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: June 13, 2023 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call 11 Present. M. Chau presiding. C. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Marguerite Hogan. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Gail Malliaros-Golec. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Citation - Robert Howard (Heritage Ice Cream) . In City Council, matter continued to meeting of June 27, 2023. 2.2. Citation - Citizen. In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. M. Chau presented citation to Kathy Keene. C. Robinson commented on the accomplishments of Mrs. Keene. C. Leahy recognized the recipient. Mrs. Keene thanked the body. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes For Acceptance City Council Regular Meeting May 30th; Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1st; City Council Special Meeting (FY24 Budget) June 6th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 9) Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #4.2 out of order. So voted. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses . In City Council, Motion to accept and place on file by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. A) Motion Response - Provide Extra Patrols at Car Wash Rogers Street – C. Gitschier noted the increase in patrols and that stricter enforcement of loud vehicles should be done in the area as well. C. Scott noted the positive effect with increased patrols and that the residents were pleased. B) Motion Response - July 4th LeLacheur – C. Robinson noted he was looking forward to the event. C. Jenness noted the effort of CASE in organizing the event and noted the new location of the launching the fireworks. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated the new launch would be upstream. C. Robinson requested event information be published for public. C. Yem noted fireworks by residents must be monitored. C) Motion Response - Youth Commission – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Youth Services SC. So voted. C. Yem noted the report and the future needs. Manager Golden, Jr. noted potential membership. 4.2. Communication - Appointment Of Andrew Taing To License Commission . In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote - Accept Gift From Middlesex District Attorney . In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted she would thank the District Attorney. C. Jenness noted there were additional programs involving benches for children which should be explored. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 9) 6.1. Order - 60 Day Trial . In City Council, Read twice, Motion to Adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Leahy questioned if vehicle count warranted such a change and noted it was only viable for sixty days. Motion to take Item #9.15 out of order by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Subcommittee Reports: 1) Finance/Neighborhoods SC June 1, 2023. In City Council, Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. C. Mercier provided report outlining the attendance and discussion of Community Preservation Act funding and the parking placard program. C. Mercier noted motion was adopted by the subcommittee regarding approval of funding. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to adopt the motion of subcommittee approving the funding for applications before the board. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted. C. Mercier noted changes to placard programming was still in progress. C. Leahy noted placards would be issued at one time during the year. C. Gitschier noted need to increase the fee due to costs and the benefits of the placard. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that current system is problematic. C. Gitschier noted that users should cover the costs and that outdated signage should be removed. Manager Golden, Jr. commented that enterprise funds are intended to be self-sufficient. C. Jenness noted program should be updated and that one change will indicate that owners of buildings must apply for placard and there would be senior/disable discounts. C. Robinson indicated that the 311 system could be used in the process. 2) Technology and Utilities SC June 13, 2023. In City Council, Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. C. Jenness provided report regarding meeting outlining attendance and discussion of developing a cyber security ordinance and oversight framework. C. Jenness noted a motion was adopted by the subcommittee to start the process of drafting an ordinance. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 4 of 9) Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #8.4 out of order and allow speaker. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - Elaine Hopkins Request Handicap Parking Sign Installation At 67 Tyler Park (Apt. 4). In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 8.3. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid Request Installation Of SCADA Box At Intersection Of Bradley And First Streets. In City Council, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 8.4. Waveguide (FirstLight Fiber) Request Installation Of Underground Conduit On Appleton Street For Services To Verizon. In City Council, First Reading, Motion to refer to public hearing on June 27, 2023 at 7PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With Appropriate Department(S) To Update City Council On Progress Regarding The Proposed Zoning Amendment To Allow A Pathway For Permitting Marijuana Home Delivery In Lowell. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon requested update regarding agreements and process. 9.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With Lowell's Service Provider (CTI) To Update City Council On The Program Providing Hotel Rooms For Housing Insecure Residents. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 5 of 9) In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted State program will be ending shortly and that there should be developing alternatives. 9.3. C. Drinkwater - Req. City Council Discuss And Vote To Register Support Of H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Drinkwater outlined the bills which allow agreements to set standards in all areas and will not increase costs to municipality for those agreements. C. Robinson noted that he supports the bills. C. Rourke noted it was a good step for the City and requested a Roll Call. C. Gitschier noted cost savings with benefits. C. Scott supported motion and the positive effect on woman workers. 9.4. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Law Department Provide A Report On The Implications Of The US Supreme Court's Decision, Tyler V. Hennepin County, In The City's Upcoming Tax Lien Auction. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted the decision could affect the City and requested a hold on the auction. 9.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Evaluate Turning Elmwood Avenue Into A One-Way. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. 9.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Work With The Proper Department To Consider Improving Area Of Aiken Avenue That Contains "Welcome To Centralville " Sign; Including Flower Boxes, Public Art, Etc. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted partners will assist in the area. 9.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Departments Explore The Feasibility Of Implementing A "Right To First Refusal Program" With Intent To Preserve Affordable Housing. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 6 of 9) In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted program deserves a look and other communities have had success with it. 9.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Take A Look At Any Surplus Properties City-Wide With The Intent On Increasing City's Real Estate Portfolio To Facilitate City's Current And Future Needs. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need to identify what City requires. C. Leahy questioned school administration requests for property. Manager Golden, Jr. noted process used to obtain property for the City. C. Scott noted the need for school administration input. C. Robinson questioned status of St. John’s Nursing Building. C. Yem questioned the scope of the motion. C. Mercier commented on awful condition on corner of Favor and Summer Streets. 9.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Work With Proper Department To Provide Potential Ways To Significantly Increase Police Presence In Business District In Conjunction With Streeteries Program. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted need to monitor panhandling, vagrancy and vandalism. C. Leahy noted the effort of the LPD to protect program. C. Yem noted need to support business owners. 9.10. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Examine Reorganization Of Our DPW Garage Structure For Efficiency And Cost Savings Potential. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted system was failing and it need to be broken up. C. Gitschier noted centralized garage is not efficient for City operations as they are to spread out. 9.11. C. Jenness/C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On The Status Of The On-Line ARPA Dashboard Previously Requested By The Council. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 7 of 9) In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness requested update as timeline approaches. Manager Golden, Jr. Noted prototype in place and close to launching. 9.12. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Implement An Outreach Program To Inform Businesses About The New Street Parking Kiosks And 15 Minute Free Parking Option In All Areas Of The City With Metered Parking. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness note request was initiated by a downtown business owner. C. Nuon commented that residents need to know of the new program so it is beneficial. 9.13. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Develop And Implement A Line Painting Program In Conjunction With Metered Parking. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the need for spots to be designated. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on painting program. C. Gitschier requested crosswalk painting starting date. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the program and possible starting date. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on funding. 9.14. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Present The Current Financial Status Of The Residential Trash Hauling Contract; Including Costs And Revenues From User Fees. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. 9.15. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Departments Work With The Youth Baseball/Softball League On The Upcoming Tournament Season. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitscier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Matt Lelacheur, addressed the Council. C. Gitschier requested all parks be ready for visitors and tournaments. C. Mercier noted the efforts of all the volunteers for youth programs. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 8 of 9) 9.16. C. Mercier/M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Find Ways And Means To Allow Free Parking For All Combat War Veterans And Refer Motion To Veterans' Agent And Parking Director. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted the suggestion and that the group should be honored. C. Yem noted support of the program. M. Chau noted it was the least that it could be done. 10. Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss Matters Of Litigation, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City's Position. In City Council, Motion to enter into Executive Session by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. (8:40 PM) So voted. M. Chau informed public that the body would adjourn from Executive Session. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Rourke noted Franco-American Flag raising. C. Robinson noted African American Collaboration event. C. Yem wished the Clerk, Michael Geary, a happy birthday on behalf of the Council. C. Scott requested personal privilege and registered a concern with meeting coverage by LTC. C. Rourke also noted a spotty feed for meetings by LTC. M. Chau noted recent Annual Tourism Conference held in the City. M. Chau noted awards given to Conor Baldwin and Francesca Cigliano regarding their work in the City. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Adjourned from Executive Session at 8:50 PM. Michael Q. Geary City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 9 of 9) City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov