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 21, 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. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Lewis “George” Demetroutakos. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINES S 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 For Acceptance Housing SC May 14th; City Council Regular Meeting May 14th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #7.5. So voted. M. Rourke noted earlier event entitled Hometown Heros and recognized the banners. C. Yem recognized veteran James Berube. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS  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 4.1. Ordinance - Create Deputy Chief Information Officer Position And Salary - MIS. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted. C. Jenness recognized the need to move forward and that the position was needed and important. C. Gitschier could not support the position as it is ARPA funded along with the reorganization of the department which could not sustain itself through regular budget. C. Descoteaux commented on the position and ARPA funding. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that future budgets would grow to support the department as growth will cover future costs. C. Chau noted the security of the system is important and this is first step. C. Robinson questioned the pay scale of others in similar positions. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that other factors go into establishing salaries. C. Robinson indicated that throwing money at a problem would not solve it. C. Nuon noted the position was important to provide security to the system and also recognized the funding issue. C. Scott noted the need to establish a structure with continuity and was concerned with funding. C. Gitschier commented that 16 of 31 positions would be funded by ARPA and that would cause disaster in FY 26 and he would be supportive if funded through regular channels. C. Leahy indicated he was supportive of the approach. C. Mercier commented on the cyber event and that it opened her eyes to security within the system. C. Jenness noted the importance of the positions and that this is an appropriate approach in implementing it into the General Fund. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. 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.  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. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the concerns of the residents in the area. 5.2. 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, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Pechthida Kim, addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the best method of use is for more access to the public and that education needs to be ongoing. C. Robinson commented that availability of City services should be streamlined. C. Yem suggested that the hours could mirror City Hall hours. C. Jenness noted the need to have a solid recycling plan moving forward. M. Rourke commented on the continuing issue with recycling fees. 5.3. 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, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Suzanne Curtin, addressed the body. C. Nuon noted prior discussion and that the LRTA has been nonresponsive. C. Jenness noted that they have seen no plan regarding additional funding by the LRTA. C. Descoteaux questioned if funding would be used for electric use vehicles. 5.4. 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, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson requested to change the word community to committee with  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 no objections. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to allow speakers regarding this motion. So voted. Keith Rudy and Marty Lorrey addressed the body. C. Robinson commented on the story of Mr. Mello and suggested Mr. Rudy chair the committee. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted. 5.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Explore And Provide A Detailed Report On Creating A “Portal Installation ” At City Hall Plaza, Partnering With A Sister City. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted it was worth looking into the possible cost and that City Hall would be perfect location for the portal. 5.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore Working With Members Of The Western Avenue Community To Explore The Creation Of An Artistic Structure That Will Assist In Increasing Visibility Towards Studios And Brewery At The Intersection Of Western Avenue And School Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on prior motions and noted artists contributions to the City. 5.7. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Begin The Process To Replace The Lowell Police Department Building And The Adjacent Lowell Fire Department Building. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted that it is time to take a strong approach and for City Council to be involved. 5.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Explore The Creation Of A Resident Yard Waste Drop-Off Site In Our City.  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. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted site would assist with costs associated with disposal. 5.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Update The Council And The Public On Current Yard Waste Collection Status. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to discuss Item #5.13 with current item. So voted. 5.10. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The City- Wide Line Painting, Crosswalk Painting And Arrow Painting. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier requested contract information. 5.11. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Enforce “No Motorized Vehicles ” In City ’s Parks And Open Space. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.12. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Have Transportation Engineer Report On The Feasibility Of Making Hollis Street A “No Through Traffic ” In Both Directions Between 7:00 AM And 9:00 AM And Between 2:00 PM And 6:00 PM. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted neighborhood was frustrated with the amount of cut through traffic. 5.13. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Detailing Steps That Will Be Taken To Provide Yard Waste Collection On Time. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott requested update.  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 5.14. C. Scott/C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Progress Report On All Neighborhood Park Projects Funded By ARPA; Said Report To Include Projected Construction Schedule For Each Neighborhood Improvement Project. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted that currently 8 projects were funded and just wanted to ensure moving forward. C. Yem made note of Clemente Park and North Common Park. C. Robinson questioned what contracts were in place. Yovani Baez- Rose (DPD) noted that they are all design contracts. C. Gitschier questioned time frame after design is done. Ms. Baez-Rose outlined time frame procedures. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. A) Motion Response - Stoklosa Bathroom Project Status – C. Gitschier noted progress. C. Leahy commented on the school administration’s assistance. B) Motion Response - Parking Placards – C. Gitschier noted concern with the number of calls and that better policy may be to shift them to the Parking Department. Supt. Hudan (LPD) outlined the ticketing procedures. C. Gitschier noted the need to enforce to justify rate increases. C) Motion Response - Dog Bites – C. Mercier questioned process and the existence of the Animal Advisory Committee. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Public Safey SC. So voted. 6.2. Informational Report FY2025 Budget Presentation to City Council – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on ordinances, votes and loan orders referred to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized the department  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 heads, the Council and public for their input regarding the budget. Manager Golden, Jr. made note of the new digitized budget book. M. Rourke called a special meeting on behalf of the City Council for June 4, 2024 at 6 PM regarding FY25 Budget. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Leahy to establish starting time of 6 PM for the special meeting. 6.3. Communication - City Manager Request Out Of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.4. Communication - Appointment Of William Samaras To Housing Authority . In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 nay (C. Leahy). So voted. C. Leahy indicated that the appointment was not a good fit. Mr. Samaras thanked the Council. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept Timely Submission Of The Budget . In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7.2. Vote - FY2025 Appropriation Order . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 7.3. Vote – Accept Provisions Of MGL C. 59 S. 5, Clause 54 - Property Tax Exemption .  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, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 7.4. Vote - Approve ORR Permit For Gallery Z . In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7.5. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Purchase And Sale Agreement For Jeanne D'Arc School . In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Liam Skinner (Supt. Of Lowell Public Schools) addressed the body. C. Descoteaux noted that the special needs students would house the building from the City and outside for added revenue. C. Gitschier noted the team effort to close the deal for the needed space. C. Mercier noted it was a worthwhile investment. C. Nuon noted it was good for the schools and the City and that it would be used for resident special needs student. C. Robinson noted the working partnership with the schools. C. Scott noted the purchase was forward thinking. C. Yem noted the positive collaboration with the school administration. Motion to bundle Items #8.1 to #8.3, inclusive by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 8.2. Loan Order - Rescind Wastewater Loan Order .  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, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 8.3. Loan Order - Wastewater EPA Compliance Capital Improvements Loan Order . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to bundle Items #9.1 to #9.7, inclusive. So voted. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.2. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article VII Department Of Management Information Systems . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.3. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article XI Office Of Cultural Affairs And Special Events . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.4. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule – Waste.  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, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. C. Mercier noted high increase and suggested it be done incrementally. 9.5. Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY25 . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.6. Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY25 . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.7. Ordinance - Create New Positions In Various Departments . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 4, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Housing SC May 14, 2024. In City Council, C. Yem provided the report noting the attendance and discussion regarding tax title and vacant properties. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 10.2. Ad-Hoc S/C - Restoration Of Superior Court House May 21, 2024. In City Council, C. Robinson requested matter be put over for future date with no objections. 11. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION  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 11.1. Executive Session – To Consider And Discuss Potential Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City’s Position. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Gitschier noted efforts of the DPW. C. Mercier recognized clean up in the City. C. Yem commented on the Hometown Heros Event. C. Robinson noted the mural art on Aiken Avenue. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon in Executive Session. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk