MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
February 3, 2026
38 recorded votes, 37 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. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Minutes of City Council Regular meeting January 27th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular meeting January 27th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Juran)
Reg. City Manager work with the OPM to provide to City Council a finding of the structural engineer review of the...
Refer to the City Manager: Reg. City Manager work with the OPM to provide to City Council a finding of the structural engineer review of the 1892...
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)
Take Item #9.2 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #9.2 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. Nuon to take Item #9.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report on the feasibility of implementing a Community...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report on the feasibility of implementing a Community...
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 have the proper department provide a report that examines how arterial (both minor and...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report that examines how arterial (both minor and major)...
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 Vesna Nuon and Sidney L. Liang; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Take Item #4.9 with this item: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report that examines how arterial (both minor and...
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Juran to take Item #4.9 with this item. 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. Juran to take Item #4.9 with this item. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Juran)
Take Item #5.2 (Informational – SRF) out of order
Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Liang to take Item #5.2 (Informational – SRF) 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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Liang to take Item #5.2 (Informational – SRF) out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Liang)
Ask the City Manager to invite the Citizens Advisory Committee/LPD to appear before the Public Safety SC to provide...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to invite the Citizens Advisory Committee/LPD to appear before the Public Safety SC to provide a...
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 Vesna Nuon and Sidney L. Liang; Vesna Nuon is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper departments inspect LHS and other school buildings to ensure Automated...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper departments inspect LHS and other school buildings to ensure Automated External...
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: Liang, second: Mercier)
Ask the City Manager to , for public safety and precaution, have appropriate departments work on installing...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to , for public safety and precaution, have appropriate departments work on installing additional...
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: Liang, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to evaluate and take the necessary steps to install sidewalks along Woburn Street to improve...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to evaluate and take the necessary steps to install sidewalks along Woburn Street to improve...
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: Scott, second: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department report on the feasibility of using parks with dedicated...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department report on the feasibility of using parks with dedicated parking...
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: Scott, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to provide a debrief about the recent snow storm: e.g., what the City and the residents...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a debrief about the recent snow storm: e.g., what the City and the residents...
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: Juran, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a list of possible staging locations in Centralville that...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a list of possible staging locations in Centralville that...
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: Robinson, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report on the possibility of remote Board of Parks...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a report on the possibility of remote Board of Parks...
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 look into a 24-hour Construction webcam monitoring system that provides continuous...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to look into a 24-hour Construction webcam monitoring system that provides continuous, 360-degree...
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 and Council send a formal letter to the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Senator Michael...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to and Council send a formal letter to the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Senator Michael...
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: Gitschier, second: Juran)
Motion Responses:
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses:
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)
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Informational Report Informational Report - Centralville SRF – Aaron Fox (Director of Water/Wastewater) provided...
Accept and place on file: Informational Report Informational Report - Centralville SRF – Aaron Fox (Director of Water/Wastewater) provided update...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Juran)
Communication - Reappointment of Jeffrey Harris to Historic Board
Approve: Communication - Reappointment of Jeffrey Harris to Historic Board
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Chau, 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. Chau, 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: Chau, second: Juran)
Vote – Accept MGL c.40 s.71 - School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring
Send to a public hearing: Vote – Accept MGL c.40 s.71 - School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM 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 refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Vote - Establish School Bus Violation Stabilization Fund
Postpone to a later meeting: Vote - Establish School Bus Violation Stabilization Fund
In City Council, Motion to refer to February 17, 2026 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 February 17, 2026 by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Juran)
Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation
Postpone to a later meeting: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation
Motion , as amended, to refer to March 3, 2026 (4 weeks) by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. 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 abstain (C. McDonough). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottAbstained: McDonoughSean McDonough abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion , as amended, to refer to March 3, 2026 (4 weeks) by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. 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 abstain (C. McDonough). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Motion: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. to postpone the matter for two weeks and to have joint subcommittee with school facility committee. 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. to postpone the matter for two weeks and to have joint subcommittee with school facility committee. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Amend time frame to 4 weeks (March 3, 2026)
Motion to amend time frame to 4 weeks (March 3, 2026) by C. Robinson, 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 amend time frame to 4 weeks (March 3, 2026) by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Scott)
Take Item #4.13 out of order
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #4.13 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. Robinson to take Item #4.13 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Refer to Planning Board: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (3/2/26) and Public Hearing on March 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Rourke, 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
“Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (3/2/26) and Public Hearing on March 10, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Juran)
Take Item #6.3 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.3 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. Mercier to take Item #6.3 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.24 - School Bus Violation
Send to a public hearing: Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.24 - School Bus Violation
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Claims - (2) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claims - (2) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Juran, 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. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Jennifer Mahoney-Brum request permission to address City Council regarding construction at the Mahoney...
Refer to the City Manager: Misc. - Jennifer Mahoney-Brum request permission to address City Council regarding construction at the Mahoney Softball...
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, 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 City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Robinson)
Take Item #7.1 out of order
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #7.1 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. Rourke to take Item #7.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO pole at 242 Church Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO pole at 242 Church Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 17, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. (8:40 PM). 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).
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists every vote it counts but does not list Sean McDonough, who is shown present at the meeting; that councilor is left out of this vote.
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. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. (8:40 PM). 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)..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
Motion: Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Purchase, Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (The Senior Center, 276
, 1 nay (C. McDonough). So voted.
The minutes give the result only (“So voted”, a voice vote), so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Descoteaux, 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 from Executive Session by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, 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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