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 06, 2016 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA MAYOR’S BUSINESS Roll Call showed 9 present. Mayor Kennedy presiding. C. Elliott requested a moment of silence in darkened chamber for Constance Cote. C. Mercier also requested a moment of silence for Louise A. Pigeon and Antonio Anthony DiProfio. 1. 2016 / 764 - Resolution-Support of the National Park Service In City Council, Read twice, waived full reading and adopted 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 10) CITY CLERK 2. - CITY CLERK 2.1. 2016 / 749 - Minutes of Finance SC November 22nd; City Council Meeting November 22nd, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So Voted. CITY AUDITOR 3. - CITY AUDITOR 3.1. 2016 / 755 - Communication - FY17 Budget Report YTD (November). In City Council, Read, accept and place on file by Motion of C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So Voted. C. Milinazzo, C. Leary and C. Elliott commented on report. M. Kennedy moved for a Suspension of Rules to take (2) items out or order 5.1 (A) and 5.1 (K). No Objection. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. - UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. 2016 / 665 - Ordinance-Amend Zoning-Extend GI District-north side of Industrial Avenue In City Council , Read and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 10) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5. - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. 2016 / 773 - Motion Responses: (A) LTC Presentation (B) Victor Cote Dedication (C) Diversity Council (D) 4 Way Stop Oak St and Fort Hill Ave (E) Blocking Intersections (F) Senior Center Crosswalk (G) Moody Street Fence (H) Yard Waste Extension (I) Collegiate Charter (J) Perry St Parking (K) Opioid Epidemic Informational: (L) Minimum Residential Factor 5.1 (A) City Manager introduced Wendy Blom from LTC to provide a presentation and status of the Lowell Telecommunication to the City Council. 5.1 (K) City Manager then introduced the Police Chief and the Fire Chief and Maryann Balotta, Public Safety Grant writer to provide an overview regarding the 1.2 million dollar grant and staffing and how it will benefit city. C. Elliott then moved for a Suspension of the Rules to take item 9.7 out or order. No Objection. 5.2. 2016 / 759 - Communication-Reappoint Paul Francoeur to Cemetery Commission In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leary. So Voted. 5.3. 2016 / 760 - Communication-Appoint Killian Minch to Sustainability Council In City Council, Read and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 10) Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x 5.4. 2016 / 761 - Communication-Appoint James J. Gaffney III to Veterans Commission In City Council, read and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x 5.5. 2016 / 762 - Communication-Appoint Beth Brassel and Sheila Hegarty to Disability Commission In City Council, read and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x Samaras, William x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 10) VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6. - VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. 2016 / 758 - Vote-Accept Gift from Digital Federal Credit Union ($7,500) for Pollard Memorial Library In City Council, Read twice and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x x 6.2. 2016 / 772 - Vote-Transfer $42,800 (Police) in funds for training and evaluation and repair and maintenance of police jail areas in the Police Department. In City Council, Read twice and adopted on roll call vote 9 yeas. So Voted. 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 x Mercier, Rita M. x Milinazzo, James L. x Rourke, Daniel P. x x Samaras, William x City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 10) REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7. - REPORTS (SUB / COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. 2016 / 596 - Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO pole located at corner of Gorham and Livingston Streets. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying wire inspector report by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. 7.2. 2016 / 702 - Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Req. permission to relocate pole 4 at 35 Carter Street. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying wire inspector report by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. 7.3. 2016 / 703 - Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Req. permission to relocate pole 23 at corner of Westford and School Streets. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying wire inspector report by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. 7.4. 2016 / 704 - Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Request permission to install (1) joint owned pole at corner of Willie and Franklin Streets. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept accompanying wire inspector report by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. PETITIONS 8. - PETITIONS 8.1. 2016 / 748 - Misc. - Ak Choudhury on behalf of Lidia Diaz request installation of (1) handicap parking sign at 271 Concord Street. In City Council, Read and Motion to refer petition, as amended to 60 Day Trial, to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So Voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to amend petition to a 60 Day Trial. So Voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 10) 8.2. 2016 / 763 - Misc. - Ernesto Ayala request (1) handicap parking sign at 532 Gorham Street. In City Council, Read and Motion to refer petition, as amended to 60 Day Trial, to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So Voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke to amend petition to a 60 Day Trial. So Voted. 8.3. 2016 / 765 - Misc. - Somvang Phetsaya reqeust removal of curbing in front of driveway at 249 Lincoln Street. In City Council, Read and Motion to refer petition, to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9. - CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. 2016 / 771 - C. Leary - Req. City Mgr. discuss the parking challenges and create a resolution with our partner; University Massachusetts Lowell, as it relates to students on street parking on Livingston Avenue and surrounding area streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.2. 2016 / 766 - C. Leary/C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. review the 2008 Master Plan in order to ascertain if any aspect of the plan should be brought back to the community for re-evaluation and make changes if appropriate. In City Council, no second needed, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.3. 2016 / 750 - C. Samaras - Req. City Manager have proper department create a process that will allow downtown residents to have access to parking during City festivals. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.4. 2016 / 751 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have proper department improve lighting at the rear entrance of the Leo Roy Parking Garage (Market St.) and to ensure that gates on the rear walkway are closed during the night. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 10) 9.5. 2016 / 767 - C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. update City Council regarding land swap between the City of Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park as it pertains to the Hamilton Canal Parking Garage. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.6. 2016 / 752 - C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. provide report on results from testing of water pipes in Lowell Public schools. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.7. 2016 / 753 - C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. meet with representatives of Roberto Clemente Little League regarding field space. C. Elliott introduced Representatives Maria & Carmen from Roberto Clemente League. Maria and Carmen submitted signatures for the record. Keith Rudy also spoke and explained they do have a field for them and they have equipment for them as well as sponsors. In City Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo, Read and referred to City Manager and amended on Motion of C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott to refer to the Parks and Recreation Sub/Committee. So Voted. At this point C. Rourke asked that the City Council take item 9.8 out of order. No Objection. 9.8. 2016 / 754 - C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. have proper department install new lights at South Common Park. There were five Registered Speakers John McDonough, 26 Highland Street Lowell, MA Paul Marion, 44 Highland Street Lowell, MA Ted Rurak, 242 Wentworth Ave. Lowell, MA Keith Rudy, 28 Hally Rd. Lowell, MA Marty Tighe, 17 Hoyt Ave. Lowell, MA In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, Read and referred to City Manager and Motion amended by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke to also refer to Parks and Recreation Sub/Committee and to inquire about adding astro turf. So Voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 10) 9.9. 2016 / 769 - C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. inform the Council on Lowell's Active Shooter Response protocol; response should include multi-agency actions from the Lowell School Department, Lowell Police Department, Lowell Fire Department, Emergency Services, Trinity Ambulance and Lowell General Hospital. In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.10. 2016 / 757 - C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have Traffic Engineer establish 15 minute parking at commercial building at corner of Branch and Queen Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Leary, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. 9.11. 2016 / 770 - M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. and DPD plan a special event in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office and the City Council designed to showcase the Hamilton Canal Innovative District; invitees should include representatives from the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership; regional CEO’s; trade agencies CEO’s; health care, life science and higher education executives; and other appropriate life science trade groups. In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, Read and referred to City Manager. So Voted. C. Leahy moved, seconded by C. Mercier to Suspend the Rules to entertain his Motion “City Council request the City Manager organize a walk through City Schools to review progress of the repairs being done”. Motion seconded by C. Leary. So Voted C. Mercier commented on a situation regarding towing contract fees while still under suspension, seconded by C. Leahy. C. Mercier asked if the city could revisit contract fees and possibly revise. City Manager Murphy said he reviewed contract today. At this point M. Kennedy congratulated all city employees and department heads for a spectacular job on Christmas Party at City Hall. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. - ANNOUNCEMENTS C. Elliott commented on Finance Sub/Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday December 12, 2016 @ 5:30PM. C. Mercier commented on WCAP Salvation Army Telethon that will be held Saturday December 10, 2016 @ 6AM to 2PM. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 10) C. Belanger Commented on hosting presents for residents of Megan House on Saturday December 10, 2016 from 2PM to 6PM along with Robert Gignac. City Manager Murphy commented on this Thursday December 8, 2016 @ 6:30PM at the Irish Auditorium @ Lowell High School will be the last community meeting relative to the new High School and he would encourage anyone interested in attending the meeting. ADJOURNMENT 11. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to Adjourn by M. Kennedy, seconded by C. Samaras. So Voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov