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: March 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 10 present (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested a moment of silence in darkened chamber for Jeanne L. Osborn and Arthur Tingas. M. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for George Merritt, Sr. 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. Descoteaux. So voted. M. Rourke presented citations to Amelyia Martinez and Sherri Sharrouf. Both address the Council thanking them and also recognized their families for support they showed them. C. Descoteaux noted accomplishments of Ms. Martinez and further noted she was his goddaughter. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC March 11th; City Council Regular Meeting March 11th, for acceptance.  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. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Order - Taking and Acceptance of Delaware Avenue. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. Atty. Brian Leahy spoke in favor noting it was very small land area that need to be addressed. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Yem/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department develop and implement a beautification program from Gallagher Terminal through downtown. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted citizen concern and prior motion, and that area can not be neglected. C. Scott commented the need to maintain area as it is a gateway to the City. C. Scott questioned if the adopt-an-island program is still in operation. C. Gitschier noted that there is a maintenance contract for the area that should be reviewed. 5.2. C. Yem/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department expand the hanging of Hometown Heroes Banners along the new Thorndike Street corridor. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem commented on the expansion possibilities. C. Scott lauded the program and that it should be expanded. 5.3. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on the status of the anticipated timeline of opening of the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.  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. Scott requested update. 5.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. direct the appropriate department to explore the feasibility of establishing a year-round outdoor marketplace in Lowell, including potential locations and costs. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted idea by way of the Toronto trip and that it would add vibrancy to the area. C. Belanger noted it was a good idea, and it would help the downtown economy. C. Descoteaux commented it was a great concept to benefit the City. C. Yem noted there are several of these throughout the country. 5.5. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide updated timeline for installation of the wastewater tank at the Cawley Stadium parking lot. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted neighborhood concerns and the need for accurate timeline. 5.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a detailed, in-depth report of tree planting/replacement plan at the Reservoir. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted concern for loss of trees and control of the heat index in the community. 5.7. C. Robinson - Reg. City Mgr. have the proper department explore improving Gage Field including the addition of irrigation. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted prior discussion and earmark of funds. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the existence of earmark funds for the 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 5.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on the status of the DPW cemetery garage improvements. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the importance of the department and the services they provide with limited resources. C. Mercier noted that public uses the facility and that it should be upgraded. 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. Chau. So voted. A) Motion Response - 2025 Election – Motion to refer to Rules & Election Law SC by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. C. Robinson noted the report. William Rosenberry (Dir. of Elections) provided report regarding upcoming elections commenting primary date and polling locations. Mr. Rosenberry noted the efforts and communications put into setting dates and locations and being wary of statutory requirements as well. C. Belanger commented on the locations. C. Gitschier noted the use of the Senior Center. Mr. Rosenberry noted his discussions regarding that site and others and that there may be some limitations that would need to be addressed. Mr. Rosenberry requested body set the date and other matters could be discussed in the subcommittee. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by Robinson to set the City of Lowell preliminary election for September 9, 2025. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on vote by mail incorporated in a tax bill mailing. C. Nuon noted decrease in voter participation and that should be addressed year-round. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that using different partners voted education would be done year-round. Mr. Rosenberry commented on the use of multi-languages in all aspects of elections. B) Motion Response - Online Census – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer to Rules & Election Law SC. So voted. C. Scott recognized the use of an outside vendor. Mr. Rosenberry noted 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 developing of a delivery system to ease burden on resources. Austin Ball (Asst. CFO) noted funding by way of free cash for that vendor. C. Yem commented on changes on form. C) Motion Response - 1190 Pawtucket Blvd – C. Mercier noted possible use by veterans. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted there is a flexible use with the RFP and that there will be a change of zoning for the site. D) Motion Response – CPA – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem to refer to joint Neighborhoods/Finance SC. So voted. C. Nuon noted increase surcharge will increase revenues to be distributed and that the committee would need to be involved with any increase in surcharges. E) Motion Response - Commercial Vacancy – C. Nuon noted the report and letter sent to owners with vacancies. Allison Carter (DPD) commented on responses from letters and the plan to send second letter. C. Belanger questioned the tracking system for these buildings. Ms. Carter commented on tracking data and its use. C. Yem noted there were many properties. Manager Golden, Jr. noted purpose was not punishment but for action. C. Mercier noted financial hardships and that taxes should be up to date if there is to be assistance, program should be used to have ownership do something with the buildings. F) Motion Response - Capital Plan Reilly School Gym - None. G) Motion Response - Gazebo Repairs – C. Scott noted the work to be done. H) Motion Response - H91 Act To Modernize Funding Community Media Programming – C. Nuon noted the letter of support sent. 6.2. Informational Report/Informational Report - Open Space and Recreation Plan – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer to Parks and Recreation SC. So voted. Ms. Baez-Rose introduced Jess Wilson (DPD) who provided the open space plan updates, community engagement, maintenance and access. C. Robinson noted the report and  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 importance of maintenance and rating system. C. Gitschier noted maintenance must be number one priority, also must set goals with community involvement. 6.3. Communication - Resignation of Joyce Dastou from Council on Aging. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 6.4. Communication - Reappointments to Council on Aging. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. The following were reappointed to the Council on Aging: Maxine Farcas; Judith Huber; Molyka Ting; Gilda James; and Frank Boskin. 7. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 290 - Flood Plain Overlay. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Planning Board (4/24/25) and then to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Gitschier requested that changes be red lined. 7.2. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Body Art License. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 1, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Non-Profit Organization SC March 11, 2025.  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. Gitschier provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding The Bridge Club (Robert Cox) and their contributions to the community. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 8.2. Municipal Facilities SC March 18, 2025. In City Council, C. Belanger requested matter be referred to next week. No objections. 8.3. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request installation of (1) SO Pole on Hayes Avenue. In City Council, Motion to adopt and accept the accompanying order by C. Mercier seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claims - (1) Personal Injury; (6) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. C. Mercier questioned City liability on some claims. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none.  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. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk