MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 20, 2026
30 recorded votes, 27 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
During the meeting:
- Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Loan Order - Amend High School Project.
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. Rourke, 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 13th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 13th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Juran)
Loan Order - Amend High School Project
Refer to Clerk’s Office: Loan Order - Amend High School Project
Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 nay (C. Robinson), 1 recuse (C. McDonough). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottNo: RobinsonSean McDonough recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 nay (C. Robinson), 1 recuse (C. McDonough). So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Descoteaux)
Take Item #6.1 (FuseIdeas) out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #6.1 (FuseIdeas) 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. Rourke to take Item #6.1 (FuseIdeas) out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Request: Neighborhoods SC work with administration to create a schedule of reports to be provided by the...
Refer to Neighborhoods SC: Request: Neighborhoods SC work with administration to create a schedule of reports to be provided by the administration...
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to Neighborhoods SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by Belinda M. Juran and Kimberly Scott; Belinda M. Juran is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to Neighborhoods SC. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Mercier)
Take Item #5.9 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #5.9 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. Rourke to take Item #5.9 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Request: Frontrunner City Program SC and City administration meet regularly to discuss Frontrunner City activities...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: Frontrunner City Program SC and City administration meet regularly to discuss Frontrunner City activities and...
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Frontrunner City Program SC. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by Belinda M. Juran and Daniel P. Rourke; Belinda M. Juran is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Frontrunner City Program SC. So voted..” (Motion: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to update City Council on the Downtown Business
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to update City Council on the Downtown Business
In City Council, seconded by C. McDonough, 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. McDonough, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to have Fire and Police Chiefs schedule recruitment events at different locations across the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have Fire and Police Chiefs schedule recruitment events at different locations across the City...
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 work with appropriate departments to address traffic calming measures, including crosswalks...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with appropriate departments to address traffic calming measures, including crosswalks, speed
In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, 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. Juran, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to work with appropriate department to install iron railings on the University Avenue Bridge
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with appropriate department to install iron railings on the University Avenue Bridge
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: Nuon, second: Chau)
Allow Paulette Renault- Carrigianes to address the body
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. McDonough to allow Paulette Renault- Carrigianes to address the body. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. McDonough to allow Paulette Renault- Carrigianes to address the body. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used to ensure the City’s Noise...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used to ensure the City’s Noise...
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: Nuon, second: Scott)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department take any necessary steps to provide a report to the council...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department take any necessary steps to provide a report to the council on ICE
In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, 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. Juran, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Juran)
Request City Manager have LPD before Council regarding City’s ICE policy
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon to request City Manager have LPD before Council regarding City’s ICE policy. 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon to request City Manager have LPD before Council regarding City’s ICE policy. 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: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report to the council on ADA compliance of city owned
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report to the council on ADA compliance of city owned
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: McDonough, second: Mercier)
Take Items #5.6, #5.11 and #5.14 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Chau to take Items #5.6, #5.11 and #5.14 out of order and together. 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. Chau to take Items #5.6, #5.11 and #5.14 out of order and together. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the council with a copy of all lease agreements between...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the council with a copy of all lease agreements between the...
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 work in coordination with the Department of Public Works, the Lowell Police Department, the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work in coordination with the Department of Public Works, the Lowell Police Department, the...
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: Chau, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on creating a Facilities Department
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on creating a Facilities Department
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: Descoteaux, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to reach out to the Lowell Transitional Living Center requesting they clean in front of their...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to reach out to the Lowell Transitional Living Center requesting they clean in front of their...
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 Erik R. Gitschier and Rita Mercier; Erik R. Gitschier is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier)
Ask the City Manager to repair all ADA sidewalk warning pads on Parker Street
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to repair all ADA sidewalk warning pads on Parker Street
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: Gitschier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to send letter to the State requesting immediate action to safeguard the railings on the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to send letter to the State requesting immediate action to safeguard the railings on the Richard...
In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. 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. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. So voted..” (Motion: Gitschier, second: Rourke)
Informational Reports
Accept and place on file: Informational Reports
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Juran)
Take 10-minute break to address the protest interruption regarding ICE
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Juran to take 10-minute break to address the protest interruption regarding ICE. 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. Juran to take 10-minute break to address the protest interruption regarding ICE. So voted.” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Juran)
Vote - Accept/Expend $612,919.09 FY26 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $612,919.09 FY26 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative
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
“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)
Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds. (Stanley Wyzansky)
Adopt: Communication - City Manager Request Approval of Constable Bonds. (Stanley Wyzansky)
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. McDonough. 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. Rourke, seconded by C. McDonough. 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: Rourke, second: McDonough)
Claims - (3) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (3) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, 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. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Jose Antonio Robles Gelpi request installation of handicap parking sign at 341 Pawtucket Boulevard (Unit 8)
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Jose Antonio Robles Gelpi request installation of handicap parking sign at 341 Pawtucket Boulevard (Unit 8)
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)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, 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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