MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 13, 2026
27 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 Erik R. Gitschier presiding.
Present: Sokhary Chau, John Descoteaux, Erik R. Gitschier, Belinda M. Juran, Sidney L. Liang, Sean McDonough, Rita Mercier, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott
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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Presentation - UNESCO Learning City Designation
Accept and place on file: Presentation - UNESCO Learning City Designation
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Chau)
Take Item #4.3 with this discussion: Presentation - UNESCO Learning City Designation
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #4.3 with this discussion. 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. Mercier to take Item #4.3 with this discussion. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)
Minutes of City Council Inauguration Ceremony 2026-2027 January 5th; City Council Regular Meeting January 6th, for...
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Inauguration Ceremony 2026-2027 January 5th; City Council Regular Meeting January 6th, for...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Request: City Council approve a temporary moratorium on the permitting and approval of new or expanded data center...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council approve a temporary moratorium on the permitting and approval of new or expanded data center...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager / Law Department. 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 / Law Department. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Allow Nancy Castle to address the Council
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to allow Nancy Castle to address the Council. 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. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to allow Nancy Castle to address the Council. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Robinson)
Refer to the Law Department to prepare proper draft language: Request: City Council approve a temporary moratorium on the permitting and approval...
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer to Law Department to prepare proper draft language. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer to Law Department to prepare proper draft language. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Take Items #5.2 and #4.7 out of order
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. McDonough to take Items #5.2 and #4.7 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. Scott, seconded by C. McDonough to take Items #5.2 and #4.7 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department investigate the long-term feasibility of relocating polling...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department investigate the long-term feasibility of relocating polling...
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 create a Lowell Learning City Task Force to ensure that Lowell actively participates as a...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to create a Lowell Learning City Task Force to ensure that Lowell actively participates as a...
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
Filed by Sokhary Chau and Daniel P. Rourke; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Take Item #9.3 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #9.3 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #9.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to work with appropriate department to provide a detailed report on winter operation procedures...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with appropriate department to provide a detailed report on winter operation procedures in...
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: McDonough, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to reach out to the University to explore the feasibility of a land swap within the LINC Project
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to reach out to the University to explore the feasibility of a land swap within the LINC Project
In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, 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. Liang, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed report on percentage as well as dollar amount...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed report on percentage as well as dollar amount...
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: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to work with the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation to explore how our Council and administration...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation to explore how our Council and administration may...
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)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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 - Appointment of Kristin Ross-Sitcawich to Conservation Commission
Accept and place on file: Communication - Appointment of Kristin Ross-Sitcawich to Conservation Commission
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded by C. McDonough. 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. Juran, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: McDonough)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Vote - Amend JAM Plan
Adopt: Vote - Amend JAM Plan
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $3k MA Economic and Workforce Developers Fellowship Program Grant
Adopt: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $3k MA Economic and Workforce Developers Fellowship Program Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Descoteaux)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Juran)
Claims - (6) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (6) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. 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. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Carolynn Bennett request installation of a handicap parking sign at 7 Arthur Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Carolynn Bennett request installation of a handicap parking sign at 7 Arthur Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. 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. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Juran)
Misc. - Johanna Monsalve request permission to address City Council regarding condition of Smith Avenue
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Johanna Monsalve request permission to address City Council regarding condition of Smith Avenue
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Misc. - Peter Astorian request permission to address the Council regarding installation of a handrail on side...
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Peter Astorian request permission to address the Council regarding installation of a handrail on side entrance...
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. 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 City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: McDonough)
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. Gitschier stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. (7:50 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
From the minutes
“In City Council, M. Gitschier stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. (7:50 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Rourke, 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 from Executive Session by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, 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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