MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
March 10, 2026
40 recorded votes, 35 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. 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)
Take Item #6.2 and #6.4 out of order
Motion to take Item #6.2 and #6.4 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 to take Item #6.2 and #6.4 out of order. So voted..”
Minutes of Municipal Facilities SC Joint With School Facilities SC February 25th; City Council Regular Meeting March...
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Municipal Facilities SC Joint With School Facilities SC February 25th; City Council Regular Meeting March...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Juran)
Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Motion to adopt as amended by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Rourke). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, ScottAbstained: RourkeDaniel P. Rourke abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion to adopt as amended by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: McDonough)
Take Item #6.3 at the same time: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Juran to take Item #6.3 at the same time. 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 take Item #6.3 at the same time. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Juran)
Recess: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to recess for five minutes due to presence of a bat in the Chamber. 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 recess for five minutes due to presence of a bat in the Chamber. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Data Center Moratorium
Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott to adopt the planning board recommendations regarding changes to the moratorium. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Rourke). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, ScottAbstained: RourkeDaniel P. Rourke abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott to adopt the planning board recommendations regarding changes to the moratorium. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing - 48 Kinsman Street
Declare the property at 48 Kinsman Street, Lowell, MA 01852, including all buildings and structures, a dangerous nuisance to the neighborhood and...
Motion to declare the property at 48 Kinsman Street, Lowell, MA 01852, including all buildings and structures, a dangerous nuisance to the neighborhood and further order the demolition of the same by C. Mercier, 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
“Motion to declare the property at 48 Kinsman Street, Lowell, MA 01852, including all buildings and structures, a dangerous nuisance to the neighborhood and further order the demolition of the same by C. Mercier, 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: Mercier, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate departments provide safety and feasibility assessments of the 4-Way...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate departments provide safety and feasibility assessments of the 4-Way Stop...
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: Liang, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate departments conduct an audit/assessment of Cross Street and provide...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate departments conduct an audit/assessment of Cross Street and provide short...
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: Liang, second: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to schedule an information meeting with the Traffic Engineer/ Engineer’s Office and the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to schedule an information meeting with the Traffic Engineer/ Engineer’s Office and the residents...
In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to have the Traffic Engineer re- evaluate the synchronization of the light cycle at Westford...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the Traffic Engineer re- evaluate the synchronization of the light cycle at Westford and...
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 have the appropriate department work with the Council on Aging, the Healthy Aging in Action...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the appropriate department work with the Council on Aging, the Healthy Aging in Action...
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)
Request: City Council re-establish the 'unanswered/non-responsive' section on the agenda of regular meetings
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council re-establish the 'unanswered/non-responsive' section on the agenda of regular meetings
In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, referred to City Manager/Mayor. 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/Mayor. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to begin a conversation with the Superintendent of schools to look into any space consolidation...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to begin a conversation with the Superintendent of schools to look into any space consolidation...
In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, 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. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Motion: Ask the City Manager to begin a conversation with the Superintendent of schools to look into any space consolidation measures that...
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Chau for Mayor to bring before the school committee and school superintendent a request to provide information of spacing needs due to current and future enrollment number. So vote.
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. Chau for Mayor to bring before the school committee and school superintendent a request to provide information of spacing needs due to current and future enrollment number. So vote..” (Motion: Scott, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department look into adding blinking stop signs at the four-way intersection...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department look into adding blinking stop signs at the four-way intersection of...
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)
Cancel City Council Meeting of March 17, 2026
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to cancel City Council Meeting of March 17, 2026. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 4 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. McDonough, C. Nuon). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Liang, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: Gitschier, Juran, McDonough, Nuon
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to cancel City Council Meeting of March 17, 2026. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 4 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. McDonough, C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Motion Responses / Informational Report
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Hometown Heroes Banner Program
A) Motion Response - Hometown Heroes Banner Program - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“A) Motion Response - Hometown Heroes Banner Program - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Chau)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - 2025 2026 Local Elections Funding
B) Motion Response - 2025 2026 Local Elections Funding - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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
“B) Motion Response - 2025 2026 Local Elections Funding - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Coburn Hall
C) Motion Response - Coburn Hall - 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
“C) Motion Response - Coburn Hall - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Refer to the Economic Development SC by C: Motion Responses / Informational Report
D) Motion Response - TIFs and TIEs – Motion to refer to Economic Development SC 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
“D) Motion Response - TIFs and TIEs – Motion to refer to Economic Development SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Informational Report. Informational Report - Tyler Excellence Award
Accept and place on file: Informational Report - Tyler Excellence Award
Informational Report - Tyler Excellence Award - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“Informational Report - Tyler Excellence Award - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Communication - Planning Board recommendation regarding creating a moratorium on the development of data centers...
Accept and place on file: Communication - Planning Board recommendation regarding creating a moratorium on the development of data centers within...
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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 accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: McDonough)
Communication - City
Adopt: Communication - City
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Take Item #6.1 (A) out of order
Motion to take Item #6.1 (A) and (C) 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 to take Item #6.1 (A) and (C) out of order. So voted..”
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Easements with National Grid - Douglas Road
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Easements with National Grid - Douglas Road
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)
Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Notice of Activity and Use Limitation - 86 Fay St and 1170 Gorham St
Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Notice of Activity and Use Limitation - 86 Fay St and 1170 Gorham St
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)
CONSTABLE BONDS
Adopt
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. 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. Rourke. 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: Rourke)
Municipal Facilities SC joint with School Facilities SC February 25, 2025
Accept the report: Municipal Facilities SC joint with School Facilities SC February 25, 2025
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Juran, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Liang)
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. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Rourke)
Misc. - James McCarthy request installation of a handicap parking sign at 32 Willie Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - James McCarthy request installation of a handicap parking sign at 32 Willie Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Liang, 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Liang, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Nuon)
Misc. - Samuel Dualu request installation of a handicap parking sign at 154 Coburn Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Samuel Dualu request installation of a handicap parking sign at 154 Coburn Street
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Bundle Items #11.4 to #11.8
Motion to bundle Items #11.4 to #11.8 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
“Motion to bundle Items #11.4 to #11.8 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 114- 120 Agawam Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 114- 120 Agawam Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 217 Wilder Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 217 Wilder Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 275 Varnum Avenue
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 275 Varnum Avenue
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 7-19 Nesmith Street
Send to a public hearing: National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole located at 7-19 Nesmith Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
Boston Gas - Request replacement of existing gas main on Sayles Street
Send to a public hearing: Boston Gas - Request replacement of existing gas main on Sayles Street
Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, 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
“Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 24, 2026 @ 7 PM by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)
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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