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: January 30, 2024 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. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier request moment of silence in darkened chamber for Colleen F. Lovering. C. Descoteaux requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Charles Fitzpatrick. M. Rourke noted that a UML class is viewing the meeting as part of a class assignment. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting January 23rd, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. National Grid - Request Installation Of (1) JO Pole At Development At 733 Broadway Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, opened hearing, continued hearing until February 13, 2024. Motion to continue to February 13, 2024 by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Veasna Eang (National Grid) noted discussion with abutter (Jake McMinimum) and request to continue matter. 4.2. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit For Service To Development At 733 Broadway Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, opened hearing, continued hearing until February 13, 2024. Motion to continue to February 13, 2024 by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Veasna Eang (National Grid) noted discussion with abutter (Jake McMinimum) and request to continue matter. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to take Items #6.1A and B out of order. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Find Ways And Means To Have DPW Clear Clutter/Furrniture Etc., Out Of The Third Floor Hallway At City Hall Which May Pose A Fire Hazard. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the completion of the work and the effort of the DPW. 5.2. C. Mercier - Req. Parks And Recreation SC Reconvene A Meeting Of Parks, To Further Discuss Policies And Procedures That Were Previously Worked On.  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. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the subcommittee would meet on February 6, 2024. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The City’s New Equity And Inclusion Fund. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon requested status of the fund set up a few years prior. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Regarding MassHire And The Status Of Employment And Any Grant Availability. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on the effort of the organization and requested information regarding transportation cost for customers. C. Gitschier requested inclusion in the report of the success of the youth progams. 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide The City Council Information Regarding Major Projects In The City And A Financial Update For Said Projects. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.6. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Status Of The Use Of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted that the City should request approval for the program and that it is available to all visitors to the City as well. 5.7. C. Scott - Req. Rules SC Meet To Develop A Rule For City Council Approved Motions To Carry Forward Indefinitely As Open Until The City Council Deems Them Answered.  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. Jenness, referred to City Manager/Rules SC. So voted. 5.8. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Restroom Repairs At The Stoklosa Middle School, Butler Middle School, And The Shaughnessy Elementary School. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that the work orders have been open for some time and that they need to be closed. C. Gitschier questioned the permitting process by City for these bathrooms for the scope of work requested. 5.9. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Intersection Of Chelmsford Street And Cambridge Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier requested update from prior motion and described the area. C. Yem noted the area and the effect on the temple there. C. Descoteaux noted area was similar to the Westford/Steadman Streets intersection. C. Chau noted prior motion and that it was a difficult area. 5.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Begin Conversations Around A Possible Partnership With Lowell Catholic With Focus On Improvements To Fields They Are Utilizing For Athletics. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier questioned if lessees were required to do work on the premises. Manager Golden, Jr. noted there was no heavy work required but more of a partnership. C. Gitschier commented the need revamp permitting process to produce added revenue and ease time constraints. C. Robinson noted attempt to partner with organization for use of park for homefield. 5.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Law Department Draft An Ordinance Requiring That All Contractors And Subcontractors  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 Working On City Construction Projects Valued At Over $1 Million Employ Apprentices Registered In A Bona Fide Apprentice Training Program, And Establishing Minimum Apprentice Ratios. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on developing skill sets and employment opportunities. C. Gitschier requested prior motion be joined with this. 5.12. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A Detailed Timeline; Including Scope Of Work For Clean-Up Of All City Green Space, As Well As, A Report With Correction Timeline On Damage Caused From Winter Operations. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted that there is always damage and that it should be identified early and resolved. C. Leahy noted need for added staff and that it should be addressed at budget time. C. Gitschier noted that contractors should be responsible for their damages. C. Robinson noted the importance of the spotters to oversee contractors. Motion by Mercier, seconded by Leahy to bundle Items #5.13 and #5.14. So voted. 5.13. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Work With State And Federal Partners For Grant Opportunities For Addiction And Homelessness. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted need to search for appropriate locations to provide these services, noting the efforts of the Sherriff’s Department. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on formed partnerships. C. Gitschier requested updated regarding the number of homeless in the City. C. Robinson noted the need to improve the Lowell Transitional Living Center. C. Nuon noted problems will not go away so services must be improved. C. Yem noted that long-term planning should be done in selecting locations for facilities.  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 5.14. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Start Discussions With Lowell Transitional Living Center And Other Partners To Improve Housing And Services. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.13. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. A) Motion Response - Bicentennial January 2024 Update – Registered speaker, Steve Edington, addressed the body. C. Yem commented on current partners and possible future partners and that the event would be exciting. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted. B) Motion Response - Introduction of new HR Director – Manager Golden, Jr. introduced new HR Director, Neil Osborne, Esq., who addressed the body. M. Rourke commented on the career of Mary Callery in the HR Department. C. Yem welcomed the new director. C) Motion Response - Report On Cyber Incident's Impact On Hiring Process – None. D) Motion Response - Scofflaw Property Owners – C. Robinson suggested more pressure on these owners and noted the Boston procedure. C. Gitschier noted the need for more detail in the process and that owners must be held accountable. C. Scott noted the need to be more punitive as the same owners are the continued problem. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter back to department for upgrades. So voted. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the lists is of owners who  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 have already had some type of action against them. C. Jenness noted the issue is not with the property but with the owners. M. Rourke referenced prior task force in the City. C. Scott noted the need for ordinance. City Solicitor Williams noted ordinance would be proper course of action. E) Motion Response - Purple Carrot Sidewalk – C. Robinson noted issues with these vaults are ongoing. Manager Golden, Jr. noted effort towards a solution and the difficulties with that. C. Gitschier commented on the number of vaults in the downtown and the need for an inventory and timeline for adjustments and requested owners be put on notice again. C. Jenness indicated issues with the grates that cover these vaults that should be addressed as well. C. Scott noted the vaults were privately owned and under City sidewalks. C. Yem noted owners were responsible but the City can provide some assistance. 6.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Presentation by LHA on River's Edge Project – Tha Chhan (Ex. Dir. LHA) outlined the project of affordable housing known as Rivers Edge on the Concord River. Mr. Chhan provide a history of the project noting it was in the final phase and in need of added funding. Mr. Chhan noted the project will move forward once legislation is in place for changes to the proposal and added funding. C. Robinson recognized the effort of the LHA to increase housing stock. C. Scott questioned the qualifications attached to the project. Mr. Chhan outlined the parameters of the legislation, including income and deed restrictions. C. Leahy commented the need for this type of housing and the efforts of the LHA to provide it. C. Nuon noted comments of Mr. Chhan and questioned what next steps would be. Mr. Chhan noted they were waiting on the legislation. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to request City Manager forward letter of support for housing legislation regarding Rivers Edge. So vote.  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 6.3. Communication - Resignation Of Anne Mulhern From Library Board Of Trustees. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 6.4. Communication - City Mgr. Request (1) Out Of State Travel LPD. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier requested that a Council member be appointed to the Disability Commission. M. Rourke noted he will be doing that in short order. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 and #7.2. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend FY24 Earmarked Funds - Gage Field. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to refer to Parks & Recreation SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. C. Mercier did not agree about how funds were being used and requested postponement. Atty. Williams requested it go to a subcommittee. C. Nuon questioned use of funds. Manager Golden, Jr. noted only caveat with funds is that they be used at Gage Field. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend FY24 Earmarked Funds - Martin Complex. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. 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 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Rules SC January 30, 2024. In City Council, C. Chau requested filing report at next meeting (2/6/24), no objections. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Jessica Lozada - Alkassar Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 13 Kinsman Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem wished Shawn Machado (Asst. City Manager) a happy birthday. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk