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: December 10, 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. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Nuon C. Robinson (Zoom), M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem) M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Matthew Samuel Fitzpatrick and Electra Jean Parigian. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. M. Rourke noted last day of work for intern in his office, Caroline Magnur. 2.2. Communication - Lowell Folk Festival Ad Hoc Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Peter Crewe (Cultural Affairs) commented on the purpose of the committee and to ensure viability of the festival for the future.  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 Non-Profit Organization SC December 3rd; City Council Regular Meeting December 3rd, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 684 Westford Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. M. Rourke brought Item #6.3 forward to accept and place on file. No Remonstrants. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. Atty. John Cox presented the petition. Speaking in favor was Robert Hoey who noted support for the builder and the project. C. Gitschier read letter of support by Morgan Schermerhorn into the record and requested it be a part of the record. No objections. 4.2. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - 71 North Billerica Road. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading. Hearing opened. M. Rourke brought Item #6.4 forward to accept and place on file. Atty. George Theodorou for Petitioner requested withdrawal of petition without prejudice. Motion to withdraw the petition by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have the Law Department draft a home rule petition to prevent the forced imposition of broker’s fees on renters within the City of Lowell. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the need to end forced broker fees onto renters of property as the burden is too great on tenants. C. Nuon noted rents are  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 expensive, so these fees hurt consumers. C. Yem noted that in some instances it is the owners paying the commission. Atty. Williams (City Solicitor) noted he would begin process to draft ordinance or a home rule petition. Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #6.5 and #6.6 out of order. So voted. 5.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department implement the use of solar driven LED streetlights, as stated in the 2017 Lowell City Council Resolution of using 100% renewable energy by 2035. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted the prior commitment of the City and that UMass-Lowell has begun such a solar program. Motion to bundle Items #5.3 to #5.8, inclusive by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 5.3. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer pilot a three-way stop at the intersection of Hollis Street and North Billerica Road. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott discussed motions #5.3 to #5.8 collectively, noting that these motions were responsive to the concerns of neighbors in the area and that they need to be addressed for safety and quality of life purposes. C. Scott noted that many of these motions have been filed previously, and they must be acted upon quickly. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager have Transportation Engineer work with NMCOG with regards to traffic calming measures in the Hollis Street area. So voted. C. Descoteaux noted the unsafe conditions that exist on Hollis Street. C. Gitschier noted that it was not good that the motions needed to be refiled, and that action should have been taken. C. Gitschier noted that there should be assessments done city-wide. C. Nuon noted calming  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 measures are efficient along with speed enforcement. C. Robinson questioned information provided by developers of property regarding traffic impact. Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) noted the boards make decision with input from her. C. Jenness commented on all of the traffic measures being done by the City now and in the future. C. Belanger noted that permanent measures are better suited in many areas. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on all of the programs regarding traffic measures. C. Robinson noted use of temporary fixtures until streets are in better shape. 5.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer assess the feasibility of prohibiting through truck traffic on Hollis Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.3. 5.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. direct the Transportation Engineer to review and report on the process for adding traffic signals at the 495/Woburn Street off and on ramps, implementing a three-way stop or traffic signals at the Boylston Street and Lawrence Street intersection, and installing speed bumps on Andrews Street, Billerica Street Main Street. Bowden Street and Stromquist Street. (Refile) In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.3. 5.6. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer evaluate the feasibility of restricting through traffic on Hollis Street in both directions during the times of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. (Refile) In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.3. 5.7. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. conduct a trial installation of speed tables on Hollis Street. (Refile)  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. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.3. 5.8. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. direct the Transportation Engineer to explore adding stop signs at streets intersecting with Lowell Street and consider installing speed humps or chicanes on Billerica Street and Hollis Street. (Refile) In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.3. 5.9. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With Appropriate Department(s) To Compile A List Of Programs And/Or Organizations Over The Last Three Years That Had Been Funded For Homelessness Prevention Services And An Amount Funded. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.10. C. Robinson/C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on current status of the Superior Courthouse, as well as explore possibility of utilizing for cultural hub. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to Ad-Hoc Restoration of Superior Courthouse SC. So voted. 5.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with the Superintendent of Schools to develop a long-term needs assessment for City owned educational facilities. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on the necessity to assess the needs for schools as population grows. C. Descoteaux noted school space is always an issue. C. Scott noted the need for projections and inventory.  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 5.12. C. Robinson - Req. Mayor establish a committee with the intention of identifying and establishing locations and funding streams to create a boxing gym in Lowell. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted that the motion was best served by the Manager. C. Robinson was fine with any division exploring options. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercie to refer request to the City Manage. So voted. 5.13. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide the City Council with the plans for water infrastructure that will be placed on the new Rourke Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted concern that this infrastructure plan needs review by the City. 5.14. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. reach out to District Attorney Marian Ryan to follow up on a conversation from a past downtown meeting involving adding a Homeless Court Program within the City of Lowell. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on prior conversation and outlined neighboring community program. C. Belanger noted the added help with this community. M. Rourke clearly indicated that this type of court will not be part of a Lowell District Court program. 5.15. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. work with proper department to put Garden Road on the paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER  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 6.1. Motion Responses/Informational Report. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. A) Motion Response - Lawrence St. and Moore St. - None. B) Motion Response - Signal Warrants – C. Gitschier noted the need to oversee the progress and supply further information. C) Motion Response - Speed Regulation Change – C. Gitschier requested timetable for changes. 6.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Frontrunner City – M. Rourke relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Yem at 7:25 PM. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the opportunity and the benefit of the program and recognized the efforts of the Mayor and the Council in this regard. M. Rourke provided background on the project and commented on the organization and the goals they established. M. Rourke noted that the City has met most of those goals and would be a good fit for the program. M. Rourke noted that the next step would be to enter into a memorandum of understanding to begin the partnership. C. Mercier commented on the recent trip to Toronto noting many of the goals outlined are already met by the City. C. Belanger noted that Lowell would be the firs US city to be part of the program and recognized Mayor Rourke for his leadership. C. Descoteaux noted that this is a game changer and that there were many impressive meetings with the host community. C. Chau noted the benefits of program to use public space and successful housing initiatives. C. Jenness noted the effort and direction of the Manager and Mayor and requested periodic updates as this program will be vital to City. C. Gitschier noted that City is developing a vision that must be pursued. C. Nuon thanked M. Rourke and noted the vitality of the host community noting Lowell has met many of the same goals. C. Robinson noted the importance to see vision of other communities and how they may work for Lowell. C. Scott noted the efforts of Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) for her expertise and effort regarding trip. Vice  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 Chair Yem returned Chair to M. Rourke at 7:55 PM. Ms. Baez-Rose provided report outlining benefits and providing examples of Lowell is fulfilling many of the program goals. Ms. Baez-Rose noted that the program allows Lowell to develop their own plan, and it opens up a number of resources to have access to. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted. 6.3. Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcels at 684 Westford Street. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. See Item #4.1. 6.4. Communication - Planning Board recommendation for proposed zoning change for parcel at 71 North Billerica Road. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. See Item #4.2. 6.5. Communication - Resignations from the Planning Board. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 6.6. Communication - Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (Zoom), C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. M. Rourke noted the following appointments: Thel Sar (Planning Board); Joverson Cardosa Silva  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 (Planning Board); and Victoria Vooys (Sustainability Council). Mr. Silva and Mr. Sar thanked the Council. 6.7. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (1) Health and Human Services. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds - Vacant Storefront. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Authorize CM Enter into MOU for Frontrunner City Status. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). 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. Subcommittee Reports: 1) Housing SC November 26, 2024. In City Council, C. Yem provided report outlining the attendance and discussion regarding establishment of the Affordable Housing Trust and the funding sources along with qualifications of the trustees. C. Yem commented on Lowell Forward Housing Plan. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 2) Non-Profit Organization SC December 3, 2024. In City Council, C. Gitschier provided report outlining the attendance and discussion regarding the Youth Build and Project Kompass. C. Robinson noted the benefits of the smaller non-profits, and that City should reach out to them. C. Mercier noted the importance of the subcommittee. C. Nuon noted C. Mercier is a part of that subcommittee. M. Rourke indicated that C. Mercier will be made a member of the subcommittee. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 3) Transportation SC December 10, 2024. In City Council, C. Descoteaux requested report be given at next meeting. No objections. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Misc. - Ana Mena De Cruz request installation of a handicap parking sign 7 Cedar Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 10.2. National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street 75 feet south.  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 January 7, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted next day Finance/Parks and Recreation SC meeting. C. Descoteaux noted upcoming culinary fundraiser at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Melissa Desrochas noted City Hall Holiday Open House. C. Robinson commented on Roberto Clemente fundraiser. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk