City Council

Public Hearing on $2mil loan order for Lowell High feasibility study. A city resident, a Mr. Hebert, speaks in support. School Committee member Steve Gendron speaks in favor. Explains that this feasibility study is a pre-condition to qualifying for state funding. Without it, the city will not qualify for any…

The City Council takes up several issues related to WALKABILITY at its meeting tomorrow night at City Hall which begins at 6:30 pm in the Council chambers. First is a public hearing on the Complete Streets policy proposed to be adopted by the city. Complete Streets has as its “core…

Motion by Mayor Elliott for report on proposed Regional 911 Dispatch Center.  The city is contemplating joining with Chelmsford, Dracut and Tewksbury to create a regional 911 dispatch center.  Two citizens who are currently employed as dispatchers spoke against it.  Manager Murphy explained that the proposal is under consideration but…

(transcribed on Thursday, June 25, 2015) “Day Program” at Transitional Living Center Director of Lowell Transitional Living Center (“the Shelter”) speaks to council about its day program which will begin in July.  In the past, residents of the shelter had to leave during the day and return at night to…

Sorry for the delay but here are my notes from this past Tuesday’s Lowell City Council meeting: Public Hearing to create a new department of Health and Human Services.  No members of the public speak.  City Manager says this reorganization does not require any additional money.  Councilor Milinazzo says that…

Tax Increment Financing Agreement (TIF) with the Markley Group is approved.  This company will located a major computer server facility in the former Prince Spaghetti mill in South Lowell.  The property is currently assessed for $5.9 million in its unoccupied state.  This TIF sets that value as the amount for…

Atty Michael Gallagher speaks about a new program called ArtUp which will display art created by Lowell artists in the Lowell Community Health Center where it can be purchased by members of the public for donation to the Health Center. First item is reappointment of City Clerk Michael Geary.  Personnel…

Chairman Jim Milinazzo, Committee members John Leahy and Bill Martin.  Executive Director Jim Scanlon is present.  LRTA averages 6000 riders per day which makes 1.4 million per year.  Busiest route is Westford Street and also the downtown shuttle.  They are almost done a comprehensive service analysis and will hold public…

Reappointment of Michael Geary to a term of three years as City Clerk.  Council takes up report of Personnel Committee, chaired by Councilor Kennedy who states the committee agreed by a majority vote that the Clerk’s salary should be increased but he states that since two councilors are not present…

Lowell City Council Meeting: April 28, 2015 Councilors Martin and Mercier absent. Greg Croteau of UTEC addresses the council (after having spoken earlier at the Youth Subcommittee Meeting).  Gives information about UTEC’s accomplishments such as only 15% of their clients being re-arrested when the statewide average is 60% re-arrests.  He…