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 20, 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. C. Chau via Zoom. M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Denise Rita Pare. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 2.2. Communication - Ad Hoc Subcommittee Regarding Renovation Of Superior Court House. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. C. Robinson recognized the organization of the subcommittee. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Meeting February 13th, For Acceptance.  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 accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Parking Rates FY24. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Speaking in favor was Ryan Faria and Yun-Ju Choi. Speaking in opposition was Andrew Jacobson and Greg Faulkner. C. Jenness noted parking was a public benefit in the City and that there are costs to that benefit so there may be subsidies. C. Jenness noted 10 PM time frame would not work due to staffing and enforcement and that the escalation clause in the ordinance would happen to quickly the first change. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the 10 PM rule was implemented to ease neighborhood concerns. Terry Ryan (Parking Dir.) commented on staffing, equipment and event parking. C. Mercier noted need to raise fees but there must be enforcement to generate revenue and that some language needed to be changed in this ordinance. C. Chau noted the need to heighten enforcement and that the 10 PM time is not feasible to enforce properly. C. Gitschier noted that !0 PM enforcement raises safety issues as well as increased cost for employees. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted that the budget was $600,000 for parking employees. Manager Golden, Jr. Indicated that 10 PM was implemented to increase quality of life in certain sections of the City. C. Gitschier questioned if violations are being tracked. C. Descoteaux noted that parking should be free for all after 6 PM and further noted that the budget cannot sustain itself. Mr. Baldwin indicated future deficits. C. Scott noted the effort put into the ordinance but that it needs more changes in terms of enforcement and 10 PM rule. C. Mercier questioned how 10 PM rule ties into meter fees.  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 4.2. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Residential Parking Signs. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. C. Robinson noted ordinance needs further review as indicated by prior discussion of parking fees. C. Scott noted that there should be discounts and renewal fees discussions. C. Nuon requested matter be referred back to City Manager as well as another look by the Finance SC. C. Gitschier noted prior discussion in the Finance SC. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. Boston Gas D/B/A National Grid - Request Installation Of Geothermal Heat Exchange Along Broadway, Wilder, Walker And Waugh Streets For Service For UML. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held, no remonstrants. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Curtis Davis (National Grid) supported the petition. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Clean Out Air Ducts At The Senior Center, Especially In The Great Room, For Better Circulation. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted the discussion with management group of the facility. C. Gitschier commented on the effort and the challenge to maintain facility. 6.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department Apply For Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grants From The Massachusetts Historical Commission To Preserve And Restore The Smith Baker Center.  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. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to discuss Items #6.5 and #6.6 with this item. So voted. C. Yem commented on possible grant available and noted the location and the status of the building. C. Gitschier noted the building has no benefit to the City and that it is financially irresponsible to do anything other than demolishing it. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that they only movement on site is to secure it. C. Gitscier noted that the historic value of the building does not outweigh the need to demolish it. C. Robison noted the building needs to be demolished but there may be salvageable items and that it is a prime piece of real estate. Manager Golden, Jr. noted administration still working on plans to develop but there are challenges. C. Nuon commented on weighing development of the site with the condition of the site. C. Descoteaux commented on prior failures of RFPs and that the building needs to be demolished. C. Leahy requested one more effort to save building as once it is demolished it is gone forever. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to formulate and RFP to demolish the Smith Baker Center. Failed by Roll Call vote, 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Leahy, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Yem noted it was worth one more effort. C. Jenness noted that end result would be demolishment but worth effort with no restrictions in the RFP. C. Nuon noted the need to not restrict future use with a quick timeline for safety purposes. C. Mercier commented on frustrations but one more effort is warranted. C. Robinson noted timeline needs to be quick due to safety concerns. C. Leahy agreed with short time frame. C. Gitschier noted that there is a big safety concern in the area. 6.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Look Into Appointing A Student From Lowell High School To The LHS Building Committee. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that representative would be valuable to the City. 6.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Report On The Possibility Of Developing A Grant Program For Owner Occupied Two, Three And  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 Four Family Homes That Require Owner Occupancy For A Period Of Ten Years. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that there is pride in ownership. C. Robinson noted it would be a beneficial program. C. Yem questioned type of grant and if applicable to first time home buyers. C. Gitschier indicated that there must be ten years of ownership. C. Scott noted that it was grant funded. M. Rourke noted benefits program. C. Leahy questioned if 2 for 2 program was still available in the City. C. Jenness noted the need to address the absentee landlord and that the arguments are the same that were rejected by members during discussions surrounding accessory dwelling units. 6.5. C. Gitschier/C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Status Of The Smith Baker Center Regarding Repairs/Demo Work With Timeline. In City Council, no second needed, see discussion under Item #6.2. 6.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Plan For The Smith Baker Center Regarding Public Safety. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, see discussion under Item #6.2. 6.7. C. Nuon/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Work With Proper Department It Identify Either Existing Or New Locations For Cooling/Warming Center That Will Open During Periods Of Extreme Cold Or Heat. In City Council, no second needed, Defeated per Roll Call vote 4 yeas, 7 nays (C. Chau. C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, M. Rourk, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. Registered speakers, Elizabeth Pellerito, Charlotte Renault-Caragianes, Daniel Bazarian and Paul Gaudet (Zoom) addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the speakers and outlined the work of the City and its partners. C. Jenness noted the need for a solid policy for the program. C. Mercier noted the need to assist these people noting 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 many challenges with that assistance. C. Gitschier noted effort of the City and that there is a community effort needed as well with surrounding towns and cities. C. Gitschier noted challenges with mental health issues and assistance. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined many of the programs and efforts to assist the homeless by the City and its partners. C. Gitschier noted issues are being resolved. C. Descoteaux noted need to establish a policy, identify spaces, assess costs and involve other communities. C. Robinson noted the need to continue to press other communities for assistance. C. Yem noted that the Senior Center warming center was not well attended. C. Scott noted that individuals are not turned away if they request assistance. C. Jenness noted the motion is specific and that others are not saying the City is not doing its share. M. Rourke noted that perception is not true and that the group speaking believe that the City is inhumane and does nothing to correct problem; indicating he would not support motion as needs are being addressed. C. Gitschier noted that City supports all requests and that this small group is vocal but wrong. C. Nuon noted frustration and that heart is in right place. 6.8. C. Nuon/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Work With The LFD And Local Non-Profits To Produce A 5-Point Fire Safety Protocol Translated And Printed In Multiple Languages And Available To Residents; Should Be Required In All Rental Properties. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Sothea Chiemroum, addressed the body. C. Nuon noted effort of the LFD and requested further enhancements of the protocol. C. Yem commented on the videos used to educate. C. Scott noted the importance of sending out information. 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. 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 A) Motion Response - Water Main Breaks – C. Gitschier noted changes from past performances. Steve Duchesne (Water Dept.) noted that the staff was more responsive to the overtime. C. Gitschier reviewed the report and noted the benefits and cost savings. B) Motion Response - HR Training – C. Gitschier noted the need for training of middle management and should be budgeted for. Neil Osborne (HR) noted training is essential. C) Motion Response - Wireless Emergency Alerts – C. Yem commented on implementation and questioned operation of snow alerts. LFD Chief Charon indicated snow alerts are governed by severity of the storm. D) Motion Response - Generators At Fire Houses – C. Gitschier noted that systems in houses are old and need updating and that generators are vital for operations. Manager Golden, Jr. Indicated capital budgeting on the matter and that public safety buildings must have generators. 7.2. Communication - Resignations Of Members From Various Boards And Commissions. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 7.3. Communication - Appointments To Various Boards And Commissions. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. The following appointments were made: Daniel Tenczar (Planning Board) and Roberto Ciccarelli (Conservation Commission). 7.4. Communication - City Manager Request (1) Out Of State Travel LPD.  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. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - Dedicate Unsworth Street And Bunker Hill Intersection For Norman Pelland. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. C. Mercier noted the dedication. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Public Safety SC February 20, 2024. In City Council, M. Rourke stated the need to postpone the subcommittee and thanked the Chair for the support as the event for Bishop Choate was well attended. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Jenness noted effort and success to WinterFest. M. Rourke noted it was a successful event. C. Robinson noted new location was favorable. C. Descoteaux recognized C. Chau’s son musical talent. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the event and recognized the sponsors. 12. ADJOURNMENT  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 Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk