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: November 12, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 9 present, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). M. Rourke presiding. M. Rourke handed the gavel to Mayor of the Day, Julie Oum, who directed the beginning of meeting. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Nathan Michael Martinez (LFD). 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. Gitschier. So voted. M. Rourke presented citation to Ms. Oum regarding Mayor of the Day. Ms. Oum thanked the body. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC November 5th; City Council Regular Meeting November 5th, for acceptance.  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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Extend UMF District 234-268 Mt. Vernon, 89 Willie, and 5 Farnham. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 4.2. Ordinance - Amend Chap 222 - Unlawful Camping on Public Property. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas, 1 nay (C. Jenness), 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. The following spoke in favor of the ordinance: Charles Ott (good solution); Lynn Dailey (needed); Joan McJoyce (in favor for mental health); and Robert Hoey (good ordinance). Speaking in opposition of the ordinance: Mel (religious view); Corey Ross (not right path); Sophie Dudek (services needed); Chris Osserman (help all people); Collin Gallagher (UML students disagree); Felix Brown (enhance ordinance – read letter of UML professor Christa Hodapp); Elodie Ahearn (ordinance attacks people); Connie Mortara (no compassion); Miles Foster (criminalizes poverty); Santina Traska (punitive); Ann Isler (address mental health); Liz Arusauslcas (prevents services); Victoria Holland (resources is not always money); Elizabeth Pellerito (disability issue); Darci Boyer (cruel ordinance); Courtney Coveillo (more harm than good); Ryan Oates (will not solve problem); Jovanna Mason (better options); Oksaura Zoohina (not good treatment of people); Adam Donnell (does not help people); Michael Berggren (need to know people to help); Paul Guadet (can not treat people badly); Claire Mosenfelder (yes vote is cruel); Adam Hutchinson (need to champion people); Joseph Milia (opposed); Dan Bazarian (need to protect people); Mel Breeze (unfair treatment); Larissa Lahey (traumatic event); Joan (community approach); and Nick Teuber (environmental concern)  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 M. Rourke thanked the speakers and opened it up to the Council. C. Mercier noted it was a sad situation but there is an obligation to protect all citizens stating your rights cease when they violate others. C. Nuon noted the need to do more work with all partners but there is a need to have public safety and that the ordinance is carefully crafted to obtain just that. C. Belanger noted the ordinance helps not hurts the community at large. C. Belanger noted need to protect schools and that advocates should take thier message to surrounding communities. C. Gitschier noted the drafting of the ordinance noting all departments of the administration have been working towards solutions. C. Gitschier noted that the 14,000 students in the City need protection. C. Gitschier noted that UML students are supporting not removing tents but that it was done by the University years ago. C. Jenness had questions regarding the ordinance in terms of shelter availability and storing of items. City Solicitor Williams commented of different aspects of enforcement. C. Jenness noted that ordinance would not be effective and what the long terms effects would be. Motion by C. Jenness to refer back to Manager for further review and revision. Failed for lack of a second. C. Robinson noted purpose of ordinance was for health and safety of all citizens with an attempt to improve services. C. Robinson noted speaking points of advocates were not on tied to the ordinance which called for protection of shared green space. C. Robinson noted aspect of harm reduction was failing in this arena. C. Scott noted ordinance was well crafted noting there is compassion with its passage as there is protection and services provided. 4.3. Ordinance - Amend Chap 227 - Motion Detector Lighting. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 4.4. Vote - MRF FY2025. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll  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 Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. The residential factor was set at 0.89825. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work with the Lowell Police Department to Conduct a Public Education Campaign Regarding "Car Break-ins" to Inform the Public Regarding Ways to Prevent Them. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted reports issued by the police during monthly neighborhood meetings and that there should be more instructions on how to avoid these break-ins. 5.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work with the Lowell Police Department to Conduct a Public Education Campaign Regarding So-Called "Porch Thieves" to Inform the Public of Ways to Prevent Theft of Amazon and Other Delivery Service Packages During the Upcoming Holiday Season. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted it was the time of season and that there are more opportunities to commit this crime. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work with the Lowell Police Department to Increase the Number of Surveillance Cameras in the Downtown Area. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the request of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and that it would be safer with more cameras. C. Mercier noted the public hearing scheduled tonight for lighting downtown which would enhance safety as well. 5.4. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. petition the state delegation for the purpose of expanding mental health services at state hospitals.  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. Belanger noted the number of facilities closed and that more are needed to serve the community. C. Descoteaux noted concern with mental health issues in the community and its effect on businesses and that the State is not responding to request for assistance. C. Mercier noted prior closing of these facilities and that it was dangerous to the community. C. Robinson note that closures do not allow for complete services for mental health care and that a federal request should be made as well. C. Gitschier noted it is a long-term issue and that a lot of promises made and not kept. C. Nuon noted the need to explore all alternatives. C. Jenness noted the City can only be so effective and that state and federal partners needed. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to refer Items #6.1 (A) to (F) and (H) to (J), inclusive, to the Transportation SC. So voted. A) Motion Response - Centralville Traffic Calming – Referred to Transportation SC. B) Motion Response - Fairmount Traffic Calming – Referred to Transportation SC. C) Motion Response - Lewis Street Traffic Calming – Referred to Transportation SC. D) Motion Response - Wentworth Traffic Calming – Referred to Transportation SC. E) Motion Response - Perkins Street – Referred to Transportation SC.  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 - Westford St Sidewalk – Referred to Transportation SC. G) Motion Response - Greenhalge School – Note 60-day Order Item #8.1. H) Motion Response - Parking Master Plan – Referred to Transportation SC. I) Motion Response - LINC Project – Referred to Transportation SC. J) Motion Response - MBTA Communities – Referred to Transportation SC. K) Motion Response - Restrooms in City Hall – C. Gitschier noted work done on the bathroom. L) Motion Response - Utility Work Repairs Sanders & Ruth Street – None. M) Motion Response - Evaluate Installation Of Lighting South Common Pool – None. N) Motion Response - Evaluate Installation Of Bollards Corner Of Central And Prescott Streets – None. O) Motion Response - Report Circuit Ave Culvert – None. P) Motion Response - Paving Of School Parking Lots – None. Q) Motion Response - Neighborhood Meeting at the Reilly School – C. Descoteaux noted the meeting regarding the paving of Andover Street. C. Gitschier questioned notice going out to abutters. R) Motion Response - Letter State Delegation HB 5077 – M. Rourke  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 requested status regarding LeLacheur Park funding. Manager Golden, Jr. noted Senate needs to act on it. S) Motion Response - Letter to MassDOT And State Delegation Nighttime Work 110 – None. T) Motion Response - Refuge Barrels – C. Robinson requested matter be sent back to Manager for further response. 6.2. Informational Reports. Informational Report - FY25 Lowell MRF Hearing Presentation – Note Public Hearing (Item #4.4). Informational Report - City Hall Traffic Calming with Attachment – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on work being done and partnership with LRTA. Informational Report - Water Rescue Equipment – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the effort to secure the equipment. 6.3. Communication - Planning Board Recommendation regarding zoning changes at Mount Vernon, Willie and Farnham Streets. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 6.4. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel 1 (City Council; City Mgr.; DPD). In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3, inclusive. 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 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $21,301 Literacy Volunteers of MA Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $39,600 EMPG Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Rescind Special Speed Regulation 6060. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Adopt MGL c.44 s.55C. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on November 26, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas, 2 absent (C. Chau, C. Yem). So voted. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Establishment of Affordable Housing Trust Fund.  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 November 26, 2024 @ 7 PM by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Non-Profit Organization SC November 5, 2024. In City Council, C. Gitschier requested to present report on November 19, 2024. No objections. 10.2. Economic/Downtown Development SC November 12, 2024. In City Council, C. Jenness requested to present report on November 19, 2024. No objections. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Misc. - Jeremy Felix Caban request reimbursement for towing. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 11.2. Misc. - Thomas Cloutier (for benefit of Saren Chet) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 110 Branch Street (Unit 3). In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted upcoming Senior Citizen SC. C. Belanger noted an informational meeting for paving Andover 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 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk