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: July 25, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present. M. Kennedy presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Doris Christakos and Hazel Schofield. C. Samaras requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Ernest “Ernie” Descheneaux. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication - Republic of Southern Cameroons letter of thanks. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. M. Kennedy noted the letter and introduced Fru Nkimbeng who read it to Council. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary to take her motion (Item #11.1) at same time as it addresses same issue. So voted. C. Leahy recognized the effort of the group. C. Elliott noted diversity in Lowell and how they support freedom movements. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting July 11th, for acceptance. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance-Amend Zoning Extend LI Zone to include 25 Olney Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 10) In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. No remonstrants. Attorney Stephen Geary, representing the petitioners spoke in favor. Sandra McNamara spoke in favor of the petition as well. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted the Planning Board favorable recommendation on the matter. M. Kennedy noted the recommendation as Item #5.8 on agenda. C. Leahy recognized the business on site. C. Belanger noted business and how this would improve that business corridor. C. Milinazzo questioned purchase price of the parcel. Manager Murphy noted price was consistent with appraisal done. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. A) Butman Road – C. Leahy recognized the effort to relieve neighborhood concerns. B) Cawley and Alumni Improvements – C. Leary recognized administration’s efforts to address the noise issues in the neighborhood. C) Enforcement of No Parking on Sidewalks – C. Leahy commented on prior Public Safety SC discussion. D) Folk Festival – C. Belanger noted the effort to prepare for the event and commented on the need to have gateways into the City be presentable. E) Graffiti on Ray Robinson Restaurant – C. Samaras noted the quick work to remove graffiti and the importance of staying on top of this issue throughout the City. F) Use of Cameras at City Parks – C., Leary noted discussion at the Public Safety SC and questioned timing for completing program. Mark Trudel (LPD) commented on progress noting 8 cameras are in place with 8 more to follow and further commented on trying different software to allow video in the cruisers. Manager Murphy noted that all cameras were movable. C. Leahy commented on network issues. C. Elliott noted the ability to move cameras will be beneficial. C. Elliott commented on home use option. C. Mercier noted funding was provided and camera us enhances safety. Sgt. Trudel noted that cameras are shared with Lowell Housing Authority and that promoting camera use can deter crime. G) Veterans Park – C. Leahy noted quick work from all levels of government. C. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 10) Mercier noted the creation of a task force to handle matter along with funding and recognized efforts of Representative Nangle. H) Walter Bayliss Dedication – C. Leary noted the efforts of the Parks Commission. I) Status on the RFP for HCID – C. Belanger commented on responses to RFP. Manager Murphy noted that deadlines have not passed and that they are reaching out to all developers. C. Leary recognized effective showcase of the area and the commitment of Watermark. J) Inland Street – C. Leary noted neighborhood concerns are not all the same so some discussion is needed on the issue. K) South Common – C. Belanger recognized improvements in the area and questioned lighting. Tom Bellegarde (DPW) commented on timing and procedure for park improvements. L) HCID Open House – C. Belanger commented on the success of the showcase and the team effort involved. Manager Murphy noted that the DPD continues follow-up on the matter. Kevin Coughlin (DPD) noted opportunity to get right company in the location. C. Belanger commented that the M2D2 presence is beneficial. C. Milinazzo noted that other sites with similar objectives in other parts of the Commonwealth should be examined. Mr. Coughlin noted that such inspections of those sights are being done. C. Milinazzo noted that there should reach out to media (Boston TV) to report on what is happening in the area. C. Rourke noted importance of reviewing other similar areas. C. Leary commented on how the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) works with these projects. Manager Murphy noted that the BRA is involved with City project. M. Kennedy recognized Mr. Coughlin for his efforts on the showcase. 5.1.1. Informational M) Amber Zapatka Dedication – C. Mercier noted approval by the Board of Parks. N) National Night Out – C. Mercier commented she would address this matter under Announcements section of the agenda. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo to bundle Items #5.2 to #5.5 and accept communications and place on file. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 10) 5.2. Communication-Accept Resignation of James Ostis-Lowell Cultural Council. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 5.3. Communication-Accept resignation of John Corrigan-Hunger Homeless Commission. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 5.4. Communication-Accept resignation of Joseph Banh-Lowell Cultural Council. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 5.5. Communication-Accept resignation of Rosaline Willie-Bonglo-Lowell Housing Authority (tenant rep). In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 5.6. Communication-Appoint Sara Marks to Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Leary, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5.7. Communication-Appoint Wayne Sevigny Sr. to Lowell Housing Authority (tenant rep). In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Mr. Sevigny was present and thanked the Council. C. Milinazzo recognized prior tenant representative; Ms. Willie-Bonglo left position as she purchased a home. 5.8. Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning amendment to extend existing Light Industrial (LI) zoning district to include 25 Olney Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 10) In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. 5.9. Communication - City Mgr. request Out of State Travel (1) HHS; (1) DPD; (3) LPD. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote-Auth Mgr. Ex. Annual Action Plan 2017-2018. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Milinazzo recognized the citizen group who participated in the effort and commented that no social service agency would be near high school out at Cawley site. 6.2. Vote-Auth. Mgr. Execute Two Temporary Easements Lowell Canal Bridges (TIGER) Project. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.3. Vote-Transfer for temporary and permanent easements regarding TIGER bridge project and soil remediation at LHS. 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 9 yeas. So voted. C. Milinazzo commented on dollar amount. Manager Murphy noted it was based upon appraised values. C. Rourke commented on costs and size of the soil remediation. C. Leahy commented on size of remediation. 6.4. Vote-Auth Mgr. Ex. Temp. Easements to MassDOT at two locations. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 10) 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Order-60 day trial (various). In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance-Create two Clinical Recovery Specialists Part time Grant and Salaries in HHS Dept. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 8, 2017 at 7 PM by C. Leary, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Public Safety SC July 25, 2017. In City Council, C. Leahy provided report noting attendance and discussion regarding drug arrests, motor vehicle violations and neighborhood safety concerns. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo to bundle and accept accompanying orders for Items #9.2 and #9.3. So voted. 9.2. Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Request installation of pole and anchor located at 144 Chelmsford Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 9.3. Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon New England - Request installation of 1 JO and SO pole located at Gorham, 1 SO stub pole at Newhall and 1 JO pole at Ellsworth Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo to bundle and refer to Law Department or Traffic Engineer for Items #10.1 to 10.4. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 10) 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Misc. - Lauren DiSalvo (Bar 74) request installation of overhanging sign at 76-78 Merrimack Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Gene Cordes (Community Teamwork, Inc.) request installation of overhanging sign at 165 Merrimack Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.3. Misc. - Alice Realejo on behalf of Hildalberto Mendonca request installation of no parking sign at 310-322 Lawrence Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.4. Misc. - Luis Maldonado request installation of light poles at 861 Middlesex Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.5. National Grid - Request installation of new pole located at 71 Rogers Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 8, 2017 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10.6. National Grid - Request relocation of gas pressure regulator to sidewalk on Father Morissette Boulevard. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 8, 2017 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 11. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 11.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Council recognize Fru Nkimbeng and his letter of thanks from the Secretary General of Republic of Southern Cameroons regarding our resolution of May 2, 2017. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 10) In City Council, second by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Fru Nkimbeng, read letter of thanks to Council. 11.2. C. Elliott/C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. meet with Finance SC to create financing plan to minimize impact of debt service of high school to senior citizens and those on fixed income. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Finance SC. So voted. C. Mercier commented on the need to explore best way to pay off debt for seniors and other fixed income individuals. C. Elliott commented on different ways to structure the debt and that the Finance SC has been meeting regularly on these issues. C. Belanger noted need to look for relief for those groups. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted that there would be different options within the levy and that he would work with the Finance SC on that issue. C. Milinazzo noted support of the motion because of his confidence in the finance administration, in addition commented on motives of makers and further noted if one group is relieved of some payments other groups would be affected. C. Mercier outlined her reason for motion. C. Leahy noted there will need to be many discussions with debt of the City as there are other projects that need to be funded. M. Kennedy noted it was an exploratory motion. C. Elliott noted his reason for motions and noted concern over prior objection. 11.3. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. look into developing a 311 App to allow residents to report issues. In City Council, second by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott described the APP and how it provides access to City Hall. C. Samaras noted it was an upgrade in technology to allow quick access. 11.4. C. Milinazzo - Req. City Mgr. contact representatives of UMass-Lowell to discuss the status of the dormitory preparations at Perkins Loft and to inform the abutters as to the status. In City Council, second by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Milinazzo noted the need to have clarity in future plans for the dormitory. 11.5. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have DPD create a plan to revitalize the Mammoth Road and University Avenue business corridor similar to Cupples Square and Bridge Street corridor. In City Council, second by C. Milinazzo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted corridor is gateway into City and that other areas have been successful City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 10) in revitalization so a time line and development plan should be prepared with assistance from neighborhood groups. C. Milinazzo noted the need to ease access on Bridge Street during renovations. 11.6. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have DPD create a plan to revitalize the High Street business corridor similar to Cupples Square and Bridge Street corridor. In City Council, second by C. Milinazzo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted corridor is gateway into City and that other areas have been successful in revitalization so a time line and development plan should be prepared with assistance from neighborhood groups. 11.7. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have proper department outline plans for crosswalks on lower Andover Street between Lawrence and Central Streets after road has been hard topped. In City Council, second by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted there was a lot of work being done in area with a lot of traffic and limited crosswalks. 11.8. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. have Traffic Engineer look into a four way stop at the intersection of Riverside and Sparks Streets. In City Council, second by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted the concerns of the residents. 11.9. C. Leary - Req. City Mgr. provide an update regarding the flooding/drainage issues on Alcott Street and Douglas Road. In City Council, second by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary noted Winward Street should be included with updated responses. C. Leahy noted the water problems present even though Water Department has a handle on situation. 11.10. M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. provide update regarding establishing a translation bureau in the lobby of City Hall as per motion request of March 28, 2017. In City Council, second by C. Samaras, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted his discussion with Manager Murphy. C. Milinazzo noted the use of a language line at City Hall. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 10) 12. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1. Executive session - Regarding pending litigation (Huot et al v. City of Lowell et al) public discussion of which could have a detrimental effect on the City’s position. In City Council, reason for Executive Session stated by M. Kennedy, as well as M. Kennedy informing public that the body will adjourned from the Executive Session. Motion to enter Executive Session by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call Vote 9 yeas. So voted at 8:10 PM. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted neighborhood sidewalk meeting as well as National Night Out. 14. ADJOURNMENT In City Council (Executive Session), Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM from Executive Session. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov