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 21, 2025 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, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott C. Yem). M. Rourke presiding. C. Belanger requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Howard C. Swenson, Jr and C. Mercier also requested a moment of silence for Judith A. “Judy” (Callery) Baldwin mother of Chief Financial Officer Conor Baldwin as well as all those who passed away since our last City Council Meeting. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Mayor Rourke then recognized couple of Eagle Scouts, Evan Blaschke and Joseph Aste, who completed their journey to become Eagle Scouts. Evan and Joseph addressed the council and talked about their last badges the received. Mayor Rourke then recognized LHS Students and their teacher Ralph St. Louis, Biology and Chemistry Teacher at LHS who made a presentation to the City Council regarding mold matters. Students spoke regarding critical  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 issues that has persisted in the community for 2 decades with the biggest being at Pawtucket Elementary School. Students explained maintaining a healthy environment is a moral obligation. Students commented on conversations with mold experts and reports are incomplete and issues unresolved which leave students and teachers at risk. Students commented that more testing must be done and holistic re: air quality, surface level testing as well as other advanced testing. C. Descoteaux reviewed some of the report that the students put together and stated report was good with a lot of facts. C. Descoteaux thanked the students for their comprehensive report. C. Gitschier commented that he agrees with everything that was said and that it is important that the city maintain their building facilities the way they should be. C. Mercier commented that the students did a tremendous job but was disappointed that the students had to come in the first place. C. Mercier commented this is not acceptable but commended the students and the teacher for coming to the council. C. Nuon commented that it was an exceptional report based on a lot of facts. C. Nuon commented he agrees with everything that was said, and learning will be tough when everyone does not feel safe in the environment they are in, and that the city needs to address. C. Nuon also requested the city continue with monitoring not just Pawtucket School but every school. C. Robinson thanked the students and the teacher for advocating. C. Robinson questioned if the city is doing routine testing in- house or using outside contracting for services and Ms. Golden, Director of Health and Human Services explained they are doing monthly air quality testing in classrooms, and this is being done by contractors as the city cannot do the inspections. Ms. Golden explained inspections and cleanings has to be done by a company that does this type of work, however the city has done some surface cleaning. C. Jenness thanked the students and teacher and stated we want to see this issue resolved. C. Jenness then moved, seconded by C. Mercier “To refer this matter to the administration, to break it down and bring forward any recommendations back to council on things we should be doing ”. So voted. C. Descoteaux then questioned if there are mold spores in the school and MS. Golden is not sure as she has not walked the school herself to see. Ms. Golden then commented that she did contact EPA last year to go through the school (full day) nuts and bolts, vents, heating system and report is on file at the  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 Mass.gov website. She explained the report contains short term recommendations and long term recommendations. C. Descoteau then asked the manager if the city is receiving reports from Mr. Underwood concerning any mold spores at all on walls or in classrooms, hallways and City Manager Golden explained Mr. Underwood as well as Mr. St. Cyr have informed the custodians what to look for and that he cannot be sure there is not mold anywhere. C. Yem thanked the students and teacher for informing the city of the issues with the school and would like them to continue their advocacy. Ralph St. Louis commented on 2 quick points of the students, one being to expand current facilities training, and second efficacy of mold inspection report is that it is not holistic and that getting just air quality & visual reports is not sufficient as to how much mold is hidden from sight. C. Robinson commented on the need for consolidated facility department. C. Scott questioned the City Manager regarding where the city is at with making permanent repairs and City Manager Golden has been speaking with the MSBA with regards to applying for other MSBA Projects. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Environmental and Flood Issues SC January 14th; City Council Regular Meeting January 14th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have Transportation Engineer work with the State to restrict parking between Tyler Park and Florence Avenue in Westford Street inbound. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Speaker: Robert Hunt spoke in favor to restrict parking between Tyler Park and Florence Avenue.  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 4.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department provide the City Council on Smith Baker’s containment, remediation and demolition costs along with timeline. In City Council, C. Yem withdrew motion. So voted. 4.3. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department provide the City Council with any plan to save historical artifacts or retaining walls of the Smith Baker Center. In City Council, C. Yem withdrew motion. So voted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A - Rodenticide Ordinance C. Gitschier thanked the Health Department, City Solicitor for the report and for quick response on the Ordinance. B - South Common Outreach C. Gitschier thanked everyone involved Police, Health Department, and City Manager and administration. C. Belanger extremely pleased with the progress and thanked the City Manager and administration as well as the Co-Op Team. C. Robinson echoed comments of colleagues, thanked all involved. C. Nuon thanked the City Manager and LPD for giving the park back to the community for all to enjoy. C - Remington St. and Garden Rd. Paving C. Belanger appreciated the report. D - Letter to Sec. Augustus re: Sewer/Water Tie In  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. Gitschier asked the City Manager Golden if he had received a response and City Manager Golden commented there was positive communication back and forth. E - Pawtucket St. Paving C. Yem commented that the intersection is very busy during rush hour and questioned City Engineer Chang traffic improvement projects from Aiken St. Ending at Wilder St. And City Engineer Chang explained the location. F - Water Infrastructure Rourke Bridge C. Gitschier thanked the administration for the report and commented report was very well put together. G - Aiken Street Bridge Maintenance Plan C. Gitschier commented report was perfect and what they have been waiting for and thanked administration for report and hope to see more in future. C. Gitschier then moved, seconded by C. Robinson “To request the City Manager ask the state what their plan is for the Hunts Falls Rotary”, So voted. C. Robinson thanked C. Gitschier for the motion as well as Mr. St. Cyr and the City Manager, City Engineer Chang. H - Billerica and Bolton St. Culvert C. Scott commented that she is very grateful for the response and that this is finally moving forward. C. Scott also questioned the timeline of Spring 2026 for culvert replacement and City Engineer Chang explained the timeline that it would be going out to bid and that city applied for grants for repairs and the city did not receive the grants. C. Robinson questioned City Engineer Chang regarding process if there was a failure and it becomes emergency situation it could be streamlined and City Engineer Chang explained because the street is not high volume and somewhat of a dead end it is not a high priority for them. 5.2. Communication - Appointment of Eric Nelson to Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board.  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 Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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. 5.3. Communication - Resignation of Kerry Jenness from Historic Board. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $800k Bridge Investment Project Planning Grant. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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. 6.2. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agreement with Lowell Festival Foundation. In City Council, Read twice, full reading waived without objection. Motion to adopt by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 – Rodenticide. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 4, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. 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 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Environmental and Flood Issues SC January 14, 2025. In City Council, C. Belanger provided report outlining the attendance and the discussion regarding Municipal Vulnerability Plan (MVP) and the Hazardous Mitigation Plan (HMP). Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request permission to address Council regarding waste disposal. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Manuel Homem request installation of a handicap parking sign at 19 South Whipple Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Liza Nieves request installation of handicap parking sign at 1105 Middlesex Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9.4. Misc. - Liza Nieves request installation of "Autism Kids" sign in the area of 1105 Middlesex Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS  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, C. Mercier on behalf of City Council recognized C. Paul “Ratha” Yem’s birthday and presented him with card. C. Jenness announced Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser in light of the Eagle Scouts at Saint Michael’s Church Hall on Saturday February 22, 2025, from 5-7PM. C. Yem thanked the DPW staff for treating the roads, plowing and salting during the snowstorm. Assistant City Manager / DPD Director, Yovanni Baez-Rose announced this Saturday January 25, 2025, from 11AM-2PM at the Lincoln School, 300 Chelmsford St., DPD will be hosting and open house for community discussion for Durkin Park Improvements for public input. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM. ___________________________________ Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk