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: Jun 23, 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 / 375 - Communication - Melvin Velez from House of Restoration regarding opening of new church. Roll Call showed 8 present, 1 absent (C. Samaras). Mayor Elliott Presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Edward S. Byrne, father-in- law of C. Milinazzo. In City Council, Mr. Velez introduced the pastor of the new church located in Lowell. C. Mercier welcomed them to the community and wished them well. CITY CLERK 2. - CITY CLERK 2.1. 2015 / 361 - Minutes of City Council Meeting June 9th; Economic Development SC June 9th; Public Safety SC June 9th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to take item 10.4 out of order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to take item 10.9 out of order by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 18) GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. - GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. 2015 / 321 - Ordinance-Amend Ch. 56 entitled Personnel amending 56.2 enumerated City Electrician In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Public hearing held and closed. No remonstrants. Adopted by Roll Call vote. 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 UTILITY PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. - UTILITY PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. 2015 / 346 - National Grid – Request installation of electric conduit at 71 Wilder Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Public hearing held and closed. No remonstrants. Motion to refer to wire inspector for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5. - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. 2015 / 398 - Motion Responses: (A) Motion Response - Roper St. Bridge (B) Motion Response - Progress on Crosswalk Painting (C) Motion Response - Intersection of Nesmith and Andover Streets (D) Motion Response - MSBA Process and Timeline of Steps (E) Motion Response - Lowell High STEM Curriculum City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 18) (F) Motion Response - Pedestrian Bridge over Railroad at Western Avenue Informational Reports: (G) Informational - 2015 Paving Schedules In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. C. Mercier commented on Motion Response A regarding Roper Street Bridge noting that matter will be before Council with a vote. C. Leahy commented on Motion Response B regarding crosswalk painting noting the current reports. Lt. Golner (LPD) outlined the reports and how the process worked. C. Martin commented on Motion Response C regarding intersection of Nesmith and Andover Streets noting the short term resolution as well as long term plan of widening the road. Nicolas Bosonetto (Traffic Engineer) noted the MDOT plan for the intersection to widen the road and the City having input on that. C. Kennedy commented on Motion Response E regarding STEM noting the meeting with school administrators regarding moving forward with curriculum. C. Leahy commented on Motion Response F regarding pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks at Western Avenue noting other means to cross the tracks. City Solicitor O’Connor commented on the crossing and the fact that the railroad would not approve it for safety reasons. C. Leahy noted that it is an important connection and should not be given up on. C. Belanger commented on the possibility of using the canals for connecting transportation. Manager Murphy stated that they would review alternatives. C. Leahy commented on Motion Response G regarding paving schedules noting the report and specifying Varnum Avenue. Lisa Demeo (City Engineer) commented on the area noting the defect is due to installation of water main. M. Elliott noted the area needed to be addressed. C. Rourke requested the area around Rosemount Terrace be addressed as well. 5.2. 2015 / 377 - Communication-Reappoint Bernard F. Cassidy to Cemetery Commission In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 5.3. 2015 / 378 - Communication-Appoint Sean Daniels and Maxine Farkas Lowell Cultural Council In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Mr. Daniels and Ms. Farkas were present and thanked the Council. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 18) 5.4. 2015 / 379 - Communication-Accept resignation of Sophy Theam Lowell Cultural Council In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Martin, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6. - VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. 2015 / 376 - Vote-Approve the Complete Streets Policy In Council, read twice, Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. C. Belanger commented on benefits of the program. Manager Murphy requested it be referred to Transportation SC. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke to refer to Transportation SC. So voted. 6.2. 2015 / 380 - Vote-Auth CM Ex. License Agreement w/Quinn's Sandwiches d/b/a Jimmy John's (134 Merrimack St) Sidewalk Seating 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 6.3. 2015 / 381 - Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend $55,037 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 18) 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 x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William 6.4. 2015 / 383 - Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend $2,000 MassDEP SMRP Grant In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. 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 x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William 6.5. 2015 / 384 - Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend $14,400 MassDEP RDP Gran In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Mercier commented on the work of Gunther Wellenstein regarding recycling. Mr. Wellenstein commented on the grants that were obtained. C. Belanger noted Lowell leads gateway cities with recycling programs. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 18) 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 x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William 6.6. 2015 / 386 - Vote-Auth CM Ex Amendment w Colonial Power Group Inc. to exercise one year renewal option year In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Martin, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Manager Murphy outlined the vote noting the success of the program and the savings for the citizens of Lowell. Phil Ferreira (DPD) commented on the savings under the program and noted the current rate charges. Manager Murphy noted bills with Hampshire Power as the supplier will generate savings. 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 x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William 6.7. 2015 / 387 - Vote-Authorization of Continuation of FY16 Revolving Funds In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 18) 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 6.8. 2015 / 388 - Vote-Auth CM Ex. Intermunicipal Agreement (136 Stedman St Chelmsford) Sewer Tie-In In Council, read twice and adopted. Registered speaker, Atty. Daniel Tenczar representing the homeowner commented on vote and reason behind same. 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 6.9. 2015 / 389 - Vote-Transfer $12,704 (cover projected year end payroll deficit) In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 18) VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.10. 2015 / 390 - Vote-Transfer $86,250 to cover overages and projections until end of year In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.11. 2015 / 391 - Vote-Transfer $1,919,352.70 funds to cover snow and ice deficit In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Milinazzo questioned the surplus in the health accounts to cover all of the transfers. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted the savings over the past year with City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 18) health costs and how they were accumulated. C. Kennedy questioned if enrollment time could change. Mr. Baldwin commented on restrictions within the GIC plans. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.12. 2015 / 392 - Vote-Transfer $38,058 cover increased tuition assessment Essex Tech In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Mercier questioned the number of students in the program. Manager Murphy noted the budget covered five students. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.13. 2015 / 393 - Vote-Transfer $335,277.99 (unexpected workers' compensations costs) City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 18) In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Belanger requested information on the transfer. Mr. Baldwin noted increase in number of surgeries caused increase in payments. Manager Murphy noted it was a spike and does not believe it will be constant trend. C. Kennedy questioned if some secondary insurance could cover such occasions. Mr. Baldwin noted such an insurance plan should be reviewed. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.14. 2015 / 394 - Vote-Transfer $700,000 (sick leave buy back account) In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 11 of 18) 6.15. 2015 / 395 - Vote-Transfer $425,157.69 (Snow and Ice Cost for FEMA reimbursement (JUNO) In Council, Motion to “take agenda items 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 as one” and to “waive full reading of all” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Mercier noted the writing in the vote does not match the requested amount and should be corrected. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Elliott, Rodney M. x Belanger, Corey x 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 6.16. 2015 / 396 - Vote-Accept Snow and Ice Amortization Schedule In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. 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 Martin Jr., William F. x x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 12 of 18) ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7. - ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. 2015 / 385 - Order-60 day trial (various) In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. 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 Martin Jr., William F. x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x x Rourke, Daniel P. Samaras, William CONSTABLE BONDS 8. - CONSTABLE BONDS 8.1. 2015 / 399 - Communication - City Mgr. request approval for Constable Bond for Juan Garcia. 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 Leahy, John J. x Martin Jr., William F. x x Mercier, Rita M. x x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 13 of 18) Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9. - REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. 2015 / 370 - Parks & Recreation SC June 23, 2015. In City Council, C. Mercier presented the report noting the purpose of the meeting and outlining attendance commenting on the efforts to fund the replacement of the Cawley scoreboard noting the need to replace it as it falls below the standard of the facility. C. Mercier commented that the subcommittee voted to establish a task force to move the effort forward and that the Manager would set up that task force. C. Leahy requested it move along in a quick fashion to be ready for next sports seasons. M. Elliott suggested the use of a task force as opposed to a committee. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 9.2. 2015 / 301 - Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Request relocate pole 1 across Dane Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order of the Wire Inspector by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to allow vote before the body that was not on agenda by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. VOTE – Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Permanent Drainage Easement and a Temporary Construction Easement with the House of Hope, Inc., owner of property at 802 Merrimack Street and 203 Salem Street in the City of Lowell. In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 14 of 18) 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 PETITIONS 10. - PETITIONS 10.1. 2015 / 365 - Misc. - George Boisvert request installation of (1) handicap parking sign in front of 28 White Street. In Council, read and Motion to amend to 60 day trial order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer, as amended, for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.2. 2015 / 364 - Misc. -Louise Roberge request installation of (1) handicap parking sign in front of 8 Lewis Street. In Council, read and Motion to amend to 60 day trial order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer, as amended, for report and recommendation by C. Martin, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 10.3. 2015 / 366 - Misc. - Rita Souza request installation of additional stop sign and stop line at the corner of Eugene and Woburn Street. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 10.4. 2015 / 362 - Misc. - Trinity EMS (John Chemaly, Pres.) request permission to move radio communication equipment to the base of the 10th Street Water. Tower In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 10.5. 2015 / 363 - Misc. - James and Katherine Rourke request City Council abandon portion of paper street (Worcester Road) behind 52 (50) Surrey Lane. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 15 of 18) In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 10.6. 2015 / 367 - Misc. - Joseph and Donna Koravos (Atty. George Theodorou) request City Council abandon portion of paper street (Edgewood St.) between 115 and 133 Havilah Street. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. Motion by C. Martin, seconded by C. Leahy to have Law Department provide update regarding petition on Glenwood Street. So voted. 10.7. 2015 / 374 - Misc. - Rita Souza request installation of an enclosed crosswalk extending from the back of the Butler School over to Billerica Street. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.8. 2015 / 401 - Misc. - Martina Jimenez, Alejandra Vivas and Carmen Hermandez request to address the City Council regarding job conditions in the City. In Council, read and Motion to refer to City Manager by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Petitioner, Carmen Hermandez and registered speaker, Robert Aiguier, addressed the Council. 10.9. 2015 / 403 - Misc. - Josh White (Director of the Lowell Transitional Living Center) request to address Council regarding day program at the Center beginning in July. In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Ballenger, seconded by C. Martin. So voted. C. Belanger noted he had heard of summer programs during recent community meeting. Mr. White commented on the day programs at the Center to address the needs of the homeless, describing the programs and the workshops that are part of them. C. Kennedy commented on the start date of the programs. Mr. White noted that they must participate in the workshops as part of the programs. C. Mercier commented on the need for space for food programs throughout the City. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 16 of 18) 11. - CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 11.1. 2015 / 368 - C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. work with proper department to formulate a plan for street sign replacement throughout the City of Lowell. In Council, seconded by C. Martin, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy commented on the need for the City to look its best. M. Elliott commented on replacement plans. Manager Murphy noted that downtown signs have been replaced. C. Milinazzo noted a traffic sign on Andover Street is upside down. C. Martin commented on the need for correction in downtown signage and lighting. Manager Murphy noted that there is a developing plan for changes in downtown. 11.2. 2015 / 397 - C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. have proper department furnish a report regarding school repairs being done during the Summer of 2015. In Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the need to update list. 11.3. 2015 / 372 - C. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. take proper action to repair handicap ramp, ladies' room and scoreboard at Alumni Field. In Council, seconded by C. Leahy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Kennedy noted that the field was an important meeting place in the City and that it needs attention. C. Kennedy noted the Friends of Lowell High School have some funds which may be used for this effort. 11.4. 2015 / 400 - C. Milinazzo - Req. City Mgr. to look at possible ways to streamline the permitting process for the use of Alumni Field and other fields across the City. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Milinazzo commented on the process and the need to streamline same. C. Milinazzo noted that there should be some assistance on fees for those who may not be able to bear the costs for using the fields. Manager Murphy noted the effort put in by the City to assist with costs. 11.5. 2015 / 402 - C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have street department clean all gateways into the City in preparation for the Lowell Folk Festival. In Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented on how well the City looked last year and wants to repeat same. M. Elliott relinquished Chair to Vice-Chair Leahy at 8:25 PM. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 17 of 18) 11.6. 2015 / 369 - M. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. provide status of Branch Street property. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Elliott noted the request of the neighborhood to make the site a memorial for the victims of the fire. M. Elliott noted that the owner of the building owes money to the City as well. 11.7. 2015 / 371 - M. Elliott - Req. City Council enact a ban on unmanned aircraft, or drones, within a certain radius over public and private school campuses during school hours, unless previously approved by school staff for educational purposes and over all public playgrounds. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion to amend to refer to Manager to provide report regarding enacting a ban by M. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Leahy returned Chair to M. Elliott at 8:30 PM. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12. - CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1. 2015 / 382 - Executive Session - Pursuant to "Exemption 3" to discuss strategy with respect to matters of ongoing litigation, (Claims, Union Grievances, Gun Permits and others), public discussion of which could have a detrimental effect on the City's position. In Council, reason stated for session in public, stated the body would adjourn from executive session and roll call at 8:35 PM to enter executive session. 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 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 18 of 18) ADJOURNMENT 13. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM from Executive Session. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov