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: December 7, 2021 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA/Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present. (C. Nuon – Zoom) M. Leahy presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Shirley Kiernan and Paul Belanger. C. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Susan (Dayon) Pappaconstantinou. M. Leahy recognized Councilor-Elects present in the chamber. 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. Chau. So voted. 2.2. Citations: 1. Jessica Lander - "We are America". 2. Kevin and Debbie Fernandes. 3. Rollie's Farm. In City Council, M. Leahy recognized the contributions of Kevin and Debbie Fernandes to the City in terms of housing. Mr. Fernandes addressed the Council. M. Leahy City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) recognized the award winning “We Are America” program. Ms. Lander outlined the program and those students involved in the development. M. Leahy noted the owners of Rollie’s Farm were present and presented citation and keys to the City to the Perron family. C. Elliott outlined the history of the farm and their contribution to the City as well as noting future of the farm. Registered speakers, David Moloney and John Wooding, addressed the body regarding Rollie’s Farm and the Perron family. Rollie Perron addressed and thanked the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting November 23rd; Environment & Flood Issues SC November 30th, For Acceptance. In City Council, minutes read, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Loan Order-MSBA ARP Feasibility Study - Various Schools. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Elliott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. Boston Gas - Request Installation Of Replacement Of Existing Cast Iron Gas Main With 6 Inch Plastic Gas Main On Rivercliff Road From Geana Lane To Andover Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Speaking in favor, Diana Cuddy (National Grid). No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 5.2. Boston Gas - Request Installation Of Two And Four Inch Low Pressure Gas Mains Along Nicole Drive, Stewart Street, Montview Avenue, Monadnock Avenue, Pine Street, Alyssa Drive And Raynor Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing held. Speaking in favor, Diana Cuddy (National Grid). No Remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 7) A) Motion Response - Snow Plowing Plans – C. Chau commented on the report and noted concern for piling of snow at street corners. M. Leahy noted the importance of having contractors aware of the routes and where to place snow. B) Motion Response - Pawtucket Boulevard Crosswalk – C. Rourke commented on the area of concern for residents near Market Basket. Manager Donoghue noted that MassDOT would need input and further noted that it should be addressed prior to final Rourke Bridge installation. C) Motion Response - Construction Update – C. Samaras noted the main concern is the Central Street Bridge and requested if that could be fast tracked. Manager Donoghue noted that due to supply chain shortages there was a ten month lead time. Christine Clancy (DPW) noted this was the last Tiger Grant project and that some construction would be done before that lead time and this project would have a much longer shelf life than earlier designed proposals. C. Mercier noted it was a detailed report and stressed the importance of replacement trees on Andover Street. Manager Donoghue noted it was a part of the contract and it would be done. C. Rourke noted the amount of sidewalk work being done in the City. Ms. Clancy noted much would be done by the spring of 2022. C. Elliott commented on pot hole repair program. Ms. Clancy noted they were still being filled at this point. M. Leahy questioned completion of VFW Highway project. Ms. Clancy noted date was sometime this spring. D) Motion Response - 4 Way Stop at Hoyt and Waverly – C. Drinkwater noted response and limitations but there should still be a remedy for residents in that area. E) Motion Response - Cambridge and Chelmsford Intersection – C. Chau noted the congestion in that area and that a traffic study may assist with finding solutions. Manager Donoghue noted that may be part of future capital project. F) Motion Response - Director of Homelessness Initiatives Hiring – C. Nuon noted the need for the positions to attack and State-wide issue before them. Christine McCall (DPD) commented on current and future interviews. G) Motion Response -Temporary Cottage Housing – C. Drinkwater note the need for a location either in City or surrounding areas. Manager Donoghue commented on the process to locate possible sites. C. Elliott noted the importance of providing services as well and commented on State facilities that could provide them. Manager Donoghue noted there are conversations with State partners regarding those types of services. C. Mercier noted the need to protect business in the area effected. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #10.2 out of order. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Transfer Funds From GLTHS Assessment To DPW School Improvements. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Elliott, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Elliott questioned the content of the vote. Manager Donoghue commented on the school projects that were time sensitive and in need of funding. 7.2. Vote- Supplemental Appropriation (Lowell Fire Dept. Overtime). In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7.3. Vote-Accept Expend Grant From MassDEP To DPW. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Conway, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 7.4. Vote-Apply Accept Expend Grant From EOEA To Council On Aging. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Samaras. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas. So voted. C. Rourke questioned manner in which citizens would be notified of new restrictions. Ms. McCall noted that they review best approach to inform citizens of any changes. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance To Amend Sec. 9 Flood Plain Overlay. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 21, 2021 at 7PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Environment & Flood Issues SC November 30, 2021. In City Council, C. Samaras provided report regarding presentation by FEMA on the new National Flood Insurance Plan programs and the effect on the City; in addition he noted attendance and that the body approved a motion to enable neighborhood groups have tape of meeting available to them. C. Elliott noted the new rating system for flood insurance and that there was important information available on the LTC link of the City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) subcommittee meeting. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Samaras, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 10.2. Wire Inspector Reports: 1. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 400 Feet Of New 2 Inch Plastic Along Bassett Street. 2. Boston Gas - Request Installation Of Replacement Gas Main On Woodward, Orchard, Oxford, Wright, Starbird, Courtland, Waterford, W. 5th And Adams. 3. Boston Gas - Request Installation Of Replacement Gas Main Walker, Bachelder, Litchfield, Ready And Hampton. 4. Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (4) Underground Conduits Along 657 Middlesex Street. (Lord Overpass Project) In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying orders by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claims - (4) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 11.2. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of New Low Pressure Gas Main On Gold Street To The End Of School Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 21, 2021 at 7PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 11.3. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of New Plastic Gas Main At 43 Dancause Road. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 21, 2021 at 7PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. 11.4. Comcast - Request Installation Of PVC Conduit To Existing Pole At Howe And Davidson Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on December 21, 2021 at 7PM by C. Chau, seconded by C. Conway. So voted. 12. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 12.1. C. Elliott - Req. City Council Discuss And Implement Traffic Calming Measures On Woodward Avenue; Brookside Road; And Columbia Road To Address Cut-Through Traffic. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott commented on area of concer. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) 12.2. C. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On The Proposed Amendment To Housing Development Plan As It Relates To The Commonwealth’s HDIP, MGL Chapter 40V. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Elliott noted the need to incorporate the plan. Ms. McCall outlined the program and will furnish the report. 12.3. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update Regarding The City-Wide Campaign That Will Address Vehicle Traffic And Pedestrian Safety On The Streets Of Our Neighborhoods. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway noted the interest and the frustration regarding issue and that a whole set of partners must be involved to resolve them. Manager Donoghue noted discussion in-house regarding forming a larger focus group. 12.4. C. Conway - Req. City Mgr. Explore The Feasibility Of Dedicating A Bench In The Downtown Area In The Memory Of Attorney Albert Marcotte For His Many Years Of Legal Services And Benefactor To The Citizens Of Lowell And The Surrounding Communities. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Conway commented on the contributions of Atty. Marcotte to the City and that matter should go before the Monument Committee. C. Chau recognized the contributions of Atty. Marcotte as well. 12.5. C. Samaras - Req. City Mgr. Review Status/Condition Of Parking Kiosks And Ticketing Of Cars In The Downtown Area. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Samaras noted complaints from residents regarding the number of kiosks not operating in the downtown as well as increased ticketing. C. Conway questioned if open parking would be available during holiday season. Manager Donoghue noted revenues in parking have been reduces due to Covid and that revenue is needed to fund the enterprise expenses. C. Mercier noted that there was holiday parking in City at one point in the past. 12.6. M. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding Feasibility Of Having Outside Contracts For Maintaining The Heating/Cooling Machinery Throughout City Buildings. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Leahy commented on the need to see if there are any benefits to proposal. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) 12.7. M. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have DPW Paint City Hall Bathrooms As They Await Full Renovations. In City Council, seconded by C. Elliott, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Leahy noted motion was self-explanatory. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier wished good luck to LHS winter sports programs. C. Mercier noted upcoming Salvation Army Telethon. M. Leahy noted upcoming blood drive. 14. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. 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