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: February 4, 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, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Margaret Lenzi and Avra Skrekas. C. Jenness requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for William Crewe, Jr. 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 City Council Regular Meeting January 28th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 - Rodenticide.  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 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. Speaking in favor of the ordinance: Ryan Oates – must not injure other species; Andrew Kollar – City can lead by example with responsible rodent control; Jane Newhouse – seen the effects on other animals; Joanne Dawson – important to abolish it for safety reasons; Emily Tornado – read into record correspondence from Crystal Arnot supporting the ban; Mellissa Exphalt – noted negative effects of the poison; Ruth Potvin noted there could be control of rodents through more reasonable methods; and Diane Poul – need common sense approach. C. Robinson commented on various options available to control rodents. C. Gitschier read into record correspondence from Friends of Horn Pond, Inc. and the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. C. Jenness read into record correspondence of Mass Audubon. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore the pros and cons of implementation of S.3005 “automated traffic enforcement cameras on school busses” in our community. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson described law and operation. C. Descoteaux noted prior issues with request but they may be resolved. 5.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore a “local business announcement” section to our City Council Agenda. In City Council, seconded by C. Belanger, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion to refer to Rules SC by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. C. Robinson noted how it would work on an agenda to promote and market businesses. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated current programs in the communications division for new and existing businesses.  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 5.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore ways to improve lighting in area of West 6th and Jewett Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson outlined the area. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the Lowell Police Department provide their official policy for interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and how they plan to communicate that policy to the Lowell community. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on changes in the federal policies have put fear in the community and that there should be a review of the policy for the City. 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide a report on the feasibility of increasing the current Community Preservation Act surcharge, and an outline of the process necessary to implement a change in the surcharge amount. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted history of the act and the need to increase fees to support the many proposed housing projects. 5.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer address traffic calming measures on East Merrimack Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted street was used as a cut through and that speeding is an issue. 5.7. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. update Council on elevator installation and estimated rehab costs at the Jeanne D’Arc School.  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. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to acquire the property and is requesting costs to bring it online. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that an RFP for construction management company has been done and awaiting results. 5.8. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. assess the condition of the roof at Pawtucketville Memorial School and provide a report on any necessary repairs, including potential costs and funding options. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted the need to understand costs as this will not be funded by the state. C. Scott noted that this has been an issue for some time. 5.9. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. report on who is responsible for assigning resident service requests, the expected timeframe for their completion, and who ensures the data reports are generated and monitored to confirm requests are completed within expected timeframe. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted that the 311 system has arrived and there must be procedures to be followed. 5.10. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide a comparison of other MSBA projects of similar size to Lowell High School, including details on the use of contingency funds; report should outline the original contingency budget, actual usage and reasons for any variances. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott commented the need to ensure any change orders are warranted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses.  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. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - Solar LED Streetlights – C. Yem noted the report was useful. B) Motion Response - LPD Cell Block Mold and Dirt Cleaning – C. Mercier commented on the work done and the clean-up. C. Gitschier noted the importance of cleaning the duct work as well. C) Motion Response - Downtown Lowell BID – Motion to refer to Economic/Downtown Development SC by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. D) Motion Response - Contact Governor, Federal And State Delegation Funding LTLC – C. Gitschier hopes they will respond. C. Robinson noted the need for assistance has the City helps surrounding communities as well. C. Jenness noted that homelessness has increased but not state budgeted money to assist with the issue. C. Gitschier noted that the City made use of ARPA money for this issue and that should be noted. E) Motion Response - Letter To Congress Support For Homeless – C. Nuon hoped that the letter will generate assistance from the federal level. C. Robinson noted the need to keep reaching out for this assistance. 6.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - Budget Listening Session – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the information sessions for the public. C. Nuon noted it was a positive endeavor to get information to public throughout the City. C. Jenness requested notice be put out on City social media in different languages. C. Robinson noted that there may need to be make up date due to possible weather. C. Belanger noted the effort for transparency. Informational Report – CPA – Motion to refer to Joint Neighborhoods and Finance SC by Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. 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 Informational Report - LHS SBC Update and CO Log – Jim Dowd (Skanska) reported on the updates to issues at the high school, including leaks and mold, locks, elevator, control panels, bleachers, overhead doors, locker rooms, pump leaks, mirrors, and wall paint. Mr. Dowd indicated that there would be quarterly reports to the Council. C. Descoteaux noted concern with change orders and the contingency fund. Mr. Dowd commented on unforeseen issues and described them and noted that other funding may be available to not go over the contingency budget. C. Belanger noted the repairs done which will benefit student welfare as well as his concern with budget. C. Gitschier noted that money is being used to maintain or repair warranty covered issues and that should be City responsibility not the contractor, as that is wasting tax money. C. Gitschier noted the City must be involved in the process as each phase is done in terms of maintaining and inspecting the project. C. Jenness noted that repairs being done as eased the concern of staff members. C. Jenness noted the need to thoroughly review any change orders. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that all changes should be done through School Dude software. 6.3. Communication - Resignation of James Hall Jr. from Veterans Commission. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept Gift of $5,000 from Champion Drywall – LPD. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, 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 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $79,100 MLCGP Federal Grant – MIS. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $8,788.89 MLCGP State Grant – MIS. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Convey Portion of 91 Pevey Street to Thompson Family Trust. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on February 18, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 8.2. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TTF Zone - Rivers Edge Road. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer Planning Board for report and recommendation (3/3/25) then to Public Hearing on March 11, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, 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 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Non-Profit Organization SC February 4, 2025. In City Council, C. Gitschier requested to provide report next week. No objections. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation and draft ordinance by C. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 11. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 11.1. Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Possible Acquisition Of Property At 40 Market Street, Public Discussions Of Which May Have Detrimental Effect On Negotiating Position Of The City; And Further, To Consider And Discuss Ongoing Negotiations Relative To Lowell’s Frontrunner City Designation. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. (8:20 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Belanger. 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 Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:43 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk