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 28, 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. Nuon requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Thomas O’ Reilly (Former District Attorney). C. Jenness requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Edmund P. O’Connor (Father of former City Solicitor Chris O’Connor). C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Norman Marc Jutras and David LeClair. C. Gitschier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mary Meehan Carnevale. C. Chau noted the teaching career of Mrs. Carnevale. 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. Proclamation - Breast Cancer Awareness. In City Council, M. Rourke read proclamation recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  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 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of Transportation SC October 21st; City Council Regular Meeting October 21st, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.2 out of order. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID. 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, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem). So voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #11.1 and #11.2 out of order. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department review and implement traffic calming measures on Sanders Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux noted the concerns of the residents. 5.2. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a detailed report on all expenditures for the Frontrunner City, including the program, travel and any other expenses.  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. Gitschier noted the fund was drawing down and requested information be put on the established webpage for the program. 5.3. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with an outline of responsibilities of the City to notify the Board of Parks when changes are planned for the parks. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on current request for proposals for the parks questioned who would have oversight of that process. 5.4. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a current list of all positions currently funded by ARPA funding and all part-time positions currently being funded. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted upcoming budget squeeze and the need to have final report on the matter. 5.5. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. update the City Council on the parking lot paving at the Bartlett School. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted matter was discussed in recent joint facilities subcommittee with the school committee and requested opinion of the Manager. 5.6. C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. have traffic enforcement place a radar speed detector to track speeders on newly paved East Merrimack Street and if excessive speed is shown, place speed humps to slow traffic down. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Mercier noted issue with speeding since the surface was repaved. 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 commented on the upgrade of the street and that it is a major cut through in the City. 5.7. C. Mercier - Req. City Council name the Edson Cemetery Chapel in memory of Girard P. “Gerry” Largay as voted upon by the Cemetery Commission. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager / Monument Committee. 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 noted vote of the Cemetery Commission and that Monument Committee should review the matter. C. Gitschier noted the accomplishments of Mr. Largay. 5.8. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with an update plan for the Lowell Transitional Living Center. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted meetings with the facility on its operations and the need to enhance economic vitality in that area. C. Jenness noted the need for more options. Motion by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Gitschier to have City Manager prepare letter to all levels of government regarding the use of the land at Tewksbury State Hospital as an all-inclusive facility to address housing needs. So voted. M. Rourke suggested the letter should outline all of what the City has done and the abundant use of resources to take on this crisis. 5.9. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with an update plan for the Inn and Conference Center and the Lowell District Court. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon commented on meetings with all partners to treat area as one site in order to enhance economic vitality in the area. C. Nuon noted it was a gateway to downtown with high potential. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that there is progress in these discussions.  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 5.10. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department evaluate the potential of automatic pedestrian intervals at intersections with frequent pedestrian crossings, particularly those with accessibility challenges accessing the crossing buttons. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted concern at the corner of Market and Dutton Streets and that many intersections face similar issues. 5.11. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department investigate the lighting on the paths leading to and from the Lower Locks Garage and develop an improvement plan. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the neighbors' concerns and that area needs improvement. 5.12. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. investigate the feasibility of creating a QR code-based registration and reporting system for publicly accessible trash receptacles in the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted it would create an easier path to report problems. 5.13. C. Jenness - Req. City Mgr. have proper department prepare a Parking Facilities Capital Master Plan. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the City is full of old garages and there is a need for a future plan. C. Gitschier noted that there is a prior plan in place but that it should be bolstered. 5.14. C. Jenness / M. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. have proper department prepare an analysis and options to the Council for reducing the volume of discarded mini liquor bottles littering our 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, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Jenness noted the issue is prevalent and that it should be cleaned up. M. Rourke noted there are needles alongside of these bottles. C. Scott noted prior motions regarding this a few years back. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses / Informational Reports. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. A) Motion Response - Back Central Neighborhood – C. Scott noted the efforts of the Parking Director to lay out different options in area. B) Motion Response - MedFlight Landings – C. Gitschier noted other communities do not provide support for these flights and does not see why the City should be providing support to the hospital. C) Motion Response - IPM Requirements – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to refer to Environmental and Flood Issues SC. So voted. D) Motion Response – ADUs – Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Robinson to refer matter to Housing SC. So voted. E) Motion Response - Elm and Chapel – C. Jenness noted the need for a traffic calming measure at this site. C. Scott noted it was a difficult traffic area. Elizabeth Oltman (Transportation Engineer) commented that the concern is the volume of cars in a small area. F) Motion Response - Douglas and Wentworth – C. Belanger noted the residents are pleased with the speed bump program. G) Motion Response - Winthrop Ave and Puffer St – C. Chau noted resident was pleased with the response.  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 H) Motion Response - Westford St & Stedman St – C. Descoteaux commented on the progress. C. Gitschier noted that sidewalks were part of the original plan and that the area has improved. I) Motion Response - Lewis Street – C. Mercier noted the replacement and repair of ramps. J) Motion Response - Gallagher Terminal Beautification – C. Yem noted it was a good attraction as you enter the City. C. Scott requested to seek more grant funding for these types of projects in other parts of the City. K) Motion Response - Aiken St and Merrimack St – C. Yem noted request was the result of an accident in the area. L) Motion Response - 15 Minute Parking City Hall – C. Mercier noted the convenience of the spot and that it is on agenda for a 60-Day Trial. M) Motion Response - Superior Courthouse – C. Jenness noted the need to stay own State regarding infestation control of the site. C. Scott noted the State is causing these issues with this empty building. N) Motion Response - Trees Private Property – C. Scott was looking forward for input from Tree Committee. O) Motion Response - Townsend Ave - C. Gitschier noted problem with violators who dictate the City response to the violation. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) commented on the hearing process. C. Gitschier noted all information should be verified and that there should be a harsh penalty on the property owner. P) Motion Response - Plain St – C. Descoteaux questioned length of building permit. Ms. Baez-Rose noted the statute covering this permit. Q) Motion Response - Invite Sheriff-LPD-District Court Judges-DA Conversation on Transient Community – C. Robinson noted the  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 challenges and the need for help. C. Gitschier questioned who has been approach and the need for all partners to be involved. C. Mercier noted all partners need to be on same page and that focus should be sites for recovery purposes. C. Belanger commented on the number of resources being used by the City. C. Nuon the number of incidents is troubling. C. Jenness noted the need to move needle by way of all major cities joining in mass to request additional resources. C. Robinson agreed that all cities should be involved. 6.2. Informational Report Informational Report - UMass Lowell Chancellor Chen - LINC and ICC Update – Chancellor Chen (UMass-Lowell) provided a presentation updating the progress of the LINC Project. Chancellor Chen outlined the goal of job creation for the City, as well as the partnerships being developed at all levels of government. Chancellor Chen noted the following projects associated the LINC, including Draper Building, Western Canal, 201 Cabot and Wannalancit. Chancellor Chen noted all of these projects would house programs developed for all different job types as well as housing. Chancellor Chen noted benefits economically for the area identifying Sea Dog Brewery and the Futures League Baseball. C. Belanger noted the good picture of project to the public. C. Chau noted they were exciting projects and identified a space exploration project. C. Descoteaux noted the progress of the University and that it was done by great leadership. C. Gitschier noted the importance of job growth with thew projects. C. Jenness noted it was great to share with public and that the university has immersed itself in the City. C. Mercier noted she was proud of the development. C. Nuon commented that it was leadership which mad this work. C. Robinson noted the partnership developed over time by the City and the university. C. Scott commented on the vision and the leadership. C. Yem commented on the partnership and the tie with the Front Runners Program. 6.3. Communication - Planning Board recommendation to Amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID.  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. Gitschier, seconded by C. Jenness. So voted. 6.4. Communication - Appointment of Members to Hunger Homeless Commission. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. The following were appointed to the commission: Jeanna Guilbeault and Taylor Conley. Ms. Guilbeault thanked the Council. 6.5. Communication - Reappointment of Clifford Krieger to Hunger Homeless Commission. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Transfer $421,900 - Overlay Surplus. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. 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 questioned what options were available. Ellen Brideau (City Assessor) outlined the overlay procedure. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Order - 60 Day Trial. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. 9. RESOLUTIONS  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 9.1. Resolution - M.G.L. Chapter 94C s 32J. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, 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. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 10.1. Transportation SC October 21, 2025. In City Council, C. Descoteaux provided report noting the attendance and the discussion regarding the Bus Patrol presentation. C. Descoteaux noted motion by subcommittee to have Law Department review proposal of the program. City Solicitor Williams stated he would review matter and discuss with the Superintendent of Police. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier to accept the report as a report of progress. So voted. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Misc. - Felicita Espinal request permission to address City Council regarding incident at Lowell High School. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Ms. Espinal read petition through an interpreter concerning safety and monitoring at Lowell High School. C. Mercier noted that there should be a meeting with the school administration. C. Gitschier noted Mayor was liaison with school committee. Manager Golden, Jr. noted he would arrange meeting regarding issue. C. Yem noted this was a recurring issue. C. Robinson noted this needs to be addressed. C. Scott commented on safety audits being done on the schools. C. Belanger noted the students and faculty need be protected. C. Jenness noted that the Manager would look into it. 11.2. Misc. - Francois Toka request permission to address City Council regarding sale of land on Rockdale Avenue.  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 refer to Law Department for review and recommendation” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Mr. Toka questioned process for sale of City property, noting he attempted to purchase this site years before. C. Scott noted that there is a process to follow regarding sale of land. C. Yem commented on the area. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on the Yard Sale Program by the City and that Law Department could review. C. Mercier questioned if abutters had been notified. Ms. Baez-Rose outlined Yard Sale Program. C. Jenness commented on history of the site noting property has been sold. C. Robinson noted issue of these lots throughout the City. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #6.4 out of order. So voted. 11.3. Misc. - Maria Amaral request installation of handicap parking sign located at 5 Ellis Avenue. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Yem wished M. Rourke a happy birthday on behalf of the Council. 13. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk  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