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 19, 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. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes of Senior Citizens SC March 12th; City Council Meeting March 12th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. Elliott. So voted. A) Motion Response - Police Retiree Details – C. Leahy commented on the report. Manager Donoghue noted the request and commented on the review of the possible challenges with that request. Manager Donoghue noted that the Superintendent of Police and Police Union favored the details if certain guidelines were followed; per example that active police would have first chance at filling details. Manager Donoghue noted that there is a Home Rule vote on the agenda for this meeting. C. Leahy noted that it was a good approach and that the need will be growing for details in the future. C. Nuon commented on the increase need for details in the City. M. Samaras noted that it is a proper fit for retired officers. B) Motion Response - Homelessness and Sustainable Housing – C. Cirillo noted the comparison with other cities in the Commonwealth. C. Milinazzo requested more City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) diversity on the established working group. Manager Donoghue commented on the working group and that they would produce a report for the Council. C. Nuon noted the quick response and establishment of the working group. Manager Donoghue commented on the long term efforts to address the needs in the City. C. Milinazzo noted the need to make designation of member of group as being from the LDFC. C) Motion Response - Bike Sharing – C. Kennedy commented on the effort and that the program is set to begin. Manager Donoghue commented on the research used to choose the vendor (Veo Ride) and that the program would begin in two weeks with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Ezra Richardson (Veo Ride) addressed the Council and outlined the program while answering questions from the body. Jared Alves (DPD) outlined the process and the costs of the program. C. Kennedy questioned picking up of bikes. C. Cirillo noted that biking will be an asset to the community. C. Conway questioned tracking of bikes; age limits; use of helmets; training; number of bikes; and costs to the City. Manager Donoghue noted that there will be a presentation to the neighborhood groups regarding the program. C. Mercier commented on the use of helmets. C. Elliott commented on cost to use the program. C. Kennedy noted the use of passes for the program. C. Cirillo noted the need to inform community of the availability of the program. Manager Donoghue noted the use of social media to assist with spread of information. D) Motion Response - Community Preservation Act – C. Kennedy noted that it should be referred to Housing SC and have a financial report provided as well. C. Nuon commented on the motion and noted the need to review financial impact of accepting the legislation. C. Milinazzo noted that the Housing SC would be appropriate venue to begin discussions. C. Mercier questioned if this vote requires a public hearing. C. Kennedy noted that there must be a referendum on the matter. C. Elliott noted the need for financial information and impact to tax payers before accepting the legislation and that a public hearing should be held if possible. Solicitor O’Connor noted that a public hearing could be scheduled if the Council approved same. 3.2. Informational Reports E) Informational - UML Lowell Civic Stadium Commission Appointments – Manager Donoghue commented on the status of the Commission and the need of the appointments. 3.3. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (1) HHS; (1) WasteWater. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. 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-Accept MGL c.44 ss.3-7 Community Preservation Act. In City Council, Given first reading. Motion to refer to Housing SC by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 4.2. Vote-appoint retired police officers as special police officers for paid details. 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. 4.3. Vote-Approve exemption of Christopher Lemay from provisions of MGL c. 268A s.20. 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. 4.4. Vote-Auth. CM Ex. License Agreement Lee Properties, LLC-484 Bridge St. overhanging awning. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Order-60 Day Trial (various). 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. C. Milinazzo questioned the proposed number of stop signs along Andover Street. Manager Donoghue noted concern as well. Natasha Vance (Transportation Engineer) noted it was a 60 day trial and that the purpose was for pedestrian safety per neighborhood group. C. Milinazzo requested report after 60 days. C. Conway noted the need for a report to see if they were effective. Manager Donoghue commented on current census and the issue with the mailing noting the deadline as published should be ignored and informed public of proper return date. C. Leahy commented on excise tax due this month as well. Manager Donoghue provided update of heating issues at Lowell High and other City schools as well as the response to Department of Labor inquest base upon teachers’ union complaint. Manager Donoghue commented on installation of new roof at the high school and how it City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) will be used once new building is erected. C. Leahy commented on increase efficiency with new systems in place. Manager Donoghue commented on current budget numbers of the MSBA. C. Mercier questioned replacing roof during new construction of the high school. 6. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 6.1. Parks & Recreation SC March 19, 2019. In City Council, C. Mercier provided the report commenting on the request for renaming of the park and noted attendance. C. Mercier noted some concerns with not having a process to rename a park. C. Mercier commented on current Roberto Clemente Park and its origins. C. Mercier noted of effort to send to Manager and Law Department to develop a policy to rename parks in the City but stated that motion of subcommittee was to send matter to Board of Parks to decide name change. C. Elliott noted that Board of Parks have jurisdiction and they should develop policy. C. Elliott provided history of park and the current use by the Cambodian community and that fairness dictates the need to rename park and that referring to Board of Parks was appropriate so that there is no more delay. C. Nuon commented on subcommittee meeting and the various opinions offered. C. Milinazzo questioned if matter was referred to Board of Parks with or without a recommendation. C. Conway noted that the matter was referred without a recommendation as his motion for that was not seconded at the meeting. Motion by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier to add following request to have Manager and Law Department develop a policy to name and rename parks in the City to the motion at the Parks & Recreation SC to refer to Board of Parks the request to change name of Roberto Clemente Park to Palin Park. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. Motion to adopt motion of subcommittee and accept as a report of progress by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 7. PETITIONS 7.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo. So voted. 7.2. Misc. - Lisa and Dave DeLuca request installation of handicap parking sign at 131 B Street (at corner on Warwick Street). In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) 8. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 8.1. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. evaluate options for increase oversight of human resource and finance functions between school and City departments. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted the need to improve communication between departments. C. Leahy noted compliance with Education Reform Bill and that there should be a comprehensive system for both departments. C. Conway commented on the finance function being different from the human resource function. 8.2. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. have Transportation Engineer provide report regarding possible Lyft and Uber drop off/pick up locations in downtown on nights and weekends. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott commented on grid lock downtown due to livery services and that a pick-up location would ease congestion. 8.3. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding zoning requirements and police activity at the “Edge” apartment complex. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted it was planned for student housing and units are not as they were presented. C. Nuon noted prior request concerning property commenting there were not many students and the location is right next to the high school. 8.4. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. have DPD report on the progress of the Tanner Street Economic Development Area/Realignment Project. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott requested status and how the challenges have been met regarding project. C. Kennedy noted that project would be part of a discussion regarding economic development in the City. 8.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have proper department provide a traffic analysis of all neighborhood business districts; aim to better understand parking demands and also determine whether the City has or can invest in traffic calming measures (speed bumps, bump outs, pedestrian crossing, plantings) for these areas. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted request is contained in the motion. C. Kennedy noted that use of speed bumps may be warranted to calm traffic. 8.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the Economic Development Department report on their most recent outreach efforts to neighborhood business districts; if no recent efforts request implementing more outreach efforts. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on efforts of the department. C. Cirillo noted Lowell had a lot of vibrant areas. 8.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department organize by subjects and dates the documents that appear on the City’s website and delete documents that are no longer relevant; further, implement a more efficient search engine with proper key words so that documents are easier to find and review website regularly for needed updates. In City Council, seconded by C. Cirillo, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Judith Durant, addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the need to look at the whole system to ensure efficient service and delete old information. Manager Donoghue noted website needed revamping. C. Kennedy noted that stale information needs to be deleted. C. Conway noted that interns may be able to assist in updating website. C. Elliott noted the possible need for a dedicated person to oversee the site. 8.8. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. hire a replacement for the vacant position of Administrative Assistant at the customer service station in the lobby of City Hall. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo requested change of language to request a report regarding position. No objection to language change. C. Elliott questioned current position and how it is staffed. Manager Donoghue noted that position is staffed by volunteers who receive tax breaks. C. Elliott noted that position is important to the building. C. Cirillo commented on volunteers in the City. C. Kennedy noted the need for the position to be used for translation. Manager Donoghue noted that translation will part of training. 8.9. C. Cirillo - Req. City Mgr. provide an update to Council regarding status of the LOMR process with FEMA. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo requested update regarding flood insurance in the area. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. 10. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Elliott, 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