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 17, 2023 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. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mark Goddard. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 2.2. Presentation - Kiwanis Club Monster Bash. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Robert Scherbs (Kiwanis Club) commented on the event. 2.3. Proclamation - National Hispanic Heritage Month. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. M. Chau read the proclamation.  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 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting October 10th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Accessory Dwelling Units. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing Held. Motion to Adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (M. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted. Speaking in favor: Justin Ford; Josh McCartin; Noah Shatton; Sophie; Johanna Danas; Yun Ju Choi; Sydney Liang; Zoe Dzineka; Paul Early; and Dola Niku. Speaking in opposition: Brian Barry; Christine Meheen; Corey Belanger; Bill Nickles; Brian Martin; Curtis LeMay; and Patricia Shepherd. M. Chau released the Chair to Vice Chair Gitschier (8:10 PM) to address the body regarding input from residence and the reasoning behind is nonsupport for the ordinance. The Chair was returned to M. Chau at 8:15 PM. C. Robinson noted he sponsored the motion for ADU but the ordinance needed to be a fit and this one is not. C. Robinson noted that the Planning Board was not recommending the ordinance and that the City should look to build on vacant lots with high rise buildings. C. Mercier noted she gave ordinance a chance and that it was not going to work as there are many unanswered questions. C. Mercier understood why the non-profits throughout the City would be supportive of it. C. Yem noted speakers on both sides and recognized the housing shortages in the City that increases every year which translates into high rents and mortgages. C. Yem noted that exclusionary zoning promotes non diverse community. C. Jenness noted the number of people involved with this issue and that it has been the most engaged issue on the Council floor. C. Jenness noted that no more can be done with this ordinance in the way of amendments or other changes and that it is here to be acted upon. C. Jenness noted his disappointment as he could see writing on the wall. C. Drinkwater noted the current legislation moving through State House which supports the ADU concept which is supported by this State administration and prior  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 administration which should validate this process by City to support the ordinance. C. Drinkwater noted that any further changes would not garner the support of the opponents due to the false narrative they proport that it would end single family zoning in the City. C. Gitschier commented on the process and hearing from residents and that his vote to oppose the ordinance is not race based nor a waste of time. C. Gitschier noted in a democracy one is allowed to change their vote and that the Council is fully engaged in resolving the housing crisis. C. Gitschier noted non-profits criticism is misplace and questionable as it is the City which provides money to them on a regular basis. C. Nuon recognized the speakers and the administration on the issue noting ADU is a small part of the solution to a housing crisis. C. Nuon commented on the increase in community feedback which indicated to him that there was poor communication to the residents regarding the ordinance. C. Nuon noted this failure in communication and feedback from residents had prompted him to not the support the ordinance. C. Leahy commented on prior support and that further input from his district caused concern and his nonsupport of the ordinance. C. Rourke commented on the hard work done by the Council on this issue noted constant communication as well as civil discourse which indicates this body is capable of handling difficulty scenarios. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. A) Motion Response - Hispanic Heritage Month – C. Nuon noted the prior proclamation. B) Motion Response - Opioid Task Force – Registered speaker, Kace Zurkus, addressed the Council. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the funds from the opioid settlement. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the efforts of the task force. C. Mercier noted that transportation costs should be covered by those funds. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that there is a current transportation contract in place. C. Robinson noted prior motions  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 regarding accounting for settlement funds. C. Nuon requested funding amount calculations. C. Gitschier noted proceeds have already been received. Mr. Baldwin noted money cannot be earmarked and must be part of free cash. C) Motion Response - Tanner Street – C. Scott noted a market summary will be provided shortly to the Council. C. Yem questioned if area could be part of the MBTA overlay district. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the area was not included in original overlay. D) Motion Response - Investigate More Lighting in Cambodia Town – M. Chau noted lighting makes area safer and user friendly. C. Yem commented on areas of concern. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) commented on work being done with the lighting. Roll Call after recess at the end of Public Hearing (Item #4.1) showed 11 present. (9:00 PM) E) Motion Response - Benches Repaired - Graffiti Removed – C. Scott requested maintenance plan moving forward. C. Yem noted the City beautification and the need for a maintenance plan. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on repairs being done once the materials arrive. F) Motion Response - Garden Road – C. Nuon noted new gas line being installed on street. Mr. St. Cyr noted process and moving forward has some obstacles. C. Gitschier commented on the need for utilities and City sharing costs for road repairs. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated they are working with National Grid regarding winter work. C. Gitschier noted that National Grid can do winter repair work. C. Leahy commented on the outlay of Garden Road. C. Mercier noted need for attention at the end of Summer Street. G) Motion Response - Overgrowth On Princeton Boulevard – C. Nuon commented on the work. C. Robinson questioned if guard rail cutter is being used as walks need to be cleared along Bridge Street.  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 5.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Commercial Vacancy Registration Program – Manager Golden, Jr. Noted program moves for a more vibrant commercial area and that ordinance is required to implement. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Law Department to draft proper ordinance. So voted. C. Robinson noted it was a good approach for vacancies and that City should find appropriate partners. C. Jenness noted possible success in other communities. C. Mercier commented on process for business getting grants during Covid. C. Nuon noted program will help and partnerships are important. C. Rourke commented on availability of elevator grants for buildings. Mr. Baldwin outlined funding process. C. Robinson noted this program goes in line with vertical development in the City. C. Yem noted there should be consequences for abandoning buildings. Sean Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) noted there are penalties if properties are not maintained properly. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Amend Council Rules. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) In City Council, none. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 8.1.C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Explore Ways To Harness The Power Of Artificial Information (AI) To Transform The City Operations. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted technology could assist with City operations. C.  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 Robinson noted that the 311 system should be implemented first before exploring other technologies. 8.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Repair Or Replace The Section Of Sidewalk On Stevens Street From Albert Street To Chelmsford Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion to bundle Item #8.4 by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. C. Gitschier described the area and the work needed. 8.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On The Number Of Plowing Contractors Hired For The Upcoming Season. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 8.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Construct A Sidewalk Along The Northwest Side Of Chelmsford Street Opposite The Crosspoint Towers From Just South Of Stevens Street To Baltimore Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted area needs safety attention. C. Yem noted the need to repair sidewalks on Aiken Avenue. 8.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore Adding The Ability To Report Parking Department, Examination Of Street For Paving List, And Any Other High Volume Concerns To Our Current “Report A Concern” Lineup. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted this would enhance responses to citizens. C. Nuon commented this would provide more information to residents.  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 8.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide A Report On The Feasibility Of Creating A Public Art Wall Space. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion to refer to Arts and Cultures SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. C. Robinson noted that there is a lot of opportunity with this request. 8.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Prepare An Informational Session On Limiting Factors Around Vertical Construction And Increased Housing Stock. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted vertical vacancies may assist with housing. C. Drinkwater supported the motion by noted that prior ordinance was defeated by a density argument which is what this motion would produce, increased density. C. Robinson noted it is intended to apply to vacant lots. 8.8. M. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Have The Transportation Engineer Review Site At 6-12 Cross Street For Installation Of A Fire Lane On The Side Adjacent To St. Patrick's Catholic Church For Pedestrian And Traffic Safety. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Chau noted the area. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Gitschier noted the upcoming opening of Veterans’ Park. C. Yem commented on change of traffic flow over the Lord Overpass. M. Chau recognized the Monster Bash and the Acre Art Walk. 10. ADJOURNMENT  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 Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk