Lowell public meetings in 2023

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several applications for special one-day alcohol licenses. The body will also hold a violation hearing regarding allegations of misconduct against Boston Tonight LLC, doing business as Trend.

• Violation hearing for Boston Tonight LLC (d/b/a Trend) regarding misconduct on November 12, 17, and 18, 2023
• Special one-day licenses for Merrimack Repertory Theatre to sell malt beverages and wines at Lowell Memorial Auditorium Liberty Hall
• Special one-day licenses for Brush Art Gallery & Studios to sell wines at 256 Market Street
• Two special one-day licenses for Amanda Étinge to sell wines and malt beverages at the Hellenic Center

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting in executive session to discuss the BHPK report. The agenda also includes potential discussions regarding collective bargaining, strategies, or possible litigation.

• Discussion On BHPK Report

School Building Committee

The committee will review progress on the Lowell High School project. The meeting includes updates on Phase 2 construction, budget status, and workforce progress.

• Phase 2 construction update from Suffolk/Skanska/PE
• MBE/WBE and workforce progress report from Suffolk
• Designer update from Perkins Eastman
• Budget update and next steps from Skanska

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council will meet to review and deliberate on grant applications for 2024. The body will also discuss the language for denial letters and process outstanding 2023 reimbursements.

• Deliberation of 2024 grant applications
• Discussion of denial letter language
• Review and signature of 2023 reimbursements

School Committee

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 2023, has been cancelled. This cancellation was decided by a vote of the committee members during their November 15, 2023, meeting.

• Cancellation of the December 20, 2023, regular meeting

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the December 12, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from the week of December 4 to December 8, as well as statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements (Dec 4–Dec 8)
• Statutory Exemptions
• FY24 Real Estate and Personal Property warrants and commitments

City Council

The City Council will consider several grants for the Lowell Police Department and an ordinance to create a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. The body will also hold public hearings regarding National Grid utility installations.

• Vote to accept/expend $474,078 FR-CARA Grant
• Vote to accept/expend $180,825 FY2024 Staffing Grant for LPD
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 to create Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee
• Public hearings for National Grid installations on McIntyre Street, West Fourth Street, and 20 Clark Road
• Proposed motion to re-evaluate $9 million in ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Funds for school HVAC systems

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to discuss collective bargaining and the BHPK report in an executive session.

• Discussion on BHPK Report

License Commission

The License Commission will consider new and amended alcohol license applications. The body will also hold hearings regarding alleged misconduct by two establishments and review compliance actions taken by another.

• One-day license application for Aramark at 40 University Avenue
• Request by Taffeta (122 Western Ave) to extend closing time to 1:00 AM
• Public hearing for Indian Pizzeria (1717 Middlesex Street) for an all-alcoholic beverages license
• Violation hearing for Trend (15, 19-25 Merrimack Street) regarding October 2023 misconduct
• Misconduct allegations against Catcher's Mitt Pub (726 Gorham Street) for tampering with beverages

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee is holding a special and executive session meeting. The committee may meet in closed session to discuss the BHPK Report and potential matters regarding collective bargaining or litigation.

• Discussion on BHPK Report during executive session

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will discuss several projects involving protected wetlands and floodplains. The body will review a new proposal for a multi-family building and an enforcement order regarding unauthorized vegetation removal.

• Notice of Intent for a 5-story, 40-unit multi-family building at 205 Pratt Ave
• Enforcement Order for Vedant Construction Inc. regarding tree and vegetation removal at 92 Townsend Avenue
• Notice of Intent for a single-family home addition at 59 Martin Street
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 105 Martin Street

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to receive reports on library operations and strategic planning. The Director will provide updates on facility maintenance and signage.

• Coburn Street sign update
• Status of elevator operation and repair
• Installation of new carpet scope and timeline
• Weatherization plan update
• Approval of November 8, 2023 meeting minutes

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the December 5, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements from the week of November 29 to December 1, as well as statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements (week of Nov 29–Dec 01)
• Review of statutory exemptions

City Council

The City Council will consider several financial transfers for wages and environmental decrees. The body will also review motions regarding city stop signs, winter shelter beds, and tax increment financing oversight.

• Transfer of $608,691 for administrative employee wage adjustments
• Transfer of $200,000 for EPA Consent Decree
• Transfer of $180,000 for wastewater wages
• Expenditure of $75,624 EOPSS Grant for Fire
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 272 Water and Sewer Article X

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee held a special meeting to discuss concerns regarding mold at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School. No other new business was listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of mold concern at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School

Historic Board

The Lowell Historic Board is holding public hearings for two permit applications. The board will consider a demolition and residential construction project and an exterior rehabilitation project.

• 17 Rock Street: Application for demolition of a 1950s warehouse and construction of a nine-unit residential structure
• 150 Middlesex Street: Application for exterior rehabilitation of the Hamilton and Appleton Corporation School

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several variance petitions regarding residential construction and lot usage. The board will discuss requests for a 4-unit townhouse, a new single-family home, and a lot subdivision.

• ZBA-2023-36: Request to construct a 4-unit townhouse at 81 School Street
• ZBA-2023-41: Request to subdivide the existing lot at 108 Marshall Road
• ZBA-2023-47: Request to construct a single-family home at 173 Westford Street
• ZBA-2023-33: Request for a 1.5 floor addition at 412 Pine Street
• ZBA-2023-30: Requested withdrawal of petition for driveway extension at 33 McKinley Avenue

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees Governance Committee will meet to discuss three draft documents. The committee is reviewing the Trustees By-Laws, the Bookmobile Policy, and the Art Display Policy.

• Review and discussion of Trustees By-Laws
• Review and discussion of Bookmobile Policy
• Review and discussion of Art Display Policy

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for December 7, 2023, has been cancelled. All agenda items will be heard at a later date.

School Committee

The committee will review motions regarding school building safety upgrades and anti-racism training. Members will also discuss procedures for the upcoming superintendent search and review various superintendent reports.

• Motion to review building safety procedures and costs for external camera upgrades
• Motion to establish vendor relationship for anti-racism, bias, and bullying training
• Discussion of process and procedures for Superintendent Search
• Review of ESSER spending update
• Approval of new job descriptions

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The commission will host a series of presentations from state and local agencies regarding support services. Speakers will discuss resources for refugees, immigrants, and the unhoused, as well as substance use and clothing assistance.

• Presentation by Cristina Aguilera Sandoval on Massachusetts Office for Refugees, and Immigrants (ORI) services
• Information from International Institute of New England's (IINE) Lowell Office on refugee and immigrant supports
• Briefing from DTA's Ombuds Office Director on client benefit and service issues
• Update from Greater Lowell Health Alliance on the Substance Use Disorder Summit and 'Together for the Holidays' initiative
• Briefings from House of Hope regarding the Hope Chest and Matthew25 regarding essentials for the unhoused

Board of Health

The Board of Health is discussing the creation of a working group to address sanitary code inspection failures at Lowell Public Schools. The board will also review monthly reports on tobacco control, EMS services, and development services.

• Discussion on working group for Lowell Public School Sanitary Code Inspections
• Review of Cashins & Associates Air Quality Report
• Review of EMSL Analytical Mold Reports for Pawtucket Memorial
• Review of Trinity EMS, Inc. reports including Oct 2023 Opioid Report
• Review of 2024 Board of Health Calendar

School Committee

The scheduled meeting of the Lowell Public School Committee for December 6, 2023, has been cancelled. The agenda originally included a potential executive session to discuss a BHPK Report.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the November 28, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from the week of November 20 to November 24 and discussing the FY24 tax recap overview.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement applications (Nov 20–24)
• Review of statutory exemptions
• FY24 tax recap overview

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the FY2024 MRF vote and amendments to Chapters 227 and 56. The body will also consider utility requests from National Grid and several financial transfers proposed by the City Manager.

• Vote on MRF FY2024
• Transfer of $175,218 for Chapter 70 Supplemental Appropriations
• Expenditure of $33,320 in EMPG FY21 funds for Fire
• National Grid request for 280-foot plastic main on Canal Street
• Ordinance to create Performance Surety Deposit Revolving Fund

Planning Board

The Planning Board is considering special permits and site plan reviews for new developments. These include a 40-unit multifamily building and a three-restaurant complex.

• Special Permit and Site Plan Review for 40 dwelling units and 133 parking spaces at 205 Pratt Ave
• Special Permit and Site Plan Review for three restaurants totaling 6,075 square feet at 190 & 198 Plain Street
• Request to reduce restaurant parking requirements by 1 space per 250 square feet at 190 & 198 Plain Street
• Amendment to 2018 and 2020 Site Plan Review for parking area changes at 2 Prince Ave, 1 Markley Way

License Commission

The License Commission is reviewing several one-day permits for malt and wine beverages. The body will also hold violation hearings regarding allegations of misconduct at two local establishments.

• Violation hearing for Boston Tonight LLC (d/b/a Trend) at 15, 19-25 Merrimack Street
• Violation hearing for MBOA Alliance LLC (d/b/a Sahel Restaurant & Lounge) at 135 Central Street
• Public hearing for Takeo LLC (d/b/a BonChon Restaurant) license transfer at 1075 Westford Street
• Special one-day licenses for events at 62 Lewis Street, 250 Jackson Street, and 41 Broadway Street
• Proposed hearing for Ambersi Inc (d/b/a Indian Pizzeria) at 1717 Middlesex Street, Unit 3

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to review and deliberate on submitted grant applications for 2024.

• Deliberation of 2024 grant applications

Cultural Council

The meeting scheduled for November 29, 2023, has been cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

Board of Parks

The Board of Parks is meeting to discuss and potentially approve the Board of Parks Policy Handbook. The board will also review meeting dates for fiscal year 2024.

• Discussion and approval of Board of Parks Policy Handbook
• Establishment of FY2024 meeting dates from January 31, 2024, through October 30, 2024

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to review and deliberate on submitted grant applications for 2024.

• Deliberation of 2024 grant applications

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the November 14, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for the weeks of November 6–10 and November 13–17
• Review of statutory exemptions

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider variance and special permit requests for several residential and commercial projects. This includes three separate proposals for new multi-unit buildings and a request to install antennas on an existing building.

• Proposal for a 15-unit residential building at 14 W Fourth Street
• Proposal for a 10-unit residential building at 15 W Fourth Street
• Proposal for a 9-unit residential building at 16 W Fifth Street
• Special permit request for New Cingular Wireless to install 12 panel antennas at 50 Summer Street
• Variance request to convert 730-732 Lawrence Street from a two-family to a three-family home

City Council

The City Council will consider accepting and spending a $200,000 grant for safe streets and voting on ordinances to create a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee. The body will also review several city manager responses and council motions regarding city maintenance and reporting.

• Vote to accept and expend $200,000 Safe Streets For All Grant
• Ordinance to create Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (Chapter 9)
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 56 by adding Article VI
• Motion to explore ARPA payments for city retirees who worked during COVID
• Motion to secure and clean up debris along city railroad tracks

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding three special permit applications. These include a request for a new single-family home and a conversion of a two-family home to a three-family home.

• Special Permit for 44 Lundberg Street to split a lot and build a single-family home
• Special Permit for 730-732 Lawrence Street to convert a two-family to a three-family structure
• Special Permit for 9 Central Street for a professional office (continued to February 5, 2024)

School Committee

This agenda is for an executive session of the Lowell Public School Committee. The committee may meet privately to discuss Open Meeting Law complaints made by Laura Ortiz.

• Open Meeting Law Complaints made by Laura Ortiz

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the November 1, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements for specific weeks in October and November. The board will also address statutory exemptions and other business.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for Oct 23–Oct 27
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for Oct 30–Nov 03
• Statutory Exemptions

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee is meeting to review the process for searching for a new Superintendent. The body will examine search flyers, previous search minutes, and materials from MASC.

• Superintendent search process and procedures
• Review of Organizational Chart
• Superintendent Search Flyer
• Discussion of new job descriptions

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on creating a COA Chef Manager position and vote on several grant expenditures. Members will also discuss motions regarding public camping ordinances, traffic changes, and mayoral election processes.

• Public hearing on ordinance to create COA Chef Manager position
• Vote to accept/expend $500,000 MassCall3 Grant
• Vote to accept/expend $199,000 Local Health Support For COVID-19 Grant
• Vote to transfer $325,000 to LPD
• Proposed ordinance relating to unlawful camping on public property

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several variance petitions regarding building additions, parking requirements, and land use. The board will also review minutes from the October 23, 2023 meeting.

• Variance for a two-story addition at 22 Carly Way (ZBA-2023-20)
• Variance for office or business use on upper floors at 604 Central Street (ZBA-2023-38)
• Variance for a 2,950 square foot commercial building at 380 Lawrence Street (ZBA-2023-31)
• Variance for a three-story addition and three new residential units at 21 Marginal Street (ZBA-2023-39)
• Variance for a second driveway at 105 Longmeadow Drive (ZBA-2023-37)

License Commission

The License Commission is meeting to consider multiple special one-day alcohol licenses for events and private parties. The body will also hold public hearings for restaurant and package store license transfers and address several misconduct allegations.

• Special event permits for amplified entertainment at 647 Pawtucket Boulevard and Palmer Street
• One-day alcohol licenses for events at the Hellenic Center, UTEC, and Mill No. 5
• Public hearings for license transfers at 61 Merrimack Street and 1172 Lawrence Street
• Used car dealer license applications for 913-915 Pawtucket Street and 16 Stedman Street
• Violation hearings for El Jefe Taco Bar, Triumph Motor Works LLC, Trend, and Sahel Restaurant & Lounge

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to review reports and conduct general library business. The agenda includes updates on the One City, One Library program and Mass Cultural Council grant opportunities.

• One City, One Library program update
• Mass Cultural Council Grant Opportunities
• Director's report on building issues, personnel, programming, and budget

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will discuss a notice of intent to upgrade the Duck Island Waste Water Treatment Facility. The body will also address an enforcement order regarding unauthorized vegetation removal and a request for a certificate of compliance.

• Notice of Intent: City of Lowell upgrades to Duck Island Waste Water Treatment Facility at 431 First Street
• Enforcement Order: Vedant Construction Inc. for tree and vegetation removal at 92 Townsend Avenue
• Request for Certificate of Compliance: Phoenix Avenue LLC for buildings at 55 Phoenix Ave

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a site plan review for a solar canopy over a parking area. The board will also appoint a member to the Community Preservation Committee for a three-year term.

• Site Plan Review for solar canopy at 22 Bowers Street
• Appointment of a member to the Community Preservation Committee

City Council Special Events Sub Committee

The City Council Special Events Sub Committee is meeting to discuss the Southeast Asian Arts and Cultural Festival scheduled for August 2024.

• Discussion of Southeast Asian Arts and Cultural Festival (August 2024)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is reviewing six applications for funding to support historic preservation and affordable housing projects. The body will discuss the allocation of CPA funds for various rehabs and new constructions.

• Mass Mills IV: $1,500,000 for historic mill rehab and 82 affordable units
• 150 Middlesex Street: $1,000,000 to rehab Hamilton School House into 9 residential units
• Suffolk Place: $850,000 for affordable housing, a pocket park, and canal walkway
• Transfiguration Tower Restoration Project: $400,000 to rehab church towers
• Project Vlahos: $265,000 to rehab 199-201 Market Street for mixed-use

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the October 17, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for weeks of October 9–13 and October 16–20
• Review of statutory exemptions
• Review of 2023 MVE Commitment 05 and 2022 MVE Commitment 09

School Committee

The committee will review changes to the Lowell High School graduation policy and a donation from VIP Tires & Services. Members will also receive various superintendent reports regarding school transportation, bullying data, and facility issues.

• Approval of changes to LHS Graduation Policy
• Vote to accept a $3,030 donation from VIP Tires & Services
• Request for update on Reilly Elementary School play structures
• Request for update on Freshman Academy leaking issue
• Budget transfer review

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining updates with LSAA and unaffiliated positions. The committee will also review litigation strategies regarding transportation, unfair labor charges, and a collection case.

• LSAA mediation update and proposal consideration
• Negotiations for Title I position stipend value
• Salary raise considerations for unaffiliated positions
• Litigation updates regarding transportation and an Unfair Labor Charge
• Bargaining strategy for educational space leases and property acquisition

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The commission will hear status updates from various community health, housing, and food security providers. The meeting consists of briefings and information sharing from local organizations.

• CBHC implementation status update
• Briefing on Greater Lowell Community Foundation's Refugee & Immigrant Resettlement Fund
• Update on Eliot Church Day Center programming for the unhoused
• Lowell Transitional Living Center briefing on Winter Bed Program
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank update on food supply and utilization trends

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review monthly reports on sanitary inspections, tobacco control, and opioid notifications. The board will also hear from Julia Moura and Leticia Clauana regarding body art regulations.

• Request from Julia Moura and Leticia Clauana to address the Board regarding Body Art Regulations
• Review of Development Services reports on establishment inspections and failed establishments
• Review of PrideStar EMS, Inc. opioid reports
• Review of Tobacco Control monthly report
• Review of Substance Use and Public Health Nursing division reports

School Committee Equity & Access Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review desegregated data focused on supporting Hispanic/Latinx student needs. Members will also discuss bias reporting protocols and incident reports from August and September 2023.

• Review of desegregated data and CPE Analysis
• Lowell Prioritization 23-24
• August-September incident report memo
• LPS incident report Aug-Sept 2023

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for October 26, 2023, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. Full CPA Application presentations are scheduled for the November 2, 2023 meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will hold a meeting on October 25, 2023, to address continued business including an enforcement order for dumping in a floodplain and a Notice of Intent for a home addition, as well as new business for upgrading the Duck Island Waste Water Treatment Facility. The commission will also elect officers and approve minutes.

• Enforcement order for Sy Dang at 258.1 Varnum Ave for dumping within the 100-year floodplain
• Notice of Intent by Toussak Sokhom for an addition to a single-family home at 59 Martin Street within the 100-year floodplain
• Notice of Intent by the City of Lowell to upgrade the Duck Island Waste Water Treatment Facility at 431 First Street
• Election of officers
• Approval of 10/11/2023 meeting minutes

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks will review three permit requests for park use, including a birthday party, a charity tennis tournament, and Lowell High School sports for spring and fall seasons. They will also consider a fee waiver request for unused cricket field dates and set meeting dates for 2024.

• Permit for Shedd Park Pavilion birthday party on Nov 5, 2023, total fee $170
• Permit for UML Club Tennis charity tournament at Shedd Park tennis courts, Oct 28-29, 2023, fee $1,500
• Permit for Lowell High School sports at Cawley Memorial Stadium and Shedd Park fields, spring and fall 2024, youth fee $0
• Fee waiver request for 8 unused cricket dates at Hovey Field, $400
• Motion to set 2024 meeting dates and cancel Nov 27 and Dec 25, 2024 meetings

City Council

The Lowell City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed MBTA Communities zoning amendments, consider several motions and votes, and receive reports from the city manager. The meeting includes routine items like accepting minutes and informational reports, as well as a vote to declare 10 Veterans Way surplus and available for sale.

• Public hearing on MBTA Communities zoning amendments
• Vote to declare 10 Veterans Way surplus and available for sale
• Vote to accept gift of LifeVac rescue devices from Christine Florence
• Ordinance to create COA Chef Manager position
• Motion to analyze Boston's Welcome Home Initiative for affordable home ownership opportunities

School Building Committee

The Lowell High School Building Committee will meet to receive updates on the Phase 2 construction, including budget and contingency reviews, as well as progress on minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation. The committee will also vote on accepting the minutes from the August 24, 2023 meeting. Public participation is available via Zoom or in person.

• Phase 2 construction update presentation by Suffolk/Skanska/Perkins Eastman
• MBE/WBE and workforce progress report
• Budget update and contingency review
• Designer update by Perkins Eastman
• Acceptance of August 24, 2023 meeting minutes

School Committee

The committee will review a first reading of proposed Lowell High School graduation policy changes and a request for a mold remediation team. Members also introduced motions regarding transportation communications, department head searches, and facility maintenance at McAuliffe School.

• First reading of proposed LHS Graduation Policy Changes
• Request for approval of a Mold Remediation Team
• Approval of new job descriptions for McKinney-Vento Liaison and Title I Director
• Motion to request a report on transportation cancellation communications
• Motion to organize a search committee for a new transportation department head

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements, discuss statutory exemptions, and update FY24 real estate valuations. The meeting includes procedural items like reviewing minutes.

• Review of motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications
• FY24 Real Estate valuation update

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee scheduled a special and executive session meeting for October 16, 2023. The committee may meet in executive session to discuss the BHPK Report and potential matters regarding collective bargaining or litigation.

• Discussion on BHPK Report

License Commission

The Lowell License Commission will meet to consider several special one-day liquor licenses, ratify past licenses, and hold public hearings on license amendments and transfers. It will also address a police misconduct complaint against El Jefe Taco Bar and a compliance issue with Triumph Motor Works. The meeting includes both routine approvals and potentially contested matters.

• Public hearing on Kandon Inc. (The Old Court) to amend All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant license at 29 Central Street
• Public hearing on Valentina's Portuguese Market LLC for a Wines and Malt Beverages package store license at 888 Central Street
• Police misconduct allegations against El Jefe Taco Bar, 203 Cabot Street (failure to comply with license conditions and display licenses)
• Transfer requests for Osawa Bistro (61 Merrimack St) and Village Market (1172 Lawrence St) with hearings set for Nov 9
• Special one-day licenses for UMass Lowell basketball events, Lowell Makes 10th anniversary, and other events

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on October 12, 2023, to hear requests for variances and a special permit. The most consequential item is a proposal to build a mixed-use structure with 52 residential units and 15,570 square feet of commercial space at 31 Westford Street. The board will also consider a subdivision with a new single-family home, a two-family subdivision, a sign permit, and a conversion to a three-family. The meeting includes election of officers and approval of prior minutes.

• Variance for 65 Wellington Ave: subdivide lot with two-family home, build new single-family (ZBA-2023-19)
• Variance for 330 Princeton Blvd: subdivide into two lots, construct new two-family dwelling (ZBA-2023-13)
• Special permit for internally illuminated sign at 1270 Westford St (ZBA-2023-25)
• Variance for 31 Westford St: mixed-use with 52 residential units and 15,570 sq ft commercial (ZBA-2023-27)
• Variance for 730-732 Lawrence St: convert two-family to three-family (ZBA-2023-29)

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will review three applications involving work near protected areas. The agenda includes a home addition in a floodplain, soil testing near the Concord River, and tree limb removal near the Merrimack River. The meeting also includes the election of officers and approval of previous minutes.

• Notice of Intent for an addition to a single-family home at 59 Martin Street within the 100-year floodplain
• Request for Determination of Applicability for geotechnical soil boring testing at 95 Bridge Street within 100 feet of the Concord River
• Request for Determination of Applicability to remove a large tree limb within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Merrimack River at 1226-1236 Pawtucket Blvd

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and discuss statutory exemptions.

• Review of motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from September 18-29

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee's Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the process and procedures for the superintendent search, as well as new job descriptions and requests to post positions. They will also review recommendations on the LPS enrollment process and consider an executive secretary position for the Chief Schools Officer and Licensure.

• Discussion of process and procedures for Superintendent search
• New job descriptions and request to post positions: McKinney-Vento Liaison PT and FT, Assistant FRC Coordinator
• LPS Enrollment Review Recommendations and Enrollment Process
• Executive Secretary for Chief Schools Officer and Licensure

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will meet on October 4, 2023, to conduct 56 tobacco permit suspension hearings for establishments that sold tobacco to minors on May 16, 2023. The board will also review monthly reports, discuss childhood vaccination exemptions, and consider an air quality report. The meeting includes routine items such as approving minutes and receiving director's reports.

• Tobacco permit suspension hearings for 56 establishments, including Lowell Package Store (305 Westford St), Neak Pich Video (301 Westford St), L & S Liquors (269 Branch St), Country Farms (268 Branch St), and Harry's Food Mart/Mobil (1401 Gorham St), with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 (all paid).
• Review of A & R African Market & International Food compliance with Board of Health order restricting food sales.
• Discussion of exemptions for childhood vaccinations, referencing House No. 4813, MGL Chapter 76 Section 15, and Senate Bill 1391.
• Review of Cashins & Associates air quality report (routine IAQ survey).
• Reminder: November 1, 2023 meeting moved to DPD Hammar Conference Room, 50 Arcand Dr., 2nd floor.

License Commission

The Lowell License Commission will meet to consider several special one-day alcohol licenses for upcoming events, a transfer of a Common Victualler license, and public hearings on restaurant and package store licenses. The agenda includes a special events permit for amplified music at a night market and a request for a hearing for a new package store license.

• Special Events Permit for amplified music at Cambodia Town Night Market, Oct 14, Clemente Park, 803 Middlesex St.
• Special one-day licenses for alcohol sales at St. Patrick's Parish, Thorndike Exchange, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, and Mill No. 5.
• Transfer of Common Victualler License for 7-Eleven at 494 Bridge St.
• Public hearing on change of officers for Sonesta International Hotels at 30 Industrial Ave E.
• Public hearing for new package store license at 888 Central St. and restaurant license for Lowell Memorial Auditorium at 50 E Merrimack St.

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will hold a meeting on September 27, 2023, to address continued business including a resource area delineation notice and an enforcement order, and new business including an emergency certificate for a beaver dam breach and another enforcement order. The meeting is open to the public, with remote participation available.

• Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation by Atlantic Millwrights, Inc. at 55, 75 & 77-81 Phoenix Avenue
• Enforcement Order against Vedant Construction Inc. for tree/vegetation removal in floodplain at 92 Townsend Avenue
• Emergency Certificate for City of Lowell DPW to breach beaver dam at Claypit Brook near Malden Ave
• Enforcement Order against Sy Dang for dumping in floodplain at 258.1 Varnum Ave

CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

The Lowell City Council is accepting and releasing executive session minutes from five meetings held between February and June 2023. This is a procedural action to make the minutes public, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.

• Release of February 21, 2023 executive session minutes
• Release of March 21, 2023 executive session minutes
• Release of April 11, 2023 executive session minutes
• Release of May 2, 2023 executive session minutes
• Release of June 13, 2023 executive session minutes

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks will consider several park permit requests, including a fee waiver for unused cricket field dates and an account credit for a canceled pickleball event. The board will also vote on accepting the minutes from the August 30 meeting.

• MVFFL ovarian cancer tournament at Koumantzelis Multipurpose Field, Oct 21, fee $75
• Gender reveal at Shedd Park Pavilion, Oct 22, total fee $170
• Vendor craft fair at Fort Hill Park (Sep 30, $75) and Shedd Park (Oct 8, $340), total $415
• Request for $100 account credit for canceled Shedd Park pickleball permit
• Request to waive $1,300 in fees for 26 unused Hovey Field cricket dates

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the September 19, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements from the week of September 11 to September 15 and addressing statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements for the week of September 11 to September 15
• Review of statutory exemptions

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to review two grants (04-23 and 14-23) for reimbursement and to review public art applications. The agenda also includes general discussion. This is a routine administrative meeting with no major policy decisions listed.

• Review of LCC Grant 04-23 for reimbursement
• Review of LCC Grant 14-23 for reimbursement
• Review of Public Art Applications

City Council

The Lowell City Council will consider a motion to reconsider adding tax relief language to the proposed ADU ordinance, and will discuss several requests related to migrant housing, including a task force for daily needs and a plan for the UMass-Lowell Inn & Conference Center. The council will also vote on a resolution to establish a sister city with Cork, Ireland, and accept a $10,000 state police grant for the police department. Other items include license agreements for overhanging signs, a constable bond, and multiple handicap parking sign requests.

• Vote to accept/expend $10,000 Mass State Police grant for Lowell Police Department
• Resolution to establish sister city with Cork, Ireland
• Motion to reconsider ADU ordinance language for tax relief mirroring Salem, MA
• Request to convene task force for housing/feeding incoming migrants
• Request for report on migrant occupation of UMass-Lowell Inn & Conference Center

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU and review several motions regarding transportation, staffing, and facility status. The agenda also includes updates on STEM modular proposals and new job descriptions.

• Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU
• STEM modular project proposal and selection
• Approval of new job descriptions for FRC Assistant Coordinator and McKinney-Vento Liaisons
• Budget transfer request dated September 15, 2023
• Motion to update the committee on the status and costs of an HR investigation

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is meeting in executive session to discuss collective bargaining and contract proposals. The committee will also review union grievances and an Open Meeting Law complaint.

• LSAA contract proposals and MOAs
• UTL MOAs regarding paraprofessionals, SLP positions, and club/advisor roles
• SEIU MOAs and union grievances
• Review of Open Meeting Law complaint
• Contract proposals for Director of Special Education

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the previous meeting and consider applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements. The agenda also includes discussions regarding statutory exemptions and FY 24 Q2 real estate and personal property warrants.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for the week of September 04 to September 08
• Review of statutory exemptions
• FY 24 Q2 Real Estate and Personal Property warrants/commitments

City Council

The Lowell City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several motions, including a request to begin the process of purchasing St. Jeanne D'Arc School for classroom space. The council will also review responses from the city manager on various topics, such as housing first updates and hotel programs. Other motions include studying sidewalk conditions, improving HVAC systems, and addressing traffic issues.

• Request to begin process of purchasing St. Jeanne D'Arc School for classroom space
• Motion to reconsider ADU ordinance language for tax relief, mirroring Salem, MA
• Request for report on HVAC conditions in municipal buildings and repair plans
• Request for update on Hamilton Canal development projects
• Request to name part of Riverwalk in memory of Robert Malalvich

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting on September 13, 2023, to consider several items under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. These include a request by National Grid to install a utility pole near the Merrimack River, a resource area delineation for properties on Phoenix Avenue, and emergency certifications for beaver dam breaches and tree removal. The commission will also address an enforcement order for unauthorized tree removal in a floodplain.

• National Grid: new utility pole within 100 feet of Merrimack River at Pawtucket Boulevard Right of Way (in front of 1194 Pawtucket Blvd)
• Atlantic Millwrights, Inc.: Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation at 55, 75 & 77-81 Phoenix Avenue
• City of Lowell DPW: Emergency Certificate to breach beaver dam at Claypit Brook near Malden Ave and Lexington Ave (78 Lexington Ave)
• City of Lowell DPW: Emergency Certificate to breach beaver dam at 24 Monarch Street
• Wat Lao Mixayaram of New England: Emergency Certificate to remove fallen trees within 100-foot buffer zone at 45.1 Bernier Street

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on library policies, the Senior Center branch, strategic plan teams, and the director's report on building, personnel, programming, and budget. The agenda is largely routine with several placeholder items for unanticipated business.

• Approval of June 7, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• PML policies status update
• Request for update on Senior Center Branch
• Director's report on building, personnel, programming, budget

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from previous August and September meetings. The agenda also includes reviewing motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications and statutory exemptions.

• Review of minutes from August 29, 2023, and September 05, 2023
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for the week of August 28 to September 01
• Statutory Exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved 20 statutory exemption applications and motor vehicle excise abatements for the week of August 21 to August 25. One statutory exemption application was denied. The board also noted the receipt of MVE Commitment 4 from the State.

• Approved motor vehicle excise abatements for week of August 21 to August 25 (by signatures)
• Approved 5 Clause 17E, 3 Clause 22E, and 12 Clause 41 statutory exemption applications (Unanimous)
• Denied 1 statutory exemption application
• Deferred review of August 29, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council Rules Sub Committee

The Rules Subcommittee approved a motion that electronic notification satisfies notice requirements in the Council Rules, with a roll‑call vote of three yeas. It also adopted motions that the mayor’s portrait in City Hall be limited to the mayor and that the City Manager or designee handle its placement. A motion to remove September from the summer meeting schedule failed because it lacked a second. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved electronic notification as satisfying notice requirements (3 yeas)
• Approved mayor’s portrait to be only of the mayor
• Approved City Manager or designee responsible for portrait placement
• Motion to remove September from summer schedule failed (no second)
• Adjourned the meeting

City Council

The City Council referred 23 separate requests to the City Manager covering topics such as public art, flooding, and harm reduction. The council also accepted several proclamations and presentations. A request for National Grid to install underground conduit was referred to the Wire Inspector.

• Referred request for police vehicle computer updates to City Manager
• Referred request for South Lowell flooding improvement report to City Manager
• Referred request for homeless feeding program regulations to City Manager
• Referred request for Elm & Chapel Streets traffic safety plan to City Manager
• Referred request for public art on utility boxes to City Manager
• Referred request for harm reduction service regulations to City Manager
• Referred request for opioid settlement funding report to City Manager
• Referred National Grid conduit installation at Appleton and Gorham Streets to Wire Inspector

Historic Board

The Lowell Historic Board is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on matters related to historic preservation, including demolition delay requests, design guidelines, and certificates of appropriateness. The agenda contains procedural items and specific cases, but details are limited due to the encoded format.

• Review of demolition delay request
• Discussion of design guidelines for historic properties
• Consideration of certificate of appropriateness applications
• Public hearing on proposed changes to historic district regulations

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting on September 11, 2023, to consider four variance petitions. One continued case and three new cases involve requests for relief from zoning requirements to build or expand homes and a 40-unit apartment building. The board will also approve minutes from the August 14, 2023 meeting.

• Variance for single-family home at 209 Gibson Street (ZBA-2023-7)
• Variance for two-story addition at 22 Carly Way exceeding FAR limit (ZBA-2023-20)
• Variance to subdivide lot and build new home at 117 Lilley Ave (ZBA-2023-28)
• Variance for 40-unit apartment building with 133-space parking at 205 Pratt Ave (ZBA-2023-32)
• Approval of 8/14/2023 meeting minutes

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied a variance request to build a home at 209 Gibson Street. A request for a two-story addition at 22 Carly Way was continued to November 13, 2023. The meeting record ends during the discussion of a subdivision request at 117 Lilley Ave.

• Denied variance to construct single-family home at 209 Gibson Street (2-4)
• Continued variance request for two-story addition at 22 Carly Way to Nov 13, 2023 (5-0)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold a public meeting to consider several development proposals. The most significant item is a request by Joe Lee to build a 52-unit mixed-use development at 31 Westford Street, which requires site plan review and a special permit. The board will also review a proposal to convert a 4-unit building to 6 units at 17 Burns Street and a site plan amendment for a parking area at 2 Prince Ave and 1 Markley Way. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from previous meetings.

• Site Plan Review and Special Permit: 52-unit mixed-use development at 31 Westford Street (Joe Lee)
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit: Convert 4-unit to 6-unit residential at 17 Burns Street (Agui DeSousa)
• Site Plan Review Amendment: Parking area alteration at 2 Prince Ave and 1 Markley Way (The Markley Group, LLC)
• Minutes for approval: July 17 and August 21, 2023

The Board approved a site plan and special permit for a 52-unit mixed-use project at 31 Westford Street with several conditions. A request to withdraw an application for 17 Burns Street was granted, and a site plan amendment for 2 Prince Ave was continued.

• Approved Site Plan and Special Permit for 52-unit mixed-use development at 31 Westford Street (4-0)
• Approved request to withdraw application for 17 Burns Street without prejudice (4-0)
• Continued Site Plan Review Amendment for 2 Prince Ave/1 Markley Way to December 4, 2023
• Approved 7/17/2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved 8/21/2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

School Committee

The committee will consider several motions regarding mold assessments at Pawtucketville Memorial School, district roof status, and updates on temporary teaching licenses. The agenda also includes the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU and a budget transfer.

• Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU
• Motion for mold assessment at Pawtucketville Memorial School
• Motion for monthly air quality tests at Pawtucketville Memorial
• Motion for report on district-wide roof status
• Budget transfer update

The Committee approved several requests for facility reports, including mold assessments and air quality testing at Pawtucketville Memorial School. Members also discussed the closure of schools for two days due to extreme heat. A motion to create a blue ribbon committee for a permanent superintendent was referred to a subcommittee.

• Approved mold assessment at Pawtucketville Memorial School (6-0)
• Approved monthly air quality tests at Pawtucketville Memorial (6-0)
• Approved request for plan to support incoming immigrants at Lowell Inn (6-0)
• Approved report on all school building facilities work for FY2022-2023 (6-0)
• Approved request for updates on staff hired with emergency/temporary licenses (6-0)
• Approved comprehensive report on all district roofs (6-0)
• Approved request for proper recess equipment at all elementary schools (6-0)
• Referred permanent superintendent search timeline to HR & Labor Relations Subcommittee (6-0)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is meeting for a special and executive session to discuss collective bargaining and legal matters. The committee will review contract proposals, memoranda of agreement, and union grievances.

• Review of LSAA contract proposals and MOAs
• Discussion of UTL MOAs regarding paraprofessionals and part-time SLP positions
• Consideration of SEIU MOAs and union grievances
• Review of an Open Meeting Law complaint
• Discussion of contract proposals for the Director of Special Education

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Lowell Hunger and Homeless Commission is holding a meeting with a special guest speaker, DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue, followed by a Q&A session. The meeting is open to the public and will be led by Acting Chairperson Dan O'Connor.

• Special guest speaker: DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue
• Q&A session with the speaker
• Meeting open to the public

Board of Health

The Board of Health issued three-day tobacco permit suspensions to six local establishments following compliance checks. The Board also approved changes to the PrideStar EMS ambulance contract and reactivated the Quincy Skin Course for tattooists.

• Approved changes to PrideStar EMS Ambulance Contract (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for High Street Gas and Conv. (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for Turcotte Liquors (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for Towers News Stand (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for Quick Mart/VP (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for Ornelas Liquors (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for Quick Mart/BP (4-0)
• Approved reactivation of Quincy Skin Course for Tattooists (All in favor)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the August 29, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Review of motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from August 21 to August 25
• Review of statutory exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for the weeks of August 7-11 and August 14-18. The board also processed various statutory exemption applications and rescinded one Clause 22 application to change it to a 41 C application.

• Approved minutes from August 15, 2023 meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved motor vehicle excise abatements for week of August 07 to August 11
• Approved motor vehicle excise abatements for week of August 14 to August 18
• Rescinded one Clause 22 application and changed it to a 41 C application

Board of Parks

The Board of Parks approved 13 permit requests for youth sports, community events, and private parties across various city parks. One request for youth sports at Cawley Memorial Stadium was tabled for a later vote.

• Approved release of LYSA permits at Scullin Park and Reilly School to accommodate youth flag football
• Approved PALS Flag Football Program at Scullin Park, Reilly School, Gage Field, and Campbell Park ($0 fee)
• Approved Craft Fair at Fort Hill Park ($0 fee)
• Approved Girls on the Run practices at Shedd Park ($0 fee)
• Approved Friends of Tyler Park community event ($0 fee)
• Approved Lowell Catholic Walk-A-Thon at Callery Park ($0 fee)
• Approved Girl Scouts Meet and Greet at Shedd Park ($120 fee)
• Approved two birthday parties at Shedd Park ($170 fee each)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the August 15, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for the weeks of August 7–11 and August 14–18
• Review of statutory exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements for the weeks of July 24 to July 28 and July 31 to August 04. The board also approved a request regarding uncollected personal property tax from 2004-2010 provided by the Treasurer's Office.

• Approved minutes from July 11, July 25, and August 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements for July 24-28 and July 31-August 04
• Approved request for uncollected personal property tax from 2004-2010 (Unanimous)

City Council

The Lowell City Council is holding a special meeting to consider an ordinance amending the zoning code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The meeting includes public participation via Zoom and in person. The only substantive item is the ADU zoning amendment, with the rest being procedural.

• Ordinance to amend zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
• Public comment via Zoom or in person; registration required by 4 PM
• Meeting held at City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street

The City Council referred a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to the Law Department for drafting. The body approved several amendments regarding rent caps, utility restrictions, and lot size requirements. Council also requested a report on a potential Home Rule Petition for tax breaks for affordable ADUs.

• Referred ADU ordinance and approved amendments to Law Department for revised drafting (11-0)
• Denied requirement for all ADUs to undergo Planning Board special permit process (4-7)
• Approved requirement for ADU petitions to include certified letter stating rent will not exceed 70% fair market value (6-5)
• Approved restriction prohibiting added utilities for ADUs, allowing only upgrades for safety (10-0-1)
• Approved request for City Solicitor to report on Home Rule Petition for tax breaks for affordable ADUs (7-4)
• Denied request to increase side and rear setbacks from 5 feet to 7.5 feet (5-6)
• Approved incorporation of trust ownership language into the ordinance (11-0)
• Approved a one-year review of the ordinance or review after 16 petitions (11-0)

School Building Committee

The committee reviewed construction progress on the LHS project, including milestones for the Freshman Academy and Building D. Budget updates indicated a total project budget of $381.9 million with $18.7 million remaining in construction contingency. The committee approved the minutes from the previous month's meeting.

• Approved minutes from previous month's meeting

License Commission

The Lowell License Commission approved several one-day liquor licenses and special event permits for downtown entertainment and festivals. The board also granted permanent alcoholic beverages and victualler licenses to three businesses following public hearings.

• Approved special events permit for amplified outdoor entertainment at five downtown locations (4-0)
• Approved four special one-day wine and malt beverage licenses for Hellenic Center (4-0)
• Approved special events permit and 41 one-day malt/wine licenses for Lowell Memorial Auditorium (4-0)
• Approved two special one-day malt and wine licenses for Mill No. 5 (4-0)
• Approved one-day license and amplified entertainment permit for Portuguese American Civic League (4-0)
• Approved Lowell Multicultural Festival one-day license on condition that insurance is provided by Aug 25 (4-0)
• Approved all-alcoholic beverages and common victualler licenses for Thirsty First Tavern at 103 Market Street (4-0)
• Approved all-alcoholic beverages and common victualler licenses for Dragonfly Cafe at 165 Thorndike Street (4-0)

Cultural Council

The council met to discuss funding priorities, local guideline changes, and a three-year repeat funding rule. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

City Council

The Lowell City Council is meeting to consider several votes from the City Manager, including accepting a $75,000 grant, authorizing a contract with UpNext LLC, and transferring funds for elections and cemetery operations. The agenda also includes numerous motions requesting reports on topics like police policies, housing, homelessness, and traffic safety, as well as several public petitions and informational reports.

• Vote to accept/expend $75,000 MCC grant for LMA
• Vote to authorize a 3-year 4-month contract with UpNext LLC
• Vote to transfer $102,000 for elections
• Vote to transfer $60,000 for cemetery
• Motion to report on opioid settlement funding allocations

The City Council voted to have the City Manager express written concern to the Governor regarding the impact of migrants being housed at the UML Inn and Conference Center. The Council also approved several fund transfers and a contract with UpNext LLC.

• Requested City Manager send written concern to Governor regarding migrant placement (10-0-1)
• Approved reappointment of Kerry Jenness to Historic Board (9-0-1)
• Approved $75,000 MCC Grant for LMA (10-0-1)
• Authorized 3-year 4-month contract with UpNext LLC (9-1-1)
• Authorized filing of special legislation (9-1-1)
• Approved $102,000 transfer for Elections (9-1-1)
• Approved $60,000 transfer for Cemetery (9-1-1)
• Approved constable bond for Jason Burke (10-0-1)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved a definitive subdivision to create a new single-family home at 175 Dalton Street. Two other projects, including a proposed veterans' facility, were continued to future meetings.

• Approved definitive subdivision at 175 Dalton Street for a new single-family home (3-0)
• Continued site plan review for veterans' facility at 21 Christman Avenue to October 16 (3-0)
• Continued definitive subdivision at 330 Princeton Boulevard to October 16 (3-0)
• Continued approval of 7/17/2023 meeting minutes to September 7 (3-0)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee will discuss motions related to health and physical education curriculum, student bullying reports, litigation cases, and school resource officers. The committee also plans to receive a 90-day report from the interim superintendent.

• Request Superintendent to post new health and physical education curriculum on parent websites
• Motion for a 90-day report from the Interim Superintendent
• Request to increase number of school resource officers in middle schools

The School Committee approved the contract for Interim Chief Schools Officer Wendy Crocker-Roberge and several administrative contracts. The board also passed multiple motions requesting reports on student bullying, school resource officers, and curriculum transparency.

• Approved contract for Interim Chief Schools Officer Wendy Crocker-Roberge (5-2)
• Approved amended Permission to Enter contracts (7-0)
• Approved Community Teamwork, Inc. contract (6-0)
• Approved request to post new health and physical education curriculum on parent websites (7-0)
• Approved request for report on student-on-student bullying protocols (7-0)
• Approved external professional development for staff on bullying reports and IEPs (7-0)
• Approved request to increase school resource officers in middle schools (7-0)
• Approved request for a 90-day report from the Interim Superintendent on priorities and goals (7-0)

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee will meet in executive session to discuss contract proposals, memorandums of agreement (MOAs), and grievances with LSAA and SEIU unions.

• Consideration and discussion of LSAA contract proposals, MOAs, and grievances
• Consideration and discussion of SEIU contract proposals, MOAs, and grievances
• Discussion of proposals for athletic training services

The School Committee held a special meeting to enter an executive session. The session was convened to discuss collective bargaining, strategies, and possible litigation. No substantive public decisions were recorded.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss LSAA and SEIU contract proposals, MOAs, grievances, and athletic training services (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from previous July and August meetings. The agenda also includes reviewing motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications and statutory exemptions.

• Review of minutes from July 11, July 25, and August 1, 2023
• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements for July 24–28 and July 31–August 04

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements for the week of July 17 to July 21 via signatures. The Board also received four batches of uncollectable excise taxes from 2010 to 2013 from the Treasurer's Office.

• Approved motor vehicle excise abatements for July 17 to July 21 (by signatures)
• Deferred review of July 11 and July 25, 2023 minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board accepted a withdrawal for a residential conversion project and continued two other applications to October meetings. The Board also approved the minutes from the July 24, 2023 meeting.

• Accepted withdrawal without prejudice for 17 Burns Street residential conversion (5-0)
• Continued lot split application for 65 Wellington Avenue to October 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Continued signage application for 1201 Bridge Street to October 23, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved July 24, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several special event permits for amplified entertainment and one-day alcohol licenses for upcoming local festivals and receptions. It also scheduled three public hearings for August 24 regarding new restaurant and package store liquor licenses.

• Approved special event permit for Lowell Backpack Event at Sheehay Park (5-0)
• Ratified special event permit for Cornhole Tournament at Clemente Park (5-0)
• Ratified one-day wine and malt beverage license for 2023 Folk Festival (5-0)
• Approved special event permit for Lowell Cannabist Block Party (5-0)
• Approved seasonal patio entertainment permit for Trend Restaurant (5-0)
• Approved one-day malt and wine license for Lowell Irish Festival (5-0)
• Approved one-day wine licenses for Arts League of Lowell receptions (5-0)
• Approved one-day alcohol licenses for Curation 250 and Lowell Humane Society (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will hold a meeting on August 9, 2023, to discuss and decide on two applications: a Request for Determination of Applicability from National Grid to install a utility pole within 100 feet of the Merrimack River, and an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation from Atlantic Millwrights, Inc. for properties on Phoenix Avenue. The meeting will also review minutes from the July 12, 2023 meeting.

• National Grid: new utility pole in Pawtucket Boulevard right-of-way (in front of 1194 Pawtucket Blvd), within 100 feet of Merrimack River
• Atlantic Millwrights, Inc.: resource area delineation at 55, 75 & 77-81 Phoenix Avenue
• Approval of 7/12/2023 meeting minutes

City Council Finance Sub Committee

The committee discussed proposed changes to parking rates and fines to prevent the Garage Enterprise Fund from relying on the tax levy. Members debated dynamic pricing and the impact of rate increases on downtown residents. The committee voted to begin implementing an off-street sticker parking program.

• Approved implementation of the off-street sticker parking program

City Council

The Lowell City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), continued from July 11, and consider a $3,670,000 One Stop for Growth grant application. The agenda also includes numerous votes on funding, contracts, and ordinances, plus many motions requesting reports from the city manager on topics like speeding, potholes, and broadband.

• Public hearing on ADU zoning amendment (continued from 7/11/23)
• Vote to amend/apply/accept/expend $3,670,000 One Stop for Growth grants
• Vote to authorize change of voting machines
• Ordinance on MBTA Communities zoning amendments
• Loan order for refunding bonds

The City Council approved the abandonment of a portion of Pratt Avenue and authorized several funding expenditures for housing and parks. A proposed zoning ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling Units was referred to a special meeting for further consideration.

• Approved abandonment of portion of Pratt Avenue (11-0)
• Referred Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning ordinance to a special meeting (8-3)
• Approved acceptance and expenditure of FY24 Affordable Housing Earmark (11-0)
• Approved acceptance and expenditure of FY24 Earmarked Funds for Shedd Park (11-0)
• Approved $3,670,000 One Stop For Growth Grants (11-0)
• Approved amending prior order to fund A Place To Live (11-0)
• Referred Affordable Housing Trust Fund matter to Housing SC

Board of Health

The Board approved several body art practitioner and facility licenses. It also authorized a phased reopening for A & R African Market & International Food, allowing only prepackaged foods. The Board discussed the ambulance contract and reviewed various health and air quality reports.

• Accepted May 10, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved slow phase-in of retail and prepackaged foods (excluding cooked foods) for A & R African Market & International Food
• Approved Body Art Apprentice license for Anthony Stanley at Lowell Ink, Inc.
• Approved 2023 Body Art Practitioner License for Paul Bohl at Blaqsheep Ink
• Approved 2023 Body Art Establishment License for Heaven's Beauty Corporation pending waste hauler information
• Approved 2023 Body Art Practitioners License for Leticia C. Ribeiro dos Santos pending establishment license approval

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from previous July meetings and consider applications for Motor Vehicle Excise Tax abatements. The board will also address statutory exemptions and other old or new business.

• Review of July 11 and July 25, 2023 meeting minutes
• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax abatement applications from the week of July 17 to July 21
• Statutory Exemptions

License Commission

The Commission approved several special event permits for amplified entertainment and alcohol sales, including multiple requests for the Lowell Folk Festival. It also approved the transfer of common victualler licenses for three businesses and one all-alcoholic beverages restaurant license.

• Approved sidewalk stand permits for Marx Running & Fitness and Coffee Mill Emporium (4-0)
• Approved amplified entertainment permits for Southeast Asian Water Festival, Gurjar India Heritage Festival, and Clemente Park Movie Nights (4-0)
• Approved amplified entertainment permit for Lowell Community Health Center (4-0)
• Approved alcohol and entertainment permits for Worthen House, Fuse Bistro, and Sahel Restaurant & Lounge for Folk Fest (4-0)
• Approved alcohol licenses for Mill No. 5 concerts, a private party at Shedd Park Pavilion, and the Lowell Puerto Rican Festival (4-0)
• Approved alcohol licenses for TreMonte outdoor seating during Folk Fest (4-0)
• Approved common victualler license transfers for Domino's Pizza, Little Delights Bakery, and Frank & Errnest (4-0)
• Approved transfer of all-alcoholic beverages restaurant license for 350 Market Street (4-0)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is holding a special meeting and executive session. The committee will consider contract proposals, MOAs, and grievances for LSAA and SEIU. Members will also discuss contract language for the FY24 Interim Chief of Schools Officer.

• LSAA contract proposals, MOAs, and grievances
• SEIU contract proposals, MOAs, and grievances
• Contract language for Interim Chief of Schools Officer for FY24

The School Committee met and voted to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and contract language. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss LSAA and SEIU contract proposals, MOAs, grievances, and Interim Chief of Schools Officer contract language (5-0, 2 absent)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is holding a special meeting to consider a contract for Robin Desmond, the Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent. The committee will also review and update the job description for the Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent.

• Contract approval for Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent Robin Desmond
• Review and update of job description for Confidential Secretary to Superintendent

The School Committee approved the contract for Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent Robin Desmond. The committee also approved an updated job description for the Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent.

• Approved contract for Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent Robin Desmond (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved updated job description for Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent (5-0, 2 absent)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks is reviewing 16 event permit requests for park and stadium use, covering community events, sports, and private gatherings. Fees range from $0 for youth and city events to $16,640 for a 13-week flag football series. The board will decide on each request, including fee waivers and credits.

• Back to School Event at Sheehy Park Extension on Aug 27, fees waived for city event
• Lowell High Football at Cawley Memorial Stadium, youth fee $0
• Bicycle race at Shedd Park, total fee $635
• Craft fair rescheduling with $340 account credit applied
• Flag football at Cawley Memorial Stadium, total fee $16,640

The Board of Parks approved various permit requests for youth sports, community outreach, and festivals across city parks. Several requests were denied due to the applicant's absence, and one request for Girls on the Run practices was tabled.

• Approved CASE Back to School Event at Sheehy Park (Unanimous)
• Approved Lowell High Football 7on7 at Cawley Memorial Stadium (Unanimous)
• Approved annual bicycle race at Shedd Park for reduced fee of $365 (Unanimous)
• Approved craft fair events at Shedd Park Pavilion for $0 and $340 (Unanimous)
• Denied cookout, birthday party, and flag football requests due to no-shows
• Approved LPW Car Wash Fundraiser at Cawley Memorial Stadium for $120 (Unanimous)
• Approved adult baseball semi-finals and All-Star games for $540 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Girls on the Run practice request at Kittredge Park for further discussion

Cultural Council

The council discussed the open treasurer position and potential use of admin funds for content creation and grant instruction translations. Members reviewed social media growth and planned logistics for an upcoming folk festival. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

City Council

The Lowell City Council will hold public hearings on zoning amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units and the abandonment of a portion of Pratt Avenue. The body will vote on several funding actions, including $3,670,000 in One Stop For Growth Grants and FY24 Affordable Housing Earmarks. Additionally, the Council will consider an ordinance for MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments and a loan order for refunding bonds.

• Ordinance - Amend Zoning - Accessory Dwelling Units (Public Hearing)
• Order - Abandon Portion Of Pratt Avenue (Public Hearing)
• Vote - Amend/Apply/Accept/Expend $3,670,000 One Stop For Growth Grants
• Ordinance - MBTA Communities Zoning Amendments
• Vote - Endorse The Edge Affordable Housing Project

The City Council approved the abandonment of a portion of Pratt Avenue and authorized several funding earmarks for affordable housing and park improvements. A proposed zoning ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was referred to a special meeting for further deliberation.

• Approved abandonment of portion of Pratt Avenue (11-0)
• Approved FY24 Affordable Housing Earmark expenditure (11-0)
• Approved FY24 Shedd Park earmarked funds expenditure (11-0)
• Approved $3,670,000 One Stop For Growth Grants (11-0)
• Approved amendment to fund A Place To Live (11-0)
• Referred Accessory Dwelling Units zoning ordinance to a special meeting (8-3)
• Referred Affordable Housing Trust Fund matter to Housing SC
• Adopted ADU amendment requiring special permits for detached dwellings and capping permits at 5 per year per district (7-4)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the previous meeting and consider applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements. The agenda also includes reviews of statutory exemptions and items for old and new business.

• Review of July 11, 2023, meeting minutes
• Motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from the week of July 10 to July 14
• Statutory exemptions review

The Board of Assessors approved motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for the week of July 10 to July 14 via signatures. The review of minutes from the July 11, 2023 meeting was deferred.

• Approved motor vehicle excise abatements for the week of July 10 to July 14
• Deferred review of July 11, 2023 meeting minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on three petitions: a variance for a floor area ratio (FAR) addition at 79 New York Street, a special permit for an illuminated wall sign at 900 Chelmsford Street, and a variance for a new single-family home at 20 Starbird Street. The board will also consider minutes from its June 26 meeting.

• Variance for FAR addition at 79 New York Street (ZBA-2023-21)
• Special permit for illuminated wall sign at 900 Chelmsford Street (ZBA-2023-22)
• Variance for new single-family home at 20 Starbird Street (ZBA-2023-23)
• Minutes for approval from 6/26/2023 meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for two residential additions and new construction, as well as a special permit for a commercial sign. All three petitions were passed unanimously with specific site plan and lighting conditions.

• Approved variance for addition at 79 New York Street conditioned on adding one shade tree (5-0)
• Approved special permit for illuminated wall sign at 900 Chelmsford Street with lighting hour restrictions (5-0)
• Approved variance for new single-family home at 20 Starbird Street conditioned on site plan revisions for trees, shed removal, ramp access, and curb cut (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 6/26/2023 (5-0)

School Committee

The committee will consider contract approvals for the Interim Superintendent and Interim Chief Schools Officer. The agenda also includes discussions on a draft cell phone policy for Lowell High School and various personnel job postings.

• Contract approval for Interim Superintendent William (Liam) Skinner
• Contract approval for Interim Chief Schools Officer Wendy Crocker-Roberge
• Consideration of a draft cell phone policy for Lowell High School
• FY23 and FY24 budget transfers
• Approval of job descriptions for several roles including Cafeteria Generalist and Food Truck Cook

The Committee approved the contract for Interim Superintendent William (Liam) Skinner and a revised 2023-2024 school calendar. Several new job descriptions were approved, and a budget transfer of $12,000 was authorized. The contract for Interim Chief Schools Officer Wendy Crocker-Roberge was tabled.

• Approved contract for Interim Superintendent William (Liam) Skinner (7-0)
• Approved revised 2023-2024 School Calendar, including a half day on the last day of school (7-0)
• Approved $12,000 FY24 budget transfer (7-0)
• Tabled contract approval for Interim Chief Schools Officer Wendy Crocker-Roberge
• Approved request for City to repaint school crosswalks and clean parks/playgrounds (7-0)
• Approved job descriptions for Early Childhood Coordinator, Cafeteria Generalist, Food Truck Driver/Cook, Lead Security Guard, Lead FLEX Block Teacher, Lead Latin Lyceum Teacher, and Assistant Data Administrator (7-0)
• Appointed Interim Superintendent Skinner as Secretary to the Lowell School Committee (7-0)
• Referred Draft Cell Phone Policy for Lowell High School to Policy Subcommittee (7-0)

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee held a special meeting and executive session on July 19, 2023. The committee planned to discuss contract language for two non-union positions. This discussion was scheduled to take place in a closed executive session.

• Contract language for Chief Academic Officer
• Contract language for Interim Chief Schools Officer for FY24

The School Committee met to discuss contract language for the Chief Academic Officer and the Interim Chief Schools Officer for FY24. The committee voted to enter an executive session for these discussions and then adjourned.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss contract language for Chief Academic Officer and Interim Chief Schools Officer for FY24 (5-0, 2 absent)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold public hearings on several items, including a proposed zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units, a subdivision at 330 Princeton Boulevard, and a conversion at 17 Burns Street. They will also continue a site plan review for a veterans' education and housing facility at 21 Christman Avenue. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and other routine business.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment to add Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance (Chapter 290)
• Definitive Subdivision application by Edson Dos Santos for 330 Princeton Boulevard, seeking to create a lot with reduced frontage
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit application by Jose Herrera to convert 17 Burns Street from 4-family to 6-family
• Continued Site Plan Review for Landsmart, LLC's Veteran's Education and Housing Facility at 21 Christman Avenue with 12 temporary residential units

The Planning Board issued a negative recommendation for a proposed zoning amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The board cited concerns regarding density, parking, and by-right construction. A subdivision application for 330 Princeton Boulevard was continued to August 21, 2023.

• Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved June 22, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Issued negative recommendation for Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (4-0)
• Continued 330 Princeton Boulevard subdivision application to August 21, 2023 (4-0)

License Commission

The Commission approved several special event permits for the Lowell Folk Festival and other community gatherings. It also granted a used car dealer license for 66 Canada Street and approved two permanent alcohol license applications.

• Approved used car dealer license for 66 Canada Street LLC with 10 customer/employee and 44 sales parking spots (5-0)
• Approved 'All Alcoholic Beverages' restaurant license for Koto Restaurant at 76 Merrimack Street (5-0)
• Approved transfer and change of location for Richdale Food Shops package store license at 103 Rogers Street (5-0)
• Approved 8 special one-day alcohol licenses for the 2023 Lowell Folk Festival (5-0)
• Approved special event permits for amplified outdoor entertainment at Cobblestones Restaurant, El Potro Mexican Grill, and DIY Lowell (5-0)
• Approved special event permits for Fifth Street Baptist Church and Mill City Grows (5-0)
• Approved special one-day alcohol licenses for Mill City Grows and Curation 250 (5-0)
• Approved 5 special one-day alcohol licenses for events at the Hellenic Center (5-0)

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee approved multiple new job descriptions and staff stipends. The decisions include splitting an early childhood role into two positions and authorizing a new food truck staff. All approved items passed with 3-0 votes.

• Approved splitting Early Childhood Coordinator and Cardinal O'Connell Supervision into two positions (3-0)
• Approved stipends for Lead Security Guard, Lead FLEX Block Teacher, and Lead Latin Lyceum Teacher at Lowell High School (3-0)
• Approved full-time positions for Food Truck Driver and Cook (3-0)
• Approved Assistant Database Administrator position with a $10,000 salary increase (3-0)
• Approved Cafeteria Generalist position (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission issued Negative III determinations for two maintenance projects involving vegetation and erosion control. Both projects are located within 100-foot buffer zones of the Merrimack River and Beaver Brook.

• Issued Negative III determination for Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility routine maintenance (4-0)
• Issued Negative III determination for UMass Lowell invasive species removal and pruning along Riverwalk (4-0)
• Approved 6/28/23 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review a zoning amendment for accessory dwelling units and several utility requests. The body is also scheduled to vote on various fund transfers and a $21,400,000 RAISE grant.

• Zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
• National Grid request for underground conduit on Morse Street
• Acceptance of $21,400,000 RAISE Grant
• Transfer of $1,352,000 for Health/Dental Insurance
• Transfer of $1,055,000 for Snow and Ice

The City Council approved a $21.4 million RAISE grant and several budget transfers totaling over $3.5 million. The council also voted to continue a public hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning amendments to July 25, 2023, after defeating a motion to refer the ordinance back to the DPD.

• Approved $21,400,000 RAISE Grant (10-0)
• Approved Annual Action Plan FY23-24 (10-0)
• Approved License Agreement with Lowell Festival Foundation (10-0)
• Approved budget transfers for Snow and Ice ($1.055M), Health/Dental Insurance ($1.352M), and Payroll Taxes ($950K) (10-0)
• Approved budget transfers for Energy ($91K), Postage ($35K), and Disability Commission ($20K) (10-0)
• Defeated motion to refer Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance back to DPD (4-6)
• Reappointed Mony Var to Lowell Housing Authority
• Accepted resignations of Beverly Anthes (Election Commission) and Garrett Beaulieu (Conservation Commission)

Historic Board

The Board unanimously approved a Historic Permit for Project Learn to install a mural on a 1990 commercial building. The approval is conditional upon the review and approval of final specifications and installation details. The Board also received updates on city-wide restoration projects and marker programs.

• Approved Historic Permit for mural at 477 Market Street (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several requests regarding activities near protected wetlands. Items include tree removal, a home addition, and a request for a certificate of compliance.

• Tree removal within 100-foot buffer zone at 116 West Street
• Home addition construction within 100 feet of a wetland at 191 Freda Lane
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 163 Pawtucket Boulevard
• Minor modification for parking and stormwater management at 2 Prince Ave

The Commission issued a Negative 3 Determination for tree removal at 116 West Street and granted an Order of Conditions for a home addition at 191 Freda Lane. A Certificate of Compliance was granted for 163 Pawtucket Boulevard, and a minor modification for 2 Prince Avenue was approved with a requirement to reduce parking for landscaping.

• Issued Negative 3 Determination for tree removal at 116 West Street with conditions to plant 5 native shrubs and keep stumps above ground (6-0)
• Granted Order of Conditions for home addition at 191 Freda Lane with condition to save existing tree (6-0)
• Granted Certificate of Compliance for 163 Pawtucket Boulevard (6-0)
• Approved minor modification for 2 Prince Avenue with condition to remove 10 parking spaces near S curve for landscaping (6-0)
• Approved June 14, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

Board of Parks

The Board of Parks is reviewing numerous permit requests for community events, sports, and gatherings at local parks. The agenda includes discussions on vendor craft fairs, community cookouts, baseball games, and religious services. Several items involve specific requests for account credits or fee waivers due to cancellations.

• Vendor Craft Fair Events at North Common and Shedd Park totaling $780
• Request for $150.00 account credit for rescheduled Fort Hill Park event
• Request for $170.00 fee waiver from Tarak Wis
• Request for $120.00 fee waiver from Elevate New England
• Permit for Legion Baseball at Alumni Field including a vote on shifting existing permits

The Board of Parks reviewed and voted on numerous permit requests for city parks and fields. Most youth-focused community events were approved at no fee, while several adult event requests were approved with associated fees. Four requests were declined because the requestors did not attend the meeting.

• Approved youth community cookouts at North Common and Clemente Park (Unanimous)
• Approved cornhole games at St Louis Playground and Family Fun Night at North Common (Unanimous)
• Approved $170 fee for AA meeting/cookout and $170 fee for 60th birthday party at Shedd Park (Unanimous)
• Approved $825 fee for adult flag football at O’Donnell Park (Unanimous)
• Approved $330 fee for Legion Baseball at Alumni Field (Unanimous)
• Approved fee waiver of $170 for Tarak Wis (Unanimous)
• Approved no-fee ribbon cutting at Ferry Landing Park (Unanimous)
• Declined requests for Charlene Ramirez, Ciarra Vargas, Christine Stoddard, Michael Isola, and Anna Jabar-Omoyeni due to absence

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee held a special meeting and executive session on June 28, 2023. The committee planned to discuss contracts for non-union personnel, specifically the incoming Interim Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.

• Discussion of contracts for Incoming Interim Superintendent
• Discussion of contracts for Chief Academic Officer

The committee voted to enter an executive session to discuss contracts for the Incoming Interim Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer. No other substantive actions were recorded before the meeting adjourned.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss non-union personnel contracts (5-0, 2 absent)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to vote on selecting modular proposals and a site for the binding process. The meeting also includes the introduction of newly elected Superintendent Mr. Liam Skinner.

• Vote to select modular proposals
• Selection of site for binding process
• Introduction of Superintendent Mr. Liam Skinner

The School Committee approved the STEM Academy Modular/Site Plan L3.1. The committee also introduced the newly elected Superintendent, Mr. Liam Skinner.

• Approved STEM Academy Modular/Site Plan L3.1 (5-0, 2 absent)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several Community Preservation Fund recommendations and grant applications. The meeting also includes utility public hearings regarding gas and fiber installations.

• 2024 Community Preservation Fund Budget
• $155,000 MassDOT Small Bridge Phase I Design Grant
• $2,670,000 One Stop For Growth Grants
• National Grid request for SCADA Box at Bradley and First Streets
• Waveguide (FirstLight Fiber) underground conduit on Appleton Street

The City Council approved the 2024 Community Preservation Fund budget and multiple funding recommendations for local projects. The Council also authorized the acceptance of over $2.8 million in state and federal grants for bridge design and growth initiatives.

• Approved 2024 Community Preservation Fund Budget (10-0-1)
• Approved CPC funding for Rollie's Farm, 635 Middlesex, Girls Inc., Hadley House, St. George's Church, and O'Donnell Park (10-0-1)
• Approved $155,000 MassDOT Small Bridge Phase I Design Grant (9-0-2)
• Approved $2,670,000 One Stop For Growth Grants (9-0-2)
• Authorized 5-year contract for LRWWU Engineering Services (10-0-1)
• Reduced school invoice by $110,204 and referred it to Law Department (7-2-1)
• Reappointed John Descoteaux to License Commission (10-0-1)
• Reappointed Sinead Gallivan to Planning Board (10-0-1)

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to review and sign a public art permit for a mural installation at 479 Market Street by Project LEARN, and to sign a grant for the City of Lowell Spring Clean-up Series. The council will also hold a general discussion on grants.

• Public art permit application for mural at 479 Market Street by Project LEARN
• Grant 01-23 for City of Lowell Spring Clean-up Series
• General grant discussion

The Council reviewed public art permit applications and a grant for the City of Lowell Spring Clean-up Series. Members discussed the grant process and planning for the Folk Festival.

• Reviewed public art permit for Mural installation at 479 Market Street by Project LEARN
• Reviewed public art permit for Interactive Public Art Piece at 75 Bridge Street by Alexandra Bellville
• Reviewed grant for 01-23 City of Lowell Spring Clean-up Series

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied a special permit for a car dealership due to the applicant's failure to appear. The Board granted a six-month variance extension for a garage project and scheduled further reviews for other residential and commercial petitions.

• Denied special permit to increase car sales at 459 Broadway Street (4-0)
• Approved 6-month variance extension for garage at 854 Andover Street (5-0)
• Continued variance petition for 209 Gibson Street to 9/11 meeting (4-0)
• Continued variance petition for 17 Burns Street to 8/14 meeting (5-0)
• Approved second administrative review for 17 Montreal St/264-266 Plain St for 9/25 meeting (5-0)
• Approved 6/12/2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will conduct public interviews for the Interim Superintendent of Schools position. Following these interviews, the committee will discuss and vote to select the new interim leader.

• Public interviews for Kevin McCaskill, Liam Skinner, Latifah Phillips, Jannell Pearson-Campbell, and Robin Desmond
• Vote to select the Interim Superintendent for the Lowell Public Schools
• Executive session discussion regarding contracts for non-union personnel and incoming interim superintendent
• Executive session discussion of bargaining proposals and MOAs for LSAA, SEIU, and UTL

The School Committee interviewed five candidates and voted to select Liam Skinner as the new Interim Superintendent of Schools. The appointment is subject to the negotiation of a mutually agreeable employment contract.

• Selected Liam Skinner as Interim Superintendent (5-2)
• Approved appointment of Mr. Skinner subject to contract negotiations (7-0)

School Building Committee

The committee approved a new meeting schedule and updated its membership. Members also reviewed construction progress for Phase 2 of the Lowell High School project and the current project budget.

• Approved meeting every other month with a monthly summary and City Manager's ability to call emergency meetings (16-0)
• Approved next meeting date for Thursday, August 24th
• Approved adding Paul St. Cyr, the interim superintendent, and Mrs. Delrossi to the committee
• Approved motion to not publish project drawings to large groups for security reasons (voice vote)
• Approved providing a weekly summary of active issues to the SBC instead of full OAC minutes
• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion by M. Manzi, 2nd by M. Vaughn)

License Commission

The License Commission is reviewing several applications for one-day alcohol licenses, outdoor entertainment permits, and restaurant license changes. The agenda includes requests for upcoming events at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Curation 250, and the Hellenic Center.

• Special One Day Licenses for performances at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
• Special One Day License for artist's reception at Curation 250, 250 Jackson Street
• Two Special One Day Licenses for the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street
• Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment permits for the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race
• Special Events and alcohol permits for the July 4th Celebration at Boarding House Park

The Commission approved several one-day licenses for events at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and the July 4th Celebration. It also approved a manager change for 99 Restaurants and a common victualler license for Fork Included LLC. Public hearings were scheduled for two additional license applications.

• Approved two special one-day licenses for Merrimack Repertory Theatre (4-0)
• Approved four special one-day licenses for Greg Alexandropoulos at Lowell Memorial Auditorium (4-0)
• Approved two special one-day licenses for Lou Aurelio at Lowell Memorial Auditorium (4-0)
• Approved two special one-day licenses for Amanda Etinge at the Hellenic Center (4-0)
• Approved three amplified outdoor entertainment permits for the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race (4-0)
• Approved special event and alcohol licenses for the July 4th Celebration at Boarding House Park (4-0)
• Approved manager change for 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC at 850 Chelmsford Street (4-0)
• Approved common victualler license for Fork Included LLC at 176 University Avenue (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding the removal of several shade trees to facilitate sidewalk and curb construction projects. Additionally, the board will consider a request to split a lot into two for the construction of two residential units.

• Tree removal hearing: 30 Gorham Street
• Tree removal hearing: 221 Moore Street
• Tree removal hearing: E Merrimack Street & Brown Street Intersection
• Tree removal hearing: 49, 54, and 79 Highland Avenue
• Definitive Subdivision approval: 38-40 Swift Street

The Board approved a definitive subdivision at 38-40 Swift Street to create two residential units. Additionally, the Board approved the removal of several public shade trees to facilitate ADA-compliant sidewalk and curb construction.

• Approved definitive subdivision at 38-40 Swift Street for two residential units (5-0)
• Approved removal of one locust tree at 30 Gorham Street (5-0)
• Approved removal of one locust tree at 221 Moore Street (5-0)
• Approved removal of one maple tree at 49 Highland Avenue with 2-1 replacement ratio (5-0)
• Approved removal of one maple tree at 79 Highland Avenue with 2-1 replacement ratio (5-0)
• Approved removal of one locust tree at 54 Highland Avenue with 2-1 replacement ratio (5-0)

School Committee

The School Committee approved a contract proposal for Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Cafeteria Employees, and Building Services Employees estimated to cost approximately $7.3 million. The board also requested updates on the K-8 physical education curriculum and an ongoing BHPK investigation.

• Approved UTL contract proposal for Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Cafeteria Employees, and Building Services Employees (6-1)
• Approved $4,900 donation from William and Christine Florence (7-0)
• Approved Permission to Enter for June 21, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved request for update on K-8 physical education curriculum and mental-health activities (7-0)
• Approved request for update from BHPK regarding ongoing investigation and interview list (7-0)
• Accepted Superintendent reports 7.1 through 7.10 as reports of progress (7-0)
• Referred May Monthly Incident Report to Equity & Access Subcommittee (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the June 8, 2023 Special Meeting (7-0)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to consider the FY2024 budget and several loan orders. The agenda includes proposed ordinances to adjust parking, sewer, and water rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

• FY2024 Appropriation Order vote
• 2023 Capital Plan Loan Order
• Legal Settlement Loan Order
• Ordinance to amend parking rates for FY24
• Ordinance to amend sewer and water rates for FY24

The City Council adopted the FY2024 appropriation order with a total reduction of $17,500. The body also approved several loan orders, utility rate amendments, and the creation of new departmental positions.

• Approved FY2024 Appropriation Order reduced to $493,127,453 (11-0)
• Reduced City Council line item by $12,500 (9-2)
• Reduced Mayor line item by $5,000 (7-4)
• Approved 2023 Capital Plan Loan Order (11-0)
• Approved Legal Settlement Loan Order (11-0)
• Approved Sewer Rate FY24 amendment (10-1)
• Approved Water Rate FY24 amendment (10-1)
• Referred Parking Rates FY24 ordinance to Finance SC for further review

Community Preservation Committee

The Lowell Community Preservation Committee will vote on its FY24 budget recommendation to the City Council, and will consider modification requests from CTI and Acre Crossing to change their approved affordable housing projects. The meeting is held over Zoom.

• Vote on FY24 Community Preservation Fund budget recommendation
• Modification request from CTI to change location of affordable housing proposal
• Modification request from Acre Crossing to allow funds for households up to 100% AMI (initial approval was 80% AMI)

The Community Preservation Committee recommended the FY24 budget for City Council appropriation. The committee also approved two modification requests for affordable housing projects regarding location and income eligibility.

• Approved 3/23/2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Recommended FY24 budget appropriations for administrative expenses, debt service, and projects to City Council (5-0)
• Approved location change for CTI: A Place to Live affordable housing proposal (5-0)
• Approved Acre Crossing modification to allow funds for families earning up to 100% AMI (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several environmental requests including tree removal and home additions. The agenda also includes an enforcement order regarding tree cutting near the Merrimack River.

• Enforcement Order: Tree cutting on land adjacent to 52 Lawrence Drive
• Determination of Applicability: Tree removal within 100-foot buffer zone at 116 West Street
• Certificate of Compliance: Property located at 168 Eighteenth Street (DEP #206-0541)
• Notice of Intent: Home addition near wetland at 191 Freda Lane (MassDEP #206-0822)
• Determination of Applicability: Soil remediation and capping project on VFW Highway

The Commission rescinded an enforcement order regarding tree cutting along the Merrimack River, requiring the DPW to provide annual recovery updates. A Certificate of Compliance was issued for 168 Eighteenth Street, and a soil capping project on VFW Highway received a Negative III Determination.

• Rescinded Enforcement Order for 1365 Middlesex Street with condition of annual DPW recovery checks (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 168 Eighteenth Street (6-0)
• Issued Negative III Determination for DCR soil remediation and capping at VFW Highway (5-0-1)
• Continued tree removal request at 116 West Street to 6/28 meeting
• Continued home addition request at 191 Freda Lane to 6/28 meeting
• Approved meeting minutes from 5/24 (6-0)

City Council Technologies and Utilities Sub Committee

The Lowell City Council Technologies and Utilities Subcommittee will meet to discuss developing a citywide cybersecurity ordinance. The meeting is open to the public, with options to view online or participate via Zoom after registering in advance.

• Discussion on developing a citywide cybersecurity ordinance

City Council

The City Council will review various motions including marijuana home delivery zoning and affordable housing programs. The agenda also includes petitions for infrastructure installations and several requests regarding city services and parking.

• Zoning amendment for marijuana home delivery in Lowell
• Program providing hotel rooms for housing insecure residents
• Installation of SCADA Box at Bradley and First Streets
• Installation of underground conduit on Appleton Street
• Request for handicap parking sign at 67 Tyler Park

The City Council approved funding for Community Preservation Act applications and appointed Andrew Taing to the License Commission. The body also voted to support state legislation authorizing Project Labor Agreements and a motion to provide free parking for combat war veterans.

• Appointed Andrew Taing to License Commission (11-0)
• Approved funding for Community Preservation Act applications (10-0, 1 absent)
• Adopted motion to accept gift from Middlesex District Attorney (11-0)
• Adopted 60 Day Trial order (11-0)
• Registered support for H.3012/S.2027 Project Labor Agreements Act (11-0)
• Adopted motion to find ways to allow free parking for combat war veterans (11-0)
• Referred two property damage claims to Law Department
• Referred request for handicap parking sign at 67 Tyler Park to Transportation Engineer

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider new variance requests for residential construction and lot divisions. The board will also review extension requests for existing variances and conduct an administrative compliance review.

• Variance request for a rear addition at 191 Freda Lane
• Variance request to split the lot into two at 65 Wellington Ave
• Six-month variance extension request for 38-40 Swift Street
• Six-month variance extension request for 90 Lupine Road
• Administrative review of compliance for 17 Montreal Street and 264-266 Plain Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a home addition and garage at 191 Freda Lane with specific conditions. A request to split a lot and build a new home at 65 Wellington Avenue was discussed but the provided record ends before a decision was reached.

• Approved Variance for rear addition at 191 Freda Lane (5-0) with conditions to remove 3 feet of paving and prohibit on-site car repair/maintenance

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss the selection process for an interim superintendent. The committee is also considering applicants and selecting candidates for interviews.

• Discussion of interim superintendent selection process
• Consideration of 12 applicants for interview selection

The School Committee determined the interview process and selected specific candidates for the Interim Superintendent position. Three internal candidates and three external candidates were approved for interviews on June 24, 2023.

• Approved interviewing all three internal candidates on June 24, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved Maureen Binienda for interview (5-1)
• Denied Laryssa Doherty for interview (3-3)
• Denied Maricel Goris for interview (1-5)
• Denied John Gould for interview (0-6)
• Approved Kevin McCaskill for interview (5-1)
• Denied Kimberly Organek for interview (1-5)
• Approved Jannell Pearson-Campbell for interview (5-1)

School Committee

The committee will review several motions regarding school facilities, including temperature control at McAuliffe School and emergency exit routes for students with disabilities. The agenda also includes a budget transfer request and approval of summer pay rates for cafeteria operations.

• Motion to address compressor and temperature issues at McAuliffe School
• Motion to discuss handicap accessible emergency exit routes via special education subcommittee
• Budget Transfer Request
• Approval of Summer Pay Rates for Summer Cafeteria Operations
• Donation of 11 sick leave days to Donald Penderson and 6 days to Christopher Giordano

The School Committee approved a budget transfer of $2,277,888.42 and summer pay rates for cafeteria operations. Members also passed motions regarding school facility repairs, emergency exit accessibility, and a proposed wellness program for staff.

• Approved budget transfer of $2,277,888.42 (7-0)
• Approved summer pay rates for summer cafeteria operations (7-0)
• Approved request for Superintendent to ensure McAuliffe School compressor and temperatures are working (7-0)
• Approved request for special education subcommittee meeting on handicap accessible emergency exit routes (7-0)
• Approved request for joint facilities meeting and report before summer school begins (7-0)
• Approved request to research feasibility of a wellness program for district staff (7-0)
• Approved travel for LHS students and chaperones to Twinsburg, Ohio (7-0)
• Approved donation of sick leave days to teachers Donald Penderson (11 days) and Christopher Giordano (6 days) (7-0)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission is hosting several presentations regarding city services. Speakers will discuss the Lowell Community Opioid Outreach Program, Life Connections Center, and Eliot Church Day Center.

• Lowell Community Opioid Outreach Program presentation
• Life Connections Center services presentation
• Lowell Health Department update
• Eliot Church Day Center services presentation

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health is scheduled to meet on June 7, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. in the Mayor's Reception Room. The provided agenda text contains only procedural placeholders for New Business, Old Business, and the Director's Report, with no specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances identified.

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will conduct a public meeting including the welcome of new trustee Christine O’Connor. The agenda includes a discussion on FY24 planning and a proposal to move meetings to the second Wednesday of each month.

• Welcome new Trustee, Christine O’Connor
• Public Comment Policy for Approval
• FY24 Planning discussion
• Proposal to move meeting to 2nd Wednesday/Month

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new Public Comment Policy with stipulated changes. The board also voted to move its monthly meeting date to the second Wednesday of each month.

• Approved new Public Comment Policy with stipulated changes (unanimous)
• Approved moving monthly meeting date to the 2nd Wednesday of the month (unanimous)
• Accepted May 3, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee has cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting on June 7, 2023. The cancellation was voted on by committee members during the May 17, 2023 meeting. The reason cited for the cancellation is the Lowell High School Graduation Exercises.

• Cancellation of the June 7, 2023 School Committee meeting

City Council

The City Council will review the FY 2024 budget presentation and several related financial orders. The agenda includes votes on the budget, a five-year capital plan, and ordinances to adjust parking, sewer, and water rates.

• FY 2024 Budget Presentation
• 5 Year Capital Plan endorsement
• 2023 Capital Plan Loan Order
• Legal Settlement Loan Order
• Ordinances to amend FY24 Parking, Sewer, and Water rates

The City Council formally adopted the timely submission of the FY2024 budget. Several other budget-related items, including the appropriation order and rate amendments, were referred to a public hearing on June 20, 2023. The 5-year capital plan was referred to the Finance Subcommittee.

• Accepted timely submission of the budget (11-0)
• Referred 5 Year Capital Plan to Finance SC
• Referred FY2024 Appropriation Order to public hearing on June 20, 2023
• Referred 2023 Capital Plan Loan Order to public hearing on June 20, 2023
• Referred Legal Settlement Loan Order to public hearing on June 20, 2023
• Referred DPW and Chapter 56 Article II ordinance amendments to public hearing on June 20, 2023
• Referred FY24 parking, sewer, and water rate ordinances to public hearing on June 20, 2023
• Referred ordinance to create new positions in various departments to public hearing on June 20, 2023

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider several new development applications, including a two-family home at 330 Princeton Boulevard and a 24-unit building at 125 Perry Street. The board will also hold public hearings regarding the removal of multiple trees for sidewalk and curb reconstruction projects. Additionally, the board will continue its review of a proposed Veteran’s Education and Housing Facility at 21 Christman Avenue.

• Definitive Subdivision for two-family structure at 330 Princeton Boulevard
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit for 24-unit residential structure at 125 Perry Street
• Public Shade Tree Hearings for tree removals at 30 Gorham Street, 221 Moore Street, E Merrimack & Brown Street, and Highland Avenue
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit for four townhouse residences at 45 Concord Street
• Continued Site Plan Review for Veteran’s Education and Housing Facility at 21 Christman Avenue

The Planning Board approved site plans and special permits for a 24-unit residential building at 125 Perry Street and four townhouses at 45 Concord Street. Several other items, including shade tree removals and a veterans' facility, were continued to future meetings.

• Approved Site Plan and Special Permit for 24-unit residential structure at 125 Perry Street (3-0)
• Approved Site Plan and Special Permit for four townhouse residences at 45 Concord Street (3-0)
• Continued 4/20/2023 meeting minutes approval to 6/22/2023 (3-0)
• Continued subdivision application for 330 Princeton Boulevard to 7/17/2023 (3-0)
• Continued shade tree removal hearings for 30 Gorham Street, 221 Moore Street, E Merrimack Street & Brown Street, and Highland Avenue to 6/22/2023
• Continued Site Plan Review for Veteran’s Education and Housing Facility at 21 Christman Avenue to 7/17/2023 (2-0-1)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the April 25, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement applications for four weeks in April and May
• Review of statutory exemptions
• FY24 3ABC Applications

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The committee accepted funding recommendations for five projects including O’Donnell Park, Hadley House, Girls Inc., James Boyle Building, and St. George’s Church. The body also voted to increase the Parking Placard Program fee.

• Approved funding for O’Donnell Park, Hadley House, Girls Inc., James Boyle Building, and St. George’s Church (5-0)
• Approved raising Parking Placard Program fee to $120 per year tied to a yearly CPI increase

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for June 1, 2023, has been cancelled. All agenda items will be heard at a later date.

License Commission

The License Commission will consider various applications for one-day alcohol sales, outdoor entertainment permits, and sidewalk stand permissions. The meeting also includes public hearings regarding changes to a restaurant's corporate structure and the transfer of an all-alcoholic beverage license.

• Farmer Winery license application for Mill No. 5 at 250 Jackson Street
• Greek Festival amplified outdoor entertainment and malt beverage permits at 41 Broadway Street
• Holy Ghost Society Summer Series of Live Music seasonal permit at 65 Village Street
• Lala Books seasonal sidewalk stand permit at 189 Market Street
• Public hearing for Bonchon Restaurant license amendment at 1075 Westford Street

The Commission approved several one-day liquor licenses and amplified entertainment permits for local festivals and community events. It also approved two restaurant license transfers and a seasonal sidewalk stand permit.

• Approved special liquor licenses and amplified entertainment permits for the Greek Festival (3-0)
• Approved seasonal amplified entertainment permit for Holy Ghost Society (3-0)
• Approved seasonal sidewalk stand permit for Lala Books at 189 Market Street (3-0)
• Approved four special liquor licenses for concerts at Mill No. 5 (3-0)
• Approved seasonal amplified entertainment permit for Lowell Summer Music Series (3-0)
• Approved liquor license amendment for Bonchon Restaurant at 1075 Westford Street (3-0)
• Approved liquor license transfer for Rizzo's Roast Beef and Pizza at 131 East Merrimack Street (3-0)
• Approved Farmer Winery license for Blisspoint Meadery at Mill No. 5 Farmer's Market (3-0)

City Council Finance Sub Committee

The Finance and Neighborhoods subcommittees will hold a joint meeting to discuss specific city programs. The agenda includes presentations regarding Community Preservation Act funding requests and the Residential Parking Placard Program.

• Community Preservation Act Funding Requests discussion
• Residential Parking Placard Program discussion

The committee accepted funding recommendations for five projects including O’Donnell Park and Hadley House. Additionally, the body voted to increase the Parking Placard Program fee to $120 per year with an annual CPI increase.

• Approved funding recommendations for O’Donnell Park, Hadley House, Girls Inc., James Boyle Building, and St. George’s Church (5-0)
• Approved raising Parking Placard Program fee to $120 per year tied to a yearly CPI increase

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks is meeting to review and vote on a large number of permit requests for park use, including sports leagues, community events, and private gatherings. The agenda also includes requests for fee waivers and account credits, as well as a discussion on the Board of Parks Policy Handbook. Several items note potential scheduling conflicts between events.

• Lowell High School to release Cawley Stadium dates to youth baseball groups; Boomer Baseball would pay $1,620 additional fees
• Fee waiver request for $4,325 outstanding balance from cricket league at Hovey Field
• Fee waiver request for $170 from Ojuku Kangar for canceled Shedd Pavilion permit
• Gracepoint Church requests $200 account credit for canceled 2022 permit
• 40+ permit requests for parks, fields, and pavilions, including YMCA fitness classes ($725 total) and Lowell Salsa in the Park ($600)

The Board of Parks approved numerous permit requests for fitness classes, sports, and community events across various city parks. Several requests were declined because the requestors did not appear, and one craft fair request was tabled.

• Approved Greater Lowell Family YMCA fitness classes at Tyler Park, North Common, and Fort Hill Park for $400 (Unanimous)
• Approved Iglesia Pentecostal Church birthday party at Shedd Park for $170 (Unanimous)
• Approved rain date for craft fair at Fort Hill Park for $75 (Unanimous)
• Declined field trip request for Sullivan Middle School at Shedd Park (Requestor did not show)
• Approved Robinson Middle School field day at Gage Field with no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved Greenhalge Elementary School field day at McPherson Park with no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved sports use of Doane Street Park basketball court for $2,750 (Unanimous)
• Approved Boomer Baseball use of Cawley Memorial Stadium Alumni Field for $1,440 (Unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review several motion responses from the City Manager regarding community projects and dog parks. The meeting includes discussions on traffic safety, city employee benefits, and various neighborhood petitions.

• Vote to authorize payment of bills incurred in excess of appropriations for schools
• Petition for a loading zone sign at 1164 Lawrence Street
• Motion regarding the development project at 733 - 735 Broadway Street
• Motion regarding the Sal Lupoli parking facility and high rise in the Hamilton Canal District
• Motion to consider adding paid parental leave for all full-time employees

The City Council tabled a vote to authorize payments for school bills that exceeded appropriations due to concerns over sloppy procurement and faulty certifications. The Council also adopted a 60-day trial order and referred numerous requests for city updates and infrastructure improvements to the City Manager.

• Tabled authorization of school bills incurred in excess of appropriations (10-0)
• Adopted 60-day trial order (10-0)
• Approved request for City Solicitor report on appealing Zoning Board decisions (10-0)
• Referred request for loading zone sign at 1164 Lawrence Street to Transportation Engineer
• Referred request for four-way stop at Mount Vernon and Cross Streets to City Manager
• Referred request for paid parental leave benefit for full-time employees to City Manager
• Referred request for city-wide cyber-security ordinance development to City Manager
• Referred request to restore the Lowell SUN sign to City Manager

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 25, 2023, has been cancelled. All agenda items will be moved to the next meeting on June 1, 2023.

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will hold an in-person meeting on May 24, 2023, to address continued and new business. Items include enforcement orders for unauthorized tree cutting, requests for determinations of applicability for projects in wetland buffer zones, and amended notices of intent for construction in floodplains. The commission will also review meeting minutes.

• Enforcement order: City of Lowell cut trees along Merrimack River near 52 Lawrence Drive
• Request for Determination: Collegiate Charter School of Lowell to install turf field in wetland buffer at 1857 Middlesex Street
• Request for Determination: Tree cutting in wetland buffer at 116 West Street
• Amended Notice of Intent: Greener Group, LLC to build contractor garage and relocate salt storage at 123 Bolt Street (FEMA floodplain)
• Amended Notice of Intent: New single-family home in floodplain at 105 Martin Street

The Commission approved a turf field installation for the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell and two amended Notices of Intent for construction projects. It also issued a negative 3 determination for a deck reconstruction and ratified then rescinded an enforcement order regarding tree removal.

• Approved turf field installation at 1857 Middlesex Street with condition to store extra crumb rubber inside (7-0)
• Approved amended NOI for contractor garage and salt storage at 123 Bolt Street (7-0)
• Approved amended NOI for single-family home at 105 Martin Street (7-0)
• Issued negative 3 determination for deck reconstruction at 72 Heritage Drive (7-0)
• Ratified then rescinded Enforcement Order for tree removal at 300 Pawtucket Boulevard (7-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order for tree cutting at 1365 Middlesex Street to 6/14 meeting (7-0)
• Continued tree cutting application at 116 West Street to 6/14 meeting (7-0)
• Approved 4/12/23 meeting minutes (7-0)

Cultural Council

The Council met to discuss potential 2024 council-initiated programming and a partnership with Mosaic Lowell for grant writing and marketing. No formal votes or funding approvals were recorded.

• Discussed using Mosaic Lowell for grant writing workshops and project marketing
• Discussed 2024 council-initiated programming using 10% of state allocations
• Discussed requiring email confirmations for reimbursements submitted by mail

City Council

The City Council will review several city manager votes regarding fund transfers and grant expenditures. The agenda also includes discussions on using the former Superior Courthouse for community services.

• Transfer $350,000 for Personal Information Insurance
• Transfer $394,123 for Salaries And Wages
• Transfer $707,888.16 to DPW
• Apply/Accept/Expend CSO Grant for Wastewater
• Request for extra police patrols at 81 Rogers Street

The City Council approved multiple fund transfers for salaries, DPW, and insurance, as well as a wastewater grant. The council also scheduled FY2024 budget hearings and referred a proposal to explore the former Superior Courthouse for a restorative center to the City Manager.

• Approved $350,000 transfer for Personal Information Insurance (11-0)
• Approved $394,123 transfer for Salaries and Wages (11-0)
• Approved $707,888.16 transfer for DPW (11-0)
• Approved application and expenditure of CSO Grant for Wastewater (11-0)
• Approved City Manager's request for out-of-state travel regarding parking (10-0-1)
• Scheduled FY24 Budget presentation for June 6 and public hearing for June 20
• Referred request for restorative center pilot at former Superior Courthouse to City Manager
• Referred request for GIS mapped report on detached ADUs to City Manager

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several petitions regarding new construction and land use. Items include a single-family home at 209 Gibson Street, a multi-unit residential project at 125 Perry Street, and townhouse residences at 45 Concord Street.

• Variance for a single-family home at 209 Gibson Street
• Special Permit to increase car sales capacity at 459 Broadway Street
• Variances and Special Permit for a 24-unit residential structure at 125 Perry Street
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit for four townhouses at 45 Concord Street
• Special Permit for internally illuminated signage at 12 Wood Street

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees Governance Committee is meeting to review and discuss a draft Public Comment Policy. The meeting is hybrid, with public attendance invited either in person or remotely. The agenda is focused on this single discussion item, along with routine old and new business.

• Review and discussion of Public Comment Policy Draft
• Hybrid meeting with remote access options
• Public invited to attend and speak on agenda items

School Building Committee

The committee received construction and budget updates for the Lowell High School project but took no formal action. All motions and the approval of previous minutes were deferred to the June meeting because a quorum was not present.

• Deferred approval of previous minutes (no quorum)
• Deferred all committee motions to June meeting (no quorum)

School Committee

The committee will address the FY24 Budget Adoption and several motions regarding school facilities and staffing. Discussions include requests for reports on repairs at Career Academy and Bartlett Community Partnership School.

• FY24 Budget Adoption
• Acceptance of a $50,000 donation from the George M. Tsadikos Vocal Arts Scholarship
• Request for report on facility improvements including $25k in culinary equipment for Career Academy
• Motion to reschedule the June 7, 2023 meeting due to Lowell High School graduation
• Request for a districtwide animal cruelty prevention curriculum plan

The School Committee approved the reinstatement of a Community Schools Manager for the Career Academy and requested a June report on districtwide facility improvements. The board also approved motions for animal cruelty prevention curriculum and scholarship discovery dates.

• Approved reinstating Community Schools Manager for Career Academy (5-0)
• Approved request for June report on facility improvements and costs (5-0)
• Approved request for elementary animal cruelty prevention curriculum (5-0)
• Approved establishing scholarship/grant discovery dates for 2023-2024 (5-0)
• Appointed Ms. Delrossi to the Lowell High School Building Committee (5-0)
• Approved request that legal communications from BHBK or MASC be shared via email (5-0)
• Approved joint facilities subcommittee meeting to discuss Laura Lee school (5-0)
• Referred air quality and LHS TV studio reports to facilities subcommittee (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several ordinances, including zoning changes for 38 Nelson Ave and accessory dwelling units. The meeting includes various motion responses from the City Manager regarding local infrastructure and public safety.

• Zoning amendment for 38 Nelson Ave
• Ordinance to amend zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units
• Ordinance regarding S.272-73B1 compliance with pretreatment standards
• Petition to abandon a portion of Pratt Avenue
• Motion response regarding Sayles Street repaving request

The City Council adopted two ordinances regarding zoning at 38 Nelson Ave and pretreatment standards. A proposed ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Units was referred to the Planning Board for a public hearing on July 11, 2023. The Council also referred several motions to the City Manager, including a request to create a Sustainability Department.

• Approved zoning amendment for 38 Nelson Ave (10-0)
• Approved ordinance for compliance with pretreatment standards (10-0)
• Referred Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance to Planning Board and public hearing (6-4)
• Referred request to create a Sustainability Department to City Manager
• Referred request for report on illegal fireworks violations to City Manager
• Referred request to reschedule teacher development days during November election to City Manager
• Referred property damage claim to Law Department
• Referred request to abandon portion of Pratt Avenue to Law Department

License Commission

The Commission is reviewing numerous applications for special event permits, including amplified outdoor entertainment and one-day alcohol sales. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding changes to club and restaurant licenses and a review of alcohol service in temporary outdoor seating.

• Special Event Permit: Lowell Community Charter Public School Annual Block Party at 206 Jackson Street
• Special Event Permit: Greater Lowell Pride Festival at Kerouac Park, 115 John Street
• Special Event Permit: Public Outdoor Screening of 'The Princess Bride' at Kerouac Park
• One Day License: Grecian Festival at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Fr. Sarantos Way
• One Day License: Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street (multiple event dates)

The Commission approved numerous special event permits for amplified outdoor entertainment and one-day alcohol licenses for community festivals and fundraisers. It also approved management and officer changes for several local businesses and extended alcohol service rules for outdoor seating.

• Approved special event permits for Lowell Community Charter Public School, Greater Lowell Pride Festival, and Lowell Film Collaborative (5-0)
• Approved one-day alcohol licenses for St. Patrick's Parish, Coalition for a Better Acre, and Merrimack Repertory Theatre (5-0)
• Approved 3 alcohol licenses and 3 entertainment permits for the Grecian Festival (5-0)
• Approved 3 alcohol licenses for events at Mill No. 5 (5-0)
• Approved special event permits for Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race and Lowell Folk Festival (5-0)
• Approved 'Pub Crawl License' for Mike McNeil Crawl for a Cure (5-0)
• Approved change of manager for Holy Ghost Society Inc. and change of officers for 99 Restaurants of Boston LLC (5-0)
• Approved continuation of alcohol service in temporary outdoor seating and takeaway/delivery by On-Premises licensees (5-0)

School Committee

The committee will discuss options, job descriptions, and timelines for hiring an interim superintendent. The meeting also includes a budget session regarding the proposed FY24 budget.

• Discussion of interim superintendent hiring options and timeline
• Review of the full FY24 Proposed Budget

The School Committee approved various departmental budget figures and moved several specific positions and expenses to a suspense account. The committee also established the salary range and hiring timeline for an Interim Superintendent.

• Set Interim Superintendent salary range from $210,000 to $230,000 (6-0)
• Approved Interim Superintendent hiring timeline (6-0)
• Approved School Committee budget of $442,000 (6-0)
• Approved Superintendent budget of $1,242,698 (6-0)
• Approved Finance and Administrative Services budget as amended, moving Budget Analyst position ($90,000) to suspense (6-0)
• Approved Personnel Classroom Teachers budget as amended, moving LatinX scholars and EC Expansion Coordinator to suspense (6-0)
• Approved Attendance and Parent Liaison Services budget as amended, moving Student Assignment Manager to suspense (6-0)
• Approved Transportation budget of $13,126,377 (6-0)

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will hold public hearings to approve or deny proposed revisions to regulations governing body art and the sale of tobacco products. The meeting also includes the acceptance of April minutes and a review of reports from Trinity EMS, tobacco control, and development services.

• Public hearing on proposed revisions to Board of Health Regulations Governing Body Art
• Public hearing on proposed revisions to Regulations Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products
• Acceptance of minutes from the April 5, 2023 meeting
• Review of Trinity EMS, Inc. Quarterly and Monthly Opioid Reports
• Review of Monthly Development Services Report including food establishment inspections

The Board of Health approved changes to regulations restricting the sale of tobacco products and updated regulations governing body art. The revised tobacco regulations are set to take effect on August 1, 2023. Several reports were delayed due to a city cyber event.

• Approved proposed changes to Regulations Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products (4-0)
• Set implementation date for revised tobacco regulations as August 1, 2023
• Approved amended body art regulations, including updates to micro-shading sections (4-0)
• Tabled April 5, 2023 meeting minutes due to cyber event
• Tabled Tobacco Control Monthly Report due to cyber event
• Tabled Monthly Development Services Report due to cyber event

City Council

The City Council will review multiple motion responses from the City Manager regarding municipal upgrades, commissions, and property issues. The meeting also includes several new council motions concerning public safety, infrastructure, and community programs.

• Motion Response: Upgrades to City Baseball and Softball Fields
• Motion Response: 48 Kinsman Street and Vacant Properties
• Motion Response: Cure for Muddy Area at Corner of Bridge St. and VFW Highway
• Petition: Request to discuss donation of LifeVac Choking Rescue Devices
• Council Motion: Request to explore installing Pickle Ball Courts throughout the city

The City Council voted to equip all emergency vehicles with LifeVac choking rescue devices. The council also approved several board appointments and reappointments and authorized out-of-state travel for the Lowell Police Department.

• Approved including LifeVac choking rescue devices in all emergency vehicles
• Adopted appointments of new members to various boards and commissions (10-0)
• Adopted reappointments of members to various boards and commissions (10-0)
• Approved City Manager request for LPD out-of-state travel (10-0)
• Adopted 60 Day Trial order (10-0)
• Referred interpretation services funding to Non-Profit Organization SC (8-2)
• Referred digital equity grant to Technology and Utilities SC
• Referred two property damage claims to Law Department

School Committee

The School Committee is holding a public budget hearing regarding the FY24 proposed budget. The meeting includes a presentation of the budget overview.

• Public Budget Hearing for FY24 Proposed Budget

The Lowell School Committee voted 5-0 (2 absent) to approve the $877,000 budget page for School Committee operations and to move $100,000 from Human Resources: Recruitment & Onboarding to the Suspense Account, adjusting the Finance and Administrative Services page to $3,742,611. Discussion also included field trip funding, a TV studio budget, HR audit funds, and a Superintendent Search line. The meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m.

• Approved $877,000 budget page for School Committee (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved moving $100,000 from HR: Recruitment & Onboarding to Suspense Account (5-0, 2 absent)
• Adjourned/recessed at 8:05 p.m. (5-0, 2 absent)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is deliberating the timeline and job description for hiring an interim superintendent. The body is also reviewing the FY24 recommended budget and an independent investigation update from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP.

• Discussion of options and timeline for hiring an interim superintendent
• Review of the FY24 Recommended Budget
• Request for report on air-quality issues in three windowless rooms at the 1980 LHS building
• Approval to accept and expend allocated FY23 awards
• Travel requests for LHS students and chaperones to Japan

The Lowell School Committee voted 6-0 to hire the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) as a consultant to update the job description and provide a timeline for hiring an interim superintendent. The committee also set a May 19, 2023 deadline for complaints in an independent investigation and limited the investigation to complaints from the past five years. Several motions were approved, including requests for reports on freshman academy leaks, reading/math intervention programs, and air quality in windowless rooms at Lowell High School.

• Approved hiring MASC as consultant for interim superintendent search (6-0)
• Set May 19, 2023 cutoff for complaints in independent investigation (6-0)
• Limited independent investigation to complaints from past five years (5-1)
• Approved request to fix freshman academy leaks (6-0)
• Approved request for reading/writing/math intervention program for classes of 2031 and 2032 (6-0)
• Approved request to secure middle school bathroom stall doors and remove graffiti (6-0)
• Approved request for report on three windowless rooms with air-quality issues at LHS (6-0)
• Approved home education requests for two families (6-0)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission met to discuss housing for homeless individuals and behavioral health support. Presentations were given by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership. The meeting included comments from the City Health Department and open community discussion.

• Presentation on housing the homeless by Joe Finn of MHSA
• Presentation on the Behavioral Health Help Line by Mary Morrison of MBHP
• Comments from Lisa Golden, Director of the Lowell Health Department

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review the April 5, 2023, meeting minutes and discuss a User Behavior Policy for approval. The Chairperson will report on the annual planning process and a proposal to move meetings to the second Wednesday of each month.

• Approval of User Behavior Policy
• Update on Strategic Plan
• Proposal to move monthly meetings to the 2nd Wednesday

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt a revised User Behavior Policy, which will be distributed to staff, posted on the library website, and made available in hard copy at circulation desks. The board also discussed changing regular meeting dates to the second Wednesday of the month starting September 2023, with a formal vote planned for June. Other topics included updates on the strategic plan, state aid payments totaling $305,038.22 for FY23, and ongoing issues with the library elevator and city technology system after a hack.

• Approved revised User Behavior Policy unanimously
• Agreed to take formal vote on changing meeting date to 2nd Wednesday in June 2023

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee is holding a special meeting that will move into executive session to discuss collective bargaining with all unions (UTL, LSSA, SEIU), including consideration of proposals and the United Teachers of Lowell's response. The motion indicates no intention to return to open session, so no public votes or decisions are expected.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategies and possible litigation under MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a)(b)(2)(3)
• Motion by Mayor Sokhary Chau to enter executive session with no return to open session
• Collective bargaining with all unions (UTL/LSSA/SEIU) - consideration of proposals and UTL's response

The School Committee voted to enter an Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining strategies and proposals involving UTL, LSSA, and SEIU. No other substantive actions were taken during the open session.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (7-0)
• Approved motion to recess and enter Executive Session regarding collective bargaining with UTL, LSSA, and SEIU (7-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss several administrative requests and motions. The body will consider a proposal for a non-binding referendum on ADU zoning and review six property damage claims.

• Proposed non-binding referendum ballot question regarding zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
• Six property damage claims
• Request to add all non-union contracts to the city website
• Request for a report on replacing downtown bicycle racks removed for the kiosk installation project
• Request for a report on geese at playing fields, including Edwards Field and Hadley Field

The City Council voted 3-8 to defeat a motion to place a non-binding referendum question on the upcoming election ballot regarding zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Council also adopted ordinances extending outdoor seating to November 1, 2023, and approving quarterly traffic changes, both by 10-0 votes. Several votes from the City Manager were approved, including accepting a $123,400 gaming mitigation grant for the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and establishing a Bicentennial Fund with a $100,000 transfer.

• Defeated motion for non-binding referendum on ADU zoning (3-8)
• Adopted ordinance extending outdoor seating to November 1, 2023 (10-0)
• Adopted quarterly traffic ordinance as amended (10-0)
• Approved $123,400 MCC grant for LMA gaming mitigation (10-0)
• Authorized 5-year banking services contract under MGL 30B (10-0)
• Established Bicentennial Fund and transferred $100,000 (10-0 each)
• Approved 60-day trial order (10-0)
• Referred property damage claims to Law Department

School Committee

The committee is deliberating on the timeline and options for hiring a permanent or interim superintendent. Members are also addressing an independent investigation into district hiring practices and the status of an HR audit.

• Motion to appoint Dr. Rebecca Duda as interim superintendent
• Proposal to encourage former superintendents and current assistant superintendents to apply for the interim role
• Request to post notice of an independent investigation into unfair hiring practices by Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP
• Request for an update on the HR investigation from Attorney Michael Stefanilo
• Request to place HR Audit services with Clifton Larson Allen LLP on hold

The School Committee voted to hire an Interim Superintendent effective July 1, 2023, and engaged the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to conduct the search. The committee also approved posting a notice regarding an independent investigation into district hiring practices and paused a contracted HR audit.

• Approved engaging MASC to search for an Interim Superintendent effective July 1, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved hiring an Interim Superintendent (5-0, 2 present)
• Approved posting a notice on the LPS website regarding an independent investigation into unfair or unlawful employment or hiring practices (7-0)
• Approved request for Attorney Michael Stefanilo to update the committee on the HR investigation (7-0)
• Approved placing HR Audit services with Clifton Larson Allen LLP on hold (7-0)
• Approved encouraging former LPS Superintendents, current Assistant Superintendents, and any licensed Superintendent to apply for the interim position (4-1, 2 present)
• Tabled motion to appoint Dr. Rebecca Duda as interim superintendent
• Tabled motion to have HR department provide the most recent job description

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review a request for a synthetic turf field at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell. It will also consider a request to cut down trees near protected wetlands at 116 West Street.

• Synthetic turf field installation at 1857 Middlesex Street
• Tree removal within 100 feet of a protected wetland at 116 West Street

School Building Committee

The committee will review a Phase 2 construction update and a designer update. The meeting includes reports on budget, cashflow, and MBE/WBE workforce progress. Members will consider motions regarding the frequency of schedule and minute distributions.

• Phase 2 construction update from Suffolk/Skanska/PE
• MBE/WBE and workforce progress report from Suffolk
• Budget and cashflow updates from Skanska
• Motion to provide drawings to SBC members
• Motion to provide summary schedules monthly and OAC minutes weekly

The committee received construction, workforce, and budget updates for the LHS project. No formal motions were voted on or approved because a quorum was not present.

• Deferred acceptance of previous meeting minutes and motions to May meeting due to lack of quorum

Board of Parks

The Board is reviewing numerous requests for park usage, including festivals, religious services, and sports leagues. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the Board of Parks Policy Handbook and several account credit requests.

• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at North Common Stage ($350)
• Grecian Festival at North Common Stage ($375)
• Cricket League permit extension and additions at Hovey Field ($1,500)
• Community Outreach and Evangelism at Shedd Park Pavilion ($1,700 after credit)
• Board of Parks Policy Handbook discussion/approval

The Board of Parks approved several permit requests for community events, sports leagues, and school activities. Several requests were declined because the requestors did not attend the meeting. The Board also issued account credits and tabled the Policy Handbook for future discussion.

• Approved Grecian Festival at North Common Stage for $375 (Unanimous)
• Approved Butler Middle School field trip at Cawley Memorial Stadium at no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved Abraham Lincoln Elementary Family Night at Durkin Park at no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved Cricket League extensions and additions at Hovey Field for $1,500 (Unanimous)
• Approved Glorious Power Church outreach at Shedd Park for $1,700 (Unanimous)
• Approved YWCA 'Peace in the Park' at Stoklosa School Park at no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved account credits of $120 for Marvin Winston and $100 for Johnson Prak (Unanimous)
• Tabled Board of Parks Policy Handbook (Unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from April 11, 2023, and consider applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements. The meeting also includes reviews of statutory exemptions and FY23 real estate and personal property abatements.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for April 10–14, 2023
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for April 18–25, 2023
• Statutory Exemptions review
• FY23 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements
• FY24 3ABC Applications

City Council

The City Council will consider several financial votes, including a $100,000 transfer for a Bicentennial Fund and a grant for gaming mitigation. The body will also hold public hearings on extending outdoor seating and quarterly traffic.

• Vote to apply for and expend $123,400 MCC Grant for LMA Gaming Mitigation
• Vote to transfer $100,000 to establish a Bicentennial Fund
• Public hearing on ordinance to extend outdoor seating to November 1, 2023
• Vote to authorize banking services for a 5-year term under MGL 30B
• Proposed non-binding referendum on zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

The City Council approved ordinances to extend outdoor seating through November 1, 2023, and updated quarterly traffic regulations. The Council also established a Bicentennial Fund with an initial $100,000 transfer and approved a $123,400 grant for gaming mitigation at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

• Approved extension of outdoor seating to November 1, 2023 (10-0)
• Adopted amended quarterly traffic ordinance (10-0)
• Approved $123,400 MCC Grant for LMA Gaming Mitigation (10-0)
• Authorized 5-year term for banking services under MGL 30B (10-0)
• Established Bicentennial Fund (10-0)
• Approved $100,000 transfer to Bicentennial Fund (10-0)
• Approved out-of-state travel for DPD and LPD (10-0)
• Denied non-binding referendum ballot question on ADU zoning (3-8)

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to introduce a new member and discuss recruitment. The body will also address the Grantee Reception scheduled for April 27th and hold a general discussion regarding grants.

• Introduction of new member Wendy Siegal-Botti
• Member recruitment and appointment
• Grantee Reception on April 27th
• General grant discussion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance for a single-family home construction at 209 Gibson Street. The board will also review a petition from ZR Development Group LLC to demolish a vacant structure and build a 24-unit residential building at 125 Perry Street.

• Variance request for single-family home at 209 Gibson Street
• Site Plan Review, Special Permit, and Variance request for 24-unit structure at 125 Perry Street
• Approval of April 10, 2023 meeting minutes

School Committee Finance Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee's Finance Subcommittee is meeting to review the budget update for fiscal years 2023/2024. The agenda contains only this single item, with supporting documents available online. No decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Budget update for FY23/24

The Subcommittee reviewed a budget update for FY23/24, including projected revenue, expenditure changes, and Fair Student Funding growth. No formal votes were taken on budget allocations; the final draft budget is expected May 3 with an anticipated approval date of May 17.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:38 p.m. (3-0)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold public hearings on a site plan for a veterans education and housing facility, a zoning amendment, and several shade tree removals. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Site Plan Review for 21 Christman Avenue: Landsmart, LLC proposes a veterans education and housing facility with classrooms, meeting space, office, and 12 temporary residential units.
• Zoning amendment for 38 Nelson Avenue: extend Traditional Two-Family (TTF) district to include property currently zoned Traditional Single-Family (TSF).
• Public shade tree hearings for removal of trees at 30 Gorham Street, 221 Moore Street, E Merrimack & Brown Street intersection, and 49, 54, 79 Highland Avenue.
• Minutes for approval from March 20, 2023 meeting.

The Planning Board issued a positive recommendation to rezone 38 Nelson Avenue from Traditional Single-Family to Traditional Two-Family. Several other hearings regarding site plans and tree removals were postponed to future meetings.

• Approved 3/20/2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Positive recommendation for rezoning 38 Nelson Avenue from TSF to TTF (4-0)
• Continued site plan review for 21 Christman Avenue to 5/15 (3-0)
• Continued shade tree removal hearing for 30 Gorham Street to 5/1 (4-0)
• Continued shade tree removal hearing for 221 Moore Street to 5/1 (4-0)
• Continued shade tree removal hearing for Merrimack Street & Brown Street to 5/1 (4-0)
• Continued shade tree removal hearing for 49, 54, and 79 Highland Avenue to 5/1 (4-0)

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The Neighborhoods Sub Committee is meeting to gather input and discuss zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADU) across city neighborhoods.

• Discussion regarding zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

The Neighborhoods Sub Committee conducted a public forum to discuss zoning for accessory use dwellings. No formal votes were taken on the proposed ordinance, and the meeting focused on public testimony and staff comments.

School Committee

The School Committee voted to opt out of the inter-district school choice program for grades 9-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. The board also approved a budget transfer and requested several reports from the superintendent regarding hiring, registration, and legal costs.

• Declined participation in Inter-District School Choice Program for grades 9-12 for 2023-2024 (7-0)
• Approved budget transfer of $202,914.10 (7-0)
• Approved request for meeting to discuss interim or permanent superintendent hiring (7-0)
• Approved request for public release of anonymous survey results from the last two years (7-0)
• Approved home education requests for Samath Kheam and Jessica Row (7-0)
• Approved request for budget analysis of additional funds per school FY21-FY24 (7-0)
• Approved request for all invoices from BHBK law firm (7-0)
• Referred policy proposal on board communications to a Policy subcommittee (7-0)

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee held a regular meeting on April 19, 2023, that consisted entirely of procedural items and a closed executive session. Mayor Sokhary Chau moved to enter executive session with no intention of returning to open session. The only substantive agenda item was the consideration of collective bargaining proposals with the unions UTL, LSSA, and SEIU. No public decisions, votes, or dollar figures were recorded in the open portion of the agenda.

• Executive session called to discuss collective bargaining with UTL, LSSA, and SEIU unions
• Motion by Mayor Sokhary Chau to move into executive session with no intention to return to open session

The School Committee met and voted to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining proposals with UTL, LSSA, and SEIU. No other substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session for collective bargaining (5-0)

License Commission

The Lowell License Commission will hold a public hearing on allegations of misconduct against Sahel Restaurant & Lounge, including failure to comply with license conditions and to notify police. The commission will also consider several one-day liquor licenses for local events, a used car dealer application, and an amendment to Hot Pot's liquor license.

• Hearing on misconduct allegations against Sahel Restaurant & Lounge, 135 Central Street
• Public hearing on Hot Pot District LLC's request to amend all-alcoholic-beverages license at 135 Middlesex Street, Unit 5
• Application for Class II used car dealer license for Lowell Used Car Dealer Inc. at 771 Dutton Street
• One-day liquor licenses for events at Hellenic Center, Mill No. 5, Purple Carrot Bread Co., and Coburn Hall
• Acceptance of March 23, 2023 meeting minutes

The Commission suspended the all alcoholic beverages license for Sahel Restaurant & Lounge for two days, held in abeyance for 90 days, following misconduct allegations. The board also approved several one-day event licenses and a used car dealer application.

• Suspended Sahel Restaurant & Lounge license for two days, held in abeyance until July 12, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved used car dealer license for Lowell Used Car Dealer Inc. on condition the lot be cleaned (3-0)
• Approved license amendment for Hot Pot District LLC change of officers and ownership (3-0)
• Approved one-day all alcoholic beverages license for Hellenic American Academy (3-0)
• Approved one-day malt beverages and wines license for Purple Carrot Bread Co. (3-0)
• Approved two one-day malt beverages and wines licenses for Hellenic Center (3-0)
• Approved two one-day malt beverages and wines licenses for Mill No. 5 (3-0)
• Approved one-day malt beverages and wines license for Aramark at Coburn Hall (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss enforcement regarding tree removal along the Merrimack River. The body will also review requests for a new home in a floodplain and a synthetic turf field near the river.

• Enforcement Order for tree cutting on the Merrimack River bank adjacent to 52 Lawrence Drive
• Notice of Intent for a new single-family home at 38 & 49 Casco Street
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for the City of Lowell at 450 Aiken Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a synthetic turf field at 1857 Middlesex Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability to repave a driveway and parking area at 74-108 Roper Street

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss a previously approved internal complaints investigation.

• Discussion of previously approved internal complaints investigation

The Committee discussed who should serve as the point of contact for the BHPK law firm regarding an internal complaints investigation. No decision was reached on the contact person after a motion was withdrawn. The meeting concluded with a vote to adjourn.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:09 p.m. (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the previous meeting and consider various tax-related applications. The agenda includes reviews of motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Review of April 4, 2023, meeting minutes
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement applications for April 3, 2023 – April 7, 2023
• FY24 3ABC Applications
• FY23 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements
• Statutory Exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved 156 motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications and several statutory exemptions. One Clause 22 exemption was denied due to a missing signature. The board also approved one FY24 3ABC application.

• Approved minutes from April 4, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved 156 motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications
• Denied one Clause 22 statutory exemption due to signature
• Approved one Clause 22 and four Clause 41C statutory exemptions (unanimous)
• Approved one FY24 3ABC application (unanimous)

City Council Finance Sub Committee

The committee discussed the need for parking rate increases and the implementation of dynamic pricing to ensure the parking enterprise remains self-sufficient. Members also reviewed highlights of the proposed FY2024 Budget, including a 2.5% COLA for personnel and the implementation of a 311 system.

• Requested City Manager provide year-to-date revenues for each city garage (Approved)
• Requested City Manager provide a report on revenues produced by each enforcement officer (Approved)

City Council

The City Council approved a $125,000 fund transfer for the DPW and authorized several grant expenditures and energy agreements. The council also appointed members to the ZBA, Conservation Commission, and Cultural Council. Multiple requests for reports and program creations were referred to the City Manager.

• Approved $125,000 transfer to DPW (11-0)
• Approved $51,113 FY22 EMPG Grant (11-0)
• Approved $3,300 scholarship from NACCHO (11-0)
• Authorized 20-year agreements with Nexamp and Vanguard (11-0)
• Voted to cancel the April 18, 2023 meeting (10-1)
• Appointed John Nickerson, Jr. to ZBA (11-0)
• Reappointed Richard Lockhart to Historic Board (11-0)
• Directed City Manager to establish public dashboard for HR recommendations

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review three petitions for variances and special permits. These include requests for residential construction and an addition to a single-family home.

• Special Permit for RCG 45 Merrimack OZ Business, LLC to convert upper floors of 31-55 Merrimack Street into 50 residential units
• Variance for Mary Burns to construct a single-family home at 209 Gibson Street
• Variance for Kimchou Ly to construct an addition to a single-family home at 59 Boston Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit to convert the Hildreth Building into 50 residential units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. A variance for a home addition at 59 Boston Road was also approved. One variance request for a new home at 209 Gibson Street was continued.

• Approved Special Permit for 50 residential units at 31-55 Merrimack Street (4-0)
• Approved Variances for home addition at 59 Boston Road (4-0)
• Continued variance petition for 209 Gibson Street to April 24 meeting (4-0)
• Approved March 27 meeting minutes (4-0)

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee will consider three motions: one to study playground safety, one to plan free feminine hygiene products in girls' restrooms at Lowell High School and middle schools, and one to research adding a FY24 budget line for field trips. They will also receive updates on the FY24 budget and secondary school redesign, and vote on a $10,000 donation.

• Motion to provide free feminine hygiene products in girls' restrooms at Lowell High School and all middle schools starting fall 2023
• Motion to research adding a FY24 budget line item for student field trips
• Motion to investigate safety of playgrounds and play structures
• Vote to accept $10,000 donation from Billi Marcus Foundation Inc.
• Approval of out-of-state travel for Butler Middle School students to Washington, DC

The School Committee approved a budget transfer of $5,408,654.64 and accepted a $10,000 donation for the Daley School. Members also voted to provide free feminine hygiene products in middle and high school restrooms and mandated a certified health teacher in every middle school.

• Approved budget transfer of $5,408,654.64 (7-0)
• Approved plan for free feminine hygiene products in high school and middle school restrooms starting fall 2023 (7-0)
• Mandated a certified health teacher be in every middle school (7-0)
• Accepted $10,000 donation from Billi Marcus Foundation Inc. for Daley School gym and PE (7-0)
• Approved request for Superintendent to research FY24 budget line item for student field trips (7-0)
• Approved request for Superintendent to audit safety of playgrounds, play structures, and courts (7-0)
• Approved options to repair or relocate the Laura Lee Therapeutic Day School facility (7-0)
• Approved Doctoral Research Proposal by Dr. Justin Garwood and the University of Vermont (7-0)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission is meeting to receive briefings on various social service programs. Topics include MassHealth redetermination, SNAP allotment changes, and updates on hotel and shelter programming.

• MassHealth Redetermination Project briefing
• LCHC patient transfer update to Wellsense
• Elimination of SNAP Emergency Allotments
• Individual Adult Hotel Program update
• LTLC programming and shelter bed capacity update

Board of Health

The Board of Health is reviewing tobacco permit suspensions for eight establishments following sales to minors. The body is also considering modifications to body art regulations and the renewal of a medical consultant contract.

• Tobacco permit suspension hearings for 8 establishments with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000
• Proposed modifications to City of Lowell Board of Health Body Art Regulations
• Renewal of Dr. Peter Connolly's Consulting Physician contract (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2025)
• Nomination of Darleen Wood as Animal Inspector for 2023-2024
• Recommendation to accept a gift of LifeVac rescue devices from Christine Florence

The Board of Health issued tobacco sales permit suspensions to eight local businesses following sales to minors. The Board also approved a medical consultant contract renewal and modified body art regulations.

• Approved 2023-2024 nomination of Darleen Wood as Animal Inspector (5-0)
• Renewed Dr. Peter Connolly's Consulting Physician contract through June 30, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved modified Body Art Regulations and scheduled public hearing for May 10, 2023 (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permits for 3 days: Highland Variety, Lowell Quick Mart, Jerry's Food Store #2, Rt 38 Citgo, and Prathna Convenience (5-0 each)
• Suspended tobacco permit for 7 days: Joe's Kwik Marts (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for 3 days: Lucky Corner Market (5-0)
• Suspended tobacco permit for 4 days and approved 4-month payment plan for fine: 7-Eleven (5-0)
• Approved 2023-2034 Funeral Director's Licenses (5-0)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Materials Selection and Materials Reconsideration policies. The board also authorized spending from the John Davis Fund for professional photography of library paintings.

• Approved Materials Selection Policy (Unanimous)
• Approved Materials Reconsideration Policy (Unanimous)
• Approved up to $2,500 from John Davis Fund for professional photography of 5 paintings (Unanimous)
• Approved March 1, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes from the March 23, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement applications for March 20–24, 2023
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement applications for March 27–31, 2023
• Review of statutory exemptions
• FY24 3ABC Applications
• FY23 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements

The Board of Assessors approved 237 motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $25,398.17. The board also approved several statutory exemptions and 14 FY24 3ABC applications.

• Approved March 20-24 motor vehicle excise abatements (117 items, $13,084.87)
• Approved March 27-31 motor vehicle excise abatements (120 items, $12,313.30)
• Approved statutory exemptions for Clause 22 (4), Clause 41C (3), and Clause 17E (1) (unanimous)
• Approved 14 FY24 3ABC applications (unanimous)
• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council Housing Sub Committee

The Lowell City Council Housing and Zoning Subcommittees are meeting jointly to continue a discussion on zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to potentially increase housing stock. The item was originally proposed by Councilor Drinkwater in June 2022 and was continued from a March 21, 2023 meeting. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion item.

• Discussion on zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to increase housing stock
• Continued from March 21, 2023 meeting
• Motion by Councilor Drinkwater dated June 14, 2022

The Housing and Zoning Subcommittees recommended the adoption of a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance. The recommendation includes an addendum requiring a one-year review by Inspectional Services.

• Recommended adoption of proposed ADU ordinance with a one-year review by Inspectional Services (4-0)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a $21,108,052 loan order for accelerated repairs to various school buildings through the MSBA program. The council will also consider authorizing payment of school bills exceeding appropriations, a $20,000 transfer to DPD, and an ordinance amending commercial parking regulations. Numerous motion responses and council requests for reports on topics like traffic, HR audits, and outdoor dining are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on $21,108,052 loan order for MSBA accelerated repairs to school buildings
• Vote to authorize payment of bills incurred in excess of appropriations for schools
• Vote to transfer $20,000 to DPD
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 266 Vehicles and Traffic regarding commercial parking
• Petition from 8th grade students at Dr. An Wang Middle School to address council about bike lanes

The City Council approved a loan order for MSBA accelerated repairs to various school buildings. The body also authorized a $20,000 transfer to the Department of Public Works and approved out-of-state travel for LPD and MassHire staff.

• Approved $21,108,052 loan order for MSBA school building repairs (10-0-1)
• Approved $20,000 transfer to DPD (10-0-1)
• Approved out-of-state travel for LPD and MassHire (10-0-1)
• Approved 60 Day Trial order (10-0-1)
• Referred commercial parking ordinance amendment to Law Department
• Referred 8th grade student bike lane proposal to Transportation Engineer
• Requested City Manager report on hiring time frames and processes
• Requested police presence at the Shrine after 8 AM and 12 NOON Masses

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The Neighborhoods Sub Committee will meet to discuss the ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Plan. No other items are listed for decision or discussion.

• Discussion of ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Plan

The Neighborhoods Sub Committee reviewed and accepted the scopes of work for 10 different park and infrastructure projects funded by a $9.1 million ARPA budget. The projects aim to cover all neighborhoods by combining ARPA funds with earmarked funds.

• Supported items 1-6 of the proposed scope at Father Maguire Park
• Accepted scope of work at Shedd Park
• Supported items 1-4 of the proposed scope at Saint Louis Park
• Accepted scope of work at 68 Jackson Street
• Accepted scope of work at Swamp Locks Ramp
• Accepted scope of work at South Common Phase 3
• Accepted scope of work at O’Donnell Park
• Accepted scope of work at Clemente Park

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for April 3, 2023, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2023.

School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee's Curriculum & Instruction and Policy & Governance subcommittees are meeting jointly to review and discuss two items: a policy on placing correspondences under the communication section of regular School Committee agendas, and the health program and FY24 budget planning. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Review of policy on placing correspondences under the communication section of regular School Committee agendas
• Discussion of Health Program and FY24 budget planning

School Committee Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee

The Curriculum & Instruction and Policy & Governance subcommittees met to discuss two specific items. The first item was a policy regarding the placement of correspondence under the Communication section of regular agendas. The second item involved planning for the Health Program and the FY24 budget. No final decisions or votes were recorded in the agenda text.

• Discussion of policy on placing correspondences under the Communication section of Regularly Scheduled SC Meeting Agendas
• Review of Health Program and FY24 Budget Planning

The Curriculum & Instruction and Policy & Governance subcommittees met to discuss health education and agenda communication protocols. The body voted to ensure all middle schools have health teachers. A draft for a new communication policy will be presented at a full meeting.

• Approved motion to have a health teacher in every middle school (5-0)

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee will meet to review the scope of services provided by the law firm Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP. This discussion concerns a previously approved internal complaints investigation.

• Discussion of Scope of Services with Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP regarding internal complaints investigation

The Subcommittee met with attorneys from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP (BHPK) to discuss the structure and resources needed for an internal complaints investigation. The firm will review hiring practices, examine city documentation, and interview complainants. No formal votes on the investigation scope were recorded.

• Approved motion to recess at 7:11 p.m. (3-0)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks will vote on converting part of South Common into a dog park and on releasing four dates from Lowell High School's permit at the Rizos Turf Field for Lowell Pop Warner. They will also discuss outstanding fees from 2020-2021 due to the pandemic. The agenda includes numerous permit requests for park use, including events, parties, and field days.

• Vote to convert part of South Common into a dog park
• Vote to release 4 dates (9/10, 9/17, 10/01, 10/08) from LHS permit for Lowell Pop Warner
• Discussion on outstanding fees from 2020-2021 due to COVID
• Earth Day Clean Up at Lucy Larcom Park (April 22, 2023)
• Lowell Pop Warner football practice at Cawley Stadium (Aug-Nov, $8,580)

The Board approved the location of a dog park at South Common, pending the award of grant funds. The Board also voted to waive outstanding permit balances from 2020-2021 caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Numerous individual park and field permits for community and school events were approved.

• Approved South Common as dog park location, pending grant funding (Unanimous)
• Waived outstanding 2020-2021 permit balances impacted by COVID-19 (Unanimous)
• Approved Lowell Pop Warner use of Rizos Turf Field for $480 and Desmond Jr. Field for no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved Over Thirty Baseball use of Alumni Field for $1,620 (Unanimous)
• Approved Friends of Tyler Park concert and movie series at no fee (Unanimous)
• Approved $600 account credit for Lowell Girls Youth Lacrosse (Unanimous)
• Approved cancellation of Gage II permit and balance adjustment for Kayla Balamotis (Unanimous)
• Declined birthday party requests for Joanne Proulx and Vida Correa due to no-show

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council is meeting to discuss the recruitment of new members and the mentorship of 2023 grantees. The body will also plan for a grantee reception scheduled for April 27.

• Recruitment of Cultural Council Members
• Mentorship of 2023 Grantees
• Planning for the April 27 Grantee Reception
• General marketing and brand recognition of the LCC

The Council discussed strategies for recruiting new members and marketing the LCC brand. Members coordinated logistics for the April 27 Grantee Reception and discussed mentorship for 2023 grantees.

• Proposed recruiting members via mentees, reception sign-ups, and social media
• Agreed to send mentorship templates to 2023 grantees
• Planned 2023 Grantee Reception for April 27
• Assigned food coordination to Joe and music/equipment checks to Timmy

City Council Transportation Sub Committee

The City Council Transportation Sub Committee will meet to discuss the Safe Streets Program. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding the Safe Streets Program

The committee received a presentation on the 'Shared Streets and Spaces Update' regarding traffic calming measures. No formal votes were taken on the plan; the committee discussed trial installations and data collection. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• No substantive decisions were made

City Council

The Lowell City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment for marijuana delivery businesses, following a Planning Board recommendation. The council will also consider several votes from the City Manager, including declaring multiple properties surplus, accepting a sculpture gift, and transferring $25,000 to MIS. Additionally, the council will discuss various motions and petitions, including requests for handicap parking signs and conduit installations.

• Public hearing on ordinance to amend zoning for marijuana delivery businesses
• Vote to accept gift of Black Joy sculpture from Kamil Peters and DIY Lowell
• Vote to declare 16 Kimball Ave, 17 Albion St, 25 Liberty St, and 32 Union St surplus
• Vote to transfer $25,000 to MIS
• Petitions for handicap parking signs on Market Street and 134 Lakeview Avenue

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending zoning for marijuana and accepted the gift of the 'Black Joy' sculpture. Several city properties were declared surplus, and the Council referred multiple requests for city manager reports on hiring, police dispatch, and public safety.

• Adopted zoning amendment for marijuana (11-0)
• Approved acceptance of 'Black Joy' sculpture gift (11-0)
• Declared 16 Kimball Ave and 17 Albion St surplus (11-0)
• Declared 25 Liberty Street surplus and conveyed to Reth Noy (11-0)
• Declared 32 Union Street surplus and available for sale (11-0)
• Approved $25,000 transfer to MIS (11-0)
• Approved exemption of Julio Pastrana MGL C.268A S.20 (10-0, 1 absent)
• Tabled payment of school bills in excess of appropriations to April 4, 2023

School Committee School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee

The School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss specific educational metrics and staff feedback. The session focuses on school culture and performance management updates.

• Teachers and Support Staff Survey Regarding School Building Culture
• Key Performance Indicators
• Update On Differentiated Autonomy & Support

The Subcommittee reviewed a teacher and support staff survey on school building culture and a report on Key Performance Indicators. Members also discussed the 'differentiated autonomy & support' model and the Renaissance Network FY24 Budget Supplement Guardrails. The committee voted to accept the provided materials as a report of progress.

• Approved report of progress on school improvement and performance (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting to discuss a petition regarding a residential property. The board will review a request to demolish a single-family home to build a two-family residence.

• Variance request for 30 Plymouth Street to allow a two-family residence
• Approval of meeting minutes from 3/13/2023

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for the Plymouth Street House Corporation to demolish a single-family home and build a two-family residence. Approval was granted on the condition that the applicant obtains stormwater approval from LRWWU.

• Approved variance for two-family residence at 30 Plymouth Street conditioned on LRWWU stormwater approval (5-0)
• Approved March 13, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will consider two minor modifications to existing proposals. These include a location change for affordable housing and a funding disbursement amendment for a land trust project.

• Location change request for CTI – A Place to Live affordable housing proposal
• Request to disburse $1 million of approved funding for Rollie’s Farm (1413-1415 Varnum Ave) to the City of Lowell

The Committee approved a modification to allow the City of Lowell to act as a co-grantee for the Rollie’s Farm project to facilitate a Land, Water, and Conservation Grant. A request from Community Teamwork, Inc. regarding an affordable housing location was continued to a later date.

• Approved January 12, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Continued CTI – A Place to Live location request to May 25, 2023 meeting (5-0)
• Approved adding City of Lowell as co-grantee for Rollie’s Farm at 1413-1415 Varnum Ave (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission is meeting to consider multiple applications for special event permits and one-day alcohol licenses. These requests cover a variety of community fundraisers, art receptions, and cultural celebrations across the city.

• Special Events Permits for amplified outdoor entertainment at JFK Plaza, 900 Chelmsford Street, and 262 Merrimack Street
• One-day alcohol licenses for events at 401 Merrimack Street, 45 Bernier Street, and 250 Jackson Street
• One-day wine licenses for art receptions at 172 Middle Street and 307 Market Street
• One-day alcohol licenses for events at 684 Westford Street and 50 E. Merrimack Street
• Ratification and new applications for alcohol licenses for concerts at Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street

The Commission approved several seasonal and one-day permits for amplified outdoor entertainment and the sale of alcoholic beverages for various community events. The board also ratified a previous one-day license for a concert at Mill No. 5.

• Approved seasonal amplification permit for CASE events at JFK Plaza (4-0)
• Approved amplification permit for 13th Annual UKG 5K (4-0)
• Approved seasonal amplification permit for 'Salsa on the Deck' (4-0)
• Approved one-day wine and malt beverage license for Pollard Memorial Library Foundation (4-0)
• Approved alcohol and amplification permits for Wat Lao Mixayaram celebrations and festival (4-0)
• Approved one-day wine and malt beverage license for Lowell Community Charter School fundraiser (4-0)
• Approved one-day wine license for 'Abstractions of the Commonplace' reception (4-0)
• Approved three one-day wine licenses for Arts League of Lowell (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the March 14, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for March 10, 2023
• Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements for week of March 13, 2023 – March 17, 2023
• FY24 3ABC Applications
• FY23 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements

The Board of Assessors approved 95 motor vehicle excise tax abatements and several statutory exemptions. One real estate property abatement was denied. Minutes from the March 14, 2023 meeting were deferred.

• Approved 95 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $8,539.85
• Approved 4 Clause 22 statutory exemptions
• Approved 3 Clause 41c statutory exemptions
• Denied 1 real estate property abatement
• Deferred minutes of March 14, 2023

Conservation Commission

The meeting scheduled for March 22, 2023, has been cancelled. All agenda items will be continued to the April 12, 2023, meeting.

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee will review a Phase 2 construction update and phasing modifications from Suffolk/Skanska/PE. The meeting includes updates on the budget, designer plans for additional restrooms, and MBE/WBE workforce progress.

• Phase 2 construction update and phasing modification presentation
• MBE/WBE and workforce progress report from Suffolk
• Designer update from Perkins Eastman regarding additional restrooms
• Budget update from Skanska

The committee accepted the minutes from the February 15th meeting. Members received construction updates on Phase 2 and 3, including a timeline extension for Phase 2 to August 2024 with no additional cost.

• Approved minutes from Feb 15th SBC meeting

School Committee

The School Committee is holding a special executive session. The body will discuss collective bargaining proposals and grievances with unions and parameters for expiring unaffiliated contracts.

• Collective bargaining with UTL, LSSA, and SEIU unions
• Discussion of proposals and parameters for expiring unaffiliated contracts

City Council Housing Sub Committee

The City Council Housing and Zoning subcommittees are meeting to discuss zoning for accessory dwelling units (ADU). The goal of the discussion is the potential increase of housing stock.

• Discussion of zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

The subcommittees heard a presentation on proposed zoning changes for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). No decisions were made; the body adjourned to schedule additional meetings for further discussion and public input.

City Council

The City Council will review various motion responses from the City Manager and several votes regarding city property and funds. The agenda includes a loan order for school building repairs and an ordinance to amend zoning at 38 Nelson Ave.

• Transfer of $233,000 to Law
• Loan Order for MSBA accelerated repair to various school buildings
• Ordinance to amend zoning for 38 Nelson Ave
• Proposal to convey 22 W Fourth St. to Peter D. Marlowe
• Request for handicap parking sign at 139 Cumberland Road

The City Council approved the conveyance of 22 W Fourth St. to Peter D. Marlowe and authorized several financial and administrative actions. The body also requested that the City Manager investigate the creation of a sustainability department and a Bicentennial Celebration Commission.

• Approved conveyance of 22 W Fourth St. to Peter D. Marlowe (11-0)
• Authorized $233,000 transfer for Law (10-1)
• Approved amendments to Greater Lowell Vocational Regional School District Agreement (10-1)
• Approved license agreement with Naturel Juicing, LLC (10-1)
• Requested Manager investigate establishing a sustainability department
• Referred FY24 Budget Update to Finance SC
• Referred Cambodia Town Neighborhood Plan to joint Neighborhoods and Arts and Cultures subcommittees
• Approved out-of-state travel for LPD and HHS (10-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Lowell Zoning Code. The amendment seeks to establish a permitting pathway for marijuana delivery and courier businesses by adding new definitions, uses, and parking requirements.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment for marijuana delivery and courier businesses

The Planning Board issued a positive recommendation for a zoning amendment to create a permitting pathway for marijuana delivery and courier businesses. The amendment adds definitions, uses, and parking requirements to the Lowell Zoning Code.

• Approved 3/6/2023 meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Issued positive recommendation for marijuana delivery and courier business zoning amendment (4-0)

School Committee

The Lowell Public School Committee will discuss the selection of outside counsel for an internal complaints investigation and review the 2023-2024 school calendar. The body will also consider several motions regarding tutor allocation, cyberbullying policy, and new school construction specifications.

• Selection of outside counsel for internal complaints investigation
• Vote to accept a $577.00 donation from the Greater of Lowell Community Foundation
• Review of the 2023-2024 School Calendar
• Approval of FY23 allocated awards and budget transfers
• Requests for reports on ESSR funds, tutor utilization, and new high school air intake

The Committee selected Brody, Hardon, Perkins & Kestein, LLP to conduct an investigation into internal complaints after a motion for a written report from the City Solicitor failed. Other actions included approving the 2023-2024 school calendar and a $214,573.97 budget transfer.

• Selected Brody, Hardon, Perkins & Kestein, LLP as outside counsel for internal complaints investigation (4-2-1)
• Approved 2023-2024 School Calendar (7-0)
• Approved budget transfer of $214,573.97 (7-0)
• Approved payment for FY21/22 Expenditures per MGL Chapter 44 Section 64 (7-0)
• Approved Refugee School Impact Grant expenditure (5-0-2)
• Accepted $577 donation from Greater Lowell Community Foundation (5-0-2)
• Approved three research proposals for health education and doctoral studies (5-0-2)
• Approved request for Superintendent to report on tutor hiring, allocation, and ESSR funding (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review previous meeting minutes and process various tax-related items. The agenda includes motor vehicle excise tax abatements and statutory exemptions.

• Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements for the week of March 6–10, 2023
• FY23 Q4 Real Estate and Personal Property Warrants and Commitments
• Statutory Exemptions
• FY24 3ABC Applications
• FY23 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements

City Council Transportation Sub Committee

The City Council Transportation Sub Committee will meet to discuss the Safe Streets Program. No other formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding the Safe Streets Program

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees Governance Committee met on March 14, 2023, to review and discuss the library's Materials Selection and Materials Reconsideration policies. The meeting was held in a hybrid format at the Director’s Office at 401 Merrimack Street. No specific votes or final decisions on the policies are recorded in the agenda text, only that they were items for review and discussion.

• Review/Discussion of Library Materials Selection Policy
• Review/Discussion of Library Materials Reconsideration Policy

City Council

The City Council will consider a loan order for MSBA accelerated repairs to various school buildings and the conveyance of 22 W Fourth St. to Peter D. Marlowe. The body will also review motion responses regarding downtown redevelopment, net zero goals, and youth employment.

• Loan Order for MSBA Accelerated Repair to various school buildings
• Vote to convey 22 W Fourth St. to Peter D. Marlowe
• Vote to accept gift of Black Joy sculpture from Kamil Peters and DIY Lowell
• Vote to amend FY2021-2022 Annual Action Plan
• Petition for handicap parking sign at 139 Cumberland Road

City Council Parks and Recreation Sub Committee

The City Council Parks and Recreation Sub Committee will meet to discuss the Board of Parks Handbook. This is the only item of business listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding the Board of Parks Handbook

The subcommittee discussed the need to standardize fee collection and update the park use handbook. Members discussed converting the handbook into a policy manual and improving inter-departmental communication. No changes to fees or policies were decided during this meeting.

• Approved motion to meet jointly with the Board of Parks at the Board's next meeting (2-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit for an illuminated sign and conduct administrative reviews of two properties. The board will also hold an executive session regarding litigation for a property on First Street.

• Special permit request for internally illuminated sign at 1320 Middlesex Street
• Administrative review of 17 Montreal Street
• Administrative review of 264-266 Plain Street
• Executive session on litigation for 228 First Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for an internally illuminated sign at 1320 Middlesex Street with specific lighting hour conditions. The board also continued an administrative review for two other properties to a future date.

• Approved special permit for internally illuminated sign at 1320 Middlesex Street (4-0)
• Continued administrative review for 17 Montreal Street and 264-266 Plain Street to June 26, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled executive session regarding litigation at 228 First Street
• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)

License Commission

The License Commission is meeting to consider multiple special one-day alcohol licenses for events and charities. The body will also hold public hearings for a new restaurant license and a package store name change, and review a used car dealer application.

• Public hearing for a new 'All Alcoholic Beverages' restaurant license for Jade Lowell at 165 Thorndike Street
• Application for a Class II Used Car Dealer license for Elyaz Automotive at 16 the Stedman Street Unit 9-B
• Application for 30 special one-day licenses for performances at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
• Public hearing to amend the 'D/B/A' for Roshani Enterprises Inc. at 299 Chelmsford Street
• Police communication regarding misconduct allegations at Sahel Restaurant & Lounge at 135 Central Street

The Commission approved several one-day alcohol licenses for community events and fundraisers. It also granted a new all-alcoholic beverages license to Jade Lowell and a used car dealer license to Elyaz Automotive. A public hearing was scheduled for April 13 regarding misconduct allegations at Sahel Restaurant & Lounge.

• Approved new 'All Alcoholic Beverages' restaurant license for Jade Lowell at 165 Thorndike Street (4-0)
• Approved Class II Used Car Dealer license for Elyaz Automotive at 162 Stedman Street Unit 9-B (4-0)
• Approved 30 one-day licenses for LMG Presents at Lowell Memorial Auditorium (4-0)
• Approved one-day alcohol licenses for St. Michael's School, Habitat for Humanity, and a Quinceanera event (4-0 each)
• Approved one-day license for DIY Lowell Community Chill Night on condition both bartenders are TIPs Certified (4-0)
• Approved one-day license and amplified outdoor entertainment permit for Points of Light Lantern Celebration (4-0)
• Approved Charity Wine Pouring & Auction license for ALSAC benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (4-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for April 13, 2023, regarding misconduct allegations at Sahel Restaurant & Lounge (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss an enforcement order regarding tree removal along the Merrimack River. The body will also review a request to build a single-family home in a floodplain and a car wash tunnel extension.

• Enforcement Order for tree cutting on the bank of the Merrimack River adjacent to 52 Lawrence Drive
• Notice of Intent for a new single-family home at 38 & 49 Casco Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a 30-foot car wash tunnel extension at 980 Chelmsford St
• Permit extension request from Massachusetts Electric Company (MECO) for the Boulevard #77 Substation Rebuild Project at 83 Boulevard Street

The Commission issued a Negative 3 Determination for a car wash expansion at 980 Chelmsford St with specific conditions. Two other applications were continued to a future meeting, and a permit extension for a substation rebuild was approved.

• Issued Negative 3 Determination for car wash expansion at 980 Chelmsford St with conditions for gas hoods, trash removal, and a solid fence (4-1)
• Approved 3-year Order of Conditions extension for Boulevard #77 Substation Rebuild Project (5-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order for 1365 Middlesex Street to March 22, 2023 (5-0)
• Continued Notice of Intent for new home at 38 & 49 Casco Street to March 22, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from January 11, 2023 and February 8, 2023 (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is meeting to review minutes from February 27, 2023, and to consider motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from the week of February 27 to March 3, 2023. The agenda also includes statutory exemptions, FY24 3ABC applications, and FY23 real estate and personal property abatements, but no specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Review of minutes from February 27, 2023
• Motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for week of February 27 – March 3, 2023
• Statutory exemptions (no details provided)
• FY24 3ABC applications (no details provided)
• FY23 real estate and personal property abatements (no details provided)

The Board of Assessors approved five motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $330.88. The board also approved one statutory exemption and two FY24 3ABC applications.

• Approved February 27, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 5 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $330.88
• Approved 1 Clause 22 statutory exemption
• Approved 2 FY24 3ABC applications

City Council

The Lowell City Council will vote on a petition to rezone 38 Nelson Ave. from TSF to TTF and consider a request to install an overhanging sign at 120 Merrimack St. The council will also discuss several motions requesting updates on road paving plans, train idling policies, restroom parity at Lowell High, the LeLacheur Park real estate transaction, flag raising policy, DEI officer hiring, traffic calming, and a potential merger of the Opioid and Homeless Task Forces.

• Petition to rezone 38 Nelson Ave. from TSF to TTF zoning district
• Request by Naturel Juicing to install an overhanging sign at 120 Merrimack St.
• Motion requesting list of road surface treatments for FY24 paving season
• Motion requesting update on LeLacheur Park real estate transaction
• Motion requesting update on combining Opioid Task Force and Homeless Task Force

The City Council voted to have the City Manager explore the potential benefits of combining the Opioid Task Force and the Homeless Task Force. The council also approved two constable bonds and referred several petitions and motions to the Law Department and City Manager.

• Approved request to explore combining Opioid and Homeless Task Forces (8-3)
• Approved constable bonds for Emma Amaro and Juan Jerez (11-0)
• Approved installation of one JO pole and secondary extension on Burnside St
• Referred rezoning request for 38 Nelson Ave to Law Department
• Referred request for overhanging sign at 120 Merrimack St to Law Department
• Referred two property damage claims to Law Department
• Referred request for FY24 road surface treatment list to City Manager
• Referred request for report on Lowell High restroom parity to City Manager

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The Neighborhoods Sub Committee is meeting to discuss issues and concerns with the Centralville Neighborhood Action Group (CNAG).

• Discussion with Centralville Neighborhood Action Group (CNAG) regarding neighborhood issues

The subcommittee met to discuss concerns raised by the Centralville Neighborhood Action Group. No formal votes were taken on policy or funding; the meeting consisted of discussions regarding potholes, zoning, commercial vehicle parking, and speeding.

School Committee Finance Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review payments for FY21/22 expenditures under MGL Chapter 44 Section 642. The meeting also includes a review of the Fair Student Funding Pool for FY24 and an update for the FY23-24 budget.

• Payment for FY21/22 Expenditures (MGL Chapter 44 Section 642)
• Fair Student Funding Pool for FY24
• Budget Update for FY23-24

The subcommittee discussed approximately $298,000 in delayed bills from FY21/22 and reviewed preliminary FY24 budget forecasts, including $27 million in estimated Student Opportunity Act funding. No votes were taken on funding or expenditures; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• Approved motion to adjourn (2-0, 1 absent)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a Site Plan Review and Special Permit application for a new 6-unit residential structure. The project site at 102 Westford Street previously held a multi-family property destroyed by fire.

• Site Plan Review and Special Permit for 102-108 Westford Street
• Construction of a 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street
• Approval of minutes from February 22, 2023

The Planning Board approved a special permit for the construction of a 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street. The decision incorporates design plans submitted on March 2, 2023, and requires the project to adhere to the same approvals as the Site Plan Review.

• Approved special permit for 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street (5-0)

Monument Committee

The Monument Committee will vote on three items: naming the Stackpole Street Pump Station after Richard Brassard, dedicating a bench on Market Street/Roy Garage to Angel Perez, and dedicating a bench to Attorney Albert J Marcotte. The meeting also includes other business and adjournment.

• Vote to name the Stackpole Street Pump Station in honor of Richard Brassard
• Vote to dedicate a bench on Market Street/Roy Garage to Angel Perez
• Vote to dedicate a bench to Attorney Albert J Marcotte

The committee unanimously approved naming a pump station and dedicating two memorial benches. The decisions honor a former city employee, a local resident, and an attorney.

• Approved naming the Stackpole Street Pump Station in honor of Richard Brassard (unanimous)
• Approved dedicating a bench on Market Street/Roy Garage to Angel Perez (unanimous)
• Approved installation of a bench for Attorney Albert J. Marcotte between Jackson Street and the Hamilton Canal (unanimous)

School Committee

The committee will review the FY24 budget update and a proposed research partnership between Lowell Public Schools, UMass Lowell, and Boston University. The agenda also includes several motions regarding special education subcommittees, teacher appreciation budgets, and school naming opportunities.

• FY24 Budget Update
• Research proposal and partnership: LPS, UMass Lowell, and Boston University
• Approval to accept and expend allocated FY23 awards
• Budget transfer
• Out of state travel requests for Robinson School and LHS Outdoor Track & Field

The School Committee approved a budget transfer of $1,041,401.16 and a research partnership with UMass Lowell and Boston University regarding special education. The board also authorized various travel requests and requested a legal opinion on voting procedures. The 2023-2024 School Calendar was withdrawn from the agenda.

• Approved budget transfer of $1,041,401.16 (7-0)
• Approved research partnership with UMass Lowell and Boston University for EBD programs (7-0)
• Approved Permission to Enter for Pear Associates feasibility study at $50,000 (6-1)
• Approved request for City Solicitor's opinion on Robert's Rules and voting (7-0)
• Approved acceptance and expenditure of allocated FY23 Federal and State awards (7-0)
• Approved bundled travel requests for Robinson School, LHS Track & Field, and staff (7-0)
• Approved home education for Nelimar Delgado-Rivera (7-0)
• Approved creation of Joint Policy & Curriculum Subcommittee for agenda and health program (7-0)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Commission will receive presentations on mental health data and behavioral health service models. Members will also discuss a new mental health initiative from Lowell General Hospital and the status of the Individual Adult Hotel Program.

• Mental Health Data from Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA)
• Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) service model presentation
• Lowell General Hospital mental health initiative briefing
• Status update on the Individual Adult Hotel Program

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will vote on a second one-year extension of the ambulance contract with PRIDEStar EMS, Inc. for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The board will also hold tobacco permit suspension hearings for eight establishments that each paid a $1,000 fine. Reports on January overdoses, food inspections, and wastewater analytics are scheduled for review.

• Vote on second one-year extension of ambulance contract with PRIDEStar EMS, Inc. (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
• Tobacco permit suspension hearings for eight establishments (Appleton Liquors, Ornelas Liquors, King Liquors, Lakeview Liquors, Haffner's, Country Farms, Lemon Tree Food Shops, The Liquor Shop) each with a $1,000 fine paid
• Review of Trinity EMS January 2023 overdose report for Lowell
• Communication regarding A & R African Market & International Food at 558 Gorham St
• Informational report on LRWU Duck Island wastewater treatment facility biobot analytics (Nov. 21, 2022)

The Board of Health suspended the tobacco licenses of eight local businesses for three days each following sales to minors. The Board also recommended a one-year extension of the city's ambulance contract.

• Approved minutes of the February 1, 2023 meeting
• Recommended the Law Department process a second one-year extension of the ambulance contract (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for Appleton Liquors from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for Ornelas Liquors from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for King Liquors from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for Lakeview Liquors from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for Haffner's from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)
• Suspended tobacco license for Country Farms from March 15-17, 2023 (4-0)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review comments on Material Selection and Material Reconsideration Policies. The meeting also includes discussions regarding construction grants and an update on the Strategic Plan.

• Review of Material Selection and Material Reconsideration Policies
• Discussion of Construction Grant(s)
• Update on Strategic Plan

The Board decided not to apply for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program grant, citing the project's size and complexity. Trustees also deferred the approval of material selection and reconsideration policies to the April meeting for further review by the Governance Committee.

• Declined to apply for Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program grant
• Tabled Material Selection and Material Reconsideration policies for April review
• Approved February 1, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• PML Foundation approved $1,034 purchase for 3 table coverings and 3 table runners

Cultural Council

The February 28, 2023 meeting of the Lowell Cultural Council has been cancelled because of predicted inclement weather. All agenda items will be moved to the next scheduled meeting on March 28, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to inclement weather
• All items moved to March 28, 2023 meeting

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a National Grid pole installation on Burnside St. Members will also review motion responses on street repairs, paving evaluations, and water and sewer revenue projections.

• Public hearing: National Grid installation of 1 JO Pole 5-3 and secondary extension on Burnside St.
• Request for 12-inch plastic gas main installation on Chelmsford Street to 83 Doane Street
• Request for 75 feet of underground electric conduit along Boulevard Street
• Proposed zoning ordinance update to make the seasonal outdoor dining program permanent
• Request for handicap parking sign installation in front of 30 Christian Street

The City Council confirmed appointments to the Board of Parks and Board of Health. The council approved utility installations for National Grid and referred several city management issues, including park fee collection and street acceptance, to subcommittees and the City Manager.

• Appointed Kha Ndi to Board of Parks (10-0)
• Reappointed Alison Keegan and Erin Gendron to Board of Health (10-0)
• Approved National Grid installation of 12-inch plastic gas main on Chelmsford Street
• Approved National Grid installation of 75 feet of underground electric conduit on Boulevard Street
• Referred Board of Parks handbook and fee collection issues to Parks and Recreation SC
• Referred ARPA Neighborhood Improvement Plan to Neighborhoods SC
• Directed City Engineer to determine if Quimby Street is accepted
• Referred request for handicap parking sign at 30 Christian Street to Transportation Engineer

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from February 14, 2023, and consider motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from two weeks in February. They will also discuss statutory exemptions, FY24 3ABC applications, FY23 real estate and personal property abatements, and motor vehicle excise commitments/warrants.

• Motor vehicle excise abatements for weeks of Feb 13-17 and Feb 20-24, 2023
• FY23 real estate and personal property abatements
• FY24 3ABC applications
• Statutory exemptions
• MVE commitments/warrants 2023-01 and 2022-07

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting to discuss variance requests for residential projects. The board will consider petitions for new multi-family structures and home additions that do not meet current zoning bylaws.

• ZBA-2023-1: Variance for a 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street
• ZBA-2023-4: Variance to demolish a single-family home and build a two-family residence at 30 Plymouth Street
• ZBA-2023-5: Variance for an attached garage at 43 Hampstead Street
• ZBA-2023-6: Variance for a second story addition at 39 Perron Way

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for February 23, 2023, was cancelled. The cancellation was due to a lack of agenda items.

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will consider two applications for residential development. The items include a proposal for a 6-unit structure on Westford Street and the conversion of St. Louis School into 16 residential units.

• Site Plan Review and Special Permit for a 6-unit residential structure at 102-108 Westford Street
• Site Plan Review and Special Permit to redevelop St. Louis School (72-74 Boisvert Street and 253 W Sixth Street) into 16 residential units with 31 parking spaces

The Board approved site plan reviews for a 6-unit building on Westford Street and a 16-unit conversion of the St. Louis School. A special permit for the Westford Street project was continued to a future meeting, while the St. Louis School special permit was approved.

• Approved Site Plan Review for 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street (5-0)
• Continued Special Permit for 102 Westford Street to March 6, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Site Plan Review for 16-unit conversion of St. Louis School at 72-74 Boisvert St/253 W Sixth St (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 16-unit conversion of St. Louis School at 72-74 Boisvert St/253 W Sixth St (5-0)
• Approved February 6, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission will consider several applications for common victualler licenses and special one-day alcohol permits. The body will also review a request to transfer a second-hand motor vehicle dealer license.

• Common Victualler license applications for 107 Merrimack Street, 900 Chelmsford St., and six Dunkin Donuts locations
• Special One Day Licenses for malt beverages and wines at the Hellenic Center (41 Broadway Street) for five events
• Special One Day Licenses for malt beverages and wines at Costello Gym (261 Riverside Street) for UMass Lowell tournament events
• Special One Day License for wines and malt beverages for a concert at Taffeta (122 Western Avenue) on March 4, 2023
• Transfer of Second Hand Motor Vehicles Dealer Class II License to InvestMeth Group LLC at 658 Broadway Street

The Commission approved several common victualler licenses and special one-day alcohol permits for local businesses and events. It also approved the transfer of a secondhand motor vehicle dealer license.

• Approved Common Victualler license for Purple Carrot Bread Co. at 107 Merrimack Street (4-0)
• Ratified special one-day alcohol license for Purple Carrot Bread Co. for Feb 14 (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualler license for NexDine Hospitality at 900 Chelmsford St (4-0)
• Approved Common Victualler licenses for six GL 2 Donuts LLC (Dunkin Donuts) locations (4-0)
• Approved six special one-day alcohol licenses for events at Hellenic Center (4-0)
• Approved two special one-day alcohol licenses for Aramark at Costello Gym (4-0)
• Approved special one-day alcohol license for concert at Taffeta (4-0)
• Approved transfer of Second Hand Motor Vehicles Dealer Class II License to InvestMeth Group LLC (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is meeting to review a request to extend a car wash tunnel entrance and a permit extension for an electric substation. These items involve work near protected wetlands or existing environmental conditions.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for Global Montello Group Corp to extend a car wash tunnel by 30 feet at 980 Chelmsford St
• Permit extension request from Massachusetts Electric Company (MECO) for the Boulevard #77 Substation Rebuild Project at 83 Boulevard Street

The Conservation Commission did not have a quorum present. All agenda items were continued to the next scheduled meeting on March 8, 2023.

• Continued Request for Determination of Applicability for 980 Chelmsford St to 3/8/2023
• Continued Permit Extension Request for 83 Boulevard Street to 3/8/2023
• Continued 2/8/2023 meeting minutes to 3/8/2023

Board of Parks

The Board of Parks is reviewing numerous permit requests for sports and community events across city parks. The body will also consider a grant application to convert Oliveria Field into a dog park and review a draft of the Board of Parks Policy Book.

• Vote to apply for a grant to convert Oliveria Field into a dog park
• Mill City Eagles adult football league permit totaling $7,560
• Blanca Munoz volleyball permit at Stoklosa School Park for $3,100
• Lowell Girls Youth Lacrosse game day permits totaling $2,160
• Review of the draft Board of Parks Policy Book

City Council Technologies and Utilities Sub Committee

The Finance and Technology and Utilities Sub Committees are meeting to discuss utility rates and solar energy. The body will also discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

• Utility rates and solutions
• Development of behind-the-meter solar solutions across City
• Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Finance and Technology and Utilities Sub Committees held a joint meeting to discuss utility rates, solar solutions, and federal infrastructure acts. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

City Council Finance Sub Committee

The City Council Finance Subcommittee will meet jointly with the Technology and Utilities Subcommittee to discuss utility rates and solutions, development of behind-the-meter solar projects across the city, and potential funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Discussion of utility rates and solutions
• Development of behind-the-meter solar solutions across the city
• Review of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)

The Finance and Technology & Utilities Subcommittees reviewed presentations on rising utility costs and solar energy options. The committees voted to have the City Manager develop a procurement pathway for solar energy through the Power Options Program.

• Requested City Manager develop procurement pathway through the Power Options Program to be presented to full Council (5-0, 1 absent)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on creating a Sister City Committee and two National Grid utility requests. The body will also vote on a $30,000 grant and a license agreement with Savin Foods USA, Inc.

• Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 to create a Sister City Committee
• National Grid request for 12 inch plastic gas main on Chelmsford Street to 83 Doane Street
• National Grid request for 75 feet of underground electric conduit along Boulevard Street
• Vote to accept and expend $30,000 REACH LoWELL Grant
• Vote to authorize license agreement with Savin Foods USA, Inc.

The City Council adopted an ordinance to establish a Sister City Committee and appointed six members to the Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees. The Council also approved a $30,000 REACH LOWELL grant and a license agreement with Savin Foods USA, Inc.

• Adopted ordinance creating Sister City Committee (11-0)
• Appointed Judith Davidson, Amy Wilson, Ellen Antsey, Muriel Parseghian, Helen Littlefield and Donna Scannell Richards to Pollard Library Board of Trustees (10-0)
• Approved expenditure of $30,000 REACH LOWELL grant (10-0)
• Authorized license agreement with Savin Foods USA, Inc. (10-0)
• Adopted 60 Day Trial order (9-0)
• Approved request to study feasibility of separate tax bills for city and school operations (8-3)
• Referred National Grid gas main and electric conduit requests to Wire Inspector
• Referred property damage claims to Law Department

School Committee Equity & Access Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee's Equity & Access Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss updates on communication and outreach to families of linguistically diverse backgrounds. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to this single discussion item.

• Discussion of communication and outreach to families of linguistically diverse backgrounds

The Equity & Access Subcommittee received an update from the Chief Equity & Engagement Officer on translation services and bilingual staff resources. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on discussing current communication tools and staffing needs.

• Agreed to provide a list of translation services and delivery methods to the Committee
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

School Building Committee

The Lowell School Building Committee will meet remotely to receive updates from the construction manager (Suffolk/Skanska), designer (Perkins Eastman), and other project partners. The agenda includes a Phase 2 construction update, minority/women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) and workforce progress, a budget update, and next steps. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom or LTC, with advance registration required to speak.

• Phase 2 construction update from Suffolk/Skanska
• MBE/WBE and workforce progress report
• Designer update from Perkins Eastman
• Budget update from Skanska
• Approval of January 18, 2023 meeting minutes

The committee reviewed construction progress, including structural steel work and workforce diversity goals. Budget reports indicated the project is approximately 34% complete with $20 million remaining in construction contingency. No substantive votes were passed as the motion to approve previous minutes was deferred due to lack of a quorum.

• Deferred approval of January 18th, 2023 minutes due to lack of a quorum

School Committee

The Lowell School Committee will discuss the selection of outside counsel for an internal complaints investigation and review a modular project at Cawley Memorial Stadium. The body will also consider budget transfers and payments for FY21/22 expenditures.

• Selection of outside counsel for internal complaints investigation
• Update and action on modular project at Cawley Memorial Stadium
• Budget transfer request dated 2.14
• Approval of payment for FY21/22 expenditures
• Permission to post for Cafeteria Operations Assistant

The School Committee approved the construction of a permanent building at Cawley Stadium as an alternative to modular units. The committee also voted to delay hiring outside counsel for an HR investigation until the City Solicitor provides a recommendation by March 15, 2023.

• Approved permanent building at Cawley Stadium (7-0)
• Approved recommendation for City Solicitor to review HR claims by March 15, 2023 (4-3)
• Selection of BHPK as outside counsel for internal complaints investigation failed (3-3-1)
• Approved request for CFO to report total expense of out-of-district student services (7-0)
• Approved requirement for every middle school to have a health program in budget planning (7-0)
• Approved home education for Rosaling Rosario and Katie and John Bergeron (7-0)
• Tabled budget transfer and Cafeteria Operations Assistant posting (7-0)
• Forwarded FY21/22 expenditure payments to Finance Subcommittee (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from the previous meeting and consider motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for the week of February 6-10, 2023. The agenda also includes discussion of statutory exemptions, FY24 3ABC applications, and FY23 real estate and personal property abatements.

• Review of minutes from February 7, 2023
• Motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for week of February 6-10, 2023
• Statutory exemptions
• FY24 3ABC applications
• FY23 real estate and personal property abatements

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a zoning ordinance amendment. The body will also vote on several grants, fund transfers, and temporary access agreements.

• Public hearing for an ordinance to amend zoning
• Vote to accept and expend $75,000 MCC Grant for the Library
• Vote to accept and expend $5,500 MCC Grant for CASE
• Vote to transfer $106,000 between DPW and DPD
• Vote on FY22 Free Cash Certification and Recommendation

The City Council adopted a zoning amendment and approved the FY22 Free Cash Certification and Recommendation. The council also appointed Allison Dolan-Wilson to the Planning Board and authorized several temporary access agreements and grant expenditures.

• Adopted zoning amendment (10-0, 1 absent)
• Appointed Allison Dolan-Wilson to Planning Board (10-0, 1 absent)
• Approved FY22 Free Cash Certification and Recommendation (10-0, 1 absent)
• Approved $75,000 MCC Grant for Library (10-0, 1 absent)
• Approved $5,500 MCC Grant-CASE (10-0, 1 absent)
• Authorized temporary access agreements with Edward Page Corporation and Henry General Contractors, Inc. (10-0, 1 absent)
• Approved $106,000 transfer for DPW/DPD (10-0, 1 absent)
• Referred request for apprentice requirements on city projects over $1M to City Manager

Historic Board

The Lowell Historic Board will hold a public hearing regarding a historic permit application for the Hildreth Building. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and updates on enforcement and violations.

• Public Hearing DLHD-23-23: exterior rehabilitation at 35-55 Merrimack Street
• Approval of January 9, 2023, meeting minutes
• Enforcement/Violations Update

The Board issued a conditional historic permit for the rehabilitation of the Hildreth Building. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved updated by-laws and approved the minutes from the January 9, 2023 meeting.

• Approved conditional Historic Permit for exterior rehabilitation of 35-55 Merrimack Street (6-0)
• Approved updated Lowell Historic Board By-Laws (6-0)
• Approved minutes of January 9, 2023 (5-0-1)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider several variance requests for residential construction and lot subdivisions. The board is also reviewing a special permit for the redevelopment of a historic school building into multi-family housing.

• Proposed conversion of St. Louis School (72-74 Boisvert St and 253 W Sixth St) into 16 residences
• Request to construct a 6-unit residential structure at 102 Westford Street
• Proposed construction of a new two-family home at 242 Lakeview Avenue
• Request for a special permit for an internally illuminated sign at 24 Duren Avenue
• Variance requests for new single-family homes at 38 & 49 Casco Street, 32 Marriner Street, and 105 Martin Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved several residential variances, including the adaptive reuse of the historic St. Louis School building. Most petitions were approved unanimously, while one multi-family project on Westford Street was continued for further review.

• Approved variances for single-family home at 38 & 49 Casco Street (5-0)
• Approved variances for two-family home at 242 Lakeview Avenue with tree planting conditions (5-0)
• Approved variance for front porch at 165 Virginia Avenue (5-0)
• Approved variances for lot subdivision and new home at 32 Marriner Street with landscaping conditions (5-0)
• Approved variances for new home at 105 Martin Street with tree planting condition (5-0)
• Approved variances to convert St. Louis School into 16 residences (4-0-1)
• Approved special permit for illuminated sign at 24 Duren Avenue (5-0)
• Approved variance for home addition at 9 Melton Street (5-0)

License Commission

The License Commission meeting scheduled for February 9, 2023 was cancelled due to lack of quorum. All agenda items have been rescheduled to future meetings, including several special one-day alcohol licenses and new restaurant license applications.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• Ratification of a special one-day license for the Common Thread Celebration on Feb 7 at 50 Merrimack St.
• Application for a special one-day license for a Valentine's Dinner on Feb 14 at Purple Carrot Bread Co., 107 Merrimack St.
• Application by NexDine Hospitality for a Common Victualler license at 900 Chelmsford St.
• Application by GL 2 Donuts LLC for Common Victualler licenses at six Dunkin Donuts locations

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review several requests for determinations of applicability regarding work near protected wetlands. The agenda also includes an enforcement order related to tree cutting along the Merrimack River.

• Enforcement Order for tree cutting on the bank of the Merrimack River near 52 Lawrence Drive
• Request to install a generator and dumpster pad at 1449 Middlesex Street
• Request to extend a car wash tunnel entrance by approximately 30 feet at 980 Chelmsford St
• Request for canal walkway repairs between Canal Street and Central Street

The Commission issued Negative 3 Determinations for a generator installation at 1449 Middlesex Street and canal walkway repairs for Lowell National Historical Park. An enforcement order regarding tree cutting at 1365 Middlesex Street was continued to March 8th. A car wash tunnel extension request was continued to February 22nd.

• Issued Negative 3 Determination for generator and dumpster pad at 1449 Middlesex Street (5-0)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for canal walkway repairs at Lowell National Historical Park (5-0)
• Continued Enforcement Order for tree cutting at 1365 Middlesex Street to March 8th (5-0)
• Continued car wash tunnel extension application at 980 Chelmsford Street to February 22nd (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for October 26, 2022 and December 14, 2022 (5-0)

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee will meet to review several administrative items. Discussions include HVAC oversight for LHS Energy Management System and coordination of cafeteria operations.

• LHS Energy Management System HVAC Oversight
• Cafeteria operations, hiring, evaluation support, and recruiting
• Conversational English instructor for school and community interactions
• After School HR Support for Teachers

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee approved forwarding several job descriptions and staffing requests to the full School Committee for final approval. These include roles for HVAC oversight, cafeteria operations, English instruction, and HR support.

• Approved motion to forward LHS Energy Management System HVAC Oversight job description to the City for approval (3-0)
• Approved motion to move Cafeteria Operations Assistant proposal to the School Committee for approval (2-1)
• Approved motion to move Conversational English Instructor positions to the full Committee for approval (2-1)
• Approved motion to approve After School HR Support Teacher (2-1)

School Committee Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee's Curriculum Subcommittee will meet to discuss updates on the LHS Fine Arts/Health Program and a report on elementary math and ELA interventions. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for review and discussion only.

• Update on the LHS Fine Arts/Health Program
• Report on elementary math and ELA interventions

The subcommittee received reports on elementary literacy and math interventions and the Lowell High School Fine Arts/Health program. Members discussed the use of Eureka math and the alignment of performing arts with health curriculum. The subcommittee voted to receive a future data presentation on student standing in ELA and math programs.

• Approved motion to receive data presentation on student standing in ELA & Math programs (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 6:53 p.m. (2-0, 1 absent)

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee will meet to discuss the replacement of recycling and trash bins. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding recycling and trash bin replacement

The committee discussed procedures for repairing and replacing broken trash bins and the impact of staffing levels on performance. No formal votes or policy decisions were made during the meeting.

City Council

The City Council will discuss ordinances to amend marijuana zoning and create a Digital Evidence Specialist position for the LPD. The body will also vote on accepting several grants and review utility requests for gas main and pole installations.

• Ordinance to amend zoning regarding marijuana
• Ordinance to create Digital Evidence Specialist position for LPD
• Vote to accept $15,000 gift from Hartford Foundation for Career Center
• Vote to accept $3,000 gift from Lowell Five
• Public hearing on National Grid request to move gas main at Meadowcroft St. and Exchange Pl.

The City Council adopted an ordinance to create a Digital Evidence Specialist position for the Lowell Police Department. The Council also approved several grants and funding amendments, including a $15,000 gift for the Career Center. Multiple requests for city manager reports on housing, transportation, and public safety were referred for further review.

• Adopted ordinance to create Digital Evidence Specialist position for LPD (10-0)
• Approved $15,000 gift from Hartford Foundation for Career Center (10-0)
• Approved $3,000 gift from Lowell Five (10-0)
• Approved expenditure of FY23 earmarked funds for Shedd Park (10-0)
• Approved amendments to FY19-20 (ESG-CV) and FY21-22 (CDBG) Annual Action Plans (10-0)
• Approved 60 Day Trial order (10-0)
• Approved out-of-state travel request for DPD (10-0)
• Referred marijuana zoning amendment to Planning Board and public hearing

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes from January 31, 2023, and consider motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications from the week of January 31 to February 3, 2023. They will also discuss statutory exemptions, FY24 3ABC applications, and FY23 real estate and personal property abatements. The agenda includes old and new business items.

• Motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for week of Jan 31 – Feb 3, 2023
• FY23 real estate and personal property abatements
• FY24 3ABC applications
• Statutory exemptions

The Board of Assessors approved six motor vehicle excise tax abatements and six statutory exemptions. No real estate or personal property abatements were reported.

• Approved January 31, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 6 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $272.73
• Approved 3 Clause 41C statutory exemptions
• Approved 1 Clause 22 statutory exemption
• Approved 1 Clause 17E statutory exemption
• Approved 1 Elderly Volunteer statutory exemption

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment to eliminate off-street parking requirements in the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMU) district, remove the option to lease spaces in public garages, and eliminate the special permit requirement for 3-10 residential units. The board will also consider nominations for a Historic Board representative to replace Richard Lockhart, whose term expires February 28, 2023.

• Public hearing on DMU zoning amendment to set parking requirement to zero spaces per unit
• Proposal to remove language allowing leased parking in public garages in DMU district
• Proposal to eliminate special permit for 3-10 residential units in DMU district
• Nomination process for Historic Board member representing Planning Board

The Board issued a positive recommendation to amend the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMU) zoning district to require zero off-street parking spaces per unit and eliminate the Special Permit for 3-10 residential units. The Board also nominated Richard Lockhart to the Historic Board.

• Issued positive recommendation for DMU zoning amendment to remove parking requirements (5-0)
• Nominated R. Lockhart as Planning Board representative to the Historic Board (5-0)
• Approved January 5, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

School Committee

The School Committee is reviewing proposed Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) for supplemental pay covering March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022. The committee is also discussing the selection of outside counsel to conduct an internal complaints investigation.

• Consideration of proposed MOAs for supplemental pay for UTL, LSAA, and SEIU
• Approval of supplemental pay for unaffiliated personnel and school principals
• Selection process for outside counsel to conduct an internal complaints investigation
• Request for statements of interest and hourly rates from attorneys Gwen King, Douglas McGarrah, and Michael Stefanilo

The School Committee approved bundled Memoranda of Agreement for supplemental pay for various personnel groups. The Committee also initiated the process of selecting outside counsel for an internal complaints investigation.

• Approved remote meeting (7-0)
• Approved request for three attorneys to submit statements of interest and rates for an investigation (7-0)
• Approved bundled supplemental pay for UTL, LSAA, SEIU, unaffiliated personnel, and school principals (7-0)
• Approved $5 million cost for supplemental pay funded by vacancy, health insurance, and tuition savings (7-0)

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting in executive session to discuss collective bargaining and legal matters. The body will review proposals for union pay and contract negotiations for athletic training services.

• Proposed MOA for supplemental pay (March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022) for all unions
• Collective bargaining proposals and grievances for UTL, LSSA, and SEIU
• Proposals for expiring unaffiliated contracts
• Litigation update
• Negotiations with potential athletic training service providers

The committee voted to enter an executive session to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, and contract negotiations. No substantive public decisions were recorded during this meeting.

• Approved motion to enter Executive Session (5-0, 2 absent)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The commission will hear from a Mass Law Reform expert regarding the termination of SNAP Emergency Allotments and nutrition regulations. Members will also meet the new Director of Homelessness Initiatives and review local health and needs assessments.

• Discussion on SNAP Emergency Allotments termination with Patricia Baker
• Introduction of the new Director of Homelessness Initiatives
• Review of the Winter Protocol Plan LTLC
• 2023 Community Needs Assessment CTI
• Community Health Improvement Plan GLHA

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider approving minutes from its January 11 meeting and review reports from Trinity EMS, tobacco control, and development services. Old business includes wastewater testing data and lead results from Immaculate School. The director will present updates from the Public Health, Substance Abuse, and School Health divisions.

• Trinity EMS Q4 2022 report and notifications
• Tobacco Control monthly report for January 2023
• Monthly Development Services report on food establishments
• Biobot Analytics wastewater testing update
• Immaculate School lead results and parent letter

The Board of Health accepted the minutes from the January 11, 2023 meeting. The Board voted to require the owner of A & R African Market & International Food to appear before the Board for selling food without a permit. Other business included reviews of EMS, tobacco control, and sanitary code reports.

• Accepted minutes of the January 11, 2023 meeting
• Approved motion to send letter to owner of A & R African Market & International Food to appear before the Board regarding selling food without a permit

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss library operations and administrative updates. The agenda includes updates on board vacancies, library signage, and the strategic plan.

• Update on PML Trustee Board vacancies
• Update on outside signage for the Library
• Discussion regarding permissions for filming and photography use
• Update on Strategic Plan

The Board of Trustees held a hybrid meeting to discuss library signage, photography policies, and grant funding. No new policies were formally voted into law, though the Governance Committee began drafting a photography and recording policy based on a Hartford, CT model.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved January 4, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous with one abstention)

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss budget updates for FY23 and FY24 and review the SY2022-2023 strategic goals. The body will also consider a budget transfer and a proposed memorandum of agreement for supplemental pay for all unions.

• Proposed MOA for supplemental pay for all unions (March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022)
• Approval to accept a $500 donation from the Heather C. Clark Memorial Fund
• Budget transfer request and approval of budget hearing dates
• Request to the Superintendent regarding the acquisition of the Jean D'Arc School property
• Travel requests for Lowell High School students to New Hampshire, Norwood, MA, Anaheim, CA, and Vista, CA

The School Committee approved a significant budget transfer and finalized the SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables. Members also approved a revised Pre-K policy and several requests for the Superintendent to research safety, equity, and academic reporting. A proposed MOA for supplemental pay for all unions was tabled.

• Approved budget transfer of $629,372.88 (7-0)
• Approved SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables (7-0)
• Approved revised Pre-K policy (7-0)
• Tabled proposed MOA for supplemental pay for all unions (7-0)
• Approved $500 donation from Heather C. Clark Memorial Fund for Laura Lee School (7-0)
• Approved travel requests for students to New Hampshire, Norwood, MA, Anaheim, CA, and Vista, CA (7-0)
• Approved request to investigate acquiring Jean D'Arc School property (7-0)
• Approved revised established subcommittees (7-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet on January 31, 2023, to review minutes from January 24 and consider applications for motor vehicle excise tax abatements from the week of January 23–27. They will also discuss statutory exemptions, FY24 3ABC applications, and FY23 real estate and personal property abatements. The agenda includes old and new business items.

• Motor vehicle excise tax abatement applications for week of January 23–27, 2023
• Statutory exemptions
• FY24 3ABC applications
• FY23 real estate and personal property abatements

The Board of Assessors approved 15 motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $1,697.64. The board also acted on several statutory exemption applications. Minutes from the January 24, 2023 meeting were approved.

• Approved minutes of January 24, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved 15 motor vehicle excise abatements totaling $1,697.64
• Approved 2 Clause 41C statutory exemptions
• Approved 1 Clause 22 statutory exemption
• Approved 1 Clause 17E statutory exemption
• Denied 1 Clause 37A statutory exemption

City Council Veterans Subcommittee

The City Council Veterans Subcommittee will meet to discuss the Hometown Heroes Banner Program and events for Memorial Day. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Discussion of Hometown Heroes Banner Program
• Discussion of events for Memorial Day

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a utility request from Verizon New England Inc. The body will also review city manager reports on school funding, lead service lines, and various street and sidewalk repair requests.

• Public hearing: Verizon New England Inc. request to place one new 4" conduit on Lakeview Avenue
• Approval of Constable Bonds for Stanley Wyzansky, Juan Garcia, and Ronald Bertheim
• Review of Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Program report
• Four property damage claims
• Motion to evaluate sidewalk conditions at Cardinal O’Connor Preschool

The City Council approved constable bonds for three individuals and authorized out-of-state travel for the DPD. Several requests for city manager evaluations of traffic, sidewalks, and fire equipment were referred for further action. The council also accepted appointments to the Hunger Homeless Commission.

• Approved out-of-state travel for DPD (11-0)
• Approved constable bonds for Stanley Wyzansky, Juan Garcia, and Ronald Bertheim (11-0)
• Accepted appointments to Hunger Homeless Commission
• Referred Verizon conduit petition on Lakeview Avenue to Wire Inspector
• Referred Reserved Dwelling Sign Program to Finance SC
• Referred four property damage claims to Law Department
• Referred request for LFD equipment and vehicle updates to City Manager
• Referred traffic and sidewalk evaluations at Shaughnessy School and Cardinal O’Connor Preschool to City Manager

School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee

The Policy & Governance Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss several district policies. Topics include staff hiring procedures and registration timelines for PreK and Kindergarten.

• Policy for Procedure on Placing Communications to the Board on the SC Agendas
• PreK-Registration Timeline
• Preschool Assignment Policy
• Kindergarten Registration Timeline
• Professional Staff Hiring Policy & Comprehensive Hiring Policy

The Policy & Governance Subcommittee voted to recommend the revised Pre-K policy to the full Committee. Members discussed kindergarten registration timelines and the impact of immunization requirements on the healthcare system. The subcommittee also discussed updating the public participation policy regarding communications on the agenda.

• Recommended approval of revised Pre-K policy to the full Committee (3-0)
• Approved motion to take agenda out of order (3-0)
• Accepted report as a report of progress and adjourned (2-0)

School Committee Family & Community Engagement Subcommittee

The Family & Community Engagement Subcommittee will meet to review and discuss the Key Performance Indicators for Quarter One. The meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Mayor's Reception Room.

• Review of Key Performance Indicators: Quarter One Report

The Family & Community Engagement Subcommittee reviewed the Quarter One Key Performance Indicators report. Members discussed student achievement, chronic absences, diversity hiring, and language access measures. The subcommittee voted to accept the report as a report of progress.

• Accepted Key Performance Indicators: Quarter One Report as a report of progress (3-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for January 26, 2023, has been cancelled because there were no agenda items to discuss. No decisions or discussions will take place at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

City Council Auditor/ Clerk Oversight and Personnel Sub Committee

The City Council Auditor/Clerk Oversight and Personnel Subcommittee will meet to discuss evaluation procedures for the City Manager, City Auditor, and City Clerk. The meeting is hybrid, with in-person attendance at the Mayor's Reception Room and remote participation via Zoom. Public comment is allowed for those who register in advance by email or phone.

• Discussion of City Manager, City Auditor, and City Clerk evaluation procedures

The committee discussed developing a formal formula and categories to measure employee performance for the Manager, Auditor, and Clerk. Members reviewed past evaluations and noted the need for consistent, agreed-upon criteria. No formal votes on specific criteria were taken.

License Commission

The License Commission will consider multiple applications for one-day alcohol licenses for special events and common victualler licenses for food service. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding a license transfer and review requests for new restaurant licenses.

• Special one-day licenses and amplified outdoor entertainment permits for 'Lowell Winterfest' on February 17-18 at Brown Street and Lowell Memorial Auditorium
• Common Victualler licenses for six Dunkin Donuts locations including 651 Rogers St. and 24 Merrimack St.
• Public hearing for transfer of an 'All Alcoholic Beverages' license for Hong Kong Restaurant at 308 Westford Street
• Request for a new 'All Alcoholic Beverages' and Common Victualler license for Jade Lowell at 165 Thorndike Street
• Revised application for an 'All Alcoholic Beverages' license for Sampa Event Hall at 81 Bridge Street

The Commission approved several special one-day licenses for events including Lowell Winterfest and a Black History Month Gala. It also approved a restaurant license transfer for Hong Kong Restaurant and a common victualler license for Indian Pizzeria. A public hearing for a new license for Jade Lowell was scheduled for February 9, 2023.

• Approved special licenses and entertainment permits for Lowell Winterfest (4-0)
• Approved special license for 'Celebration of Life' at Hellenic Center (4-0)
• Approved special licenses for live music events at Mill No. 5 (4-0)
• Approved special license for birthday party at 81 Bridge Street (4-0)
• Approved special license for 'Here We Are' art reception (4-0)
• Approved special license for Black History Month Gala at UTEC (4-0)
• Approved special license for anniversary party at 81 Bridge Street (4-0)
• Approved common victualler license for Indian Pizzeria (4-0)

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee will meet virtually on January 26, 2023, to further discuss the superintendent's strategic goals for SY2022-2023 and receive an update from the City Law Department on the bid process for outside counsel to conduct a previously approved internal complaints investigation.

• Further discussion of Superintendent's SY2022-2023 Strategic Goals, Actions and Deliverables
• Update from City Law Department on bid process for outside counsel to conduct Internal Complaints Investigation

The subcommittee approved forwarding the Superintendent's SY2022-2023 strategic goals to the full School Committee for approval. Members also discussed the delayed process of hiring outside counsel for an internal complaints investigation.

• Approved motion to forward Superintendent’s Goals to the next School Committee meeting (3-0)
• Approved motion to poll for a Special Meeting on February 6, 2023 (3-0)