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 25, 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. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Municipal Facilities SC March 18th; City Council Regular Meeting March 18th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS 4.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Clerk release the minutes from Executive Session pertaining to HCID Parcels 2, 3, 4 and 5. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Clerk. 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 4.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department remove the landscape rock placed in the island between the Reilly School and the Sullivan School in the parking lot and replace with loam and grass. In City Council, seconded by C. Belanger, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the location was not suitable for the area and it should be moved and replaced. 4.3. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the Law Department provide a draft panhandling ordinance that preserves First Amendment protections. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need for a compromise approach in order to protect First Amendment rights. C. Gitschier commented that actions can be restricted and outlined several examples within other ordinances. 4.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide options to incorporate school/facility issues into our Lowell 311 Communication System. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the positive start with the 311 System and that it could help with school repairs and upgrades. C. Nuon noted the system can be used and expanded for the schools. M. Rourke noted School Dude program in place and that best system should be used. 4.5.C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on the Shattuck Street cobblestone replacement project i.e., warranty on work performed. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the pavement was in tough shape after the winter. C. Gitschier questioned status of warranty and requested report regarding that.  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 4.6. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the law department amend 266-85, Reserved Dwelling Parking Space to eliminate section G. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the exclusion for a specific neighborhood which is not fair and that residents in the Back Central area requested change. 4.7. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. work with proper department to select a location for a dog park in Belvidere. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the neighborhood association requested the park. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - Kennels Ordinance – Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Law Department to prepare draft ordinance. So voted. C. Robinson noted results, and that the administration took business interests into account. B) Motion Response - Tuskegee Airmen – C. Yem noted report and how the City recognizes the event. 5.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - ARPA Public Art Projects Final – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on partnership with Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association. Peter Crewe (CASE) outlined the public art projects throughout the City by a variety of artists. Informational Report - Cambodia Town Public Art Project – Mr. Crewe  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 noted the project and outlined the work and the fundraising. Mr. Crewe commented how the artist would be selected. C. Nuon commented on finished project and where it will be located. C. Yem recognized the Lowell Cultural Council for their assistance. C. Nuon commented on the piece of art will be mobile and can be located throughout the City. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #10.1 out of order and accept the minutes in the public session. So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $144,900 Mass Cultural Council FY25 Gaming Mitigation Grant. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.2. Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $979,120 MVP Action Grant. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.3. Vote - Approve TIE Agreement - 291 Jackson Street, LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. C. Gitschier noted that the developer was given too much allowance and that these were valuable assets going out the door not a full value at a cost to the taxpayers. Ellen Brideau (Assessor) commented on the projected amounts of the total TIE and TIF for savings to the developer. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that any municipal development would include TIE 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 TIF and that these were reasonable in time and amount and was recommended by the consultant the City had hired to review property. C. Gitschier noted that the City had no say in the new developer and that public should have been involved. C. Jenness commented on the effort to get to this point and that it was normal business dealings to use TIE and TIF agreements. C. Robinson noted the project blew up because of the developer and this is not the project the City wants and that the parcels should have been clawed back. C. Belanger noted the long history of the project, and most has been without action. C. Belanger noted the agreement was developed with the assistance of experts the City hired. C. Mercier echoed comments of C. Belanger. C. Gitschier noted project provides little to no jobs. C. Chau noted his support and that it would stir economic development. C. Nuon indicated it was a frustrating project, and that this opportunity must be seized and move forward. M. Rourke noted the same discussion would be for Item #6.4; 6.5; 6.6; and 6.7 and requested they be bundled and second reading waived. No objections. 6.4. Vote - Approve TIE Agreement - 341 Jackson Street, LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.5. Vote - Approve TIF Agreement - 291 Jackson Street LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.6. Vote - Approve TIF Agreement - 341 Jackson Street LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C.  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 Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.7. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. LDA with Lupoli Companies LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 6.8. Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 8, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Municipal Facilities SC March 18, 2025. In City Council, C. Belanger provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding rehab of firehouses throughout the City. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 8.2. Technology and Utilities SC March 25, 2025. In City Council, C. Jenness requested matter be referred to next week. No objections.  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. PETITIONS 9.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Bryan Molinari request permission to address City Council regarding the hiring of an arborist. In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Mr. Molinari addressed the Council noting City could do a better job with tree management. C. Robinson noted some issues involve public utilities. C. Gitschier noted his prior motions addressing the issue. C. Mercier noted the speaker. 9.3. Misc. - CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. (Lowell Car Care Facility) request access right of way to property located at 219 East Merrimack Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 9.4. Misc. - Peter Mlaguzi request removal of handicap parking sign located at 12/14 Bellevue Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. Executive Session - Review/Accept/Release of City Council Executive Session Minutes: March 11, 2025; March 4, 2025; November  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 26, 2024; October 29, 2024; September 24, 2024; September 10, 2024; August 13, 2024; July 23, 2024; and May 21, 2024. In City Council, Motion to adopt and release above set of Executive Minutes by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 present (C. Belanger). 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem commented on upcoming event. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk