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 20, 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. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 2.2. Proclamation - National DPW Week (May 18th - May 24th) In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. M. Rourke recognized the DPW. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) commented on the department noting their efforts and highlighted their success. Paul St. Cyr (DPW) recognized the 24-hour daily commitment on the department. M. Rourke noted a day of recognition of the department on May 29th. 2.3. Citation - Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month - Pahim Kay. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. M. Rourke noted request of C. Nuon. M. Rourke  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 read citation. C. Nuon noted Mr. Kay and his connection to the community. Mr. Kay thanked the body and spoke of his roots in Lowell. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Non-Profit Organization SC May 13th; City Council Regular Meeting May 13th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #5.7 out of order. So voted. 4. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 4.1. National Grid / Verizon NE - Request installation of (2) JO Poles for service to 9 Baldwin Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 4.2. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request installation of a replacement gas regulator pit near Rogers and High 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. CITY COUNCIL – MOTIONS 5.1. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have the LPD Superintendent provide the City Council with scheduled plan holding a Civil Service Exam recruitment session with assistance provided regarding application process ahead of the Municipal Police deadline. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted prior motion and that there is a need to have a plan  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 place to share with the community. C. Robinson noted the hybrid model is effective and should be communicated to others. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the current assessment being done at the LPD. C. Nuon noted the need to encourage as many individuals as possible to take part. C. Jenness questioned the current number of officers at the LPD. 5.2. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. meet with the appropriate entities to revisit the Maintenance of Effort Agreement with the School Department. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the agreement needed update to bring more in line for current day. C. Descoteaux noted the new facility department should assist with maintaining the buildings. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that there are discussions with the school administration. C. Scott noted that there is an existing agreement. Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the maintenance of effort formula and the current agreement is fair. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on the Merrimack River Boathouse concept. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted project began a couple of years ago and it may need to be regenerated. 5.4. C. Nuon/C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. work with the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Lowell Police Department to provide a summary report on activities. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the body had an important role and mission. C. Jenness noted the need for a larger effort regarding boards and commission to ensure missions are being met and improved communication. 5.5. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. place Walker Street from Broadway Street to Waugh Street on the paving list.  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. Yem noted the need for work in that area and that the adjacent area needs had been addressed. C. Mercier requested that Meadowcraft Street be added to list as well. No objections. C. Scott noted the need for both areas. 5.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have the DPD provide an update and timeline on the Reilly School playground upgrades. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the neighborhood was pleased with improvements in the area. 5.7. C. Belanger/C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with community partners to organize a regional fundraiser to benefit the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Arthur Sutcliffe (comment – noted federal funding issue along with less sponsorships could impact a world class event), addressed the Council. C. Belanger commented on the event and that the effort needs to be in place to move forward. C. Robinson noted the cut in grants and that the event is a part of the City. C. Jenness noted this is the biggest event in the City and that all benefit from it. C. Gitschier noted the need and requested information regarding donations. C. Chau recognized the national event. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem to suspend rules to comment on future use of the UML Inn and Conference Center (ICC). So voted. C. Scott noted receipt of a letter to administration from state outlining continued use of the ICC as a migrant facility. C. Scott noted frustration with this and requested administration reach out to all involved to get a clear picture of proposed uses. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to have City Manager reach out to all interested parties regarding  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 use of the ICC beyond stated closure date of migrant hotels in the state; discussion to include purpose, costs and reimbursements. So voted. 5.8. C. Robinson - Req. City Council, as well as the City Administration, consider drafting and sending a letter of support for S.1114, H.1811 and H.R.3114 (Clean Slate Act); “An Act Requiring Clean Slate Automated Record Sealing”, as well as any other similar legislation to our state delegation and Congresswoman Trahan. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the number of bills working through the system to assist former inmates or person with criminal records. 5.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer install residential sticker parking only sign on end of Victor Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted prior work done in that area. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses/Informational Reports. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Motion Response - Volleyball Courts at Gage Park – C. Robinson noted that any surface would be appreciated on the court. Motion Response - National Grid Geothermal Pilot Update – C. Jenness noted upcoming informational meeting and future plans regarding the project. Katherine Moses (DPW-Sustainability) noted that National Grid has not responded to any inquiries. Motion Response - Inventory of Hydrants – C. Gitschier noted the report and the need to have fire department inspect the hydrants so that a true and accurate number can be obtained to include in a Capital Budget plan.  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 Response - Unaccounted for Water (UAW) 2022-2024 – C. Gitschier requested more information regarding this report. C. Belanger noted some major changes in data. Steve Duchesne (Water Dept.) outlined the report. Motion Response - Out of Service Hydrants – C. Gitschier noted the need to have fire department inspect as there are more than being reported. Motion Response - Emergency Water Main Breaks – C. Gitschier noted the concerning report which indicates too much work is being done by outside vendors are alarming costs. Mr. Duchesne noted the failure of the employees to respond for overtime work in breaks and that there needs to be a proactive approach to this issue. C. Gitschier noted the use of outside vendors is not needed in is duplication of work. C. Robinson noted the economic need to do in-house repairs for these breaks. C. Descoteaux noted this was a staggering number for outside vendors. C. Gitschier noted that employees are not dedicated to job or the City. 6.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - FY2026 School Funding Update – Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the attempt to add money to school budget and outlined possible paths; indicating the best path would be wait and see what state will be doing in finalizing their budget. C. Robinson commented it is best to get better understanding from state budget and that future budgets must be accounted for in discussions. C. Gitschier noted the need for fairness and that if there is delay there will be layoffs at the schools and that the formula for Net School Spending is a false number as the work on the schools are subpar and not worth what is calculated. C. Descoteaux noted cost per pupil is high in the system and if move from Charter School during year there is no reimbursement. C. Scott noted financial difficulty with Charter School formula. M. Rourke noted the new positions in the school administration far surpasses any new employment in the City. C. Nuon noted the schools and the City can make movements and that City  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 must be a good partner. C. Gitschier noted the hires of the schools are a necessity and should be done. C. Belanger noted all avenues must be explored and that the taxpayer must be protected. C. Scott noted the failure of the Student Opportunities Act and that cash to schools is not an option. 6.3. Communication - City Manager request Out of State Travel (1) LPD; (1) Parking. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend FY25 Earmarked Funds. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. 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. Yem requested funds for the North Common. 7.2. Vote - Approve TIE Agreement - New England Heritage Properties, Inc. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Yem. 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. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined the vote and the agreement. Jeff Bush (Pres. - Heritage Properties) outlined the project noting the scale, the location and the different housing units in the facility. Mr. Bush noted his company long relationship with the City. C. Yem commented on the past success of the company. C. Nuon commented on the work of the company in the City. C. Jenness noted the need in the area. C. Gitschier questioned parking for  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 site. Mr. Bush indicated that local garages could handle the capacity. C. Robinson commented on the substantial investment. C. Mercier noted the family business and its relationship with Lowell. 7.3. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement with The Daly Group LLC. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Scott. 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. 7.4. Vote - Transfer 31,329.72 to Cemetery Department. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. 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 transfer and questioned if possible, to merely set up an account to avoid transfer. Mr. Baldwin indicated there is flexibility there and would probably be done. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext SMU Zone - 1190 Pawtucket Blvd. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 8.2. Ordinance - Amend Zoning Ext TMU Zone - Branch Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Planning Board for report and recommendation (July 21st) then to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, 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. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Non-Profit Organization SC May 13, 2025. In City Council, C. Gitschier provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding the Red Cross America organization and Saint Michael’s School and their contributions to the community. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 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. Belanger. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Craig Kincaid (Cliff Whalen - owner) request installation of a handicap parking sign at 28 Coburn Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10.3. Misc. - Debora Smith request installation of a handicap parking sign at 9 Lundberg Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted upcoming Senior Citizen SC. C. Robinson noted upcoming Lowell Transitional Living Center fundraiser. C. Gitschier noted DPW 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 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk