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: June 24, 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. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). 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. Mercier. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting June 10th; Senior Citizens SC June 12th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Loan Order - 40 Market Street. 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. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C.  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 Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. C. Gitschier noted the order for taking of the property and that he was not aware of that process. C. Gitschier noted the lack of information regarding the building. C. Jenness noted that proposed use of the building made sense and questioned what information should be provided regarding the site. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the process used to purchase the building and that it was a good opportunity for the City and that there was a walk through with the Council beforehand. C. Jenness questioned the purchase price. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated it was a “friendly taking” based on appraised values. City Solicitor Williams commented on the purchase process and noted the difference between appraised and assessed values. C. Chau noted it was a good investment by the City. C. Yem noted it was a good vision and value for the City. C. Robinson questioned maintenance of the building and if portion of it could be leased to non-profits in the City. C. Mercier commented that she was impressed with the building. C. Gitschier warned of potential issues with the site and possible renovations. 4.2. Misc. - VHB (Markley Group, LLC) request installation of four (4) six-thousand-gallon diesel fueled emergency above ground generators for a total of an additional 24,000 gallons stored on site at One Markley Way. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt ” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. Atty. William Martin, representing Markley, provided a background of the petition noting the history of the company and request for fuel storage. Atty. Martin described the company and that many other companies use their services and noted the number of support letters filed in this matter. Atty. Martin noted the company’s commitment to the community and the environment and that the Council and neighbors were provided a walkthrough in the site. Speaking in favor was Mary Burns (comment – good partner with UMass-Lowell), Daniel Gilday (comment – good corporate partner), Jenna Chung (comment – employee and noted  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 benefits of the company), Kevin Patenaude (comment – noted support of company and the safe environment it provides), Jacquelyn Casey (comment – noted employment by a good company) and electrical union rep (comment – positive work environment). Speaking opposed were Mary Wumbai (comment – not a transparent company and not supportive of clean energy), Mass 350 rep (comment – noted data companies are not energy friendly), Sarah Lapp (comment – noted concern with growth of the company), Mikeala Hondros-McCarthy (comment – concern with increase in capacity effect on the neighborhood), Jake Fortes (comment – noted walkthrough was staged and that the company was dishonest), Steve Malagodi (comment – noted that there was a lot of fuel on site), Otis Street resident (comment – noted problems caused by Markley) and Alex Solange (comment – noted that there are many children in an area which is not safe). C. Robinson questioned if restrictions could be placed on permit. City Solicitor Williams commented on the parameters of the statute. C. Mercier noted her impressions of the site and that it was in good condition and compliant in all ways. C. Mercier noted the amount of support for the company and that the Lowell Fire Department signed off on the permit. C. Scott noted this was a vote against the neighborhood and that it does not align with future planning for the City. Motion to table matter by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. Defeated per Roll Call vote 3 yeas (C. Gitschier, C. Robinson, C. Scott), 7 nays (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. C. Belanger noted the lengthy process for the petitioner and walkthrough provided indicating it was not perfect and that the company should work with neighborhood group, but he supports the matter. C. Gitschier questioned the type of diesel used and that there should be protections for the neighborhood. C. Descoteaux noted the need to work with the community and to monitor noise levels. C. Jenness noted the company had a clean record in the City and he expects them to move aggressively with alternative fuel sources and commitment to the neighborhood. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 5.1. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 1-9 Sheldon Street.  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 mains at Lane and Horn Streets. 5.3. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at Beacon, Willard and 19th Streets. 5.4. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at East Merrimack Street. 5.5. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at D, School, New Spaulding, S. Loring and E Streets; and Wood Court. Items #5.1 to #5.5 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department investigate the feasibility of traffic calming solutions on Middlesex and Appleton Streets between the former overpass and Central/Gorham Streets to reduce excessive vehicular speed on these roads. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted concerns in the area and that other locations were improving with traffic calming measures. 6.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with all emergency maintenance repairs in the Water Department that funding was charged to water loan orders, the amount charged, the location of the water main repair, the size of the water main and the date of the repair. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on recent break and wanted to ensure cost savings measures were being used. 6.3. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper department address traffic calming on Butman Road.  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. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented that residents noted an increase in speeding and that speed humps may be useful. 6.4. C. Chau/C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department evaluate and report on the feasibility and safety impacts of installing a 4-Way stop sign at the intersection of W. 6th Street and Bunker Hill Avenue. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Chau noted the area was congested and that causes issues. C. Robinson noted that area is subject to a larger project shortly. 6.5. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the Law Department provide an update with the anticipated timeline for the “Construction Employment Contract” draft. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. provide an updated street sweeping schedule. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. 6.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with proper departments to identify and address overgrowth problem areas. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted many blind spots driving need to be corrected. C. Jenness commented on overgrowth in the Hamilton Canal District. C. Gitschier noted overgrowth at the Stolklosa School. 6.8. M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. have Lowell Police Department establish a “Do Not Knock” Registry.  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. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted issues with door-to-door solicitation. C. Belanger noted this would protect privacy of some residents. 6.9. M. Rourke - Req. City Council look at possible amendments to the Code of Ordinances in regard to liquor licenses, then refer to Law Department for report and recommendation. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. M. Rourke noted that regulations may need adjustments. C. Robinson noted rules may need updating. C. Descoteaux noted license changes for package stores. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted. 7. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 7.1. Motion Responses. A) Motion Response - School Buses Parking Centralville B) Motion Response - Reckless Bikers C) Motion Response - Welcome Sign D) Motion Response - Senior Playground E) Motion Response - Erosion Control Orchard Project F) Motion Response - ADA Transition Plans G) Motion Response - Frontrunner City Open House H) Motion Response - Maintenance of Walkways I) Motion Response - Responsibilities NGRID Installation New Poles J) Motion Response - Clean Slate Letter to Delegation and Congresswoman Items #7.1 A-J removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 7.2. Informational Report - LHS Update  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 - LHS Update – James Dowd (Skanska) provided and update regarding increased budget on the high school project looking a schedule updates and review of remaining phases. Mr. Dowd noted that original increase was for 47 million dollars, and they were able to reduce that amount to a little under 40 million dollars. Mr. Dowd noted that the contingency is reducing and there is a need to increase that as the project is facing some hidden obstacles. Mr. Dowd noted each entity in the project would face increased costs and he provided breakdown of those costs. Including management fees and subcontractor costs. Mr. Dowd reviewed contingency costs and the need for the increase. Mr. Dowd noted next steps would be request for relief from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Mr. Dowd noted the 1980 building would be completed this August. C. Descoteaux noted project was 22 percent over budget and that there would be further increases. C. Belanger noted the extension of the project with the added costs. C. Mercier noted such increases could have been avoided if new construction was involved. C. Scott questioned the burn rated of contingency fund with added phases. Mr. Dowd noted that additional funds may be needed based on historical burn rate for older buildings. C. Gitschier commented on the number of borings under due diligence and noted prior confidence in contingency fund. C. Gitschier questioned increase of money for each entity involved in the project. C. Jenness recognized the increases and the need to move forward cognizant of them and the goal remains building a first-class learning environment. C. Jenness stressed the need for the Council to learn from this project as others will be coming. C. Robinson noted the lack of due diligence on site as water intrusion was evident throughout area. Manager Golden, Jr. noted he was not happy with increase, but goal now would be to mitigate that as much as possible through local delegation and other entities. C. Robinson questioned the amount taxpayers would owe due to increased budget. Manager Golden, Jr. noted it would be 1.6 million dollars. C. Chau noted it was a large project that should be audited. M. Rourke noted it was Skanska that worked for the City. C. Yem noted the project must move forward for the community and questioned effect on bond rating. Manager Golden, Jr. reviewed effect on the rating. M. Rourke noted location was a poor choice as there are no fixed costs for a renovation.  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 7.3. Communication - Resignation of Martha Howe from License Commission. 7.4. Communication - Reappointment of Clifford Krieger to License Commission. 7.5. Communication - City Mgr. request approval of Out of State Travel (1) LPD. Items #7.3 to #7.5 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 8. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Vote - Accept MGL c. 59 s. 22I - HERO Act. Item #8.1 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 8.2. Vote - Approve and Submit Letter to US Economic Dev Admin. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. Jennifer Raitt (Nothern Middlesex Council of Governments) requested support for the vote. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.2 out of order. So voted. 8.3. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement with Portuguese American Youth Center, Inc. 8.4. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Extension with Degmar Development Corporation. Items #8.3 and #8.4 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 8.5. Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation.  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 Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. 8.6. Vote - Set FY2026 Revolving Fund Spending Limits. 8.7. Vote - Transfer $101,883 - Ride Share. 8.8. Vote - Transfer $20k - Disability Commission Revolving Fund FY25. 8.9. Vote - Transfer $74,500 – Demolitions. 8.10. Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations. 8.11. Vote - Accept/Expend $247,870.21 Shared Street and Spaces. Items #8.6 to #8.11 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 9. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Order of Taking - 40 Market Street. 9.2. Order - 60 Day Trial. Items #9.1 and #9.2 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Senior Citizens SC June 12, 2025. Items #10.1 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claims - (5) Property Damage. Items #11.1 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th.  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 11.2. Misc. - Norma Von Fricken request permission to address Council regarding calls to the 911 Call Center. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. Ms. Von Fricken noted the need for proper training to ensure people are getting the correct services. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #7.2 out of order. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #8.5 out of order. So voted. 11.3. Misc. - Jenny Barbato request permission to address the Council regarding installation of traffic measures at High, Ash and East Merrimack Streets area. Ms. Barbato requested petition be moved to the meeting on July 8th. No objections. 11.4. Misc. - Chokyab Sherab request removal of handicap parking sign at 197-199 Powell Street. Items #11.4 removed to City Council Meeting agenda on June 30th. Motion to Waive City Council Rule 5 (10:00 PM) by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. Motion defeated by 2 nays (C. Jenness, C. Scott), 6 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke), 2 did not vote (C. Yem, C. Belanger), 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted. Meeting adjourned. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, none.  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 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk