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 24, 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. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 2.2. Introduction - Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra (Marshunda Smith - Director And Conductor). In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. The President of the orchestra introduced Ms. Smith who addressed the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting October 17th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted.  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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Drinkwater to take Item #5.2 out of order. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing Held. No Remonstrants. Motion to Adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted that the Planning Board approved the amendments. Manager Golden, Jr. commented that the City was leading the State with compliance to statute and that will secure future funding sources. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted being ahead of the timeline and that this will create a lot of development opportunity. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Items #5.3; #9.4 and #9.5 out of order. So voted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - ICC Logistics Task Force – C. Nuon commented on rumor regarding migrants may not be coming into City. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the work of the task force as well as discussions with UMass-Lowell and Middlesex Community College regarding the ICC. C. Gitschier questioned if minutes were taken at that meeting. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on meeting process and that minutes are not taken. C. Robinson noted City has community concerns which should be addressed and that added resources will be needed. C. Rourke noted the need to be team orientated regarding this issue and that efforts should be team efforts and not individual accolades. C. Scott noted the space  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 concerns with the schools. Manager Golden, Jr. noted schools grow constantly year to year and that any influx to system will be greatly felt. B) Motion Response - Update to Repair Potholes – C. Robinson noted the need to increase work force. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on upcoming interviews for open positions. C. Leahy commented on machinery to repair manhole covers. C. Gitschier noted that there is new technology to assist with repairs that will last; further noted that with less people they need to be more efficient. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that snow contracts are out and that there is a localized paving program moving forward. C. Mercier lauded the Summer Street repairs. C. Leahy noted that equipment should be used to ensure permanent repairs to potholes. C) Motion Response - Lawrence St. Cemetery Drainage – C. Scott commented on the report and the success. D) Motion Response - South Lowell Flooding – C. Scott commented on report noting the plan was appropriate. Aaron Fox (WasteWater) commented on current separation design. C. Gitschier commented on need for long term design. E) Motion Response - Traffic Calming – M. Chau noted the report. C. Robinson noted the suggestions and that pilot programs are the best approach. Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) commented on the process to receive feedback from the neighborhoods. C. Leahy noted that speed humps are the most effective mechanism for traffic calming. C. Yem noted he was in favor of speed humps and used Boston as an example. C. Gitschier commented that speed humps need to be installed when road is being repaired. C. Scott noted pilot programs going on in Boston. Ms. Oltman noted the process for installing speed humps and that they are part of traffic calming measures. C. Jenness questioned the Jackson 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 reconfiguration. Ms. Oltman noted it is moving along as designed. C. Robinson questioned costs for these measures. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that costs are a moving target due to fluctuations in pricing of materials. F) Motion Response - Bicycles on Sidewalks – C. Jenness noted the report and the challenges with enforcement. G) Motion Response - LRTA Bus Hub – C. Jenness noted the need to flow traffic through the downtown area. C. Robinson noted disappointment with report as they are limiting the downtown area. 5.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - House of Hope – Deb Chausse (Executive Dir.) provided presentation entitled “House of Hope – Emergency Shelter & Affordable Housing”. C. Gitschier noted the efforts of the organization. C. Jenness noted efforts made a difference to people in the City. C. Leahy commented on work done by staff for the community. C. Mercier noted the organization is vital to the City. C. Robinson noted organization is a perfect model for assistance in the City. C. Yem noted many families are aided by this organization. M. Chau recognized the organization. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #9.13 out of order. So voted. Informational Report - POW-MIA Memorial Update Manager Golden, Jr. noted the many people involved with the upgrade and that it made memorial more prominent. Melissa Desroches (Public Relations) noted the process and the partners involved. C. Yem noted it takes the memorial to the next level and is supported by families. C. Robinson commented on the effort to get job done.  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 Informational Report - PopUp Retail with Attachment – Manager Golden, Jr. noted aggressive approach to projects downtown. Allison Carter (DPD) noted the ARPA funding assistance and application process to assist start-up businesses. C. Jenness noted it was good for neighborhood. C. Robinson noted program will assist with starting business in Lowell. 5.3. Communication - Appointment Of Maxine Farkas To Council Of Aging. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Ms. Farkas addressed the Council. C. Yem recognized her many contributions to the City. 5.4. Communication - Planning Board Recommendation Regarding MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 5.5. Communication - City Manager Request Out Of State Travel (1) Wastewater. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading Item #6.1 and #6.2 by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept Gift Of LifeVac Rescue Devices From Christine Florence.  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 without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier recognized the Florence family requested letter of thanks be sent to them. 6.2. Vote - Declare 10 Veterans Way Surplus And Available For Sale. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Ordinance - Create Position COA Chef Manager. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on November 14, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Transportation SC October 24, 2023. In City Council, Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. C. Rourke provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding the Andover Street corridor outlining the presentation provided by Stantec. 9. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 9.1. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Review Trash/Recycling Ordinance Regarding Senior Discounts For Trash Bins.  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, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy requested review of the system. C. Rourke questioned replacement barrels. 9.2. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Come Back With A Plan To Cut And Clear Lowell’s Section Of The Bay Circuit Trail; Plan Should Include Cost Estimate And Timeline. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Speaker under suspension of the rules was allowed to address the body. C. Leahy noted the need for clearing. C. Gitschier noted that there may be need for permits before clearing. C. Robinson commented that the City has machinery to accomplish this task. 9.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Engineering Department Update The City Website With The Current Road Surface Rating (RSR) For All Accepted Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on the last report and that presence on-line would be beneficial to all parties. 9.4. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have Special Perimeter Parking At All Voting Schools To Accommodate Voters. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the need to ensure proper parking. Greg Pappas (Elections) commented on the parking. C. Scott questioned if Superintendent of Schools was assisting with this effort. C. Yem noted that the polling locations should be constant for every election. C. Mercier indicated that the motion has been responded to satisfactorily. 9.5. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Place Western Avenue On The Repaving List.  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, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem commented on the area and the need for repaving. 9.6. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On The Plan To Implement An Odd/Even Street Sweeping Plan. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 9.7. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Look At Feasibility Of Installing Additional Crosswalks On Gorham, Central, Woburn And Chelmsford Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted that there was a long stretch without a crosswalk. 9.8. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Evaluate Chase, Maple, Keene, Christman, Suttle And Watson Streets To Add To The Paving Or The Crack Sealing List If Deemed Appropriate. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the need for repairs. 9.9. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Analyze Boston’s Welcome Home Initiative Which Will Create Affordable Home Ownership Opportunities Within Developments Being Built On City Owned Parcels For Any Opportunities For Lowell To Do The Same And Report Findings To The Council. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. 9.10. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide An Update On City Systems That Are Still Unavailable Or Not Running At Full Capacity From The Cyber Incident In April; Such As The LPD Crime Mapping Software And The Library Security Cameras.  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, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Jenness noted issue was apparent during a neighborhood meeting and that reports cannot be generated by police and that there should be status check for all services throughout the City. C. Mercier indicated that this discussion belongs in Executive Session. C. Gitschier noted that report is not detailed and should not need an Executive Session. C. Rourke noted that there is not a report yet and when generated the administration can decide if it belongs in Executive Session. 9.11. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Report On The Work Occurring In The Leo Roy Garage That Has Seen The First Floor Blocked Off Recently. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted concern with blocking first floor as that houses disabled parking and electric vehicle charging stations. 9.12. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Analyze The 100% Affordable Housing Zoning Overlay Implemented By Cambridge, Ma. For Any Opportunities That Lowell Can Use To Foster More Affordable Housing Development Within The City And Report Findings To The Council. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. 9.13. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Promote Early Voting For The City Election On Social Media And Other Avenues. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Kendrick Del Orbe, Anthony Milisici and Tara Hong, addressed the body, as well as three who were not registered. 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 Jenness noted the need to get information out. C. Robinson commented on the need for more voting in local elections. C. Mercier noted the need for young voters to have every opportunity to vote. C. Nuon indicated that it was not a difficult task to get information to residents. C. Gitschier suggested use of message boards throughout the City. C. Yem questioned if any mailings had been done. Mr. Pappas indicated that it had not and noted the costs of that procedure. C. Jenness reminded public regarding upcoming registration deadline. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Robinson noted upcoming art festival. Ms. Baez-Rose indicated that CDBG applications are available and that there is a meeting regarding Lowell Forward Master Plan. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk