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 18, 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 (C. Leahy). M. Chau presiding. C. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Jeremiah “Jerry” Neylon Coffee. M. Chau on behalf of C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mary Geoffroy (cousin of C. Leahy). 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. Presentation - Reyes Boxing, Inc. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Michael Reyes provided presentation. 2.3. Citation - John Noto. In City Council, M. Chau presented citation to Mr. Noto who addressed the Council. C. Jenness noted the contributions of Mr. Noto to the City City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 7) 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting October 11th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #8.1 out of order. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #7.3 out of order. So voted. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Underground Electric Easement 171 Jackson St. (From 10/11/22) In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. Registered speaker, Gerry-Lynn Darcy (Lupoli), addressed the Council. C. Jenness questioned Ms. Darcy regarding location of services, repair of damaged infrastructure and traffic mitigation during construction. C. Jenness noted that concerns of neighbors in that area must be heard. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on productive communication with the parties and the involvement of the building inspector in those conversation. 5. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1. Ordinance - Create Position Cross-Connection/Backflow Administrator. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. 6. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 6.1. National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole On 135-155 Chelmsford Street. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. Representative from National Grid addressed the Council. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 6.2. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit At 135- 155 Chelmsford Street. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. Representative form National Grid addressed the Council. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 7) 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. A) Motion Response - Election Dept. – C. Mercier noted concerns being addressed by the department. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the meetings and the response to concerns to best prepare for upcoming November election. C. Gitschier noted that voters prefer polling location at Daley School as opposed to Bailey School. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated State was involved in setting the locations so they would have some participation in changing anything if possible. C. Nuon noted Daley School was a better location. C. Robinson noted the efforts of the Election Department and that some changes would be made after November election. C. Yem noted the importance of volunteers to the system and that they should be supported. C. Yem noted the voter lists needs update. B) Motion Response - Youth Homelessness – Registered speaker, Carl Howell, addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the number of people is large and that there is a team dealing with issue and that the School Administration should have a developed policy to provide support to these students. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Housing SC. So voted. C. Mercier questioned who the point person on the school side was. Lisa Golden (HHS) noted that it was done under director of the Resource Center. C. Gitschier questioned if collected data was kept to track improvement and effectiveness. C. Nuon questioned how numbers are tracked. C. Drinkwater noted the number was jarring and that outcomes should be measured. C) Motion Response - Lowell Catholic Traffic Measures with Attachments – C. Gitschier commented on the layout and stated that the school should support any traffic backups on their own property not on Stevens Street and requested Traffic Engineer further review response. C. Scott commented on what entrance the students use and that should be noted in discussions. C. Robinson noted that there should be a discussion regarding traffic on Beacon Street when Lowell Catholic uses Gage Field. C. Mercier noted speeding issues around the school. D) Motion Response - HR Process Improvement Update With Attachment – C. Robinson noted prior subcommittee regarding issue and in pleased with progress and commented on need to increase staff in that department. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that department has assistance from MassHire which is a helpful resource. E) Motion Response - LMA - Exterior Repairs – C. Mercier noted visible repairs needed and commented on funding available. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on available grant funding combined with capital funding. C. Robinson noted that the repairs are due to lack of maintenance. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on various studies done outlining improvements and repairs needed. C. Jenness noted the building was heavily used and needs to be in good repair. M. Chau noted effort and City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 7) there is a need for more to be done as the building is a focal point in the City and important to veterans. F) Motion Response - Open Space Community Engagement – C. Nuon noted the need to continue to inform the public and gather information from all areas, including neighbors. C. Gitschier noted policies and supported them and that the Board of Parks should be involved in the process. Ms. Baez-Rose commented on planning regulations. C. Yem noted availability of online information. 7.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - Pearl Street – C. Jenness noted the use of the street has changed and requested report be referred back to the Manager for further review. Motion to suspend rules to allow City Manager introduce new department heads by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized Paul St. Cyr (DPW) and Steve Robichaud (Library Dir.). Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to take Item #11.4 out of order. So voted. 7.3. Communication - Appointment Of Timothy Hovey To ZBA. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. C. Mercier recognized community involvement of the appointment. C. Scott noted it was a great choice for the position as he is a fair minded person. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #11.2 out or order. So voted. 8. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Temporary Access Agreement With Hamilton Canal Limited Partnership. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. Registered speaker, Steven Pangiotakis (Winn Dev.), addressed the body. 8.2. Vote - Transfer $100,000 Parks/Streets. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. C. Gitschier noted poor budgeting as past budget would indicate need for overtime. C. Robinson noted added costs for picking up City barrels. C. Gitschier commented on overtime and personnel who are receiving it. C. Gitschier questioned reimbursement for cleanup of parks after event. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted those costs are calculated into fees charged and that there will be adjustments to them. C. Robinson noted historic issue of not using working foreman for some oversight. C. Robinson noted budget for splash pads. C. Gitschier noted all like City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 7) personnel (non-salary) should be using time clocks. C. Robinson commented on time clocks. 8.3. Vote - Transfer $340,000 DPW. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. C. Gitschier questioned if ARPA funds could be used for proposed work. Manager Golden, Jr. noted funding from specific account based of marijuana sales. Mark Byrne (DPW) noted based on his information that ARPA would not be applicable to this work. C. Mercier noted funding for library elevator. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Neighborhoods SC October 17, 2022. In City Council, C. Mercier provided report outlining attendance and discussion of neighborhood issues and concerns and response to those issues and concerns. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to request City Manager provide report regarding fines and fines collected from landlords in the City. So voted. M. Chau indicated that his office would provide bios on Council and make them available to public. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. 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. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Christian Troix (Riverside Townhouses) Request Installation Of "No Parking" Sign Near Entrance Of Riverside Townhouses On Middlesex Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Traffic Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 11. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 11.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have Traffic Engineer Install (2) “School Drop-Off Parking Only” Signs Between 7 AM And 3 PM On Reed Street Entrance To St. Michael’s School. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted it was a drop-off issue and that principal of the school agrees with the proposal. 11.2. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have Parks Department Allow The Family Of Harry Walker Kkonde Erect A Park Bench At A Selected Children's’ Park In His Memory. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 7) In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Leahy). So voted. C. Mercier commented on the tragic event and that his memory should be lasting. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Items #4.1 and #7.1B out of order. So voted. 11.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Invite The Citizen Advisory Committee To Report On Activities To Date And Any Plans For The Future. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. 11.4. C. Nuon/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have The Lowell DPD Research And Implement DEI Policies Used By Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) That Increase Roles For People Of Color And Women And Certified Minority And Women Owned Businesses In All Projects. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion to suspend rule to allow speaker to address the body by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Speaker, Mr. Boyle, addressed the body. C. Nuon noted looking into other communities would be useful to share successes. C. Jenness noted the opportunity to take a step forward. C. Drinkwater noted the policy could be expanded as Boston was limited by a Consent Decree. C. Robinson commented that program could possibly be expanded. 11.5. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Investigate And Resolve Accessibility Concerns With The Crosswalks At The Market And Dutton Street Intersection. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness commented on the area noting placement of buttons which are in need of repair for safety reasons. 11.6. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide The City Council With An Update On The Repair/Replacement Of The ADA Ramps Throughout The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on prior presentation and requested update. 11.7. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Update Council On Pedestrian Crosswalk At The Rourke Bridge/VFW Highway. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted need for update from prior filing. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 7) 11.8. M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Investigate The Installing Of A Push Button Pedestrian Crosswalk On 500 Pawtucket Street Across From The Fortune And Flame Sweet Bar. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Chau noted need for safety update at the crosswalk. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Nuon commented on Paris Peace Agreement Event. C. Robinson noted upcoming cleanup crew event from St. Michaels. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov