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 18, 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 James F. McMahon (former Dept. Supt. LPS). 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. C. Robinson in recognition of Black History Month presented citation to Darryn Grooms (LFD). Mr. Grooms recognized his family and thanked the Council. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting February 11th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS  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 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer back to City Manager for further review by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. C. Robinson noted that this would have negative effect on some small business. Lisa Golden (HHS) outlined the ordinance and commented on the number of businesses in the City and that the fee would be needed to cover city services to these businesses. C. Descoteaux suggested staggering those increases of time. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with an update on MBTA property clean-up in the Middlesex Street area and the Merrimack River. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts use for the property located at 475/477 Varnum Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide current policy on whose responsibility is the maintenance and upkeep of walkways in front of our businesses. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide information on what is the reasonable expectation of time for addressing winter precipitation on public areas utilized as bus stops for our students and residents, i.e., Eagle Park.  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. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted that there are several factors involved with a storm but there must be an attempt to adhere to established guidelines. C. Descoteaux commented on the priorities set by the DPW working with City and schools. C. Gitschier commented on the condition of the employee parking lot. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the issue with that lot and the number of cars that were not moved. C. Descoteaux noted the number of cars that are not being moved during the ban. C. Gitschier recognized the difficulty of the storm and the importance of using route checkers. C. Robinson requested that if possible clear out drain basins in front of homes. C. Belanger commented on the effort throughout the storm. Manager Golden, Jr. requested that snow not be moved back onto street from residences. 5.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a detailed DPW chart including a breakdown of divisional responsibilities. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted that breakdown will give some clarity to the operations. 5.6. C. Mercier - Req. Mayor enter into negotiations with the City Manager and City Council, in Executive Session, to discuss extending his contract, pay scale, etc. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred as amended to Mayor. So voted. Motion to amend to for a three-year extension by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. Motion to Adopt as amended by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 4 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. C. Mercier confirmed that the City Manager wish to continue beyond the current contract and noted the many projects in the works moving towards completion that needs strong leadership and also  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 commented on the positive relationship between Manager and employees. C. Gitschier noted all discussions should be done in public. C. Robinson noted support for the Manager but that there was too much time left on his current contract to enter into renegotiations. C. Gitschier questioned the cost for this extension and would not put that on taxpayers. C. Nuon noted work of Manager and that there was too much left on current contract. C. Jenness noted the timing of this and if passed he would support the Manager. C. Gitschier questioned if a contract to city employee could go beyond five years. 5.7. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have Health Department investigate and report on Ideal Tape’s immediate plan to reduce toxic emissions at their Middlesex Street facility. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux noted the need to hear from the company regarding circumstances surrounding the toxic emissions. 5.8. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. update as to potential development in the HCID District. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need for project to be constantly on the radar. C. Gitschier commented that any interest in the district should be done through Executive Session. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that there was much interest in the parcels and that he would bring forth report in Executive Session. 5.9. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have CFO provide a breakdown of outstanding debt for the City by fund and by type, including breakdown of debt outstanding for the LHS project and all other MSBA school repair projects. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted report would give some clarity to debt moving forward.  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. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. A) Motion Response - Possible Lighting at Centralville Mural – C. Robinson commented on plan moving forward. C. Yem suggested use of solar power. B) Motion Response - Drafting Delivery Ordinance Cannabis Industry –Motion to refer to Cannabis Control SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need to be in compliance with state regulations. C) Motion Response - Supreme Court Decisions – C. Jenness noted the report and requested quick overview. Atty. Thomas Wood (2nd. Ass. City Sol.) provided insights of three pressing decisions. C. Jenness noted the presentation was informative. C. Yem questioned use of private social media versus Council media. D) Motion Response - Local Business Announcement – Motion to refer to Rules SC by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. E) Motion Response - Business District Bridge St and Third St – C. Robinson noted the appearance of the DPD at Centralville Neighborhood Group. F) Motion Response - River's Edge Project – C. Scott commented on the progress in the matter. G) Motion Response - Ban Rodenticide – C. Gitschier noted the correspondence. 6.2. Informational 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 Informational Report - Problem Properties – Llyod DeJesus (Insp. Services) outlined the development of the project and software with the assistance of Haley Spellenberg from UMass-Lowell. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized the contribution of Ms. Spellenberg with the project. C. Belanger noted the service of Ms. Spellenberg C. Scott noted the project moving forward in implementing a three-strike rule. Shawn Machado (Ass. City Mgr.) noted protocol regarding numerous violations. 6.3. Communication - Appointment of Lucia Walker to Historic Board. 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. 6.4. Communication - City Mgr. request approval of (1) Out of State Travel Mayor/Manager. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, 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. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1.Vote - Authorize CM Approve Contracts for EPA Brownfields Grant. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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. C. Gitschier questioned the date regarding grants. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted grants are type that are reimbursable.  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 - Apply/Accept/Expend Division of Ecological Restoration Grant. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, 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, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem). So voted. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Create New Chapter 268 - Wage Theft. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on March 4, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. C. Mercier questioned reasoning behind ordinance. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated it was part of due diligence. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel SC February 18, 2025. In City Council, C. Scott requested to provide report next week. No objections. 9.2. Wire Insp. - New Cingular Wireless (d/b/a AT&T) request installation of 1 wireless small cell facility on existing pole near 11 Crowley Street. In City Council, Motion “To accept and adopt the accompanying order” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 10.2. Misc. - Debra Potter request installation of a handicap parking sign at 39 Robbins Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 10.3. Misc. - Emile Kaufman request permission to discuss with Council regarding the condition of the Artillery Piece at the Lowell (War) Memorial Auditorium; Boston Pilot Food Cart; and Council ballot. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Mr. Kaufman commented on each item. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Belanger noted upcoming 25th annual WinterFest. C. Yem noted effort with clearing up after recent storm. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercie. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk