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 29, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 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. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting April 22nd. for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jennes. So voted. Motion to take Item #7.1(F) out of order by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4.1. Order - Abandon Portion of Delaware Avenue. (Hearing held 4/22/25)  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, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. 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. 5. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1. Loan Order - 40 Market Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing opened. Motion to continue matter until May 13, 2025 by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Motion to take Item #7.2 out of order by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. work with state delegation to file petition with the General Court seeking the adoption of special legislation as set out below: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LOWELL TO PROHIBIT OR RESTRICT THE APPLICATION OF SECOND GENERATION ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES: SECTION 1. Notwithstanding chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the City of Lowell may by ordinance prohibit or restrict the application of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides within the City of Lowell, including application of such pesticides by licensed commercial applicators as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier request to amend motion to include support of Senate Bill 644 and House Bill 965. 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 6.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore potential options for the creation of a “Senior Playground” as well as recommendations on the best suited locations. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the neighborhood request and that there has been much investment in this type of infrastructure. C. Jenness noted that this could be additional areas on parks and waling trails. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on some of those areas for senior recreation. C. Chau noted it would be good for older citizens. C. Yem noted the many parks in the City which would be appropriate for these types of programs. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson to refer to Senior Citizen SC on May 22, 2025 at the Senior Center. So voted. 6.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Council and administration consider sending a letter of support for H.R. 540, 9-1-1 Saves Act of 2025, to Congresswoman Trahan’s office as well as to our state delegation supporting any similar legislation. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Erin Gendron (comment – effect of the legislation) and Christopher Lemay (comment – experiences of dispatchers), addressed the Council. C. Robinson noted this was good legislation and should be supported. C. Chau noted he was only speaking on support to state delegation and would not comment regarding federal support due to potential conflict. C. Gitschier commented on the need to address mental health issues regarding this employment. C. Nuon noted that their work is of first responders. C. Mercier noted that dispatchers are firs in line for response. C. Belanger noted it was an unsung position. C. Scott noted the job entails much stress. 6.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on the Parks Department trash truck and include maintenance log. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. 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 6.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a detailed report on the process to obtain a Hawkers & Peddlers license. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on local involvement to assist with process. C. Descoteaux commented on the involvement of the License Commission. 6.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the Superintendent of Police reach out to vendors to host a promotional test prep course at Lowell City Hall for a future assessment center. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted it would assist with recruiting and retaining employees. C. Gitschier noted use of Lowell High School would be better due to updated technical capabilities. 6.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the Superintendent of Police update the Council on the hybrid model for the Lowell Police Department with regards to civil service. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on reforms to civil service for hiring and it could increase numbers for diversity employees. 6.8. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department install a Welcome Sign at the beginning of the new Thorndike Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem commented on signage and best location. 6.9. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department update the City Council on the Bicentennial Celebration.  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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6.10. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. send a letter to the delegation and MassDOT to inquire about the process to install noise barriers along Rt. 495, along Exit 91 and along Gorham Street Bridge area. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted motion should expand to all areas to see if they fit state criteria for sound barriers. C. Jenness noted he could assist with MassDOT processes. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on MassDOT requirements. 6.11. C. Scott/M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. work with the State to clean up the areas around River Meadow Brook and the Bruce Freeman Trail. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott commented on the condition of the area. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized the condition and was moving towards addressing it. C. Gitschier commented on the long-standing issue. 6.12. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. place Delaware Avenue on the paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted it was a resident request. 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by 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 A) Motion Response - By Street and Barker Ave On Paving List – C. Robinson noted that any work in the area would be beneficial. C. Gitschier commented on damage on sidewalks because of cars parking on them. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that they are continuing to work on a parking ordinance. C. Scott noted the need for parking in congested areas. B) Motion Response - Shattuck Street Cobblestone Replacement – C. Robinson noted the need to even surface and make it more walkable. C. Jenness noted there was a decline in the shape of the cobblestones. C) Motion Response - Douglas Road Sidewalk – C. Belanger noted the connection to all the projects going on in this area. C. Gitschier questioned if Cawley parking lot could be enclosed as part of the project. D) Motion Response - Install Convex Mirror Butterfield and Fletcher Streets – C. Yem noted the positive response. E) Motion Response - Murkland School Paving – C. Gitschier noted the importance of the project, and it should coincide with Lowell Housing Authority work. F) Motion Response - Construction Employment – C. Robinson noted prior action and that other communities have a residency requirement, and it would be appropriate for Lowell. Registered speakers, John Burrows (comment – quality of life issue) and Tim Collins (comment – community element is important), addressed the Council. C. Gitschier questioned if Attorney General could assist with language of ordinance. City Solicitor Williams noted the parameters about an Attorney General opinion regarding ordinances. C. Gitschier suggested reaching out to the Attorney General. C. Scott noted was in favor of the ordinance and that there should be further effort to develop one as in other communities. C. Mercier noted favor to have further effort to develop ordinance. C. Descoteaux noted bigger cities and smaller towns have such an ordinance and that it should work for Lowell. C. Belanger recognized case law but thought language could be drafted to develop ordinance which would benefit the City with all recent developments. C. Jenness requested information  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 regarding surrounding community ordinances. City Solicitor Williams noted he had reviewed other ordinances and commented on process of rendering his opinion. M. Rourke noted that Attorney General is not the final say regarding ordinances. C. Nuon noted the need to take care of residents, and that the ordinance would not be over burdening. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to request review of by Attorney General of proposed residency ordinance language. So voted. C. Chau noted Attorney General involvement would be helpful. C. Yem noted language could be drafted to keep work within City. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the percentage of workers involved in the Lowell High School project and a system may be able to be drafted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to draft a residency ordinance with assistance from Attorney General. 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. C. Robinson noted that all workers would still be qualified for the jobs. C. Belanger questioned if tax agreements with developers as part of public funded projects. 7.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Department of Development Services – Manager Golden, Jr. noted part of reports for different departments in City Hall. Llyod Dejesus (Insp. Services) noted department and recognized them. Dave Fuller (Building Inspector) commented on the effort of the department in regard to inspections being done. C. Mercier noted the efforts of the staff. Matt Sheehan (Health Insp.) commented on health inspection procedures and goals. C. Descoteaux commented on weekend work being done without permits. C. Belanger noted the need to be fully staffed. C. Robinson noted inspections make for safer areas. C. Gitschier noted staff and the work being done. C. Jenness noted the team effort in the department and the difference it makes in the City. C. Chau noted the department efforts. M. Rourke commented on the effort of all and thanked them.  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 Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #6.3 out of order. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order of Taking - 40 Market Street. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. M. Rourke requested matter moved to May 13, 2025 to coincide with the Loan Order. No objections. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Rules & Election Law SC April 29, 2025. In City Council, C. Chau requested matter be put on for May 6, 2025. No objections. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (2) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Dara Bun request installation of a handicap parking sign at 249 Princeton Boulevard. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Jennes noted schedule of womans professional hockey team (The Fleet). 12. ADJOURNMENT  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 Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk