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: December 5, 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. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting November 21st, for acceptance. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. 2.2. Vote-Reappoint City Clerk 2017. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Elliott noted that Clerk had been evaluated by the body. C. Mercier requested point of personal privilege regarding holiday ceremony at City Hall held prior to the meeting. C. Mercier commented that it was disappointing that the turnout was low because there was not proper notification of the meeting to the public and to the City Council. C. Mercier commented that the Mayor’s Office was responsible for that notification. M. Kennedy noted that his office was not responsible for the organizing the party. C. Elliott noted that officials were not notified and that there was not enough notice to the public. 3. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Ordinance-Amend Zoning-various sections. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held, hearing continued to December 12, 2017 and matter referred to Zoning SC on December 12, 2017. M. Kennedy requested City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) that item #4.2 (Planning Board recommendation) be discussed at same time. So voted with no objections. Speaking in favor were Jon Hamblet and Eric Slagle (Insp. Services). Mr. Slagle recommended that items discussed by the Planning Board be referred to Zoning SC and that remainder of ordinance be approved. No remonstrants. Motion to refer amendments recommended by the Planning Board to Zoning SC and that the public hearing be continued until December 12, 2017 by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. C. Elliott noted concern for item changing parking requirements for dormitories. C. Belanger commented on the parking changes. C. Mercier made a motion seconded by C. Elliott (for discussion) to strike language that changed parking regulations regarding dormitories. That motion was withdrawn by maker after information was provided by Mr. Slagle. M. Kennedy noted which items would be referred to Zoning SC. C. Samaras noted parking issues and requested report regarding parking in that area be provided for the subcommittee meeting. 3.2. Order-Abandon portion of Montreal Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No remonstrants. Speaking in favor was Joe Dussault. Motion to refer to Clerk’s Office for 7 days by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Matter to be returned for vote on December 12, 2017. 3.3. Vote-Adopt Minimum Residential Factor FY 2018. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held, hearing closed. Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. The residential factor was stated as .858187. C. Elliott requested information and noted the financial stability that exist in the City identifying new growth in the City and an increase in property values. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the residential factor as a means of bringing relief to homeowners regarding taxes. Mr. Baldwin reviewed new growth in the City. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. A) Status of Low-riding Cars – C. Leary commented on analysis from the LPD. Supt. Taylor (LPD) commented on the regulations and the number of citations issued. C. Leary noted that department adheres to Mass General Laws. C. Milinazzo questioned enforcement of inspections stickers. C. Leahy commented on the State law. C. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 7) Belanger commented on loud exhaust from vehicles. C. Elliott commented on the noise ordinance regarding music coming from cars. B) Crosswalk on High Street – None. C) Four Way Stop at Intersection of Riverside and Sparks Street – None. D) Safety Patrols by Kerouac Park – C. Belanger commented on resident concerns and that they have been addressed. Supt. Taylor noted the increase patrols in the area has caused a reduction in calls. E) Chelmsford Street Improvements – C. Leary noted the need to upgrade major artery in the City and that items such as lining the road can be addressed with lower costs. Manager Murphy noted that costs increase as each crosswalk would need to be updated for handicap access. Nicolas Bosonetto (Traffic Eng.) noted striping is a low costs short term solution as larger improvements wait funding. C. Belanger noted improvements along the Lawrence Street corridor. F) Parking Application – None. G) Fowler Road – None. H) Additional Veteran Tax Exemptions – C. Milinazzo commented on the information and noted it was available on the website. C. Elliott commented on information on website and that information should be provided to veterans. I) Corporate Sponsorship of Parks and Open Spaces – C. Belanger noted it was a work in progress and that responses have been limited. Manager Murphy commented on the need to change strategy beyond an RFP and to reach out through the Convention Visitors Bureau. C. Belanger commented on larger venues using the sponsorships. C. Milinazzo questioned contract with Convention Visitors Bureau. J) Update on the Feasibility of a Combined Maintenance Department – C. Leary noted cost savings and a more efficient manner in completing work. C. Leahy noted the need to discuss two shifts. Manager Murphy noted involvement of the Collins Center. C. Elliott commented on time frame for review. C. Milinazzo noted that collective bargaining agreements need to be part of the discussion. 4.2. Communication - Planning Board recommendation regarding an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, by amending various sections. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. Matter was discussed with Item #3.1 (Public Hearing Zoning Ordinance). 4.3. Communication-Appoint Marie L. Elianor to Hunger Homeless Commission. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Leary. So voted. Ms. Elianor was present and thanked the Council. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote-Accept Easement from John Dowling for access to all utilities-Portion of Newall Street. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Leary, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5.2. Vote-Transfer 2,100,000 certified as surplus in the overlay to reduce FY2018 tax levy. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Order-Abandon portion of Newell Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 9, 2018 at 7 PM by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. M. Kennedy requested, without objection, that Items #7.1 to #7.6 be bundled and taken as one. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request permission to install (1) pole at corner of Pawtucket and Merrimack Streets. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 7.2. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request permission to install (1) stub pole and anchor at 590 Pine Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 7.3. Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Request permission to install (1) pole and 10 feet of conduit at East Merrimack and Park Streets. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 7.4. Wire Insp. - National Grid/Verizon NE - Request permission to install (1) pole and 30 feet of conduit at 357 Pawtucket Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 7.5. Wire Insp. - Comcast - Request permission to install underground conduit at manhole at 43 Market Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 7.6. Wire Insp. - ExteNet Systems, Inc. - Request installation of telecommunication wires and appurtenances on pole located at Bridge and French Streets. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying order by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. C. Leahy noted opposition to motion. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Elia Veloso request reimbursement for towing charge. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Leary, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 8.2. National Grid/Verizon NE - Request permission to install stub pole at corner of West Jenness and Rexford Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on January 9, 2018 at 7 PM by C. Leary, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding “free cash” for fiscal year ending June 30th; and discuss using a portion to reduce taxes. In City Council, second by C. Belanger, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted that need to have picture of where City is at. Manager Murphy noted that free cash as not been certified by gave an estimate of the amount. C. Elliott commented on the financial stability of the City finances. 9.2. C. Elliott - Req. City Traffic Engineer determine if the traffic signals at the intersection of Mammoth Road and 4th Avenue (in front of the McAvinnue School) can be changed to the type that have a flashing white strip in the center, similar to those on the Pawtucket Blvd. at Camelot Court/Sampas Pavilion. In City Council, second by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted resident concerns and that lights need to get driver attention. C. Leahy noted it was a dangerous driving area. 9.3. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. ask the Lowell Memorial Auditorium Board of Trustees to possibly communicate with the President of the Tenant Council at Fr. Norton Manor on High Street when there is a large event held during the day so that Fr. Norton Manor may make arrangements for needed parking for care givers arriving at the apartments. In City Council, second by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the need for health care providers to have parking. 9.4. C. Leary - Req. City Mgr. review feasibility of adding Foch Street to street paving list. In City Council, second by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leary corrected name of street and noted the need. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Samaras noted movie premier sponsored by CMMA. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Leary, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov