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 15, 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), 1absent (C. Jenness). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Leo Langlois, Jr. and Betty LeClair. 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. Gitschier. So voted. 2.2. Presentation - Red Cross (Kyle Lopez and Jonathan Goldfield). In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Mr. Lopez (Executive Director) provided presentation entitled American Red Cross Massachusetts” commenting on the mission and the services provided such as blood drives, disaster assistance, fire response and volunteerism. C. Yem noted the importance of the organization.  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 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Economic/Downtown Development SC April 8th; City Council Regular Meeting April 8th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #7.4 out of order. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Loan Order - Rescind Water Loan Order. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. 4.2. Loan Order - Water Infrastructure Improvement. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” 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. 4.3. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 104 - Kennels. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. Sarah Quiqley commented on support for ordinance. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS  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 5.1. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer check out the area at the corner of Appleton Street and the Lord Overpass (from Durkins to Lowell Auto Service and Sales) to establish a no parking from corner to the garage to clear the right turn travel lane. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted that the Transportation Engineer should review and noted the difficulties in the area. C. Nuon noted the area needs some adjustments. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer look into traffic mitigation strategies for Starbird Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Jeanne Winn McKena (commented – on the difficulties in the area), addressed the Council. C. Gitschier noted that there are some needs in the area. 5.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. work with the Lowell Baseball and Softball for the annual parade from the Tsongas area on April 26th. In City Council, C. Gitschier withdrew motion without objections. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department install speed bumps on heavy pedestrian foot traffic throughout the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need to improve pedestrian safety as the many projects in the City will increase foot traffic in many areas. C. Robinson noted that completion of the many projects will increase pedestrian traffic. C. Gitschier noted some improvements are part of the Capital Budget. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the use of some free cash for these projects. C. Belanger commented on the success of speed bumps and questioned what was left in the inventory.  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 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council of any indication the City maybe short-changed by federal funding. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Katelyn Baker (commented – possible negative effect on libraries), addressed the Council. C. Nuon noted the high probability of cutting funds especially with libraries and museums and that the City many have to provide assistance. C. Gitschier questioned the amount of federal funding for the library. C. Scott noted that planning should be done for cuts in federal funding. 5.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a report concerning current and actual receipts relative to the City’s account for speeding and traffic enforcement. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted positive effect of new speed limit being enforced. 5.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a report regarding a breakdown of the 311 program, since implementation, by categories of all residents’ requests utilizing the 311 program vial phone or apps. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted similar motions and that more data collected can be used to improve the system. 5.8. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have the DPD partner with UML to host a regional developer open house to highlight the numerous development opportunities in our urban renewal areas such as JAM/HCID, MBTA Overlay Zone and LINC, and promote the various economic development programs we can offer, as well as, a comprehensive marketing strategy for outreach.  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. Belanger noted the need to market the new opportunities in the City and take a pro-active approach. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. A) Motion Response - Douglas Rd Storage Tank With Flyer – Registered speaker, Lynn Dailey (comment – noted the need for the project and the relief it will provide to the neighborhood), addressed the Council. C. Belanger commented on the importance of the project and the detailed report. C. Gitschier noted that there would be road closures along with this project. Aaron Fox (Water Dept.) noted the planned road closures. Manager Golden, Jr. noted federal money was used on this project as well. B) Motion Response - SchoolDude Workflow Process – C. Gitschier questioned how users are credentialed. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) outlined the procedure. C. Gitschier noted the need to focus on streamlining the process and that tasks were completed. M. Rourke noted the current use of the system. C. Scott commented on prior work order system was not efficient. C. Robinson noted involving the 311 System may address some present challenges. C) Motion Response - Mayoral Proclamations – C. Nuon noted proclamations regarding sexual assault and Cambodian remembrance proclamations. C. Yem noted the proclamation regarding veterans and Cambodian remembrance. Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.3, inclusive by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $1,115 SFPE New England Fire Service 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, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $2,178 EOPSS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. 7.3. Vote - Authorize CM Enter License Agr with Infuse Afro Fusion LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Belanger. 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. 7.4. Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness), 1 recusal (C. Descoteaux). So voted. Derek Pinto (School Finance) noted School Department issues with unpaid bills. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Loan Order - 40 Market 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 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on April 29, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. C. Robinson requested breakdown regarding purchase of site. Manager Golden, Jr. noted negotiations concerning site. C. Gitschier requested Executive Minutes of this issue be released. 8.2. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Parks and Recreation SC April 15, 2025. In City Council, C. Mercier requested matter be put on next week. No objections. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion to bundle Items #10.2 to #10.7, inclusive by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.2. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.3. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 53 Meadowcroft 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 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.4. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main Princeton Boulevard. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.5. National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO Pole at 969 Westford Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.6. National Grid - Request installation of underground facility on Quebec and Blossom Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.7. CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. - Request installation of an underground monitoring well in sidewalk located at 219 East Merrimack Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 6, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, Manager Golden, Jr. mentioned recent favorable media coverage regarding Lowell. C. Robinson recognized First Responder Dispatch Day and recent groundbreaking at St. Louis Park. C. Yem noted the recent article about Lowell and wished all a happy Cambodian New Year.  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 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk