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: September 24, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 10 present, 1 absent (M. Rourke). Vice Chair Yem presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Philip A. Donahue. VC Yem noted the passing of Methuen Mayor. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Meeting September 10th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #5.2 out of order. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS  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. C. Mercier/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. find ways and means to have the City Engineer make Moulton Avenue an accepted street and put it on the paving list. In City Council, no second needed, referred, as amended, to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Atty. Scott Bratton, addressed the Council. C. Gitschier requested that Lupine Street be added as well. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the process to accept streets and issues with infrastructure which may delay that. C. Mercier questioned if it was an accepted street. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that the area was owned by the City so there would be localized paving. C. Jenness noted concerns with the area and the need to devise a plan. C. Robinson requested outline of street acceptance process with the response. C. Gitschier requested that maker of motion just delete accepted street language and was done without objection. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #4.4 out of order. So voted. 4.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have proper department provide a report to the Council on best practices in removing graffiti in the Downtown and around the Riverwalk area. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the machine used to clear the graffiti and that City should coordinate with local businesses. 4.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department (Engineering/Wastewater) provide the City Council with the process to tie into the City sewer system; and report requirements for builders, City staff and anyone else to investigate the capacity before being permitted to tie into the system. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the need to be proactive and prevent overbuilding to  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 protect the sewer system. C. Robinson noted the need to look into development to not overhaul the system. 4.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with the proper departments to explore ways to assist resident families with the acquisition of the “Angel Sense Program”. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Disability Commission. So voted. Registered speaker, Joanna Turcotte, addressed the Council. C. Robinson noted the information provided and the excellent recommendations presented. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Belanger to have City Manager refer matter to the Disability Commission. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on the need for public pools in the City and requested that City Manager work with Recreation Department to secure a pool for some of the recommendations. 4.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department work with the Greenhalge School and Lowell Public Schools to implement no parking/drop off pickup destination on Ennell Street adjacent to school property. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercer, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Sandra McNamara, addressed the Council. C. Robinson noted the concerns of the school and residents on Ennell and Victor Streets. C. Descoteaux noted that the Transportation Engineer could be of assistance. 4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on the Greenhalge School current HVAC system. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.7. C. Belanger / C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. and DPD work with all City stakeholders to review/revise vision for the HCID to align with post Covid economic climate.  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. C. Belanger noted the economic changes which would cause a possible change in direction with plans. C. Robinson noted the vision may need changes in terms of commercial development and that the vision must be shared. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. A) Motion Response – Elections – C. Jenness noted the report commenting that department is ready for the election and for moving forward. C. Belanger commented on the use of drop boxes. Will Rosenberry (Dir. of Elections) noted the need for added boxes and how they should be used. C. Jenness commented on the practice of using drop boxes in other communities. C. Nuon indicated that police substations would be good location for the boxes. C. Robinson noted the need for boxes to be secure and precincts would work. B) Motion Response - Barrel Enforcement – C. Jenness commented on recent discussion at the Neighborhoods SC meeting. C) Motion Response - Centralville Basketball Complex – C. Robinson commented on the surfaces on the courts. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the new surfaces would reduce the heat. D) Motion Response - Hill Pollinator Garden – C. Robinson commented on the DPD efforts and that this is a long-term solution. E) Motion Response - VFW and Bridge – C. Robinson noted the challenges and that there is a team effort to mitigate with MassDOT.  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 F) Motion Response – Banners – C. Nuon noted that the Lowell Community Health would need assistance in raising their banners. G) Motion Response - School Inspections – C. Gitschier noted the need for real time response to streamline the effort. Dave Fuller (Building Inspector) noted the change in inspections this year with one person having full responsibility. C. Gitschier noted the need for a facilities department to ease the decision making and flow of information. Mr. Fuller noted the use of Shool Dude app. H) Motion Response - Affordable Homes Act – Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau to refer to Zoning SC. So voted. I) Motion Response - Veterans Park – C. Mercier noted the report. J) Motion Response - Vertical Construction – C. Robinson requested more information beyond the expenses which would include zoning and other possible restrictions. 5.2. Informational Reports. Informational Report - Lowell ICC EA Family Shelter – Lauren Easton (Commonwealth Care Alliance) represented the vendor to manage the migrant operations at the Lowell Inn and Conference Center. Ms. Easton provided the report regarding management of the facility along with partnerships developed for that purpose. C. Descoteaux commented on the types of jobs offered through the program. C. Jenness noted the value of the assistance to ease transition for migrants. C. Scott commented on housing placement. C. Robinson commented on the number of resources used. C. Nuon noted that a lot of concerns were addressed and questioned the number of resources remaining. C. Nuon commented on work permits and safety concerns in recreation areas. C. Chau commented on acclimating into schools and mental health issues. C. Gitschier questioned if migrants were getting financial management training and if there are any thresholds that must be met. C. Robinson requested information for employers to assist them with hiring. C. Scott questioned  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 school enrollments. C. Belanger noted many concerns were eased with public safety. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Manager) commented on site security. C. Jenness requested information for future operations of the services. C. Mercier commented that operations were running well. C. Descoteaux requested more information regarding funding. VC Yem noted it was a total team effort to assist the migrants. Informational Report - Traffic Calming – Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) updated Council regarding speed zones and speed humps throughout the City indicating the success as well as noting future actions. C. Gitschier noted the use of raised crosswalks in the plan. C. Robinson noted the reduction in speed and that the data supports permanent use. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the success of the program. C. Scott noted the pleasure of the residents with the program. C. Jenness noted programs improve the quality of life for citizens and are important to continue. C. Belanger noted the success of the trial program and the need to continue. C. Mercier suggested that speeding fines go directly to funding the program. Informational Report - Housing Production Plan – Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to the Housing SC. So voted. 5.3. Communication - Appointment of Shawn Mulligan to Cemetery Commission. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to suspend the rules to allow DPD out of state travel. So voted. In City Council, Motion to approve (1) Out of State Travel – DPD by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 1 present (C. Jenness), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #6.2; #6.3; and #6.5 by C. Mercier, seconded by 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 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Allocate $61,769 Opioid Settlement Funds. In City Council, Motion to withdraw from the agenda by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. C. Gitschier questioned purchase of car. C. Belanger noted funding came from an opioid lawsuit. C. Mercier noted the need for the car. C. Robinson noted there could be a better purchase done. C. Scott questioned if funding could be removed from vote. 6.2. Vote - Authorize CM Enter License Agr with Lazy Cat Lounge LLC. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 6.3. Vote - Authorize CM Enter Temporary Access Agr with Boys & Girls Club. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 6.4. Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on October 8, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 6.5. Vote - License Agreement Hurd Street. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Order of Taking - Westford and Stedman Project.  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 per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. C. Descoteaux noted the long effort to get to this place. C. Gitschier recognized current and prior administrations to reaching this goal. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Neighborhoods SC September 24, 2024. In City Council, C. Gitschier noted he would provide report at the next meeting. 8.2. Wire Inspector Reports: 1) National Grid - Request installation of underground electric conduits along 170-172 Riverside Street for a new cell antenna; 2) National Grid - Request installation of underground electric conduits at 14 West Fourth Street; 3) National Grid/Verizon - Request installation of (1) guy stub pole across from 401 Lakeview Avenue; and 4) National Grid/Verizon NE - Request installation of (1) JO pole at School and Perrin Street. In City Council, Motion “To accept and adopt the accompanying order” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Misc. - Richard Lepine request removal of a handicap parking sign in front of 96 Coburn Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.2. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacing existing gas main 789-940 Chelmsford Street to facilitate tie-ins.  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 October 8, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City’s Position; And Further, To Consider And Discuss The Possible Aquisition Of Property, Public Discussions Of Which May Have Detrimental Effect On Negotiating Position Of The City. In City Council, Vice Chair Yem stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Belanger. (9:01 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas, 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 9:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk