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: May 30, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 8 present, 1 absent (C. Samaras). Mayor Kennedy presiding. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Brian Sheehan. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes of Economic Development SC May 23rd; City Council Meeting May 23rd, for acceptance. 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. Loan Order - To Borrow $11,077,544 (2018 Capital Improvements). In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. No remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Samaras). So voted. C. Milinazzo noted difference between loan amount and budget amount which resulted from different loan terms for vehicle purchases. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted different loan terms for different projects. C. Elliott noted that these capital loans are built into the budget yearly. Mr. Baldwin noted that usually voted on when debt comes off the books and they are leveraged with grant money. 3.2. Ordinance - Amend s. 272-87 entitled Annual Sewer Use Charge. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. No remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Samaras). So voted. C. Belanger noted the increase rates are tied into federally unfunded mandated work. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 6) 3.3. Vote - Approving Budget for FY18. In City Council, Read twice. Hearing held. No remonstrants. Motion to adopt budget ($349,925,167.00) by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Samaras). So voted. C. Mercier noted lean budget with no cuts. M. Kennedy noted that the consensus of Council was to vote bottom line of budget and speak on sections as each member selects. C. Milinazzo commented on indirect costs of enterprise funds. Mr. Baldwin noted that the costs are charges by the City and approved by the Department of Revenue. C. Rourke commented on process for using and replenishing free cash. Mr. Baldwin noted that free cash will be repaid by time tax rate is set and the City will follow same process as it did last year. C. Rourke commented on purchase of new fire trucks and turn-out gear and washing machines. Mr. Baldwin commented on grants and noted that budget would pick up short fall for the equipment. Capt. Winward (LFD) commented on the turn-out gear. The following statements were read into the record by City Clerk Michael Geary on behalf of C. Samaras who was not able to attend meeting due to personal reasons: “He would like to be recorded as supporting the budget as presented, noting his support of public safety in terms of sustaining personnel at both the police and fire departments. He noted effort to furnish firefighters with turn-out gear and maintaining such gear. He commented on conservative approach to budget preparation where getting more for less and still providing essential services. Lastly, he noted the fact that Manager Murphy would continue to work within his budget as well as State Senate budget bill to increase funding for public schools.” C. Leary questioned strategy with use of reserves. Mr. Baldwin commented on the stabilization funds and how they are moved into different accounts to obtain best possible interest rate. Manager Murphy noted that such practice increases revenue for the City. C. Leary noted if reserves were not used tax rates would raise. C. Leary commented on school funding from the budget and questioned which positions would remain. C. Leary commented on maintenance in the schools and that the system needs reorganization to improve. Manager Murphy commented on how process works at this time and noted the use of a City plumber for school work. C. Belanger recognized the administration efforts with preparing budget noting it was tight and responsible. C. Belanger questioned funding in budget for special events. Manager Murphy noted the increase in funding for those events and Mr. Baldwin noted where they were present in the budget. C. Belanger noted the philosophy regarding approach to public safety is successful as personnel remains constant in the police and fire departments. C. Belanger noted that parking rates in the City need to reviewed and increased to avoid any deficits in the enterprise fund. Manager Murphy noted that the administration is working on a comprehensive parking plan and rate adjustment. Nicholas Navin (Parking Director) noted the work being done to develop a plan to meet objectives and expenses. C. Leahy noted the need to look at different revenue sources including parking as was done with new fee schedule. C. Leahy recognized the importance of turn-out gear in the fire department. C. Elliott noted it was a lean budget commenting on new positions; personnel in public safety area; level funding with less expenses; refinancing bonds and maintaining top bond rating; dealing with mandated pension funding; and dealing with charter school reimbursement. M. Kennedy noted the collaborative movement with other like communities to petition legislature. C. Leary commented on PILOT programs and the need to bring larger City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 6) entities in the revenue stream because of their use of city services. C. Belanger commented on the importance of new growth and corporate sponsorship of parks and fields. Manager Murphy and Michael Vaughn (Purchasing Director) outlined current RFP to obtain that objective. C. Milinazzo noted the importance of ensuring that federal money does not get bogged up in Washington as Lowell is very dependent on those grants. C. Mercier commented that cuts should be avoided in school system. Manager Murphy noted money would be transferred into accounts to avoid that result. M. Kennedy noted the working parts involved in funding schools. 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. National Grid/Verizon - Request installation of joint owned wood pole and anchor on Viola Street. (Continued Public Hearing). In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Judith Johnson (abutter) spoke in opposition to petition. Motion to delay matter until outstanding issues regarding poles are resolved by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. C. Mercier noted the speaker’s concerns. C. Leahy noted delay was appropriate so to get National Grid moving on the poles as the company is not putting forth adequate effort. C. Elliott noted delay would make statement that something needs to be done and he would not support any future petitions until things are done. C. Belanger noted his displeasure with lip service by National Grid. M. Kennedy noted the long standing issue. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. (A) Explore Possibility of Locating New High School in the Hamilton Canal District – Registered speaker, Jacky Doherty, addressed Council. C. Leahy commented on the response noting the information was important and helpful as it appears that it may not be a good fit. C. Mercier noted it was correct to get the information and it is clear that request would not work. C. Elliott noted that the district should not be disturbed and that it is an area to bolster economic development. 5.1.1. Informational (B) LHS Project Upcoming Meeting Dates – C. Belanger noted the importance of have updated costs estimates as part of any outreach. Manager Murphy noted meeting with consultants to finalize any schedules. C. Elliott noted schedules and public meetings on the matter. Manager Murphy noted that it is the Council that will have final vote and are note bound to any recommendations. C. Leahy questioned what type of recommendations would be coming from the School Building Authority. C. Rourke commented on procedure for selection. C. Milinazzo noted the need for translators City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 6) during public hearings. Manager Murphy noted similar process would be used at hearings as was done prior. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote-License Agreement South American Food Market Inc. d/b/a Capricci-108 Merrimack St. (sidewalk seating). In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Samaras). So voted. 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Order-Dedicate intersection of Chestnut and Nesmith Street "James W. Sweeney Memorial". In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Samaras). So voted. C. Mercier requested date of the dedication once decided. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Finance SC May 30, 2017. In City Council, C. Elliott reported on the joint meeting noting attendance and discussion of Net School spending and what City provides to the schools. C. Elliott noted both administrations continue to work on issue and will meet again. C. Leary noted the need to see what other communities are doing and that Lowell is striving in the right direction. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. M. Kennedy requested Items # 8.2; 8.3; and 8.4 be bundled with no objections. So voted. 8.2. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of joint owned wood pole and anchor on Gorham Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 8.3. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of underground conduit on Thorndike Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 6) In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 8.4. Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon - Request to install joint owned wood poles and anchors to accommodate Market Street Bridge reconstruction. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) property. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Doria Sylvester (Maloney Properties, Inc.) request installation of handicap parking sign at 517 Moody Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Rosa DaSilva for Nelly Santiagovasquez request installation of handicap parking sign at 332 Lincoln Street (#2). In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. C. Elliott/C. Leary/C. Samaras - Req. City Council vote to appoint Ad Hoc subcommittee to discuss process of amending City Charter to review and consider adopting a district/at-large council representation form of government and then to make recommendations to the full City Council. In City Council, no second needed, Motion to delay until June 13, 2107 by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. 10.2. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have proper department restripe the road lanes on Industrial Avenue and at merge of Thorndike Street and Gorham Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 6) 10.3. C. Milinazzo - Req. City Mgr. update the City Council on the status of restriping Nesmith Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott requested plan for striping roads be presented to Council. 10.4. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. be prepared for all responses to inquiries regarding Lowell High School Project at the scheduled presentation meeting before the Council. In City Council, seconded by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted that consultants should be prepared for a full array of questions. C. Leary noted questions may be present about water issues. C. Belanger requested all Council motions regarding project be answered. Manager Murphy noted that answers will be provided. Michael McGovern (Asst. City Mgr.) outlined agenda for information meeting to include answers to motion; summaries of feasibility studies; available options; and questions. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS C. Rourke requested point of personal privilege to discuss drug bust in Lawrence which involved the Lowell Police. Supt. Taylor (LPD) outlined the bust. C. Elliott noted the importance of the arrests. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk Office of the City Clerk - 375 Merrimack Street - Phone: 978.674.4161 City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov