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 CHEAT SHEET Date: December 9, 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. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). Mayor Rourke presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Edna Barrett Panagiotakos and George W. O’Hare. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Scott. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting December 2nd; Parks and Recreation SC December 3rd, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 3.2. Vote - Cancel Council Meetings 12.23.25 and 12.30.25.  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, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Chau. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 nay (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau to take Item #7.5 out of order. So voted. 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Loan Order - 2025 MSBA Accelerated Repair Program. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Hearing held. Motion “To adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. 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. In City Council, seconded by C. Yem, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson outlined the purpose of the bill to assist with challenges in the community. 5.2. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a path forward for all elected officials to be compensated. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 1 abstain (C. Gitschier), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. C. Robinson noted the issue with state law but matter should be explored in the sense of fairness.  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 5.3. C. Robinson - Req. City administration and City Council consider working with THRIVE Communities to assist their operational challenges for a one-year period. In City Council, seconded by Gitschier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson noted upcoming funding will be tight and any assistance would be beneficial. C. Yem noted other programs like UTEC will be in the same position. C. Mercier noted there could be other means to help with these organizations. Manager Golden, Jr. recognized the situation in the future, and they would try and provide assistance to all non-profits. C. Nuon noted that the City was preparing to help. 5.4. C. Robinson / C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department explore and provide the Council with process required to replace the Owners Project Manager for the remainder of the High School Project. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Robinson requested to combine Items #5.4 and #5.5 together for discussion. No objections. C. Robinson noted the need to have more mechanisms in place to protect taxpayer money and that more oversight is needed. C. Gitschier outlined the responsibilities of the project manager and that the current group was falling short. C. Gitschier noted changes need to be explored. C. Yem noted there are always issues with renovations. C. Mercier noted selection of site and that there are always issues with renovations. M. Rourke noted the motion only calls for exploration not a vote to replace project manager. C. Belanger commented on prior problems and the need to explore options. C. Scott noted she would await response regarding options. C. Chau noted it was a pragmatic approach to explore. C. Nuon noted frustrations and the need to explore but suggested it may be too late in the process to replace. C. Gitschier noted the project manager was governed by state statute and they must be accountable. C. Robinson noted there are many questions to explore and they need information.  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 5.5. C. Robinson / C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. explore hiring a Clerk of Works to protect the City’s interest on the remainder of the High School project. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.4 5.6. C. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department work with the Highland Neighborhood Group and the monument committee to identify a location at Tyler Park and install a monument acknowledging Nancy and Bernie Judge’s lifelong contributions to the Highlands neighborhood. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. Registered speaker, Robert Hunt (commented – noted in favor of monument as long as it aligns with historic lay out of the park), addressed the Council. C. Gitschier noted the efforts of the Judges. C. Chau commented on their accomplishments and never complained. C. Belanger noted the volunteer spirit of the Judges. C. Nuon commented that their efforts should be recognized. C. Mercier noted it was a husband-and-wife team effort. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott to take Item #5.3 out of order. So voted. 5.7. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. repair/replace fence around the Moody School. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger noted the school was in disrepair and in need of attention.  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 5.8. C. Belanger - Req. City Mgr. have proper department enhance the lighting at the crosswalk connecting Lowell High School and the parking garage on Father Morissette. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Belanger highlighted the location. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated that the whole area will be updated this spring. 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 - Washington School – C. Gitschier commented on the resolution of issues. B) Motion Response – LHS – C. Gitschier noted the report and that the door handles pose problems for security. Asst. City Manager Machado recognized the issue and were working to resolve it and that any repairs were done after it was reported to them. C. Gitschier commented that there was to be an inspection of the handles and wondered if it were done. 6.2. Informational Report Informational Report - Lowell Zoning Rewrite – Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Yem to refer matter to joint Zoning and Neighborhoods SC. So voted. Motion to bundle and waive second reading of Items #7.1 to #7.4, inclusive by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept MassDOT Safe Routes to School Signs and Lines Grant.  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, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Yem. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - McInerney Park. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. C. Scott noted the needs of the park. 7.3. Vote - Accept/Expend $50,000 FY26 Earmarked Funds - Varnum Cemetery. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. 7.4. Vote - Approve Change of Edson Cemetery Chapel to Girard P. “Jerry” Largay Chapel. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Jenness. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. C. Mercier noted spelling should be “Jerry” and requested correction with no objections. C. Mercier requested lead time so that she could inform the family of the dedication. 7.5. Vote - Authorize Payment of Bills incurred in Excess of Appropriations.  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, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Yem, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. C. Gitschier noted improvement. Motion by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem to take Item #5.6 out of order. So voted. 8. CONSTABLE BONDS 8.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval of Constable Bonds. In City Council, Given 2nd Reading, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Belanger, C. Chau, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, M. Rourke, C. Scott, C. Yem), 2 absent (C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness). So voted. The bonds of Jason Burke and Ronald Berthiem were approved. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) 9.1. Parks and Recreation SC December 3, 2025. In City Council, C. Mercier provided a report outlining the attendance of the Board of Parks members and a discussion regarding finalizing the tournament fees, rules and regulations regarding the use of the parks in the City. C. Mercier noted the subcommittee accepted and proposed rules and fees. Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Scott to request adoption of subcommittee recommendation to accept proposed rules and fees for the Board of Parks. So voted. C. Mercier noted that final acceptance will need to be done by Board of Parks. City Solicitor Williams indicated that he would forward the ordinance before the matter comes before Council for ordinance passage. Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Yem. 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 9.2. Environmental and Flood Issues SC December 9, 2025. In City Council, C. Belanger requested report be made on December 16, 2025 meeting. No objections. 9.3. Wire Insp. - National Grid - Request relocation of (1) existing SO pole at 138 Cross Street. In City Council, Motion “To adopt and accept the accompanying order” by C. Gitschier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage (Tow Reimburse). In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - John Ianucci request permission to speak with City Council regarding installation of speed bumps on London Street. In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Belanger. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS In City Council, C. Robinson noted success of the Salvation Army event. C. Mercier noted upcoming lighting of the Menorah. C. Mercier commented on the Sun Santa Drive. Melissa Desroches (Communication) noted Organ Donation event. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:36 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