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: October 21, 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). Mayor Rourke presiding. C. Chau requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Yvette Ansara. C. Robinson requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mark Carron. C. Belanger requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Maureen “Molly” Sheehy. 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. 2.2. Recognition - Mill City Weather. In City Council, M. Rourke provided citation to Mill City Weather. Shawn Kelley thanked the Council for the recognition. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting October 14th, for acceptance.  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. Gitschier. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 204 - Noise. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, 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. Jenness noted the quick response and that it should alleviate some issues regarding garbage removal in the City. 4.2. Ordinance - Amend Fee Schedule - Falsified Documents. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Mercier, 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. Mercier questioned the language in the ordinance. Lisa Golden (HHS) noted the reasoning for the ordinance concerning falsifying information regarding fire extinguishers. Matt Sheehan (Inspector) commented on the issue. C. Yem questioned if inspections could be staggered to assist with costs. C. Gitschier noted the full extent of punishment should be placed on these violations and should involve hefty fines as it is a deliberate act. City Solicitor Williams noted fines are governed by state statute. C. Robinson noted the effectiveness of the inspections. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have Transportation Engineer explore additional speed bumps on Douglas Road from guardrail to Cawley Stadium. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the amount of work done on this 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 5.2. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on the Bartlett School project, including upgrades on the Claire Street parking lot. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the request came from the Disability Commission. 5.3. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. work with proper department to include additional crosswalks in the 2026 Andover Street project. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted request from residents for safety concerns. 5.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department implement traffic calming measures on Central, Stavely, Armand, Delmont, Manchester, Bowden and Stromquist Streets. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott commented on the frequent concerns of residents especially with crossing the streets. C. Jenness noted the need for bump outs on Central Street. 5.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide the Council with an update on the status of the culvert work on Billerica Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.6. C. Scott / C. Descoteaux - Req. that the City Mgr. work with the appropriate city departments and stakeholders to develop and implement a monthly parking garage permit program for the downtown businesses. (Refile) In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted possible assistance for employees downtown. Manager  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 Golden, Jr. commented on upgrades to the parking ordinance. C. Jenness noted the discussions regarding time limits on parking. C. Jenness commented on use of charging stations in various garages. C. Belanger noted the benefit for business employees. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Jenness to take Item #7.1 out of order. So voted. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses / Informational Report. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. A) Motion Response - Improve Voter Turnout – C. Nuon requested information regarding response. Will Rosenberry (Election Dir.) outlined all of the action taken to increase turnout, including the use of social media and attendance at many events. C. Nuon noted all information is provided in multi languages. B) Motion Response - Preliminary Review – C. Nuon questioned process regarding inactive voters. Mr. Rosenberry noted the process to allow them to vote which is simplified and available on election day. Mr. Rosenberry noted his work with non-profits to educate residents on the process. C. Jenness noted efforts of the department and further noted that registration deadlines are approaching. C. Yem questioned process of inactive voters with mail in ballots. C. Yem questioned use of text messages regarding voting procedures. Mr. Rosenberry commented on current texting use and practices in the department. C. Descoteaux commented on the need to make ballot less confusing. C. Mercier noted upcoming early voting in the City. C. Scott questioned status with on-line census registration. C) Motion Response - Inspect And Secure Downtown Pavers C. Jenness noted the work done and the need to fully remove old parking meters.  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 D) Motion Response - Solid Waste and Recycle Issues at LPS – C. Robinson noted the issue was resolved. E) Motion Response - Maintenance of River Berm – C. Jenness noted the maintenance plan moving forward. F) Motion Response - 110 First St Blvd Reconsideration MassDOT Reconfiguration – C. Robinson commented on letter and the need to keep pressing for action. G) Motion Response - Repairs To fencing Aiken Street Bridge and VFW in Centralville – C. Robinson commented on the need for a long- term solution. H) Motion Response - Double Poles – C. Scott requested time frame. I) Motion Response - Drug Free Rules in City Parks – C. Robinson commented on upgraded language and development of partnerships. C. Gitschier commented on practice in different communities. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Robinson request City Solicitor draft a resolution demanding the Massachusetts Legislature amend M.G.L. Chapter 94C Section 32J to restore controlled substance proximity protections for schools, parks and playgrounds in Lowell. So voted. 6.2 Informational Report. Informational Report - Markley Group – Manager Golden, Jr. Noted the letter of withdrawal from the Markley Group. C. Scott questioned authority to do that noting the rules of the planning board. City Solicitor Williams outlined those differences noting it was done under a different statute. C. Yem noted the need to be a good business neighbor. 6.3. Communication - Resignation of Girard P. Largay from Cemetery 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. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. C. Gitschier requested letter thanks go to the family for his service and invite to a meeting to be recognized. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote – Accept Gift of $2,284.22 from Bowden/Shawcross Family. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. Russell Bowden thanked the body. 8. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.23 - Supervised Drug Consumption Sites. In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on November 18, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Transportation SC October 21, 2025. In City Council, C. Descoteaux requested report be provided next week. No objections. 9.2. Wire Insp. Reports: 1) National Grid - Request installation of (1) utility pole with a recloser at 501 Bridge Street; 2) National Grid - Request installation of (1) utility pole with a recloser at 58 Methuen Street; 3) National Grid - Request installation of (1) utility pole with a recloser at 12-14 Twelfth Street; 4) Boston Gas - Request installation of replacement gas main on Mammoth Road at Columbia Road; and 5) Boston Gas - Request  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 relocation of existing gas main on Lakeview Avenue at Bunker Hill Avenue. In City Council, Motion “To adopt and accept the accompanying orders” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Misc. - Sayed Pazhwak request removal of handicap parking sign at 113 Bellevue Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem recognized work done on Mount Vernon Street. C. Robinson noted upcoming Monster Bash. Shawn Machado (Asst. City Mgr.) noted upcoming state final event for cross-country. Yovani Baez- Rose (DPD) noted upcoming Lowell Sun sign illumination event. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk