MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 27, 2026
30 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 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: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a draft home rule petition allowing the City to.
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. 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)
Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 20th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 20th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Liang. 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. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Liang)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper departments work with our City Council to draft parameters around TIFs and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper departments work with our City Council to draft parameters around TIFs and TIEs...
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Economic Development 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
“In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Economic Development SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to Economic Development SC: Ask the City Manager to have the proper departments work with our City Council to draft parameters around TIFs...
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to Economic Development 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
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer matter to Economic Development SC. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a draft home rule petition allowing the City to establish...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a draft home rule petition allowing the City to establish a...
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 Recusal (C. McDonough). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottSean McDonough recused and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 Recusal (C. McDonough). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Request Mayor bring motion before School Committee regarding the establishment of a centralized facilities department
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott to request Mayor bring motion before School Committee regarding the establishment of a centralized facilities 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
“Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott to request Mayor bring motion before School Committee regarding the establishment of a centralized facilities department. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Schedule a joint Municipal Facilities SC with schools
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon to schedule a joint Municipal Facilities SC with schools. 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. Nuon to schedule a joint Municipal Facilities SC with schools. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to invite the Veterans Commission to appear before the Council to provide a presentation on the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to invite the Veterans Commission to appear before the Council to provide a presentation on the...
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: Chau, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a comprehensive list and status update of all street paving...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide the City Council with a comprehensive list and status update of all street paving...
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Neighborhoods SC as amended. So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted. Filed by Sokhary Chau and Erik R. Gitschier; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Neighborhoods SC as amended. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Amend motion to have a comprehensive list along with criteria used for selection of roads and to refer to Neighborhoods SC
Motion by C. Juran, seconded by C. Chau to amend motion to have a comprehensive list along with criteria used for selection of roads and to refer 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.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Juran, seconded by C. Chau to amend motion to have a comprehensive list along with criteria used for selection of roads and to refer to Neighborhoods SC. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Chau)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, 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
“Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Refer back to Law Department to amend definition of “Data Center” in the ordinance
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Juran to refer back to Law Department to amend definition of “Data Center” in the ordinance. 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. Juran to refer back to Law Department to amend definition of “Data Center” in the ordinance. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Juran)
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
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
“Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Vote - Allocate $20k Opioid Settlement Funds
Adopt: Vote - Allocate $20k Opioid Settlement Funds
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Juran)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Withdraw item: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
In City Council, Motion to withdraw item by C. Rourke, 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 withdraw item by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Mercier)
Misc. - Nydia Rakim request installation of a handicap parking sign at 61 Chestnut Street (Apt. 3)
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Nydia Rakim request installation of a handicap parking sign at 61 Chestnut Street (Apt. 3)
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: McDonough)
Misc. - Maria Olsen request installation of a handicap parking sign at 142-144 Ennell Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Maria Olsen request installation of a handicap parking sign at 142-144 Ennell Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Chau, 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 Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Mercier)
Bundle Items #9.3 to #9.13, inclusive
Motion to bundle Items #9.3 to #9.13, inclusive by C. Scott, 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 Items #9.3 to #9.13, inclusive by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 SO Pole at Middlesex and Wood Streets
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 SO Pole at Middlesex and Wood Streets
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole 557 Varnum Avenue
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole 557 Varnum Avenue
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 1158 Gorham Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 1158 Gorham Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 145 Pawtucket Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 145 Pawtucket Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 15 West Meadow Road
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 15 West Meadow Road
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 308 Stevens Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 308 Stevens Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 316 Mammoth Road
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 316 Mammoth Road
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 9-11 Columbia Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 JO Pole at 9-11 Columbia Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 1 SO Pole at 12 Wood Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 1 SO Pole at 12 Wood Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 2 SO Poles at 1170 Gorham Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 2 SO Poles at 1170 Gorham Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of 5 JO Poles at Middlesex and Edwards Streets
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of 5 JO Poles at Middlesex and Edwards Streets
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
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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