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: March 5, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness) M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Rita Ramalho and Donald McGillicuddy. C. Gitschier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Robert Reilly. C. Leahy requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for John Crane. M. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Lorraine Rodriques and Staff Sargeant Carlos Dickey. 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. Gitschier. So voted. 2.2. Recognition - Lowell High School Wresting Team - MIAA All State Champions. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. M. Rourke recognized the team and introduced the coach, Nick Logan. Each member of the team introduced themselves to the 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 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting February 27th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have The ARPA Team Provide A Quarterly Update To The Finance SC On ARPA Spending And Project Updates. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore The Creation Of A Voluntary DPW/Public Health Department Syringe Response Team To Enhance Current Efforts. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted prior attempts to create this team. 4.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On The Potential Restoration Of The Historic Lowell Sun Sign. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier requested update regarding the Spaghettiville Bridge sign. 4.4. C. Robinson/C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Work With The Centralville Neighborhood Action Group And The Monument Committee To Identify A Location And Install A Monument Acknowledging Ann Marie And Bob Page’s Lifelong Contributions To Our Neighborhoods.  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, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to suspend rules to allow speaker to address the body. So voted. George Procope addressed the Council. C. Mercier noted the contributions to the community of Mr. and Mrs. Page. C. Robinson commented on the history of the Pages and their service. 4.5. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have Appropriate Department Work With The Owner And Designer Of 355 Market Street To Incorporate Solar Panels To The Outdoor Shade Seating Areas In The Design. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem commented on the project and provided sketches to the body. M. Rourke questioned if grants were available to other businesses in the areas as well. Yovanni Baez-Rose (DPD) stated that they could review possible grants. 4.6. C. Nuon - Req. Housing SC Convene Meeting Regarding Motion Response For The Affordable Housing Trust Fund For Discussion And Recommendations To The City Council. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to Housing SC. So voted. C. Nuon commented on prior motions noting the trust was used efficiently in other communities. 4.7. C. Nuon/C. Gitschier/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Work With The Law Department To Identify Plans To Address Workmen Compensation Backlogged Claims That Need To Be Resolved. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on the backlog and the need to address it. C. Gitschier commented on the amount of money and the need to reduce those costs. 4.8. C. Nuon/C. Gitschier/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To The Department Of Public Utilities Asking Them To Host A Public Hearing Regarding The National Grid Electric Base Rate Case.  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, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Stephen Malagodi, address the body. C. Nuon stated the City needs to be heard to protect its citizens. C. Gitschier noted the need for information. 4.9. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Explore Opportunities Under Mass General Law Chapter 40M (Governmental Units Pooled Insurance) For The City To Join A Governmental Units Pooled Insurance. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that a consortium could save costs and that is used by many municipalities. C. Leahy questioned difference with existing policies. 4.10. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide The City Council With A List Of All Positions Full Time Or Part Time Currently Funded With The ARPA Funds And What Are The Future Plans For The Positions. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted that the funding was one-time event and that there must be plan moving forward. C. Chau noted the need for financial planning. 4.11. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To The City Council For Input Regarding Upcoming FY25 Budget. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted confusion as this is clearly being done currently. 4.12. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To City Council For Input Regarding Upcoming Union Contract Negotiations. In City Council, C. Leahy withdrew the motion. 4.13. C. Chau/M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Work With Proper Department To Approve The Use Of The South Common Has A  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 Practice Facility For The Massachusetts Pirates Football Organization. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Board of Parks. So voted. Registered speaker, Jawad Yatim, addressed the Council. C. Chau recognized the speaker and noted that there should be local support for the Pirates Football Team and that the park will be fully utilized. C. Mercier noted that the Board of Parks has jurisdiction over the matter and that they must be involved and further noted her support for the request. C. Robinson noted that organization will be a big draw and that they are investing in the community. M. Rourke stated that they should be supported. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.5 out of order. So voted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Adopt an Island – Registered speaker, Henry Marchand, addressed the Council. C. Yem requested some changes to the policy regarding its purpose, relaunching with partners and reducing workload of City employees. C. Yem noted that there could be competition for best island. C. Robinson noted contest would instill pride in the projects and that there should be adjustments in the fee schedule. C. Gitschier questioned if the Lord Overpass Project has been completed and accepted by the City. Ms. Baez-Rose noted that lighting needed to be completed. B) Motion Response - MassHire Grants Update – C. Nuon commented on the positive report and noted the effort of the agency. C) Motion Response - Smith Baker – Registered speaker, Dennis McCarthy addressed the Council. C. Yem noted remarks of the speaker  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 and the use of the structure. C. Robinson recognized the need for housing but there must be a practical approach to it. Manager Golden, Jr. commented that they would proceed with both options. C. Leahy questioned the involvement of HUD in the process. Ms. Baez-Rose commented on the obligations to HUD and provided demolition cost outlines. C. Gitschier noted if HUD wants a payout, then less costly to deed them property. M. Rourke noted a demolition vote can be brought forward at any time. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to bring forward a vote to demolish Smith Baker Center for next meeting. So voted. C. Robinson noted that there should be no restrictions by HUD when marketing property. D) Motion Response - Burns Clocktower – C. Mercier commented on the response. E) Motion Response - Baseball Parade 2024 – C. Robinson commented on prior success of the parade. C. Gitschier noted that they could improve for the second year. F) Motion Response - Thin Out Vegetation – C. Robinson noted the work being done and that resources should be provided to all to keep areas clean. 5.2. Informational Report Informational Report – WinterFest – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the event and the new location. Peter Crewe (Special Events) recapped the event. Diandra Silk (Special Events) outlined the marketing done for the event. C. Robinson applauded the event and noted the importance of a review breakdown. C. Chau recognized partners of the event and the efforts of the City. C. Yem noted economic boost and the efforts of public safety personnel. M. Rourke noted it was a great event that continues to improve. 5.3. Communication - Appointment Of Richard Demers To Council On Aging.  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. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness). So voted. Mr. Demers addressed the body. 5.4. Communication - Resignations From Sustainability Council. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Jay Mason addressed the body 5.5. Communication - Reappointments To Sustainability Council. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. The following were appointed: Mikaela Hondros-McCarthy; Cromac Hondros-McCarthy; and Anacristina Fragoso. 5.6. Communication - City Mgr. Request Out Of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 to #6.4 and Items #6.6 to #6.8, inclusive. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - 150 Middlesex CPC Funding Recommendation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. C. Mercier commented on the size of the vote packages. C. Gitschier noted that they could be put online to reduce paper. Manager Golden, Jr. noted he would make adjustments. 6.2. Vote - Mass Mills IV CPC Funding 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, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.3. Vote - Project Vlahos CPC Funding Recommendation. I In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.4. Vote - Suffolk Place CPC Funding Recommendation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.5. Vote - Accept Gift Of AED Machines From The Adam Keenan Foundation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. Lisa Golden (HHS) commented on the gift and the background. Audrey Keenan, foundation spokesperson highlighted the gift. C. Gitschier noted the importance of the gift to the community. 6.6. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Agreement With Solect Energy Development, LLC. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.7. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Project Funding Agreement – 2021.  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, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.8. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Project Funding Agreement – 2022. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted by Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Senior Citizen SC March 5, 2024. In City Council, C. Mercier provided report outlining attendance and discussions regarding the Senior Center in terms of contractual obligations and general upkeep of the facility, including WiFi. C. Gitscher noted increase in capacity of the WIFI and that there needs to be a structured facilities department for ease in operation. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. C. Gitschier noted improvements in pothole repairs and recognized DPW for their efforts. C. Leahy commented on Chelmsford Street area. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier recognized Angels Play Foundation fundraiser. M. Rourke recognized Keefe Family Polar Plunge to benefit Nick Logan. C. Yem noted birthdays of the City Manager. Tom Golden, Jr. and City Auditor, Kelly Oakes.  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. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk