City Council

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: Apr 07, 2015 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA MAYOR’S BUSINESS 1. - MAYOR'S BUSINESS 1.1. 2015 / 200 - (1) Citation - Recognizing Salon Tas as a new business in Lowell. (2) Recognition - Lowell High School Air Force Jr. ROTC program on current achievement. (3) Communication - Members of the Take Back the Night Committee regarding 10th Anniversary event in April. Roll Call showed 9 present. Mayor Elliott Presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Edward L. Morris, former City Solicitor. M. Elliott commented on the passing of former member of the City Council, Larry Martin. M. Elliott presented citation to owner of Salon Tas who addressed and thanked Council for the recognition. M. Elliott recognized the Lowell High School Air Force Jr. ROTC for their recent accomplishments at the National Championships. Brian Martin (Headmaster of LHS) noted the accomplishments of the team and Lt. Peter Demico commented on the competition. The Captains of the team thanked the Council. C. Mercier and C. Samaras praised the group. M. Elliott recognized the Executive Director of the Hope and Healing Center to speak regarding 10th Anniversary event in April. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 11) CITY CLERK 2. - CITY CLERK 2.1. 2015 / 186 - Minutes of City Council Meeting March 31st; Neighborhoods SC March 31st, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 3. - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 3.1. 2015 / 185 - Motion Responses: (A) Motion Response - Downtown Spring Clean-Up (B) Motion Response - Remove Parking at Corner of Broadway Street and Dutton Street (C) Motion Response - Quarterly Drug Overdose Report (D) Motion Response - Procedures for Use of Sirens Informational Reports: (E) Informational - Municipal Lien Auction In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. C. Milinazzo commented on Motion Response B regarding parking changes on Broadway and Dutton Streets. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke to refer matter to City Mgr. to have Law Department draft appropriate ordinance. So voted. C. Belanger commented on Motion Response C regarding drug overdose reports noting the report prepared by Trinity Ambulance. Frank Singleton (Health Director) commented on the report and noted it has reached epidemic proportions and that heroin was the drug which is in the forefront. John Chemaly (Trinity Ambulance) noted the City was out in front when it came to facing the drug issues. C. Belanger noted the need for more beds for treatment. M. Elliott commented on the Resolution calling for more beds that will be in front of the Council later in the meeting. C. Mercier noted the need for education and more punishment for those dealing drugs. C. Leahy thanked Trinity for the report and that there is a need for a team effort in dealing with drug issues. C. Kennedy questioned what pieces of solution could be done immediately and was informed that the current sharing of data and the use of NARCAN are City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 11) positive steps in a solution. C. Milinazzo noted the policy adopted by the Council to use NARCAN has saved lives in the City. 3.2. 2015 / 187 - Communication - City Mgr. request Out of State Travel (1) DPD. In Council, read and adopted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x x Leahy, John J. x x Martin Jr., William F. x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 3.3. 2015 / 209 - Communication-Appoint Thomas B. Caunter Board of Parks In Council, read and adopted. Manager Murphy commented on the appointment and Mr. Caunter addressed and thanked the Council. C. Martin recognized the appointment. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Leahy, John J. x Martin Jr., William F. x x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 3.4. 2015 / 210 - Communication-Accept resignation of Alysha Lynch (Conservation Commission) City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 11) In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. 3.5. 2015 / 211 - Communication-Accept resignation of Matthew Gordon (Conservation Commission In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. M. Elliott requested letter of thanks go out to these individuals. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4. - VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4.1. 2015 / 206 - Vote-Authorize Endorsement 2016 Capital Budget In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. Manager Murphy commented on the Capital Projects and improvements and outlined them along with the cost noting the tie in to public safety, education and economic development. Manager Murphy commented on payment plans for loans to be taken to implement the plan and the need for it to happen. C. Mercier noted the areas of need and that the City must maintain what they own. C. Belanger commented that improvements where to be all over the City. Manager Murphy noted the street lists developed for paving as well as shot spotter program to be purchased by the City. C. Belanger noted that the program will reduce crime. C. Leahy noted the need for added money for the streets. M. Elliott commented on the need for utility companies to repair the roads to the same conditions if they are digging them up. C. Leahy questioned the ability to purchase pre-owned vehicles. C. Kennedy noted that grant money was not available for purchase of the shot spotter program. Manager Murphy commented the costs of the program and how long the service contract was for. C. Rourke approved of the capital plan and noted it went along with public safety promotion. C. Samaras noted the plan was a good approach to address issues. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the funding of the projects and how the stabilization funds would be helpful with any loan order costs. C. Samaras noted the presence of added funds in the plan. Manager Murphy noted that funds would be available for projects done within a certain time frame and for matching grants. C. Samaras commented on regionalization of costs and procurements. Mr. Baldwin noted they are constantly pursuing cost saving measures. C. Martin approved of the use of matching funds in the plan and that the funds are spread throughout different departments. C. Martin questioned bonding for use of purchase of vehicles and upgrading vehicles. C. Milinazzo supported the plan and that City could afford it under current debt schedule. C. Kennedy noted the Northern Middlesex Council of Government is a great organization to approach regionalization of costs. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 11) VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Leahy, John J. x Martin Jr., William F. x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x x 4.2. 2015 / 207 - Vote-Approve License Agreement (overhanging sign) Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - 131 Merrimack St In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Leahy, John J. x x Martin Jr., William F. x x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 4.3. 2015 / 212 - Vote-Easement Sewer Access Agreement (Decatur/Salem Street-UML) In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 11) VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Leahy, John J. x Martin Jr., William F. x x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5. - ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. 2015 / 205 - Loan Order and Transfer-Various Capital Improvements ($9,386,005) In Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 21, 2015 at 7 PM by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6. - ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. 2015 / 208 - Ordinance-Establish Veterans'Commission In Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 21, 2015 at 7 PM and to refer matter to City Manager for further discussion with veterans’ organizations by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. C. Kennedy requested City Manager explore any minor changes with different groups. C. Samaras noted he received several calls regarding request for more information. C. Belanger requested more information go out to various veterans’ organizations. C. Milinazzo commented added time would be needed. RESOLUTIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7. - RESOLUTIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. 2015 / 213 - Resolution-Support Efforts to increase services at Tewksbury State Hospital In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Mercier noted the efforts of all involved. C. Rourke commented on resources that are currently available. C. Belanger commented on the facility City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 11) and that a copy of resolution should go to Governor. Motion to suspend rule to allow resident to speak by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. Resident spoke about helping people in need. M. Elliott provided information to City Manager regarding her issue. M. Elliott relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Leahy at 8:15 PM. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Leahy, John J. x Martin Jr., William F. x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8. - REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. 2015 / 194 - Finance SC April 6, 2015. In City Council, M. Elliott presented the report noting the purpose of the meeting and outlining attendance commenting on the overtime issues in the Fire Department and the solutions to keep that figure down. M. Elliott reported on second issue of the meeting which was the communications from the Auditor regarding review of outside audits of the City. Auditor York noted the City was in sound financial condition reviewing the management letter and that all outside audit work would be going to bid. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. C. Leahy returned Chair to M. Elliott at 8:22 PM. 8.2. 2015 / 193 - Public Safety SC April 7, 2015. In City Council, C. Rourke presented the report noting the purpose of the meeting and outlining attendance as well commenting on the summer deployment of the Police Department and re- use of the Gang Unit. C. Belanger commented on the meeting and noted the new Gang Unit deployment. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 11) 8.3. 2015 / 101 - Wire Insp. - Comcast Southern NE – Request installation of 3" underground conduit at 202 Chelmsford St. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. PETITIONS 9. - PETITIONS 9.1. 2015 / 192 - Claims - (5) Property. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. 9.2. 2015 / 201 - Misc. - Timothy Quinn (Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches) request installation of overhanging sign at 134 Merrimack Street. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10. - CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. 2015 / 188 - C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. invite Deputy Supt. Jay Lang of the School Department to address the City Council regarding the MSBA process concerning the new Lowell High School project. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted Mr. Lang is familiar with the process and would be able to answer any questions. 10.2. 2015 / 189 - C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. have Traffic Engineer explore the possibility of pedestrian crossing signals in downtown Lowell. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted the area needs some safety improvements. C. Milinazzo noted some lights are turning without prompting them. C. Leahy noted the two-way traffic has affected pedestrian traffic. 10.3. 2015 / 190 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. bring together members of the art community to plan a major art festival in the City of Lowell. (Purpose of Committee is City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 11) to create the vision, time line and team to perform that task) In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the need to start because it is a long process and important to the City. C. Kennedy commented that the City’s cultural departments should be involved as well. C. Milinazzo noted the need to start planning a festival. 10.4. 2015 / 191 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have school officials present an informational time line to the City Council regarding the steps that need to take place to plan and build a new high school. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted it was an important project and that all parties, including the public, need to be informed of the plan and the time-line involved. C. Milinazzo commented that support of the motion is not paramount to accepting a new high school or a renovation. C. Samaras noted he is only concern with the process at this juncture. M. Elliott commented on recent discussions with the MSBA and noted it will be a complicated process. Manager Murphy noted that they would involve the MSBA throughout the process. 10.5. 2015 / 195 - C. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. have the School Administration provide a progress report on the implementation of a STEM curriculum at Lowell High School that includes an estimated time to reach that goal and identify any issues which would stall the effort to reach that goal. In Council, seconded by C. Belanger, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Kennedy noted the prior request and that there is a need for a progress report. M. Elliott indicated that he will inform the School Committee of the request. 10.6. 2015 / 196 - C. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. have Lowell Fire Department provide a report that compares the workload of the number of calls to the increase in overtime over the last five years. In Council, seconded by C. Leahy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Kennedy noted the prior discussions on the issue and there is still a need to explore the overtime issue. C. Rourke questioned the structure of the motion. C. Kennedy commented the crux of the motion is to justify overtime. 10.7. 2015 / 197 - C. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. have proper department inspect the 2012 badge at the end of Jackson Street for safety issues resulting from missing granite between the aluminum rail and the base of the light post. In Council, seconded by C. Martin, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Kennedy noted it was new bridge which should be in better shape and have no safety issues. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 11) 10.8. 2015 / 203 - C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. have proper department have a Spring cleaning in downtown area which would include replacing burnt out light bulbs as well as cleaning around dumpsters in alleys. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy commented on the lighting downtown and that the alley ways need to be addressed. Tom Bellegarde (Parks & Recreation) commented on clean-up with the different groups involved. C. Mercier requested lights at South Common be checked. 10.9. 2015 / 204 - C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. have the Human Resource Department present an explanation of the changes in health care benefits. In Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the need for more information. M. Elliott relinquished Chair to Vice-Chair Leahy at 8:53 PM. 10.10. 2015 / 198 - M. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. provide a report on number of riders that use the LRTA bus. In Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, read and referred to City Manager/Transportation SC. So voted. M. Elliott requested the report as there seems to be less ridership on the busses and that needs to be improved. C. Samaras noted the service needs to be improved. Motion to refer to Transportation SC by C. Samaras, seconded by M. Elliott. So voted. 10.11. 2015 / 199 - M. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. work with LRTA to develop system to improve bus access downtown. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager/Transportation SC. So voted. M. Elliott noted all neighborhood routes should be updated. C. Samaras noted that bus timing is way off. Motion to refer to Transportation SC by C. Samaras, seconded by M. Elliott. So voted. C. Leahy returned Chair to M. Elliott at 9:00 PM. C. Mercier noted that the Board of Parks approved the name change of Point Park to Utopian Park. M. Elliott suspended rules to allow a report regarding the conditions of the parks in the City. Mr. Bellegarde noted there was work to be done and still waiting on the weather. Manager Murphy noted the yard waste pick-up schedule. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 11 of 11) ADJOURNMENT 11. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to Adjourn by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov