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: Dec 08, 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 / 702 - Communication - Veterans Commission update City Council/Discussion of dedicated parking space for wounded warriors. Roll Call showed 9 present. Mayor Elliott Presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Stanley Stryowski, Jr., Alfred Pereira and Edward J. Chandonnet, Jr. C. Milinazzo requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mary Power, mother of John Power. M. Elliott presented awards for the “City of Lights” Parade. Manager Murphy presented awards for “Open House” decorations at City Hall. William Flanagan (Veterans Commission) commented on the purpose of the Commission and noted the projects being done including dedicating a parking spot for wounded warriors. John MacDonald (Veteran Commission) updated the Council regarding donation of books to school children in the City. Motion to suspend rules to discuss coat drive in the City by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Larry Finn (LFD) commented on the drive noting the success and thanked all for their support. Chief Winward (LFD) recognized the effort of all involved in the drive. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 9) CITY CLERK 2. - CITY CLERK 2.1. 2015 / 703 - Minutes of City Council Meeting November 24th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. - GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. 2015 / 678 - Order of Taking and Acceptance of Adie Way and Ecklund Drive In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Public hearing held and closed. No remonstrants. Motion to refer matter to City Clerk’s Office for 7 days by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 3.2. 2015 / 715 - Vote-Adopt Minimum Residential Factor FY 2016 In City Council, Read twice. Public hearing held and closed. No remonstrants. Adopted by Roll Call vote. Manager Murphy introduced Conor Baldwin (CFO) who made power point presentation entitled “Minimum Residential Factor and Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 16”. Manager Murphy noted the improvement in Net School spending over prior years and efforts used to minimize tax increases. M. Elliott noted that this formula is the lease intrusive to tax payers. Manager Murphy commented on the number of tax exempt properties in the City. 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 Martin Jr., William F. x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 9) UTILITY PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. - UTILITY PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. 2015 / 685 - Comcast - Request installation of new vault and conduit at 59 Technology Drive. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Public hearing held and closed. No remonstrants. Representative from Comcast outlined the petition. Motion to refer to wire inspector for report and recommendation by C. Martin, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to take item #9.5 out of order by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5. - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. 2015 / 698 - Motion Responses: (A) Improvement Opportunities for City Neighborhood Commercial Corridors (B) Crosswalk on Varnum Ave and Elene Street (C) Status Mark One Company In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. C. Samaras commented on Motion Response A regarding commercial corridors in the City noting that the reports improve the economic quality in the City. Manager Murphy outlined the report and commented on the enhancements to certain areas. C. Milinazzo noted that the LDFC should be included in these discussions as they may have needed resources. C. Rourke commented on Motion Response B regarding crosswalks on Varnum Avenue noting the various bus stops on the route. Lisa Demeo (Engineer) noted that there has never been an ordinance to establish bus stops on Varnum Avenue. Manager Murphy noted the need to ensure safety for all stops and the areas are handicap accessible. M. Elliott noted the need for safety in short term as well as long term. Ms. Demeo noted that the stop on Elene Street could be moved to be safer and that passenger use front of bus to disembark. C. Mercier commented that LRTA used to stop where needed and not at a certain locale. C. Leahy noted the need to remove some bus stop signs. C. Kennedy noted the report should inform who owns the bus City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 9) signs and why they were installed and if there is an issue city wide with such signs. C. Rourke noted the congestion at Totman Road. C. Leahy commented on Motion Response C regarding Mark One Company noting the efforts being made to improve area. 5.2. 2015 / 704 - Communication - City Mgr. request Out of State Travel (1) LPD, (1) LFD. 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 VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6. - VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. 2015 / 699 - Vote-Appropriate $70,000 to purchase Tasers for Police Department In Council, read twice and adopted. C. Kennedy questioned the amount of the purchase. Supt. Taylor (LPD) commented on the number of Tasers purchased and how they would be distributed and the goal being to have every officer issued one. C. Kennedy questioned training element of the purchase. Supt. Taylor outlined the training along with the time line for doing so. C. Martin commented on the new policies and that they would add value to the department. Supt. Taylor noted that it will prevent the use of deadly force in some instances and it is a safer approach for officers. C. Belanger noted it will be an asset to the force and question source of funding. Supt. Taylor noted not tax money was used for the funding. C. Mercier supported the use of the Tasers as it is the safest route. C. Leahy commented on the use of seizure money in the department. Supt. Taylor noted some of the seizure money was used in the purchase. C. Milinazzo questioned the use of Tasers by school resource officers. Supt. Taylor noted that they would not be used in the schools due to youth present. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 9) 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 6.2. 2015 / 700 - Vote-Auth C/M Ex. Lease 72.1 Fowler Rd. (Mill City Grows, Inc.) - 5 years In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. C. Leahy questioned use of other parcels for gardening. 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 6.3. 2015 / 701 - Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend $30,000 from MassDEP SMRP Grants In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 9) 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 ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7. - ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. 2015 / 714 - Order-60 day trial (various) In Council, read twice and adopted. Motion to “waive full reading” by C. Martin, seconded by C. Kennedy. 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 Milinazzo, James L. x x Rourke, Daniel P. Samaras, William x x REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8. - REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) In City Council, C. Belanger noted that a Substance Abuse SC will be meeting on December 15th at 5:30 PM. M. Elliott noted that the Opiate Task Force had their first meeting and that he would report out on it at the next meeting. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Belanger to City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 9) refer request for evaluation of City Manager to Personnel SC. So voted. Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Martin to refer correspondence regarding Pine Arts School traffic and parking to City Manager for report and recommendation. So voted. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9. - CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. 2015 / 705 - C. Mercier - Req. City Council support naming the walkway at Centralville Veterans’ Memorial Park on Ennel Street the “Edward J. Chandonnet, Jr. Walkway”. In Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted Mr. Chandonnet was a major force in establishing the Veterans’ Park and that this tribute would be fitting. 9.2. 2015 / 706 - C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. report what is being done as it relates to the condition of the property at the former Marchand Oil Company on the corner of Baldwin Street and Princeton Boulevard. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. The following registered speakers addressed the Council: Edward Caulfield and Penny Cartier. C. Mercier commented on the condition of the property and that the owner was not being responsible. C. Mercier submitted pictures and petition to the Council and requested they be part of record. 9.3. 2015 / 707 - C. Mercier/C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. find ways and means to put in new sidewalks on Steadman Street from Westford Street to Canal Drive. In Council, no second needed, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented on the drug treatment center on Steadman Street and its operations noting prior agreement with Zoning Board and that current restrictions were no longer needed. C Belanger commented on concerns of the clients and working with LRTA for alternate routes. 9.4. 2015 / 712 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have appropriate staff assess the reliability of the traffic light at the corner of 4th Avenue and Mammoth Road for pedestrian traffic. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the controls were not operating properly and that a cruiser should be stationed there to ensure vehicles do not run the red light. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 9) 9.5. 2015 / 713 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. provide a report on the placement of parking meters in the Cupples Square business district. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras outlined the reasoning for the meters in the area. The following registered speakers addressed the Council: Kamara Kay; Eda Oung; Champa Pang; Luis Haskell; Peek Sa and Vesna Nuon. C. Samaras noted improvements in the area including the new parking and also the concerns of the neighbors. Manager Murphy noted the amount put into the area and that he would look at issues with the neighbors. C. Belanger noted the upgrade in the area and that the business district is a great model for the City. C. Kennedy commented that area improvements should be maintained and that a report should include revenue analysis. C. Leahy commented on what would possibly work in the area. M. Elliott commented that resident parking can be remedied and that the new design of the square was helpful. Manager commented on plan and how it was organized but stated he could revisit it. C. Mercier noted that all City lots should be treated the same in regards to metering. C. Milinazzo noted there should be a comprehensive look at one hour free parking in downtown garages. C. Rourke noted that the report should include any benefits from the current parking schemes. Motion to suspend rules to comment on Salvation Army Radiothon by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Kennedy to name Saturday December 12th Salvation Army Radiothon Day. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to take item #9.2 out of order by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 9.6. 2015 / 708 - C. Samaras/C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. send a letter of thanks on behalf of City Council and himself to John Power in keeping with the holiday spirit of lighting of the smokestack at Wannalancit Mills. In Council, no second needed, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the contributions of Mr. Power during the holidays and that he should be recognized for them. C. Belanger noted the lighting of the smoke stack and how it has become a holiday tradition. 9.7. 2015 / 709 - C. Belanger - Req. City Council send a letter to State delegation in support of Governor Baker’s measures to allow doctors to involuntary hold drug addicts for 72 hours without a warrant and placing a 72 hour limit on first- time prescriptions for opioid painkillers. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 9) In Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted efforts on part of the Governor to combat the drug problem in the Commonwealth. 9.8. 2015 / 710 - C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. update City Council regarding status of trolley system in the City. In Council, seconded by C. Leahy, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented on prior discussions regarding trolley system and how it would be an economic benefit to the City. M. Elliott relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Leahy at 9:00 PM. 9.9. 2015 / 711 - M. Elliott - Req. City Council discuss ordinance to ban replica guns in the City. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Elliott commented on the problem with the replicas and that there should be strict restrictions on them and the Manager should compile report and recommendation on the matter. C. Leahy returned Chair to M. Elliott at 9:05 PM. C. Mercier recognized the decorations in City Hall. ADJOURNMENT 10. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov