommittee of the City Council Municipal Facilities SC with School Committee Facilities SC to discuss a merger of the...
C. Gitschier moved, seconded by C. Belanger “To add this item to their agenda for posting”. 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
“C. Gitschier moved, seconded by C. Belanger “To add this item to their agenda for posting”. So Voted..” (Motion: Belanger)
Refer to the City Manager: Request: joint subcommittee of the City Council Municipal Facilities SC with School Committee Facilities SC to discuss...
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)
C. Belanger/C Scott - Req. City Manager update Council regarding the Frontrunner City Program
Refer to the City Manager: C. Belanger/C Scott - Req. City Manager update Council regarding the Frontrunner City Program
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.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..”
Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility of repairing and upgrading the brick...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the feasibility of repairing and upgrading the brick...
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: Jenness, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $10,000 GLCF Grant – Recreation
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $10,000 GLCF Grant – Recreation
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Vote - Approve the FY26 Community Preservation Fund Budget
Adopt: Vote - Approve the FY26 Community Preservation Fund Budget
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Scott)
Loan Order - 40 Market Street
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - 40 Market Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 10, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. C. Gitschier asked for report on asbestos in the building and how old the electrical and heating is in the building before the next meeting. City Manager Golden noted he will provide that and explained reason for delay. C. Gitschier noted concern over the cost once city takes ownership. 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 June 10, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. C. Gitschier asked for report on asbestos in the building and how old the electrical and heating is in the building before the next meeting. City Manager Golden noted he will provide that and explained reason for delay. C. Gitschier noted concern over the cost once city takes ownership. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Take a short recess till 7PM: Loan Order - 40 Market Street
In City Council, Motion to take a short recess till 7PM 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 take a short recess till 7PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
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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