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: May 6, 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. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 2.2. Introduction - Cast of MRT Production of "What You Are Now: Khmer Stories On Stage". In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. The Artistic Director of the Merrimack Regional Theatre addressed the Council commenting on the theatre and the current production. Ms. Brown (Director) and the lead actor of the production thanked the Council for their support. C. Chau commented on the play. C. Yem commented on the show and the emotions involved. C. Robinson invited crew back to City in the future. 2.3. Proclamation - Nurses Week.  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 accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. M. Rourke read the proclamation into record. Lisa Golden (HHS) thanked the body for the recognition. 2.4. Citation - Proleung Khmer and Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMMA). In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. C. Yem presented the citation. Sothea Chiemruom (CMMA) outlined events and programs and thanked Council for the recognition. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Rules & Election Law SC April 29th; City Council Regular Meeting April 29th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 290 - Flood Plain Overlay. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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. Mercier noted the Planning Board positive recommendation of the ordinance as outlined in Item #7.5. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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 5.2. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 53 Meadowcroft Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 5.3. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main Princeton Boulevard. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 5.4. National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO Pole at 969 Westford Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 5.5. National Grid - Request installation of underground facility on Quebec and Blossom Streets. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 5.6. CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. - Request installation of an underground monitoring well in sidewalk located at 219 East Merrimack Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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 Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item #7.3 out of order. So voted. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide an update regarding the use of the UML Inn and Conference Center after the facility is no longer being used as a migrant shelter. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need to keep facility active in the City after the migrants move out at the end of June. C. Jenness noted the building was important to economics downtown. C. Gitschier questioned if there were any planning discussions. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the discussions. C. Belanger noted the importance of having a hotel in the area. 6.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore the installation of a convex mirror on pole at intersection of Lakeview Avenue and Ferry Lane. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. provide a report on the process used for appointment to the Lowell TeleMedia Center (LTC) seats dedicated to the City Council and the City Manager appointments. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson would await the report. 6.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. collaborate with the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) to explore options for increasing the frequency of service on the City’s most heavily traveled routes.  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. C. Scott noted the need to increase public transportation to lessen parking congestion. C. Gitschier noted the possibility of combining the LRTA and the UMass-Lowell transportation abilities. 6.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide a report detailing the responsibilities associated with National Grid’s installation of new poles within the City; the report should include information on compliance with the American With Disabilities Act (ADA), procedures for tree removal and the process for removal of existing poles. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott questioned the responsibilities of National Grid and if they are honoring them. 6.6. C. Scott/C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department explore the feasibility of installing a floating walkway connecting Dutton Street to Western Avenue. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott described a floating walkway. 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. A) Motion Response - Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Letter – C. Yem noted the letter. C. Mercier noted letter was well written. B) Motion Response - Letter - Yes In God's Backyard - C. Mercier noted letter was well written. C) Motion Response - Outstanding Debt and School Building Projects – C. Belanger noted the report and indicated that good investments come  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 with costs. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on upcoming debt amount and the reimbursement formula from the State. C. Gitschier commented on the calculation with property values being done and debt being removed. Mr. Baldwin noted the legal amount a city may take on by way of a statutory formula. D) Motion Response - Combined Facilities Department with Attachments – C. Descoteaux noted the need for discussions with school administrators. City Solcitor Williams outlined meaning of vote on agenda regarding this item. Mr. Baldwin indicated that Council would vote first and them School Committee would have to follow. C. Gitschier noted schools should adopt as this is a way for their issues to be addressed. C. Robinson noted the need to work out issues and that a licensed person should lead this new department. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #8.1 out of order. So voted. C. Robinson questioned the effect the vote would have. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that all other things that need to be done can still be done, this vote gets ball rolling. C. Descoteaux noted the Council needs unanimous support while School Committee would need simple majority. 7.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - Parking Department Presentation – Terry Ryan (Parking Director) provided report of the department noting the facilities, shifts, services, citations, fines, kiosks, 15-minute parking, parking apps, renovations, maintenance, mulching and community investment. C. Mercier commented on importance of 15-minute parking. C. Jenness noted the efforts and improvements in the department. C. Jenness noted the need to have a fee for charging electric cars. C. Descoteaux questioned the status of the elevators. C. Belanger noted parking rates for special events and questioned if enforcement could be lessened for certain areas and times. C. Chau noted the efforts and the initiatives of the department. C. Gitschier noted the need for available space for pre-paid customers. C. Scott commented on 2-hour parking, curb parking, scope of the department, permit parking and cleaning and lighting. C. Yem commented on license for veterans.  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 Informational Report - FY2026 Funding for LPS – Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the letter and information regarding budget going to the school administration. C. Scott commented on the percentage of budget going to the schools. Mr. Baldwin noted that assumptions are used when relying on Chapter 70 funds. C. Nuon noted the need to assist schools. C. Gitschier commented on budget to benefit children and that there may be a cash deficit in the schools. C. Yem noted government cuts could affect school aid as well. 7.3. Communication - Resignation of Mona Tyree from DEIB Committee. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Registered speaker, Mona Tyree (comment – noting resignation indicating displeasure with committee), addressed the Council. C. Jenness commented on the work of Ms. Tyree and her importance and further commented the work of this type of committee in other communities. C. Nuon noted the need to resolve any issues with this committee. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier to refer resignation letter to City Manager to assist with solutions. So voted. C. Robinson noted the committee was not putting the work in. C. Gitschier noted the work of Ms. Tyree in the community and her dedication to committee to put forth work and that this type of volunteer is vital to boards and committees. Manager Golden, Jr. apologized to Ms. Tyree for mishaps and noted the need to improve relationship with public regarding policies. C. Scott noted the need to look at whole picture. C. Mercier noted the courage of Ms. Tyree, and that moment should be used to garner more positive results. 7.4. Communication - Appointment of Melissa Morales to Board of Parks. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux,  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 C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 7.5. Communication - Planning Board recommendation to Zoning Code entitled Flood Plain Overlay District. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 7.6. Communication - City Mgr. request approval for (1) Out of State Travel for HHS. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Vote - Accept MGL c. 71 s. 37M. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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. 8.2. Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Rules & Election Law SC April 29, 2025.  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. Chau provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding upcoming election and census mailing. C. Jenness noted polling location concerns. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 9.2. Neighborhoods SC Joint with Finance SC May 6, 2025. In City Council, C. Scott requested to provide report the following week. No objections. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Misc. - Levenia Furusa (Fusion Church) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 125 Mt. Hope Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Ronald Gallagher request installation of a handicap parking sign at 32 Chapel Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 10.3. National Grid / Verizon NE - Request installation of (2) JO Poles for service to 9 Baldwin Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 20, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.4. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of a replacement gas regulator pit near Rogers and High Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 20, 2025 @ 7 PM 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. Yem noted Fallen Heroes Flags and a happy birthday for C. Nuon. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk