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 27, 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. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem) 1 absent (M. Rourke). Vice Chair Yem 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. Scott. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Special Meeting (Evaluation Procedures) May 20th; City Council Regular Meeting May 20th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Vote - FY2026 Budget Approved Appropriation Order. C. Gitschier thanked the city manager for how well the expense items have been dialed in considering past budgets, however personnel are extremely alarming with respect to the raises and the amounts of the raises and how  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 Lowell cannot sustain. City Manager Golden said some have been contractual and some have been with other issues involving compensation of employees for their position who were going to be leaving to do the same position in another municipality. C. Mercier noted she has seen firsthand how employees are trained and go over to another city or town for a lot more money for same position. C. Mercier stated if we want them to stay, we have to pay and that it is an investment. C. Mercier noted this budget reflects what the council expressed to the city manager through motion, requests and suggestions. C. Robinson noted the council has had the budget for 2 weeks and if a councilor has a concern or question, they can bring it forward. C. Robinson thanked the administration for balancing this budget but would like to see moving forward a freeze on non-essential overtime across the board. C. Robinson also had questions on certain revenues. C. Robinson questioned ordinary expenses how some departments have increased, and other departments do not seem realistic. C. Robinson also questioned ARPA positions, increase in electricity in some departments and how city will need to start planning as this will not be sustainable. C. Chau suggested if councilors have concerns or suggestion to bring them forward. C. Belanger thanked the city manager and his team for a lean and responsible budget in such fiscal difficult times. C. Belanger also commented on the salary increases and the need of retention of employees. C. Jenness thanked City Manager Golden and his financial team as well as every department head involved in the process. C. Jenness noted he is comfortable with this budget for next 12 months. C. Jenness would like to see moving forward to focus more on automation, to be more efficient and reduce expenses whether through portals or website, permitting process, become more modern. C. Descoteaux thanked department heads as well as City Manager Golden and his team for the tremendous budget. C. Descoteaux suggested to see salaries of employees for the year before in the budget as this would help. C. Nuon noted most increases in budget has to do with fixed costs, COLA (cost of living increase) in employees salaries and wages. C. Nuon commented that the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and CFO did a remarkable job on the budget. C. Scott echoed her colleague's sentiments. C. Scott noted obstacles for this budget such as health insurance increases, larger  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 pension assessments, lack of full charter school reimbursements, and increase in debt service from the high school project. C. Scott noted this is her 4th or 5th budget, and this is the leanest budget she has seen with all the priorities of this council. C. Scott thanked the city manager and his team along with department heads. City Manager Golden thanked the council for their kind words. City Manager Golden also noted that they listened throughout the year to the council and the residents. City Manager then thanked the department heads. City Manager Golden also thanked the Assistant City Manager of Operations, and Assistant City Manger of DPD, Melissa Desrochers, Doreen Burgess, Chief of staff, Corey Williams and his entire team, Auditor’s Office and Austin Ball, Deputy CFO. City Manager Golden then thanked the City Council. Vice Chair Yem thanked all involved for their hard work. Prior to vote on the budget C. Jennes noted there might be some councilors with conflicts. Solicitor Williams commented that councilors with conflicts would not speak on those particular departments and that the vote is on the overall budget and that out of necessity all councilors would have to vote. Vice Chair Yem the noted he would like to recuse himself from discussing the Finance Department and C. Mercier said same with her. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 4.2. Loan Order - 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 4.3. Loan Order - Parking Capital Improvements.  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, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. C. Descoteaux questioned long term plan or potentially privatizing which would not be in the best interest as prices would probably go up. C. Descoteau commented that we cannot sustain by taking away from the stabilization each year. CFO Baldwin provided explanation and options and noted the debt service is the most concerning. C. Gitschier commented on the issue of not maintaining or capital planning and knows this administration is trying to do what past administrations have not been doing by maintaining facilities and moving in the right direction. C. Jenness questioned forecast HCID garage projection which does not include the development that will be coming which will help close the gap and the other question was in regard to when we would get the updated Parking Ordinances as this might help close the gap as well. City Manager Golden explained there is a lot going on and we will continue using monies to back fill. C. Belanger shares C. Descoteaux’s concern and has concerns over the enterprise funds. C. Belanger also commented on the ticketing on extended hours for parking not being an economic driver. C. Belanger noted that this should be something the city keeps an eye on for tourism, festivals, and special events. C. Nuon echoes colleagues concerns and asked CFO Baldwin to provide a schedule of all the outstanding debt services for all the garages. C. Mercier asked CFO Baldwin if the garage Sal Lupoli owns provides the city any revenue and CFO Baldwin noted the private garage is a taxable piece of property but no more than that for revenue. 4.4. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 20 Article III – DPW. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). 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 4.5. Ordinance - Amend Sewer Rate FY26. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Chau, 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, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 4.6. Ordinance - Amend Water Rate FY26. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Chau. C. Gitschier noted concern for floating emergency water main breaks into loans where we are paying interest on loans when it should be done by city employees. CFO Baldwin explained this order is for water rates. C. Gitschier noted that the residents are not only paying for it at contractor's rates but also interests rates and there is no way he will support this increase. City Manager Golden noted there are issues at the Water Department on the distribution side. City Manager Golden noted he trying to bring Water and Wastewater together and having it run by one new Chief Utility Officer to bring everyone together. C. Scott also noted concern about minimum usage 1400 cubic feet and feel that it is a penalty for residents who don’t consume as much water and should have some type of study for higher usage users. Adopted per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 3 nays (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 4.7. Ordinance - Create New Positions in Various Departments. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. C. Robinson noted he understands the needs for both positions but the Director of Plant Services of Public Works Department reporting to the commissioner should we hold off or is there a need for this now or should we wait to see if the city moves forward with a centralized facility department to define the role. City Manager Golden explained the need and it is strictly for the High School and when  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 discussions happen with School Department we can come back and change at a later time. C. Robinson noted other concerns with language in job description, qualification and experience, and education should be required not preferred. City Manager Golden noted they have not finalized this yet and it is a placeholder and will run it by the City Council when finished. C. Robinson noted he would support as long as language states required and not preferred. City Manager Golden noted if approved he would take feedback from the council and bring back to the council final version. C. Scott also shared concern regarding licensure being optional and that the job description come back to the council for approval. C. Gitschier questioned the legality of approving the Ordinance. City Solicitor Williams explained that this is the purview of the manager, however if he is willing as he stated would take feedback from the council. C. Gitschier noted he strongly agrees with C. Robinson and C. Scott. C. Jenness requested future cover letters include something that says the attached job description is not finalized and watermark the job description with draft. C. Robinson asked for clarification that the City Council will get to see finalized version before it goes out to the public and City Manager Golden said yes. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. Vice Chair Yem recognized C. Descoteaux who noted he received numerous phone calls and emails regarding the School Committee and City Council Budgets and where they are coming up short. C. Descoteau also noted the number of positions being cut (51 positions) and the positions were special needs paraprofessionals, tutors for English language learners as it relates to the shortfall. C. Descoteaux then made a motion “That the city take $2 million dollars from the stabilization fund to help the School Department”, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. C. Descoteaux asked CFO Baldwin if this would have an effect on the bond rating and CFO Baldwin explained the administration would come back next week with a supplemental appropriation to be appropriated to the School Department from the stabilization fund and that it would depend. CFO Baldwin also noted that the city’s credit ratings has been recently upgraded, amount of reserves is at an all time high. CFO Baldwin noted the need has been  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 expressed by the superintendent. CFO Baldwin noted that when free cash is certified and available the city will appropriate that money back into the stabilization fund, however, concern would be if there were not enough free cash that would have a negative impact on bond rating. C. Mercier noted Superintendent Skinner came before the City Council last week and requested $4 million dollars, however, the city could not do it as it would burden the city side and asked the city manager to try and work something out with the superintendent and it seems $2 million would be better than nothing as city is trying to make an attempt to do the best it can. C. Mercier then stated she would support as we need to invest in our children. C. Gitschier questioned free cash certification last year. C. Gitschier thanked the administration and would support the motion. C. Chau thanked the administration and the CFO and noted this is a difficult time for the city, but this is an investment into our families and our city and appreciates everyone's understanding. C. Chau then asked if there was any other way to increase the stabilization fund other than free cash assuming we don’t have free cash and CFO Baldwin said there are other ways to grow the stabilization funds such as interests, appropriation. C. Chau stated he would support the motion on the floor. C. Jenness thanked the administration for providing information and thanked C. Descoteaux for bringing this forward. C. Jenness stated he would also support and that investing in our schools is something we should be doing as much as we can. C. Jenness noted this a one-time thing for him and asked the city manager for the next 12 months to work hand in glove with Superintendent Skinner so that we don’t have this next year. C. Robinson thank his colleagues for bring forward and he too agrees that education is something we have to continue to invest in, however, he has concerns as this is something that is not sustainable. C. Robinson said he would support but hopes we are not back here next year with the same as the city will have its own share of cuts to make. C. Belanger noted he did not want the classrooms touched and that he would live up to his word and that he would support the motion. C. Scott noted she understands the competing needs in the city, and she would be supporting this and asked that Superintendent Skinner be at the meeting when council approves the appropriation to let us know what his plans are for the additional funds. C. Nuon noted and shares his advocacy of his colleagues for the schools and asked CFO Baldwin how  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 much money was in the reserves now and CFO Baldwin stated $17,132,000.00. City Manager Golden thanked the council for bringing concerns forward. After discussion Motion adopted on roll call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with the policy for the fire department during routine patient transport by Medflight at Lowell General C. Gitschier questioned reimbursement for costs associated with the use of our Fire Department personnel and City Manager Golden noted not to his knowledge but that he would when he answers that add if any cost sharing by LGH. C. Gitschier would like to receive a defined report on the costs associated with such. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. joint subcommittee of the City Council Municipal Facilities SC with School Committee Facilities SC to discuss a merger of the facilities departments. C. Gitschier noted School Committee voted not to send this back to council to start the creation of a facilities department based off the strong language in the law. C. Gitschier would like to give the proper vetting by both the City Council and School Committee as well as having the City Solicitor present to answer any questions. C. Gitschier said he was hoping for a positive vote on this matter. C. Nuon appreciates the motion and commented how important this is for the learning environment. C. Robinson questioned if the city would have the authority over the maintenance or lack there of the buildings with Home Rule Petition with respect to a centralized facilities department and City Solicitor Williams explained different scenarios for the city. C. Robinson believes both parties would like the same outcome. C. Descoteaux noted there is a joint facilities meeting June 17, 2025, and he  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 is looking forward to the meeting. C. Belanger noted the intent here is to protect our largest asset, the new high school $400 million dollars investment. C. Gitschier moved, seconded by C. Belanger “To add this item to their agenda for posting”. So Voted. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.3. C. Belanger/C Scott - Req. City Mgr. update Council regarding the Frontrunner City Program. C. Belanger commented he is very much looking forward to an update to the status on the Frontrunner City Program. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.4. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate the feasibility of repairing and upgrading the brick sidewalk on Market Street in front of the Roy Garage and Align Credit Union building. C. Jenness noted the condition of the sidewalk and that this is something that has been talked about before. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier asked for “Suspension of the Rules, seconded by C. Jenness to briefly speak about the Senio Citizens Subcommittee meeting from Thursday May 22, 2025, at 1pm. No Objections. C. Mercier noted members and staff present. C. Mercier also noted that due to the inclement weather, seniors were not present, and meeting was cancelled. C. Mercier stated Ms. Yovanni Baez Rose would meet informally with the seniors to discuss the Senior Playground issues and report back to the subcommittee at the next Senior Citizen Subcommittee which will be Thursday June 12, 2025 @ 1PM at the Senior Center. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $10,000 GLCF Grant – Recreation.  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. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 6.2. Vote - Approve the FY26 Community Preservation Fund Budget. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Jenness, C. Yem), 1 absent (M. Rourke). So voted. 6.3. Vote - Cross Street CPC Funding Recommendation. (WITHDRAWN) 6.4. Vote - East End Club CPC Funding Recommendation. (WITHDRAWN) 6.5. Vote - Mass Mills IV CPC Funding Recommendation. (WITHDRAWN) 6.6. Vote - Suffolk Place CPC Funding Recommendation. (WITHDRAWN) 7. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Loan Order - 40 Market Street. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on June 10, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson. C. Gitschier asked for report on asbestos in the building and how old the electrical and heating is in the building before the next meeting. City Manager Golden noted he will provide that and explained reason for delay. C. Gitschier noted concern over the cost once city takes ownership. 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 In City Council, Motion to take a short recess till 7PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. At 7PM recess ended, roll call showed 10 present, (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem) 1 absent (M. Rourke). 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS C. Mercier noted Memorial Day Commemoration, Saturday May 31, 2025, from Noon to 3:30PM at the JFK Plaza. C. Jenness noted 2nd annual Gun Violence Awareness Vigil, Friday June 6, 2025, at 10AM here at City Hall, wear orange and bring a framed picture of loved one for a collective moment of silence. C. Robinson noted Honor of Public Works Week Employee Appreciation Day, Thursday May 29, 2025, at Shedd Park at 11:30AM till 2PM. Vice Chair Yem wished CFO Conor Baldwin a Happy Birthday. 9. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM. ___________________________________ Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk