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 8, 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. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes for acceptance Finance SC Joint with School Finance SC October 1st; City Council Regular Meeting October 1st, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing for disposition of properties. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened, Motion to continue hearing until October 29, 2024 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. City Solicitor Williams noted that information was still forthcoming and there is a need to continue matter attempting resolution.  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. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacing existing gas main 789-940 Chelmsford Street to facilitate tie-ins. In City Council, Given second reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. Dianna Cudy, National Grid, represented the petitioner. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department look at the parking issue on Fanning Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Dennis McGrade (noted parking on both sides of Fanning Street and the safety issue), addressed the Council. C. Yem commented on the area and the concern. C. Mercier noted safety of residents is a concern as fire trucks may not be able to pass and that lighting is poor. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated it was a private street and would do further investigation. C. Descoteaux commented on the parking. C. Gitschier requested information on the Archambeault Tower property. 6.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department place Pawtucket Street, from School Street to Walker Street, on the re- paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted the area of concern was in bad condition. C. Gitschier noted rating information of streets is available to the public. 6.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have proper department provide an update to the Council on the progress of the commercial vacancy registration program. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted that there is a current ordinance covering the subject  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 matter and is requesting updates regarding enforcement. C. Robinson noted that vacant properties can be a source of opportunity for some. C. Belanger noted concern for vacancies in the downtown area. 6.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have LPD warn our residents/neighborhoods about the latest scam targeting Lowell residents. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted efforts of the Lowell Police and outreach to citizens concerning recent scam. 6.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the Parking Department work with the community to make sure kiosks at the Leroy Lot are user friendly and accessible, including for those who do not speak English. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Sidney Liang (noted the size of the area and that is was a long-term solution and that maybe some exceptions could be made), addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted concern with languages and that there is a need for community benefit for the business owners. C. Chau commented on kiosk use should be simple and that the area is in need of a clean-up. 6.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with the Greenhalge School to address the illegal dumping centered around the clothing and shoe donation bin in the courtyard area. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted some issues have been corrected but the dark areas are still subject to violation. 6.7. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. begin discussions with the Lowell Housing Authority about increasing police activity on their citywide properties.  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. Robinson noted many organizations need assistance in that area and there are resident concerns. C. Gitschier noted the need for police presence in the area as it is under siege. C. Jenness noted the resident concerns and the need to feel safe. C. Nuon noted tenants are forced to stay there and they should be protected and that the police and the housing authority should partner to enable that. 6.8. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide a detailed current status update on the City’s Co-Op relocation and what is the plan moving forward. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need to relocate but services have suffered, and public is put in unsafe conditions at new location. C. Gitschier questioned the abruptness of the relocation indicating that not planned well due to time constraints. Manager Golden, Jr. Noted the Sherriff Office left the site and will return but Co-Op is not part of new design. C. Gitschier stressed the need to provide a safe work environment as well as a safe downtown. 6.9. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. work with proper department to offer services, notify and remove all individuals tenting, sleeping and tarping around the South Common by October 29, 2024. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Registered speakers, Bianca Thibault (noted safety concerns with needles and trash), Brandan Wright (noted need to solve homelessness with more programs and less enforcement), and Richard Healy (noted he was a business owner, and that the area has plummeted), addressed the Council. C. Gitschier commented on the number of services and money extended by the City with limited results and that surrounding areas offer not assistance with the issue. C. Gitschier noted the downtown area residents, visitors, students and business owners need a safe environment. M. Rourke noted an ordinance is being drafted to address these issues. City Solicitor Williams indicated that ordinance will be on next agenda for first reading. C. Robinson noted  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 the effort being made and the need to protect citizens by monitoring behavior in public places. C. Jenness commented on the effort of the administration in the South Common and stated only issue with motion is it having a solid end date and perhaps it could be amended. C. Gitschier (maker of motion) noted there is a need to have solid end date and he would amend to November 15th which was done with no objections. C. Nuon noted it was a frustrating situation and that it speaks of need for increased housing. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the number of discussions regarding different models to use but it is a difficult challenge though the Council and administration have worked tremendously for better results. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that there are some developing plans that look hopeful. Substitute Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to have City Manager work with federal and state partners to develop a safety plan for areas around established encampments. Motion was defeated per Roll Call vote 2 yeas, 9 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Gitschier noted that there was no need for the substitute motion. C. Belanger noted the need to assist business owners and citizens. M. Rourke outlined procedure indicating that if substitute motion prevailed then original motion would not move forward. M. Rourke requested Roll Call on original motion. 6.10. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide a timeline on when the restrooms in City Hall will be completed. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6.11. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper department look at what traffic calming measures can be put in place on Fairmount Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the frustrations of the neighbors as it continues to be an issue due to cur through traffic. C. Chau noted the need for a quick resolution.  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 6.12. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate the parking spaces on Perkins Street near Riverwalk Way for any changes that may be needed for driver and pedestrian safety. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers Amy Baranoski (noted problem with intersection safety), Amy Roeder (noted impact to homeowners in the area) and Kate Ramunda (noted difficulty in driving), addressed the Council. C. Jenness noted prior discussions about the difficulties in the area and the need to enhance safety. 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Environmental Youth Task Force Composting – C. Yem noted the effort of the Youth Task Force and commented on composting legal requirements. B) Motion Response - Emergency Plug Tools – C. Jenness commented on the effort of the fire department to ensure safety of electric vehicles. C) Motion Response - Motion Detection Lights – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger to request Law Department draft ordinance regarding motion detectors in the City. So voted. C. Mercier noted lights would enhance safety downtown. C. Belanger noted response to a complex motion. D) Motion Response - Letter To - State Delegation Double Poles – C. Scott noted prior efforts of C. Leahy and that this is a long-standing issue within the City. C. Mercier noted well crafted letter to parties.  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 7.2. Communication - City Mgr. request approval of Out of State Travel (2) DPD. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #8.1 to #8.4, inclusive by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 8. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $60k FY25 Municipal Road Safety Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8.2. Vote - Declare 256 Branch Street Surplus and Available for Sale. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8.3. Vote - Declare 777 Merrimack Street Surplus and Available for Sale. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. So voted. 8.4. Vote - Transfer $250k for Infrastructure Improvements. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas. 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. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Finance SC Joint With School Finance SC October 1, 2024. In City Council, C. Scott provided report outlining attendance and discussion of FY23 Audit Letter and the joint effort of the City and School Administration to facilitate operations, including payroll. C. Scott noted FY23 Management Letter noting the issues and the resolutions. C. Scott noted initial discussions regarding joint functions of the City and the schools. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 9.2. Veterans SC October 8, 2024. In City Council, C. Yem provided report outlining attendance and discussion of flag placement to honor those veterans who died in the line of duty, banners and new legislation. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Joseph Espinola, III request permission to address the Council regarding reclassification of his retirement. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Mr. Espinola requested change of retirement status from accidental to the line of duty per Massachusetts General Laws. Mr. Espinola outlined his service to the City as a police officer and the hardship he has gone through. Mr. Espinola noted his injuries sustained during work and requested Council draft a Home Rule Petition for the legislature. City Solicitor requested matter be referred to his office.  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. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Robinson noted recent RiverWalk Event. Melissa Desroches (Ex. Asst.) noted Open Lowell Event and Al Melo Event. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk