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 27, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 10 present, 1 absent (M. Chau). Vice Chair Gitschier presiding. C. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Virginia Barrelle. 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Public Safety SC September 13th; City Council Regular Meeting September 13th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 13) 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. Public Safety SC September 13, 2022. (From 9/13/22) In City Council, C. Rourke provided report outlining attendance and discussion of continuing to gather information for City wide 25 MPH speed limit. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 4.2. Wire Inspector Reports: (From 9/13/22) 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, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying orders by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4.3. Claims - (5) Property Damage. (From 9/13/22) In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. 4.4. National Grid - Request Installation Of Electric Vault In Front Of 173 East Merrimack Street. (From 9/13/22) In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 11, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4.5. Misc. - Michelle Ford Request Permission To Discuss Ordinance To Allow More Than One Home Occupancy Business Per Address. (From 9/13/22) In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 4.6. Misc. - Maureen Gilroy Request Removal Of Handicap Parking Sign At 84 Bradstreet Avenue. (From 9/13/22) In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 13) 5. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext LI Zone - 128 Maple Street. In City Council, Atty. for Petitioner (John Cox, Esq.) requested matter be withdrawn. No hearing held, matter withdrawn before meeting was opened. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses A) Motion Response - Open Streets In Downtown Area – C. Jenness noted the report and implementation of closures. C. Yem noted Middle Street would be a good area for closure. Manager Golden, Jr. commented that he walked area with Peter Crewe (Special Events) to see how it would work operationally. B) Motion Response - Open Positions Within The City Workforce And Filling The Positions FY23 Budget – C. Robinson commented on the number of openings. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the number of hiring in the process noting the number is always moving due to the process. C. Robinson questioned outreach process. Mary Callery (HR Dept.) commented on the application process. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the uptick in applications. C. Robinson questioned if all applications are kept on file. Manager Golden, Jr. noted all applications are available. C. Robinson questioned timing element of the hiring process. Manager Golden, Jr. noted it differs with each position. C. Yem questioned on-line application process. Ms. Callery noted the application tracking system. C. Gitschier commented on prior request to review positions left vacant for a period of time to ensure they are necessary. Manager Golden, Jr. noted there were reviews and adjustments were made. C. Gitschier requested memo regarding those changes. C. Leahy commented on salary adjustments to attract talent. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the effort to review salaries with the assistance of the Collins Center. C. Robinson questioned status of hiring a Community Development Director. Manager Golden, Jr. noted they were currently interviewing. C) Motion Response - Update On Douglas Road Project – C. Nuon noted contract was in the works and requested time frame for the project and that information be available on the website. C. Leahy noted it was an expensive project. Mark Young (Water/Wastewater) noted the exact amount of money needed still needs to be determined. Manager Golden, Jr. noted bonding would be needed to fund. C. Robinson noted there are other areas in the City with similar issues. Manager Golden, Jr. agreed with assessment and were looking to address all problem areas. D) Motion Response - Fines for Non-Performance - Waste Management Contract – C. Scott noted the effort of Mark Byrne (DPW). C. Robinson noted the report was not accurate as City workers are doing a lot to the tasks. Mr. Byrne noted statistics would be broken up into districts. C. Yem noted positive direction of yard waste collection. Mr. Byrne noted difficulties in yard waste collection in each district and commented that they are working with vendor for a more positive result. C. Robinson noted the need to put pressure on vendors. C. Gitschier noted report was basically information from the vendor and that the City need to supply more data so a new bid can be developed for City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 13) new contract. C. Mercier commented on the yard waste collections as the City enters busy season. C. Rourke noted available app to follow collections. E) Motion Response - Prescott Street – C. Jenness noted the report and requested further information regarding lighting in the area. C. Leahy commented on repairs to sidewalks. Ting Chang (City Eng.) described the process. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the private vaults in the sidewalks which hinder progress. C. Robinson question ownership of the vaults and notice to those owners. Manager Golden, Jr. commented that City was working through that process with the Law Department and Building Inspector. C. Robinson questioned if grant funds were available. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the search for funding. F) Motion Response - First Street Paving – C. Robinson noted report and improvements. G) Motion Response - Smith Avenue – None. H) Motion Response - 26 Central Street – None. I) Motion Response - Bus Shelters with Attachment – C. Scott commented on the report and the need to maintain the bus shelters. J) Motion Response - Home Depot Distribution Center - Ducharme Playground – None. K) Motion Response - Hamilton Canal Innovation District Dust and Debris C. Jenness noted improvements in the area and the use of the water truck to keep dust down. C. Jenness noted some empty lots should be secured. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that any resident complaints can go to Inspectional Services through Civic Plus. C. Robinson noted improvements but there is a need for more enforcement. Manager Golden, Jr. noted meeting with developers. C. Rourke noted that water truck is in constant use. L) Motion Response - HCA Social Equity with Attachment Marijuana Location – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Cannabis Control SC. So voted. M) Motion Response - Community Development Funds with Attachment – C. Nuon commented on the breakdown of CDBG funding. C. Nuon requested increased attention to small non-profit organizations for funding. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the opportunities and input from the Council. N) Motion Response - Health Insurance Cost Comparison – C. Leahy noted the report and commented that the administration should take an aggressive approach to saving costs. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted cost savings analysis. C. Leahy noted the use of consultants in this area. Mr. Baldwin noted the City is currently negotiating rates. C. Nuon commented on consultants’ recommendation. C. Drinkwater commented on City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 13) recommendation to stay with the GIC and recent negotiations with GIC. Mr. Baldwin outlined the process. 6.2. Informational Reports Informational - Centralville Precinct Historical Leasing Information – None. Informational - Payroll Update and Bi-Weekly Transition – C. Scott questioned support for the transition. Mr. Baldwin noted each union has different time frame with payments so that lessens any interference. C. Scott commented the need for proper prior notice. Mr. Baldwin noted information is supplied to all employees. C. Gitschier requested a different roll out time beyond holidays. Kelly Oakes noted amount of preparation with time frame and stated that they could look into pushing it out. Mr. Baldwin indicated the amount of effort to set up roll out. C. Rourke noted that there is sufficient notice to roll out program. C. Rourke questioned if excess pay to teachers was recovered. Ms. Oakes noted teacher pay has been resolved. Mr. Baldwin noted current financial management letter request more oversight regarding payroll controls. C. Leahy noted it has been a long process but benefits are plentiful. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 6.3. Communication - Planning Board Report And Recommendation On Proposed Zoning Amendment From TTF To LI Zoning District At 128 Maple Street. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Denied 1 yea, 8 Nays (C. Drinkwater, C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 present (C. Mercier), 1 absent (M. Chau) So voted. C. Scott noted the opposition by residents in the area and that finding by Planning Board was not acceptable. C. Mercier commented on the opposition. C. Robinson requested that communication not be accepted. 6.4. Communication - Resignation Of Zarais German-George From Citizen Advisory Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 6.5. Communication - City Manager Request Out Of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With Degmar Development Corporation. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 13) In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $65,000 Municipal Road Safety Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With 226 Main St. LLC. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement With The Daly Group LLC. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. C. Leahy noted the need for this type of school in Lowell and that the Superintendent must show support for it. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on current progress with the proposal. C. Robinson noted need for such a school in City. 7.5. Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations – Parking. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. C. Jenness had questions regarding the vote. Manager Golden, Jr. noted process to pay was normal practice but noted mistake in having a bad bill but further commented that services were rendered and should be paid for. Mr. Baldwin noted that each service must be contracted for. C. Gitschier noted it was poor management 7.6. Vote - Transfer $50,000 – Recreation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.7. Vote - Amending Prior Order Approving CPC Recommendation To Fund Acre Crossing Project. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. Registered speaker, Viviana Acevedo (Zoom), addressed the City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 13) Council. C. Robinson noted it was a good project regarding housing but questioned process when plan is changed after Council approval. Solicitor O’Connor noted there was a change made and that all changes must come before Council. C. Robinson noted process must be clear moving forward. C. Robinson questioned if deed restrictions are still part of requirements. Atty. William Martin for the developer noted such restrictions are still required. C. Robinson questioned if matter can be approved pending receipt of deed restrictions. Solicitor O’Connor commented on time constraints and the need for a straight vote. C. Scott noted Community Preservation Commission approval as well as Mass Housing approval. C. Gitschier noted funding on all units and deed restrictions. Atty. Martin noted that all subsequent buyers must have same qualifications so that original buyers do not get windfall. C. Nuon noted support of project and that it is an economic benefit to the Acre. C. Yem noted benefit to Acre and that changes enhance project. C. Jenness noted benefits of project and the difficulty in doing these types of projects in urban settings. C. Drinkwater noted support of project and the growth of the Commission in this complex process. C. Rourke noted Council should proceed as it is a good project to support. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Create Position Project Director (FR-CARA Grant). In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 11, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #11.6 out of order. So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Arts And Cultures SC September 27, 2022. In City Council, C. Leahy provided report outlining attendance and discussion of Mosaic Lowell, McPherson Park public art and student art on riverwalk. C. Leahy noted motion passed by body to inform art community of various opportunities in the City. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and motions by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #11.2 out of order. So voted. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #10.3 out of order. So voted. 9.2. Wire Inspector Reports: 1) Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of A Gas Regulator Station On Chelmsford Street At Baltimore Avenue; 2) National Grid - Request Installation Of Conduit To Feed Transformer At 572 Lakeview Avenue; And 3) University Of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) - Request Installation Of Duct Bank At Broadway Street And Solomont Way. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 13) In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt accompanying orders by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Alternative House (Aimee Larochelle And Maria Crocker-Capone) Request To Address City Council Regarding Domestic Violence. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Ms. Larochelle addressed the body. 10.3. Misc. - Ronan Dunn Request City Council Rescind The "Residential Parking Only" Ordinance Pertaining To Jordan Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Registered speaker, Hector Agostina, addressed the body. 10.4. Misc. - Bianco Sadler (Pearl Street Residents) Request City Council Establish "Residential Parking Only" For The Residents On Pearl Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 10.5. National Grid - Request Installation Of (1) Handhole And 50 Feet Underground Electric Conduit At Favor And Appleton Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 11, 2022 at 7 PM by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 11. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 11.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Hiring Of Staff To Maintain The Renovated Lowell High School. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted school will be finished and there is a need for a staff. C. Leahy noted that the school department must maintain the building as well and that the Lawrence School system has a separate division to handle the high school. C. Robinson noted the need to know who does what but City needs full staff. 11.2. C. Nuon/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Direct The DPD To Reach Out To Immediate Neighbors/Residents For Their Input On Work To Improve Parks And/Or Open Space. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 13) In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Dennis Sagwitz, addressed the Council. C. Nuon commented on the work being done. C. Jenness noted continued concern in the area of Jackson Street. C. Jenness questioned how DPD open space plan works in this area. C. Robinson noted open space plan was not representative as there is shifting and plan is a working document. C. Leahy commented on ownership of Utopia Park and that there should be a maintenance agreement. Yovanni Baez-Rose (DPD) noted City owned park and that there needs to be maintenance. C. Gitschier noted agreement should include neighborhood input. 11.3. C. Nuon/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Report On The Rourke Bridge And Timeline To Completion. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon requested time line and funding plan. 11.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Council Adopt A Resolution Recognizing September 15, 2022 Through October 15, 2022 As Hispanic Heritage Month Continuing Recognition Going Forward. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to Law Department. So voted. C. Nuon noted recent UTEC event regarding festival. 11.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Council Adopt Resolution Recognizing August 31, 2022 As International Overdose Awareness Day, Continuing Recognition Going Forward. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to Law Department. So voted. C. Mercier noted prior recognition. C. Nuon recognized prior proclamation. 11.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have Traffic Engineer Look At The Traffic Calming Needs Throughout The City (Rather Than One Intersection Or Street At A Time) Giving First Consideration To Arterial Streets And Other Streets When They Come Up For Paving; When Traffic Engineer Deems It Necessary, Temporary Measures Could Be Used. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Paul Early, addressed the Council. 11.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With The Appropriate Department To Address The Monkey Pox Virus And The City’s Strategy For The Outbreak. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 11.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Begin Discussions With Community Partners To Begin The Process Of Filling Entry Level As Well As City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 10 of 13) Other Employment Opportunities Via Tabling Or Job Fairs To Enhance Local Outreach. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted need for creative approach to recruit. 11.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Look Into What Additional Traffic Calming Measures Can Be Implemented In The Area Of Aiken And Lakeview Avenues. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 11.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A Report On Which Positions Are Authorized To Take City Vehicles Home And Reasoning Why. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy requested clarity on motion. C. Robinson noted the need to get information regarding needs of the fleet. 11.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On Area Of 1st Street Boulevard And Route 110 Intersection For Potential Traffic Calming Measures. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted need for State involvement at that intersection. 11.12. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Provide Current DPW Protocol When Replacing Playground Materials; Including What Standards Are Being Followed. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson requested invoices as well. 11.13. C. Robinson - Req. Rules SC Establish A Section On The Agenda That Will Keep Existing Motions With Date Filed On Agenda Until Cleared. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to Rules SC. So voted. C. Robinson commented on keeping unanswered motions on agenda. C. Leahy noted quarterly reports for motions from Manager. Solicitor O’Connor noted “Unfinished Business” section of agenda. 11.14. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Community Preservation Commission And Acre Crossing Project Appear Before The City Council For Review And Approval Based On Recent Modification To Original Project Presentation And Approval. In City Council, C. Robinson withdrew motion. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 11 of 13) 11.15. C. Robinson/C. Drinkwater - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Look Into Upgrading The POW/MIA Memorial In The City Hall Foyer. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Drinkwater noted need for update for better visibility. C. Robinson noted need to update. 11.16. C. Robinson/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On What Measures Has Human Resources Taken To Improve The Hiring Process In The City. (Update On Motion Filed August 9, 2022) In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson update request. C. Rourke noted matter has been addressed prior and during this meeting. C. Gitschier noted report to subcommittee. C. Robinson noted need for detailed report. 11.17. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On The MassDOT Project For Gorham Street/Lowell Connector And Request We Explore Any Feasibility Around Transitioning The Connector To An At-Grade Boulevard To Promote Better Connected Neighborhoods And Possible Economic Development Benefits. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott commented on funding and the need to explore all options before moving forward with MassDOT plans. C. Jenness noted there was a lot of opportunity. 11.18. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The Law Department Provide A Recommendation To The City Council On Possible Updates To The Flag Raising Policy In Response To The Recent Supreme Court Decision In Shurtleff V. Boston. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted need to get ahead of issue regarding private entities. 11.19. C. Scott/C. Gitschier/C. Robinson - Req. Rules SC Review All Of The Council Rules With The Law Department And The Clerk’s Office In Light Of The New, Larger Council Including But Not Limited To The So-Called Ten O’clock Rule. In City Council, no second needed, referred to Rules SC. So voted. C. Scott noted subcommittee should have a discussion regarding rules. C. Yem noted need to reassess summer schedule. C. Leahy questioned when changes take effect. Solicitor O’Connor outlined process to change Council Rules. C. Jenness noted there are some changes currently in Law Department. 11.20. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update To City Council Regarding The Walking/Biking Connector Trail. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 12 of 13) In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted need to update. 11.21. C. Drinkwater/C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department And/Or Commission Provide A Report On How Noise Levels Are Regulated And Enforced At Permitted Events, With Recommendations For Any Improvements To Ensure Quality Of Life For Residents. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Drinkwater requested clarification of current rules as recent events have been quite loud. C. Leahy noted need to look at regulations to see if they should be increased. 11.22. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have DPD Update The Council On Proposed Boathouse/Restaurant Located At 1190 Pawtucket Boulevard. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted prior Council action that was received well. 11.23. M. Chau/C. Nuon - Req. City Council Recognize The Winner Of The Lowell Memorial Auditorium’s Cutest Dog Contest, As Being Designated Honorary Mayor For The Day; And, On A Separate Date, Recognize A Student From Lowell High As The Honorary Mayor For The Day. In City Council, no second needed, referred to Mayor. So voted. C. Nuon commented on the event. 12. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1. Executive Session – Discuss Matters Of Potential Litigation With The Environmental Protection Agency Regarding The City’s Ongoing Efforts At Implementing Sewer Separation Projects, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City’s Position. In City Council, Vice Chair Gitschier stated reason for Executive Session, Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater to enter Executive Session for stated purpose and to adjourn from Executive Session. (9:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. Vice Chair Gitschier stated that body would adjourn from the Executive Session. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Gitschier recognized C. Mercier’s birthday. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 13 of 13) 14. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Jenness in Executive Session. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov