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: June 11, 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 William Lesniak. 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 AD-HOC S/C - Superior Court House Restoration May 21st; Parks & Recreation SC May 28th; City Council Regular Meeting May 28th; Auditor/Clerk Oversight And Personnel SC May 30th; City Council Special Meeting (FY25-Budget) June 4th, For Acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Appoint A Solid Waste And Recycling Committee To Investigate The Implementation Of New Education  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 Materials And Possible Cost Saving Alternatives For The Solid Waste And Recycling Programs. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the importance of the existing ordinance and that it should be used regularly. 4.2. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report On The Feasibility Of Implementing A Working Committee To Look At A Ways And Means To Address The City’s Outstanding OPEB Liability. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.3. C. Scott/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Report Detailing The City’s Current Legal Requirements To Provide Trash Pick-Up To The Lowell Housing Authority And Develop A Plan To Renegotiate The Current LHA Trash Arrangement And Payment In Lieu Of Taxes. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the responsibility of the City should be identified and any agreement should be fair to taxpayers. C. Gitschier noted there should be a quick turnover on this as just documents need review. C. Jenness noted that any discussion should be focused on new contract being negotiated. 4.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Update The City Council On The Paving Of The VFW From Mammoth Road To Magnolia Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier requested update on that portion of the VFW. C. Robinson noted that repairs were overdue in that area. M. Rourke requested a traffic island in that vicinity will need attention as well. 4.5. C. Gitschier/C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Request The Mayor Give A Status Update On The Selection Of The Ceremonial Mayor Position By The Voters During The Voting Process.  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/Rules SC. So voted. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to the Rules SC. So voted. C. Gitschier requested Motion Response F be included in this discussion. 4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. And The Administration Explore The Feasibility Of Establishing A Solid Waste/Recycling Enterprise Fund In Comparison To Our Current Organizational Structure. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson stated that there may be some cost savings with this restructure. 4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide Quarterly Reports On Parking Placard Program Including How Many Have Signed Up, Revenue Generated, Etc. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Update The “See Something/Say Something” Graphic With A Consideration Of A Rollout Campaign. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on prior requests and noted that graphics were very effective. 4.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Provide A Detailed Report On What Plans Are In Place To Ensure Safe Usage Of Our South Common Swimming Pool For All Of Our Residents. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on the deplorable condition of the South Common. C. Robinson noted that the City is working hard to correct the issues but do not have the resources or the ability to keep ahead of 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 problem and should develop a plan with partners who are better equipped in this area. C. Mercier noted that the City was working diligently but were not getting good results. C. Descoteaux questioned Supt. Hudon (LPD) regarding the condition of the South Common. Supt. Hudon commented on LPD patrol and the several arrests in the area and the number of resources used, and that the problem persist as individuals return to scene once released from Court. C. Gitschier questioned how the drugs are entering the area. C. Nuon noted the need to partner with others who have more efficient operation and that it is a scenario where arrests would not be effective and alternate solutions are warranted. C. Jenness noted the City is working in this area and that he does not know of the solution but there is a need to reach out to other communities to enhance living space. C. Robinson noted the increased of cameras and ordinance enforcement could be of assistance but not a solution. 4.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To Service Providers For The Unhoused To Explore Ways To Create Warming/Cooling Center Space Due To Recent Changes With Some Organizations Operating In This Area Of Service. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Ozzo, Jovanna Mason and Dottie Joyce, addressed the Council. C. Robinson noted that the City did not have the resources to provide these services and that they would need to partner with entities that are equipped to handle these matters. M. Rourke noted that many homeless will not accept housing or other services and that City must decide which direction to take in handling these situations. C. Gitschier commented on the serious issue of the unhoused and that answers are hard to come by. C. Jenness noted the City needs assistance in the area and can not accomplish results on their own and are in need of a community partner. C. Robinson noted the City can assist with resources to an established partner. C. Gitschier noted the limited attendance at the Homeless Summit organized by the City and that there is a mental health element involved as well. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to take Items #5.2 and #5.3 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 4.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Work With The LPD To Explore Utilizing The Ring Platform To Send Important Informational Broadcasts Out To Residents. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on the software and the ability to provide various notices. 4.12. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Follow Up With The Council Regarding The Parking Lot Reconfiguration At Smyth Cannabis On Rogers Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted that MassDOT has designed site and that City should review that. 4.13. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have The Crosswalk At Boyleston And Bishop Moved To Corner Of Brunswick And Boyleston. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy commented on prior work and that the crosswalk needs to be moved to a more suitable area. 4.14. C. Leahy - Req. City Mgr. Have The Transportation Engineer Place Speed Humps On Arcand Drive For The Benefit Of Police And Other Pedestrian Crossing Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Leahy noted the safety issue at the site and that people need to pay more attention in their travels. C. Gitschier recommend a crosswalk in that area for students and police. C. Gitschier questioned status of crosswalk at City Hall on Merrimack Street. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that project is waiting funding. Yovani Baez-Rose noted project would be complete in 2025 and that a temporary solution will be installed shortly. M. Rourke indicated that a speed hump in this location would be problematic.  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. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Leahy. So voted. A) Motion Response – LRTA – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to Transportation SC. So voted. C. Nuon noted money going to improve operation and services. C. Jenness noted changes would go to increasing drivers to enhance services. C. Gitschier noted the effort of the LRTA to hire drivers. C. Descoteaux commented on items to be before the subcommittee. C. Nuon noted subcommittee would be important to inform the public. B) Motion Response - Al Mello – C. Robinson noted the upcoming tribute. C) Motion Response - June 2024 Faith Based Leaders – C. Robinson noted effort to bring leaders together. D) Motion Response - Line Painting – C. Gitschier commented on contract procedures and execution of contracts. Manager Golden, Jr. noted funding is caught up in bond authorizations. C. Leahy noted new reflective crosswalks are effective. C. Mercier requested a street sweeping schedule be made available to public. E) Motion Response - No Motorized Vehicles – C. Gitschier noted recent incident and that the City needs a strategy to combat issue. F) Motion Response - Election of Mayor by the Residents – C. Yem questioned if plaintiffs of voting lawsuit would be involved with this discussion regarding impact to the Consent Decree. M. Rourke suggested that the plaintiffs would not be involved. C. Robinson requested update regarding Consent Decree regarding these discussions. City Solicitor Williams noted any proposed changes must go through the Federal Court.  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 C. Nuon noted any discussion should be open to public. See referral under Item #4.5. G) Motion Response - Who Can Waive Fees – C. Gitschier requested how ordinances are implemented. 5.2. Communication - Appointments To Lowell Sustainability Council. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Following was appointed: Kevin Soleil and Ryan Oates. Mr. Soleil addressed the Council. 5.3. Communication - Appointments To Library Board Of Trustees. In City Council, Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. The following were appointed: Courtney McSparron and Jack Moynihan. Ms. McSparron and Mr. Moynihan addressed the Council. C. Robinson commented on the improvements in the library. C. Jenness commented on the quality appointments. C. Mercier acknowledged the appointments. C. Gitschier noted the quality of the appointments. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 through #6.5, inclusive. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $123,300 Lead Service Line Planning Grant – Water. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.2. Vote - Accept/Expend FY24 Earmarked Funds - Lower Locks.  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. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.3. Vote - Accept/Expend FY24 Earmarked Funds - Open Space. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.4. Vote - Accept/Expend FY24 Earmarked Funds - Vacant Storefront. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.5. Vote - Approve And Submit Letter To Massachusetts Department Of Transportation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted by Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 7. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Waste. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 25, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Motion to suspend rules to allow owner of business located at 45 Palmer Street to address the Council C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. The owner commented on incident regarding motor bikes throughout downtown which pose a safety hazard. C. Descoteaux commented on disruptive gathering of students downtown. C. Gitschier  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 commented on enforcement. Supt. Hudon noted some restrictions regarding pursuit of bikes under State law. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Subcommittee Reports: 1) AD-HOC SC - Superior Court House Restoration May 21, 2024. In City Council, C. Robinson requested to provide report on June 25, 2024. 2) Parks & Recreation SC May 28, 2024. In City Council, C. Mercier indicated she provided that report. 3) Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC May 30, 2024. In City Council, C. Scott requested to provide report on June 25, 2024. 4) Public Safety SC June 11, 2024. In City Council, C. Nuon provided the report noting the attendance and discussion regarding policies and procedures of Animal Control indicating the discussion will continue. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 8.2. Wire Insp. - Teleport Communications D/B/A AT&T - Request Installation Of Underground Conduit At University Avenue And Riverside Street. In City Council, Motion to accept and adopt the accompanying order by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9.PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (2) Property Damage.  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 refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Marianne Rosa Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At 53 Mount Hope Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Frances Draper Request To Address Council Regarding Walkability At The Intersection Of East Meadow And Mammoth Road. In City Council, M. Rourke referred matter to meeting on June 25, 2024 at the request of the petitioner. No objections. 9.4. Misc. - Ivelisse Salgado Request Installation Of Speed Bumps On Stanley Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 9.5. Misc. - Jessica Segill Request Installation Of "Quiet Zone" Signs In And Around 26 Ottawa Street Per Massachusetts General Laws. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 9.6. National Grid/Verizon NE - Request Installation Of 1 JO Pole On Boston Road. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 25, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 9.7. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit At Foundry, Quebec And Plain Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 25, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted Try Transit Month program by the LRTA. Melissa Desroches (Ex. Assistant) noted the Juneteenth Flag Raising event and the Pride Flag Raising event and parade. C. Chau noted C. Descoteaux upcoming performance. C. Yem recognized the birthday of City Clerk Michael Geary on behalf of the Council 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk