MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 5, 2026
33 recorded votes, 28 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. 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)
Greetings - Cork Ireland Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy
Accept and place on file: Greetings - Cork Ireland Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: McDonough)
Take Item #6.4 out of order
Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson 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. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness
Accept and place on file: Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness
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)
Minutes of Finance SC April 28th; City Council Regular Meeting April 28th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Finance SC April 28th; City Council Regular Meeting April 28th, for acceptance
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, 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 accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Chau)
Ask the City Manager to have appropriate department create a reinspection schedule yearly for all utilities
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have appropriate department create a reinspection schedule yearly for all utilities
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 provide City Council with an update concerning the Hot Pot restaurant on Middlesex Street at...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide City Council with an update concerning the Hot Pot restaurant on Middlesex Street at an...
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: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Request: City Auditor provides City Council with an annual report of grant expenditures, said annual report should...
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Auditor provides City Council with an annual report of grant expenditures, said annual report should...
In City Council, seconded by C. McDonough, referred to City Manager/Auditor. 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/Auditor. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: McDonough)
Req, City Auditor provides City Council with an annual report detailing how and where Community
Refer to the City Manager: Req, City Auditor provides City Council with an annual report detailing how and where Community
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager/Auditor. 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager/Auditor. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Descoteaux)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed list of all motor vehicles owned or leased by...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a detailed list of all motor vehicles owned or leased by 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: Liang, second: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an outline of the process for resolving claims of pothole...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide an outline of the process for resolving claims of pothole or...
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: Juran, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information about the plan to address the sinkhole at the...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide information about the plan to address the sinkhole at the...
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 Belinda M. Juran and Sean McDonough; Belinda M. Juran is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to install an appropriate placement of permanent recognition at the Lowell
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to install an appropriate placement of permanent recognition at the Lowell
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, 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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Descoteaux)
Allow Kevin Coughlin (Sun Charities) to address the Council
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Rourke to allow Kevin Coughlin (Sun Charities) to address the Council. 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. Chau, seconded by C. Rourke to allow Kevin Coughlin (Sun Charities) to address the Council. So voted..” (Motion: Chau, second: Rourke)
Ask the City Manager to work with the appropriate department to provide the City Council with a report on adopting...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the appropriate department to provide the City Council with a report on adopting the...
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: Chau, second: Rourke)
Request the Mayor refer the matter of Louisiana v. Callais (SCOTUS No. 24-109) and its implications for Lowell's...
Motion: Request the Mayor refer the matter of Louisiana v. Callais (SCOTUS No. 24-109) and its implications for Lowell's consent decree and...
In City Council, C. Chau withdrew the motion after discussion with the assent of C. Descoteaux who had originally seconded it. 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, C. Chau withdrew the motion after discussion with the assent of C. Descoteaux who had originally seconded it. So voted..”
Ask the City Manager to work with the appropriate department to provide the City Council with a status report on...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to work with the appropriate department to provide the City Council with a status report on...
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 Sokhary Chau and John Descoteaux; Sokhary Chau is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Chau)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Improved Street Lighting Barker and Billings Streets
A) Motion Response - Improved Street Lighting Barker and Billings Streets - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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
“A) Motion Response - Improved Street Lighting Barker and Billings Streets - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Mercier)
Accept and place on file: Motion Responses
C. Robinson noted corrective action was taken and is looking for B) Motion Response - Polling Place Feasibility - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, 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
“C. Robinson noted corrective action was taken and is looking for B) Motion Response - Polling Place Feasibility - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: McDonough)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Special Election in Schools Report
C) Motion Response - Special Election in Schools Report - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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
“C) Motion Response - Special Election in Schools Report - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Descoteaux)
Take an item out of order
Motion by C. Juran, seconded by C. Nuon to take remaining items of #5.1 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. Juran, seconded by C. Nuon to take remaining items of #5.1 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Nuon)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Irrigation at Alumni
D) Motion Response - Irrigation at Alumni - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, 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
“D) Motion Response - Irrigation at Alumni - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Liang)
Vote - Accept Gift of Materials for Botto Concession Stand
Adopt: Vote - Accept Gift of Materials for Botto Concession St
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
“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)
Vote - Accept/Expend $10,620.23 Fire SAFE Grant
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $10,620.23 Fire SAFE Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, 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. Scott, 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: Scott, second: Mercier)
Vote - Amend COLA for Ordinance Employees
Adopt: Vote - Amend COLA for Ordinance Employees
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. Descoteaux. 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: Descoteaux)
Vote - Authorize City
Adopt: Vote - Authorize City
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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: Juran, second: Descoteaux)
Finance SC April 28, 2026
Accept the report: Finance SC April 28, 2026
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Rourke, 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
“Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Rourke, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: McDonough)
Wire Inspector Reports:
Table: Wire Inspector Reports:
In City Council, Motion to table by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Liang. Matter tabled per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott), 2 nays (C. Robinson, C. Rourke). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, ScottNo: Robinson, Rourke
From the minutes
“In City Council, Motion to table by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Liang. Matter tabled per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott), 2 nays (C. Robinson, C. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, 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. Liang, 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. Liang, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Descoteaux)
Misc. - Trem Caipira Brazilian Cuisine (Cristiane Pinheiro - Owner) request installation of "15 - Minute" parking...
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Trem Caipira Brazilian Cuisine (Cristiane Pinheiro - Owner) request installation of "15 - Minute"...
In City Council, Motion “To refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation” 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Misc. - Jose Perez for the benefit of Carmen Rivera request installation of a handicap parking sign at 55 Walnut Street
Refer to Transportation Engineer: Misc. - Jose Perez for the benefit of Carmen Rivera request installation of a handicap parking sign at 55 Walnut...
In City Council, Motion “To refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation” 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 refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To The Disposition of HCID Parcels 11,12
Go into executive session: Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To The Disposition of HCID Parcels 11,12
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. Chau. (8:30 PM). 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, M. Gitschier stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Scott, seconded by C. Chau. (8:30 PM). 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: Scott, second: Chau)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Nuon, 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
“In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Scott)
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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