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: January 20, 2026 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. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). M. Gitschier presiding. C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Mary Ann McMahon and Walter J. Cahill (former City Building Inspector). C. Descoteaux requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Debra Ann Verfaillie. C. Rourke requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for Jay Milinazzo. 2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. 3. CITY CLERK 3.1. Minutes of City Council Regular Meeting January 13th, for acceptance. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. 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 4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled for 7PM) 4.1. Loan Order - Amend High School Project. In City Council, Given second reading, hearing held. Motion to adopt and refer to Clerk’s Office for 20 days by C. Juran, seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 nay (C. Robinson), 1 recuse (C. McDonough). So voted. C. McDonough recused self from discussion and vote on this matter. Hearing opened to public, Theresa Roach (via Zoom) addressed the Council commenting on the effect the project will have on the real estate taxes in the City. The following contractors were present at the hearing, from Suffolk Construction (Kyle Regis, Sean Edwards, Justin Lyons); Perkins Eastman (Robin Greenburg, Bob Bell); and Skanska (Kevin Kane). C. Descoteaux requested information regarding the decrease in the amount of the loan request. Conor Baldwin outlined the process for the reduction in the amount indicating a decrease in the project management fund; reduction of the architect fee; and a reduction in the contingency amount. C. Descoteaux noted that there was no reduction coming from Suffolk Construction and that he would support the vote but was not comfortable with the position the City is in or the contingency. Mr. Kane noted the company works to reduce costs every day. C. Descoteaux noted the issues that have been raised in Phase 4 of the project. Mr. Kane indicated that those issues were under structural review. C. Descoteaux noted the need to move forward but there is no more appetite for additional increases. C. Robinson questioned who the project manager was. Manager Golden, Jr. noted it was a different individual from the same company. C. Robinson noted that a new entity is needed and that vote should be put off until after the structural review is done regarding Phase 4. C. Nuon questioned the reduction numbers and Mr. Baldwin reviewed those again. C. Nuon noted that there was no concession from Suffolk Construction and questioned whether contingency fund could be further reduced. Mr. Lyons noted that the contingency has already been reduced. C. Nuon questioned added money for the project. Mr. Kane noted the increase and that he has been involved with the project for four years. C. Mercier noted her prior support of a new building which would have avoided a lot of these issues and that  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 she would support the vote but would not support any further increases in the costs. C. Juran commented on the effect on the taxpayers and the contingencies on the project. Mr. Baldwin outlined the effects and that they were not a one-time burden and that there are contractual issues involving contingencies. C. Chau noted not comfortable with support of the vote, but the project must move forward. C. Chau noted that must be sure that all is to their complete satisfaction once the project is completed. Mr. Kane commented on the oversight and use of punch lists. C. Liang noted that there are more issues forthcoming but from a practical element he must support this but would be reluctant for anything further. C. Scott commented on increases and that her support is lessening as the project moves forward. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on cash flow needed for project. Mr. Kane on the contingency process. C. Robinson requested tax ramifications of the project. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that there would be a 1.6% increase for this project alone and that amounts to about 2.8 million dollars. M. Gitschier relinquished the Chair to Vice-Chair Nuon at 8:10 PM. M. Gitschier laid blame on the project manager who the City trusted and they have not done a good job. M. Gitschier noted the project must move forward and noted that the body is indicating no support for added increases beyond this. M. Gitschier questioned if one week delay on this vote would be problematic. Mr. Baldwin indicated that it may be and laid out the process for adjusting the loan amount. M. Gitschier noted that the City was not told the truth about the project at the outset. The Chair was returned to M. Gitschier at 8:17 PM. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #6.1 (FuseIdeas) out of order. So voted. 5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS 5.1. C. Juran / C. Scott - Req. Neighborhoods SC work with administration to create a schedule of reports to be provided by the administration to the Council and residents on an annual, quarterly and monthly basis. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to Neighborhoods SC. So voted. C. Juran noted the information would be useful to the public and that  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 they could identify set of report to benefit the public and provide explanations. C. Scott noted it was a good way to communicate with the public. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke to take Item #5.9 out of order. So voted. 5.2. C. Juran / C. Rourke - Req. Frontrunner City Program SC and City administration meet regularly to discuss Frontrunner City activities and plans, and report back to the City Council. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager/Frontrunner City Program SC. So voted. C. Juran noted program moving forward and that residents wish to be involved and that this is best method to provide them information. C. Rourke noted City Manager will be bringing information to the neighborhood groups. 5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. update City Council on the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). In City Council, seconded by C. McDonough, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted the need for information. C. McDonough noted that the matter should go before the Economic Development SC. 5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. have Fire and Police Chiefs schedule recruitment events at different locations across the City for the purpose of reaching more candidates to recruit for the Lowell Fire & Police Departments; said events to include notification to the City Council when Civil Service events are scheduled, including the districts where said meetings will be held. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with appropriate departments to address traffic calming measures, including crosswalks, speed  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 bumps or other safety measures needed to improve safety throughout the City. In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Nuon noted that there was an abundance of motions regarding traffic measures and that this would be an easier way to coordinate them all. C. Juran noted every neighborhood has concerns and that the website provides information regarding road work. 5.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. work with appropriate department to install iron railings on the University Avenue Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Chau, referred to City Manager. So voted. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by C. McDonough to allow Paulette Renault- Carrigianes to address the body. So voted. Ms. Renault-Carrigianes commented on steps to assist with suicide prevention. Ms. Woo noted the devastating effects of suicide and that all should be done to help with prevention. C. Nuon noted the bridge needs to be safe for all people. C. Chau commented prevention of suicides can be done with small measures as well as protecting people with troubles. C. Chau noted the need to design safety features. C. Liang noted that mental health issues are prevalent and must be involved in resolving the matter. C. Robinson noted the need for preventive measures and that the University should be involved as most pedestrians on that bridge are students. Manager Golden, Jr. noted that work would be done with all partners to address the issues. 5.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. provide City Council with a report concerning best practices used to ensure the City’s Noise Ordinance is effectively enforced, including but not limited to, situations where property owners play loud music at late hours. In City Council, seconded by C. Scott, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.8. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department take any necessary steps to provide a report to the council on ICE  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 operations in the City of Lowell over the last 18 months including: who has been arrested; where are they being detained; how many immigration related arrests have been made in Lowell; any cooperation, or requests for cooperation, between ICE and the Lowell Police Department. In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Debbie White (commented – Lowell is an immigrant community); Didi Chadran (commented – member of organization formed due to increase in ICE activity); Anthony Milisci (commented – noted that there was fright in the community); Jose Cervantes (commented – noted ICE actions are divisive to the community); Carol Fallon (commented – witnessed many events in the community) and Julio Mejia (commented – member of non-profit noting the many safety concerns), addressed the Council. C. McDonough commented on the City’s ICE policy and that it was a simple task to ask Federal agents for this information so data can be seen by public. C. Nuon noted City was doing well in this area and that ICE does not provide this information. C. Robinson noted this was federal jurisdiction and that ICE has no requirement to provide notice and that he was pleased with the ICE policy at the police department. C. Chau noted people are not feeling comfortable noted the ICE policy in City must be adhered to. C. Mercier noted policy in police is that immigration status has nothing to do with police action in the community. C. Scott noted difficulty in gathering any information from Federal law enforcement. C. Liang noted this is a city of immigrants and that information should be provided as data is important. C. McDonough noted that he has no reason to believe that the City is not following this policy but wanted to calm peoples' concern. C. Descoteaux requested information from LPD regarding the ICE policy. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Nuon to request City Manager have LPD before Council regarding City’s ICE policy. Adopted per Roll Call vote, 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted. 5.9. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide a report to the council on ADA compliance of city owned  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 garages, specifically detailing any repairs or improvements needed to ensure that our public garages are accessible to all Lowell residents and visitors. In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speaker, Brady McCarron (commented – issues in the garages effect all people), addressed the Council. C. McDonough commented on the concerns and the need for repairs. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Chau to take Items #5.6, #5.11 and #5.14 out of order and together. So voted. 5.10. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide the council with a copy of all lease agreements between the city and/or any of its departments and private entities. In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.11. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. work in coordination with the Department of Public Works, the Lowell Police Department, the MassDOT, and any other relevant state or regional authorities to evaluate and pursue the installation of suicide-prevention measures, including but not limited to physical barriers, safety netting, or other proven deterrent infrastructure, on bridges within the City of Lowell where such incidents have occurred or present a demonstrated public safety concern. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.6 5.12. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. provide an update on creating a Facilities Department.  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. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. C. Descoteaux requested update on status. C. Scott indicated that there should be another joint subcommittee meeting on this matter. 5.13. M. Gitschier / C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. reach out to the Lowell Transitional Living Center requesting they clean in front of their property daily. In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. Registered speakers, Becca Feuling (commented – noted that there is trash all over the City) and Shley Bridges (commented – noted space issues inside causing problems outside) addressed the Council. 5.14. M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. repair all ADA sidewalk warning pads on Parker Street. In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted. 5.15. M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. send letter to the State requesting immediate action to safeguard the railings on the Richard P. Howe, Sr. Bridge. In City Council, seconded by C. Rourke, referred to City Manager. So voted. So voted. See discussion under Item #5.6 6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1. Informational Reports. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. So voted. Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance – Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted changes being made to better communicate with public and Council. C. Robinson noted they could still address specific issues. Ms. Baez-Rose noted that reports will be consolidated.  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 Informational Report - Lowell Memorial Auditorium RFP – Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the upgrades at the site. C. Descoteaux noted partnership with the City. C. Robinson commented on the condition of the facility. Informational Report – FuseIdeas City Brand Presentation – Melissa Desroches (Asst. To Manager) introduced FuseIdeas to make presentation regarding rebranding. The following were from FuseIdeas: Glen Morgan, President; Justin Vogt, Head of Client Services; Kevin Redmond, Chief Creative Strategist; Jeff Scherdell, Managing Creative Director; Sam Ellison, Creative Director (Copy); Samantha Deem, Account Director. Diandra Silk (Assoc. Dir. Communications) noted the partnership and the process and importance of branding. Motion by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C. Juran to take 10-minute break to address the protest interruption regarding ICE. So voted (6:45 PM). Roll Call upon return (6:55 PM) indicated 11 present. (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). Mr. Morgan commented on his company and his connection to Lowell, and noted the surveys done to assist with the process. Mr. Redmond noted the yearlong investment in the project using internal and external searches to gather insights to develop around. Mr. Scherdell noted the creative process around City of Opportunity. Mr. Ellison noted strategy and research to develop an identity. Mr. Vogt provided video for Council. Manager Golden, Jr. Commented on the effort of the team and the work involved. C. Robinson commented that marketing strategy is important. C. Chau noted it was a more creative approach and that opinion of members of Cambodia Town would be beneficial. C. Liang commented on cultural element of the logo. 6.2. Communication - Appointment of Corey Robinson to LTC Board. In City Council, M. Gitschier removed from agenda. No objections.  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 7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER 7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $612,919.09 FY26 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative. In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted. 8. CONSTABLE BONDS 8.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval of Constable Bonds. (Stanley Wyzansky) In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. McDonough. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted. The bond was approved for Stanley Wyzansky. 9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY) In City Council, none. 10. PETITIONS 10.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage. In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. 10.2. Misc. - Jose Antonio Robles Gelpi request installation of handicap parking sign at 341 Pawtucket Boulevard (Unit 8). In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and recommendation by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS  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, C. Descoteaux noted the Keefe Family Polar Plunge to benefit local coach. C. Chau noted First Responder Night at Golden Gloves. Manager Golden, Jr. commented on water main break in the Highlands. 12. ADJOURNMENT In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM. ___________________________________ Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk