MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
October 28, 2025
35 recorded votes, 30 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, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: None
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. 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 accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Minutes of Transportation SC October 21st; City Council Regular Meeting October 21st, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Transportation SC October 21st; City Council Regular Meeting October 21st, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Take Item #6.2 out of order
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.2 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. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Nuon)
Ordinance - Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID
Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Jenness)
Take Item #11.1 and #11.2 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.1 and #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. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.1 and #11.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department review and implement traffic calming measures on Sanders Avenue
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department review and implement traffic calming measures on Sanders Avenue
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: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a detailed report on all expenditures for the Frontrunner...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a detailed report on all expenditures for the Frontrunner City...
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: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an outline of responsibilities of the City to notify the Board...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an outline of responsibilities of the City to notify the Board of...
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 provide the City Council with a current list of all positions currently funded by ARPA...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a current list of all positions currently funded by ARPA funding...
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: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the parking lot paving at the Bartlett School
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update the City Council on the parking lot paving at the Bartlett School
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: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Ask the City Manager to have traffic enforcement place a radar speed detector to track speeders on newly paved East...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have traffic enforcement place a radar speed detector to track speeders on newly paved East...
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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Request: City Council name the Edson Cemetery Chapel in memory of Girard P. “Gerry” Largay as voted upon by the...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council name the Edson Cemetery Chapel in memory of Girard P. “Gerry” Largay as voted upon by the...
In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager / Monument Committee. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager / Monument Committee. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update plan for the Lowell Transitional Living Center
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update plan for the Lowell Transitional Living Center
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)
Have City Manager prepare letter to all levels of government regarding the use of the land at Tewksbury State Hospital as an all-inclusive...
Motion by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager prepare letter to all levels of government regarding the use of the land at Tewksbury State Hospital as an all-inclusive facility to address housing needs. 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 M. Rourke, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager prepare letter to all levels of government regarding the use of the land at Tewksbury State Hospital as an all-inclusive facility to address housing needs. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update plan for the Inn and Conference Center and the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with an update plan for the Inn and Conference Center and the Lowell...
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)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department evaluate the potential of automatic pedestrian intervals at...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department evaluate the potential of automatic pedestrian intervals at...
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: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the lighting on the paths leading to and from the Lower...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department investigate the lighting on the paths leading to and from the Lower...
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: Jenness, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to investigate the feasibility of creating a QR code-based registration and reporting system...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to investigate the feasibility of creating a QR code-based registration and reporting system for...
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 have proper department prepare a Parking Facilities Capital Master Plan
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department prepare a Parking Facilities Capital Master Plan
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: Jenness, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have proper department prepare an analysis and options to the Council for reducing the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department prepare an analysis and options to the Council for reducing the volume...
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 Wayne Jenness and Daniel P. Rourke; Wayne Jenness is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness)
Motion Responses / Informational Reports
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses / Informational Reports
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)
Refer to the Environmental: Motion Responses / Informational Reports
C) Motion Response - IPM Requirements – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Environmental and Flood Issues 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
“C) Motion Response - IPM Requirements – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Environmental and Flood Issues SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to Housing SC: Motion Responses / Informational Reports
D) Motion Response – ADUs – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing 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
“D) Motion Response – ADUs – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Communication - Planning Board recommendation to Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board recommendation to Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Jenness)
Communication - Appointment of Members to Hunger Homeless Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Appointment of Members to Hunger Homeless Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Communication - Reappointment of Clifford Krieger to Hunger Homeless Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Reappointment of Clifford Krieger to Hunger Homeless Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Vote - Transfer $421,900 - Overlay Surplus
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $421,900 - Overlay Surplus
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Resolution - M.G.L. Chapter 94C s 32J
Adopt: Resolution - M.G.L. Chapter 94C s 32J
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Gitschier)
Transportation SC October 21, 2025
Accept the report: Transportation SC October 21, 2025
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Gitschier)
Misc. - Felicita Espinal request permission to address City Council regarding incident at Lowell High School
Accept and place on file: Misc. - Felicita Espinal request permission to address City Council regarding incident at Lowell High School
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, 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. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Francois Toka request permission to address City Council regarding sale of land on Rockdale Avenue
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Francois Toka request permission to address City Council regarding sale of land on Rockdale Avenue
In City Council, Motion “To refer to Law Department for review and recommendation” by C. Yem, 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 refer to Law Department for review and recommendation” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Take Item #6.4 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.4 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Maria Amaral request installation of handicap parking sign located at 5 Ellis Avenue
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Maria Amaral request installation of handicap parking sign located at 5 Ellis Avenue
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
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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