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 22, 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. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for victims of fire at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River. M. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Lynne Tessier. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting July 8th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1. Vote - Accept MGL c. 59 s. 22I - HERO Act.  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” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. 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. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have the Transportation Engineer install bollards at the corner of Westford and Stedman Streets and include a timeline on when the line striping will be completed. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux commented on the pictures he provided. Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) commented on the intersection when it would be finished leaving more room for vehicles and that striping will make it easier for vehicles to maneuver. 5.2. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have proper department add Wellesley, Walton and West Albert Streets to the paving list. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness requested that Hudson Street be added with no objections. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with appropriate departments to provide the City Council with a report of the number of ongoing projects that align with the MBTA Zoning Ordinance Overlay District. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need for data to see if ordinance is effective. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with appropriate departments to provide the City Council with a report as to the number of ADU applications that have been submitted and/or approved.  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. C. Nuon noted that this was now a state regulation and that the data should indicate district projects to see if it is helping the housing situation. 5.5. C. Jenness - Req. City Council adopt an ordinance requiring that all sidewalk replacement projects remain consistent with previous materials (i.e. concrete sidewalks should be replaced with concrete sidewalks); and further any changes in construction materials should be approved by a majority vote of the City Council. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to Neighborhoods SC. So voted. C. Jenness noted the need to standardize the procedure. C. Robinson indicated that there is a lot of discussion needed on this topic and that a subcommittee would be appropriate. Manager Golden, Jr. noted he would continue with the policy to replace with what is present during the discussion period. C. Gitschier noted the importance of communication with the residents in the area. C. Scott requested that costs breakdowns should be discussed at the subcommittee meeting. C. Mercier noted that ownership of the sidewalks can become a complicated issue. C. Gitschier commented on trees and possible damage done making the ADU compliant. 5.6. C. Jenness / C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. compose and send a letter to our state and federal delegations requesting that they consider options to encourage the availability of hydrotreated vegetable oil for use in emergency backup power generation here in Massachusetts to help Lowell and other cities meet their climate goals. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness offered a friendly amendment with no objections to replace “hydrotreated vegetable oil” with “sustainable non-fossil fuel alternative to diesel”. C. Jenness indicated that the Markley Group could comply with the requirement if there was a supply available.  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 5.7. C. Jenness / C. Gitschier - Req. City Council adopt and ordinance requiring large generators being installed for emergency backup power generation be capable of being fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil or similar non-fossil fuel diesel replacement product. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness to refer matter to Environment & Flood Issues SC. So voted. C. Scott noted that there is data that must be reviewed regarding drafting on the ordinance. 5.8. C. Scott - Req. City Auditor review and provide a compilation of infrastructure spending allocated by district for the last five years and yearly going forward. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Auditor. So voted. C. Scott noted the concern of inequity in the process and requested date to either prove or disprove that concern. C. Gitschier noted the need to look at the infrastructure in each district as the needs differ. 5.9. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide an update on no parking signs at 98 Boisvert Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented that the signage should be consistent along the street. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier to allow Sandra McNamara to address the Council. So voted. Ms. McNamara noted that the owner of the property at that site deserves a sign. 5.10. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore the installation of children slow traffic signage on May and 13th Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted it was a high pedestrian area with a school. C. Mercier  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 noted prior problem with this type of signage. Ms. Oltman noted that it was not approved by state regulations, but she can fashion an alternative. 5.11. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper departments provide an update on the McPherson basketball court crack sealing and potentially future path for surface improvements. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson commented on the current condition and the need for a path forward. 5.12. C. Belanger / C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. provide updates as to the odor control mitigation at the Duck Island wastewater treatment facility. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger commented on the report regarding mitigation of odors. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #6,2 (Informational Report – Sewer Infrastructure Project Loan Forgiveness) with this discussion. So voted. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #7.7 out of order. So voted. 5.13. C. Belanger / M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. provide an update as to safety and inspection protocols in our assisted living facilities. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the need to strengthen the regulations. M. Rourke noted the state is promulgating new regulations regarding these types of facilities. C. Robinson noted that all should apply to Lowell Housing Authority properties. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses / Informational Repoorts.  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. Gitsciher, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. A) Motion Response - Cambodia Town Way Finding – C. Nuon noted the importance of signage. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on the options moving forward, including the use of banners. C. Nuon indicated that the non-profits are willing to contribute. C. Yem commented on the signage on the Lowell Connector and other highways and that there are many partners that will join in on the effort. C. Chau commented on the importance of the area. B) Motion Response - East Merrimack Traffic Calming – C. Belanger noted this was a major cut through in the City and in need of such measures. C) Motion Response - West Sixth St and Mount Vernon – C. Robinson commented on state involvement. C. Yem noted it was a dangerous area in need of such attention. D) Motion Response - Western Ave Floating Walkway – C. Scott commented on the need to connect to the downtown and should move forward with plan when feasible. C. Yem noted the attraction of Western Avenue, and it should be connected to the downtown. E) Motion Response - Branches Resting on Power Lines Burnham Rd – C. Mercier noted the work had been completed. F) Motion Response - Trash Contract and Solid Waste Recycling and Parks and Rec Enterprise – Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau to refer matter to Finance SC. So voted. C. Robinson noted the improvements and that a solid request for proposal led to competitive bidding. C. Nuon noted effort now will lead to future savings. C. Scott commented on the new contract. Manager Golden, Jr. noted improvement with the request for proposal.  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 6.2. Informational Reports. Informational Report - 25 MPH Speed Limit Tracking – Manager Golden, Jr. noted success of the program through education and enforcement. C. Nuon noted that data provides information which can be acted upon. C. Descoteaux noted improved enforcement. C. Gitschier noted strict compliance near schools needs to be maintained. C. Scott noted police efforts and indicated that added signage should be at schools. Ms. Oltman noted the width of the street influences speed, the wider the faster. C. Jennes commented on the importance of data and noted how it collected. C. Belanger noted approval of results. C. Mercier requested list of speed humps in the City and was informed that they are on website. C. Robinson lauded the effort and that it had a great impact in the City. Informational Report - Sewer Infrastructure Project Loan Forgiveness – Conor Baldwin (CFO) commented on the forgiveness coming forth. C. Robinson indicated that was positive news. C. Yem noted that other projects had some forgiveness as well. C. Jenness questioned how the program operates. Mr. Baldwin noted the benefits go to the taxpayers through the enterprise funds. Informational Report - FY2026 Budget Update and LPS Funding – Mr. Baldwin noted the different options to protect bond rating regarding above funding. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness to adopt Option 1 regarding LPS funding. So voted. 6.3. Communication - Resignation of John Nickerson, Jr. from Zoning Board of Appeals. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness to bundle and waive second reading Items #7;1; 7;2; 7;3; and 7;6. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $46,259.50 MassEVIP Grant – Parking.  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. 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. C. Gitschier questioned if customers would be charged. Terry Ryan (Parking) indicated that currently there is no charge, but a fee schedule will be implemented moving forward. 7.2. Vote - Approve ORR Permit for Cobblestones. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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. 7.3. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. 5 Year Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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. 7.4. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. License Agr with Aaron's Presents 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. Leah Okimoto (Director – Aaron's Presents, Inc.) addressed the Council regarding project and information about the organization. C. Yem noted the effort of the team. C. Robinson indicated that it was great artwork. C. Jenness commented that there should be a tour when completed. C. Mercier noted it was an exciting project that the residents will enjoy.  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 7.5. Vote - Authorize CM to Approve Beano License - Senior Center. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 recuse (C. Mercier). So voted. 7.6. Vote - Authorize CM to Send Notice of Hearing - 48 Kinsman Street. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Gitschier, 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. 7.7. Vote - Transfer $2mil – Schools. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Scott, C. Yem), 3 recuse (C. Descoteaux, C. Nuon, M. Rourke). So voted. Mr. Baldwin explained the vote and the transfer. C. Mercier commented on the negotiations between the parties and the number that was settled upon. C. Nuon noted he would recuse self from vote but voiced is support for the schools and its administration. C. Descoteaux recused self from vote. C. Robinson commented on transfer regarding funding of positions, including high paid administrative positions. Liam Skinner (Supt. Lowell Public Schools) commented on prior cuts and the need to restore them. Mr. Skinner commented on shortage of funding and vacant positions. C. Robinson noted administrative positions could fund several other positions. Mr. Skinner stated it was unfair to cut administrative positions. Mr. Skinner stated that the City was not sufficiently funding the schools with cash. C. Robinson noted the maintenance costs of the schools that are signed off yearly by the school administration. C. Scott noted the incredible amount of work done on the schools in the past few years that are regularly sign off  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 by the school administration. Mr. Skinner commented that cash pays for positions not maintenance. C. Scott commented on positions and cuts. Mr. Skinner noted that some positions pay so low that there is a high turnover. C. Scott noted that the administrative level is growing much faster that non administrative positions. Mr. Skinner restated that it was not fair to cut administrative positions. C. Gitschier questioned what the number of school employees are and was provided the response from Mr. Baldwin, indicating a larger work force than the City. C. Gitschier indicated that a Human Resource administrator is needed in the administration. Mr. Baldwin noted that the City provides some human resource services to the schools. C. Belanger noted the transfer protects the classrooms. C. Chau noted that based on discussions the transfer meets the needs of the school. C. Scott questioned what effect on bond rating such a large transfer would have from a reserve fund. Mr. Baldwin indicated final number from the state for budget purposed but noted that the Governor was given the authority to alter that at any time and that City must be prepared for same. Mr. Baldwin noted the many discussions with bond agencies and stated that this fund must be replenished quickly. C. Robinson noted that there are options regarding protecting bond rating. Registered speaker, Jackie Doherty (commented – City was not funding enough cash to the schools), addressed the body. M. Rourke noted the increase in administrative positions and that over the past year there were 215 new positions added to the department. M. Rourke commented that all of the hard work done by this Council to put money in reserve was lost due to budgeting failures in the schools. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Nuon to take Items #7.4 and 7.5 out of order. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Jenness. 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. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Amend Chap 243 - Temporary Repairs by the City on Private Ways. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 9.2. Ordinance - Create New Position – Parks. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. C. Robinson questioned the need for the position. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined reasoning on the position in terms of training and certification. C. Robinson commented on the job description noting the overlap with other positions. C. Gitschier noted it was not a proper position for the department. C. Belanger commented on the size of the parks and the need for the position. C. Nuon questioned the duration of the job and that it was not permanent. C. Scott questioned if some outside contracts would be eliminated with this position. C. Descoteaux questioned some language in the ordinance. Mr. Baldwin commented on how the position would be administrated. C. Mercier noted it was on for a public hearing and tonight was not the night for discussion support on non-support. C. Robinson noted it would be difficult to administer the position. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Public Safety SC July 22, 2024. In City Council, C. Nuon requested matter be put over to August 12th. No objections. 10.2. Wire Inspector Reports:  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 (1) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas main at 1-9 Sheldon Street; (2) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at Lane and Horn Streets; (3) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at Beacon, Willard and 19th Streets; (4) Boston Gas d/b/a National Grid - Request replacement of existing gas mains at East Merrimack Street; and (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, Motion “To adopt and accept the accompanying orders” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 11.2. Misc. - Dominic Sampson request permission to address Council regarding establishing a "Tool Library" to assist in daily living. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Petitioner not present, M. Rourke continued to next meeting. No objections. 11.3. National Grid - Request installation of (1) JO pole at Grove and Manahan Streets. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM 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 11.4. National Grid - Request installation of underground electric conduit for underground facilities at Middlesex Street and Eagle Court. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on August 12, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem noted upcoming civil service exams and preparation courses. C. Yem noted available apartments for rent in the City. C. Robinson noted Folk Festival this weekend. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:24 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk