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 11, 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. 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. Chau. So voted. C. Robinson recognized Black History Month and presented citation to Masada Jones who addressed and thanked the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC February 4th; City Council Regular Meeting February 4th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing pole near 11 Crowley Street.  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. Speaking in favor was Atty. Edward Pare (Brown Rudnick) who was representing the petitioner and outlined the project. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #6.2 (Informational Report – 2024 Year in Review) out of order. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide the City Council with a plan for traffic control and on street parking in the area of 463-473 Gorham Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted this area is in the new MBTA District and that there may have to be an amendment of the new ordinance to address parking concerns in that district. C. Scott outlined the area noting the lack of parking. C. Robinson noted the parking situation in the area is not good. M. Rourke noted that this site is still before the land boards within the City. 5.2. C. Gitschier/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. draft a letter asking the state delegation to support legislation, House Bill number HD1721 and Senate Bill SD1477 that would ban rodenticide (SGAR’s) use in Massachusetts. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott commented on the prior public hearing and that the ban should be Statewide. C. Gitschier noted that the delegation is looking for support on this legislation. C. Yem noted importance to support the ban. C. Robinson noted the need to expand the program. 5.3. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. explore and report on funding opportunities for gazebo repairs across the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. 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 5.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. explore and report on funding opportunities for upgrades to the McInerney and the Oliveira Playgrounds. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the need to fund these recreation areas as they wre not included in original funding. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that funding will be brought forward. C. Gitschier questioned available funding by the Conservation Preservation Act (CPA). C. Robinson noted the need for the CPA to fund these recreation areas. 5.5. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. engage UMass Lowell and National Grid in a discussion around the recently canceled National Grid Geothermal Pilot Program to explore what was learned from the work already done, and try to find a path forward for this project or any other alternative energy pilots that may be feasible, with or without National Grid’s assistance. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Sarah Lapp (comment – need answers to what happened), addressed the body. C. Jenness noted disappointment with the decision as there was an opportunity for the area and less energy costs. C. Jenness noted the need for information regarding the decision. C. Yem noted the decision will hurt the neighborhood. C. Gitschier noted the substantial increase in National Grid bills. 5.6. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. re-consider the winter maintenance policy for the riverwalk to include snow and ice removal to keep this important corridor open for our residents throughout the winter months. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Steven Oliver (comment – noted difficulty in area due to storms), addressed the Council. C. Jenness noted the lingering problem and the need for partnership. C. Nuon noted the need to update policy in that area. C. Yem commented on the ownership issue. Manager Golden,  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 Jr. noted meetings with different stakeholders. C. Robinson commented that the DPW must prioritize clean-up in the area. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - ARPA Update – C. Robinson noted that money was disbursed fairly throughout the City which added to the many improvements. C. Jenness noted the breakdown, and the information contained in the report and the investments made in the City that will pay off. C. Nuon noted the efforts of Brendan Flynn (ARPA) and his team in his department. C. Yem recognized the many investments and the ARPA team. Mr. Flynn noted that ARPA funding would not be in jeopardy with possible new regulations. C. Gitschier noted ARPA funds had been used in City for many projects that were not addressed that needed to be. C. Descoteaux requested Item #6.1(E) be taken out of order. No objections. B) Motion Response - Westford St And Stedman St – C. Nuon noted he looked forward to completion of the project. C) Motion Response - Westford Street No Parking – C. Gitschier noted the area was under City control and that it was a good report. D) Motion Response – Cameras – C. Robinson noted the need for upgrades in some area. E) Motion Response - LPD Official Policy Immigration and Customs – C. Nuon noted the report commenting on the need for open dialogue and response in the community. C. Nuon requested that information be put before the community by way of social media.  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 F) Motion Response - Flagpole Solar Lighting at JFK Plaza – C. Gitschier commented on the design. G) Motion Response - Prescott St. Sidewalk Tripping Hazards – C. Jenness noted current projects as well as new projects. H) Motion Response - Bartlett School Chair Lift – C. Belanger noted project was funded. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) provided update of the repair and replacement. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that ADA funding was increased due to the Council efforts. C. Gitschier commented on the number of chair lifts and elevators in the City and questioned how they inspected and repaired and if they are part of any capital funding plan. C. Belanger noted the ADA funding aspect at the Bartlett School. C. Descoteaux noted the school had several programs for students with mobility issues. C. Gitschier question status of some elevators in the City. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that any issues with elevators should be reported through School Dude. I) Motion Response - Tree Trimming Andover Street – C. Belanger noted the project was in the bid process. J) Motion Response - Letter Of Support Boys And Girls Club – C. Robinson noted the need to assist club in being fully developed. 6.2. Informational Reports. Informational Report - 2024 Year in Review – Manager Golden, Jr. Presented the review of the City noting the efforts of the various departments as well as the Moody bond rating which will enable continued growth in the City. Manager presented a video highlighting various projects and events in the past year. Manager provided forecast for 2025 which included various projects, ie. LINC Project with the University and the great number of new housing developing in the City. Manager noted that Lowell is the first city in America to be accepted into the Front Runner City Program and outlined the benefits of that membership. Peter Lally (Lowell Memorial Auditorium) noted the assistance of the City and the partnership  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 which benefited the auditorium. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #7.3 out of order. So voted. C. Yem recognized the importance of the LMA in the City. C. Robinson lauded the presentation, and it was a good summary of all t he efforts in the City. C. Descoteaux noted the importance of membership in the Front Runner Program. C. Descoteaux questioned the increase of local receipts in the Free Cash submission. Conor Baldwin (CFO) indicated that increase was due to ARPA money and investments. C. Descoteaux noted concern with Parking Enterprise Fund. C. Chau noted presentation was good and noted budget award to the finance team. C. Chau expressed support of the LMA. C. Belanger noted the effort put behind the presentation recognized the money being spent on all aspects of government. C. Jenness noted that all departments were responsible for success in the City. C. Scott recognized the efforts of the Manager and the departments and noted the increase in reserve funding. C. Gitschier commented on increase revenues in the City and if that could be sustained. Mr. Baldwin indicated that it could not but the City would be positioned itself for various outcomes. C. Gitschier noted hard decisions must be made regarding enterprise funds in the City. C. Nuon noted the position of the City and that continued work is always needed. C. Nuon noted the efforts of M. Rourke regarding acceptance into the Front Runner Program. M. Rourke noted the efforts of all City Hall departments and the importance of the Front Runner Program. M. Rourke noted the City Council was part of the success of the City. Informational Report - Riverwalk Stakeholders – Shawn Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) noted meetings being held with stakeholders to address concerns in the area. C. Jenness noted the importance of the area to the City. Informational Report - Wastewater (WWTP) Capital Plan Update - MCWT Principal Forgiveness – Aaron Fox (Wastewater) noted recent award of the department and reported on recent savings of 4.1 million dollars by utilizing different funding options for various projects. C. Belanger was impressed with the results and questioned if odor control is being addressed. Mr. Fox indicated as equipment is updated odor will be mitigated. C. Gitschier noted the many projects being done and the effort  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 that takes. Mr. Fox commented on the sewer separation project. C. Robinson noted that updates may be needed for personnel space in the building. Informational Report - GFOA Budget Award FY2025 – Manager Golden, Jr. noted efforts of Mr. Baldwin and his team and also the use of the Clear Gov software. Informational Report - FY26 Budget Instructions – Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that departments were given clear instructions of expectations and that there are goals and challenges to be met. Informational Report - FY2024 Fiscal Year Review With Attachments – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted. Informational Report - FY2025 Free Cash Certification and Explanation – Manager Golden, Jr. requested discussion of this matter would be done under his City presentation. No objections. 6.3. Communication - Resignation of Katy Aronoff from Library Board of Trustees. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $109,314.02 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Award. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, 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. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $84,500 Mass DEP SMRP Grant.  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. 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. 7.3. Vote - FY25 Free Cash Certification and Recommendation. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. 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. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Non-Profit Organization SC February 4, 2025. In City Council, C. Gitschier provided report outlining attendance and discussion regarding Community Connection and their programming and request for partnership with City. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (5) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Gitschier noted many pothole complaints are in Chelmsford Street area.  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 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, M. Rourke noted Lowell High School walk through for the Council. M. Rourke asked for volunteers for the Ad-Hoc Lowell Folk Festival SC and noted and named C. Nuon, C. Jenness and C. Belanger to the committee. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk