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 8, 2018 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present. M. Samaras presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Robert B. Kennedy (Former Mayor, City Councilor and State Representative). C. Kennedy commented on his service with Mr. Kennedy and his friendship. C. Elliott commented on Mr. Kennedy as a family man and recognized his two daughters. M. Samaras commented on Mr. Kennedy and his involvement with Lowell High School. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Recognition of Miss Massachusetts Allissa Latham. In City Council, M. Samaras recognized Ms. Latham and her accomplishments. Ms. Latham was present and thanked the Council and spoke of her goals. 2.2. Presentation regarding FY19 School Administration Budget. In City Council, Registered speakers: Leslie Oxton; Jeannine Durkin; Gary Frisch (provided handout); Jackie Doherty; Connie Martin; Andy Descoteaux; Paul Georges and Gerry Nutter. Motion “To refer to joint City Council Finance SC and School Committee Finance SC, by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Elliott noted the information and recognized the need to readjust the State funding formula. C. Mercier noted her concerns regarding cuts in positions, especially library aides, and commented that cuts should come from top of administration as well. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott to draft a resolution supporting adjusting the State funding education formula. So voted. C. Kennedy noted further discussion is warranted and that there should be maintenance of effort among the parties. C. Kennedy noted the need to pursue added funding for charter schools and that like situated communities City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 8) should be working together for that result. C. Kennedy noted the need to have students return to Lowell schools as it would lessen transportation costs. C. Nuon noted the need to change the school funding formula and for further review before any increase in taxes to citizens. C. Milinazzo noted that there is a time element in place for this budget noting cuts should be avoided and that education ties directly with economic development. C. Conway noted need for further discussion to clarify the picture and to resolve matter. C. Conway noted need to look at alternative personnel discussions as compared to tax impact. C. Elliott noted that early budget projections on the City side indicate a cut in 18 of the 33 departments. C. Cirillo noted best interests of children should be kept in mind. C. Leahy noted cuts made on City budget and that a long term solution must be involved. Manager Donoghue commented on State budget formula which needs to be adjusted with increased funding and provided handout outlining effect of City side of budget based on School Administration request. Manager Donoghue noted deficit number from the School side had been different than what she had been informed of and that the City has serious financial restraints present. Manager Donoghue noted that there is a 2% tax increase in the budget along with transfer from Stabilization Fund as well as not accounting for any raises. Manager Donoghue commented on physical shape of the buildings and noted the money that had to be used this year as emergency funds to maintain buildings. C. Milinazzo questioned design fund used for Lowell High School. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the amount and that there was an increase in order to repair matters. Manager Donoghue commented on reimbursement possibilities for current repairs at the high school. C. Leahy noted the need to fight hard for that money. M. Samaras recognized the amount of information provided to the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting May 1st, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Noun. So voted. A) 15-minute parking space – None. B) Loading Zone Parking Space – None. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 8) C) Paving – C. Cirillo noted the report. Manager Donoghue noted that the process should be made public for all to understand. James Donison (DPW) described the process regarding street paving list. Motion by C. Noun, seconded by C. Kennedy to refer to Neighborhoods SC. So voted. C. Leahy questioned work being done. Mr. Donison outlined what was being done for the remainder of calendar year. C. Leahy commented on issue with shorter streets. C. Mercier questioned why sidewalks are not included in street work. Manager Donoghue noted that in the future streets and sidewalks would be done together. D) Marlborough St Pothole repairs – C. Nuon noted that the residents were pleased. E) New High School Security – C. Mercier was informed that this was a MSBA subcommittee. F) Security Cameras – C. Nuon noted the installation and tie in with the LPD. G) Broadcasting from MRR – C. Kennedy noted the amount and requested that the scope of the response be lessened. Mr. Baldwin outlined the costs which would include changes to the Council Chamber as well. C. Kennedy noted he was only interested in the Mayor’s Reception Room. Manager Donoghue noted the different approaches that can be done. C. Elliott noted that broadcasts are important and costs should include staffing as well. H) Lowell Police Dept. Training – Manager Donoghue noted the report on training. C. Milinazzo voiced his concern with information provided outside of Executive Session. Manager Donoghue commented she had reviewed matter with Law Department as was confident that the report would not touch on any matter that was not already in the public domain. Solicitor O’Connor noted that the Superintendent report was proper public information. C. Milinazzo noted that certain questions could be more appropriate in Executive Session and that is where the discussion should take place. Solicitor O’Connor noted that the body could enter Executive Session at any time. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Milinazzo to enter into Executive Session if warranted by questions posed due to the report. So voted. Supt. Taylor (LPD) provided report regarding training of officers and civilians and referred to list of all training sessions made available. C. Nuon questioned mandatory element of the training as well as diversity training. C. Kennedy requested update regarding accreditation of the department. Supt. Taylor noted that the process was further than half way done and that the physical plant would raise problems in the process but would not prevent accreditation. Manager Donoghue recognized Supt. Taylor’s years of service in light of his approaching retirement. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 8) 4.2. Communication - Reappoint Gerard Frechette to Planning Board. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Kennedy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 4.3. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (1) DPD. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 abstain (M. Samaras). So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote - Authorize City Manager Execute Access Agreement for 234-268 Mt. Vernon Street. 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. 5.2. Vote - Authorize City Manager Execute Land Disposition Agreement with Broadway Street Holdings, Inc. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6. RESOLUTIONS 6.1. Resolution - Support MA House Bill 2683 Senate Bill 1845. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Registered speaker: Jay Mason and Geoffrey Keotsch. C. Elliott noted prior resolution and the pollution and costs incurred because of gas leaks as well as it being a safety concern for neighborhoods. Manager Donoghue commented on meetings with utilities and the work they are doing in the City with the replacement of pipes. C. Kennedy noted the difference in degree of leaks and the problem with citizens paying for gas that is leaked. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Economic Development SC May 8, 2018. In City Council, C. Kennedy provided the report outlining the attendance and the discussion regarding developments in the Hamilton Canal Innovative District and that City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 8) the matter was referred to the DPD for further review. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Ralph DePrenda (Lowell, Ma.) request installation of street light on existing pole #4 located across from 83 Temple Street. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - E. Carole Carr (Lowell, Ma.) request installation of street light on existing pole #41 located on East Merrimack Street at corner of Geana Lane. In Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. C. Mercier requested her motion (Item #9.6) be discussed at this time. No objections. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. initiate a program to involve community/business members to assist in beautifying the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted it was anti littering focus and that all should be involved in any effort to that end. C. Elliott noted the community effort that is needed and that the Sherriff’s Department does get involved with these efforts. C. Mercier commented on the efforts of the Sherriff’s Department and identified problem area of First Street and Route 110. 9.2. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. invite Comcast, Verizon and National Grid to a meeting to discuss double poles and hanging wires present throughout the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted it was a constant issue and that there was a sufficient work force to get the job done. 9.3. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. work with DPW to develop best practices for inventory control as it pertains to land and buildings in the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the need to upkeep buildings as well as the need to have an efficient maintenance plan. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 8) 9.4. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding why sidewalks are not being done as part of paving projects in the City; in addition fined ways and means to do same. (per example C. St.) In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the matter was addressed prior in the meeting. 9.5. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. have proper department remove the barrel from North Llewellyn Street and fill the whole or make necessary repairs. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented that Mr. McGovern (Asst. City Mgr.) had been involved and that repairs would be made. Manager Donoghue noted that matter would be corrected this week. 9.6. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. find ways and means to have street light installed on pole #41 on East Merrimack Street at Geana Lane. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the matter had been addressed with a full lighting set-up. 9.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have Law Dept. draft an ordinance which would require City bid construction/development projects of a certain size which may involve TIF’s and within the Hamilton Canal Innovative District adhere to minimum work force standards for the employment of minorities and women which mirror current State/Federal requirements. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the benefits to a policy which promotes diversity with our partners in development. 9.8. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. develop a recording, reporting and accountability process with regular public meetings among stake holders pre through post construction for construction workforce diversity data on projects covered by prior proposed ordinance. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted this motion was tied in with Item #9.7. 9.9. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. direct proper department (DPD, Neighborhood Services, LRTA) to organize a public information session to inform residents City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 8) about changes to bus routes and bus stop locations resulting from temporary closures and repairs of canal bridges. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need for the information and it to be communicated to the community. 9.10. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. report on the status of the crossing light at Douglas Road and Andover Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway commented on the importance of the light as it serves two schools and a busy neighborhood. Manager Donoghue noted storm damage to light required ordering new parts. 9.11. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. provide update on road construction at the VFW Highway across the street from Top Donut and the Aiken Street Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway noted area was a total mess and requested update. Manager Donoghue noted work had cease due to an environmental issue and she would provide update. C. Leahy noted it was an ongoing issue and questioned if it could be repaired first and then find responsibility later. 9.12. M. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. have DPW look into repaving the playground at the Rogers School. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Samaras noted the need for repairs. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Nuon noted that the Pawtucketville Neighborhood group raised issue regarding soliciting in the City. M. Samaras noted problem with salespeople going door to door. Motion by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier to refer Neighborhoods SC. So voted. C. Elliott noted it was an issue with ordinance compliance. C. Mercier commented on the number of scams throughout the City. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov