MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
June 24, 2025
23 recorded votes, 21 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, Wayne Jenness, Rita Mercier, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Vesna Nuon
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. 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)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting June 10th; Senior Citizens SC June 12th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting June 10th; Senior Citizens SC June 12th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Robinson)
Loan Order - 40 Market Street
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - 40 Market Street
Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above...
Adopt: Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above ground generators for a...
Motion “To adopt ” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Jenness, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: Scott
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt ” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Table: Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above ground generators for a...
Motion to table matter by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. Defeated per Roll Call vote 3 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Gitschier, Robinson, ScottNo: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Jenness, Mercier, Rourke, Yem
From the minutes
“Motion to table matter by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. Defeated per Roll Call vote 3 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department investigate the feasibility of traffic calming solutions on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department investigate the feasibility of traffic calming solutions on...
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: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with all emergency maintenance repairs in the Water Department that...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with all emergency maintenance repairs in the Water Department that...
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 proper department address traffic calming on Butman Road
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department address traffic calming on Butman Road
In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, 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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department evaluate and report on the feasibility and safety impacts of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department evaluate and report on the feasibility and safety impacts of...
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 Sokhary Chau and Corey Robinson; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to have the Law Department provide an update with the anticipated timeline for the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Law Department provide an update with the anticipated timeline for the “Construction...
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: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to provide an updated street sweeping schedule
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an updated street sweeping schedule
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, 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. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to work with proper departments to identify and address overgrowth problem areas
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with proper departments to identify and address overgrowth problem areas
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 have Lowell Police Department establish a “Do Not Knock” Registry
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Lowell Police Department establish a “Do Not Knock” Registry
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: Rourke, second: Yem)
Request: City Council look at possible amendments to the Code of Ordinances in regard to liquor licenses, then refer...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council look at possible amendments to the Code of Ordinances in regard to liquor licenses, then refer to...
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: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Take Item #8.2 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #8.2 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Vote - Approve and Submit Letter to US Economic Dev Admin
Adopt: Vote - Approve and Submit Letter to US Economic Dev Admin
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Take Item #11.2 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.2 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request permission to address Council regarding calls to the 911 Call Center
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request permission to address Council regarding calls to the 911 Call Center
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)
Take Item #7.2 out of order
Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #7.2 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. Chau to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Take Item #8.5 out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #8.5 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #8.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Chokyab Sherab request removal of handicap parking sign at 197-199 Powell Street
Waive City Council Rule 5 (10:00 PM): Misc. - Chokyab Sherab request removal of handicap parking sign at 197-199 Powell Street
Motion to Waive City Council Rule 5 (10:00 PM) by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Motion defeated by 2 nays (C. Jenness, C. Scott), 6 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke), 2 did not vote (C. Yem, C. Belanger), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, RourkeNo: Jenness, ScottThe minutes say Paul Ratha Yem and Corey Belanger did not vote; left out of this vote. The minutes record this as failing with more yeas than nays (6 to 2); some council votes need a two-thirds majority (for example borrowing, appropriations or zoning). MassVoter shows the result as the minutes record it.
From the minutes
“Motion to Waive City Council Rule 5 (10:00 PM) by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Motion defeated by 2 nays (C. Jenness, C. Scott), 6 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke), 2 did not vote (C. Yem, C. Belanger), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
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).
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →