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 22, 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 moment of silence in darkened chamber for Jorge Mario Bergoglio Pope Francis. C. Yem also requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for William Joseph Tanguay. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 2.2. Informational - Chris Porter (Porter Productions, LLC) regarding Town and City Festival. Speaker: Chris Porter provided information regarding the 6th edition of the Town and City Festival which will be held this weekend Thursday April 24 through Saturday April 26th. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 2.3. Vote - City Manager Employment Agreement. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem)2 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. C. Gitschier stated why he voted the way he did. C. Scott noted they did have a conversation during the Personnel SC that the contract does not limit us making performance goals and that there is a meeting set up in May to meet with the Collins Center. Solicitor Williams agrees that this contract does not limit the City Council on assigning performance goal to the City Manager or using updated evaluation tools. C. Gitschier stated that would have to be negotiated back and forth with the Council and the City Manager as was stated by the past City Solicitor during a meeting we had when I was Chairman of the Auditor/Clerk Sub/Committee. C. Gitschier also stated any change from what current one is would have to be negotiated and agreed upon by both. 2.4. Vote - Reappoint City Auditor Kelly Oakes. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. C. Gitschier commented he asked to have these conversations not in the public and stated the City Auditor is phenomenal employee. C. Gitschier also stated back in July this position got a 6.5 percent increase to that position and now we are looking 28.2 percent since September as well as retro. City Manager Golden clarified that there will be no retro pay, or COLA increase this July 2025. C. Gitschier questioned if there was a change to the contract because as it is written Retro and COLA are in there. Solicitor Williams commented that the vote would be on the contract as amended with the changes the city manager mentioned. After further discussion the vote was taken as amended to remove retro pay and COLA increase for July 2025 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.  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 Parks and Recreation SC April 15th; City Council Regular Meeting April 15th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. (Continued from April 8, 2025) In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing continued. Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1.C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. send a letter to our state delegation and the Speaker of the House in opposition of House Bill number 2347 (Yes, In God’s Back Yard), relative to zoning ordinances and taxation of land owned by religious sects or denominations for multi- family housing. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 abstain (C. Nuon), 1 nay (C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. Speakers : Chris Offerman spoke for Ryan Oates and read his statement in opposition to the motion and support of House Bill 2347. Robert Hunt spoke in support of the motion and opposition to House Bill 2347. Mitchell Paulin spoke in opposition to the motion but in favor of House Bill 2347. Joseph Boyle spoke in opposition to the motion and in favor of House Bill 2347. Lynne Dailey spoke in support of the motion and opposition to House Bill 2347. William Nichols spoke in favor of the motion and opposition to House  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 Bill 2347 as written. C. Gitschier commented there has been no collaboration with the state delegation with City Council or the city. C. Gitschier also commented that the bill is talking about the suburban areas which the bill does not state. C. Gitschier urged his colleagues not to support bill. C. Robinson commented the maker of the bill is not here to clarify or co sponsors and if it was bill, they felt deeply about why they are not here to justify or clarify. C. Robinson stated yes, we need housing, but we need the right type of housing, and I cannot support. M. Rourke stated Representative Howard reached out to him today and requested we send this to the Housing Subcommittee so they can come to explain but will wait for the rest of the council to comment. C. Scott commented on her support of the motion and feels that instead of fixing suburban zoning issues 2 acre lots and other issues such as empty state buildings here in the city and using them for housing this bill gives special treatment to some groups. C. Scott also stated that she doesn't believe religion belongs in our zoning laws. C. Descoteaux commented while we need housing should focus on what grows our tax base to not shrink it. C. Descoteaux also commented on how vague the language is. C. Chau commented that he shares many of the concerns as his colleagues and will support the motion on the floor. C. Belanger also commented that he has huge concerns with the bill and sees lots of consequences. C. Mercier commented she does not support the bill but supports C. Gitschier's motion. C. Nuon commented on all the things the city has done with respect to the housing crisis. C. Nuon would like to grant the state an opportunity to come explain because the bill as written has lots of flaws and concerns. C. Yem commented that he would support the motion to send a letter to the state delegation. M. Rourke then made a motion seconded by C. Nuon "To send the motion to the Housing Subcommittee to discuss further with state delegation", Defeated per roll call vote 2 yeas (C. Nuon, C. Yem), 8 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke), 1 absent (C. Jenness). So voted. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. update the City Council on facilities staff being assigned to Lowell High School full time.  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. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented he is just looking for an update regarding the funding that was put aside to get this going. City Manager Golden said their intention is to bring with the FY 2026 budget. 5.3. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update with anticipated timeline on draft of construction employment ordinance. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson asked where we are in this process and when will we see a draft. 5.4. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department install a convex traffic mirror at the corner of Butterfield and Fletcher Streets to improve sightlines and reduce the risk of accidents. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem explained Butterfield St. Is a one-way street from Mt Vernon to Fletcher St. And at that corner with the building that is there visibility is tough. C. Mercier commented a constituent called her and they would like one of the signs that show someone crossing the street placed on the pole 5.5. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. update on the progress of a Facilities Department. In City Council, seconded by C. Belanger, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux asked where we are in the process and City Manager Golden explained they are working on it hopefully in the next couple of weeks they will bring it forward as it is a two-step process where it would be voted on here and then take place in front of School Committee. 5.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on Shedd Park Pavilion repairs and upgrades. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented he had been over there and still in pretty rough  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 shape and needs concrete repairs as well as roof repairs so if they could take a look and hopefully get repair with FY 26 Budget. 5.7. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department come up with a plan to revitalize Central Street from Gorham to Elm Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott stated this corridor has a lot of potential and that couple businesses reached out complaining about the condition of the sidewalks and if we want small businesses to thrive, we have to make this a better area. 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. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - LPD Current and Actual Receipts C. Nuon thanked City Manager Golden and Chief Hudon for the report and asked for a follow up report regarding how much is spent on each and speeding enforcement a break down in terms of speeding and traffic enforcement. B) Motion Response - Andover Street C. Belanger thanked for the response and asked Ms. Oltman, Transportation Engineer regarding construction timeline which states 2026 and remaining concrete. Ms. Oltman stated Mass DOT has been told of city position with respect to it remaining concrete and Mass DOT has made it clear that the cost of remaining concrete is very expensive and that they will only be able to patch panels in the most critical condition and seal joints. Ms. Oltman also stated Mass DOT will not be proving any additional funding for crossings, ADA ramps or sidewalks only concrete maintenance. C. Nuon commented Mass DOT respects our decision and moving forward we need to look at new crosswalks and ADA ramps and sidewalks. C. Mercier commented that she did attend meeting as well and it seemed  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 there were two options concrete roadway and asphalt overlay and her opinion, she felt Mass DOT wanted asphalt overlay and the room overwhelming wanted concrete roadway. C) Motion Response - West Meadow Road Traffic Calming C. Gitschier thanked Ms. Oltman for the report. D) Motion Response - Lord Overpass C. Descoteaux asked Ms. Oltman some questions regarding the bus lanes and their utilization to minimize traffic back up and MS. Oltman explained right now primary beneficiary of the bus lanes is the emergency responders, LRTA does use the lanes for inbound and in order to change traffic she would have to look at that. C. Yem asked if maybe they could utilize bus lanes for events at the Tsongas Arena. C. Mercier asked if maybe they could be used for funeral processions. E) Motion Response - Island Maintenance at Reilly Sullivan School Parking Lots C. Gitschier thanked the administration for the report. F) Motion Response - Parks Division Quarterly Flag Inspections C. Scott thanked administration for the motion response. C. Scott also questioned if they had hired a Deputy Superintendent and Paul St. Cyr. Commissioner of Public Works commented they are in the process. C. Yem commented on the new flag. C. Robinson also thanked the administration for the report. C. Gitschier also thanked the administration for the report G) Motion Response - Outdoor Market C. Scott thanked administration for the motion response. C. Yem liked the report. C. Gitschier questioned the use of the Dummer Street parking lot. 6.2. Informational Report. Informational Report – Transportation Elizabeth Oltman, Transportation Engineer provided a presentation to the City Council regarding the Transportation Departments FY 2025 Goals. Ms.  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 Oltman went over traffic calming program progress and future calming program opportunities as well as pavement markings, major construction projects for 2025, project designs. Informational Report - Recreation Department Peter Faticanti, Program Director/Planner at the Recreation Department made a presentation to the City Council regarding information on the Lowell Recreation Department. Mr. Faticanti provided accomplishments of the department as well as programs, special events, trainings and employment opportunities. Mr. Faticanti provided data on hires as well. All programs and events offered by the department are free to participants. Also speaking were Evelyn and Jack both traveling managers for the department who spoke briefly about how much they have learned and how much they have enjoyed being part of the department. C. Mercier thanked Mr. Faticanti and staff for the great presentation. C. Chau echoed C. Mercier’s comments and thanked the department as well. C. Robinson thanked the department for great presentation. C. Gitschier commented on the great work of the department and what they do for the youths in the city. C. Gitschier also recognized former City Councilor Marty Lorrey for all his work with respect to the programs for youth in the city. 6.3. Communication - Resignations of Members from Various Boards and Commissions. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Resignations were accepted from Ivana Dauwer (Hunger and Homeless Commission) and Muriel Parseghian (Pollard Library Board of Trustees). 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept Proposal of George Skaff for 93 Mammoth Road. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. 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.  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 - Approve ORR Permit for Captain John's. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. 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. 8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 8.1. Parks and Recreation SC April 15, 2025. In City Council, C. Mercier provided report noting attendance and the discussion regarding Board of Parks rules and regulations concerning tournament fees and insurance. Motion by C. Mercier, 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. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.2. Misc. - Jean Hubble request reimbursement for towing charges. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 10.1. Executive Session - Review/Accept/Release of City Council Executive Session Minutes: January 14, 2025 and February 4, 2025. In City Council, Motion to waive and accept and release above set of Executive Minutes by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS  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 mentioned opening day for Lowell Youth Baseball & Softball Parade at Shedd Park Saturday April 26, 2025, at 2PM. C. Nuon also mentioned Khmer Exhibit Opening Wednesday April 23, 2025, at 4:30PM LCHC on the 5th Floor and New Year Celebration Thursday April 24, 2025, 3PM to 6PM at Middlesex Community College, Collins Center Cafeteria everyone's invited. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. ___________________________________ Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk