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 26, 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 (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Michael J. Foley, Sr. M. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Gregory Krikorian. 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 of Rules & Election Law SC November 19th; City Council Meeting November 19th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3.2. Vote - Cancel Council Meetings 12.24.24 and 12.31.24.  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. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Vote - Adopt MGL c.44 s.55C. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 4.2. Ordinance - Establishment of Affordable Housing Trust Fund. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. Speaking in favor was Daniel Riviera (Acting Director of Coalition for a Better Acre) and Nancy from the organization as well. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department insert voter mail registrations with the July and October tax bills for property owners living in Lowell, if feasible. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted should be included if possible and investigate whether a separate mailing could be done. 5.2. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. provide an update regarding the Smith Baker Center.  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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux requested update. 5.3. C. Mercier/C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. investigate the opportunity to plant and grow native tree species for our City. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier commented on the importance of trees and to preserve any dying species in this area. C. Chau commented on the tree program for the City. 5.4. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper departments implement a comprehensive plan for traffic calming by use of signage and enforcement, etc., and potential sidewalk upgrades in the 2025 Andover Street project. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the upcoming Andover Street project and that there is always heavy traffic in the area, so calming measures are needed. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) commented on the schedule of the project. M. Rourke noted the number of citations by the police this past year. C. Gitschier noted that overlaying of concrete is labor intensive. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses / Informational Report. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - Investigate Improvements Lighting Linden St. Car Condo – C. Scott noted the neighborhood concerns and that the report showed progress. C. Jenness noted effort was good for the neighborhood. B) Motion Response - LPD Conduct Public Campaign Regarding Car Break Ins – M. Rourke noted the response and indicated that C. Nuon would inquire if he had questions.  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. Mercier commented on current trip to Canada and presented the Mayor with a medallion. C) Motion Response - LPD Public Education Campaign Regarding So- Called Porch Thieves – M. Rourke noted the response and indicated that C. Nuon would inquire if he had questions. 6.2. Informational Report. Informational Report - City of Lowell Bond Rating Upgrade – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the bonding upgrade and noted it gives the City many opportunities and lauded his finance team for their efforts. Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Item #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote – Accept/Expend $216,990 FY25 Municipal Staffing Grant – LPD. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $4,250 Safety Training Grant – LRWWU. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 7.3. Vote – Accept/Expend $90,750 FY25 Municipal Staffing Grant – Fire.  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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Authorize CM Enter License Agreement with Revival Aesthetics, LLC. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Rules & Election Law SC November 19, 2024. In City Council, C. Chau provided report outlining the attendance and discussion of selection of the Mayor and Vice Chair of the Council in terms of voter participation and working within the Consent Decree. C. Descoteaux noted that the threshold was high to alter the Consent Decree. City Solicitor Williams outlined the process to amend decree. C. Robinson suggested a special meeting to discuss proposals. C. Gitschier questioned the process and that any member should be eligible to be the Mayor. C. Chau noted subcommittee would meet again and present any proposals before the full Council. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 8.2. Housing SC November 26, 2024. In City Council, C. Yem requested he present report next week with no objections.  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. PETITIONS 9.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the claim and indicated it should be dealt with quickly as it should not be City responsibility. 9.2. Misc. - Warren Greiff and Joan Besson-Healy request permission to address the City Council regarding people congregating in the area of the South Common. In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Mr. Greiff addressed the Council noting his concerns and possible solutions for the problems in the South Common area. C. Robinson noted commission is currently in place. C. Jenness requested involvement of the Hunger Homeless Commission, and that opportunity exists. C. Gitschier noted positions available on the Commission. C. Descoteaux questioned the make up of the group. 9.3. Misc. - Frank Leandro request removal of handicap parking sign at 22 Kinsman Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. Executive Session – To Consider and Discuss Two Open Meeting Law Complaints Filed Against the City Council on November 13, 2024. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. (7:25 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, 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 Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem wished all a happy Thanksgiving. M. Rourke noted the upcoming City of Lights Parade and the article in the Investment Boston Magazine. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 7:35 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk