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, 11, 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. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Christopher Roy (Worcester fire fighter). C. Milinazzo for himself and his family thanked the community for their sympathy and tribute to his mother, Mary Milinazzo. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Recognition - Mayor's 2nd Annual Holiday Festival. In City Council, John Geer (Belvidere Neighborhood Association) commented on the event and thanked all involved for the fundraising efforts. M. Samaras made note of the established committee who assisted with the event. C. Kennedy noted the effort. C. Elliott commented on CTI and C. Mercier involvement in helping homeless teens. Manager Donoghue noted a report will be furnished to Council regarding CTI progress in the homelessness issues. Motion by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to take Items #8.2 and #9.2 together and out of order and also #8.1 and #10.6 together and out of order. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting December 4th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) 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. Cirillo. So voted. A) Starr Avenue Paving – M. Samaras noted the report. B) LED Street Lights – C. Nuon noted project was close to completion and that the program will cut costs. Katherine Moses (DPD) outlined the savings for the City. C) Upkeep of School Grounds – C. Milinazzo commented on job classifications as an effort to identify who needs to be in the buildings to do the work needed. Rick Underwood (School Maintenance) commented on commented on the procedures and the efforts of his department. C. Kennedy noted improvements over time and that there must be a proactive approach and that a good job must be done on all facilities. C. Leahy noted that staffing may be an issue. C. Conway noted that the appearance of the schools is important to community and City as well and that there needs to be a different approach. 4.2. Informational Report D) Perry St. – M. Samaras noted that Item #6.1would be taken out of order during this discussion. Natasha Vance (Transportation Engineer) provided history of the street and noted that a 60 Day Trial of one-way is being proposed. Ms. Vance noted that area would not allow for any reduction of parking spaces. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to take Item #6.1 out of order. So voted. 4.3. Communication-Accept resignation of Wayne J. Sevigny Sr. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 4.4. Communication-Appoint Joanie L. Bernes to Lowell Housing Authority as the Tenant Representative. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 4.5. Communication-Reappoint C R Krieger to Hunger Homeless Commission as Ex Officio Member Mayors Designee. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 7) In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote-Accept donation of a used van from the LRTA to the Fire Department. 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. 5.2. Vote-Authorize CM Accept Gift from Mico H. Revocable Trust of bronze Indian Maiden sculpture. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Cirillo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Terry O’Connor (Trustee) addressed the Council regarding the statute and arts in the City. Chief Thomas Eagle Rising Libby (Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association) commented on the heritage of Native Americans and their continued presence in the City. C. Elliott commented on the gift and the effort of the group and noted location. Manager Donoghue noted that the DPD would be working with the group as to placement of the gift. Elsie Howell (Artist) commented on possible locations for the statute. 5.3. Vote-To increase the Cost of Living percentage rate for the City of Lowell Ordinance Employee's. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5.4. Vote-Transfer 184,835 to purchase Council on Aging Bus. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted the importance of the transfer and that the elderly would be pleased. 5.5. Vote-Transfer 50,000 to purchase new Animal Control Vehicle. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Order-60 Day Order-Perry Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) 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. Registered speakers; James Houston, Elizabeth Silva and Jason Gilbeau addressed the Council. C. Leahy questioned if one-way direction could be reversed. Ms. Vance noted it was a 60 day trial and that information would be provided once complete. C. Kennedy noted that it is a 60 day trial and that it should be operated that way for that amount of time. C. Leahy suggested that a traffic island may be helpful in that area. 7. RESOLUTIONS 7.1. Resolution-Opposition of the FCC proposed funding cut for Public Access Stations. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Kennedy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Ad-Hoc Election Laws SC Final Report. In City Council, C. Nuon provided the report commenting on meetings of the subcommittee held throughout the year and the discussions regarding current election system; new system and hybrid system. C. Leahy commented on the meetings. C. Elliott noted it was important to keep discussion moving to resolve the matter. C. Conway noted the current discussion and that an executive session may not be needed. M. Samaras noted format was different in executive session. C. Nuon noted the need for a speedy discussion. C. Elliott noted that current request was provided for in executive session. Motion by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo to forward Items #8.1 and 10.6 to an Executive Session for further discussion on December 18, 2018. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to suspend rules to take Item #10.1 out of order. So voted. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Cirillo to suspend rules to take Item #9.1 out of order. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Misc. - Amy St. Amaud (Rep. of residents) request City Council improve access to Shedd Park and the J.G. Pyne Arts City Magnet School from neighborhood. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) In Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. C. Mercier noted that school children would be making a presentation to Council. Ms. St. Amaud noted the signed petition requesting the crosswalk. C. Leahy noted the location and the need for the crosswalk. C. Mercier spoke to need along with possible lighting. Ms. Vance commented on possibility of solar flashing lights and the need for full attention in that area. C. Conway noted the need for a flashing light but commented that vehicles do not always stop for them. C. Conway noted that the use of cameras may assist with making vehicles stop at lights. C. Leahy noted that there must be an aggressive approach to secure grant money to assist in funding these projects because there is a safety need for them. Ms. Vance commented on updating signage in school zones. C. Leahy noted that lights should be on timers as well. C. Milinazzo noted that representatives of the neighborhoods should be involved with the discussion. C. Elliott noted that traffic could be slowed down by raising crosswalks. Manager Donoghue noted that work will be done in that area and will report same. C. Kennedy noted that all areas should be reviewed during winter time to see if more work is needed. C. Elliott questioned time frame. Ms. Vance noted lights could be installed forthwith and other work needs funding and appropriate weather. C. Cirillo commented on efficiency of the use of solar energy. 9.2. Misc. - Thomas Eagle Rising Libby (Chief - Greater Lowell Indian Cultural Association) request to speak in favor of City accepting gift of "Indian Maiden" Sculpture. In Council, matter was discussed under Item #5.2. 10. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. allow Youth Build students under the leadership of artist, Glen Szegedy, to paint and restore statues and the City manger back to a more brilliant beauty. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted it was a Youth Build request and no costs to the City to improve the manger. 10.2. C, Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. provide an update to the City Council regarding what mechanisms that the City has to put in place to uphold our commitment to the emission reductions of the Paris Agreement. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo requested report how the City is moving forward. C. Mercier noted the US government City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) has withdrawn from that agreement. C. Kennedy noted the US did withdraw however several cities are still involved. C. Cirillo noted the request was for an update. 10.3. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. have proper department review roadways in the City in order to take advantage of the new State law, Chapter 90, Section 17C, allowing communities to lower speed limits on busier roads. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo noted that the possibility should be explored. C. Elliott noted the need to lessen speed. C. Leahy noted that lowering speed limit is a constant battle. C. Nuon noted it was an opportunity to lower the speed limits in the City. 10.4. C. Cirillo - Req. Environment & Flood Issues SC meet regarding groundwater issues and the Clay Brook Heights. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to Environmental & Flood Issues SC. So voted. C. Cirillo requested referral to subcommittee. C. Elliott questioned who could attend the meeting to make it more informing. Manager Donoghue noted they would work with subcommittee to finalize participants. 10.5. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. instruct DPD to study downtown this winter and come up with recommendations to attract business and consumers. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted there are several issues including the garages, customer increase and police presence. 10.6. C. Nuon/C. Kennedy - Req. City Mgr. encourage City Solicitor to engage in mediation with plaintiffs, currently scheduled for 12/18/18, in a good faith effort to resolve the lawsuit in a timely and reasonable fashion which resolution should include a proposed modification of the City's existing electoral system from an at large system to a hybrid district and at large system. In City Council, no second needed, referred to executive session on December 18th. So voted. (See Item #8.1) M. Samaras relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Nuon at 8:30 PM. 10.7. M. Samaras - Req. City Council direct City Mgr. break out costs of transportation and adult education from cash contribution provided by the City in the budget. (Req. per School Committee) City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) In City Council, seconded by C. Milinazzo referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Samaras noted request of School Committee. C. Elliott requested report from Manager regarding transportation costs should be included with the response. 10.8. M. Samaras - Req. City Council instruct City Auditor to provide members of the School Committee with quarterly reports on the money spent in each line item of the school department budget throughout the fiscal year. (Req. per School Committee) In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Auditor. So voted. M. Samaras noted request of School Committee. C. Elliott noted school committee has own budget. City Auditor Perry noted he could provide report as it is provided to the Council. C. Leahy questioned the information they were seeking. Auditor Perry noted reports are similar. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier recognized the City Hall decorations. M. Samaras recognized the success of Christmas celebration at City Hall. Manager Donoghue recognized the contribution of Henri Marchand as a magician. C. Leahy noted the events taking place at City Hall. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov