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 13, 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. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). 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. Eric Lamarche (Veteran Services) recognized the Veteran of the Month, Jack Sullivan, to the Council. Mr. Sullivan thanked the body for their support. M. Rourke noted the presence of Mr. Sullivan in the community. M. Rourke noted the Hometown Heroes Program and indicated the following recipients: Leonaro Berube, Cormick Kiernan, Kenny Pop, James Rodger, Eugene Vail, Page Brothers, John Chapman, Somdara Nath and Stephen Bodor. Mr. Lamarche commented on the program and that applications will be accepted for next year. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6th; City Council Regular Meeting May 6th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. 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. Loan Order - 40 Market Street. (Cont. from 4/29/25) In City Council, Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to remove item from agenda. So voted. M. Rourke removed item from agenda. No objections. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore the installation of “No Parking” signs on 20th Street, off of Beacon Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the area, and the space needed for trash and snow removal. 5.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a suitable alternative location for Roberto Clemente Baseball League. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted groups were working well together and that some focus should be put on providing a rest room. 5.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a detailed overview of all development projects permitted and completed in past 12 months by district with map. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the data would indicate the number of housing units going into districts. 5.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. provide suggestions on pathways to improve communication between developers and residents regarding development projects taking place in neighborhoods.  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. Robinson noted the need to keep all channels of communications open during these projects. 5.5. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on construction of training facility at Cawley Stadium / Martin Athletic Complex. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to update regarding these needed facilities. 5.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide an update from proper departments on the 2018 ADA Transition Plan for City buildings. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted request came from the Disability Commission. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Install Convex Mirror Lakeview Ave and Ferry Lane – C. Robinson noted mirror would assist with safety in that area. B) Motion Response - Hawkers and Peddlers License – C. Robinson commented on the process and noted the need to ease requirements so that program could benefit reentry process for former prisoners. C. Gitschier questioned the number of licenses in the City. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that requirements could be changed to be more inclusive. City Solicitor Williams noted that there are not a lot of licenses in the City and that the restrictions could be eased. C. Robinson requested matter be sent back to review restrictions. C) Motion Response - Appleton Street – C. Mercier recognized the sign  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 shop for installing the sign and that it informs the public and now it needs to be enforced. D) Motion Response - Starbird Street – C. Gitschier commented on the need to keep the speed bumps consistent to slow traffic. E) Motion Response – HCID – C. Belanger noted the progress in the area over the last nine months. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that there is ongoing information which will be discussed in Executive Session. C. Gitschier noted the need for more planning and to be fair to labor in the area, also should be more business orientated. C. Nuon noted progress and expansion of the tax base, and quarterly reports should go to Council. F) Motion Response - State Delegation File Petition Special Language Adoption Prohibit 2nd Generation Rodenticides – C. Gitschier noted letter. G) Motion Response - H.R. 540 Congresswoman Trahan and State Delegation – C. Robinson commented on the letter and the help to the dispatchers. C. Mercier noted effectiveness of the letters. H) Motion Response - State Clean Up Around River Meadow Brook and Freeman Trail – C. Scott noted the large area with large pieces of debris. C. Gitschier noted the need to have timeline in matter to press forward. I) Motion Response - Letter To Delegation and MassDOT Noise Barriers – C. Scott was looking forward to response. 6.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - FY2026 Budget Introduction from the City Manager – Manager Golden, Jr. recognized the department heads and his administration for preparing current budget. Manager noted the strength of the financial team and the ability to stay away from rainy day accounts which increased the bond rating of the City. Manager noted the many hard expenses in the budget which include school, debt, insurance and salaries.  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 Manager noted that they needed to go back a few times for continued cuts and that this is an important budget as he indicated that lean times are ahead for next year and they must prepare for that. Manager outlined the Capital Budget and noted that the levy would be increased by 2.5%. The following registered speakers addressed the body: Liam Skinner (LPS) (comment- noted most money comes from State and small amount from City, there was not enough cash in net school spending, if not more cash there would be substantial cuts, practical and moral approach should be made), Monica Lunberg (comment – noted all costs are rising and you can not cut basic needs), Rebecca Duda (comment – noted special programs for students will suffer under this budget), Jennifer Valdez (comment – noted rational for cuts was not present), Lillian Meirelles (comment – noted all aspect of student programs will be effected). C. Gitschier noted the need to invest in students and that the current Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties does not benefit the schools and that parties should have further discussion as the Council can not add to the budget. C. Mercier noted support for the children and noted that Manager should continue working with schools. C. Belanger noted the use of ESSR monies have diminished and the Council is committed to education and should continue towards that goal. C. Belanger noted that the City is responsible for all of the buildings for the schools. Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted that state budget may include added money for schools, but City must move forward with these assumptions. C. Belanger requested City work with delegation to increase school funding. C. Chau noted the need to invest in schools as it increases quality of life in the City. C. Chau questioned if state provided more money what procedure would be used. Mr. Baldwin noted that any additional money would be part of supplemental appropriation. C. Scott noted the many services the City has lessened because of budget concerns, ie., streets, firehouses and fire trucks. C. Scott noted the need for further discussion but that there may be conflicting interest. C. Nuon noted the need to support school and to move forward with partnership. C. Nuon noted possible use of reserve funds in this matter. C. Nuon noted that the schools are part of the community and need support. M. Rourke questioned how much cash is raised when moving the levy up. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated the negative effect of  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 providing total funding request from the schools, including increased taxes and cuts. The Manager noted the many cuts on City side to date and that his concern is for next budget season as well. C. Robinson noted the effort of the Manager, and that budget will reflect the priorities of the Council. M. Rourke commented on current status of the state budget. The Manager noted this was always a fluid situation. C. Jenness noted effort to get to this point, but more work should be done between the parties. C. Yem noted the effort of the administration and that priorities must be met and that the schools are a part of that. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept Timely Submission of the Budget. In City Council, Read twice, Motion , “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 7.2. Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 7.3. Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $5,050,000 OneStop for Growth Grants. In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Nuon). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Authorize CM Execute MOU and Temporary Access Agreement with Wexford Development LLC.  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, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. C. Gitschier requested information regarding the vote. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) outlined the reason for vote and the parameters of the project. C. Jenness questioned the number of expected employees and the removal of the existing dirt pile. Ms. Baez-Rose indicated 50-100 employees and that the pile will be removed. C. Belanger noted it was a good project with a solid company. C. Yem lauded the style of the building. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Read twice, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 8.2. Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 8.3. Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III - DPW In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. 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 9.2. Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 9.3. Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 9.4. Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on May 27, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Neighborhoods/Finance Joint SC May 6, 2025. In City Council, C. Scott provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding Community Preservation Act funding recommendations, noting each project and the motion passed to refer all to full Council for vote. C. Scott commented on discussion regarding changes in surcharges and the motion passed to refer to subcommittee for further review. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 10.2. Non-Profit Organization SC May 13, 2025. In City Council, C. Gitschier requested matter be put over to next week. No objections. 10.3. Wire Insp. - (1) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of plastic gas main 682-980 Chelmsford Street; (2) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 53 Meadowcroft Street; (3) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main Princeton Boulevard; (4) National  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 Grid - Request installation of (1) JO Pole at 969 Westford Street; (5)National Grid - Request installation of underground facility on Quebec and Blossom Streets; and (6) CarriageHouse Consulting, Inc. - Request installation of an underground monitoring well in sidewalk located at 219 East Merrimack Street. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier to accept and adopt the accompanying orders. So voted. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 12. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1. Executive Session – To Consider and Discuss Potential Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) Agreement with New England Heritage Properties, Inc., Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City’s Position. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. (8:44 PM). 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 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none. 14. 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 from Executive Session by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:55 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk