MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 14, 2025
20 recorded votes, 15 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. Taking part remotely (Zoom): Wayne Jenness and Corey Robinson.
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. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Scott)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting October 7th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting October 7th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Belanger)
Request: Parks and Recreation SC meet with the Board of Parks to further discuss the proposed fees
Refer to the Parks: Request: Parks and Recreation SC meet with the Board of Parks to further discuss the proposed fees
In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to Parks and Recreation SC. 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 Parks and Recreation SC. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department evaluate intersection of Lawrence and Church Streets for pedestrian...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department evaluate intersection of Lawrence and Church Streets for pedestrian upgrades
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: Jenness, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an outline of the powers, responsibilities and duties of the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an outline of the powers, responsibilities and duties of the Tree...
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on repairs to fencing at Aiken Street Bridge...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an update on repairs to fencing at Aiken Street Bridge and...
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 work with the proper department to explore the feasibility of installing a water fountain...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the proper department to explore the feasibility of installing a water fountain...
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have double poles promptly removed from the Quebec Street substation over to Moore Street...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have double poles promptly removed from the Quebec Street substation over to Moore Street and...
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: Scott, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop a free subscription text service to provide...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department develop a free subscription text service to provide 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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department implement a localized call-out system to communicate...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department implement a localized call-out system to communicate...
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Descoteaux)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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)
Communication - Resignations of Maria Crooker-Capone from Hunger Homeless Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignations of Maria Crooker-Capone from Hunger Homeless Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, 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. Chau, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Scott)
Communication - Appointment of Jack Traphagan to Lowell Cultural Council
Approve: Communication - Appointment of Jack Traphagan to Lowell Cultural Council
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Nuon)
Communication - Reappointment of JoAnn Howell to Hunger Homeless Commission
Approve: Communication - Reappointment of JoAnn Howell to Hunger Homeless Commission
In City Council, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept/Expend $19,600 FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $19,600 FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept/Expend $65,000 FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $65,000 FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $99,040 Mass Technology Collaborative Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $99,040 Mass Technology Collaborative Grant
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Claim - (1) Property Damage (Towing)
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage (Towing)
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, 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. Scott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Chau)
Misc. - Marisol Santiago request installation of a handicap parking sign at 144 Hampshire Street (#1)
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Marisol Santiago request installation of a handicap parking sign at 144 Hampshire Street (#1)
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, 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 Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
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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