MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
November 18, 2025
37 recorded votes, 29 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, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: Kimberly Scott
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 City Council Meeting November 4th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Meeting November 4th, 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 #8.2 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.23 - Supervised Drug Consumption Sites
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.23 - Supervised Drug Consumption Sites
Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Jenness, C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, YemNo: Jenness, Nuon
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Jenness, C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Ordinance - Amend Ch 176 Rental Property
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Ch 176 Rental Property
Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a comprehensive plan for the City ’s Bicentennial Celebration
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a comprehensive plan for the City ’s Bicentennial Celebration
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: Yem, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the feasibility of installing a temporary word “LOWELL ”...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore the feasibility of installing a temporary word “LOWELL ”...
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: Yem, second: Nuon)
Req City Manager have the appropriate department look at feasibility of installing additional crosswalks on...
Refer to the City Manager: Req City Manager have the appropriate department look at feasibility of installing additional crosswalks on Chelmsford...
In City Council, second 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, second by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (second: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a detailed reporting of all organizations and entities that...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a detailed reporting of all organizations and entities that...
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 look into the feasibility of adding sidewalk from West Meadow Road to Lowell General...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to look into the feasibility of adding sidewalk from West Meadow Road to Lowell General Hospital...
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 give an update on the status of the paving of Sayles Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to give an update on the status of the paving of Sayles Street
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 increase the lighting on Jackson Street between 200 and 300
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to increase the lighting on Jackson Street between 200 and 300
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 work with National Grid to either clean up their property located at 47 Middlesex Street or...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with National Grid to either clean up their property located at 47 Middlesex Street or...
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 get an update on a timeframe for corrections to multiple security concerns due to the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to get an update on a timeframe for corrections to multiple security concerns due to the...
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)
Motion Responses / Informational Response
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses / Informational Response
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Informational Reports Informational Report – MRF
Take Item #7.6 out of order
Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #7.6 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. Robinson to take Item #7.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
Refer to the Non-Profit Organization SC: Informational Reports Informational Report – MRF
Informational Report - Federal Entitlement Funding – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization 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
“Informational Report - Federal Entitlement Funding – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Communication - Appointment of Dominic Lebron to Citizen Advisory Committee
Accept and place on file: Communication - Appointment of Dominic Lebron to Citizen Advisory Committee
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Communication - Resignation of Adam Baacke from Community Preservation Committee
Accept and place on file: Communication - Resignation of Adam Baacke from Community Preservation Committee
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)
Vote - Accept Gift of $2,500 from DCU
Adopt: Vote - Accept Gift of $2,500 from DCU
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $15,300 Address Verification Program Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $15,300 Address Verification Program Grant
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $334,480 MA Elder Affairs Formula Funding FY26
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $334,480 MA Elder Affairs Formula Funding FY26
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Vote - Accept/ Expend $78k Mass DEP SMRP Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $78k Mass DEP SMRP Grant
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
Vote - Transfer $500k - Supplemental Appropriation (Fire)
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $500k - Supplemental Appropriation (Fire)
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Gitschier)
Amend $500,000 to $750,000: Vote - Transfer $500k - Supplemental Appropriation (Fire)
Motion “To Amend $500,000 to $750,000” by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Amend $500,000 to $750,000” by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Yem)
Vote - MRF FY2026
Send to a public hearing: Vote - MRF FY2026
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Robinson)
Loan Order - Amend High School Project
Send to a public hearing: Loan Order - Amend High School Project
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266 - Electric Vehicles
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266 - Electric Vehicles
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Chapter 28 - Lowell Cultural Council
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chapter 28 - Lowell Cultural Council
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Yem)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Valter DeCarvalho Neto (Boston City Group) request temporary easement for demolition scaffolding along Green...
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Valter DeCarvalho Neto (Boston City Group) request temporary easement for demolition scaffolding along Green...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Yem)
Misc. - Olympia Restaurant (David Oliveira) request historical designation review of site located at 457 Market Street
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Olympia Restaurant (David Oliveira) request historical designation review of site located at 457 Market Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Sophea Thy (Sophea Lowell Visa Services) request installation of "15 Minute Parking" sign located at 61...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Sophea Thy (Sophea Lowell Visa Services) request installation of "15 Minute Parking" sign located at 61...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Misc. - Dayanara Rodriquez-Ortiz request installation of a handicap parking sign located at 23 2nd Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Dayanara Rodriquez-Ortiz request installation of a handicap parking sign located at 23 2nd Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Robinson)
National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Gitschier)
Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Purchase, Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (The Senior...
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Purchase, Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (The Senior...
In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Jenness)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session 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 Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Jenness, second: Belanger)
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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