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 7, 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. Kennedy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Dorothy Linda Walazek. C. Milinazzo requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Paul Krenitsky. C. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Sereyvuth Khun. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting April 30th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 3. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1. Loan Order-343,399,220 to pay cost of designing constructing equipping and furnishing an addition and reno project at LHS. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. Speaking in favor was Brian Brousseau; Judith Durant (read letter from Atty. Michael Gallagher); James Cook (Lowell Plan); Peter Martin; Nicole Bunnier; Brian Martin; Keith Rudy; Supt. Jeannine Durkin; and Helen Littlefield. No remonstrants. Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. M. Samaras noted there were a number of letters in support of the loan order. C. Mercier commented on order noting it was expensive but important and that it was important to move on from differences to promote the best educational environment. C. Kennedy commented on effort to build school and that the process needed to be done and was pleased that all parties came together. C. Cirillo City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 6) recognized efforts of all involved. C. Milinazzo noted the support for the project and that it must be kept on time and budget and that the community puts education first. C. Nuon thanked all for their support and that project was an important investment for the City. C. Conway recognized speakers at the podium and that it was an important project which will create great opportunity for citizens. C. Elliott commented on process noting all agreed on the need for a new high school and that discussion of costs will always be present. C. Elliott noted contribution of the State and that there is no compromise when it comes to education. C. Leahy commented on speakers, noted efforts of all involved to enable the children to have the best school possible. C. Leahy recognized that the project will be built by the best laborers in the City. M. Samaras noted support for the project and that is was an important vote for body and that there was a premier plan for a learning center. M. Samaras noted the importance of Lowell High School in the community. 3.2. Vote-Accept Chapter 44 s.64 Payment of Bills in Excess of Appropriations. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Kennedy. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier questioned which bills were included. Manager Donoghue noted vote is only to accept statute and that individual bills will be forth coming. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Shedd Park Bicycle Race – C. Conway commented on walk through by parties and work was suitable. C. Conway noted there should be tighter controls on park use moving forward. Manager Donoghue noted there would be an increase of control moving forward. B) Motion Response - Traffic Calming in Neighborhood Business Districts – C. Nuon noted issues are same in most of business districts and that funding for traffic calming measures is important and that any steps taken should be updated to the Council. Manager Donoghue noted funding for study to be done. C. Leahy questioned project for City Hall intersection. Natasha Vance (Transportation Engineer) noted the need to fund and develop final design. C. Leahy requested more police presence in the area to slow down traffic. C) Motion Response - CPA Eligible Projects – C. Milinazzo noted issue was before City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 6) Housing SC and that item should be referred to that subcommittee to finalize vote for public hearing to accept the statute. Motion by C. Milinazzo, seconded by C. Elliott to refer to Housing SC and have Law Department prepare vote for public hearing. So voted. C. Mercier noted the amount of projects that can be funded by the program. Manager Donoghue noted need to develop vote before sending it to a hearing. Eric Slagle (Inspectional Services) noted exemptions and percentages must be contained in the vote. 4.2. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (1) LPD; (1) LFD. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote-Declare various properties surplus and authorize the City Manager to proceed with an auction process. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt as amended by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Nuon noted property on 20 Favor Street should be removed as there is interest in it. Motion to remove 20 Favor Street item from vote by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier commented on interest in the property. Manager Donoghue noted there was no municipal need for the property. 5.2. Vote-Auth CM Execute Purchase and Sale-Parcels A and B from Post 662 VFW to the City. 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. Mercier noted VFW was pleased with the outcome. 5.3. Vote-Auth Mgr. Ex. Project Scope and Budget Agmt and Project Funding Agmt between MSBA and City re LHS Project. 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. 6. RESOLUTIONS 6.1. Resolution-Support Congresswoman Trahan's efforts urging US Census Bureau to include Khmer, Hmong and Lao. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 6) In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Cirillo, seconded by C. Kennedy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Environment & Flood Issues SC May 7, 2019. In City Council, C. Cirillo provided the report commenting on the discussion regarding recycling programs and ordinances in the City. C. Cirillo noted two motions passed at the subcommittee were to refer matter to Law Department to amend Ch. 270 ordinance and to provide information regarding new contract costs with contributions by the City. C. Leahy questioned levying of fines. Manager Donoghue commented on educational element in lieu of fines. C. Leahy noted need for added staffing in the department and the an adjustment of fees. C. Mercier commented on work of the department to keep parks and schools clean. C. Elliott noted the subcommittee would be receiving more information for a continued discussion. Manager Donoghue noted they would provide the necessary information. C. Mercier commented on drop off areas. C. Milinazzo commented on need to retrieve barrels. C. Cirillo noted lack of staff in the department. C. Milinazzo noted positive experience with hazardous waste day. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Lupoli Companies Thorndike Exchange (Mark Conserva - Metro Sign & Awning) request installation of overhanging signs at 165 Thorndike Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Cirillo. So voted. C. Mercier commented on Thorndike Place project. Representatives of the Lupoli Companies were present. Manager Donoghue commented on the project. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Mercier - Req. the City Mgr. find ways & means to have Spring St. paved. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker Louis Luna addressed the Council. C. Mercier commented on the need and noted it was not an accepted street but there has been a lot of work in the area. 9.2. C. Cirillo - Req. the City Mgr. direct the proper department to look into options on how to improve the lighting for the entire length of the River Walk from Boot Mills to LeLacheur Park. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 6) In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker Joe Radwich addressed the Council. C. Cirillo commented on receipt of letter from condo association noting concerns of residents. C. Conway noted some issues were long standing and homeless camps should be removed. Manager Donoghue noted efforts to combat issue and that it was facing all communities. C. Kennedy commented on lighting issue which could be remedied quickly so that area remains a desirable place to live. C. Elliott commented on the investment by the residents. C. Leahy commented on new police vehicle which could patrol the walk way. 9.3. C. Cirillo - Req. the City Mgr. provide the City Council with a progress update from the Homelessness Task Force. In City Council, seconded by C. Kennedy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Cirillo requested update to keep neighborhoods informed. 9.4. C. Cirillo - Req. Mayor present to the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee a letter requesting 5th graders to design shirts for Council members to wear during Cleanup Day and to forward letter to 5th grade principals upon review and approval. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to Mayor. So voted. C. Cirillo recited letter she had prepared for the request. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. Executive Session - Regarding matter of litigation, namely Huot et al. v. City of Lowell, public discussion of which could have a detrimental effect on the City’s position. In City Council, M. Samaras stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Cirillo to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Conway). So voted. M. Samaras stated that body would adjourn from the Executive Session. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, Manager Donoghue noted MassDOT presentation regarding Lowell Connector and C. Mercier commented on prior presentation by them. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 6) 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. _____________________________ Michael Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov