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: July 8, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, 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. Mercier. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting June 24th; City Council Special Meeting June 30th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 4.1. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department install American flags along the new Thorndike Street corridor to celebrate the Fourth of July, honoring our Nation’s independence and adding a festive, patriotic spirit to this key gateway into the 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 In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted planning for next year’s enhanced festivities. C. Gitschier requested clean-up of the Gorham Street area. 4.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department review and address traffic calming measures on Fletcher Street northbound from Broadway Street toward Pawtucket Street, including using speed awareness monitors. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted the concerns of residents in the area and the number of crosswalks along that corridor. C. Descoteaux commented on the lack of compliance with the new speed limits in the City. C. Robinson noted the traffic problems in Centralville due to the many hills. C. Belanger noted the need for more traffic enforcement in neighborhoods. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the process from temporary mitigation to permanent mitigation. M. Rourke indicated that citations for speeding have increased dramatically. C. Gitschier commented on negative effects of speed bumps in the neighborhoods. C. Nuon noted City was moving in right direction regarding speed limits and speed bumps. C. Yem noted need to focus on school area traffic. C. Mercier noted drivers should have common sense and follow regulations. 4.3. C. Gitschier/C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the Wastewater Department inspect the drain system on Bourne Street and report back to the City Council with the findings. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the resident concern in the area and that Markley may be contributing to it. C. Scott commented on the flood area. 4.4. C. Gitschier - Req. the City Mgr. have the proper department outline why all the trees on Barasford Avenue were taken down during sidewalk and road paving project.  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. Registered speakers, Stephen Conant (commented – on tree removal and replacing concrete with asphalt for sidewalks) and Timothy Rapley (commented – noted concrete was safer surface and preferred). Motion to allow David Price to address the Council by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Mr. Price indicated that concrete should be used for sidewalks. C. Gitschier noted the need for trees and that prior projects used concrete. C. Gitschier noted the need to reduce heat islands in the City and there must be better communication with neighborhoods. 4.5. C. Mercier/C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. find ways and means to put in cement sidewalks on Barasford Avenue as opposed to hot top. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager on roll call vote 10 yeas, (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (M. Rourke). So voted. Registered speaker, Erin Gendron (comment – noted the need for quality infrastructure and that concrete would save costs in the long run), addressed the Council. C. Mercier noted that prior sidewalk was concrete and that should be kept. C. Belanger noted it was a big project and that there should have been better communication with the residents. C. Gitschier noted concrete is being placed in other projects. C. Nuon noted that it should be replaced with what was there. C. Scott noted the need for equitable distribution of funds throughout the neighborhoods. C. Robinson noted the benefits of concrete and that what was taken out should be replaced. M. Rourke requested roll call indicating if you are in favor of motion then everyone should get the same in all districts. A petition was provided to Council supporting concrete sidewalks on the street. 4.6. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper dept clean all gateways into the city in preparation for the Lowell Folk Festival.  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. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to get the City ready for visitors. C. Chau noted it was a world-wide event and that City must put its best foot forward. C. Gitschier noted that there should be a checklist for proper preparations. 4.7. C. Scott - Req. the City Mgr. have appropriate department evaluate adding Bigelow St and Lowell St to the crack sealing list. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted resident concerns. 4.8. C. Scott - Req. the City Mgr. have appropriate department evaluate adding sections of Devine, Armand, Bernier, Delmont, Suttle, to the localized paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. So voted. C. Scott noted resident concerns. 4.9. C. Scott - Req. the City Mgr. have appropriate department evaluate adding two sections of Lawrence St between the fire station and Father Kirwin park to the localized paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.10. C. Scott - Req. the City Mgr. provide an update on the status of trunk and stump removal of trees in the right of way. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.11. C. Robinson - Req. the City Mgr. have the proper department address the ongoing speeding issues on 18th Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. 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 4.12. C. Robinson - Req. the City Mgr. have the proper department inspect all trees in Richardson and in McPherson Park for any health issues. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted need for healthy trees. 4.13. C. Robinson - Req. the City Mgr. have the proper department look at installation of additional streetlight in area of 124 Ludlum. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 4.14. C. Robinson/C. Gitschier - Req. the City Mgr. have the proper department provide a detailed report on the city’s rating responsibility and the review and performance evaluation process of the OPM, architect, and all other contractual agents of the Lowell High School project. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted the need to gather information regarding concerns. C. Gitschier noted the need and necessity of auditing the project to benefit City and other municipalities. 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 5.1. Motion Responses. A) Motion Response - Assessment Center Preparation Course – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Public Safety SC. So voted. B) Motion Response - Civil Service Exam - Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Public Safety SC. C. Nuon noted recruiting efforts were good. C) Motion Response - Hybrid Hiring - Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by  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 C. Jenness to refer to Public Safety SC. C. Nuon noted the model and the benefits of it. D) Motion Response - Citizen Advisory Committee - Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness to refer to Public Safety SC. C. Nuon noted the need to assist the committee. C. Jenness noted the need to strengthen this link to the community. E) Motion Response - LTC Assistance – C. Nuon noted the need for a working relationship. C. Robinson noted the need for LTC to communicate their needs. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined the working relationship. M. Rourke requested to finish remaining items on agenda and return to Informational Report regarding the Urban Economy Forum. No objections. 5.2. Informational Reports Informational Report - Frontrunner City Presentation - Delegates from the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) - Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the partnership and the efforts of the Mayor and the City Council. Kamran Hassani Espili (UEF Director) noted the importance of the partnership with Lowell and introduced members of his team including Eduardo Lopez Moreno (World Urban Pavillion – Co-Director). Reza Pourvaziry (UEF Chair) (via Zoom) outlined the programs and the participants noting strategy points of the Frontrunner Program; probable questions; leveraging knowledge; urban transformation; citizen centered; partnerships; and action process. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the program benefits and positioning the City for the future with global partners. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on the process and current meetings with partners which include non-profits, developers, LINC participants and UMass- Lowell. 5.3. Communication - City Mgr. Request approval of Out of State Travel (1) LPD. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, 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 Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 6.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $135,472.79 OLRH Grant In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $149,417 BHOAP Grant In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $1m Community Project Funding Grant In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Yem commented on the preparation of the grant application. 6.4. Vote - Accept/Expend $20k Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grant In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Robinson noted the importance of the program. C. Mercier questioned the number of employees in the program. 6.5. Vote - Accept/Expend $250,000 MassCall3 Grant  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. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.6. Vote - Accept/Expend $773,400 SSYI Grant – LPD In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.7. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agr with Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Inc. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.8. Vote - Transfer $1,225,900 - General Fund Energy In City Council, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted as amended 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. C. Baldwin noted the amendment indicating that bottom line would remain the same. Motion to amend by replacing Attachment A on the vote by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 6.9. Vote - Transfer $113k - LTC/Medicare In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux,  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 C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.10. Vote - Transfer $191k - Wastewater Energy In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.11. Vote - Transfer $250k - Water Energy In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. 6.12. Vote - Transfer $41k - Parking Energy In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. C. Gitschier noted that there should be a charge for energy, and it should be in place now. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) None. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claims - (4) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. 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 8.2. Misc. - Jenny Barbato request permission to address the Council regarding installation of traffic measures at High, Ash and East Merrimack Streets area. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Ms. Barbato addressed the body and provide documentation regarding lighting, intersections and traffic in the area. 8.3. Misc. - Jenni Kim request permission to address Council regarding process to open closed gate for access to Pineview Avenue. In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 8.4. Misc. - Diane Dufresne Request installation of a Handicap Parking Sign at 17 Hutchinson St. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem wished C. Robinson a happy birthday on behalf of the Council. 10. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. ___________________________________  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 Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk