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: November 26, 2019 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 8 present, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). M. Samaras presiding. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Dr. David Viau. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Recognition - Youth Build and Glenn Szgadey for the work performed in refurbishing the manger and statutes inside of the manger. (C. Mercier) In City Council, M. Samaras commented on repair work done on the manger in front of City Hall noting the work done by Youth Build under the direction of Mr. Szgadey. C. Mercier commented on the project and the partnership with Youth Build and Mr. Szgadey. M. Samaras presented citation to Mr. Szgadey. Manager Donoghue noted the City of Lights Parade would be happening this weekend. Henri Marchand (Special Events) commented on the parade and outlined various activities. C. Milinazzo noted that James Cook (Lowell Plan) would be Grand Marshall of the parade. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting November 19th, for acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 4. AUDITOR BUSINESS 4.1. Vote-Appoint Tina Masiello to City Auditor position and establish salary. 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 8 yeas, absent (C. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 6) Cirillo). So voted. C. Mercier recognized the effort of Karen O’Beirne as acting auditor. M. Samaras noted letter of recognition should be sent to her. Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to afford Ms. O’Beirne a day off for her service. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. National Grid/Verizon NE - Req. relocation of (1) JO Pole #1 at 834 Andover Street (on Harland Avenue). In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Speaking in favor was Paul Toppan (National Grid). No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Petition Response - City Hall and Merrimack St. Pedestrian Safety – Manager Donoghue commented on the long term and short term recommendations. C. Mercier noted the short term recommendations and commented on informing public of responsible driving. Natasha Vance (Transportation Engineer) noted different approaches to inform the public. C. Conway noted that the sight lines are difficult in that area. C. Elliott questioned the signalization in the area. Ms. Vance commented on the traffic signals. C. Leahy commented on the possible use of 3D crosswalks. M.Samaras noted the issue with such a wide street. B) Motion Response - City Hall and Merrimack St. Pedestrian Safety Enforcement – Manager Donoghue commented on the enforcement noting that various violations are taking place on that stretch of road. C) Motion Response - Speed Calming at Dangerous Intersections – C. Nuon commented on the report. Ms. Vance elaborated on the report regarding dangerous intersections in the City. C. Noun questioned implementation of the plan. Ms. Vance outlined the schedule to be followed. D) Motion Response - Community Choice Aggregation – C. Leahy commented on the report and that information should be placed on City website. Manager Donoghue noted that there was a process to inform public with information. Katherine Moses (DPD) outlined aggregation program and the costs associated with it. C. Nuon City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 6) questioned enrollment. Ms. Moses noted that one could opt in or opt out at any time. C. Nuon noted all information should go to all media outlets and in all pertinent languages. 6.2. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (3) LPD. In City Council, read, Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote-Accept Gift of 14,360 from Middlesex Community College. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 7.2. Vote-Accept Gift of Hydro Sculpture from COOL. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 7.3. Vote-Authorize CM Execute Access Agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Mgmt LLC for property 191 Mt. Pleasant St. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 7.4. Vote-Establish Minimum Residential Factor FY 2020 In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 10, 2019 at 7 PM by C. Kennedy, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. 7.5. Vote-Supplemental Appropriation of 800,000 for Fire Department. 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 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. C. Elliott requested information regarding the vote. Manager Donoghue commented on the reasons for the appropriation. C. Elliott noted it was an informative memo from CFO Baldwin and noted no effect on the levy. C. Noun noted City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 6) the need to avoid station closures. Chief Winward (LFD) noted there was a waiting for training of firefighters. C. Milinazzo noted the need for transfer for purpose of public safety. Manager Donoghue noted the need for proper staffing. M. Samaras lauded the proactive approach. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order-60 day trial-various. 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 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 9. RESOLUTIONS 9.1. Resolution-To support fully funding the Bond Bill re Design and Construction of a new permanent bridge to replace the temporary Rourke Bridge. 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 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Cirillo). So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Req. installation of heavy duty handhole in sidewalk at 15 Pearl Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Conway, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. 10.2. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Req. installation of SCADA gas pressure system to comply with safety standards in Callery Park area across from 242 Parker Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Conway, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 6) 11.2. Misc. - Eric Faulkner (Warp and Weft) request installation of overhanging sign located at 197 Market Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted. 11.3. Misc. - Power Juice (Heather DeBerio) request installation of two (2) overhanging signs at 120-122 Merrimack Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 12. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 12.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. allow a memorial plaque or sign at McPherson Park in Centralville in honor of Michael “Sully” Sullivan in gratitude for his many years of service to the youth of our City. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented on the service of Mr. Sullivan. C. Elliott noted contributions of Mr. Sullivan to the City. 12.2. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. find ways and means to address the dilapidated and deteriorating conditions at Cawley Stadium; including the bleachers, field and restrooms. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier provided pictures of the conditions and stated expenses could be shared through corporate sponsorship. C. Conway noted facility was in difficult shape and needed a long term plan to repair. Manager Donoghue noted a working group has been established to explore solutions and funding. 12.3. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. have proper department instruct MBTA to clean debris left by the homeless shelter along the rail road tracks behind 50 Waugh Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented on prior motion and clean-up and requested information on the removal of trees. C. Kennedy noted prior action and issues with clean-up. Manager Donoghue commented on prior issues and noted they would revisit parties. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 6) 12.4. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. provide a report regarding plan and responsibility for setting up polling booths for handicap voters. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway commented on the issues brought forward by the Disability Commission regarding polling location at Lowell High School. Manager Donoghue commented that they would gather information regarding the location. C. Milinazzo questioned hiring of permanent Election Director and recognized Atty. Veloso for his efforts. Manager Donoghue noted would repost position now that election has been completed. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Kennedy commented on current legislation regarding water pollutants. C. Kennedy recognized delegation regarding passing of Article 97 for high school overpasses. Manager Donoghue recognized efforts to have them approved. 14. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn C. Elliott, seconded by C. Kennedy. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM. _____________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov