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 13, 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. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Honorable Neil Walker. 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 Parks And Recreation SC February 6th; City Council Regular Meeting February 6th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to discuss Senior Center by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on heating issue along with the dirty duct work at the Senior Center. C. Gitschier noted that the condo association is responsible for that maintenance and should be held to the agreement and that there must be immediate action on the part of the City who should be reimbursed for the work. Manager  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 Golden, Jr. noted temporary heating systems are being installed. C. Mercier indicated upcoming motion addressing the issue and that the current situation is not acceptable. C. Descoteaux noted it was a parts issue and that temporary solution is needed. C. Mercier indicated that there is Senior Citizen SC that will be scheduled and that this item should be added to that agenda along with other pressing issues as the current agreement is about to expire. C. Jenness noted importance to protect seniors and that proper lighting is needed in the parking area. C. Gitschier noted that plowing is the responsibility of the owner and not the City. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that there are issues that need to be discussed in the subcommittee as the agreement is about to expire. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Update The Council On Laying Of The Wreaths/American Flags At All Gold Star Poles/Squares And Hometown Heroes Banners As To When They Will Be Ready And Where To Hang Them; And The Plans For Memorial Day 2024 Celebration. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager / Veterans SC. So voted. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Veterans SC. So voted. 4.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Update The Council On The Progress Of The MassWorks Infrastructure Improvements In Connection With The Acre Crossing Development. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted need to update regarding prior grants. 4.3. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department Work With LRTA To Install Sustainable Bus Stop Shelters At City Hall On Merrimack Street In Front Of The New Development Acre Crossing And Other Locations Deemed Necessary.  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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem commented that shelters would protect users and that they can be used for advertising as well. C. Chau noted that there should be defined areas in which to install them. C. Robinson commented that the shelters must be placed properly and maintained. C. Yem noted that grant money may be used to install them. 4.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide The City Council With A Report On How Many Road Trenches Permits Have Been Given Out Over The Last Five Years, Their Locations And Who Is Inspecting The Trench Work For Completion And Final Paving Work. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that of all the infrastructure work the trench work is the most important and must be inspected frequently. C. Robinson noted that there was a lot of trench failure in the City. C. Nuon noted that contractors must be accountable for their work. 4.5. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Look Into Adding A Pickle Ball Court In The Area Of The Michael Prestipino Basketball Court Behind The Daley School. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on the rising interest. C. Descoteaux noted that rising interest as well. 4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Work With LPD, DPW And The State To Thin Out Encampment Vegetation Ahead Of Spring. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted that favorable weather can enhance ability to clean areas. 4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Provide A Report On The Installation Of “Dog Waste Stations” Throughout Appropriate City Greenspace Locations.  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. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted request for update of prior motion. C. Leahy commented on dog park status in the City. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated use of grant money for that operation. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on the grant program and that once used there cannot be a change of use for the parcel. C. Yem noted the need for education for owners to pick up after their dogs. C. Chau questioned if preservation grants could be used for dog parks. 4.8. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Update The City Council Regarding Capital Repairs Being Done At The Reilly School This Summer. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy requested updates of projects that have begun and that need to begin. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. A) Motion Response - Lunar New Year – C. Robinson commented that it was a late notice and that next year there can be full preparation. B) Motion Response - Number of Violations for Fireworks – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Scott to request City Manager send letter of support to the delegation regarding House Bill # 3634 – public safety fireworks. So voted. C) Motion Response - Muldoon Park – C. Scott noted moving forward with contracts. Ms. Baez-Rose noted the time frame, and that phase one design/permitting has begun. D) Motion Response - Flock Cameras – C. Scott commented on 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 installation in areas of interest. C. Gitschier questioned the mobility of the cameras. C. Mercier noted they are additional eyes in the community. C. Robinson noted that it was an important element for residents. C. Chau noted cameras enhance safety. 5.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - City of Lowell Sustainability Awards – Katherine Moses (DPD) provided report regarding update of new department noting the leadership in place and the number of recognition awards of the State. C. Yem noted that department is meeting a tall task. C. Descoteaux recognized the efforts of the new division. C. Gitschier noted the efforts and indicated work to be done, ie. Lowell High School solar program. Informational Report - Sewer Check Valve Program with Attachment – Aaron Fox (WasteWater) provided report entitled “Sewer Backup Prevention Program”, outlining an overview of the program; description of sewer check valve; and outreach. C. Mercier questioned use of the valve. C. Robinson questioned if valve could be use on old piping. C. Gitschier questioned costs of the installation. Mr. Fox indicated a price between 2-5 thousand dollars. M. Rourke noted benefits of the program and residents need to be made aware of them. C. Jenness noted the assistance to the homeowners and that potential buyers should be made aware as well. C. Robinson noted it should be a part of the video series. C. Yem noted disclosing to potential buyers. 5.3. Communication - Various Resignations From Sustainability Council. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. The following resignations from Sustainability Council were accepted: Winifred Flint and Jonathan Greer. 5.4. Communication - City Manager Request (2) Out Of State Travel For DPD And (1) MassHire.  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 adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 to #6.3, inclusive by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept MassDOT Safe Routes To School Infrastructure Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Yem commented on areas that grant addressed. C. Descoteaux noted the increase safety for students walking to school. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined the process to get the grants. C. Mercier lauded the employees of the City for getting these grants and others as well. 6.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $5,000 Parker Foundation Grant – CASE. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Gitschier noted funds to the WinterFest and noted that it was this weekend. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the event starts Friday and recognized the sponsors and that it would be in the downtown area. 6.3. Vote - Amending Prior Order Approving CPC Recommendation To Fund The Preservation Of Rollie's Farm. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Senior Citizen SC February 13, 2024.  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 necessity to postpone the meeting and that it would be rescheduled. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claims - (9) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 9.1. Executive Session - Discuss Matters Of Litigation (Open Meeting Complaint), Public Discussions Of Which May Have A Detrimental Effect On The City's Position. In City Council, Motion to enter Executive Session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Leahy. Adopter per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted. (7:50 PM) M. Rourke noted reason for session and informed the public that the body would adjourn from Executive Session. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:05 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk