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: November 14, 2023 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 (M. Chau). Vice Chair Gitschier presiding. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Louise Kilmartin. C. Jenness requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Michael Downs. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Transportation SC Meeting October 24; City Council Meeting October 24th; Special Events SC Meeting November 2nd, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. 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 3.2. Vote - Cancel Council Meeting 11.28.23 . In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 2 nays (VC. Gitschier, C. Nuon), 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Create Position COA Chef Manager. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing Held. No Remonstrants. Motion to Adopt by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Contact The LRTA Requesting A Report To Specifically Detail The Expected Increase For The LRTA Of State Funds And The Intended Use Of These Funds. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Jonathan Grossman, addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the Manager was on the oversight board for the LRTA and that there is substantial money involved in public transportation within the City. 5.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Add Cedar Lane To The Crack Sealing List And Repair A Manhole. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the work has been completed. 5.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide Possibilities To Improve Lighting Around Eagle Park. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted it was in the front area at Eagle Park.  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 5.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore Making A “4-Way” Stop At Tenth And Beacon Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Drinkwater, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson requested area be looked at. 5.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore The Feasibility Of Converting Puffer Avenue Into A One-Way. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted it was a constituent concern. 5.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Work With The CO-OP Team, The LP And Other Relevant Stakeholders To Invite Unhoused Representatives To Be Part Of Discussion Regarding An Ordinance Relating To Unlawful Camping On Public Property. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. C. Robinson requested that Item #5.7 be discussed as well, no objections. Registered speakers, Ron Peacetree. Dee Halzack, Marrissa Dupont and Jovanna Mason, addressed the Council. C. Robinson commented on the issue with camping and the influx from surrounding communities of homeless to the detriment of the neighborhood. C. Scott noted the need to advocate for citizens as their neighborhoods are being disrupted and that an ordinance would be protective. C. Rourke noted City offers aid everyone in need and sometimes those offers are not accepted. C. Yem commented on the effect on the homeowners and that there should be a balance moving forward. C. Drinkwater noted the Boston ordinance was compassionate and that discussion should move forward. C. Mercier noted the image of the City is hurting and that there must be compromise and monitoring of those in need. C. Nuon noted an ordinance can be drafted properly with protection for all with input from all groups. C. Gitschier noted that responses to assistance may be more favorable, and the issue persists. C. Robinson suggested that advocates should support and ordinance. C. Leahy noted the need for State assistance and that there are plenty of locations in the  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 for emergency shelters. Manager Golden, Jr. highlighted the day-to- day operations of the City in increasing housing stock and noted examples of same noting they were outperforming many other communities. 5.7. C. Robinson/C. Scott/C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Consider Expeditiously Adopting An Ordinance Relating To Unlawful Camping On Public Property; Similar To The City Of Boston. In City Council, note action and discussion under Item #5.6. 5.8. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have Transportation Engineer Give A Report On Traffic/Speeding At The Intersection Of Mammoth Road And 4th Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke requested area be monitored to decide best course of action. 5.9. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have DPD Contact The MA Department Of Conservation & Recreation To Explore The Options For Increasing Connections To And Expanding The Usage Of Dracut State Forest. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted City had done a walk-through of the area. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Manager) outlined the recent walk-through. 5.10. C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have The DPD Explore Options For Creating A Dog Park At LeBlanc Park. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Rourke noted it was a resident request. C. Leahy requested information on other possible areas for dog park. 5.11. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Detailing Necessary Steps To Move Forward With The Election Of A Mayor By The 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 In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager/Elections Laws and Redistricting SC. So voted. Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott to refer matter to Election Laws and Redistricting SC. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. Registered speakers, Kendrick Del Orbe, Judith Durant and Ronald Peacetree, addressed the Council. C. Scott commented on pending consent decree and the referendum regarding the position of the mayor. C. Robinson noted the voice of the voters has been heard and they wish to elect the mayor but warned that district candidates may be hurt by this. C. Yem noted prior motions discussing this topic. C. Nuon commented that the voters’ wishes should be honored and noted the City of Worcester as an example of an elected mayor. C. Leahy suggested this motion should be referred to Mayor’s office and a subcommittee and noted concerns for candidates from districts. C. Drinkwater supported exploring implementation of the process and noted that voters have an interest in who their mayor is. C. Jenness noted there have been many discussions regarding this issue and there is a need to move forward but must be clear of what the voters want. C. Mercier noted that she did not support a strong mayor but that the choice should be by the voters. C. Nuon noted that no one should be excluded from seeking the position. C. Scott noted there are many formats to choose from. VC. Gitschier noted it was up to the voters to decide as per referendum. 5.12. C. Jenness/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Evaluate The Feasibility Of Creating A Residential Parking Sticker Program For The Back Central Neighborhood. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted request from neighborhood and that it has been done in other parts of the City. C. Scott noted many concerns of the neighborhood. C. Leahy noted that the program does not ensure a space in the front of the house. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that neighborhood meeting will take place disussing this topic.  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 5.13. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Analyze The City Of Worcester ’s Election Policies And Procedures For Potential Improvements To Lowell ’s To Encourage Greater Turnout And Civic Engagement. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Judith Durant, Tara Hong, Caroline Snow and Vanmey Ma, addressed the Council. C. Jenness noted motion was not a criticism of the Elections Department but just a means to improve procedures and noted operations of the City of Worcester. C. Robinson noted that the 311 system needs to up and operating and there will be improvements across City services. C. Scott noted recent election in Worcester. C. Nuon commented on current City election with some small issues that should be addressed. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Creating A Pot Of Soft Money Affordable Housing Production – Motion to refer to Economic/Downtown Development SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. B) Motion Response - Housing Stability with Attachment – C. Jenness lauded the work done by the housing task force along with many partners. C. Mercier noted some vacancies on the task force. Maura Fitzpatrick (Homeless Coordinator) noted positions were being filled and there will be some reorganization of the body. C) Motion Response - Riverwalk Outdoor Art Craft Exhibit Space – C. Robinson recognized the pilot program and the location. D) Motion Response - Public Art Wall – C. Robinson noted the efforts of CASE and their partners. Peter Crew (CASE) commented on the project.  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 E) Motion Response - Bike Racks – C. Nuon questioned the moving of the bike racks. C. Leahy noted the missed opportunity to have additional art downtown. C. Jenness noted the need for more bike racks downtown. C. Robinson noted that there is a large art community in City willing to help. F) Motion Response - Line Painting – C. Jenness noted that lining helps identify spaces. VC. Gitschier requested directional arrows in Reilly School parking lot. G) Motion Response - Parking Outreach – C. Jenness commented kiosks could be way to enhance outreach. Terry Ryan (Parking Dir.) commented on labeling for information. H) Motion Response - Leo Roy Garage Work – C. Jenness noted there was a lack of emails detailing work being done. Mr. Ryan indicated the discussions with the vendor regarding staffing and equipment upgrade. I) Motion Response - Opioid Settlement Funds – C. Robinson recommended vote to create the fund. J) Motion Response - Fire Station Capital Repairs Update – C. Nuon noted this was an updated report and that there is a need for better living conditions at the fire stations. C. Leahy commented on the effort and the need for additional work. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined work that has been accomplished. K) Motion Response - Sale of Glass Pens and Stem – C. Robinson noted this program will assist the LPD which can be implemented quickly. L) Motion Response - Assess Staffing Shortages In Law Dept – C. Nuon noted the report. M) Motion Response - Housing Programs – VC. Gitschier noted the amount of information in the report noting the many beneficial programs available to residents and the programs must drive forward. VC. Gitschier requested quarterly reports on these programs. C. Yem recognized effort  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 on the part of the City and their partners. C. Robinson commented on partners and that City employees should be made aware of such programs. C. Scott noted preference to owner occupied premises. N) Motion Response - Malavich Riverwalk – C. Mercier commented on prior motion and dedication. C. Nuon noted it was a fitting dedication. O) Motion Response - Audit of City Wide Overtime Expenditures – C. Nuon commented on report and further audit. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted the upcoming audit and that information will be shared with Council. 6.2. Communication - Appointment Of Deborah Belanger To Historic Board. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 6.3. Communication - Resignation Of Amy Watson From Library Board Of Trustees. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading for Items #7.1 to #7, inclusive. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $199,000 Local Health Support For COVID- 19 Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). 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 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $2,885 FM Global Fire Prevention Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $500,000 MassCall3 Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Accept/Expend $60,000 FY24 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.5. Vote - Accept/Expend $97,000 Tobacco Control Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.6. Vote - Establish Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). So voted. 7.7. Vote - Transfer $325,000 – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Chau). 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 7.8. Vote - MRF Vote FY2024. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 5, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Drinkwater, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (M. Chau, C. Nuon). So voted. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Amend Chap 227 By Adding New Article III. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 5, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Special Events SC November 2, 2023. In City Council, C. Robinson requested he provide report on November 21st Council Meeting, no objections. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage.  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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11.2. Misc. - Alvaro Gouveia Request Removal Of (2) "No Parking" Signs In Front Of 7 Carter Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Mr. Gouveia addressed the Council. 11.3. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of 280 Foot Four Inch Plastic Main On Canal Street From Jackson Street To Middlesex Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 5, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. 11.4. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Morse Street To Improve Service To Lowell Housing Authority. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 5, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 11.5. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit On Doanne Street To Improve Service To Lowell Housing Authority. In City Council, Given 1st Reading, Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 5, 2023 at 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. 12. 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 In City Council, C. Mercier noted the Council of Aging upcoming raffle. C. Leahy recognized clean-up Mansur Street. C. Yem recognized C. Rourke birthday. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Drinkwater. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk