MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
December 9, 2025
30 recorded votes, 25 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, Erik R. Gitschier, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott, Paul Ratha Yem, Corey Belanger
Absent: John Descoteaux, Wayne Jenness
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. 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 accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Scott)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting December 2nd; Parks and Recreation SC December 3rd, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting December 2nd; Parks and Recreation SC December 3rd, for acceptance
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)
Vote - Cancel Council Meetings 12.23.25 and 12.30.25
Adopt: Vote - Cancel Council Meetings 12.23.25 and 12.30.25
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemNo: Gitschier
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Belanger, second: Chau)
Take Item #7.5 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #7.5 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #7.5 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Loan Order - 2025 MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - 2025 MSBA Accelerated Repair Program
Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Request: City Council and our administration along with any other community partners explore sending a letter of...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council and our administration along with any other community partners explore sending a letter of...
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: Robinson, second: Yem)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a path forward for all elected officials to be compensated
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a path forward for all elected officials to be compensated
In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
Yes: Belanger, Chau, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott, YemAbstained: GitschierErik R. Gitschier abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Request: City administration and City Council consider working with THRIVE Communities to assist their operational...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City administration and City Council consider working with THRIVE Communities to assist their operational...
In City Council, seconded by 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 Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore and provide the Council with process required to replace...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department explore and provide the Council with process required to replace the...
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 Corey Robinson and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to explore hiring a Clerk of Works to protect the City’s interest on the remainder of the High...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to explore hiring a Clerk of Works to protect the City’s interest on the remainder of the High...
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 Corey Robinson and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department work with the Highland Neighborhood Group and the monument...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department work with the Highland Neighborhood Group and the monument committee...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #5.3 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #5.3 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. Scott to take Item #5.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to repair/replace fence around the Moody School
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to repair/replace fence around the Moody School
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 proper department enhance the lighting at the crosswalk connecting Lowell High School...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have proper department enhance the lighting at the crosswalk connecting Lowell High School and...
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: Belanger, second: Mercier)
Motion Responses / Informational Report
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses / Informational Report
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 Report Informational Report - Lowell Zoning Rewrite
Refer to the joint Zoning: Informational Report Informational Report - Lowell Zoning Rewrite
Informational Report Informational Report - Lowell Zoning Rewrite – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to joint Zoning and Neighborhoods 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 Informational Report - Lowell Zoning Rewrite – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to joint Zoning and Neighborhoods SC. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Yem)
Bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive
Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive by C. Gitschier, 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 bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Mercier)
Vote - Accept MassDOT Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept MassDOT Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Grant
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Yem)
Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - McInerney Park
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - McInerney Park
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
The minutes name Wayne Jenness as seconder, but Wayne Jenness is not shown as present, so none is shown.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - Varnum Cemetery
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - Varnum Cemetery
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
The minutes name Wayne Jenness as seconder, but Wayne Jenness is not shown as present, so none is shown.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Vote - Approve Change of Edson Cemetery Chapel to Girard P. “Jerry” Largay Chapel
Adopt: Vote - Approve Change of Edson Cemetery Chapel to Girard P. “Jerry” Largay Chapel
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
The minutes name Wayne Jenness as seconder, but Wayne Jenness is not shown as present, so none is shown.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Scott)
Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills incurred in Excess of Appropriations
Adopt: Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills incurred in Excess of Appropriations
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Yem, second: Nuon)
Take Item #5.6 out of order
Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #5.6 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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #5.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds
In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Parks and Recreation SC December 3, 2025
Request adoption of subcommittee recommendation to accept proposed rules and fees for the Board of Parks
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott to request adoption of subcommittee recommendation to accept proposed rules and fees for the Board of Parks. 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. Scott to request adoption of subcommittee recommendation to accept proposed rules and fees for the Board of Parks. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Scott)
Accept the report: Parks and Recreation SC December 3, 2025
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, 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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Yem)
Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street
Adopt: Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street
In City Council, Motion “To adopt and accept the accompanying order” 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 adopt and accept the accompanying order” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Chau)
Claim - (1) Property Damage (Tow Reimburse)
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage (Tow Reimburse)
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, 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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Misc. - John Ianucci request permission to speak with City Council regarding installation of speed bumps on London...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - John Ianucci request permission to speak with City Council regarding installation of speed bumps on...
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Belanger)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, 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).
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