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: December 2, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid) 1. ROLL CALL Roll Call Showed 9 present (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (VIA ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). Mayor Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Julie Ann Romalho and Richard E. “Dick” Lockhart. 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 Environmental and Flood Issues SC November 25th, City Council Meeting November 25th, 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 (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Vote - MRF FY2026.  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 MRF FY2026 at 0.90116” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. C. Yem requested information regarding the Minimum Residential Factor (MRF). Conor Baldwin (CFO) outlined the MRF noting the maximum amount would fall on the commercial base. C. Mercier commented on new growth in the City. Mr. Baldwin outlined the many new developments in the City and that it exceeded projection. 4.2. Loan Order - Amend High School Project. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. DEFEATED per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Jenness (ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 nays (C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. C. Gitschier questioned calculation of the requested amount. Jim Dowd (SKANSKA) noted the methodology to go trade by trade and review of scopes of work. C. Gitschier commented on phase 3 and 4 differences. Mr. Dowd outlined both phases and that asbestos may be present on site. C. Gitschier noted the longer the project extends the more money to contractors. C. Descoteaux noted phase 4 change regarding floors and that it was the contractor responsibility to foresee issues. C. Descoteaux commented on possible legal claims surrounding the project. Mr. Dowd noted that was true in most projects. C. Mercier question bid process for this job and that she was disappointed with current direction of the project. Mr. Baldwin outlined the process for bidding on a project of this scope. C. Belanger questioned if additional money would suffice for the remainer of the project. Mr. Dowd hoped that would be the case but could not say what else may have to be done. C. Chau noted any increase in expenses is on the tax base and questioned that effect to payers. Mr. Baldwin outlined the impact on taxpayers. Manager Golden Jr. commented on the effect of the project on upcoming budgets. M. Rourke noted the first mistake was the location and that there should be no surprise on the floor regarding increased costs for renovations as opposed  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 to new construction. C. Scott noted the renovation issue on a complex site and that alternatives should be explored. Manager Golden, Jr. Noted any change in the scope of the project could raise issues with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). 4.3. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 266 - Electric Vehicles. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. 4.4. Ordinance - Amend Chapter 28 - Lowell Cultural Council. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). So voted. Mr. Baldwin outlined the specifics of the ordinance. C. Yem noted support of the ordinance as it benefitted the cultural community. 5. UTILITY PUBLIC HEARING (Scheduled for 7PM) 5.1. National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion to refer to Wire Inspector for report and recommendation by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 6. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 6.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Council and our administration along with any other community partners explore sending a letter of support for An Act Relative to Life-Saving Treatment (S.1042) to the proper legislative channel.  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 requested matter be put on agenda for December 9, 2025. No objections. 6.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a path forward for all elected officials to be compensated. In City Council, M. Rourke requested matter be put on agenda for December 9, 2025. No objections. 6.3. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide a complete 2026 calendar year street sweeping schedule including dates and routes. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott requested report be detailed. 6.4. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. provide a year-to-date budget update and updated forecast for FY27 budget. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott indicated once report is given it would be referred to a subcommittee for review. 6.5. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. work with the appropriate department to have a crosswalk installed in the vicinity of the bus stop at Woburn and Easton Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Scott noted the concern of parents of school children at crossing. 7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 7.1. Environmental and Flood Issues SC November 25, 2025. In City Council, C. Belanger provided a report outlining the attendance and discussion regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Motion to  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 accept the report as a report of progress by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 8. PETITIONS 8.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Yem, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Mercier noted upcoming Parks and Recreation SC. C. Belanger complimented all parties that were involved with the City of Lights Celebration. C. Descoteaux noted upcoming Toys for Tots event. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on current snow operations in the City. C. Mercier noted opening of training center a Cawley Stadium. Motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Gitschier to recess until 7 PM to begin public hearings. So voted. (6:45 PM) Roll Call at 7 PM after recess: 9 present (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier, C. Jenness (VIA ZOOM), C. Mercier, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Nuon, C. Robinson). 10. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk