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 17, 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, C. Nuon C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). M. Rourke presiding. C. Belanger requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for David Maier. C. Descoteaux requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Travis McCarthy. M. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Harry Spead, father of Melissa Desroches. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Transportation SC December 10th, City Council Regular Meeting December 10th; Parks and Recreation SC Joint with Finance SC December 11th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. 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 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide updated to City Council regarding Andover Street plans. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on the meeting and input of the neighborhood and that they should be kept informed as the City addressed their concerns. C. Belanger noted the concerns and the preference to have concrete surface remain and presented petition of the neighbors and made it part of the record with no objections. 4.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with the Hunger & Homeless Task Force and meet with the Justices in the Lowell District Court to coordinate resources. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted that any added resource is important and that involvement of the courts would be beneficial. 4.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with the Parking Department to provide the City Council with a report detailing the timeline for when the full completion of installation of cameras and lighting in all the City garages. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, John Knowles – commented on increase costs, use of cameras, security and safety issues, addressed the Council. C. Nuon commented on the proposed work to be done and requested time frame for that work so that security and safety can be enhanced. C. Jenness noted prior subcommittee discussion of these issues and that concerns of security and safety must be met. C. Descoteaux noted he would provide a subcommittee report regarding these discussions. C. Gitschier questioned if there was a garage maintenance plan and if it were being followed so that there would be less concerns from residents.  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 4.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide an update to the City Council regarding the Business Improvement District in the downtown area. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted program was good for the area and that it should continue to evolve. C. Belanger commented on the program and noted timing is better now to implement it. C. Robinson noted the use and success of this program in other communities. 4.5. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper department place Remington Street on the paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper department consider Maryl Drive for a one-way and no commercial vehicles. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Stephen Maniscalco – commented on traffic over the years and measures used in past, addressed the body. C. Belanger noted the speaker’s concerns and the need for improved steps to that need to be taken. C. Chau commented on prior actions and that there are still some concerns. 4.7. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department prepare a report outlining expenditures over the last three years in support of businesses in the downtown and other business districts in the city. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted it was a basic request to see how much funding there was and what were the sources to highlight investments. 4.8. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. work with the City of Learning Committee and Congresswoman Trahan to help secure Learning City Designation from UNESCO.  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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, John Wooding – commented on project updates and the organization and noted obstacles overcome thus far, addressed the Council. M. Rourke noted project would showcase the educational excellence in the City and thanked all those involved. C. Yem noted it was important for project to move forward. C. Gitschier questioned what the Council could do and was willing to do so. C. Chau commented on all efforts to date. C. Nuon commented on the remarks of the speaker. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to request City Manager send letter of support to federal delegation with respect to City of Learning Designation for the City. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Response. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. A) Motion Response - Letter To State Delegation - Healthy Incentive Program – C. Robinson noted the supportive letter to the delegation. 5.2. Communication - City Mgr. request approval of Out of State Travel (1) Wastewater. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. C. Gitschier noted the award presented to Aaron Fox (Dir. Wastewater) for his many achievements in this field. Mr. Fox thanked the body for the support. M. Rourke indicated the importance of the award. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized him as a valued employee and was proud of his leadership.  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. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to bundle and waive second reading of Items #6.1 to #6.4, inclusive. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $189,901.74 FY25 State Aid to Public Libraries Program Award. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 6.2. Vote - Amend JAM Plan 230 Middlesex Street. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 6.3. Vote – Apply/Accept/Expend $978,120 MVP Action Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 6.4. Vote – Sell and Convey 777 Merrimack Street to David T. Daly. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness,  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. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Transportation SC December 10, 2024. In City Council, C. Descoteaux provided report noting the attendance and discussion regarding traffic calming measures, Master Parking Plan and MBTA Communities parking regulations. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 7.2. Parks and Recreation SC Joint With Finance SC December 11, 2024. In City Council, M. Rourke requested report be provided at next Council meeting due to absence of C. Mercier. No objections. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Misc. - Drew Polatchek request permission to address Council regarding revising the camping ban ordinance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Mr. Polatchek addressed the Council noting that the group can work with the City. The following commented on the petition: Geneva Hobbs – commented regarding daily life of homeless and the need for support; Robert Hoey – commented that the ordinance was important and should be retained. C. Gitschier commented on the response of the City to assist the homeless every day. C. Robinson noted much support of the City goes unrecognized and that service providers need to perform much better with the resources they are given. 9. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 9.1. Executive Session - To Consider and Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To Lupoli Companies, LLC, Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City’s Position;  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 And Further, To Consider and Discuss Three Open Meeting Law Complaints Filed Against the City Council on November 27, 2024. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Belanger. (7:40 PM) Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Mercier). So voted. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Descoteaux noted upcoming event honoring Mickey O’Keefe. C. Jenness noted event honoring LHS wrestling coach, George Bossi. C. Robinson commented on winter heating program for those in need and the opening of a new barbeque restaurant at the connector. C. Yem recognized birthdays of C. Chau and Kelly Oakes (City Auditor). 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:00 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk