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: September 13, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA /Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 11 present. M. Chau presiding. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for George Simon. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Queen Elizabeth of England. C. Leahy commented about the Queen and the visit from members of the British Consulate. M. Chau made comment on the Queen. M. Chau recognized media group, the New Z Group. 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. Jenness. So voted. 2.2. Citations: 1) Fortune and Sweet Bar; and 2) Andres Gonzalez (Health Department). In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. M. Chau presented citation to owners of the Fortune and Sweet Bar both of whom addressed the Council. M. Chau presented citation to Mr. Gonzalez who City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 14) thanked the body. C. Robinson recognized Mr. Gonzalez commitment to the community. C. Mercier commented on efforts of Mr. Gonzalez. 2.3. Presentations: 1) Lowell Memorial Auditorium 100 years anniversary; and 2) Kiwanis Club of Greater Lowell - Use of City Hall for Haunted House during LHS construction; and 3) Kalamata, Greece - Sister City delegation trip. (Former Mayor William Samaras). In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Peter Lally from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium commented on the upcoming 100th Anniversary. Maria Ernest (CASE) commented on upcoming Kiwanis event at City Hall. C. Leahy noted it was good use of the building. William Samaras commented on Sister City relationship with Kalamata and the planned event and who would be attending. A representative of the Federation of Greek Alliance commented on the trip. M. Chau noted the delegation received by the City from Kalamata. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Non-Profit Organization SC August 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting August 23rd, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 4. AUDITOR BUSINESS 4.1. Informational - Year To Date Budget Reports For Period Ending June 30, 2022: 1) General Fund Revenue; 2) General Fund Expenditures; 3) Parking; 4) Water; and 5) Wastewater In City Council, Motion to refer all items to the Finance SC by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Auditor Oakes outlined the reports noting that they are preliminary and subject to review. C. Gitschier noted some shortages in revenues. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted all accounts are within normal ranges and will be recognized when collected. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. Non-Profit Organization SC August 23, 2022. In City Council, C. Nuon provided report noting attendance of various organizations who outlined their action plans and funding requirements as well as their commitment to partnership with the City. C. Yem noted that smaller non-profits should not be City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 14) overlooked regarding ARPA funding. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. 5.2. Wire Inspector Reports: 1) Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Scada Box And Vent Pole On Boston Road At Spencer Street; And 2) National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Conduit At Varnum Avenue And Boulevard Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying orders by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. 5.3. Claims - (6) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Motion to take Items #8.2 to #10.1, inclusive out of order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 5.4. C. Mercier - Req. Neighborhoods SC Have Traveling Subcommittee Meetings Within Each Section Of The City To Discuss Issues Of Concern; Starting In The Highland Section. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the need to meet in neighborhoods to best address concerns. C. Nuon approved of having the subcommittee meet in the neighborhoods. 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On Programs Funded With Various Federal Block Grants (CDBG, HOME, ESG, Etc.) For The Last 3 Fiscal Years And Evaluate Alternative Funding/Allocation Strategies To More Equitably Disburse Funding Amongst Lowell Non-Profit Partners In The 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need to focus on funding and progress being made. 5.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Report On Efforts And Future Plans To Ensure Fairness, Transparency And Equity Are Included In The Selection Process And Criteria For Any Prospective Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries Or Delivery Services And Association Host Community Agreements (“HCA”). In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need to be fair to all applicants. C. Mercier questioned criteria. C. Robinson noted there are strict regulations which should be lifted in this round of applicants to be fair to all. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 14) 5.7. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Work With The School Administration On Drawing Districts To Include Equitability And Diversification In Order To Provide Neighborhood Schooling. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the need for students to have more time to learn and not to travel. C. Gitschier noted Court Decree is older and there should be some revision. C. Robinson noted the change is long overdue and should be looking at community schools. C. Scott commented on Court Order and the many complexities to it. Solicitor O’Connor noted the School Committee has jurisdiction over the issue and it would not be an easy fix as many studies would be needed to provide evidence of any changes. Manager Golden, Jr. noted school administration involvement with any changes. C. Scott noted the matter may need to be referred to joint subcommittee for review. C. Gitschier suggested the City Solicitor reach out to school administration regarding possible path to follow. C. Drinkwater favored being provided further information. C. Rourke noted the need for School Committee approval. 5.8. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Begin A Pilot Program Of Dog Waste Dispensers In Areas Where Pet Waste Has Become A Persistent Problem. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness commented on issues especially downtown. 5.9. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Provide The Council With An Update On The Parking Study From 2020 And Progress On The Implementation Of The Recommendations. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness commented on the prior study and the need for fresh eyes on the matter. 5.10. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Evaluate Adding Crossing Lights At The Shattuck/Merrimack Intersection Across Merrimack; Similar To The Lights On East Merrimack By Middlesex College Or On Broadway Near Market Basket. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted need to enhance safety at the crossing. 5.11. C. Jenness/C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Explore Beginning And Open Streets Program In The Downtown Area Similar To What Other Cities Have Done. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted other communities’ success with the program and would benefit downtown. C. Rourke noted there are a lot of streets available in different areas which would be City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 14) beneficial to those areas. C. Rourke noted the number of streets that could be closed as part of the program. 5.12. C. Jenness/C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Investigate Traffic Calming Measures And Safety Improvements For The Dutton/Broadway Intersection. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness commented on the safety concerns and the use of bollards or jersey barriers before serious incident happens. 5.13. C. Scott/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Provide A Legal Opinion On The Possibility Of Terminating The Waste Contract For Non-Performance; In Addition Provide The Council With All Documentation Of Fines That Have Been Issued For Non-Performance To Date. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 nays (M. Chau, C. Leahy). So voted. C. Scott noted some improvement in service as of late but still there are many concerns and issues with vendor. C. Gitschier noted vendors need to be accountable for their contracts and lauded the efforts of Mark Byrne (DPW) in controlling the contract. C. Gitschier recognized it may cost more to severe from the vendor and there is a need to work as a group. C. Gitschier noted if they cannot perform under the contract it should not be available next term. C. Nuon noted the concerns of the Highland Neighborhood Group with trash and yard waste collection and that next contract may be more suited if broken up into different vendors. C. Rourke noted that the Manager deals with contracts and not the City Council. Mr. Byrne noted improvement in collection and would provide report to Council shortly. C. Leahy noted the City efforts and Manager should handling the situation not Council which is reason he does not support motion. C. Robinson noted vendor was not holding up their end of bargain and City should be compensated for that. C. Gitschier was not accepting the excuses of the vendor and does not care if they are struggling to perform. C. Rourke noted upcoming DPW report. Mr. Byrne noted improvements in trash collection and less with yard waste removal. M. Chau noted the company must be held accountable but not prudent to terminate contract as it is not in the purview of the Council. Manager Golden, Jr. noted report and meetings with vendor. C. Gitschier noted his motion was just seeking a legal opinion regarding termination. 5.14. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department Work To Update The Bus Huts Around The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted need to update and repair huts. C. Jenness noted downtown huts need work as well. C. Robinson noted huts would be great place for paid advertising. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that the huts were a good venue for such advertising. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 14) 5.15. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Work To Add A Crosswalk On Woburn Street By Easton Street Or In The Vicinity. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott described the area and the need for crosswalk. Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier to refer remaining motions on the agenda to the City Manager and to accept and place on file all motion responses on agenda. So voted. Motion to Waive Rule 5 (9:55 PM) by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Defeated per Roll Call vote 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon). C. Gitschier requested motion to call Special Meeting on September 20, 2022. Chair ruled that request was not timely. 5.16. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have Speed Tables Installed As A Trial Basis On Hollis Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.17. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Look At The Feasibility Of Installing Safety Bollards Along Dutton Street To Protect Resident Homes And Pedestrians From Accidents. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.18. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Provide An Update On Installing Flashing Crosswalk Lights At The Ducharme Playground As Required In The Home Depot Distribution Center Approval. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.19. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Look At Updating Crosswalk And Lighting At Hovey Park Along Aiken Avenue Side. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.20. C. Robinson/C. Drinkwater - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission In An Effort To Get A Representative To Attend A Cannabis Control SC For Information Around Social Equity/Economic Empowerment Applicants And The State’s Cannabis Consumption Lounge Pilot Program. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.21. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Provide The City Council A Copy Of All Legal Notices For Employment And Public Hearings. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 14) In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.22. M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Investigate Grant Opportunities To Repair Steps, Handicap Accessible Ramp And Other Needed Repairs At The Lowell Memorial Auditorium. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1. Ordinance - Amend Ch.20 S.58 CASE. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Scott seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.2. Ordinance - Create Position CASE Assistant Director For Communications And Marketing. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. Speaking in favor was Peter Crew (Cultural Affairs). No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Jenness noted position will improve communication from City to its partners. 7. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 7.1. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of A Gas Regulator Station On Chelmsford Street At Baltimore Avenue. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 7.2. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Gas Main Replacement On Armand, Jean, Christman And Delmont Avenues; As Well As Bernier And Lowell Streets. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, speaking in opposition was resident Lisa Baldazar. Diana Cuddy (National Grid via Zoom) discussed project. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on paving road after construction and that the City may benefit if they shared costs with National Grid to do whole road and not just the trench. Ms. Cuddy noted rate payers pick up costs and they are wary to keep costs down and that there is a process for trench repair as well. Manager Golden, Jr. noted discussion with National Grid regarding costs is appropriate venue. C. Gitschier noted effect of weather on road work in the City. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 14) 7.3. National Grid - Request Installation Of Conduit To Feed Transformer At 572 Lakeview Avenue. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. David Boucher (National Grid) spoke in favor of the petition. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 7.4. University Of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) - Request Installation Of Duct Bank At Broadway Street And Solomont Way. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. Adam Baacke (UML) spoke in favor of the petition. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #13.11 out of order. So voted. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 8.1. Motion Responses In City Council, Motion Responses (Item #8.1 A to O) and Informational Reports (Item #8.1.1) were all accepted and placed on file per Motion of C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Condition of USA Flags B) Motion Response - Update Fire Apparatus Gorham St. Firehouse C) Motion Response - Review - Update Safety Status - Protocol D) Motion Response - Wastewater E) Motion Response - ARPA Spending and Dashboard F) Motion Response - Federal Affordable Connectivity Program with Attachments G) Motion Response - MIS Instructions - Photos and Short Videos H) Motion Response - Trash-Recycling-Smaller Districts I) Motion Response - Signage at Dropbox J) Motion Response - Repairs at McPherson Park and Partnership with Youthbuild K) Motion Response - Monument Committee L) Motion Response - East Merrimack at High Street M) Motion Response - West and West 6th Street N) Motion Response - LRTA Level of Service with Attachments – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted. O) Motion Response - Municipal Marketing with Attachment 8.1.1. Informational Reports Informational Report Regarding the Sale of Tax Title Liens City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 14) 8.2. Communication - Appointment Of Ellen Brideau To Board Of Assessors. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 8.3. Communication - Appointment Of George Procope To ZBA. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Mr. Procope addressed the body. 8.4. Communication - Correction To The Appointment Of Alison Keegan To Board Of Health. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8.5. Communication - Reappointment Of Dennis McCarthy To ZBA. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. 8.6. Communication - Resignation Of Cecilio Hernandez From Citizen Advisory Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 8.7. Communication - City Manager Request Out Of State Travel (1) Mayor. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (M. Chau). So voted. Motion C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to bundle and waive second reading for Items #9.1 to #9.12, inclusive. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to remove Item #9.8 from bundle in order to provide additional information regarding agreement. So vote. 9. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $15,000 Address Verification Program Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $300,000 SOR-PEC Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 14) 9.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $42,719.30 State 911 Dept. EMD Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.4. Vote - Accept/Expend $460,496 State 911 Dept. Support And Incentive Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.5. Vote - Accept/Expend $60,539.22 State 911 FY23 Training Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.6 Vote - Accept/Expend FY23 Earmarked Funds - Morey Elementary School. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Leahy questioned if funds were in addition to SBA funding. Manager Golden, Jr. noted they were earmarked funds from Representative Rady Mom. Mr. Byrne noted funding going towards the project. 9.7. Vote - Approve Exemption Of Rebecca Mafra MGL C.268A S.20. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.8. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With Degmar Development Corporation. In City Council, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to remove Item #9.8 in order to provide additional information regarding agreement. So vote. 9.9. Vote - License Agreement With Anilton Temponi Almeida. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Yem noted the importance of the agreement. 9.10. Vote - License Agreement With Kiwanis Club Of Greater Lowell - City Hall. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 11 of 14) 9.11. Vote - Transfer $46,730 – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 9.12. Vote - Transfer $543,000 – DPW. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Robinson noted purchase was a step in the right direction. C. Gitschier noted additional machinery can be done through Capital Plan funding. 10. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 10.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 11. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 11.1. Public Safety SC September 13, 2022. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. 11.2. Wire Inspector Reports: 1) National Grid - Request Installation Of 65 Feet Of Conduit In Sidewalk To Service 173 East Merrimack Street; 2) National Grid - Request Installation Of Fifty Feet Of Concrete Duct To Service 10 Technology Drive; 3) National Grid - Request Installation Of (2) JO Poles On Varnum Avenue Across From Boulevard Street; And 4) Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Gas Mains On Tenth, Grandview And Mt. Pleasant Streets. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. 12. PETITIONS 12.1. Claims - (5) Property Damage. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. 12.2. National Grid - Request Installation Of Electric Vault In Front Of 173 East Merrimack Street. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 12 of 14) 12.3. Misc. - Michelle Ford Request Permission To Discuss Ordinance To Allow More Than One Home Occupancy Business Per Address. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. 12.4. Misc. - Maureen Gilroy Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign At 84 Bradstreet Avenue. In City Council, Matter continued to September 27, 2022. 13. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 13.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Advertise And Appoint A Citizens Tree Committee Made Up Of One Member From Each Of The Eight City Council Districts And Also Focus On Hiring Someone In Charge Of Green Space With A Certification As A Massachusetts Certified Arborist. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Status Of The Boathouse-Restaurant RFP That Was Approved By The Last City Council Back In July Of 2021. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.3. C. Gitschier/C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To State Regarding Intersection Of Burnham Road And Andover Street During The Construction. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.4. C. Scott/C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Explore Feasibility Of A Pilot Program Installing Audio Detectors In Order To Triangulate The Presence Of Gun Fire And Illegal Fireworks In The Back Central Neighborhood. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On The Current Use Of Portable Cameras And The Feasibility Of Purchasing Additional Units To Monitor Illegal Dumping Hotspots. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.6. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Create A Meeting Between The City, School Superintendent, Election Office And The DPW (Sign Shop) With Respect To Polling Places; Regarding Parking, Signage, Locked Doors; And Issues That Should Improve Voting In November. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 13 of 14) 13.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Look Into Feasibility Of Installing A Fence Along Backside Of The Reservoir. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A List Of Vehicle Accident, Incident Reports In Area Of Lakeview And Aiken Avenues For The Past Two Years. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A Report As To Why Not All Hourly Employees Are Required To Use Time Clocks. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A Report On Pathway To Install GPS Tracking On All City Vehicles. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.11. C. Jenness/C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update Around Lowell’s Housing First Strategy And Hiring Of A Director Of Homelessness Initiatives To Address The Needs Of The Unhoused Population Within Our Community. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Alaina Brackett, addressed the Council. C. Jenness commented on remarks of speaker and noted that there is a small group causing most of the problems and that police needed additional resources to assist with the matter and refocus effort. C. Nuon noted speaker and noted this is an issue throughout the Commonwealth and there is a need to control people who are not willing to listen. C. Mercier commented on the remarks of the speaker. C. Rourke indicated to the Manager the full support of the body in whatever needs to be done to address the problem. C. Gitschier noted it is a neighborhood problem throughout the City and many resources are needed from police to the courts. Acting Supt. of Police Golner noted the Mental Health Court which has voluntary programs. C. Gitschier indicated the constant issues along Plain Street. Solicitor O’Connor commented on the constitutionality of pan handling ordinances. C. Leahy commented on the trash along Plain Street. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on meetings being held, action being taken and the hiring of the new coordinator. C. Robinson noted the issue is with repeat offenders who are not a large group. C. Drinkwater noted it is a year after year issue mostly surrounding mental health of individuals which require special care and long term care. C. Mercier noted rules are set and should be adhered to regardless of mental state. C. Jenness noted the need for State resources in this area as problem is expanding. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the State could assist with land transfers. C. Robinson questioned if ACLU offered any suggestions for addressing the issues. Solicitor O’Connor noted rules are based on City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 14 of 14) different case decisions. C. Scott indicated Plain Street has a trash issue and public safety issue. Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #8.3 out of order. So voted. 13.12. M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department Repaint Parking Lines On Streets Throughout The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 13.13. M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Investigate The Installation Of Pole Mounted Speed Monitors Throughout The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 14. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, birthday of C. Scott and anniversary of C. Jenness recognized in Chamber. 15. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov