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: November 18, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call Showed 10 present (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). Mayor Rourke presiding. 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 Meeting November 4th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #8.2 out of order. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.23 - Supervised Drug Consumption Sites.  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. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 2 Nays (C. Jenness, C. Nuon), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. Ryan Oates spoke in opposition to the ordinance noting the need to have added information from health experts. C. Jenness noted concern with the ordinance as such sites are currently illegal in the State and that there is a lack of professional input regarding this matter. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that there was very little opposition to this ordinance, if any. C. Robinson commented that the City should not support these sites as they are failures in other communities. C. Nuon noted the priority is public health and that there should be more focus on that. Lisa Golden (HHS) noted the procedures of the Board of Health and that they have note discussed the issue as the sites are not legal in the State. C. Nuon noted this action was premature. C. Mercier noted the need for assistance, but they should not enable. C. Descoteaux noted the Council should send message to legislature that City does not support this. C. Gitschier noted focus should be on mental health assistance and centers to focus on that issue. C. Chau noted the need for services and not to enable. C. Belanger noted no support for affirmative drug use and that services are available. C. Jenness state he does not support Lowell as a pilot site for this but that more information should be provided. 4.2. Ordinance - Amend Ch 176 Rental Property. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a comprehensive plan for the City ’s Bicentennial Celebration.  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. 5.2. C. Yem - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore the feasibility of installing a temporary word “LOWELL ” display on the City Hall Plaza as part of the City ’s Bicentennial Celebration. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Yem noted other sites with names and that it should be done as part of the upcoming celebration. 5.3. C. Descoteaux / C. Scott - Req City Mgr. have the appropriate department look at feasibility of installing additional crosswalks on Chelmsford Street. In City Council, second by C. Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux noted the recent fatality at the site and that a review is needed. 5.4. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. provide the City Council with a detailed reporting of all organizations and entities that received funding to assist in our 2025 local elections outside of compensated poll workers. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.5. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. look into the feasibility of adding sidewalk from West Meadow Road to Lowell General Hospital on the north side of Varnum Avenue. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.6. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. give an update on the status of the paving of Sayles 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, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on prior work regarding gas main. 5.7. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. increase the lighting on Jackson Street between 200 and 300. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the area was in need of lighting and a possible drop off location. 5.8. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. work with National Grid to either clean up their property located at 47 Middlesex Street or work with National Grid to donate the property to the City of Lowell. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier noted the City has invested a lot of resources in the area and that this site needs improvement. 5.9. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. get an update on a timeframe for corrections to multiple security concerns due to the construction project at Lowell High School; i.e. door issues and a gate not properly securing. In City Council, seconded by C. Jenness, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Gitschier commented on the outstanding issues at the facility noting the need for more security. Manager Golden, Jr. noted upcoming safety meeting regarding the site. 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Motion Responses / Informational Response. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. A) Motion Response - Lighting 124 Ludlam St – C. Robinson noted the area was not well lit.  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 B) Motion Response - Development Projects – C. Robinson requested report be broken down in terms of work in the districts. Manager Golden, Jr. noted the data could be laid out differently. C) Motion Response - Update On Bailey School Playground – C. Descoteaux commented on the time frame and the funding. C. Gitschier noted the need for long term capital planning and funding at the site. Yovanni Baez-Rose (DPD) noted the assessment would be done in-house and that there needs to be a coordination with the schools. 6.2. Informational Reports Informational Report – MRF – Conor Baldwin (CFO) noted vote on the agenda to set the rate that will be referred to a public hearing. Motion by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson to take Item #7.6 out of order. So voted. Informational Report - Federal Entitlement Funding – Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to refer matter to Non-Profit Organization SC. So voted. C. Gitschier requested information be provided to the subcommittee regarding the funding and that entities are involved. C. Yem commented on protecting the community funding packages. C. Mercier noted the need to protect the funds for the Senior Center. C. Nuon indicated that the non-profits will be affected. Informational Report - Lowell 2025 MSBA ARP Invite – M. Rourke noted matter would be referred to the meeting on November 25th per Manager. 6.3. Communication - Appointment of Dominic Lebron to Citizen Advisory Committee . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, 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 6.4. Communication - Resignation of Adam Baacke from Community Preservation Committee . In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. C. Jenness noted the contributions of Mr. Baacke. M. Rourke bundled and waived second readings for Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive. No objections. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept Gift of $2,500 from DCU . In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/ Expend $15,300 Address Verification Program Grant . In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 7.3. Vote - Accept/ Expend $334,480 MA Elder Affairs Formula Funding FY26. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Accept/ Expend $78k Mass DEP SMRP Grant . In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 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. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 7.5. Vote - Transfer $500k - Supplemental Appropriation (Fire) . In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt as amended” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Gitschier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. Registered speaker, Anthony Leite, addressed the Council noting the resources and responsibilities of firefighters. Chief Charon (LFD) outlined the budget concern noting overtime will not last to the end of the fiscal year and this amount along with use of other sources would allow that to happen. C. Gitschier noted that original budget request was inaccurate and that there are resources in the budget to cover the gap. C. Robinson noted the efforts of the fire department and that safety is paramount as such there should be no use of brownouts to cover gap. C. Mercier noted that brownouts should not be part of the equation and more money should be added to ensure that for safety reasons. Mr. Baldwin noted that an amount must be established so that tax rate can be set. C. Gitschier noted that the numbers do not indicate that there is a shortage. C. Nuon noted that increase to one million dollars could prevent brownouts. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that $750,000 would accomplish that. Motion “To Amend $500,000 to $750,000” by M. Rourke, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 7.6. Vote - MRF FY2026 . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 8. ORDERS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8.1. Loan Order - 2025 MSBA Accelerated Repair 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, M. Rourke noted matter would be referred to the meeting on November 25th per Manager. 8.2. Loan Order - Amend High School Project . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Registered speaker, Kendrick Del Orbe, noted the need to reach the finish line on this project. C. Robinson questioned the tax increase due to project. C. Yem commented on the second added amount. Mr. Baldwin noted matter would be going to a public hearing and that the current increase would result in a 1.6% tax increase. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on overall tax affect because of the project. C. Descoteaux noted the oldest building on site has not been addressed and worried about future increases. C. Belanger questioned if State would be assisting further with funding. C. Mercier commented on all of the increases. 9. ORDINANCES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9.1. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266 - Electric Vehicles . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Yem, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Registered speaker, Stephen Malagodi, commented on electric vehicle use and that the charging infrastructure needs to be updated. C. Gitschier commented on language and fines involved, suggesting that they should be decreased. C. Mercier questioned use of charging stations on City property, especially at DPW site. C. Jenness noted the final product and that some adjustments should be made on fines. 9.2. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 28 - Lowell Cultural Council . In City Council, Given 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 10. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY)  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, none. 11. PETITIONS 11.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 11.2. Misc. - Valter DeCarvalho Neto (Boston City Group) request temporary easement for demolition scaffolding along Green Street for building located at 278 Central Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem. So voted. 11.3. Misc. - Olympia Restaurant (David Oliveira) request historical designation review of site located at 457 Market Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 11.4. Misc. - Sophea Thy (Sophea Lowell Visa Services) request installation of "15 Minute Parking" sign located at 61 Plain Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 11.5. Misc. - Dayanara Rodriquez-Ortiz request installation of a handicap parking sign located at 23 2nd Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Robinson. So voted. 11.6. National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross 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 1st Reading. Motion to refer to Public Hearing on December 2, 2025 @ 7 PM by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Gitschier. So voted. 12. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION 12.1. Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Purchase, Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (The Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street), Public Discussion Of Which May Have A Detrimental Effect On The Negotiating Position Of The City; And Further To Consider And Discuss The Purchase, Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (Smith Baker Center, 400 Merrimack Street) Public Discussion Of Which Could Have A Detrimental Effect On The City ’s Position. In City Council, M. Rourke stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter executive session and adjourn from that session by C. Yem, seconded by C. Jenness. (8:30 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Yem), 1 absent (C. Scott). So voted. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier commented on citizens providing stories for the Bicentennial Celebration. C. Yem noted the process to supply pictures for the Bicentennial Celebration. C. Jenness commented on discount heat programs related to installation of heat pumps. C. Jenness noted the home opener of the professional Women's Hockey League. 14. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Jenness, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 9:05 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