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: April 8, 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. Jenness. So voted. M. Rourke presented citation to Antoine Jackman in recognition of his wrestling accomplishments for the Greater Lowell Vocational School. Coach Cassidy of the Lowell Voke commented on Mr. Jackman and the support he had. Mr. Jackman thanked the Council. C. Gitschier noted Mr. Jackman and his community. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 1st, 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. Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened. Motion “To continue hearing until April 22, 2025 at 7 PM” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Cheryl Calavritinos spoke in opposition of the order noting she represented a lot of the neighbors and that there was concern regarding the public way. M. Rourke noted that the order is solely dealing with abandoning 21 square feet to correct a title issue. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #5.9 out of order. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with the unaccounted water numbers for calendar years, 2022, 2023 and 2024 as reported to the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). 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 a report outlining how many water main breaks the City has repaired since July 1, 2023, did a contractor or the City staff make the repair, the date of the repair and the size of the water main repaired. (Refiled from 2/25/25) In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with the last three years of fire hydrant inspections done by the Lowell Fire Department during their annual inspections. (Refiled from 3/11/25)  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. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a list of fire hydrants replaced, their location and date they were replaced over the last three years. (Refiled from 3/11/25) In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.5. C. Gitschier - Req, Mayor call an Executive Session for the purpose of outlining the negotiation procedure, the goals, and the language to be bargained on behalf of the City Council by the Manager for the Auditor’s contract. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson) 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Gitschier noted it was important to set some parameters for the Manager regarding these negotiations. 5.6. C. Mercier - Req. Parks and Recreation SC hold a meeting with the Board of Parks to revisit some proposed policy changes regarding tournament fees and liability insurance. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to Parks and Recreation SC. So voted. C. Mercier noted the updates being done by the Board of Parks. 5.7. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide update on sidewalk on Douglas Road from the Reilly School to Cawley Stadium. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger note the changes in the area. 5.8. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. send a letter to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, with a copy to our  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 state delegation, in support of the City Council’s endorsement of the following bills: Bill H.3306 and Bill S. 2153 (An Act of Establishing the Fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day). In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.9. C. Descoteaux -Req. City Mgr. provide an update on the installation of sidewalks on Campbell and Fleming Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Catherine Dillon, (commented – on history and survey regarding the sidewalks), addressed the Council. C. Descoteaux noted prior discussions and safety concerns regarding the area and that data should be updated. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the surveys done and are compiling costs and working with the school department. C. Gitschier noted that safety is the paramount concern. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #6.1(B) out of order. So voted. 5.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide options to create shade improvement opportunities at City playgrounds. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need to use space for shade. C. Scott noted it was important to provide some coverage. C. Gitschier noted the need for a Tree Committee in the City. 5.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide possible solutions to address the increase of commercial yellow school busses being parked on public ways throughout Centralville. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the motion should cover the entire City as it is a  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 safety concern. C. Scott noted the issue is present with large commercial vehicles as well. C. Descoteaux noted that all transportation contracts do not allow busses to be parked on City streets. C. Scott noted that some alternatives could be explored regarding parking. C. Chau noted issue was present throughout the City. C. Robinson noted best cause of action is to clear out those vehicles. Gitschier noted the use of the 311 System on this issue. 5.12. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on the re-installation/installation of speed bumps in the Centralville District. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted success and the need for continued use. 5.13. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department report on the status of the old Centralville Social Club. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. A) Motion Response - National Vietnam Veterans Day – Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier to have City Manager request LTC provide coverages for all veterans' events. C. Yem noted the actions taken thus far. B) Motion Response - Smith Baker – Registered speaker Owen Kelly, (commented – building is a cultural landmark that should be preserved), addressed the Council. C. Yem noted the speaker and supported the Request for Proposal (RFP). Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to discuss the parameters in Executive Session before releasing to  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 public. Failed on Roll Call vote 4 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. City Solicitor Corey Williams noted it was not the best practice regarding RFPs. C. Gitschier noted that this reason was covered under Open Meeting Law regulations. C. Belanger noted report regarding the RFP and the removal of hazardous materials. Camilo Espitia (DPD) commented on the procedure for including hazardous materials in RFPs. M. Rourke indicated it was not a good idea for this to be in Executive Session. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #6.2 (NMCOG Annual Report) out of order. So voted. C) Motion Response - Letter To Joint Committee On Education – M. Rourke indicated he would bring this before the School Committee. 6.2. Informational Reports. Informational Report - MassDOT RT 110 Paving Project RRFB Request – Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the scope of the project and the effect it will have on commuters. C. Yem noted the need to maintain a safe road. Informational Report - LHS Update From Skanska – James Dowd (Skanska) provided a report regarding discovery of issues regarding rehabilitation project that would extend the completion date and raise costs associated with it. Mr. Dowd noted issue with basement floor that was not discovered at beginning of project that needs to be addressed, and this will cause extension of time in remaining phases. Mr. Dowd noted the conversation with School Department and that they are compiling costs which should be identified in June. Mr. Dowd noted that the contingency in the budget will not cover these costs and that must be addressed. C. Gitschier questioned how the problem arose and that better procedures should have been used to identify potential issues at the onset of the demolition. C. Gitschier noted that the City must seek additional resources to cover the overage and that has to be done through state delegation 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 Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). M. Rourke requested ballpark figure for costs and Mr. Dowd indicated that pricing is being done, and he could not provide that until June. M. Rourke noted the need to have final number to seek reimbursement from MSBA. C. Descoteaux noted displeasure with the information and that vendor failure was the issue. C. Belanger noted the need for better evaluation before setting the budget. Manager Golden, Jr. commented they would begin efforts for reimbursement immediately. C. Scott noted the lack in professional standards and that problem should have been known beforehand as the site was flooded many times. C. Mercier indicated that a new school should have been built as there would be less problems and would be completed by now. C. Gitschier noted the failures now the City must go to the state delegation and MSBA for assistance. Informational Report – Parks – Manager Golden, Jr. noted this was part of spot lighting each department noting the analysis done with working a comprehensive plan. Shannon Cohan (DPW-Parks) updated Council regarding department operations with facilities, parks, fields, illegal dumping, splash pads, pools and list of partners. C. Yem noted the North Common Park. Mr. Cohan indicated work was being done on that site. C. Belanger noted report and the amount of man hours that are spent. C. Mercier noted the report and the action taken. C. Chau recognized the efforts of the department. C. Jenness noted the work was important to the public. C. Scott indicated that the parks were in a much-improved condition. C. Gitschier noted challenges with manpower and that irrigation procedures could be done by outside vendors. Mr. Cohan noted the increase in equipment to assist with that function. C. Gitschier noted the need for efficiency. C. Belanger questioned status of fields before season. Mr. Cohan noted work has already begun on those fields. Informational Report - NMCOG Annual Report – Jennifer Raitt (Northern Middlesex Council of Governments – NMCOG) provided the annual report outlining the organization, members, work with Lowell, regional collaboration and what is next for them. C. Jenness noted the information was important. C. Gitschier noted interest in community approach for housing. C. Yem noted the same models in other communities and how  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 information is shared. Ms. Raitt commented on the sharing of ideas with other communities. C. Nuon noted the importance of the organization in terms of housing issues. Informational Report - City of Lowell Tax Exemption Programs – Conor Baldwin (CFO) provided report outlining the many tax emption programs available in the City. C. Yem noted it was good information available to the public. Motion to bundle and waive second reading Items #7.1, 7.3 and 7.4 by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Authorize CM Execute Annual Action Plan FY25-26. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, 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 - Increase Cost of Living Adjustment for City of Lowell Retirees. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. 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 abstain (C. Descoteaux). So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by Nuon to take Item #6.2 (LHS Update from Skanska). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Transfer $140,750 – Cemetery. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (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 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 - Transfer $250k - Overlay Surplus. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, 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. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8, 2025. In City Council, C. Jenness provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding the BID proposed program for downtown Lowell. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 9. PETITIONS 9.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Annette Tourville request installation of handicap parking sign at 776 Lakeview Avenue parking lot (A.G. Hardware). In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 9.3. Misc. - Infuse Afro Fushion (Munah Carmina Slopadoe) request installation of an overhanging sign at 11 Kearney Square. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, 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 9.4. Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above ground generators for a total of an additional 24,000 gallons stored on site at One Markley Way. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Failed per Roll Call vote 11 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. Registered speaker, Jake Fortes (commented – request City Council visit site and do homework), addressed the Council. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer matter to Environmental and Flood Issues SC. So voted. C. Scott noted concerns with request especially regarding environment. C. Mercier requested sign off by the Fire Department. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Nuon noted a Journey of Reembrace event in addition to a Merrimack Valley Food Band event. M. Rourke commented on Erastus Mwangi, his aide, regarding recent health condition. 11. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk