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: March 12, 2019 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 Michele Marie Callery and Sean Sadlier. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Presentation - 2019 Winterfest Soup Bowl Awards. In City Council, M. Samaras introduced Henri Marchand (Special Events) to make presentation of awards. Mr. Marchand presented awards to specific establishments which included the Purple Carrot, House of Hope and Cobblestones. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting March 5th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo. So voted. 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. National Grid - Request installation of electric conduits on Quebec Street between Blossom and Maple Streets. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Speaking in favor were David Boucher and Tanisha Mendon both from National Grid. No remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 4) 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Update status of Smith Baker Center – C. Nuon commented on the change in the RFP to ease development potential of the site. C. Elliott commented on the importance of the building and the Blue Ribbon Commission that was established. C. Elliott noted the changes in the RFP. Manager Donoghue noted the changes in the RFP and commented on the high costs to maintain the building each year. Manager Donoghue noted that a revertor clause in the deed was eliminated from the current RFP. C. Mercier commented on the prior owner and the possible deed restriction on the property. C. Leahy questioned future course of action for the building. Diane Tradd (DPD) outlined the RFP and need to entice developers to take out of City’s control. C. Leahy questioned the use of grants for historic buildings. B) Motion Response - Snow Ordinance Warnings and Violations – C. Leahy questioned process for snow removal and responsibilities for same. Eric Slagle (Inspectional Services) commented on the process and each section for inspection. C. Leahy noted the need to develop a plan right after a storm to remove snow and that it should be priority to inspect that it is being done. Manager Donoghue noted they would review the process and make necessary adjustments. C. Leahy commented on complaints regarding garbage barrels in the City. C. Milinazzo commented on downtown clean up noting the repeat offenders and the need to see something say something. C. Conway questioned the amount of fines that are being collected. Mr. Slagle noted that fees would attach to tax bills if not paid and that property could be leaned as well. C. Kennedy noted the City needs to clear property they own as well. C. Leahy noted that cleaning of garages should be monitored as well. C. Elliott noted the City needs to take care of its property. 5.2. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (3) LPD; (1) MIS. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Elliott. Rules suspended to add (1) request of HHS, with no objection. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote-Authorize Mgr. Ex. MOU MVEA Wastewater Unit I 7.1.18-6.30.21. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 4) In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Milinazzo. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Ordinance-Delete two PT and Create one FT Clinical Recovery Specialist in HHS Dept. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 26, 2019 at 7 PM by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Senior Citizens SC March 12, 2019. In City Council, C. Mercier provided the report commenting on attendance and discussion regarding review of Age Friendly Action Plan in Boston to apply principles to Lowell. C. Mercier noted subcommittee would have further meetings with individuals with specialized knowledge in this field and that the City would develop certain domains to follow. Motion to adopt motion of subcommittee and accept as a report of progress by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Simply Dental of Lowell (Don Booth - NH Signs) request installation of overhanging sign at 155 Market Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 10.1. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department implement a “Resident Satisfaction Survey” to assess community satisfaction with City services. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Ty Chumm and Mary Tauras addressed the Council. C. Cirillo noted citizens want their voices heard and surveys are the best way to get input from the community and could be used as a budget tool. C. Kennedy noted that services should be reviewed to improve in areas that need improvement. C. Milinazzo noted use of City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 4) surveys in private industry. M. Samaras noted review of services is a positive management aspect. C. Elliott noted the need but questioned logistics and costs of gathering information. C. Cirillo commented on some information gathering methods. Manager Donoghue commented that they would prepare report to address issues. C. Conway noted costs concerns and that survey companies would be most efficient manner to collect and analyze data. C. Conway questioned the use of City website to field complaints. C. Elliott noted that there are mailing restrictions with regard to tax bills. City Solicitor O’Connor noted that restrictions are limiting regarding mailing of tax bills. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier commented on Parks & Recreation SC meeting next week and noted upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. C. Mercier took a point of personal privilege to comment regarding efforts of the current school administration to correct mistakes of prior administration and lauded their efforts. M. Samaras commented on upcoming Project Learn event. C. Leahy noted upcoming LHS championship hockey game. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov