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: February 6, 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. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Richard Picard. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Rules & Election Law SC January 30th; City Council Meeting January 30th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 9 By Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Belonging Committee.  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, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 4.2. Ordinance - Quarterly Traffic - January 2024. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Mercier - Req. That A Commemorative Plaque Be Dedicated And Placed On The 3rd Floor Wall, At The Entrance Of The Clock Tower In City Hall, In Honor Of Walter S. “Wally” Burns. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager/Monument Committee. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted it was a family request and commented on Mr. Burns’ life and employment with the City as the keeper of the City Hall Clock. C. Leahy noted the commitment needed to be caretaker of the clock. 5.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Update “Adopt An Island Program” To Include JFK Plaza Where Officer Chris Rouses Statute Is Located, As Well As, The Newly Completed Lord Overpass Island. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier questioned status of prior motion regarding maintenance at the Lord Overpass. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the need to revisit the plan as there may be an issue with watering in the area. C. Gitschier stated that maintenance was not feasible in that area. C. Robinson noted that public art may be appropriate in the area. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Council Vote To Request State And Federal Funding For LPD Headquarter.  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. So voted. C. Nuon noted that the LPD headquarters was in horrific shape and that piecemeal approach would not be appropriate. C. Gitschier requested friendly amendment to include a public safety complex which would house fire and police. C. Nuon noted no objection to the amendment. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update Regarding Putting Construction Plans Online For Residents To Review. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted prior motions and that this provided important information for the neighbors. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.2 (CPC Recommendations) out of order. So voted. 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide A List Of City Fields That Are Leased/Permit To Groups/Individuals. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted importance for resident priority and that the district can use the fields. C. Robinson noted need to list fields and make access to website easier. 5.6. C. Chau/C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. And City Clerk Develop A Searchable Database Of Motions To Assist Councilors In Tracking The History And Topics Of Filed Motions. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Chau noted that MIS should be included in the motion as the purpose is to have an easy flow to obtain information. C. Descoteaux noted this would be a tool for efficiency. C. Leahy noted the practice on the school side. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that there is a program and that they just need to integrate it into the website.  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 5.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide Report On What Is The City’s Plan To Assist Our Community To Celebrate The Lunar New Year Which This Years Theme Is “The Year Of The Dragon”. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson stated information would assist downtown business owners to prepare for events. C. Yem noted that Middlesex Community College is hosting an event to recognize the Lunar Year. 5.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On The City’s Current Pothole Repair Efforts. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted efforts of the DPW and the continued effort to get information from the public. C. Gitschier commented that potholes are driven by structural integrity of the road. Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the potholes and the massive response to same as number increased due to thaw. C. Gitschier noted need to list the areas and to ensure that it is the City’s responsibility. C. Leahy noted prior State funding for potholes specifically. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy to have Manager send letter to delegation requesting additional financial assistance for repairs. So vote. 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 - LRTA Bus Only Usage – C. Descoteaux questioned the Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) regarding use of lanes. Ms. Oltman commented on hold up regarding signalization and contractual control over the system. C. Gitschier questioned partnership with LRTA. Ms. Oltman was not familiar with discussions prior to her arrival but noted issue was timing to get through entire area. C. Jenness noted  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 the importance of bus lanes and questioned who can use them. Ms. Oltman noted the lanes are vital to the area and any bus can use them as long as they stay within those lanes. C. Scott noted issues with signal at Fletcher Street. C. Yem noted need to connect to internet for signals. Ms. Oltman noted improvements to Fletcher Street and connections. C. Mercier noted use of blinking red lights at intersections. Ms. Oltman noted it was a safety measure. B) Motion Response - Chelmsford and Industrial – C. Gitschier requested time frame for evaluation. Ms. Oltman outlined the bid process on the project. Manager Golden, Jr. noted each project has different time frames. C. Gitschier noted delays cost money and the delays here are in executing the contracts and commented that must be done quicker. C) Motion Response - Ducharme Park – C. Scott noted completion date. C. Leahy noted contract was for one year. Ms. Oltman noted time needed to be extended to get bidders for the project and that there must be ADA compliance. D) Motion Response – Crosswalks – C. Gitschier noted signals were present there prior so project should be done quicker in the area of the Washington School. C. Scott noted areas are dangerous and should be addressed quickly. E) Motion Response - Rourke Bridge – C. Gitschier questioned progress of night work at the site. M. Rourke noted letter from Rep. Elliott regarding scheduling. F) Motion Response - Vulnerable Roadway Users – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted. C. Jenness noted information will be useful to users. G) Motion Response – ICC – C. Nuon noted the need for information to assist with housing migrants. C. Nuon commented on MassHire assistance with jobs and the need to transport to those jobs. Manager Golden, Jr. noted collaboration with partners and providing local jobs. Lisa Golden  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 (HHS) identified transportation programs. C. Chau noted need for winter clothing. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) outlined and described the day- to-day operations at the center. Ms. Golden noted services for the migrants. C. Gitschier referenced the right to shelter law is applicable to all and requested the number of citizens being housed at the center. C. Mercier noted the need to emphasize jobs and transportation. C. Leahy noted that there may be jobs with the City. C. Yem noted prior request to visit the location. Mr. Machado noted the need for State permission to visit. H) Motion Response - Worcester Former RMV Space – Registered speakers, Drew Polachek and Felix Brown, addressed the Council. C. Jenness noted the challenges with housing, and they must work to defeat those challenges. C. Leahy noted effort of the City and the work being done on a constant basis working together. C. Gitschier noted teamwork and organized effort. C. Nuon noted partners are all doing their job and if there is more to be done than it should be done. C. Scott noted the need for additional beds, but no one is being turned away. M. Rourke stated that anyone requesting assistance gets assistance. I) Motion Response - Computer CAD Update – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Public Safety SC. So voted. C. Nuon noted that cruisers are being outfitted with hardware. Supt. Hudon (LPD) outlined that process and timeframes with implementation. C. Nuon noted additional use of I-pads by the force. J) Motion Response - LPD Precinct Staffing – C. Nuon commented on partnership with Middlesex Community College (MCC) for use of interns. Supt. Hudon outlined the program and staffing. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on safety coverages. C. Scott questioned use of the back central precinct. Supt. Hudon noted staffing at that location. C. Yem noted the community response set up. C. Robinson noted presence at neighborhood group meetings. M. Rourk noted that UML could provide interns as well. K) Motion Response - Parking Enterprise Fund Update – C. Gitschier noted ordinances related to 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 6.2. Informational Reports Informational Report – Cawley – Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined the progress of the project and noted partnerships involved. C. Descoteaux commented on the ESSR contribution from the school administration. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated money went from a temporary project to a permanent one. C. Gitschier noted need for a permanent solution at that site. C. Robinson questioned use of community preservation money for site. M. Rourke noted prior attempts were not successful. Informational Report - CPC Recommendations – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to refer matter to a joint Neighborhoods and Finance SC. So voted. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) outlined recommendation for each group. Informational Report - Free Cash Certification and Explanation – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined free cash process and placement of funds. C. Scott questioned if there were any time sensitive matters. C. Gitschier questioned use of Manager’s Contingency Fund. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted restrictions of ARPA on that fund. 6.3. Communication - Reappointments To Various Boards And Commissions. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. The following were reappointed: Jo-Ann Keegan (Board of Health); William Galvin (Board of Health); George Villaras (Historic Board); and Troy Depeiza (Historic Board). 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - FY24 Free Cash Certification And Recommendation.  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 tp Finance SC by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 20, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 8.2. Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 20, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Rules SC January 30, 2024. In City Council, C. Chau provided the report outlining attendance and discussion regarding filling of vacancies on the City Council and School Committee, as well as discussion regarding censuring members of the City Council. The following motions were adopted by the subcommittee: Req. City Mgr. discuss filing home rule petition regarding vacancies with state delegation; Law Dept. provide different scenarios for filling vacancies; and Law Dept. develop code of conduct for Council. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions of the subcommittee by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.2. Parks & Recreation SC February 6, 2024. In City Council, C. Mercier provided the report outlining attendance and discussion regarding rules and regulations updated for the Board of Parks. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (13) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Registered speaker, Jesse Taube, addressed the Council. 10.2. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Main Along Broadway, Wilder, Walker And Waugh Streets For Service For UML. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 20, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Clerk Geary noted that it was a geothermal line and not a gas line. 11. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 11.1. Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Possible Acquisition Of The Ste Jeanne D’Arc Property, Public Discussions Of Which May Have Detrimental Effect On The Negotiating Position Of The City. In City Council, Motion to enter Executive Session and adjourn from that session by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopter per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted. (8:55 PM) M. Rourke noted reason for session and informed the public that the body would adjourn from Executive Session. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Robinson noted upcoming dance competition at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. C. Yem wished all a happy Lunar New Year.  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 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 9:25 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk