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 12, 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. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Recognition - Mayor's Holiday Fest Committee. In City Council, M. Kennedy noted the event sponsored by the Committee and its success. M. Kennedy recognized the various band and musical acts that volunteered their time and talent to the event. M. Kennedy recognized each member of the organized committee for the event and the time and effort they put into its success. M. Kennedy noted each person would be given a proclamation to honor their commitment. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting December 5th, for acceptance. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. Order-Abandon portion of Montreal Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1. Ordinance-Amend Zoning-various sections. (Cont. from 12/5/17). City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 6) In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing continued, hearing closed. Motion to adopt, as amended, by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Eric Slagle (Insp. Services) noted the prior Zoning SC meeting regarding recommendations of the Planning Board concerning the proposed zoning amendments. Deb Forgione spoke in favor of the ordinance. C. Milinazzo requested that he give Zoning SC report out of order and was allowed to do so without objection. C. Milinazzo noted attendance of the subcommittee including the various neighborhood groups and informed the Council that subcommittee recommended that sections concerning micro-businesses be withdrawn from ordinance and further reviewed by the subcommittee. C. Milinazzo noted that the subcommittee recommended that the Planning Board recommendations regarding parking facilities and large scale residential projects be incorporated into the ordinance. Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Leary to amend prior motion of C. Milinazzo to adopt ordinance with exception of micro- business section to also exclude section concerning parking facilities for dormitories. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 3 nays (C. Belanger, C. Milinazzo, C. Rourke). So voted. C. Elliott noted the need for corrective language beyond what was being proposed. C. Rourke noted the language assist with enforcement of the ordinance. Mr. Slagle commented on enforcement measures. M. Kennedy questioned reasoning of proposed changes. C. Mercier noted her concern with over parking in the neighborhoods. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. A) Efforts to Increase Enforcement to Address Drug Dealing – C. Belanger commented on the use of grant money and the efforts of the police used to confront the issues; which included enforcement policies and education. B) Change for Change Initiative Update – C. Belanger commented on the success of the program and how it was implemented. C. Elliott commented on the use of signage. Manager Murphy noted they will continue to monitor the effect of the program and further commented on the use of parking meters to enhance collection. C) Problem Activities on Kirk and Merrimack Streets – C. Samaras noted the need for services but questioned the location to provide them. Supt. Taylor (LPD) commented on the area and the Living Waters organization noting increase in activity there due to drug and mental issues. C. Samaras noted the need to coordinate effort among partners. C. Milinazzo commented on the report and noted that Living Waters City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 6) did not display much interest in assisting with problems in the area. C. Milinazzo noted the need for services but there must be a level of cooperation among stakeholders. C. Mercier commented on the Transitional Living Center and the use of money to have day programs for citizens. C. Leahy noted the location and enabling the facility to keep clientele busy. C. Samaras noted the need for continued funding. D) Speed Radar Display on Beacon, Mt. Pleasant and Reservoir Street – C. Samaras noted the need to continue monitoring the location. E) Fletcher and Bower Streets No Parking Sign – C. Mercier noted the change increased safety in the area. 6.2. Communication-Appoint Michael L. Peaslee to Lowell Memorial Auditorium Trustees (Veterans rep). In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Leary, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Mr. Peaslee was present and thanked the Council. 6.3. Communication - City Mgr. request Out of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Leary. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote-Authorize City Mgr. Ex. Temp. Access Agreement between City and Broadway Street Holdings, Inc. re 234, 268 Mt. Vernon St. and 5 Farnham St. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7.2. Vote-Authorize City Mgr. request minor plan to Acre Plan. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7.3. Vote-Transfer 7,500 for the VFW Land Court survey work. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 6) 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Zoning SC December 12, 2017. In City Council, C. Milinazzo provided report during comment period of public hearing on matter (See Item #5.1). Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) property. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Clifford Whalen request installation of handicap parking sign at 30 Coburn Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leary, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. add Surrey Lane to paving list. In City Council, second by C. Leary, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted the request of neighborhood. 10.2. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. update City Council regarding relocation of the UTEC mattress recycling facility. In City Council, second by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the facility was good for organization and the City as well. 10.3. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. update City Council regarding the City needle pick-up program. In City Council, second by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the training involved and the work of the administration on the matter. M. Kennedy relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Rourke at 7:30 PM. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 6) 10.4. M. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. work with Supt. of Schools to develop a school facility maintenance master plan and designate funds to support it. In City Council, second by C. Milinazzo, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Kennedy noted the need for a better connection between school and city administration in this area and improve the approach currently taken to cover a large array of maintenance issues. C. Leary noted that there is a master plan but funding is an issue and that it will require efficient management. C. Milinazzo questioned if this were part of the Collins Center review. C. Elliott noted the need for budget planning. Vice Chair Rourke returned Chair to M. Kennedy at 7:40 PM. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier recognized outgoing Councilors Rourke, Leary and Belanger and provided examples of their stewardship. C. Belanger noted his continued involvement with the City and commented on his experience in the Council as well as with the Zoning Board of Appeals. C. Elliott recognized the public service of the Councilors. C. Leahy noted it was a pleasure to serve with them and that they were dedicated to the people of Lowell. C. Leary commented on his experience and that he was fortunate to represent the City and was thankful to other members of the body and his family as well. C. Milinazzo noted the team effort of the Council even on divisive issues and that each voted their conscience and hoped for their continued effort. C. Rourke thanked the people of the City and noted the efforts of the groups; including city employees, administration, Clerks’ Office and public safety personnel. Lastly, C. Rourke thanked his family. C. Samaras noted the service of the Councilors to the City and the team effort put forward and highlighted each of their accomplishments and attributes. M. Kennedy noted his appreciation as serving as Mayor and noted team effort of all of the members and that is reflective of where the City is at. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 6) City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov