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: October 5, 2021 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present (C. Rourke – Zoom). M. Leahy presiding. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation: Meetings Will Be Held In Council Chamber With Public Welcome And By 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). 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. Motion to take Item #5.2F out of order by C. Chau, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Finance SC September 28th; City Council Regular Meeting September 28th, For Acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 8) 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. Cellco Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless - Request Installation Of Small Cell Facility On Existing Utility Pole At 7 Whitman Street. (Cont. From 9/28/21) In City Council, Hearing continued. Hearing opened. No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to continue hearing to October 12, 2021 at 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Atty. Dan Klasnick (Verizon Wireless) reiterated process for location and that there would be no other location in that area to improve service and that he made attempts to reach concerned neighbor to no avail and that the individual had not contacted him. C. Mercier noted she would like the parties to try once again to discuss. C. Samaras noted he would not support the petition. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. A) Motion Response - VFW Street Sweeping and Debris Cleanup – C. Rourke provided address where additional debris was located. B) Motion Response - Tree Maintenance – C. Conway noted concerns of the residents to fully remove the trees including stumps and that a prevention program may save some removal costs. Manager Donoghue noted there is a system in the DPW dealing with dead and dying trees and that the City has a tree warden. C. Elliott noted tree removal is important in the community and that review of budget may be needed for added resources. Manager Donoghue noted that there are limited resources and a high demand for service. C. Mercier noted there is a need to trim trees at the Centralville Police Precinct. C) Motion Response - East Pawtucketville Trash Issues – C. Elliott noted the report and that there are additional inspectors being retained. D) Motion Response - Underground Railroad Signage – C. Drinkwater noted report which highlighted the rich history of Underground Railroad in the City. E) Motion Response - Musgray Square – C. Rourke questioned if there is any need for further Council approval based upon the response and the work of the committee. Motion by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Rourke to accept the recommendation in the report regarding naming of square. So voted. 5.2. Informational Reports F) Informational - Mosaic Lowell Cultural Economy Plan – Allison Lamy (Lowell Plan) provided information regarding the plan to build a cultural economy and the steps to achieve that goal. Ms. Lamy recognized the members of the steering committee City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 8) regarding plan. Jay Linnehan (Greater Lowell Community Foundation) noted the partners that are involved in the effort and the positive effect it will have in the City. Mr. Linnehan noted the use of consultants to assist with the endeavor and outlined the process and provided timeline. Manager Donoghue commented on the effort and recognized the public/private partnership. C. Elliott noted how the City is constantly reinventing itself and the importance of using new resources. C. Conway noted there is always partnerships within the City that achieve positive results. C. Mercier noted the efforts of the steering committee and the importance of the project. C. Samaras noted the effort and the use of the team approach. C. Chau noted it was an exciting project for the City. C. Drinkwater noted Lowell is an art and cultural center and that should be more in the public eye. C. Nuon thanked the efforts of the committee and was confident there would be positive results. 5.3. Communication - Appoint Tha Chhan To License Commission. In City Council, Read, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Elliott commented on the appointment noting it was a respected person in the community. 5.4. Communication - Collective Bargaining Agreements. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Conway, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 to #6.14, inclusive by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote -Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of Amended MOU With MVEA Unit IIP. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. Manager Donoghue outlined all of the collective bargaining agreements noting the increases and reasoning behind them. Manager Donoghue noted nurses’ contracts as well as police contract which include use of body cameras. C. Elliott recognized that funds covering the increases are in existence and would not further burden taxpayers. Conor Baldwin (CFO) outlined the funding sources. C. Drinkwater noted possible State assistance with funding regarding body cams. Manager Donoghue noted that they are in the process of securing such funding. C. Mercier questioned firefighter contract. Manager Donoghue noted that three contracts awaiting final approval from unions are firefighters; 1705 and 2532. C. Mercier questioned reasoning behind special employees of Board of Health. Manager Donoghue noted reasoning behind the designation. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 8) 6.2. Vote-Accept.Expend $308,000 Grant To LPD -3 Yr Period. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.3. Vote-Designate Members Of The Board Of Health As Special Municipal Employees. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.4. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of Amended MOU With Lowell Organization Of City Engineers. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.5. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of Amended MOU With Traffic Supervisors Association. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.6. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With AFSCME Local 1705A. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.7. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With Lowell Police Association Inc. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.8. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With Lowell Police Superior Officers Association. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.9. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With MVEA Inspectors. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 8) 6.10. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With MVEA Unit C. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.11. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With MVEA Unit D. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.12. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution By City Manager Of MOU With MVEA Unit I. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.13. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution Of City Manager Of MOU With MVEA Unit II. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 6.14. Vote-Ratify And Approve The Execution Of City Manager Of MOU With SEIU Local 888. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Economic/Downtown Development SC October 5, 2021. In City Council, C. Elliott outlined the meeting noting the attendance and discussion of the resolution regarding the Amazon development project. C. Elliott noted City Solicitor would be weighing in with language to the resolution but the subcommittee adopted motion to accept the general principles of the resolution. C. Drinkwater noted prior discussions surrounding the resolution and that it was important to set parameters for corporate involvement with the community. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Mercier commented on a neighborhood informational meeting regarding needs of the neighborhood. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Norma Von Fricken Request Permission To Discuss Concerns Regarding Vagrants, Homeless And Panhandlers In The City. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 8) In City Council, the petitioner addressed the Council. 8.2. Misc. - Panela Restaurant (Juan Acevedo) Request Permission To Install Two (2) Overhanging At 7 Hanover Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Have DPD Evaluate Intersections That Have “No Turn On Red” For Effectiveness. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted need to enhance safety and that this should be reviewed and studied. C. Elliott noted need to bring on consultant with the number of transportation motions generated by the Council. C. Nuon noted the need to improve system. M. Leahy relinquished Chair to Vice Chair Mercier at 8:00 PM. M. Leahy commented that this should be given a thorough review as each area may require different needs. Manager Donoghue noted the scope of the request and it should be narrowed as there are many areas with this signage. The Chair was returned to Mayor at 8:05 PM 9.2. C. Elliott - Req. Environment & Flood Issues SC Meet Regarding Combined Sewer Overflow Report To Address Wastewater Treatment Discharge And Develop Plan To Remediate In Cost Effective Manner. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to Environment & Flood Issues SC. So voted. C. Elliott noted prior report and Executive Director Young should present the findings and proposed plans. 9.3. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding The Number Of School Resource Officers (SRO) In The Schools As Well As The Status Of The Current Number Of Sworn Officers And Vacancies. In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted the need to ensure that staffing is at safe levels. C. Conway noted the importance of school officers who assist many students in many ways. C. Samaras noted he favored the school resource program as a resource for students. 9.4. C. Elliott - Req. Transportation SC Discuss Parking Issues On Tolman Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to Transportation SC. So voted. C, Elliott noted need for discussion as many homes are converting to added dwelling units. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 8) 9.5. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Explore Placing A Curb Cut And Crosswalk At 60 Lawrence Street, In Front Of The Arca De Refugio Church. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented on the area and the dangers involved, in addition noted that there may need a curb cut to install crosswalk. 9.6. C, Drinkwater - Req. City Mgr. And Proper Department Explore Partnerships With Schools And/Or Non-Profit Entities That Teach Woodworking Skills To Young Adults To Construct New Picnic Tables And Benches For City Parks, As Needed. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Drinkwater noted the need throughout the parks and that there are organizations who can assist. 9.7. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have DPD Review A “Statutory Nuisance” Noise Level Ordinance. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted the ordinance should assist with enforcement issues as citizens should have quite enjoyment in their neighborhoods. 9.8. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have DPW Remove Dead Trees At Campbell Field. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted the clean-up of dead trees are needed and that there have been several requests by residents. C. Mercier requested trees at Hovey Field be inspected as well. 9.9. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have Land And Buildings Department Replace Signage At Leblanc Field. In City Council, seconded by C. Conway, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted there are have been a number of request and it should be completed. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier relayed story of LPD recovering a stolen electric bike for a grateful resident. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 8) 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. _____________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov