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: June 22, 2021 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. Rourke). M. Leahy presiding. M. Leahy introduced recipient of “Mayor of the Day” Program, Curtis Chanthaboun who began the meeting from the podium. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Terrence “Terry” McCarthy. C. Chau commented on the many contributions of Mr. McCarthy. C. Samaras commented on the life of Mr. McCarthy. C. Nuon recognized the death of Mr. McCarthy. C. Elliott noted the many accomplishments of Mr. McCarthy. C. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Ren Sar. C. Chau requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Chanveasna “Tony” Pech. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater to suspend rules to discuss three items that were not on agenda. So voted. M. Leahy commented on Mayor of the Day, Mr. Chanthaboun, who addressed and thanked the body. M. Leahy issued a retirement citation for Raymond “Butch” Patenaude (LFD) and Susan LeMay (Chief Assessor). Manager Donoghue noted the individuals and thanked them for their many years of service to the City. C. Elliott noted former Mayor, Armand LeMay and former City Councilor, Curtis LeMay presence in the Chamber. 2. CITY CLERK 2.1. Minutes Of Finance SC June 8th; City Council Regular Meeting June 8th, City Council Special Meeting (Executive Session) June 15th, For Acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 3. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 3.1. National Grid - Request Installation Of New Handhole And (2) Four Inch Conduits Connecting To It At 197 Appleton Street. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 9) In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Representative of National Grid outlined the petition. No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 3.2. University Of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) - Request Installation Of Electric Conduit At Sarah Avenue Under Riverside Street For New Source Feeder For UML North Campus. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Adam Baacke (UML) outlined the petition. No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. A) Motion Response - LHS Project Workforce Demographics Report – C. Samaras commented on the report and requested presentation. Manager Donoghue noted that Suffolk would be presenting information regarding workforce. Shelley Webster (Suffolk) outlined presentation entitled “Lowell High School Diversity Presentation” (via Zoom) highlighting the statistical data of the current workforce on the project and steps being taken to achieve hiring goals. C. Mercier requested the written report so that she may share information. Manager Donoghue commented on the availability of the report and the goals that have been achieved. Rex Radloff (Suffolk) commented on the hiring goals and the strategies to obtain them. C. Conway noted the corrective action plan taken by Suffolk if subcontractors are not fulfilling hiring requirements. C. Mercier commented on the necessity to pay prevailing wage and hiring of union personnel. C. Samaras noted positive information contained in the report and that it is being done as a normal course of business. C. Drinkwater noted the information was useful and periodic review is necessary for continued compliance. C. Drinkwater noted the need for an apprentice program and further noted some steps have been achieved in establishing them. Ms. Webster noted the many organizations they have partnered with to establish apprentice programs. B) Motion Response - Vaccine Outreach and DPH Equity Initiative – C. Samaras commented on the many programs available and the possibility to add programs. Manager Donoghue commented on the vendors they have used to ensure proper programming and that they utilize many translators to ensure information reaches the public in many different languages. Manager Donoghue provided statistical data regarding vaccinations in the City. C. Chau commented on the efforts made to exhaust all avenues. C. Conway noted City has covered all the bases to assist with vaccinations and that the citizens are pleased with the process. C. Drinkwater noted it was a complete report and updates are needed to stay the course. C. Drinkwater commented on health equity happening in the system. C. Elliott complimented the many workers involved with vaccination program and noted numbers indicate there is more work to be City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 9) done. C. Nuon noted the multi-lingual approach in needed to provide information to the public. C) Motion Response - Cawley Stadium Parking Lot – C. Samaras noted there was not simple approach and that the project would be tied to larger project on Douglas Road area. Christine Clancy (DPW) noted that larger project was underway with endpoint in 2023. C. Drinkwater questioned in LRTA relocation of bus stop was part of the plan. Manager Donoghue noted the relocation was not tied specifically to the larger project. D) Motion Response - Clemente Field – Registered speaker, Paul Yem, addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the approval of Capital Plan which includes funding for the project and enable the City to pursue available grant money. Manager Donoghue noted the efforts of the DPD in the planning. C. Elliott noted the plans have been developing over a long period of time and that the project will afford more opportunity in the area. Christine McCall (DPD) noted investment in the area allows for more grant money. M. Leahy noted that services from Voke School could be included in the project. E) Motion Response - PARC and LAND Grants – C. Samaras noted these were motions offered by C. Rourke and requested information regarding how the grants are used. Ms. McCall highlighted the possible programs the grant could be used for. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted that the grants can be used to follow the City’s Master Plan. F) Motion Response - Middlesex Street No Parking Here to Corner – C. Chau noted the quick response. C. Nuon noted the need for signs at busy corners to provide further safety. G) Motion Response - 4 Way Stop at Westmoreland-Mariposa-Rockingham – C. Nuon noted certain criteria must be met but the citizens have the best information for the area and noted they wished signage to enhance safety. H) Motion Response - 4 Way Stop at Havilah and Remington – C. Drinkwater commented residents may have different information that is required for the criteria and they must continue to explore any traffic mitigation measures. I) Motion Response - 4 Way Stop at 6th-7th-Mt Hope – C. Mercier noted it was a citizen request and that criteria can be put aside on some situations. Manager Donoghue noted the report outline other methods to mitigate traffic issues and that all these matters remain open for review. Ms. McCall noted that Stop Signs are not always effective and there are other traffic calming measures. C. Elliott noted that some guidelines should be set aside in favor of safety. M. Leahy noted possible approach to reverse Stop Sings at intersections. J) Motion Response - Protocol for Traffic Issues – C. Conway noted acceptance of the report. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 9) K) Motion Response - Rivers Edge – Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Housing SC. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to suspend rules and take Item #11.7 out of order. So voted. 4.2. Informational Reports L) Informational - 330 Jackson Street – Manager Donoghue informed Council that land was purchased and parcels sold and time frame for construction of parking garage. M) Informational - Go Lowell – Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted. N) Informational - Parking Study – Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted. C. Elliott questioned meeting format going forward and noted it would probably be hybrid between Zoom and in person. O) Informational - 11 Kensington St – Manager Donoghue noted the concerns of neighborhood and that the development has moved in compliance with zoning in the area. M. Leahy relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Mercier at 9:00 PM. M. Leahy commented on the development noting how there are still concerns on how they were able to change plan to be in supposed compliance. Eric Slagle (Development Services) noted he had not heard of complaints on property and that the development was in compliance. M. Leahy noted frustrations of the neighborhood and that the developer has no respect for the process. Vice Chair Mercier returned Chair to M. Leahy at 9:10 PM. P) Informational - Extension of Certain Measures Adopted in Response to COVID- 19 – Manager Donoghue reviewed measures that would stay in place moving forward and that they were waiting to get information from the State regarding upcoming elections. Q) Informational - Construction Update – Motion to refer to Transportation SC by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. Ms. Clancy commented on the Central Street Bridge and Lord Overpass Projects. 4.3. Communication - Resignation Of Chvathana Te, Citizen Advisory Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 4.4. Communication - Resignation Of Nicola Bula, Citizen Advisory Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 9) 4.5. Communication - City Manager Request Out Of State Travel (2) LPD. In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #5.1 to #5.6., inclusive by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote -Set FY2022 Revolving Fund Spending Limits. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 5.2. Vote- Transfer 139,100 Surplus Funding To Certain Accounts. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 5.3. Vote-Accept.Expend 30,000 MA Dept Of Mental Health Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 5.4. Vote-Apply.Accept.Expend 20,000 Greening The Gateway Program. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 5.5. Vote-Transfer 541,000 Surplus Funding To Certain Accounts. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 5.6. Vote-Transfer Parking Enterprise Fund To Disability Commission 20,000.00. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 9) 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Order-60 Day Trial In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 7. RESOLUTIONS 7.1. Resolution-Act To Rebuild The Commonwealth's Cultural Future. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 8. CONSTABLE BONDS 8.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval Of Constable Bonds For Stanley Wyzansky. In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Rourke). So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Non-Profit Organizations SC June 22, 2021. In City Council, C. Chau provided report noting the attendance and discussion regarding rules, regulations and opportunities for non-profit organizations under the American Rescue Plan Act. C. Chau noted that there would be other meetings for discussing distribution of funds and that all information would be available on line. C. Samaras noted the partnerships involved and there is a shared vision. Motion to accept the report as report of progress by C. Chau, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage; (1) Personal Injury. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Sharon St. Onge Request Installation Of A Street Light At The Corner Of Lakeview Avenue And Campaw Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 9) 10.3. Misc. - Donna Ambrosini Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign In Front Of 108 Fayette Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 10.4. Misc. - Kimberly Ann Meehan Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 98 Lewis Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Chau, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 10.5. National Grid - Request Installation Of New Switch Gear And Electric Conduit For Power To New Parking Garage At 171 Jackson Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on July 13, 2021 at 7PM by C. Conway, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 11. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 11.1. C. Elliott - Req. Finance SC Meet To Discuss Division Of Local Services (DLS) Recommendation To Establish Special Injury Leave Indemnity Fund For Police And Firefighters. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to Finance SC. So voted. C. Elliott commented on the referral. 11.2. C. Elliott - Req. City Council Vote To Restore Memorial Dedicated To The Passaconway Tribe On Pawtucket Boulevard At The Corner Of Mammoth Road. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted the language should be Chief Passaconway of Pawtucket Tribe and that the monument is in disrepair and that there may need to be State involvement. 11.3. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Have Law Dept. Provide Report On Adopting The Brave Act, Acts Of 2018, Chapter 218 Sec. 15, Relative To Allowing Exemption For Gold Star Wives. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted he will await the report. 11.4. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On Abutter Notifications Process On Building Construction Permits, Including ANR Lots. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott commented on permitting process and notice requirements especially for ANR lots. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 9) 11.5. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Provide Report On The Number Of Zones In The City That Allow For Single Lodge Housing. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott questioned rooming house standards and referenced new project on Whipple Street and has it effects parking in the area. 11.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide Update Regarding Status Of The Former Garcia Brogan’s Space In The Early Garage And Prepare It For A New Tenant As Soon As Possible. In City Council, seconded by C. Samaras, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on commercial space. 11.7. C. Drinkwater - Req. City Mgr. And Appropriate Departments Partner With Lowell National Historic Park, UMass-Lowell And Relevant Non-Profit Organizations To Explore Placing Permanent Signage, Marking The 30 Plus Sites In Lowell Connected To The Underground Railroad And Anti-Slavery Movement. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Christa Brown, Robert Forrant and Alexis Ploss, addressed the Council. C. Drinkwater commented on the inspiring history and efforts should be made to identify and preserve that history. C. Chau commented on the importance of that history. 11.8. C. Drinkwater - Req. Joint Meeting Of City Council And School Committee Municipal Facilities SC To Discuss Lowell High School Flooding, Restoration And Status Of Fire Suppression And Alarm Systems Throughout City Buildings. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to Municipal Facilities SC. So voted. C. Drinkwater commented on the referral and the need for proactive approach. C. Mercier noted that there may need to be an overnight presence at the building to ensure oversight. Manager Donoghue outlined the work needed to be done due to recent flooding at the high school. C. Samaras noted the need for a night watchman. 11.9. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding How Many Veterans, Women, Lowellians, Minorities And Lowell Union Members Are Employed In The Building And Remodeling Project At Lowell High School. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented that the motion as already been addressed. 11.10. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Work With Appropriate Department To Place A Permanent Speed Monitoring Device On Aiken Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras commented on the speed issue and a need for a permanent solution. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 9) 11.11. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Work With Proper Department To Resurface Roadway On The Ouellette Bridge In Preparation Of The Lighting Of That Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras commented on the need to improve the surface. 11.12. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Provide Installation Update On “No Parking From Here To Corner” Sign On Chelmsford St. And Waite St. In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Chau noted concerns of residents. 11.13. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Provide Update On The Ongoing Construction And Roadwork Projects In The Highlands Area Including Locations And Timeframe. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Chau requested a narrower report for the area. 11.14. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Investigate Installation Of A “No Parking Here To Corner “ Sign On Howard Street At The Intersection Of Westford Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Chau noted it was a busy intersection in a business district. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted opening of Bridge Club. Manager Donoghue noted upcoming vigil for victims of Covid. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM. _____________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov