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: May 14, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present, 3 absent (M. Rourke, C. Nuon, C. Jenness) Vice Chair Yem presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Eugene “John” Vail (Lowell Fire Department). 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 2.2. Citation - Elijah Langlais - Eagle Scout Project. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. VC Yem presented citation to Mr. Langlais who thanked the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes Of Transportation SC Meeting May 7th; City Council Regular Meeting May 7th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. Motion by C. Mercer, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #6.1 out of order. 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 by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #4.10 out of order. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have The Transportation Engineer Look At Installing Sidewalks Along The East Side Of Westford Street From The Intersection With Wood Street At Least To The Driveway Entrance Of McGovern Ford At 1212 Westford Street; Also, Have Transportation Engineer Examine The Sidewalk Along Both Sides Of Westford Street From Wood Street Up To The Town Line With Chelmsford For ADA Compliance. In City Council, Motion to refer to May 21, 2024 Council Meeting by VC Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Registered speaker, Paul Early, addressed the body. 4.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have DPW Commissioner Reschedule The Current Hours Of Operation (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8-4) Of The Recycling Center To Allow Resident Use Of The Facility After Their Work Hours; I.E., Same Days Of Operation With On Day Being Open From Noon To 7 PM. In City Council, Motion to refer to May 21, 2024 Council Meeting by VC Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Registered speakers, Pechthida Kim (Zoom) and Victoria Vooys noted that they would reregister for next meeting. 4.3. C. Nuon/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. Contact The LRTA Requesting A Report To Specifically Detail The Expected Increase For The LRTA Of State Funds And The Intended Use Of These Funds. In City Council, Motion to refer to May 21, 2024 Council Meeting by VC Yem, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Registered speaker, Victoria Vooys noted she would reregister for next meeting.  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 4.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide The City Council With A Report On How Many Calls Police Have Received For People Parking In Spots Marked With The Residential Parking Placards And How Many Tickets Have Been Written For Violations Over The Last 3 Years. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the need to enhance enforcement procedures to ensure that increase in fees would pose favorable results and this could be done be examining data. C. Robinson noted the need to figure out enforcement otherwise the increase in fees should be voided. 4.5. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Restroom Repairs At City Hall. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the process has begun and requested time frame to inform employees and public. 4.6. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On All The Positions Fully Or Partially Funded By ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), Which Departments They Are In, And The Future Plans For The Plans For The Positions. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted need to be fiscally responsible and that positions will need to be identified if going beyond ARPA funding and if so, cuts must be identified during the budget process. 4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Work With Members Of Our Community To Dedicate And Acknowledge Al Mello’s (Veteran, Olympic And Professional Boxing Champion) Achievements As A Lowellian. In City Council, C. Robinson requested matter to referred to May 21, 2024 Council Meeting. No objections.  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. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore Working With MassHire, As Well As, MassDOT To Create An In-House CDL Training Program. In City Council, seconded by C. Leahy, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted difficulty in hiring drivers and that there is a need to reach out and entice drivers by offering training for CDL licenses. C. Scott noted existing contract to train drivers and that data should be studied from that contract. C. Descoteaux commented in issues with schools finding drivers due to language barriers at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. C. Gitschier noted the different elements in CDL training and the need to develop a skill set to get certified. 4.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Facilitate A Sit Down Conversation Between Our Council And The University Regarding The LINC Project. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted that there were some questions once the full proposal was made public that could be easily addressed as the University has shared much information with the public. 4.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide A Detailed Report On How Many Dog Bites Have Been Reported Since The Beginning Of 2024, What Is The Current Protocol Regarding Bites And Are There Any Recommendations Moving Forward To Address These Incidents. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Kimberly Kennedy (Zoom), addressed the Council. C. Robinson noted that response is no adequate and that the policy must be strengthened. C. Robinson commented on the dangerous dog ordinance in the City indicating that it needs changes for all to understand. C. Gitschier noted the current law and that the City should adhere to that. C. Leahy noted that there have been several biting incidents and that a strong policy needs to be in place even during transitions. C. Mercier noted dog had been quarantined and was up to date  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 with shots but commented that dogs can not bite people and that there must be a strong policy to penalize same. C. Scott noted that the dangerous dog ordinance was detailed and noted that it has to go before a hearing officer. C. Robinson noted policy may be too detailed. 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 - July 4th Update – VC Yem noted the report and looked forward to the event. B) Motion Response - Traffic Updates – C. Gitschier noted the need to hold off the Livingston Street area until the University returns to school. C. Robinson requested further action on adjacent streets near Willard and Beacon Streets. C) Motion Response - Major Projects – C. Yem requested matter be placed on May 21, 2024 Council Meeting agenda. No objections. C. Leahy commented on the projects and noted that schools were not included. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that he would update list with schools for next meeting. D) Motion Response - Master Plan – C. Scott noted it was a frequent update. E) Motion Response - Update On Beaver Street Bridge – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer to May 21, 2024 Council Meeting. So voted. F) Motion Response - Water Bottle Filling Stations At Reilly – C. Gitschier questioned who was in charge of the project. Ass. City Manager Shawn Machado noted that it was an ESSR funding project by the school administration. C. Gitschier questioned who provided specs for the bid 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 that owners of building should be in charge of projects of this scope. C. Leahy noted work has begun and that he had requested work be started some time ago. C. Robinson commented that this shows that there needs to be a centralized effort regarding oversight of City buildings. G) Motion Response - Double Poles – C. Scott commented on the many motions regarding this issue and noted that there was state law covering same, but it lacked enforcement mechanisms. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Leahy to have City Manager send letter of support to enhance current law regarding removal of double poles to the state delegation. So voted. C. Leahy noted that National Grid has been less than cooperative. Mr. Machado commented on the legislation. C. Chau noted that National Grid was not paying attention to needs of the City. 5.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Suffolk Place – Manager Golden, Jr. noted the revitalization of the area and placement of affordable home ownership. Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote – Accept Gift Of AED Machine From PrideStar EMS. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted by Roll Call vote yeas, 4 absent (M. Rourke, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon). So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading Item #6.2 to #6.3, inclusive, by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 6.2. Vote - Accept Proposal And Convey 10 Veterans Way To Geroge Bernardo. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 absent (M. Rourke, C. Nuon, C. Jenness). So voted. C.  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 Mercier questioned the location of the lot and value. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that the lot has a small shed on it. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the process to sell property and that there was an independent appraisal done regarding value. C. Scott questioned if there was a deed restriction on the property. C. Leahy noted the odd shape of the lot. C. Robinson questioned if the City could have got more for the property. C. Scott noted that the RFP process was followed in this transfer. Manager Golden, Jr. described the ownership of the adjacent properties. 6.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $133,600 MCC Grant – CASE. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 absent (M. Rourke, C. Nuon, C. Jenness). So voted. 6.4. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agreement With Kit Collins. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 absent (M. Rourke, C. Nuon, C. Jenness). So voted. 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 absent (M. Rourke, C. Nuon, C. Jenness). So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Transportation SC May 7, 2024. In City Council, C. Descoteaux provided report noted attendance and discussion regarding parking of commercial vehicles within neighborhoods. Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to accept the report as a report of progress. 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 8.2. Housing SC May 14, 2024. In City Council, Vice Chair Yem requested matter be put on agenda for May 21, 2024 Council Meeting agenda. No objections. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Jean Tilton Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 111 South Highland Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Nancy Rodriguez Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign At 49 Avenue A. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.4. Teleport Communications D/B/A AT&T - Request Installation Of Underground Conduit At University Avenue And Riverside Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 28, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Chau, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, Manager Golden, Jr. commented further regarding water stations. C. Mercier noted upcoming event sponsored by the Mahoney Family Fund. VC Yem wished Ms. Baez-Rose a happy birthday on behalf of 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 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk