MassVoter.com← Lowell City CouncilLowell City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 19, 2026
35 recorded votes, 34 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
ROLL CALL
Suspend the rules
Motion to suspend rules to allow presentation regarding “Hometown Heroes Banners” 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
“Motion to suspend rules to allow presentation regarding “Hometown Heroes Banners” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
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. 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)
Proclamation - National Public Works Week
Accept and place on file: Proclamation - National Public Works Week
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Citation - Albert Ferreras
Accept and place on file: Citation - Albert Ferreras
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Citation - Asian American
Accept and place on file: Citation - Asian American
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Nuon, second: Chau)
Take Item #6.6 out of order
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #6.6 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. Descoteaux to take Item #6.6 out of order. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Minutes of Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC May 12th; City Council Regular Meeting May 12th, for acceptance
Accept and place on file: Minutes of Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC May 12th; City Council Regular Meeting May 12th, for acceptance
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)
Ask the City Manager to contact State delegation to report on State reimbursement to City for Charter Schools and if...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to contact State delegation to report on State reimbursement to City for Charter Schools and if...
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: Descoteaux, second: Juran)
Ask the City Manager to provide a list of ARPA funded positions (name/amount of pay), as well as a list of new hires...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide a list of ARPA funded positions (name/amount of pay), as well as a list of new hires...
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: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Ask the City Manager to have an appropriate department look to install a four-way stop sign on the corner of South...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have an appropriate department look to install a four-way stop sign on the corner of South...
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)
Ask the City Manager to provide information about last week’s layoff: overview of decision-making process; list of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide information about last week’s layoff: overview of decision-making process; list of...
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: Juran, second: McDonough)
Ask the City Manager to direct the Department of Public Works and the Traffic Engineering Division to conduct a...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to direct the Department of Public Works and the Traffic Engineering Division to conduct a...
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)
Request: City Council consider addressing Community
Refer to the City Manager: Request: City Council consider addressing Community
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 work with the City Council to carve out a requirement as part of...
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department work with the City Council to carve out a requirement as part of 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 Corey Robinson, Sean McDonough and Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Ask the City Manager to provide an update on draft apprenticeship/residency requirements assigned to solicitors' office
Refer to the City Manager: Ask the City Manager to provide an update on draft apprenticeship/residency requirements assigned to solicitors' office
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 Erik R. Gitschier; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Motion Responses
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Perkins Street
A) Motion Response - Perkins Street - 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
“A) Motion Response - Perkins Street - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - RAISE Grant
B) Motion Response - RAISE Grant - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” 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
“B) Motion Response - RAISE Grant - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Descoteaux)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Methuen St.
C) Motion Response - Methuen St. - 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
“C) Motion Response - Methuen St. - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - Cross St.
D) Motion Response - Cross St. - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, 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
“D) Motion Response - Cross St. - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Juran, second: Chau)
Accept and place on file: Motion Response - LFD Nick Spinale
E) Motion Response - LFD Nick Spinale - 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
“E) Motion Response - LFD Nick Spinale - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Informational Reports. Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance Schedule
Accept and place on file: Informational Reports. Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance Schedule
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
“Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Nuon)
Accept and place on file: Informational Report - Bridge St Jersey Barriers Letter to State Delegation
Informational Report - Bridge St Jersey Barriers Letter to State Delegation - 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
“Informational Report - Bridge St Jersey Barriers Letter to State Delegation - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Accept and place on file: Informational Reports. Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance Schedule
RT Informational Report - Sick Leave Usage and OT Update for FY2026 - 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
“RT Informational Report - Sick Leave Usage and OT Update for FY2026 - In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Bundle, waive second reading and adopt Items #6.1 to #6.5
Motion to bundle, waive second reading and adopt Items #6.1 to #6.5 by C. Robinson, 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
“Motion to bundle, waive second reading and adopt Items #6.1 to #6.5 by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Accept/Expend $130,991 Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant – MIS
Adopt: Vote - Accept/Expend $130,991 Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant – MIS
Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Transfer $1,799,000 - General Energy
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $1,799,000 - General Energy
Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Transfer $1,881,465 - Various Year End
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $1,881,465 - Various Year End
Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Transfer $364k - Water Energy
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $364k - Water Energy
Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Transfer $422k - Wastewater Energy
Adopt: Vote - Transfer $422k - Wastewater Energy
Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Accept” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Descoteaux)
Vote - Transfer $822k - Fire Department OT
Table: Vote - Transfer $822k - Fire Department OT
Motion To Table by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 5 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Juran, Nuon, Rourke, ScottNo: Gitschier, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Robinson
From the minutes
“Motion To Table by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 5 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Nuon)
Order - 60 Day Trial
Adopt: Order - 60 Day Trial
Motion “To Accept” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. 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 Accept” by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Liang. 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: McDonough, second: Liang)
Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC May 12, 2026
Accept the report: Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC May 12, 2026
In City Council, Motion “To accept the report as a report of progress” 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
“In City Council, Motion “To accept the report as a report of progress” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted..” (Motion: Descoteaux, second: Chau)
Claim - (1) Property Damage
Refer to Law Department: Claim - (1) Property Damage
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department 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
“In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Misc. - Mary Lou Carroll request waiver of demand for excise tax payment
Refer to Law Department: Misc. - Mary Lou Carroll request waiver of demand for excise tax payment
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Liang, 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 Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Liang, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted..” (Motion: Liang, second: Mercier)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn 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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Descoteaux)
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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