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Lowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting

April 28, 2026

31 recorded votes, 27 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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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, Vesna Nuon, Corey Robinson, Daniel P. Rourke, Kimberly Scott

Absent: Rita Mercier

During the meeting:

  • Erik R. Gitschier recused from the vote on: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Clerk's Office.

Every vote, in order

Communication Remote/Zoom Participation

Accept and place on file: Communication Remote/Zoom Participation

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 21st, for acceptance

Accept and place on file: Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 21st, for acceptance

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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

“In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Take Item #6.4 out of order

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #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 by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Clerk's Office

Adopt: Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Clerk's Office

Minutes, page 2

ApprovePassed · 9–0

Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 recuse (M. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.

Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottErik R. Gitschier recused and is left out of this vote.

From the minutes

“Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 recuse (M. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Boston Gas - Request permission to replace existing cast iron gas main at 24-360 Gorham Street

Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas - Request permission to replace existing cast iron gas main at 24-360 Gorham Street

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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

“Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Boston Gas - Request permission to replace existing cast iron gas main at 67-94 Kinsman Street

Refer to Wire Inspector: Boston Gas - Request permission to replace existing cast iron gas main at 67-94 Kinsman Street

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, 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 Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

National Grid - Request permission to install underground electric conduit at 50 Dracut Street

Refer to Wire Inspector: National Grid - Request permission to install underground electric conduit at 50 Dracut Street

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation 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 refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Juran, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Liang)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the relevant departments assess the feasibility of the following measures: (1) the...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the relevant departments assess the feasibility of the following measures: (1) the...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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: Liang, second: McDonough)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed explanation of the process used for City...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed explanation of the process used for City funded...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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 Corey Robinson and Sidney L. Liang; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.

From the minutes

“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the City Council with a report on pros and cons of...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide the City Council with a report on pros and cons of...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a pathway to resurface and remark both courts at...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a pathway to resurface and remark both courts at McPherson...

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Allow student speakers to present slide show regarding item

Minutes, page 4

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to allow student speakers to present slide show regarding 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to allow student speakers to present slide show regarding item. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Take Item #7.2 out of order

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #7.2 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Ask the City Manager to have the traffic engineer examine the feasibility of installing a four way stop at the...

Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the traffic engineer examine the feasibility of installing a four way stop at the...

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Motion Responses

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Tree Committee Update April 2026

Minutes, page 5

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

A) Motion Response - Tree Committee Update April 2026 - 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

“A) Motion Response - Tree Committee Update April 2026 - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Liang)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Tiny Tots

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

B) Motion Response - Tiny Tots - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, 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

“B) Motion Response - Tiny Tots - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Rules Elections Sub Committee RE Mayoral Election

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

C) Motion Response - Rules Elections Sub Committee RE Mayoral Election - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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

“C) Motion Response - Rules Elections Sub Committee RE Mayoral Election - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - LHS Forensic Audit

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

D) Motion Response - LHS Forensic Audit - 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

“D) Motion Response - LHS Forensic Audit - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Net School Spending Update

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

E) Motion Response - Net School Spending Update - 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

“E) Motion Response - Net School Spending Update - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Juran)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Mayors Meeting - Regional Collaboration

Minutes, page 6

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

F) Motion Response - Mayors Meeting - Regional Collaboration - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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

“F) Motion Response - Mayors Meeting - Regional Collaboration - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Nets and Backboards St. Louis Park

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

G) Motion Response - Nets and Backboards St. Louis Park - In City Council, 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

“G) Motion Response - Nets and Backboards St. Louis Park - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Informational Reports. Informational Report - Town and City Festival

Accept and place on file: Informational Report - Town and City Festival

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Informational Report - Town and City Festival - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, 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

“Informational Report - Town and City Festival - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Accept and place on file: Informational Report - Budget Listening Session Update

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Informational Report - Budget Listening Session Update - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, 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

“Informational Report - Budget Listening Session Update - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Take Item #8.2 out of order

Minutes, page 7

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #8.2 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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Vote - Accept/Expend $196,367.60 FY26 State Aid to Public Libraries Program Award

Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $196,367.60 FY26 State Aid to Public Libraries Program Award

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation - 1190 Pawtucket Boulevard

Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation - 1190 Pawtucket Boulevard

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Juran)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Allow Chris Golden to address the body regarding vote

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott to allow Chris Golden to address the body regarding vote. 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 allow Chris Golden to address the body regarding vote. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Vote - Transfer $8,964 – Cemetery

Adopt: Vote - Transfer $8,964 – Cemetery

Minutes, page 8

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 10 present

Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted.

From the minutes

“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Juran)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Claims - (4) Property Damage

Refer to Law Department: Claims - (4) Property Damage

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion “To refer to Law Department for report and recommendation” by C. Nuon, 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 Law Department for report and recommendation” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: McDonough)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

To Consider And Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy Under Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (B), 2, 3...

Go into executive session: To Consider And Discuss Collective Bargaining Strategy Under Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (A) (B), 2, 3 Of...

Minutes, page 8

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 10 present

In City Council, M. Gitschier stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. (8:45 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). 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. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. (8:45 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

Minutes, page 9

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Juran, 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 from Executive Session by C. Juran, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Rourke)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

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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