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 Special Meeting Minutes SPECIAL MEETING JOINT WITH LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Date: March 1, 2021 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Pursuant To Governor Baker's Emergency Order Modifying The State's Open Meeting Law Issued March 12, 2020, Meetings Will Be Held Using Remote Participation As Follows: Members Of The Public May Not Participate In-Person And May View The Meeting Via LTC.ORG (On-Line; Live Streaming Or Local Cable Channel 99) And Zoom. 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 13 present, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). Meeting held via Zoom. M. Leahy presiding. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation: Pursuant To Governor Baker's Emergency Order Modifying The State's Open Meeting Law Issued March 12, 2020, Meetings Will Be Held Using Remote Participation As Follows: Members Of The Public May View The Meeting Via LTC.Org (On-Line; Live Streaming; Or Local Cable Channel 99) As They May Not Participate In-Person. Those Wishing To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance Of The Meeting By Sending Email To City Clerk Indicating The Agenda Item And A Phone Number To Call So That You May Be Issued Zoom Link To The Meeting. Email Address Is MGEARY@LOWELLMA.GOV. If No Access To Email You May Contact City Clerk At 978-674-4161. All Request Must Be Done Before 4:00 PM On The Day Of Meeting. For Zoom - HTTPS://SUPPORT.ZOOM.US/HC/EN-US/ARTICLES/201362193- JOINING-A-MEETING In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 3) 2.2. Motion - Support Of Demanding The Immediate Resignation Of School Committee Member, Robert Hoey, For Offensive Conduct That Shocks The Conscience. In City Council, M. Leahy noted that Mr. Hoey had previously resigned and removed item from the agenda. 2.3. Motion - Seeking Passage Of A Joint Resolution Condemning The Comments Of School Committee Member, Robert Hoey, And Reaffirming The City Council's And School Committee's Commitment To Equity, Equality And Inclusion. In City Council, Motion “to adopt Resolution” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Conway. Adopted per Roll Call vote 13 yeas, 1 absent (Ms. Martin). So voted. Following registered speakers addressed the body: Curtis Chanthaboun; Tooch Van; Stacey Thompson; and Monica Lundberg. M. Leahy outlined the order of discussion for the joint body and commented on absence of SC Martin due to personal reasons. SC Clark noted the priority of the administration should be equity and diversity. SC Descoteaux noted commented negated all the hard work done by the administration to promote equity and diversity. SC Dillon noted support of resolution and comments put a black eye on the progress made. SC Dillon noted Mr. Hoey had done wrong and resignation was appropriate. SC Doherty noted resignation was proper and that the City must strive to be a just community. C. Chau noted that joint meetings moving forward could be beneficial and that hate speech of any kind does not belong in the community. C. Conway noted that the disparaging and offensive language does not represent Lowell and that all forms of racism must be denounced. C. Drinkwater noted resignation allows City to move forward on matter and not move from it as a larger conversation is needed. C. Drinkwater noted Lowell is no different from other communities in regards to addressing racist issues and City must move forward with clearer picture. C. Elliott noted it was a horrid incident but it should not hinder leaders in the community. C. Elliott noted all nationalities must be embraced in the City and that the resolution is reaffirmation of commitment to address equity and diversity. C. Mercier noted it was sad to call special meeting for this purpose and noted mistakes were made and resignation was appropriate. C. Mercier commented that there is no place for hate and such behavior in the City and that certain training would be helpful. C. Nuon provided apology to the Jewish community and that such hate is not broadly held in the City. C. Nuon noted language was unacceptable anywhere especially by an elected official. C. Nuon noted some processes are difficulty but worth the effort. C. Rourke commented on the quick response by the City to denounce the language and actions of an elected official. C. Rourke noted going forward there must be positive conversations and that information regarding all people should be attained. C. Samaras commented on the community and the actions left a stain on the City we all know and love. C. Samaras noted the importance of the Resolution to ensure no ambiguity in moving forward. M. Leahy commented on the Resolution and City commitment to equity and inclusion. M. Leahy read Resolution into the record. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 3) 3. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM. _____________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov