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 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Date: June 30, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA /Zoom (Hybrid) Special Meeting (Finish Agenda Items of June 24th City Council Meeting) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call showed 10 present (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Belanger). M. Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Bernard “Bernie” Belley. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. Motion “To bundle #3.1 to #3.5” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING 3.1. 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 In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3.2. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at Lane and Horn Streets. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3.3. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at Beacon, Willard and 19th Streets. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3.4. Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at East Merrimack Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 3.5. 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. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 4.1. Motion Responses.  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. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. A) Motion Response - School Buses Parking Centralville C. Robinson thanked Chief Hudon and Traffic Division. B) Motion Response - Reckless Bikers C. Gitschier thanked Chief Hudon for response and questioned if there had been any arrest since last operation and Chief Hudon did not have data. C. Gitschier hopes we can continue. C. Nuon appreciates the work the chief is doing. C. Nuon commented that this was a successful operation. C. Nuon asked Chief Hudon to summarize the report for people at home. Chief Hudon explained they reached out to their state partners, environmental and state police, state police helicopter as well as gang unit which conducted operations targeting reckless operation both motorcycles, bikes, mopeds anything that has been a nuisance to the neighborhoods. Chief Hudon commented that this type of reckless operation would not be tolerated. C. Yem questioned if we are continuing to enforce on a regular basis as summer continues and also if the city is educating by press release regarding dirt bikes on street is illegal. Chief Hudon commented that this will be ongoing and patrol officers are out every day. C) Motion Response - Welcome Sign C. Yem commented that it is a great sign, and he is hoping the sign will be completed by the Centennial Celebration next year in March. D) Motion Response - Senior Playground C. Robinson thanked colleagues, DPD and he hopes this is something the seniors of this city will enjoy. C. Mercier asked if she could provide her Senior Citizen Subcommittee Report in conjunction with this response Motion “To take out of order” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So Voted. C. Mercier provided her report. E) Motion Response - Erosion Control Orchard Project C. Robinson thanked DPD as well as Mr. Fuller, Building Commissioner.  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 F) Motion Response - ADA Transition Plans C. Bellanger thanked administration for the response. G) Motion Response - Frontrunner City Open House C. Scott thanked administration for response and is excited to see moving forward with the next step. C. Scott asked how many projects would be presented and how many developers would be included and Mrs. Yovanni Baez- Rose explained they plan to do a couple different opportunities over the course of their visit convening with couple of non-profit organizations from across city to talk about what their working on and what they are interested in pursuing, walking and driving tour of Lowell. Mrs. Baez-Rose explained they have 11 stops to show various opportunities which consist of a mix of projects related to housing potential, commercial potential, industrial areas, manufacturing areas. C. Scott also thanked the mayor for bringing forward. C. Belanger thanked Mrs. Baez- Rose for the report. C. Yem commented on cultural preservation. Mrs. Baez-Rose mentioned they do a have a delegation coming to Lowell on July 8, 9 and 10th and hopes they will be here for City Council Meeting H) Motion Response - Maintenance of Walkways C. Robinson thanked administration for report. I) Motion Response - Responsibilities NGRID Installation New Poles C. Scott questioned Manchester St pole removal and Mr. Machado explained there are 2 poles impeding the sidewalk and those will be removed on July 9th and the other would go through the double pole system. J) Motion Response - Clean Slate Letter to Delegation and Congresswoman C. Robinson commented great letter which hit on all the key points. 4.2. Communication - Resignation of Martha Howe from License Commission.  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. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 4.3. Communication - Reappointment of Clifford Krieger to License Commission. 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 4.4. Communication - City Mgr. request approval of Out of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 5.1. Vote - Accept MGL c. 59 s. 22I - HERO Act. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on July 8, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Motion “To bundle #5.2 to #5.9” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So Voted. 5.2. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Agreement with Portuguese American Youth Center, Inc. C. Descoteau commented he did a self tour today and got to see the building and that there is a ring and it looks very professional and promising and that it is for 13 to16 year old kids, youth services and hopefully get some high school aged kids in the services. C. Descoteaux asked Chief Hudon that the hours be extended because the high school aged kids  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 might have full time jobs. Chief Hudon commented they would look into ways of expanding. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.3. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Lease Extension with Degmar Development Corporation. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.4. Vote - Set FY2026 Revolving Fund Spending Limits. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.5. Vote - Transfer $101,883 - Ride Share. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.6. Vote - Transfer $20k - Disability Commission Revolving Fund FY25. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (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 Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.7. Vote - Transfer $74,500 – Demolitions. C. Robinson questioned if 290 Branch Street was the property the city had problems with and was told it was. C. Robinson commented he was glad to see this get a fresh start. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.8. Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills Incurred in Excess of Appropriations. C. Mercier commented that this does occur and that she will support. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 5.9. Vote - Accept/Expend $247,870.21 Shared Street and Spaces. C. Jenness wanted to acknowledge this vote and happy to see this getting funded and moving forward. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Order of Taking - 40 Market Street. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, 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 Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier). So voted. 6.2. Order - 60 Day Trial. 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Senior Citizens SC June 12, 2025. In City Council, C. Mercier provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding issues effecting seniors and review of senior recreation areas. C. Mercier noted the subcommittee adopted motions regarding disability seating in City events throughout the city and traffic mitigation plan surrounding the Gorham Street Bridge construction project, streetlights, traffic engineer look into feasibility of placing solar digital speed limit sign between Nesmith St. And Waverly Ave. And in between Concord and High St. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier to accept the report as a report of progress and adopt motions. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claims - (5) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 8.2. Misc. - Chokyab Sherab request removal of handicap parking sign at 197-199 Powell Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 9. 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. Jenness commented on city announcement on No Parking Signs going up for banning overnight parking starting at 8PM on Central St. From Middlesex St. To Merrimack St. On Market St. From Central St. to Dutton St. And Merrimack St. From Kearney Sq. To Library to facilitate paving project overnight 10. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:10PM. ___________________________________ Angela Gitschier, Assistant City Clerk