City Council

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Date: October 10, 2023 Time: 6:33 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. Jenness). M. Chau presiding. M. Chau requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for William F. McCarty, III (Winky). C. Mercier also requested moment of silence for all those in the disaster around the world in Israel and those who have passed since the last City Council Meeting. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation: In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 2.2. Communication - Establishing Ad-Hoc Committee On Property Restoration. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted 2.3. Communication - Establishing Special Events Subcommittee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted 2.4. Presentation - LASA Free Medical Clinic. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted Speakers: Sushil Motwani, Dr. Anasuya Gunturi, M.D. who mentioned the free services provided and offered to residents as well as the outreach to residents not able to get to the free clinics. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting October 3rd, For Acceptance.  Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses A) Motion Response - Back Central Parking (WITH ATTACHMENT) - Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to joint Finance and Neighborhoods Sub/Committees. So voted. B) Motion Response - Update on City Hall Traffic Calming Measures C. Leahy requested extra signage and appreciated effort. C) Motion Response - Capital Replacement Plan Update C. Gitschier on end date to finish whole project and rolling 5 yr. capital plan for vehicles. CFO Baldwin 5 yr capital plan just not for vehicles. C. Robinson commented on centralized computer system for inventory on individual pieces of equipment. C. Gitschier commented on condition of vehicles and putting employees at risk and the actual value of equipment. C. Robinson commented on whether we have the right organizational structure. City Manager Golden explained that we do, and we do have flexibility. D) Motion Response - Wash-out of Areas along City Streets C. Leahy thanked the manager for report. C. Gitschier asked if 66 Surrey Lane could be looked as well. E) Motion Response - Public Usage Schedule and Website Calendars C. Robinson thanked the manager for the report and the recommendations made. C. Mercier commented on who oversees website content and updates. C. Nuon commented on role of MIS pertaining to website updates and events. City Manager Golden explained department heads are responsible for content of their page and MIS provides support. F) Motion Response - Utility Boxes as Public Art C. Gitschier thanked Peter Crew (CASE) for response. C. Leahy commented on barrel art. C. Robinson commented that barrel art should be separate from this. C. Yem questioned if bus stops could be added. C. Mercier commented on downtown storefronts. C. Robinson thanked all who made this happen. 4.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - ARPA Ad-Hoc Round Two Announcements  Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk Brendan Flynn, ARPA Director provided brief description of 2nd round of ARPA monies dispersed to various organizations. Informational Report - Bond Sale, Capital Improvements, and Budgetary Savings City Manager Golden commented that the city is in strong financial position and thanked CFO Conor Baldwin for all his work. Informational Report - Boston Capital Presentation on 733 Broadway St. Rich Mazzocchi, Representative of Boston Capital provided City Council with slide show presentation. C. Mercier thanked Mr. Mazzocchi for presentation and for the addition of 52 units of affordable housing. C. Yem commented that this project will help rejuvenate that section of the Acre and create more affordable housing in the city. C. Nuon thanked presenter and questioned the timeline and Mr. Mazzocchi explained they would start in March 2024 with completion fall of 2025. C. Nuon questioned if there would be outreach to residents and Mr. Mazzocchi explained there would be public advertising also local outreach and that the councilor's are welcome to share presentation. M. Chau echoed colleague's comments. Informational Report - DLS Finance Fellowship Program Informational Report - Partnership with CTI for utility bill assistance 4.3. Communication - Reappointment Of Thomas Linnehan To Planning Board. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote – Accept/Expend $1,295,265 COSSUP Grant – LPD. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle 5.1 through 5.7. So voted. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.2. Vote – Accept/Expend $15,000 Department Of Mental Health Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.3. Vote – Accept/Expend $540,496 State 911 Department Support And Initiative Grant – LPD.  Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.4. Vote – Accept/Expend $549,993 Connect And Protect Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.5. Vote – Accept/Expend $63,174 State 911 Department Training Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.6. Vote – Accept/Expend $643.23 State 911 Department EMD Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.7. Vote – Accept/Expend $74,726 Department Of Mental Health Grant – LPD In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.8. Vote - Amend Council Rules C. Mercier commented on simplifying and defining number values regarding majority, 2/3 etc. In parenthesis. C. Mercier also asked if Rule # 3 could state 10 as chairs facing rostrum. C. Leahy asked if Rule #12 could be changed to 10am on Friday morning instead of close of business of Thursday and Rule #14 moving motions under City Clerk and before Communications from City Manager before Motion Responses. C. Robinson commented maybe sending back to Rules Sub/Committee. C. Drinkwater commented changes were well thought and he respects the work of the sub/committee. C. Gitschier questioned if these were substantiative changes and would this vote need to go back to Law Department. Solicitor Williams commented yes. After further discussion Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy “To add numerical value in parenthesis next to percentages”. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Robinson “To move placement of City Council motions on Agenda under City Clerk and before Communications from City Manager Motion Responses”. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER  Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk 6.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived with no objections. Motion to adopt by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - George David Faneuf Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Space At 125 Fulton Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - Quyen Diep Request Installation Of A "No Turn On Red" Sign At The Intersection Of Parker And Stevens Streets. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore Options To Assist Residents With Supplemental Public School Transportation In The Event That Contracted Services Are Impacted. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 9.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore Cost Of Bringing In Supplemental, Contracted Street Sweeping Services Twice Annually. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 9.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore The Feasibility Of Converting Sand Volleyball Surface To Stone Dust Or Similar Material. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 9.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On Conversion Into The 311 System. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 9.5. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Paint A Crosswalk On Merrimack Street At The Corner Of Aiken Street Where The Former St. Jean Baptiste Church Is Located.  Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162 www.LowellMA.gov Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Angela M. Gitschier Assistant City Clerk Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to suspend the rules to allow Sonia Martinez to speak. C. Yem commented crosswalk should be there and painted. C. Leahy commented that this corner is a problem and cars should be towed if parked there. C. Robinson also commented that these are all good points regarding cars being parked there and near hydrants and asked for additional police patrols. C. Mercier commented this area is very dangerous and that it is very important to get a crosswalk there. C. Gitschier questioned where city is at with respect to crosswalk painting and City Manager Golden said 2 to 3 days left. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9.6. C. Yem - Req. To Have The City Council Meeting On Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Canceled. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier. After discussion, Adopted on roll call vote 6 yeas, 2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, 2 present (C. Rourke, M. Chau, and 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 9.7. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Paint The Parking Lines In The Parking Lot Behind The Daley School. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. 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, Motion to go into Executive Session and adjourn from there by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Meeting adjourned in Executive Session at 9:40PM. ________________________________ Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk