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: April 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. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Public Safety SC April 23rd; City Council Regular Meeting April 23rd; Technology And Utilities SC April 24th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Evaluate The Installation Of Bollards At The Corner Of Central And Prescott Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted it was a dangerous intersection and that they were needed to protect the park.  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. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Investigate Daylighting Of Crosswalks On Central Street At Warren And Hurd Street Intersections For Better Pedestrian Safety. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted that once the Central Street Bridge reopened the speeds increase making the need to make crosswalks safer. C. Robinson noted the increase in pedestrian traffic and speed. C. Leahy questioned if advertising could be placed on crosswalks. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that he would research the possibility. 4.3. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Review Possibility Of Restructuring The Elections Department In Regards To The Table Of Organization. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented that department was operated under the Clerk’s office before it was housed under the Law Department. 4.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Report On The Upcoming Contract Negotiation With Waste Management Regarding The Hauler And Processor Of Recyclable Items To Assure Maximum Efficiency. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need to begin the process to revise contracts as costs are rising in the collection of recyclables. C. Robinson noted prior discussions and that there may be a need to break City into sections to increase vendors to lessen costs. C. Descoteaux questioned posture of City regarding negotiations. Manager Golden, Jr. noted all options are in play and that he would welcome Council input to develop a strategy. 4.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have The Supt. Of The LPD Update The City Council On Grants That Offset The Costs Of Video Cameras For Businesses, Non-Profits And Religious Institutions; Also Report On The Potential To Connect Video Cameras To The Network For Use By The LPD For Advancing Public Safety Efforts In The 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, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the importance of videos today regarding public safety and that the number of grants available has increased. C. Robinson noted that some communities are using ARPA funding for private businesses. C. Scott noted that there should be compliance with LPD policies. C. Yem noted the need to be mindful of privacy issues. C. Mercier noted there can not be enough cameras to catch wrong doers. 4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide What Is Our Current Policy To Protect The City Against Potential Ethics Filings That Could Place Liability On The City. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted possible use of self certification in order to protect the City. 4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore Possible Means To Assist The Lowell Public Schools In Retaining The Community Schools Model In District 2. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Zoe Zineku, addressed the Council. Substitute Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to School Committee through the Mayor. Adopted per Roll Call vote 6 yeas, 5 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Robison noted that the item is within school committee purview but the City may be of some assistance in the matter to keep it moving forward. C. Descoteaux noted that this was a school committee issue, but the City may assist with budget to keep valuable programs. C. Scott noted Massachusetts law is clear in that this is a school committee issue and that she can not support it. C. Gitschier noted that school committee must take lead on this issue. C. Chau noted need to get it before the school 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 4.8. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Update The City Council On The Development At 4-8 Wiggins Street And 153 Willie Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted it was a long-term project and requested update. 4.9. C. Gitschier - Req. The City Council Vote To Take The School Department Unpaid Invoices From Prior Years From The Table. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 4.10. C. Gitschier/C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. Have Proper Department Amend Chapter 266 Subsection 82 (Acre/Highlands Residential Parking Area) By Adding Letter C: Livingston Avenue And Winoa Street 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux noted that item should be prepared for a public hearing. 4.11. C. Gitschier/M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. Have The Traffic Engineer Reach Out To DeMoulas To Make The Proper Repairs To The Sign Located On Varnum Road At Old Ferry Road. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. jC. Gitschier noted the timing of light was off and that there is a need to repair. C. Leahy questioned possible traffic circle in the area. Manager Golden, Jr. noted matter was in litigation. 5.COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. 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 Motion Response - Health Insurance Comparison – C. Leahy noted the report and the need to ensure that employees are offered best possible health insurance options. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted. Motion Response - No Motorized Vehicles in City Parks – C. Yem noted the response and the need to continue to work on issue. C. Jenness noted the need to distinguish between scooters and dirt bikes in terms of modes of transportation. C. Gitschier noted the need for the bollards. Motion Response - Tax Title/ Vacant Properties and Planned Disposition – C. Scott noticed all of the empty lots in tax title that could be utilized by the City. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on issues that City faces in the Land Court. C. Chau requested more updates regarding status. C. Gitschier commented on the housing authority properties. Asst. City Solicitor John McKenna outlined the process for tax takings and procedures in the Land Court noting each property has its own set of circumstances. C. Mercier questioned who the City asset manager was and how are they involved in the process noting that the list is too large. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted. C. Jenness requested future data be sent via Excell for better viewing. C. Yem commented on the tax taking process. Motion Response - Update on the Status of the Riverwalk – C. Gitschier noted that bricks could be removed and still not allow foot traffic. Yovanni Baez-Rose (DPD) noted that there are still safety concerns at site and that owner is responsible for cleaning debris at all levels. C. Gitschier requested information when timeline is established. C. Jenness noted that public updates should be made available as this area is used frequently. Motion Response - National Grid Fence on Rock Street - C. Yem noted the need to be ADA compliant. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY 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 6.1. Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Various Establishments . In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. The following permits were approved: Worthen House Cafe; El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill; The Old Court; Athenian Corner; and Fuse Bistro. C. Descoteaux noted the same establishments seek permits and if this could be streamlined. Ms. Baez-Rose noted this was first go under new ordinance and that next round would be streamlined. C. Yem noted some establishments not in vote. Ms. Baez-Rose indicated that this is done per applications of establishments. 6.2. Vote - Authorize Payment Of Bills Incurred In Excess Of Appropriations. (School Department) In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Matter removed from Table per Roll Call vote. (See Item #4.9) Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted. C. Descoteaux recused self from vote and discussion in this matter. C. Gitschier noted the need for a strong policy to prevent this from happening so often. Liam Skinner (Supt. Lowell Public Schools) indicated revising the department regarding payments and was important to establish strong lines of communication. C. Robinson noted new positions will help with process and requested updates to the Council regarding changes. C. Yem noted his support and that it will be better in the future. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Public Safety SC April 23, 2024. In City Council, C. Nuon provide report outlining discussion of CAD system in LPD cruisers as well as LPD use of body cameras and staffing. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 7.2. Technology And Utilities SC April 24, 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. Jenness provided report outlining reorganization of the MIS Department and voted recommendation to move ordinance forward regarding a deputy MIS chief. C. Jenness commented on the number of service request of the department and the need to centralize the unit. C. Descoteaux noted the need for information before the meeting to the full body. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to provide material to body at least one day before a subcommittee meeting. 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. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - Jacqueline Alameda Vargas Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign In Front Of 134 Lakeview Avenue. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy. 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, M. Rourke stated reason for Executive Session and informed body that they would adjourn from Executive Session. Motion to enter session and adjourn from same by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. (7:50 PM) 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS  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. Jenness commented on the success of the womans’ professional hockey team in Lowell. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn in Executive Session by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:00 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk