City Council

Lowell City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Date: January 31, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1/31/2017 - Minutes 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call recorded 9 present. M. Kennedy presiding. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes Of City Council January 24th; Neighborhoods SC For Acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 3. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. PUBLIC HEARING - AMEND CHAPTER 150 ENTITLED FEES In City Council, hearing held, no remonstrants. Motion to adopt ordinance as amended by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. Eric Slagle (Inspectional Services) spoke in favor of the ordinance. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to amend ordinance to exclude fee for burial permit for veterans. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. Solicitor O'Connor noted that the change could be made in such a manner. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. MOTION RESPONSES In City Council, Motion to accept motion responses and informational and place on file by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. (A) Non-binding Referendum Question Regarding November 2017 City Council Election - C. Belanger made note of the report. Eda Matchak (Elections) outlined the process and dates that are relevant. C. Belanger questioned the risk to funding. Manager Murphy noted any delays would cause rise in construction costs. C. Elliott noted process would continue even if there were a ballot question which he would support. C. Leary noted the effect that it would have in terms of choosing sites. C. Leary noted that if the City had a debt exclusion that would involve the public as well by way of referendum. (B) Roberto Clemente Little League Field Space - Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by Murphy noted any delays would cause rise in construction costs. C. Elliott noted process would continue even if there were a ballot question which he would support. C. Leary noted the effect that it would have in terms of choosing sites. C. Leary noted that if the City had a debt exclusion that would involve the public as well by way of referendum. (B) Roberto Clemente Little League Field Space - Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary to refer matter to Parks & Recreation SC. So voted. C. Mercier requested that parties involved in the process be notified. C. Elliott commented on the members of league. Manager Murphy noted Mr. Rudy donated equipment to the league. (C) Feasibility of a 4-way Stop Sign at the Intersection of Moody and Aiken Streets - C. Leahy noted that the neighborhood was grateful for the installation. (D) Hunts Fall Bridge Street Striping - C. Milinazzo recognized the report. C. Leahy questioned if more changes were being done. Manager Murphy noted that requests can be forwarded to MDOT. C. Mercier questioned enforcing blocking of intersections. Manager Murphy noted changes to traffic signals are coming downtown. C. Milinazzo commented on missing bronze sign on the Hunts Fall Bridge. (E) UTEC Mattress Recycling Facility Relocation - C. Belanger noted it was important to locate plant within the City as it is a source of employment. C. Samaras noted contribution of UTEC and requested letter of recognition be sent to the organization. (F) New Marketing Strategy for the Hamilton Canal District - No comments. (G) Status Update for the 2 for Lowell Loan Program - C. Leary noted success of program and that market dictated less use of it. C. Elliott noted that owner occupies is a attractive feature of the program. (H) Bartlett School Parking Lot Repair - C. Samaras made note of the water problems in the area. C. Leahy questioned the filling of pot hole and the plan to divert the water and requested clean sweep of the area. (I) Economic Development Strategy - Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary to refer matter to Economic Development SC. So voted. C. Belanger noted it was a detailed report. Allison Lamey (DPD) commented on the UMass-Lowell connection with the City regarding the M2D2 program for start ups and the need to keep business in the City. C. Belanger questioned use of 110 Canal Street and the Howe Building. Ms. Lamey commented on possible lease obligations for sites. C. Leahy questioned BID surveys being done. Ms. Lamey noted the positive responses being gathered. C. Samaras questioned financial assistance for business. Ms.Lamey outlined resources. (J) Hamilton Canal Innovation District - Motion by M. Kennedy, seconded by C. Samaras to refer matter to Law Department to draft formal vote to change name. So voted. (K) Building Status of 156 Wilder Street - C. Leary noted that State would be doing inspections as well. Mr. Slagle commented on State process for lead testing. C. Leahy questioned involvement of City with State regarding inspections. Mr. Slagle noted the process and the use of City inspectors. (L) Action Plan Regarding Heating and Air Conditioning in the Public Schools - C. Leary noted it was a revolving issue and questioned the number of workers involved and if permits are being pulled. C. Leahy commented that there may be a need to have different approach and that the repetitive issue needs to end.  process and the use of City inspectors. (L) Action Plan Regarding Heating and Air Conditioning in the Public Schools - C. Leary noted it was a revolving issue and questioned the number of workers involved and if permits are being pulled. C. Leahy commented that there may be a need to have different approach and that the repetitive issue needs to end. 4.2. INFORMATIONAL (M) Comparative Analysis of Parking Bans in Other Communities - C. Elliott noted different approaches to parking bans. Manager Murphy noted subcommittee meeting dealing with snow emergencies. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leary to refer matter to Neighborhoods SC. So voted. (N) Update on 5 Year Plan for Problem Properties - C. Rourke commented on presentation. Manager Murphy noted information was on website. Mr. Slagle gave overview of the process. C. Leahy commented on effort and the need to be on top of these properties. C. Rourke questioned if time can be detected when permits are pulled. C. Leahy questioned if system is live. Mr. Slagle noted that it is not currently and that MIS would need to be involved. C. Leary noted software is available to make system live. C. Milinazzo questioned if it could include tax title properties. C. Samaras requested neighborhood break down. (O) Westminster Village Paid Detail - C. Belanger requested progress report on property details. Manager Murphy noted full stats are not available at this point. C. Samaras questioned the use of two man patrols for safety. C. Elliott noted neighbors were appreciative and that it shows the City will act quickly on such issues. (P) 2017 Municipal Election Schedule - No comments. (Q) FY17 GFOA Distinguished Budget Award - Manager Murphy noted the award and the effort put in. C. Elliott noted the staff and the assistance they provide. C. Samaras commented on the transparency of the budget. 5. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. ORDER – DEDICATE INTERSECTION RUMFORD & CRYSTAL STREETS (VICTOR H. COTE MEMORIAL) In City Council, read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. 6. CONSTABLE BONDS 6.1. Communication-City Manager Request Approval For Constable Bond Of Ronald E. Bertheim. In City Council, read and Motion to accept by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Zoning SC January 31, 2017 In City Council, C. Milinazzo provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding proposed zoning changes by Inspectional Services. C. Milinazzo noted work will continue on the matter and that neighborhood groups continue to weigh in on the matter. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke to refer section 4.3.5.2 (unregistered vehicles) to Law Department to draft ordinance. So voted. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So  In City Council, C. Milinazzo provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding proposed zoning changes by Inspectional Services. C. Milinazzo noted work will continue on the matter and that neighborhood groups continue to weigh in on the matter. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke to refer section 4.3.5.2 (unregistered vehicles) to Law Department to draft ordinance. So voted. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Daniel Carroll Request (1) Handicap Parking Sign At 21 Potter Street. In City Council, Motion to amend to 60 day trial and refer to Traffic Engineer by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - Marisol Collazo Request (1) Handicap Parking Sign Front Of 220 W. Sixth Street. In City Council, Motion to amend to 60 day trial and refer to Traffic Engineer by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Belanger-Req. City Mgr. Work With Emergency Services To Execute An Initiative From The Opiate Task Force To Develop A Rapid Response Plan That The First Watch Program Detects As An Abnormally High Amount Of Overdoses In A Concentrated Area Within The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented on the program and that it should be utilized to the fullest. 9.2. C. Belanger-Req. City Mgr. Provide Detailed Report From Inspectional Services As Well As The Amount Of Emergency Calls Regarding The Juvenile Group Home Located At 12 Nesmith Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted that it was a continuing problem and that management must be held accountable. C. Samaras noted increased activity and that too many City resources are being used at the location. C. Mercier noted that the establishment has been given fair warning and that there should be accountability. M. Kennedy noted that the management agency of the State should be informed. Manager Murphy commented on regulations by the State that must be adjusted. 9.3. C. Belanger-Req. City Mgr. Have DPD Provide A Report Updating Development Progress Of The Smith Baker Center. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to update as last report was six months ago. 9.4. C. Belanger-Req. City Mgr. Organize An Introductory Meeting With The New Owners Of The Franco American Property To Discuss Future Vision Of The Property. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted that the site was just acquired and that there should be a meeting to understand vision of the developer and if the City can assist in any way. 9.5. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Contact Comcast To Have Them Remove All Excess Cable Wiring Hanging From Poles Throughout The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted that the wires are never removed and that it is unsafe and should not be left in that state. 9.6. C. Leary-Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Remove The Graffiti On The Front Of The Washington School. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary noted that graffiti was visible from the street.  state. 9.6. C. Leary-Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Remove The Graffiti On The Front Of The Washington School. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary noted that graffiti was visible from the street. 9.7. C. Leary-Req. City Mgr. Review The Feasibility Of Installing A Crosswalk Between 65 And 63 Plain Street And Walgreens Pharmacy. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary noted the address and wanted to know if it was feasible. M. Kennedy relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Rourke at 7:57 PM. 9.8. M. Kennedy-Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding Efforts To Secure Funding For An Environmental Impact Study Of The New Rourke Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy requested updated for and the need to have environmental study done before current data gets stale. C. Belanger commented on the future of the Rourke Bridge. C. Elliott noted that current State budget has no line item for such study. 9.9. M. Kennedy-Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update And Report Regarding The BID Survey Being Conducted By The DPD. In City Council, seconded by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted the length of time involved with the survey and that the BID process is gaining popularity within the State. 9.10. M. Kennedy-Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update And Report Regarding The Superintendent's Efforts To Have The LPD Achieve Accreditation. In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted that accreditation will benefit the force and will help in securing grant money. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier acknowledged the Friends of Council of Aging and the financial support they provide to the organization. M. Kennedy noted that it was Grant Welker's last meeting covering for the Lowell Sun. M. Kennedy noted that the Belvidere Neighborhood Association will be meeting to discuss new high school plans. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by M. Kennedy, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk Office of the City Clerk - 375 Merrimack Street - Phone: 978.674.4161