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: October 1, 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. (C. Jenness via Zoom) M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Angeline “Angie” Rigs. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 2.2. Communication. 1) Golden Gloves National Tournament 2027. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Kevin Coughlin (Lowell Sun Charites) and Bob Russo (National Golden Gloves Director) commented on the City of Lowell being selected to host the 2027 National Golden Gloves Championships. 2) Alternative House - Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Natalie Bergeron-Tarmey (Alternative House) recognized the awareness month.  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 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Neighborhoods SC September 24th; City Council Meeting September 24th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #4.9 out of order. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Gitschier - Req, City Mgr. have the proper department draft and ordinance prohibiting sleeping, tenting and camping of any kind within 1000 feet of a school. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas. So voted. Registered speaker, Brandon Wright and Jovanna Mason, addressed the Council. C. Gitschier noted that the function of the school needs to be protected. C. Robinson noted the Council has continuously worked on the issue of homelessness and have taken a cautious approach, noting the policy is for safety in public areas. C. Belanger commented on the encampment sweeps which are done in a civil manner. M. Rourke commented on the many motions regarding this issue and questioned if there could be one comprehensive ordinance to address the concerns. C. Jenness noted that any ordinance should contain an element of warnings to potential violators and that areas are described properly. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem to take Items #10.1 to #10.4, inclusively out of order. So voted. 4.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department update the City Council on the installation of traffic lights at the following locations; Mammoth Road and East Meadow Road, Westford Street and Wilder Street and Middlesex Street and Baldwin Street.  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. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on the start date of the project and requested update. 4.3. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide an updated timeline for water, sewer and paving repairs on Meadowcroft Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Jeff Thomas, addressed the Council. C. Scott noted the state of the road and the need to repair. C. Mercier noted that there are many steel plates on the road that need to be removed and improved. 4.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. install a large “No Right Turn for Trucks” sign directly across from Moore Street on Lawrence Street and to explore installing overhead warning signs for the low bridge in that area. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted it was a long-standing issue that was not improving. 4.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. explore potential funding options for repurposing the bath house at O’Donnell Park for recreational or municipal use. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the space could be used for many purposes. C. Robinson noted the need to review use of existing City owned buildings and this could be repurposed for concession stand. 4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on current cannabis businesses and review zoning for future industry expansion possibilities. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Cannabis SC. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Cannabis Control SC. So voted. 4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. invite Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell in for a discussion centered around potential housing creation opportunities in our community.  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/Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted. 4.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. invite current executive director of the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) to a meeting with our Non-Profit Organization SC for an introductory conversation. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager/Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted. 4.9. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. have Transportation Engineer review the possibility of adding a pedestrian crosswalk on Lewis Street at the intersection of Jefferson Street (Holy Trinity). In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Atty. Greg Curtis, addressed the Council. C. Chau commented on the concern in the area. C. Mercier noted it could be good area for speed humps. C. Yem noted the issues with Lewis Street. C. Robinson commented on the use of flashing stop signs. 4.10. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department increase outreach and communication about the updated parking regulations so that the public is better informed about the changes. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted some issues with new kiosks and that information needs to go to public regarding use. 4.11. C. Jenness/C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of increasing the maximum on street parking time to three or four hours in the downtown business district on evenings and Saturdays. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted time increase may benefit business in the area.  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 4.12. C. Jenness/C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate the feasibility and impact of reducing the size of individual parking zones in the downtown business district. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted size changes may have a positive effect in the district. C. Descoteaux questioned how changes would be made. City Solicitor Williams indicated such changes would be done by ordinance. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer Items #4.10; 4.11; and 4.12 to Economic/Downtown Development SC. So voted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses/Informational Reports/Petition Response. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - Small Trailers – C. Jenness commented on the report. B) Motion Response - Ladd and Whitney Memorial Monument – Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott to refer matter to Veterans SC. So voted. C) Motion Response - RAISE Grant – C. Yem noted grant was accepted by the City. D) Motion Response - Moulton Ave Paving Request – C. Mercier noted work would be done under localized paving. C. Jenness noted work was in process. C. Gitschier lauded the City Engineer for the quick response and that systems have improved with paving. E) Motion Response - LPD Moody Street Driveway and Adult Ed Building Driveway – C. Jenness commented on the report. F) Motion Response - Otis and Linden Street Update – C. Scott commented on the sewer line replacement and the funding for that 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 Ting Chang (City Engineer) outlined the replacement project. C. Robinson noted there were options for funding. G) Motion Response - Street Sweeping Schedule and Traffic Management – C. Scott commented on the new ordinance. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) noted the schedule was in progress and that it would include entire City. C. Gitschier noted the effort and that it was a difficult task which will take considerable time and would need strict enforcement. Manager Golden, Jr. noted it was a long-term project with many costs associated with it. 5.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - Andover Street – Manager Golden, Jr. noted the involvement of MassDOT and the neighborhood to supply input for the project. C. Mercier requested matter be put before neighborhood group. C. Belanger noted funding from MassDOT and that he would canvas the area for input from neighbors. C. Robinson commented on various options available in the area. Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) noted asphalt is an easier material to maintain. C. Gitschier noted asphalt would increase car speed on the street. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to the Transportation SC. So voted. Informational Report - French Street and Father Morrissette Blvd – Manager Golden, Jr. questioned scope of the project regarding the lessor need for Tsongas Arena events and best practices must be used. C. Yem requested time frame for the project. Ms. Chang outlined the time frame. 5.3. Petition Response PETITION RESPONSE - Petition Mike Rudy – None. 5.4. Communication - Resignation of Louisa Varnum from Conservation Commission. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 and 6.2. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $37,500 SOR PEC Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 6.2. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Contract with Woodard & Curran Inc. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. 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. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Extend UMF District 234-268 Mt. Vernon, 89 Willie, and 5 Farnham. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Planning Board for recommendation and to Public Hearing on November 12, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Neighborhoods SC September 24, 2024. In City Council, C. Gitschier provided a report outlining attendance and discussion regarding CSO issue in the Douglas Road area, including construction of a storage tank to handle such issues at Cawley Stadium. 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 Gitschier noted the need to keep neighborhood informed through meetings. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Misc. - Atty. George Theodorou for FTO Realty Trust (Stephen Doherty - Trustee) request extension of Traditional Two-Family (TTF) Zoning District to include 3.58 acre site owned by trust at 71 North Billerica Road. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 7 yeas, 4 nays (C. Belanger, C. Gitschier, M. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted. Atty. Theodorou was present for the petitioner. 10.2. Misc. - Heritage Farm Ice Cream (Atty. Brian Leahey) request City Council abandon or accept with an easement of 21 square feet on Delaware Avenue. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Atty. Leahey was present for petitioner. 10.3. Misc. - Carmen Bermudez request permission to address Council regarding parking issues on Kirk Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager/Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Ms. Bermudez addressed the Council through an interpreter. C. Mercier requested assistance for the petitioner and noted that the City Manager has reached out. 10.4. Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request addressing Council regarding safety for individuals on scooters, 2-wheelers, etc., and pedestrian use of cell phones.  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 accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Ms. Von Fricken addressed the Council. 10.5. Misc. - Marbelis Feliz Ramirez request removal of handicap parking sign in front of 28 White Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Robinson noted upcoming riverwalk event. C. Nuon noted Lowell Volunteer Fair. C. Mercier commented on Busker Series event. C. Gitschier noted dedication of Owl Diner sign. C. Yem wished C. Mercier a happy birthday on behalf of the Council. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted pop up traffic regulation day for youth. C. Gitschier noted upcoming Salvation Army event. M. Rourke noted Nigerian flag raising and Bridge Club events. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.  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 ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk