City Council

MEETING MINUTES Date: January 24, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL – 9 present, M. Kennedy presiding. C. Elliott requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Gladys Coughlin. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Peter Gill. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication - Req. City Council Endorse The Letter From The Lowell Sustainability Council. In City Council, Jay Mason (registered speaker) was present and prepared to respond to any questions from the body. Motion to accept and place on file by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 2.2. Communication - Req. City Council Consider Canceling The Council Meetings During February And April Vacations (February 21st And April 18th). In City Council, Motion to accept, adopt and place on file by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Transportation SC January 17th; City Council Meeting January 17th, For Acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. MOTION RESPONSES - In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. (A) UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, Lowell School Department discussion regarding the educational planning of new high school. C. Samaras noted team effort and commented on trend for community colleges to be more involved with high school programs. C. Rourke commented on continued dual enrollment programs available to students. C. Leary noted the need to ensure commitments from other educational institutions. (B) Winn Development report regarding proportional analysis of market rate housing versus affordable housing. C. Samaras commented on the formula used to get at current results. Manager Murphy noted the information was provided by Winn Development which noted current trends for rental market in City. C. Belanger recognized Winn for information but questioned the need for them to have gap funding on the project where other developers  have not done same. (C) Insure neighborhood organizations are informed of all public board meetings and their agendas. C. Samaras commented that the report does show notice is given and the need to ensure that it continues so that all groups can get needed information. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1.VOTES (A) Vote-Auth Mgr Ex. License Agreement-1 East Merrimack St – In City Council, Read twice, waived full reading without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. (B) Vote-Transfer $85,055.00 Demo of 16 Hampshire St - In City Council, Read twice, waived full reading without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier questioned costs and transfer. Conor Baldwin (CFO) outlined transfer and costs. C. Belanger questioned the costs for demolition and noted that cameras on building should be re-located in the park. Manager noted C. Leahy was helpful in keeping costs down by way of suggesting when request for bid should go out. C. Milinazzo questioned qualifications of low bidder. Manager Murphy noted that they were in good standing. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. ORDER Order-Dedicate intersection Auburn and Gorham Streets (Joseph D. Simoneau Memorial) - In City Council, Read twice, waived full reading without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. 7. CONSTABLE BONDS 7.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval For Constable Bond For Raymond Lamy; Jared P. Riccardi; And Manuel F. Barros. In City Council, Read. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Neighborhoods SC January 23, 2017. In City Council, C. Rourke issued the report noting the attendance and discussion regarding downtown issues including public safety, economic development, parking and inspectional services. Motion by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Mercier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) Property. In City Council, read, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Andy Jacobson, President Of COOL, Request Overhanging Sign At 122 Merrimack Street. In City Council, read, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Geary & Geary, LLP, On Behalf Of Kevin And Debbie Fernandes, Request To Extend LI Zoning District To Include 25 Olney Street. In City Council, read, Motion to refer to Law Department to draft ordinance by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. C. Mercier questioned the proposed use of the facility. Manager Murphy noted use was for storage and that purchase and sales agreement had such a condition within it. 9.4. National Grid - Req. Permission To Install Underground Concrete PVC Conduit At 11 - 15 Carter Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, waived full reading without objection. Motion to refer to public hearing on February 7, 2017 at 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 9.5. National Grid/Verizon NE - Req. Permission To Install New Riser Pole At 15 Carter Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, waived full reading without objection. Motion to refer to public hearing on February 7, 2017 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras . So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Work With State Delegation And Registry Of Motor Vehicles To Establish A Kiosk In Lowell That Will Allow Citizens To Renew Licenses. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the time saving and convenience to customers. 10.2. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Paint The Base Of The Water Tower On Beacon Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras commented on the need to clean up the base of the tower. 10.3. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Meet With DPW And School Officials To Establish An Action Plan Regarding Heating And Air Conditioning In The Schools. In City Council, seconded by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the need to look at different options in order to resolve existing issues. C. Leary noted the possible need to have more personnel checking on various pieces of equipment. C. Milinazzo noted the need to ensure renters of the building are doing their part to ensure proper heating and air conditioning. 10.4. C. Leahy/C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Work With DPD To Provide And Economic Development Plan For The Cabot/Market Street Area, Specifically Around Former Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Complex. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted that the area was an important corridor in the City and that plans for future use of the buildings are important. C. Leahy noted the neighborhood group is looking to enhance the area. C. Belanger noted that work is being done in that area through Working Cities Grant. C. Elliott questioned work being done by DPD in assisting development. Manager noted that the DPD was involved and that a meeting with owners of building will be done shortly. C. Belanger commented that zoning changes for that area are being proposed. M. Kennedy noted that Winn Development may have some interest in the area. 10.5. C. Leahy/C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Report On Status Of The Stone Building Located On The Corner Of Rock And Mt. Vernon Streets. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the address and the need to update Council to see if owner is still in compliance with deed restrictions. 10.6. C. Leahy/C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Have Traffic Engineer Explore Feasibility Of A 4-Way Stop Sign At The Intersection Of Moody And Aiken Streets. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the prior motion regarding issue was not successful but there are major concerns in area and a second look is warranted. C. Leahy noted the number of safety concerns in the neighborhood. 10.7. C. Leahy/C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Have DPW Repair Parking Lot At The Bartlett School. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the need for attention in the area and the problems caused by the slope of parking lot. C. Samaras commented on the water issue and the flooding of homes. C. Mercier noted the serious run-off issue in the area. 10.8. C. Leahy/C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Provide City Council With Up To Date Reports And Minutes Of All Meetings Pertaining To The Construction Of The New High School. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the information needs to be distributed. C. Elliott commented that there would be a lot of discussion and interest and a want for all of the information. 10.9. C. Leary - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update Status For The 2 For Lowell Loan Program; Report To Include The Current Funding Sources, And Review The Feasibility Of The DPD To Reengage In Funding Options. In City Council, second by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary commented on funding from the DPD. C. Elliott noted the success of the program. 10.10. C. Leary - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding The Building Status Located On 156 Wilder Street. In City Council, second by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary noted it was a constituent issue and requested a written report. M. Kennedy relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Rourke at 7:22 PM. 10.11. M. Kennedy - Req. City Council Refer The Lowell House Proposal To Add A Residential Component To The Downtown Redevelopment Subcommittee For Report And Recommendation To The Full City Council. In City Council, second by C. Mercier, referred to Downtown Economic Development SC. So voted. M. Kennedy noted that this was a long standing issue and the best practice would be through subcommittee so that petitioners can present their case. C. Elliott noted the need to see the proposal so there can be discussion and questioned the process up to this date. Manager Murphy noted he just got a proposal and that the group needs many more approvals before project can be finalized. C. Mercier was pleased with plan that was presented to her and they should be moved along. M. Kennedy noted that there has not been any effort to hold up plans and that the subcommittee would be best manner to move forward. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS - In City Council, C. Mercier commented on Actors’ Inc. performing Mary Poppins for the benefit of the Meaghan House. C. Milinazzo commented on Zoning SC next week to review changes to ordinance. 12.ADJOURNMENT – Motion to adjourn by M. Kennedy, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk Office of the City Clerk - 375 Merrimack Street - Phone: 978.674.4161