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: February 6, 2018 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present. Mayor Samaras presiding. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Ronald “Stu” Mulligan. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting January 30th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 3. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 3.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. A) Pedestrian Safety at Intersection of Pawtucket Blvd. and Rourke Bridge – C. Conway noted report and the increase of safety in that area. B) Utopian Park Hydro Sculpture – C. Mercier noted matter had been referred to Parks & Recreation SC for further review and further information. C) Merrimack Valley Food Bank – C. Leahy questioned location of the building and if Tanner Street was a possible fit. Andrew Shapiro (DPD) commented on the challenges with the location and logistics of the building. Maria Dickinson (DPD) noted the challenge with Tanner Street is possible contamination and would not be a long term fit. C. Elliott noted the need to keep business in Lowell. Mr. Shapiro commented on Co- Star software that tracks inventory of properties in the City, including City owned ones. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) C. Elliott recognized efforts of the department. C. Mercier noted the number of calls for property in the City and noted Ramalho’s Gym was seeking a new location. D) Enhance Types of Businesses Attracted to the City – Registered speaker, Steven Malagodi, addressed the Council. C. Leahy noted that the Downtown Redevelopment SC would be addressing the matter with interested parties. C. Milinazzo noted that subcommittee was proper forum. C. Mercier questioned if there were a downtown coordinator. Mr. Shapiro noted it was done as a team effort. C. Mercier noted the need to have constant relationship with business owners in the City. C. Kennedy noted the need to address vacancies on the second and third stories of buildings downtown. Manager Murphy noted issues with those floors are often sprinkler systems and elevators. C. Kennedy requested report on the status of those vacancies. E) Traffic Control at Howe Bridge – C. Mercier questioned the partnership with the UML police force. Superintendent Taylor (LPD) outlined the partnership and the responsibilities of each department. Supt. Taylor commented on the issues at this intersection in terms of blocking and pedestrian safety. C. Leahy noted that the University should explore the hiring of crossing guards to ensure student safety. 3.2. Informational F) Ameresco Contract Scope and Savings – Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted. C. Elliott noted subcommittee should review the savings. Kathleen Moses (DPD) commented on rate changes and how they are built into savings projections. Motion by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Kennedy to develop maintenance program to ensure further energy savings. On motion, C. Elliott wanted to be informed of costs associated with the request. M. Kennedy offered friendly amendment to motion to refer to Manager for a cost analysis report. No objections so voted as amended. 3.3. Communication-Appoint Lisa Patenaude to Animal Advisory Committee as Resident Dog Owner. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Ms. Patenaude was present and thanked Council. 3.4. Communication-Reappoint Dr. William J. Galvin III to Board of Health. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Cirillo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 7) 4. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 4.1. Vote-Auth CM and or Board of Trustees of LMA proceed under MGL c.30 for Mgmt Svcs-5 yr term w an option for an additional 3 yr ext. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Elliott requested copy of the RFP in order to understand the scope of the contract. C. Mercier requested explanation of the vote. Manager Murphy outlined the vote and how it is structured to attempt to bring more acts to the venue. C. Nuon noted the importance of increased bookings at the venue. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the RFP language concerning increased bookings and maintenance of the facility. C. Kennedy requested time line for selection of the management team. C. Milinazzo commented on the lease with the theatre group. Manager Murphy noted he would furnish report to body. C. Elliott noted that there has been operating deficits associated with the building. Mr. Baldwin commented on spending done at the site. Manager Murphy noted the use of grant money to assist in the maintenance of the building. C. Kennedy noted a common complaint is that there are not enough shows booked. 4.2. Vote-Auth CM and or Treasurer proceed under MGL 30B for Banking Services-5 year term. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Milinazzo questioned the use of procurement committee in the City. Mr. Baldwin outlined process for procurement in the City noting certification of employees for that purpose. C. Milinazzo questioned if there was an employee of the City who was certified in construction regarding procurement of contracts. 4.3. Vote-Transfer 5,000 to fund building inspector overtime. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Cirillo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) None. 6. PETITIONS 6.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 6.2. Misc. - National Grid request City Council grant easement on Franklin Street for electric distribution construction. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 6.3. Misc. - Carol LaMarche request installation of (1) handicap parking sign at 16 Methuen Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo. So voted. 6.4. Misc. - Diane Allen request installation of (1) handicap parking sign in front of 14 Mt. Washington Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 7. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 7.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Council support naming the Parks Department building on Stedman Street in honor of Thomas R. Bellegarde for his many years of service. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier commented about the accomplishments and dedication of Mr. Bellegarde. 7.2. C. Conway - Req. City Council create subcommittee on Municipal Health Insurance. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager/City Solicitor. Substitute Motion adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Conway noted the need to provide information to employees on an important issue. M. Samaras relinquished Chair to Vice-Chair Nuon at 7:28 PM. C. Milinazzo noted that issue should be before Finance SC. Substitute Motion by M. Samaras, seconded by C. Milinazzo to refer matter to City Manager and City Solicitor for review in light of Plan E Charter. On substitute motion, C. Elliott noted it made sense to review and to provide information. C. Kennedy requested information from the City Solicitor. Solicitor City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) O’Connor noted she would conference with maker of motion and fashion a response. Vice-Chair Nuon returned Chair to M. Samaras at 7:35 PM. 7.3. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding cost analysis of recycling pick-up every week comparing it to current cost pick-up of every other week; in addition provide possible options for residents that bins overflow i.e. a second bin for people who request it. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Peter Martin, addressed the Council. C. Cirillo outlined motion noting dedication to recycling. C. Elliott requested information on costs associated with proposal. Manager Murphy outlined the recycling system in the City. C. Leahy commented on contract and noted that a second drop-off location is needed in the City. C. Kennedy noted that some changes could be made to current procedures. C. Mercier noted report would be helpful in making decisions. 7.4. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding Lowell Memorial Auditorium; said report to include updates on proposals for a management company due February 22nd, money allotted in budget for use and upgrades including larger loading dock doors and restrooms, and efforts being made to increase its use. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo noted the interest and prior discussion regarding the auditorium and that there is an increased need to attract superior acts to the venue. 7.5. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. provide update regarding latest meeting with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy requested information to clarify the meeting and to outline path moving forward. C. Kennedy noted that the media misrepresented the context of the meeting and outlined his perspective of it indicating a working meeting which touched on many issues. C. Milinazzo noted his frustration with the administration regarding this project and was not supportive of the administration and their approach. C. Elliott indicated that prior remarks were out of order and that the blame game will not get results. C. Elliott noted that it is the MSBA process and that needs to be followed so that a new high school becomes a reality. C. Mercier noted the delays and how they were caused throughout the process. C. Kennedy questioned why options were presented during that meeting. Manager Murphy noted that options were provide as per request. M. Samaras relinquished Chair to Vice-Chair Nuon at 8:00 PM. C. Kennedy commented on revised City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) plans and money needed to be spent moving forward at this phase. C. Conway noted media clouded the issue and that there is a clear indication that Option 3 is going to be used. C. Conway questioned status of the School Building Committee and their schedule. Manager Murphy noted schedule and notice of the meetings. M. Samaras noted that the editorial in the local paper was not accurate and in addition voiced his displeasure with Perkins/Eastman and Skanska work on the project. M. Samaras note the need to have resolution with those vendors. C. Leahy noted the need to identify path ahead in terms of all issues including pool and fieldhouse and that our consultants need better leadership. C. Leahy noted that during further negotiations with Perkins/Eastman and Skanska they would need to own their part of the delays in the project. C. Cirillo noted that consultants should have the team covering the project that was part of the original contract. Michael McGovern (Asst. City Manager) noted the team has not changed and indicated that they have been on other projects while this one was idle. C. Elliott noted Option 3 included a pool and that they were behind because option was changed. C. Kennedy noted that meetings should be held a night to ensure full opportunity for attendance. C. Kennedy noted that costs should be limited if all they are doing is eliminating the pool from Option 3. C. Milinazzo commented on pool and field house issues and that there was no need to start the whole process over. M. Samaras commented on issues with consultants’ ability to convey information to the public and that they are the experts on this project. C. Cirillo questioned membership on the School Building Committee. Manager Murphy noted how membership was developed. Vice-Chair Nuon returned Chair to M. Samaras at 8:32 PM. 7.6. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. work with DCR to install appropriate signage at the entrance to Trotting Park Road directing forest vistitors to the parking area. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway noted motion was evident. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Kennedy requested suspension of rules to place motion on floor. No objections. Motion by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Elliott to request Educational Partnerships SC explore Lowell be designated as a global learning City. So voted. In City Council, C. Mercier provided treasurer’s report on the Friends of the Council on Aging Committee outlining the work they have done to ease costs in that department. In City Council, C. Leahy recognized Mr. George Duncan and the Enterprise Bank on their 30th Year Anniversary. Manager Murphy noted he would send formal recognition. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) 9. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov