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: January 7, 2025 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 (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for President James Carter, victims of New Orleans terror attack and Ray Tremblay. C. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for President James Carter, Joseph Anbousacccio and Thouch Tep. 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. Motion to take Items #5.4 and #8.1 out of order by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 2.2. Communication - Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) Executive Director's Report presented by 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 In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. C. Jenness provided the report regarding the organization noting achievements and future goals and projects. C. Jenness noted this item should become regular agenda item. 2.3. Informational - Golden Gloves Tournament. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. M. Rourke noted the start date of January 9th and every Thursday following and put out request for sponsors and volunteers. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting December 17th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. National Grid - Request installation of underground electric service on Boston Road from Plain Street 75 feet south. In City Council, Given second reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Obi Cortes (via Zoom) represented the petitioner and available for any questions. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have City Solicitor provide to City Council an update on the Rodenticide Ordinance. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the need for ordinance to protect the many species of wildlife in the area. City Solicitor Williams noted the matter was  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 before the Board of Health and after he obtains that information he would begin drafting of the ordinance for passage. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department look into adding speed bumps on Westmeadow Road and in front of the Pawtucket Memorial School. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted change of name for road and the need to have these measures on roads that house schools. 5.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide the City Council a report on the heating issues at the Pawtucket Memorial School; include all School Dude requests, the resolutions of each, and the date of the request. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the progress and the need for a time frame for remaining work. C. Descoteaux noted the concerns of teachers and that there are inconsistencies throughout the building. Rick Underwood (School Facilities) commented on conditions. C. Belanger noted expenditures to date on the facility. C. Gitschier commented on air purification system filters. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) noted that new filters would be under school budget side. 5.4. C. Jenness/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have proper department prepare a report on recent and continued failures in the new high school athletic center, as well as an action plan for repair and holding the developer accountable for this building and the rest of the project. In City Council, no second needed, referred to Joint School Facilites and Municipal Facilities SC. So voted. Registered speakers: Fred Bahou – commented on ongoing issues and a lot of project remains, Scott Ouellette – noted his frustration with project as an athletic director. C. Jenness provided extensive list of subpar construction and issues with the design and functioning of the building and the need to stricter oversight by City on  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 project. C. Gitschier blamed the companies that are working daily in the building and there is negligence in their approach and that past actions should have put City on notice of strict oversight. C. Gitschier noted his prior attempts to have strict oversight on the building that failed, and that the community needs to know of these issues. C. Belanger noted concern around the facility and that it was a state-of-the-art site but needs more oversight. C. Descoteaux requested contractors come to the podium. M. Rourke commented on meetings with the City in which no issues were brought forward. James Dowd (Skanska) commented on those meetings and the efforts but in daily around this project. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Joint Municipal Facilities and School Facilities SC. So voted. C. Gitschier questioned how administration could know of issues and the Council did not. C. Jenness requested all copies of communications regarding project. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Manager) noted that the state is provided many reports regarding project and that they can be shared. 5.5. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department report on the effectiveness of the Registration and Maintenance of Vacant Commercial Properties Ordinance adopted by the City Council in December of 2023. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the ordinance and requested update regarding its effectiveness. 5.6. C. Descoteaux - Req, City Mgr. provide an update regarding the Smith Baker Center. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the structural report being developed and that will play a role in decisions regarding the property. C. Mercier noted most important for the foundation of the building to be sound. C. Belanger noted some type of action must be taken. C. Yem noted need for full review of the structural report.  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 5.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with the appropriate partners to review our festival and events safety protocols and provide the Council with any recommended improvements. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper departments provide an updated report on ARPA allocations. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.9. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. review heating/cooling conditions at the Pawtucket Memorial School. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion at Item #5.2. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Barrel Requests – C. Robinson noted the need for a running list to ensure proper installation and usage. C. Yem noted control over inventory. C. Jenness questioned barrel responsibility in City. B) Motion Response - Dover Street Basketball Court – M. Rourke noted need for work and that it can be done in the spring. C) Motion Response - Pyne School Illegal Dumping – C. Belanger noted the clean up. C. Gitschier questioned status of use of cameras throughout the City.  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 6.2. Communication - Appointment of David Daly to Citizen Advisory Committee. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 6.3. Communication - Reappointments to Various Boards and Commissions. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. The following appointments were made Richard Demers (Council on Aging), Andrew Hostetler (Council on Aging), Aurora Erikson (Historic Board) and Michael Brennan (Retirement Board). Motion to bundle and waive second reading for Items #7.1 to #7.5, inclusive by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $214.30 FY25 State 911 Dept EMD Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $790,957.53 FY25 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote  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 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $82,895 Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Authorize CM Execute Parking Agreement with 495 Chrysler Jeep Dodge. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 7.5. Vote - Confirm Vote to Apply/Expend $978,120 MVP Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Parks and Recreation SC Joint With Finance SC December 11, 2024. In City Council, C. Mercier provided report outlining attendance and discussion of upgrades to the Martin Athletic Complex (Cawley Stadium)  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 noting capital improvements and recent investments. C. Mercier noted motion supported by the subcommittee to recommend further improvements to be done at complex by construction of a training facility to the full body. C. Mercier noted other proposals regarding facility to upgrade grandstands with 5 options. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to adopt recommendation of subcommittee to develop a training facility at Martin Athletic Complex as proposed. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Chau C. Scott). So voted. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. M. Rourke noted assistance throughout process with private group established for improving Cawley Stadium. 8.2. Non-Profit Organization SC January 7, 2025. In City Council, M. Rourke noted report would be given at later date per request of C. Gitscher. No objections. 9.PETITIONS 9.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9.2.Misc. - Sara Singh request City Council ban City restaurants from giving out plastic cutlery, containers and bags. In City Council, Petitioner was not present. No action taken. 9.3. Misc. - Sombath Chum request City consider absorbing the easement adjacent to my property located at 45 Lincoln Parkway. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Descoteaux noted recent memorial event held for Mickey O’Keefe. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk