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: Mar 08, 2016 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA CITY CLERK 1. - CITY CLERK 1.1. 2016 / 140 - Minutes of City Council Special Meeting (Auditor Interviews) February 29th; Technology & Utilities SC March 1st; City Council Meeting March 1st, for acceptance. Roll Call showed 9 present. Mayor Kennedy presiding. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. CITY AUDITOR 2. - CITY AUDITOR 2.1. 2016 / 147 - Vote-Appoint City Auditor and Establish Salary In Council, read twice and adopted. The vote was taken after the Council selected Mr. Bryon Perry by voice vote on the first round. C. Elliott and C. Mercier requested their original votes for Mr. John Linnehan be switched to Mr. Perry for the purpose of unanimity and the vote would indicate same. The vote indicated a three year term at a salary of $101,800. C. Milinazzo recognized Mary Callery (HR) for her assistance in this matter. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 9) VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x Elliott, Rodney M. x Leahy, John J. x Leary, James x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. - GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. 2016 / 118 - Vote-Accept MGL c.60A s.1 Parag.8-Waive Excise Tax for Motor Vehicles owned and registered by Active Members of the Armed Forces In City Council, Read twice and adopted. Public hearing held. Speaking in favor were Roland Cartier, Jr. (Veterans Commission), Erica Haddad (Veterans Commission) and Geraldine Lantiqua. No remonstrants. C. Rourke noted the quick response to get before Council. C. Leahy noted the quick response was impressive. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x x Elliott, Rodney M. x x Leahy, John J. x Leary, James x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 3.2. 2016 / 119 - Ordinance-Amend Ch. 171, Article IV, entitled Nuisance Posting In City Council, Given 2nd Reading and adopted. Public hearing held. Eric Slagle (Insp. Services) outlined the ordinance and reasoning behind it. Speaking in favor were Edward Caulfield who noted the property at 493 Princeton Blvd needed to be cleaned; and Penny Cartier who City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 9) provided pictures of the property to the Council. No remonstrants. C. Mercier noted the ordinance needs to be enforced in order to assist the neighborhoods. C. Leahy noted the reason ordinance was in place. C. Elliott commented on the use of the ordinance and requested problem properties continue to be monitored. C. Belanger noted the need for relief in neighborhood and noted an upcoming Neighborhoods SC which would address the property issue. C. Leary noted the ordinance will assist with many issues. C. Milinazzo noted that this ordinance will work with other ordinances to obtain best possible result. C. Milinazzo noted that the fines can turn into liens on the property if not paid. C. Rourke noted that the Neighborhoods SC will meet at Temple Emanuel. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x Elliott, Rodney M. x x Leahy, John J. x x Leary, James x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 3.3. 2016 / 120 - Ordinance-Amend Ch. 227 Property Maintenance, Article I, Minimum Standards In City Council, Given 2nd Reading and adopted. Public hearing held. Speaking in favor were Mr. Slagle, Ann Marie Page and Armand Hebert. No remonstrants. C. Belanger questioned fines attached to ordinance. Mr. Slagle noted fines were found in different section of the ordinance. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x Elliott, Rodney M. x Leahy, John J. x x Leary, James x Mercier, Rita M. x x Milinazzo, James L. x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 9) Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4. - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4.1. 2016 / 156 - Motion Responses: (A) Bridge Street Business Corridor Improvement (B) 350-352 Wilder Street (C) Andover Street Repair Plan Informational (D) Lowell Police and Fire Grant Funding 2015 (E) Firearm Activity 2015 In Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. C. Leary commented on Motion Response A regarding Bridge Street business corridor noting the success of the Cupples Square plan could be duplicated. C. Samaras requested report be sent to Centralville Neighborhood Group. C. Leahy commented on Motion Response C regarding Andover Street requesting time line for asphalt patch work to be done. Manager Murphy noted that added Chapter 90 money and Capital funding will assist with project. C. Milinazzo requested striping and signage to enhance the roadway. C. Mercier commented on Informational Response D regarding grant funding in 2015 noting that funds and grant request are substantial and beneficial to the City. C. Rourke questioned the deadlines for applications for grants. Manager Murphy introduced new interim Deputy Supt. Jack Webb (LPD) and commented on grant procedures. Supt. Taylor (LPD) outlined grant procedures. C. Rourke commented on the new opioid program out of the District Attorney’s Office. Supt. Taylor commented on the LPD involvement in that program. C. Elliott supported the aggressive approach to applying for grants and that they result in excellent programs in the City. Supt. Taylor commented on future grants. Manager Murphy commented on fire grant which will allow for purchase of new equipment freeing money for other needs. C. Belanger commented on Informational Response E regarding firearm activity in 2015 noting the progress made towards public safety in the City. Supt. Taylor outlined the report and the City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 9) effort of all those involved in lowering numbers. C. Samaras noted that the neighborhood groups have been helpful in this effort and that continued communication with them is important. C. Milinazzo questioned the recovery of stolen guns from residence some years ago. C. Elliott commented on actions behind the positive results in the report. Supt. Taylor noted that the increase in officers has been crucial to public safety. C. Rourke requested that summer safety plan be used again this year. 4.2. 2016 / 142 - Communication - City Mgr. request Out of State Travel (1) LPD. In Council, read and adopted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x Elliott, Rodney M. x Leahy, John J. x Leary, James x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5. - VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. 2016 / 155 - Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend $3M from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) - fund Signature Bridge, utility connections over the Pawtucket Canal and associated approaches in the HCD In Council, read twice and adopted. VOTING Committee Member YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE MOTION SECONDED Kennedy, Jr, Edward J. x Belanger, Corey x Elliott, Rodney M. x Leahy, John J. x x Leary, James x x Mercier, Rita M. x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 9) Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6. - ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. 2016 / 150 - Ordinance-Quarterly Traffic (March) In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer matter to Public Hearing on March 22, 2016 at 7 PM by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7. - REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. 2016 / 141 - Personnel SC March 8, 2016. In City Council, M. Kennedy noted that the Personnel SC did not take place as items were referred to Ad Hoc Charter SC. C. Leary noted that the Ad Hoc Charter SC will be meeting March 15, 2016. PETITIONS 8. - PETITIONS 8.1. 2016 / 154 - Misc. - Dien Tran for Long Le request installation of handicap parking sign at 782-784 Merrimack Street. In Council, read and Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer, as amended, for report and recommendation by C. Leary, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Mercier requested to amend to 60 day trial with no objection. So voted. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9. - CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. 2016 / 143 - C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate persons responsible for repeatedly dumping mattresses, bed frames, trash, debris, etc.. on Lawrence Street with the possibility of installing cameras to them. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 9) In Council, seconded by C. Elliott, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the constant problem and all the work the City has done to date. C. Belanger noted it was an important issue and a constant problem. Manager Murphy noted that the use of cameras could assist with a solution. 9.2. 2016 / 148 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have proper department present a time table regarding changing of lights at the intersection of Route 38 (Nesmith St.) and Route 133 (Andover St.). In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras commented on prior report and need for the upgrades in the intersection. 9.3. 2016 / 149 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have Traffic Engineer develop a traffic plan during the closing of Enel Bridges for repairs. In Council, seconded by C. Rourke, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the traffic issues are prevalent in the City and that the closing of bridges will cause more issues so a plan needs to be in place. C. Leahy questioned if repair of bridges could be on an accelerated track. Manager Murphy noted it was a MDOT project and that the City would request a quick resolution. 9.4. 2016 / 151 - C. Leahy/C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. meet with proper departments to explore possibility of constructing a coaches/storage building at Cawley Stadium. In Council, no seconded needed, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted condition at stadium and the use of trailers and that they should be improved. C. Rourke noted there are several parties involved with the endeavor and willing to help. C. Rourke noted the need to store LPD equipment for academy at the facility. C. Mercier questioned the scope of the building and current plans. Manager Murphy noted plans have been discussed. C. Leary noted that the concept has been around for quite some time and improvements would be good. 9.5. 2016 / 152 - C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding youth services programs and jobs for upcoming summer months. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 9) In Council, seconded by C. Elliott, read and referred to City Manager/Youth Services SC. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to provide opportunities for the youth and made Motion, seconded by C. Leahy to refer report to Youth Services SC. So voted M. Kennedy relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Rourke at 7:50 PM until the end of the meeting. 9.6. 2016 / 144 - M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. have Police Department take proper action to curtail racing on the Pawtucket Boulevard. In Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted the safety issue involved. C. Rourke commented on low rider vehicles being part of the problem. 9.7. 2016 / 145 - M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. have the DPD provide a report on their survey of downtown property owners regarding the BID (Business Improvement District) in the central business area. In Council, seconded by C. Samaras, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted interest in project and that it has been out there for a while and there is a need to get survey done as the first step. C. Belanger requested to expand the program into parking venues. M. Kennedy noted that the surveys need to be accomplished at outset. C. Samaras noted the need for survey to be completed to set the parameters of the BID. 9.8. 2016 / 146 - M. Kennedy - Request that the City Council Public Safety Sub-Committee schedule a meeting to meet with a representative from General Electric to discuss GE Intelligent Cities, which provides smart, connected street lighting with Wi-Fi, cameras and other sensors like gunshot detection all built in and supported by the GE data analytics platform Predix. In Council, seconded by C. Leahy, read and referred to Public Safety SC. So voted. M. Kennedy noted that GE initiated the proposal. C. Belanger commented that information is good to have to develop plans. Manager Murphy commented on Verizon interest in proposal. C. Leahy noted that local vendors have interest as well. C. Milinazzo commented on the Lowell Housing Authority use of cameras and monitoring by the LPD. Solicitor O’Connor noted that all work is done by bid process. 9.9. 2016 / 153 - M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. consider sending the proper personnel to attend The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) New England Conference to be held in Boston this summer. In Council, seconded by C. Mercier, read and referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted conference could assist planning department with helpful information. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 9) ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. - ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Rourke thanked Mr. Healy for his time and support as interim auditor. ADJOURNMENT 11. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov