Lowell public meetings in 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

The board will review a continued business item updating a CPC application for $310,000 dated December 4, 2025. In new business, Executive Director Bob Cox will present a request for $500,000 from the Lowell Affordable Housing Trust Fund to acquire and rehabilitate 267 Pawtucket Street, creating 29 permanent affordable housing units for veterans experiencing homelessness. The board will also consider a proposal to create an AIITF funding application. Procedural items include roll call, approval of minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting, and scheduling the next meeting for 1/21/25.

• Update of CPC application presentation for $310,000 on 12/4/2025
• Request for $500,000 to acquire and rehabilitate 267 Pawtucket Street for 29 veteran housing units
• Proposal to create an AIITF funding application
• Approval of minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting
• Schedule next meeting for 1/21/25

AD HOC On Building Naming

The Lowell Public Schools AD‑HOC Building Naming Subcommittee will meet on Dec. 16, 2025. Members will review a request to name the new academic building at Lowell High School after the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy. The meeting is for discussion only; no decision has been made.

• Request to name the new Lowell High School academic building (corner of Arcand Drive and Father Morissette Blvd) for the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy

The subcommittee voted to advance the nomination form to place the new Lowell High School building naming on the next School Committee agenda for community input and full Committee approval. The motion passed with two yeas and one member absent. The meeting was then adjourned with three yeas.

• Approved moving nomination form to next School Committee agenda (2 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting (3 yeas)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will meet to accept minutes from previous meetings, review responses to council motions, and vote on accepting various grants and transfers totaling over $248,000. A councilor has also requested the city manager develop a workforce housing program.

• Accept $210k Hartford Foundation grant
• Accept $2,500 Mass State Police grant
• Accept $674.50 Walmart grant
• Transfer $35k for census form printing
• Request for workforce housing program

The council adopted a $210,000 Hartford Foundation for Public Giving grant and also approved smaller grants of $2,500 for the police, $674.50 from Walmart for fire services, and a $35,000 transfer for census printing. Reappointments to the Pollard Library Board of Trustees were confirmed. A request for a handicap parking sign at 75 Lincoln Street was referred to the Transportation Engineer.

• Approved $210,000 Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Grant (11 yeas)
• Approved $2,500 Mass State Police Grant for LPD (11 yeas)
• Approved $674.50 Walmart Grant for fire services (11 yeas)
• Approved $35,000 transfer for census form printing (11 yeas)
• Adopted reappointments to Pollard Library Board (Joanie Bernes, Judith Davidson, Helen Littlefield, Christine O’Connor, Donna Richards) (11 yeas)
• Referred handicap parking sign request at 75 Lincoln Street to Transportation Engineer (motion passed)
• Accepted motion to allow remote/Zoom participation (adopted)
• Accepted minutes of Environmental and Flood Issues SC meeting (adopted)

School Committee Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee

The AD-HOC Building Naming Subcommittee will meet to review a request to name a new academic building. The body will also update and approve the building naming nomination form.

• Request to name the new Lowell High School academic building at Arcand Drive and Father Morissette Blvd after Senator Edward J. Kennedy
• Update and approval of the AD-HOC Building Naming Form

The subcommittee voted to advance the nomination form to name the new Lowell High School academic building after the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy and to place it on the next School Committee agenda for community input. The motion passed with two yeas and one member absent. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous three‑yea vote.

• Approved moving nomination form forward for Edward J. Kennedy building naming (2 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting (3 yeas)

City Council Non-Profit Organizations Sub Committee

The Lowell City Council Non‑Profit Organizations Subcommittee will meet on Dec. 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber (hybrid). The only agenda item is a discussion of federal entitlement funding. No decisions or votes are listed; the meeting appears to be informational.

• Discussion – Federal entitlement funding

The Non‑Profit Organizations Sub‑Committee heard a presentation on changes to federal entitlement grants (CDBG, ESG, Home Grants) and the new restrictions attached to them. Members and public speakers discussed how the changes could affect local non‑profits and noted that funding is no longer guaranteed. No formal approvals, denials, or policy changes were adopted. The meeting was adjourned by a motion that passed.

• Motion to adjourn approved (unanimous)

Board of Disabilities Commission

The Commission on Disability will meet to discuss community needs and review old business. The meeting includes guests from the Massachusetts Accessible and Affordable Housing Coalition and the Lowell Housing Authority.

• Discussion on community needs
• Review of Funding and Transition Plan
• Review of Bartlett School
• Review of LHS Building
• Review of Friends of the Commission Program

The Board approved the October 11, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted reports on the new interpretation services contract, the Bartlett School parking lot and lift project, the LHS building construction, and the Friends of the Commission program. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:53 pm. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Oct 11, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted report on new interpretation services contract (motion passed)
• Accepted report on Bartlett School parking lot and lift status (motion passed)
• Accepted report on LHS building construction (motion passed)
• Accepted report on Friends of the Commission program candidates (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:53 pm (motion passed)

Board of Parks

The Board will hear a request from Jen Mahoney‑Brum about construction at Father Maguires Park and use of the Jan Mahoney Softball Field. It will receive an itemized cost update for converting Montbleau field back to a baseball field. The Board will also get an update on any outstanding fees.

• Request to address concerns about ongoing construction at Father Maguires Park and usage of Jan Mahoney Softball Field
• Update on the itemized breakdown for the cost to transition Montbleau field from a softball field back to a baseball field
• Update on outstanding fees

The board voted 5-0 to table the Jen Mahoney‑Brum request about Father Maguires Park until she can speak. It also voted 5-0 to defer further discussion on converting Montbleau Field back to a baseball field until a cost quote is received. Finally, the board adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. with a 5-0 vote.

• Table Jen Mahoney‑Brum park concerns until she is present (5-0)
• Continue Montbleau Field conversion discussion after receiving cost quote (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting at 7:02 p.m. (5-0)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees will approve the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss updates from IMLS, the Massachusetts legislature, and strategic plan work groups. Members will nominate officers for board terms and review the proposed community mosaic project for the city’s bicentennial. The meeting will also include reports from the chair, committees, the library director, and liaison organizations.

• Board Terms – Officer Nominations
• Community mosaic project for Bicentennial added to agenda
• IMLS Update
• MA Legislative Update
• Strategic Plan Work Groups Update

The trustees corrected the meeting date on the agenda and approved the agenda unanimously. They also approved the November 12, 2025 minutes without revisions. A motion to allow the library to permanently display the new community mosaic was made by Donna Richards, seconded by Jack Moynihan, and passed unanimously. The vote on the officer slate will be taken at the January meeting.

• Corrected meeting date on agenda and approved agenda unanimously
• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes unanimously
• Approved permanent installation of community mosaic artwork (unanimous)
• Scheduled vote on officer slate for January meeting

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council will confirm which applicants were denied, review the language and timing of denial letters, start allocating funding to approved applicants, and review and sign reimbursements for 2025.

• Confirmation of denied applicants
• Review of denial letter language and notification timeline
• Begin assigning funding amounts for approved applicants
• Review and signature of 2025 reimbursements

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will review several requests for determinations of applicability and notices of intent regarding construction in floodplains and wetland buffer zones. The body will also address enforcement orders for unauthorized tree and landscaping removal.

• Notice of Intent for New England Power Company to improve accessway and build a stormwater basin at 32-41 Reiss Avenue
• Notice of Intent for the City of Lowell to replace a culvert on Billerica Street over Marginal Brook
• Enforcement Orders for landscaping and tree removal at 48 Townsend Avenue and 25 Rita Street
• Pre-application hearing to discuss changing the scope of work for the Rivers Edge development
• Election of officers and meeting schedule for 2026

City Council Environment & Flood Issues Sub Committee

The City Council Environmental & Flood Issues Subcommittee will meet on Dec. 9, 2025 to discuss the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program. No decisions are noted; the agenda item is listed for discussion only.

• Discussion of the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program

The Environment & Flood Subcommittee reviewed the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Demonstration Program and noted that Lowell is not currently a fit for participation. Members agreed the city should monitor the program and gather more data. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Motion to adjourn passed (motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Yem)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will vote on several funding and grant items, including $50,000 for McInerney Park, $50,000 for Varnum Cemetery, and a MassDOT Safe Routes to School signs and lines grant. Council members also consider motions on a letter of support for a life‑saving treatment bill, compensation for elected officials, hiring a Clerk of Works for the High School Project, and a monument at Tyler Park. Additional items include a request to approve constable bonds and a public hearing on the 2025 MSBA Accelerated Repair Program loan order.

• Approve $50,000 FY26 earmarked funds for McInerney Park
• Approve $50,000 FY26 earmarked funds for Varnum Cemetery
• Accept MassDOT Safe Routes to School signs and lines grant
• Request approval of constable bonds
• Explore hiring a Clerk of Works for the remainder of the High School Project

The council adopted the MassDOT Safe Routes to School signs and lines grant. It also approved $50,000 earmarked funds for McInerney Park, Varnum Cemetery, and a name change for the Edson Cemetery chapel. A monument honoring Nancy and Bernie Judge was authorized for Tyler Park, and constable bonds for Jason Burke and Ronald Berthiem were approved.

• Adopt MassDOT Safe Routes to School grant (9 yeas)
• Adopt $50,000 FY26 earmarked funds for McInerney Park (9 yeas)
• Adopt $50,000 FY26 earmarked funds for Varnum Cemetery (9 yeas)
• Adopt change of Edson Cemetery Chapel to Girard P. “Jerry” Largay Chapel (9 yeas)
• Adopt authorization of payment of bills incurred in excess of appropriations (9 yeas)
• Approve constable bonds for Jason Burke and Ronald Berthiem (9 yeas)
• Adopt monument at Tyler Park honoring Nancy and Bernie Judge (9 yeas)
• Refer request to support S.1042 Life‑Saving Treatment bill to City Manager (referral)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will review the October meeting minutes, hear the Director’s and Chairperson’s reports, and receive grant and outreach updates. The board will also discuss any old and new business items, though no specific resolutions are listed.

• Approval of October meeting minutes
• Director’s Report
• Grant updates
• Outreach Committee report
• Discussion of old and new business

The Advisory Board approved the October 20 minutes without dissent. No other motions were adopted. The meeting was then adjourned after a motion by Maxine and second by Judy, with all members in agreement.

• Approved October 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to consider variance and special permit requests. The board is reviewing proposals for residential expansions, a lot split, and a new business operation.

• ZBA-2025-37: Request to convert a two-unit to a four-unit residential building at 239 E Merrimack Street
• ZBA-2025-41: Special Permit and Variance for a microblading business at 12 Wood Street
• ZB-2025-49: Request to split a lot and build a single-family home at 394 Woburn Street
• ZB-2025-52: Variance for a second-floor addition at 100 Gilmore Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals withdrew the variance request for 239 E. Merrimack Street. It postponed the microblading business case at 12 Wood Street to the Jan. 12, 2026 meeting. The board unanimously approved variances for 394 Woburn Street, LLC’s new home project and for Alfredo Nunez’s second‑floor addition. The minutes from the Nov. 24 meeting were approved and the board adjourned.

• Withdrawn variance request for 239 E. Merrimack St (unanimous 5-0)
• Case for 12 Wood St microblading business continued to 1/12/2026 (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved variances for 394 Woburn St project (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved variances for 100 Gilmore St second‑floor addition (unanimous 5-0)
• Approved 11/24/2025 meeting minutes (unanimous 5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 5-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is reviewing seven funding applications for historic rehabilitation and housing projects. The body will also vote on the 2026 meeting schedule and elect officers.

• Smith Baker Center restoration at 415 Merrimack Street: $859,236
• Turbine Building conversion to 27 market rate units at 246.1 Market Street: $779,121
• Bridge Club conversion to 29 affordable housing units for veterans at 267 Pawtucket Street: $500,000
• Window replacement at 91 Dutton Street (Cobblestones Restaurant): $468,670.95
• City of Lowell Affordable Housing Trust Fund application: $310,000

City Council Parks and Recreation Sub Committee

The Lowell City Council Parks and Recreation Subcommittee will meet on Dec. 3, 2025. The only agenda item is a discussion of the Board of Parks' proposed fee structure for tournaments. No vote or decision is listed in the agenda. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber and via Zoom.

• Discussion of Board of Parks' proposed fee structure for tournaments

The Parks & Recreation Sub‑Committee voted to accept the new Board of Parks fee schedule. The schedule sets synthetic field rentals at $1,500 per day, non‑synthetic fields at $225 per day, trash removal at $200 per day, and lighting at $100 for four hours. The motion passed with three yeas (C. Belanger, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopted new Board of Parks fee schedule (3 yeas: C. Belanger, C. Gitschier, C. Mercier)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission will hear presentations from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank on the Governor's Anti‑Hunger Task Force, Mill City Grows on its Lowell Food Access Symposium and work groups, Greater Lowell Health Alliance on the 2025 Greater Lowell Health Needs Assessment, and NMCOG on the 2025 Greater Lowell Annual Housing Summit. The meeting includes an open discussion period and standard commission business. No formal decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Merrimack Valley Food Bank presentation on Governor's Anti‑Hunger Task Force progress
• Mill City Grows presentation on Lowell Food Access Symposium and formation of work groups
• Greater Lowell Health Alliance announcement of the 2025 Greater Lowell Health Needs Assessment
• NMCOG briefing on the 2025 Greater Lowell Annual Housing Summit (Dec 10, 5:30‑8 pm, UMass Lowell Coburn Hall)

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will approve minutes from its October 1 and November 5 meetings, review several monthly reports, consider the nomination of Joren Kilsdonk for Animal Inspector, and discuss syringe service programs. The meeting also includes departmental updates before adjourning.

• Approve minutes of the October 1, 2025 Board of Health meeting
• Approve minutes of the November 5, 2025 Board of Health meeting
• Review Development Services monthly inspection and establishment reports
• Vote on the nomination of Joren Kilsdonk as City of Lowell Animal Inspector
• Discuss syringe service programs and the needle exchange ordinance

The Lowell Board of Health approved the minutes from its October 1 and November 5, 2025 meetings. It accepted and filed the Development Services, PrideStar EMS, and Tobacco Control monthly reports. The board voted 3‑0 to confirm Joren Kilsdonk as the 2025‑2026 Animal Inspector. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Development Services Monthly Reports and placed on file
• Accepted PrideStar EMS, Inc. reports and placed on file
• Accepted Tobacco Control Monthly Report and placed on file
• Approved nomination of Joren Kilsdonk as Animal Inspector (3‑0, 2 absent)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:35 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will accept minutes from the November 25 environmental and flood subcommittee, hold public hearings on a recycling fund vote, a loan order to amend the high school project, and two ordinance amendments (electric vehicles and the Lowell Cultural Council). A utility hearing will consider National Grid’s request to relocate a pole at 138 Cross Street, and council members will make several administrative motions.

• Vote – Municipal Recycling Fund (MRF) for FY2026
• Loan Order – Amend High School Project
• Ordinance – Amend Chapter 266 – Electric Vehicles
• Ordinance – Amend Chapter 28 – Lowell Cultural Council
• Utility Public Hearing – National Grid request to relocate SO pole at 138 Cross Street

The City Council adopted the FY2026 Minimum Residential Factor (MRF) at 0.9 0116 with a unanimous 9‑yea vote. A loan order to amend the High School Project was defeated (7 yeas, 2 nays). Ordinances amending Chapter 266 (electric vehicles) and Chapter 28 (Lowell Cultural Council) were both adopted unanimously. Several items were referred to the City Manager or Wire Inspector for further action.

• Adopt MRF FY2026 at 0.9 0116 (9 yeas, 2 absent)
• Defeat Loan Order – Amend High School Project (7 yeas, 2 nays, 2 absent)
• Adopt Ordinance – Amend Chapter 266 (Electric Vehicles) (9 yeas, 2 absent)
• Adopt Ordinance – Amend Chapter 28 (Lowell Cultural Council) (9 yeas, 2 absent)
• Refer National Grid pole relocation request to Wire Inspector (motion passed)
• Refer property‑damage claim to Law Department (motion passed)
• Refer request for crosswalk at Woburn & Easton St to City Manager (motion passed)
• Refer request for 2026 street‑sweeping schedule to City Manager (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold public hearings on three development applications. One proposes a definitive subdivision of 129 Llewellyn Street and 115 Christian Street into 17 single‑family lots. Another seeks a special permit to split the lot at 88 Weed Street for a new single‑family home. A third application requests amendments to an existing subdivision and special permit at 165 Nelson Avenue and 33‑113 Adie Way to add 16 lots and increase units from 181 to 187.

• Definitive Subdivision – 129 Llewellyn Street & 115 Christian Street: 17 new single‑family lots in Suburban Single‑Family zoning
• Special Permit – 88 Weed Street: split lot and build a new single‑family home in Traditional Single‑Family zoning
• Definitive Subdivision and Special Permit amendment – 165 Nelson Avenue and 33‑113 Adie Way: add 16 lots and raise units from 181 to 187 in Traditional Two‑Family zoning

The Board approved the minutes from the November 3 meeting. It then approved the definitive subdivision of 129 Llewellyn Street and 115 Christian Street with four conditions. A special permit for a new single‑family home at 88 Weed Street was also approved with two conditions. The Board postponed consideration of the Rivers Edge amendment to the January 22 meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0, Cheng abstaining)
• Approved definitive subdivision of 129 Llewellyn St & 115 Christian St with conditions (4-0)
• Approved special permit for 88 Weed St with rendering and sidewalk conditions (5-0)
• Continued review of 165 Nelson Ave & 33-113 Adie Way project to Jan 22 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council meeting scheduled for November 26, 2025, was cancelled because business was accomplished during the previous day's meeting.

City Council Environment & Flood Issues Sub Committee

The City Council Environmental & Flood Issues Subcommittee will meet on November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chamber at 375 Merrimack St, with a hybrid Zoom option. The agenda lists a single item: a discussion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requirements. No decisions or votes are indicated for this meeting.

• Discussion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Requirements

The Environment & Flood Issues Sub‑Committee approved a motion directing the City Manager to have the Law Department and the Department of Public Works incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) into land‑use applications and permitting. The motion passed with three yeas from Councilors Belanger, Robinson and Yem. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved request to incorporate IPM into land‑use permitting (3 yeas)
• Adopted motion to adjourn (unanimous)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will consider several manager‑requested items, including reports on sick‑time usage, school testing, and service payments. It will vote on accepting $193,581.76 of FY25 state aid for the public libraries program and on amending the Julian D. Steele public housing development plan. Additional actions include a motion response on speed monitoring on East Merrimack Street and an ordinance amendment to the needle exchange program.

• Vote to accept and expend $193,581.76 FY25 State Aid to Public Libraries Program Award
• Vote to amend Julian D. Steele Public Housing Development Plan
• Request for audit of all sick‑time usage broken down by department
• Outline of services for payments of $257,600 (Aug 21 2025) and $144,900 (Oct 9 2025) to Frontrunner City Group
• Ordinance amendment to Chapter 222.24 – Needle Exchange Program

The council adopted a $193,581.76 FY25 State Aid award for public libraries and approved an amendment to the Julian D. Steele Public Housing Development Plan. It also adopted a 60‑day trial order and a resolution supporting paint‑stewardship legislation. Several requests were referred to the City Manager for further reporting.

• Adopted $193,581.76 FY25 State Aid to Public Libraries Program Award (11 yeas)
• Adopted amendment to Julian D. Steele Public Housing Development Plan (11 yeas)
• Adopted 60‑day trial order (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopted resolution supporting Paint Stewardship Legislation H.886 and S.647 (11 yeas)
• Referred request for city‑manager audit of sick‑time usage by department to City Manager
• Referred request for report on Washington School work and testing (last two months) to City Manager
• Referred request for outline of payments to Frontrunner City Group ($257,600 and $144,900) to City Manager
• Referred request for shadow conduit ordinance draft to City Manager

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council will review and decide on the 2026 grant applicants. The council will also begin reviewing the language of denial letters to be used in December. An update from the City of Lowell on direct granting will be provided as a standing item. Finally, members will review and sign reimbursement documents.

• Deliberation of 2026 grant applicants
• Begin review of denial letter language for December
• Update from City of Lowell on direct granting (standing item)
• Review and signature of reimbursements

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to review four petitions for variances and special permits. These include requests for home additions, a massage business, a carport, and an adult health care center.

• Special Permit for an adult health care center at 22 Olde Canal Drive
• Special Permit for a massage business at 16 Stedman Street
• Variance for a home addition at 24 Light Avenue regarding floor area ratio and side yard setbacks
• Variance for a carport at 7 Avalon Street regarding accessory structure setback

The board unanimously approved a variance for Sokharath Koy's home addition at 24 Light Avenue. It also approved a special permit with conditions for a massage business at 16 Stedman Street and a variance for a carport at 7 Avalon Street. The application for an adult health care center at 22 Olde Canal Drive was continued to the Jan 12, 2026 meeting. Minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved variance for 24 Light Avenue addition (5-0)
• Approved special permit for massage business at 16 Stedman Street with conditions (5-0)
• Approved variance for carport at 7 Avalon Street (5-0)
• Continued adult health care center permit to Jan 12, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Election Commission

The Election Commission will conduct a recount of ballots cast for City Council District 3 from the November 4, 2025 election. It will review absentee, early, rejected, or defective ballots and any other election material requested by candidates, then announce the recount totals. Finally, the commission will certify the District 3 election result.

• Recount of City Council District 3 ballots from the November 4, 2025 election
• Review of absentee/early rejected or defective ballots
• Review of other election material requested by candidates
• Announcement of recount totals
• Certification of District 3 election result

School Building Committee

The committee will accept the minutes from its October 30, 2025 meeting. It will hear a presentation from Suffolk, Skanska, and PE on the project schedule and Phase 3 progress. Updates on minority‑business participation, workforce, and Skanska’s budget will be provided. The board will also set the date for its next meeting and discuss next steps.

• Accept minutes of October 30, 2025 meeting
• Presentation on project schedule and Phase 3 progress by Suffolk/Skanska/PE
• MBE/WBE and workforce update from Suffolk
• Budget update from Skanska
• Determine next SBC meeting date and outline next steps

The committee placed the prior meeting minutes on file after a motion by W. Samaras and a second by D. Peaslee. A motion by R. Elliot to cancel the December 18, 2025 meeting passed with a second by C. Baldwin. The meeting was adjourned by a motion from W. Samaras, seconded by R. Elliot.

• Approved placement of previous minutes on file (passed by roll call)
• Approved cancellation of the December 18, 2025 meeting (passed by roll call)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (passed by roll call)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Board of Trustees is meeting to review the status of a $310,000 Community Preservation Act (CPA) application submitted on November 5, 2025. The board will also receive updates on projects supported by the City of Lowell and a report from the Law Department.

• Update on CPA application submitted 11/5/25 for $310,000.00
• Update on projects the City of Lowell supports for AHTF approval
• Update from Law department
• Presentation regarding the $310,000.00 CPA application on 12/4/25

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund board approved several motions, each with a 3‑0 vote. They began the meeting, approved the October 15 minutes, and authorized Bob Cox of the Greater Lowell Bridge Club to present his veteran affordable‑housing project at the next board meeting. The board also voted to request a legal opinion from the law department on ARPA funding rules and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved motion to begin the meeting (3-0)
• Approved minutes from October 15, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Approved Bob Cox/Greater Lowell Bridge Club to present veteran housing request at next meeting (3-0)
• Approved request for law department legal opinion on ARPA funding components (3-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (3-0)

School Committee School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee

The School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee will discuss the district’s grade‑advancement policy for grades 1‑8, focusing on how chronic absenteeism rates of 10%, 20% and 30% relate to academic work completion. The committee will also receive an update on chronic absenteeism rates by grade for school years 2023‑24, 2024‑25, and the first quarter of 2025‑26.

• Request for administration to provide the LPS grade‑advancement policy for grades 1‑8 with chronic absenteeism thresholds
• Update on chronic absenteeism rates by grade for SY 23/24, 24/25, and Q1 of 25/26

City Council

The Lowell City Council will accept the minutes from the November 4 meeting and hold public hearings on two ordinances: one amending Chapter 222.23 for supervised drug consumption sites and another amending Chapter 176 for rental property. Council members will consider several manager‑requested studies, including feasibility of additional crosswalks on Chelmsford Street and a temporary "LOWELL" display for the bicentennial. Votes will be taken on multiple grant acceptances and a $500,000 supplemental fire appropriation. An executive session will be held to discuss the possible purchase, exchange, lease, or valuation of the Senior Center at 276 Broadway Street and the Smith Baker Center at 400 Merrimack Street.

• Ordinance amendment – Chapter 222.23 supervised drug consumption sites
• Ordinance amendment – Chapter 176 rental property regulations
• Vote to accept $334,480 MA Elder Affairs Formula Funding FY26
• Vote to transfer $500,000 supplemental appropriation for fire services
• Executive session to consider purchase/lease/value of Senior Center (276 Broadway St) and Smith Baker Center (400 Merrimack St)

The City Council adopted an ordinance to allow supervised drug consumption sites (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent) and approved an amendment to the fire department supplemental appropriation, increasing it from $500,000 to $750,000 (10 yeas, 1 absent). The council also adopted a rental‑property ordinance amendment (10 yeas) and accepted several state grants and a $2,500 gift, each with unanimous approval. All actions were recorded as adopted or referred per the meeting minutes.

• Adopted Ordinance Amend Chap 222.23 – Supervised Drug Consumption Sites (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopted Ordinance Amend Ch 176 – Rental Property (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Accepted Gift of $2,500 from DCU (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Accepted $15,300 Address Verification Program Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Accepted $334,480 MA Elder Affairs Formula Funding FY26 (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Accepted $78,000 Mass DEP SMRP Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Amended Fire Supplemental Appropriation from $500,000 to $750,000 (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Referred multiple feasibility studies (bicentennial celebration plan, temporary “LOWELL” display, Chelmsford St crosswalks, sidewalk to Lowell General Hospital, Sayles St paving, Jackson St lighting, 47 Middlesex St property cleanup, High School security fixes) to the City Manager

Election Commission

The Lowell Election Commission will consider several items related to the November 4, 2025 city election. It will approve the minutes from the October 27 meeting, decide on the disposition of provisional ballots, and address any overseas ballots and recount petitions. The commission will also set a date, time, and location for a recount if needed, and will review and certify the election results.

• Approve minutes of the October 27 meeting
• Disposition of provisional ballots from the November 4, 2025 city election
• Review and tally overseas ballots from the November 4, 2025 city election, if any
• Accept recount petitions and set recount date, time, and location, if necessary
• Review and certify November 4, 2025 city election results

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for November 17, 2025, has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

Board of Disabilities Commission

The Lowell Commission on Disability will approve the previous month's minutes and hear from a guest representing the Massachusetts Accessible and Affordable Housing Coalition. It will discuss the Funding and Transition Plan, matters related to Bartlett School and the LHS Building, and the Friends of the Commission Program. An open discussion on community needs will also be held.

• Funding and Transition Plan
• Bartlett School
• LHS Building
• Friends of the Commission Program
• Open Discussion on Community Needs

The Board approved the September 11, 2025 minutes and accepted several reports on agenda items, including Market Street ADA compliance and the Saint Louis Sponge Park update. No actions were taken on funding, the sponge park project, or the LHS Building. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 pm.

• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted report on opening remarks (motion passed)
• Accepted report by Bill Mellen on funding and transition plan (motion passed)
• Accepted report by Bill Mellen on Saint Louis Sponge Park (motion passed)
• Accepted report on Market Street ADA compliance issue (motion passed)
• Accepted report on items from Commissioner Turcotte (motion passed)
• Accepted report on Friends of the Commission Program (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:12 pm (motion passed)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees will vote to approve the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. Trustees will receive updates from the strategic plan work groups, the chairperson, and various committees. The director will present a report covering building issues, personnel, programming highlights, and the library budget. Public comment will be allowed before adjournment.

• Approval of October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Strategic Plan Work Groups Update
• Director’s Report on building issues, personnel, programming highlights, and budget
• Chairperson’s Report
• Committee and liaison reports

The trustees unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. The board then adjourned the session by unanimous motion. No other substantive actions or new business were taken.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Courtney McSparron, seconded by Suzanne Frechette)
• October 8, 2025 minutes approved unanimously (motion by Courtney McSparron, seconded by Jack Moynihan)
• Meeting adjourned unanimously (motion by Helen Littlefield, seconded by Suzanne Frechette)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. All scheduled items are continued to the December 10 meeting.

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will meet to review reports from the Director and Chairperson. The agenda includes updates on grants, outreach, and the Senior Center Working Group.

• Grant updates
• Outreach Committee report
• Senior Center Working Group report
• Age Friendly Action report

The Council on Aging Advisory Board approved the September 2025 meeting minutes without dissent. The board then moved to adjourn the meeting, which was agreed to by all members present. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on several pending applications. Items include a special permit and variance for a microblading business at 12 Wood Street, a special permit for indoor car sales at 15 Garnet Street, and multiple variance requests for home additions, a carport, curb cuts, and driveways at various addresses. Some petitions will be continued to the November 24 meeting because the legal advertisement did not run. The board will also address other business as noted in the agenda.

• ZBA-2025-41: Special Permit and Variance for a microblading salon at 12 Wood Street
• ZBA-2025-42: Special Permit for indoor car sales at 15 Garnet Street
• ZBA-2025-43: Variance for home addition and carport at 14 Staveley Street
• ZBA-2025-44: Variance for additional curb cut and second driveway at 120 Mount Vernon Street
• ZBA-2025-45: Variance for home addition at 24 Light Avenue (continued to Nov 24)

The board continued the microblading permit petition for 12 Wood Street to the Dec 8 meeting. It approved a special permit for Alfonso Tejeda to add indoor car sales to his auto‑repair shop at 15 Garnet Street, with a six‑month administrative review and a condition prohibiting street parking. The board also approved variances for a home addition at 14 Staveley Street (fabric storage tent only) and a curb‑cut and second driveway at 120 Mount Vernon Street (permeable pavers, 9‑ft width, 3‑ft setback, one street tree), all by unanimous 5‑0 votes.

• Continued ZBA‑2025‑41 microblading permit petition to 12/8 meeting (5‑0)
• Approved special permit for indoor car sales at 15 Garnet St with 6‑month review and no street parking (5‑0)
• Approved variance for home addition at 14 Staveley St, requiring fabric storage tent only (5‑0)
• Approved driveway variance at 120 Mount Vernon St with permeable pavers, ≤9 ft width, 3 ft setback, and one street tree (5‑0)

Safety Subcommittee

The Safety Subcommittee meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025 was cancelled at the chair's request. The agenda had included a motion for the superintendent to develop a request for proposal to hire an outside school security firm for a system-wide safety assessment. Another motion called for creating a focus group with police, bus transportation companies, parents and school officials to improve communication and procedures during emergency lock‑down situations at arrival and dismissal. No decisions were made at this meeting.

• Motion to have the superintendent develop an RFP for an outside school security company to conduct a safety assessment
• Motion to create a focus group with Lowell Police, bus companies, parents and school staff to improve emergency communication and procedures

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission has cancelled its scheduled November 5, 2025 meeting. The date for the rescheduled meeting has not been announced. The commission is open to the public.

• Meeting cancelled
• Rescheduled date not announced
• Contact: Dan O'Connor

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will discuss syringe service programs and review the Tobacco Control Monthly Report, including a hearing on sales of tobacco products to minors. The hearing documents list violations at New World Gas (710 Lakeview Ave), LazyBones (189 E. Merrimack St) and Harry's Food Mart (1460 Middlesex St), each fined $1,000 and marked as paid. The board will also review monthly development services reports, an air‑quality report from Cashins and Associates, and other departmental updates. No formal decisions are scheduled except the deferred approval of the October 1, 2025 minutes.

• Review Tobacco Product Sales Permit Suspension Hearing – violations at New World Gas, LazyBones, Harry's Food Mart, each $1,000 fine (paid)
• Discussion of Syringe Service Programs
• Review Tobacco Control Monthly Report
• Review Monthly Development Services Inspection and Establishment Reports
• Review Air Quality Report by Cashins and Associates

The Lowell Board of Health approved a three‑day suspension of the tobacco sales permit for New World Gas and LazyBones, and a seven‑day suspension for Harry's Food Mart, all with unanimous support. The board also approved the syringe service program presented by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additionally, the 2026 Board of Health meeting calendar was approved.

• Approved three‑day tobacco permit suspension for New World Gas (all in favor)
• Approved three‑day tobacco permit suspension for LazyBones (all in favor)
• Approved seven‑day tobacco permit suspension for Harry's Food Mart (all in favor)
• Approved syringe service program (approval noted, no vote tally provided)
• Approved 2026 Board of Health meeting calendar (all in favor)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will vote on a five-year contract for assessing professional services and an agreement with Solect Energy Development, LLC. The body will also consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 176 regarding rental properties. Additionally, the council will review a report on the city's smoke testing program.

• Ordinance to amend Ch 176 Rental Property
• Vote on 5-year contract for Assessing Professional Services
• Vote on agreement with Solect Energy Development, LLC
• Request for 'No Parking Here To Corner' signs at Mount Vernon and Pawtucket Streets
• Appointment of Hayley Barrett to Hunger Homeless Commission

The council adopted a five‑year contract for assessing professional services and an agreement with Solect Energy Development, LLC, each with unanimous 11‑yea votes. Several requests—including new parking signs, a labor‑negotiation update, a rental‑property ordinance amendment, and a property‑damage claim—were referred to the City Manager or appropriate department. Minor motions to accept and file routine items were also approved.

• Adopted 5‑year contract for assessing professional services (11 yeas)
• Adopted agreement with Solect Energy Development, LLC (11 yeas)
• Referred request for “No Parking Here To Corner” signs to City Manager
• Referred request for LTC Board update on collective bargaining to City Manager
• Referred amendment to Chapter 176 Rental Property ordinance to public hearing on Nov 18
• Referred property‑damage claim to Law Department for report
• Accepted and placed on file Mayor’s remote/Zoom participation motion
• Accepted and placed on file October 28 Joint School Facilities minutes

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will approve minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting. It will hold public hearings to consider a definitive subdivision of 17 single‑family lots at 129 Llewellyn Street and 115 Christian Street, a special permit request to split a lot and build a single‑family home at 88 Weed Street, and a pre‑application hearing for a proposed 55‑unit addition at 236 Broadway Street.

• Definitive Subdivision – 129 Llewellyn St & 115 Christian St: 17 new single‑family lots
• Special Permit – 88 Weed St: split lot and build a new single‑family home
• Pre‑Application Hearing – 236 Broadway St: proposed addition with 55 residential units
• Approval of minutes from 10/20/2025 meeting

The Planning Board approved the October 20 minutes (3‑0‑1, one abstention). It then moved the definitive subdivision hearing for 129 Llewellyn & 115 Christian streets and the special‑permit hearing for 88 Weed Street to the December 1 meeting, each passing unanimously (4‑0). The board adjourned the session unanimously (4‑0).

• Approved minutes for 10/20/2025 (3-0-1, one abstention)
• Continued definitive subdivision hearing to 12/1 (4-0)
• Continued special‑permit hearing to 12/1 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee will consider and vote on the MSBA Budget Revision Request 3 (BRR 3). The meeting also includes acceptance of minutes from the August 14 and September 18, 2025 meetings, a presentation on the project schedule and Phase 3 progress, and updates on MBE/WBE participation and the Skanska construction budget.

• Accept minutes of August 14, 2025 meeting
• Accept minutes of September 18, 2025 meeting
• Presentation on project schedule and Phase 3 progress (Suffolk/Skanska/PE)
• Suffolk MBE/WBE and workforce update
• Skanska budget update and vote on MSBA Budget Revision Request 3 (BRR 3)

The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting by roll call. It then approved BRR #3, moving $2 million from the FFE account to the construction contingency fund, with a 17‑1 vote. The next School Building Committee meeting was scheduled for November 20, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

• Approved minutes from prior meeting (passed by roll call)
• Approved BRR #3 moving $2 million from FFE to contingency fund (17 Yay, 1 Nay)
• Scheduled next School Building Committee meeting for 11/20/2025
• Adjourned meeting at 6:38 p.m.

Board of Parks

The Board of Parks will discuss and vote on the transition of Montbleau Field following a letter of concern from the Montbleau family. The board will also review various permit requests, fee waivers, and 2026 athletic schedules for Lowell High School.

• Vote on Montbleau Field transition
• Request for $975.00 credit for canceled permits by Sabeeh Ehsan
• Request to waive a $225 fee for Lowell Pop Warner
• Requests for monuments on existing benches at Durant St. Park and Fort Hill Park
• Review of 2026 practice and contest schedules for Lowell High School at Cawley Memorial Stadium and Shedd Park

The Board of Parks approved a $975 credit for canceled permits and authorized a free Fall Block Party at St. Louis Basketball Courts. It referred two monument requests to the monument committee, waived a $225 fee for a canceled Pop Warner permit, and approved the Pop Warner playoffs with a $300 custodial fee. The board also approved an amended $150 custodial fee for a Cawley Stadium permit, approved Lowell High School 2026 practice dates with no fees, and directed the department to determine the cost of resodding Montbleau Field.

• Approved $975 credit for canceled permits (vote 4-0)
• Approved Fall Block Party date/time with no fee (vote 4-0)
• Referred monument requests for Durant St. Park and Fort Hill Park to monument committee (vote 4-0)
• Waived $225 fee for canceled Lowell Pop Warner permit (vote 4-0)
• Approved Pop Warner playoffs date/time with $300 custodial fee (vote 4-0)
• Approved amended custodial fee of $150 for Cawley Stadium permit (vote 4-0)
• Approved Lowell High School 2026 practice and contest dates/times with no fees (vote 4-0)
• Directed department to determine cost to resod Montbleau Field back to baseball use (vote 4-0)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding amendments to Form Based Code for specific parcels in the HCID. The body will also consider a budget transfer and various motions related to traffic calming and city infrastructure.

• Public hearing on ordinance to amend Form Based Code Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID
• Vote to transfer $421,900 from Overlay Surplus
• Motion to implement traffic calming measures on Sanders Avenue
• Motion to place radar speed detectors and potential speed humps on East Merrimack Street
• Request for a detailed report on all expenditures for the Frontrunner City

The council gave a second reading and adopted an amendment to Form Based Code parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 with a unanimous 11‑yea vote. It also approved naming the Edson Cemetery Chapel after Girard P. “Gerry” Largay, also by 11‑yea vote. Several other requests were referred to the City Manager for further study or reporting.

• Adopted amendment to Form Based Code parcels 2, 3A, 4, 5 (11 yeas)
• Adopted naming Edson Cemetery Chapel after Girard P. “Gerry” Largay (11 yeas)
• Referred traffic‑calming measures on Sanders Avenue to City Manager
• Referred detailed Frontrunner City expenditure report to City Manager
• Referred outline of park‑notification responsibilities to City Manager
• Referred list of ARPA‑funded positions to City Manager
• Referred update on Bartlett School parking‑lot paving to City Manager
• Referred radar speed‑detector and speed‑hump plan for East Merrimack Street to City Manager

Cultural Council

The council is conducting an initial eligibility review of 2026 grant applications. Members will also set deadlines for November scoring and deliberations.

• Review of 2026 grant applications for eligibility
• Determination of November deliberation and scoring dates
• Review of denial letter language for December
• Update on Mass Cultural Council guidelines for applicants without internet or email
• Discussion of potential facilities tour for Refuge Lowell

The council voted unanimously to have Administrator Erin Duffey communicate with the applicant to clarify the two‑venue rule. Review of the denial‑letter language was postponed to accommodate the November deliberation schedule. The next primary deliberation meeting was set for November 25, 2025, with a backup session on November 26, 2025. Grants were signed by the members present.

• Approve communication with applicant regarding two‑venue application (unanimous)
• Postpone review of denial‑letter language to accommodate November deliberations
• Schedule primary deliberation meeting for November 25, 2025
• Schedule backup deliberation session for November 26, 2025

City Council Municipal Facilities Sub Committee

The joint City Council and School Committee Facilities Subcommittee will review repair priorities for the current school year and discuss timelines for specific projects, including chair lifts at the Bartlett Community Partnership School and roof repairs at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School. The meeting also includes an update on the proposed merger of the Facilities Department.

• Discussion of repair priorities for the 2025-2026 school year
• Timeline for chair lifts and paving at Bartlett Community Partnership School
• Update on renovations at St. Jeanne D’Arc School
• Timeline for roof repairs at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School
• Update on the proposed merger of the Facilities Department

The Municipal Facilities Subcommittee met on October 28, 2025 to discuss school facility issues, including Bartlett School parking lot improvements, elevator installation at St. Jeanne D'Arc School, roof repair at Pawtucketville Memorial School, and a proposed merger of city and school facilities departments. No actions were approved, denied, or voted on during the meeting. The only vote was a procedural motion to adjourn, which was carried.

• Motion to adjourn approved

School Committee Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee, meeting jointly with the City Council Facilities Subcommittee, will discuss and review motions on repair and funding priorities for the current school year. They will also consider timeline updates for chair lifts and parking at Bartlett Community Partnership School, renovations at St. Jeanne D’Arc School, roof repairs at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School, and the city’s proposed merger of the Facilities Department.

• Discussion of priorities for repair/funding for the current school year
• Timeline for chair lifts installation and paving/parking at Bartlett Community Partnership School
• Update on renovation timeline for St. Jeanne D’Arc School, including elevator
• Timeline for roof repairs at Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School
• Update on discussions about the city’s proposed merger of the Facilities Department

The Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee reviewed issues at Bartlett School, St. Jeanne D’Arc School, and Pawtucketville Memorial School, including parking lot work, elevator needs, roof repair, and a proposed merger of city and school facilities departments. No formal approvals or denials were recorded; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that was voted on.

• Motion to adjourn approved (vote taken, no tally recorded)

Election Commission

The Election Commission will vote on an in-person early voting location for the 2025 Preliminary and Election. The agenda includes discussions on poll worker shifts, the Lowell High polling location, and the certification of candidates. The meeting also covers preliminary election results and issues.

• Vote on in-person Early Voting location recommendation for 2025 Preliminary and Election
• Certification of 2025 Preliminary and Election Candidates
• Preliminary Election Result- Issues, Irregularities, Results
• Move Lowell High polling location- (Pending Electrical Issue.)
• Vote to accept minutes from previous meeting of Aug 5, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a pre-application hearing regarding a proposal to construct an addition at 236 Broadway Street. The proposed project would add 55 residential units to the property.

• Pre-application hearing for 55 residential units at 236 Broadway Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to add the October 16, 2025 minutes to the agenda and then approved those minutes, both with a 5‑0 vote. The board subsequently adjourned the meeting at 7:02 PM with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Add 10/16/2025 minutes to agenda – approved (5-0)
• Approve 10/16/2025 minutes – approved (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting – approved (5-0)

Sustainability Council

The Lowell Sustainability Council will meet to discuss climate education in public schools and receive a presentation from Solid Waste and Recycling. The body will vote on a motion to support state legislation regarding a zero carbon renovation fund.

• Vote on motion to support H.3577 / S.2286 "An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund"
• Presentation from Chris Sullivan of Solid Waste and Recycling
• Discussion on Lowell Public Schools climate education and student competition
• Motion to invite State Rep Tara Hong to a future meeting
• Discussion of 'Frontrunner City' for the November meeting

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will review ten applications seeking eligibility for Community Preservation Act funds. The requests range from historic preservation and affordable housing to skate park upgrades.

• Review of 27-unit market rate housing at 246.1 Market Street seeking $779,121
• Review of 79 mixed-income housing units at 169.2 Bridge Street seeking $803,522.25
• Review of $3.9 million skate park upgrades for the All Wheels Welcome Program
• Review of $1.2 million senior affordable housing at 463 Moody Street
• Review of $401,125 historic building rehabilitation at 8-10 Kirk Street

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved eligibility for eight housing and preservation projects and approved the All Wheels Welcome program with a 6‑0 vote and one abstention. The Boyden Turbine project was approved subject to Historic Board approval. All decisions were recorded as eligibility determinations pending further funding steps.

• Approved $779,121 market‑rate housing project at 246.1 Market St (6-0)
• Approved $125,000 historic fire‑building conversion at 93 Mammoth Rd (6-0)
• Approved $31,000 Victorian Park rehabilitation at 21‑25 Shattuck St (6-0)
• Approved $401,125 St. Anne’s Church rehabilitation at 8‑10 Kirk St (7-0)
• Approved $200,000 Boyden Turbine restoration at 225 Middlesex St, subject to Historic Board approval (7-0)
• Approved $3.9M All Wheels Welcome skate‑park upgrades (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved $803,522.25 mixed‑income housing at 169.2 Bridge St (7-0)
• Approved $1.2M senior affordable housing at 463 Moody St (7-0)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee will review project schedules and Phase 3 progress. The body is scheduled to vote on the MSBA Budget Revision Request 3 (BRR 3).

• Vote on MSBA Budget Revision Request 3 (BRR 3)
• Suffolk/Skanska/PE presentation on project schedule and Phase 3 progress
• Suffolk update on MBE/WBE and workforce
• Skanska budget update

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will review three items: a request for determination of applicability for a residential addition at 36 Shirley Avenue, a Notice of Intent from New England Power Company for accessway improvements and a stormwater detention basin at 32‑41 Reiss Avenue, and an emergency certification for a sewer line replacement at 109 Wood Street. All work is located within flood‑plain or wetland buffer zones. The meeting will also cover the October 8, 2025 minutes and the election of officers for 2026.

• Request for Determination of Applicability for addition at 36 Shirley Ave (within FEMA 100‑Year Flood Plain)
• Notice of Intent by New England Power Co. for accessway improvements and stormwater detention basin at 32‑41 Reiss Ave (within 100‑foot buffer of a bordering vegetated wetland and bordering land subject to flood)
• Emergency Certification for replacement of a 6‑inch sewer line at 109 Wood St
• Review of 10/8/2025 meeting minutes
• Election of officers for 2026

The Commission unanimously ratified an emergency certification for a sewer line replacement at 109 Wood Street. It also voted to continue the determination of applicability for the 36 Shirley Avenue addition and the New England Power Company stormwater project to the November 12 meeting. Additional items approved included the meeting minutes, postponement of the 2026 officer election, and adjournment.

• Ratified emergency certification for 109 Wood Street sewer line (4-0)
• Continued Keith Sor application for 36 Shirley Ave to Nov 12 (4-0)
• Continued New England Power Company stormwater project to Nov 12 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 10/8/2025 meeting (4-0)
• Continued election of officers for 2026 to Nov 12 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council Transportation Sub Committee

The Transportation Subcommittee will hold a presentation on the use of cameras on city buses as part of the bus patrol program, presented by Mike Gorham. The committee will discuss the proposal and consider any next steps.

• Presentation on using cameras on buses for the bus patrol program (presenter: Mike Gorham)

The subcommittee discussed a bus‑patrol vendor and a potential pilot program. A motion to refer the matter to the Law Department for review was adopted by a roll‑call vote of three yeas. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Refer bus‑patrol vendor program to Law Department – approved (3 yeas: C. Descoteaux, C. Jenness, C. Nuon)
• Adjourn meeting – approved

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee will meet on Oct. 21, 2025 to examine the Central Office Organizational Chart (dated 10/21/2025) and the list of Central Office Positions (dated 10/21/2025). No decisions are indicated; the items are for review and discussion.

• Review Central Office Organizational Chart (10/21/2025)
• Review Central Office Positions (10/21/2025)

The Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee reviewed the central organizational chart and central office positions. No changes to the structure were recommended at this time. The meeting was adjourned by a motion that passed with three yeas.

• Motion to adjourn passed (3 yeas)

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings on amendments to the noise ordinance and the fee schedule for falsified documents. The body will also consider an ordinance regarding supervised drug consumption sites and various traffic calming requests.

• Public hearing on amending Chapter 204 - Noise
• Public hearing on amending Fee Schedule - Falsified Documents
• Proposed ordinance to amend Chap 222.23 - Supervised Drug Consumption Sites
• Vote to accept a gift of $2,284.22 from Bowden/Shawcross Family
• Requests for speed bumps on Douglas Road and traffic calming on seven other streets

The council unanimously adopted an amendment to Chapter 204, updating the city’s noise ordinance. It also passed a second‑reading amendment to the fee schedule for falsified documents, and approved the acceptance of a $2,284.22 gift from the Bowden/Shawcross family. Additionally, the ordinance to amend Chapter 222.23 for supervised drug consumption sites was referred to a public hearing on November 18, 2025.

• Adopt Noise ordinance amendment (11 yeas)
• Adopt Fee Schedule amendment for falsified documents (11 yeas)
• Accept $2,284.22 gift from Bowden/Shawcross family (11 yeas)
• Refer supervised drug consumption sites ordinance to public hearing (motion adopted)
• Adopt utility pole and gas main orders for National Grid and Boston Gas (adopted)
• Refer request for additional speed bumps on Douglas Road to City Manager (referred)
• Refer request for crosswalks in 2026 Andover Street project to City Manager (referred)
• Refer monthly downtown parking garage permit program to City Manager (referred)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will review several agenda items, including a discussion of the state budget for EMHOT and COA BHOAP behavioral health outreach for the aging population. Other topics include changes to MassHealth, formation of a Senior Center Working Group, and discussions on verbal abuse of the elderly and age‑friendly actions. New business includes a discussion on GLHA. The meeting also includes routine reports and a possible group picture.

• State Budget: EMHOT and COA BHOAP Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Population
• Changes to MassHealth
• Formation of Senior Center Working Group
• Discussion on verbal abuse of elderly
• Discussion on Age Friendly Action

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a 17-lot residential subdivision and a zoning amendment for the Hamilton Canal District. The board will also consider a special permit for a new home on Willard Street and the removal of several public shade trees.

• Definitive Subdivision of 129 Llewellyn Street & 115 Christian Street into 17 lots for single-family homes
• Zoning Amendment to consolidate parcels and amend building form standards in the Hamilton Canal District
• Special Permit for 55 Willard Street to reduce required frontage for a new single-family home
• Public Shade Tree Hearing for the removal of 8 trees across 6 addresses on Van Greenby Road

The Lowell Planning Board approved a special permit for 55 Willard Street with two conditions: the applicant must plant a tree on each lot and must build the home shown in the September 4, 2025 architectural plans. The board also approved a peer‑review request for slope stability, withdrew a prior peer‑review motion, and set a follow‑up hearing for November 3. Additionally, the board approved the withdrawal of a public shade‑tree hearing without prejudice. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved peer review to evaluate slope stability (5-0)
• Withdrawn motion requiring peer review (5-0)
• Continued to the 11/3 meeting to address stormwater and engineering concerns (5-0)
• Approved withdrawal of public shade‑tree hearing without prejudice (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 55 Willard Street with conditions to plant trees and use specified architectural plans (5-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will review two variance petitions. One request seeks to convert a two‑unit building at 239 E Merrimack St into four units, requiring relief from lot‑area and parking standards. The other request seeks a three‑season porch at 10 Katherine Drive, requiring a rear‑yard setback variance. The board will also approve minutes from the September 22 meeting and elect officers.

• ZBA-2025-37: variance to convert 239 E Merrimack St from two to four units (lot‑area and parking relief)
• ZBA-2025-40: variance to add a three‑season porch at 10 Katherine Drive (rear‑yard setback relief)
• Approval of minutes from the 9/22/2025 ZBA meeting
• Election of ZBA officers

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a continuance for Edner Delice's variance to convert a two‑unit building to four units, setting a new hearing for Dec. 8, 2025 (5‑0). It also unanimously approved Mazher Nizami's variance to add a three‑season porch at 10 Katherine Drive (5‑0). The board elected Van Pech as Chair, Sean Callahan as Vice Chair, and Dennis McCarthy as Clerk, each by unanimous vote. The meeting minutes were approved and the session adjourned.

• Continuance of Delice variance request to Dec. 8, 2025 approved (5‑0)
• Variance for three‑season porch at 10 Katherine Drive approved (5‑0)
• Van Pech elected Chair (5‑0)
• Sean Callahan elected Vice Chair (5‑0)
• Dennis McCarthy elected Clerk (5‑0)
• Minutes of 9/22/2025 approved (5‑0)

School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee will meet on October 15, 2025 to review and discuss several draft policies. Items include a Section E Support Services draft analysis, a draft with MASC changes to Section E Support Services, a Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy, and Chapter 74 Vocational Tech Education Programs. The meeting is for discussion and possible policy updates, not a final vote.

• Section E Support Services Draft Analysis
• Section E Support Services with MASC Changes Draft
• LPS Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Chapter 74 Vocational Tech Education Programs

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board will vote on three items: selecting a trust model (Funding Entity, Active Initiator, or Hybrid), approving a $310,000 Community Preservation Act application, and adopting a policy to keep each funding source in a separate account. A motion will also be considered to have city staff conduct research on potential projects. Additional discussion will cover various funding opportunities such as project‑limited funding, land acquisition, market‑rate conversions, and HOME program buydowns.

• Vote on Affordable Housing Trust Model: Funding Entity, Active Initiator, or Hybrid
• Vote to approve Community Preservation Act application for $310,000
• Motion to delegate research and due diligence of potential projects to city staff
• Vote on policy to hold each funding type in a separate account within the trust fund
• Discussion of funding opportunities: project‑limited funding, land acquisition, market‑rate conversion, HOME program buydowns

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund approved its meeting call, adopted a hybrid funding model, and approved a $3,10,000 Community Preservation Act eligibility application. It also delegated research duties to City staff, adopted a policy to keep each funding source in separate accounts, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved meeting call to order (3-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adopted hybrid funding model for the Trust Fund (3-0)
• Approved CPA eligibility application for $3,10,000 (3-0)
• Delegated research and due‑diligence responsibility to City of Lowell staff (3-0)
• Approved policy to hold each funding type in separate accounts (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will consider several motions, including requests for park fee discussions, pedestrian upgrades at Lawrence and Church Streets, and an outline of the Tree Commission's duties. The council will also vote on three grant expenditures: $19,600 for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, $65,000 for a FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant, and $99,040 for a Mass Technology Collaborative Grant. Additional items include acceptance of the October 7 meeting minutes and a petition for a handicap parking sign at 144 Hampshire Street.

• Accept minutes of the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting
• Motion: Parks & Recreation to discuss proposed fee structure
• Motion: Evaluate Lawrence and Church Streets intersection for pedestrian upgrades
• Vote: Approve $99,040 Mass Technology Collaborative Grant
• Petition: Install handicap parking sign at 144 Hampshire Street

The council adopted three grant expenditures: $19,600 for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, $65,000 for a FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant, and $99,040 for a Mass Technology Collaborative Grant, each passing 10 yeas with one member absent. They also appointed Jack Traphagan to the Lowell Cultural Council and reappointed JoAnn Howell to the Hunger Homeless Commission, both approved unanimously. Several requests were referred to the City Manager or appropriate departments, including Parks and Recreation fee discussions, pedestrian upgrades at Lawrence and Church Streets, and the Tree Commission’s powers.

• Adopted $19,600 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopted $65,000 FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopted $99,040 Mass Technology Collaborative Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Appointed Jack Traphagan to Lowell Cultural Council (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Reappointed JoAnn Howell to Hunger Homeless Commission (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Referred Parks and Recreation fee discussion to Parks and Recreation SC
• Referred pedestrian‑upgrade study at Lawrence & Church Streets to City Manager
• Referred request for Tree Commission powers outline to City Manager

Board of Disabilities Commission

The Lowell Commission on Disabilities will meet to approve the previous month's minutes and consider several agenda items. Key topics include changes to commission elections, a funding and transition plan, and updates related to Saint Louise Sponge Park, Bartlett School, and a downtown ADA violation. The meeting also includes a guest speaker, a Friends of the Commission program update, and an open discussion on community needs.

• Commission Election Changes
• Funding and Transition Plan
• Saint Louise Sponge Park
• Bartlett School
• Downtown ADA violation

The commission approved the minutes from August 14, 2025. It accepted reports on the Independent Living Center master plan, the Saint Louis Sponge Park design, and the Market Street ADA compliance visit. Members voted to change the commission’s secretary title to clerk, passing unanimously. Additional reports on the Friends of the Commission program were also accepted.

• Approved August 14, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted Independent Living Center master plan report (motion passed)
• Accepted Saint Louis Sponge Park report (motion passed)
• Accepted Market Street ADA compliance report (motion passed)
• Changed commission title from Secretary to Clerk (unanimous vote)
• Accepted Friends of the Commission program report (motion passed)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to review the ARIS Report and establish the 2026 meeting calendar. The agenda includes a joint session with the Library Foundation and Friends of the PML, as well as updates on strategic plan work groups.

• ARIS Report review
• Joint meeting with Foundation and Friends of the PML
• Establishment of 2026 Trustee Meeting Calendar
• Strategic Plan Work Groups update
• Director's report on building issues, personnel, programming, and budget

The trustees approved the Local Author Policy and the Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities, each by unanimous vote. The agenda and the September 10, 2025 minutes were also approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Donna Richards, seconded by Judy Davidson)
• September 10, 2025 minutes approved unanimously (motion by Donna Richards, seconded by Helen Littlefield)
• Local Author Policy approved unanimously (motion by Helen Littlefield, seconded by Donna Richards)
• Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities approved unanimously (motion by Donna Richards, seconded by Ellen Anstey)

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will consider an enforcement order requiring removal of landscaping and trees at the Khmer American Cultural Center site within a wetland buffer and FEMA 100‑year floodplain. It will also review a request for determination of applicability for a porch addition at 75 Martin Street, which is located in a FEMA 100‑year floodplain. The meeting will include review of the September 24, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Enforcement Order for Vatt Khmer Lowell and Khmer American Cultural Center to remove landscaping and trees within 100‑foot wetland buffer and floodplain at 48 Townsend Avenue
• Request for Determination of Applicability by Courtney Ahearn for porch installation at 75 Martin Street within FEMA 100‑year floodplain
• Review of 9/24/2025 meeting minutes

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative‑3 determination for Courtney Ahearn’s request to build a deck in the 100‑year FEMA flood plain at 75 Martin Street. The Commission also voted unanimously to continue the Enforcement Order for Vatt Khmer Lowell and its landscaping requirements to the November 12 meeting. The minutes from the September 24 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Issue negative‑3 determination for 75 Martin Street deck request (5‑0)
• Continue Enforcement Order for Vatt Khmer Lowell to 11/12 meeting (5‑0)
• Approve September 24, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will consider several financial and infrastructure items, including a vote to accept and spend a $495,624 FR‑CARA grant and a $5,202.48 gift from the Franco American Veterans Organization. Public hearings are scheduled on an ordinance to amend Chapter 266 (Vehicles and Traffic) and on multiple utility pole requests from National Grid and Boston Gas. Council members have submitted motions on sidewalk installations, traffic calming, and adding Caleb Street to the paving list.

• Vote to accept/expend $495,624 FR‑CARA grant
• Vote to accept gift of $5,202.48 from Franco American Veterans Organization
• Public hearing: Ordinance to amend Chapter 266 – Vehicles and Traffic
• Utility public hearings: National Grid pole with recloser at 501 Bridge St, 58 Methuen St, 12‑14 Twelfth St; Boston Gas gas main work on Mammoth Rd at Columbia Rd and Lakeview Ave at Bunker Hill Ave
• Motion to place Caleb Street on the paving list

The council adopted an amendment to Chapter 266, the vehicles and traffic ordinance, with a unanimous 11‑yea vote. It also referred five utility and gas‑main requests to the Wire Inspector for further review. Several council‑initiated items, including an election‑irregularities report and a sidewalk installation on Campbell Drive, were referred to the City Manager for action.

• Adopted amendment to Chapter 266 vehicles and traffic ordinance (11 yeas)
• Referred 501 Bridge Street utility pole request to Wire Inspector
• Referred 58 Methuen Street utility pole request to Wire Inspector
• Referred 12‑14 Twelfth Street utility pole request to Wire Inspector
• Referred Mammoth Road gas main replacement request to Wire Inspector
• Referred Lakeview Avenue gas main relocation request to Wire Inspector
• Referred request for election irregularities report to City Manager
• Referred request to install sidewalks on odd side of Campbell Drive to City Manager

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will hold public hearings on several special permits and site plan reviews. The board is considering residential expansions and a new business operation.

• Public hearing for Boston Bud Runners, LLC to operate a marijuana delivery business at 70 Wilbur Street
• Special Permit for Skaff Realty, LLC to convert a former firehouse to a three-unit residential building at 93 Mammoth Road
• Site Plan Review for Edner Delice to convert a 3-unit property to a 4-unit residential property at 239 E Merrimack Street
• Special Permit for Mello Holdings, LLC to split a lot and build a single-family home at 88 Weed Street
• Pre-application hearing for 236 Broadway, LLC to add 55 residential units at 236 Broadway Street

The Board unanimously approved a Site Plan Review for Boston Bud Runners’ marijuana delivery business at 70 Wilbur Street, adding an odor‑mitigation condition. It also unanimously approved a Special Permit for Skaff Realty to convert the former firehouse at 93 Mammoth Road into three residential units, requiring a shade tree, engineering compliance, and storm‑water compliance. Earlier minutes from September were also approved unanimously.

• Approved 9/4/2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved 9/18/2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved Site Plan Review for 70 Wilbur St. (marijuana delivery) with odor‑mitigation condition (5‑0)
• Approved Special Permit for 93 Mammoth Rd. conversion to three‑unit residential building with shade‑tree, engineering and storm‑water conditions (5‑0)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Governance Committee of the Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees will meet online to review draft policies. The committee will also discuss the policy review calendar.

• Review of Local Author Policy Draft
• Review of Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities Draft
• Discussion of Policy Review Calendar for PML Governance Committee

The committee approved its agenda and unanimously adopted the revised Local Author Policy and the Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities for submission to the full board. The meeting minutes were also approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Local Author Policy draft for board submission (unanimous)
• Approved Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities for board submission (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Hunger/Homeless Commission

The Hunger and Homeless Commission will hear updates on the Greater Lowell Restoration Center, Project Kompass, and the City's flu clinics. The meeting will also cover recent changes to SNAP requirements and the Behavioral Health Help Line.

• Greater Lowell Restoration Center briefing
• Project Kompass Community Center update
• Recovery Block Party and Winter Protocol discussion
• Behavioral Health Help Line overview
• SNAP requirements changes discussion

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health will consider approval of the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It will review several reports, including Development Services monthly inspections and a Tobacco Control monthly report. The board will discuss a proposed safe needle exchange program and vote on a microblading apprentice license.

• Approve minutes of the September 3, 2025 regular meeting of the Lowell Board of Health
• Review Development Services monthly reports and draft tattoo festival temporary permit
• Review Tobacco Control monthly report submitted by Cesar Pungirum
• Discuss safe needle exchange program (proposed ordinance and related documents)
• Approve/deny Body Art Apprentice (Microblading) license for Heaven's Beauty, 1527 Middlesex St., Units 4 & 5

The Board approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved a Body Art Apprentice license for Ana Catarina Amaral Ribeiro and a Body Art Practitioner‑Tattooing license for Anthony Stanley. A motion passed to invite City Council members to the November 5, 2025 Board meeting to discuss needle‑exchange programs and related ordinances. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 PM.

• Approved September 3, 2025 Board of Health minutes (all in favor)
• Approved Body Art Apprentice License – Microblading for Ana Catarina Amaral Ribeiro (all in favor)
• Approved Body Art Practitioner‑Tattooing License for Anthony Stanley (all in favor)
• Approved motion to invite City Council to November 5, 2025 meeting to discuss needle‑exchange programs (all in favor)
• Approved motion to adjourn the October 1, 2025 meeting (all in favor)

City Council Environment & Flood Issues Sub Committee

The subcommittee will discuss a request from Markley Group, LLC (VHB) to install fourteen 6,000‑gallon and two 6,350‑gallon diesel‑fueled emergency generators at One Markley Way. The request adds a total of 96,700 gallons of diesel fuel storage on site. It also seeks to amend the fuel‑storage license from 71,100 gallons to 167,800 gallons. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Installation of 14 six‑thousand‑gallon diesel generators at One Markley Way
• Installation of 2 six‑thousand‑three‑hundred‑fifty‑gallon diesel generators at One Markley Way
• Additional 96,700 gallons of diesel fuel storage on site
• Amendment of fuel‑storage license from 71,100 gallons to 167,800 gallons

The Environment & Flood Issues Subcommittee reviewed the Markley Group fuel‑license petition and heard public comments. The committee voted to refer the petition to the full City Council to set a public hearing at the earliest convenience. The motion passed by roll‑call vote of five yeas.

• Refer Markley fuel license petition to full Council for public hearing (5 yeas)
• Adjourn meeting (motion passed)

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The Environmental & Flood Issues and Neighborhoods subcommittees are meeting to discuss a request from VHB (Markley Group, LLC). The proposal involves installing 16 emergency above-ground generators to increase on-site diesel fuel storage.

• Request to install 14 6,000-gallon and 2 6,350-gallon diesel fueled emergency generators
• Proposed increase of fuel storage from 71,100 gallons to 167,800 gallons at One Markley Way

The Neighborhoods Subcommittee voted to refer the Markley Group fuel license petition to the full City Council for a public hearing. The motion passed with five yeas. No other substantive actions were taken, and the meeting was subsequently adjourned.

• Referred Markley fuel license petition to full Council for public hearing (5 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting (vote passed)

School Committee Finance Subcommittee

The Lowell School Committee Finance Subcommittee will meet on September 30, 2025 to review and discuss the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) documents. Members will request that the superintendent provide the City‑Schools MOE Memorandum of Agreement and the 2023‑24 MOE Report. They will also ask for the 2024‑25 MOE Report as soon as it is available, before certification.

• Request the superintendent to supply the City‑Schools Maintenance of Effort Memorandum of Agreement
• Request the 2023‑24 Maintenance of Effort Report
• Request the 2024‑25 Maintenance of Effort Report once available, prior to certification

The Finance Subcommittee voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.; the motion passed with three yeas. No other substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded in the minutes.

• Motion to adjourn passed (3 yeas)

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council will decide whether to use direct or reimbursement-based granting for 2027. The body will also vote on removing the residency requirement for council members. Additional discussion will cover member recruitment and program planning.

• Vote on direct vs. reimbursement-based granting for 2027
• Vote on discontinuing the Lowell residency requirement for Council Members
• Recruitment of new members
• Review and signature of reimbursements

The council voted 5‑0 to move forward with an ordinance amendment that will set the 2027 cultural grant program as either a direct grant or reimbursement‑based model. It also voted 5‑0 to change the eligibility language so board applicants must live, work, or study in Lowell. The council decided not to hold the Lowell Artisan Market in 2025 and will consider market options for 2026 in December. New member Brendan Conroy was approved to join on October 28, 2025, and Jack Traphagan’s résumé will be circulated for review.

• Approved pursuing ordinance amendment for 2027 grant method (5‑0)
• Approved updating eligibility language to require applicants live, work, or study in Lowell (5‑0)
• Cancelled Lowell Artisan Market for 2025 (no market will be held)
• Approved new member Brendan Conroy to join LCC effective 10/28/2025
• Jack Traphagan’s résumé will be sent to council members for review
• Scheduled December discussion on 2026 Council‑initiated program (market options)
• Noted no reimbursements submitted since the last meeting

Sustainability Council

The Sustainability Council will discuss climate education in public schools and a framework for initiatives. Members will vote on sending letters of support for two state acts regarding a climate change superfund and a zero carbon renovation fund.

• Vote on letter of support for HD.3369 / SD.1674 (climate change superfund)
• Vote on letter of support for H.3577 / S.2286 (zero carbon renovation fund)
• Discussion on climate education and student competition in Lowell Public Schools
• Presentation from Chris Sullivan of Solid Waste and Recycling
• Planning for Lowell Drives Electric event on 9/27/25

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will approve the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes and consider eligibility for four grant applications totaling about $2.2 million, including a $859,236 request to restore the Smith Baker Center. It will also vote on annual dues to the Community Preservation Coalition, discuss setting a spending deadline for CPA funds, and approve the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Eligibility application for $468,670.95 window replacement at 91 Dutton Street (Cobblestones Restaurant)
• Eligibility application for $500,000 conversion of 267 Pawtucket Street historic building into 29 affordable units for homeless veterans
• Eligibility application for $859,236 restoration of Smith Baker Center at 415 Merrimack Street
• Eligibility application for $310,000 to City of Lowell Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Vote on annual dues for Community Preservation Coalition membership

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks will discuss and vote on several fee adjustments and waivers for upcoming sports and community events, including custodial and permit fees at Cawley Stadium. It will also consider fee waivers and credits for cancelled permits requested by local youth groups. Finally, the board will vote on converting the Ronald Montbleau Little League Field into a combined little‑league and softball field.

• Approve amended custodial fee of $225 per day for Cawley Stadium permits on Oct 19 and Oct 26 (down from $300).
• Approve $75 permit fees for Field Hockey Clinics at Cawley Stadium on Oct 19 and Oct 26.
• Waive $300 fee for a cancelled Sep 14 permit and grant a $150 credit for a cancelled Sep 13 permit for Lowell Pop Warner.
• Approve conversion of Ronald Montbleau Little League Field to a little‑league/softball field.
• Approve $400 total fee for Danny Tavares Dog Show at Shedd Park Pavilion (resident adult $100, custodial $300).

The board approved a series of event permits, setting or waiving fees for activities at various parks, including a $150 custodial fee for a girls’ soccer car wash and a $400 fee for a dog show. It also amended the custodial fee for two Cawley Stadium permits to $225 per day and waived fees for several canceled permits. The board voted to table the proposed conversion of the Ronald Montbleau Little League Field to a softball field and will seek confirmation from the family. All motions were adopted with votes ranging from 4‑0 to 5‑0.

• Approved $150 custodial fee for Greater Lowell Tech Girls Soccer Car Wash (4-0)
• Approved no-fee soccer practice for Lowell Catholic at Callery Park (4-0)
• Approved no-fee cross country practice for Lowell Catholic at Callery Park (4-0)
• Waived $300 fee for canceled Lowell Pop Warner permit (4-0)
• Amended custodial fee to $225 per day for Oct 19/26 Cawley Stadium permits (5-0)
• Approved $75 daily fee for Field Hockey Clinics at Cawley Stadium (5-0)
• Approved $400 fee for Dog Show at Shedd Park Pavilion (5-0)
• Tabled Ronald Montbleau Little League Field conversion change pending family approval (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider an enforcement order for Vatt Khmer Lowell and the Khmer American Cultural Center requiring removal of landscaping and trees within a 100‑foot wetland buffer and FEMA 100‑year floodplain at 48 Townsend Avenue. It will also review a request for determination of applicability from Quinn’s Construction to demolish and reconstruct a deck at 587 Princeton Boulevard, part of which lies in a FEMA floodplain. A notice of intent from Mullins Management will be examined to remediate a No. 6 fuel‑oil release at 169.2 Bridge Street in the Concord River. Additional items include a determination request from Robert Clark to repave a driveway at 31 Lauren Way within a wetland buffer and a certificate of compliance request from Michael Merkx to replace a 7,300‑gallon underground storage tank at 1400 Middlesex Street.

• Enforcement Order: Vatt Khmer Lowell – removal of landscaping and trees at 48 Townsend Ave within 100‑ft wetland buffer and FEMA floodplain
• Request for Determination of Applicability: Quinn’s Construction – deck demolition/reconstruction at 587 Princeton Blvd (part in FEMA floodplain)
• Notice of Intent: Mullins Management Co. – remediation of No. 6 fuel‑oil release at 169.2 Bridge Street in Concord River
• Request for Determination of Applicability: Robert Clark – repave driveway at 31 Lauren Way within 100‑ft wetland buffer
• Request for Certificate of Compliance: Michael Merkx – replace 7,300‑gallon underground storage tank at 1400 Middlesex Street

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to carry forward the enforcement order for the Vatt Khmer property to the October 8 meeting. It also approved a negative‑3 determination for Quinn’s Construction’s deck project, conditioned on soil removal, and issued a standard out‑of‑compliance order for Mullins Management’s oil‑remediation work. Additional approvals included a negative‑3 determination for a driveway repave, a certificate of compliance for an underground tank replacement, and the 2026 commission schedule.

• Continued Enforcement Order for Vatt Khmer site to Oct 8 meeting (5‑0)
• Approved negative‑3 determination for Quinn’s Construction deck project, with soil‑removal condition (5‑0)
• Closed public hearing and issued City of Lowell standard OOC for Mullins Management oil remediation (5‑0)
• Issued negative‑3 determination for Robert Clark driveway repave within wetland buffer (5‑0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for Michael Merkx underground tank replacement (5‑0)
• Approved 2026 Conservation Commission schedule (5‑0)
• Approved adoption of 8/13/2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)

City Council

The Lowell City Council will consider a vote to accept a $35,000 gift from Lowell Five Bank, a $500 donation from Robert Bassett, and a $9,781.60 state grant for emergency medical dispatch. It will also hold public hearings on utility pole installations at locations such as 778 Broadway Street, 1313 Gorham Street, and 245 Stevens Street. An ordinance to amend the Form‑Based Code for parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 will be discussed, along with an amendment to Chapter 266 covering vehicles and traffic.

• Vote to accept $35,000 gift from Lowell Five Bank (LPD)
• Vote to accept $500 gift from Mr. Robert Bassett (LHS)
• Vote to accept/expend $9,781.60 State 911 Emergency Medical Dispatch Grant
• Utility public hearing: National Grid pole installation at 778 Broadway Street
• Ordinance amendment: Form‑Based Code parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5 HCID

The council voted 9‑1‑1 to direct the city manager to draft an ordinance banning safe injection sites. It also approved a letter to the state asking for $200 million in higher‑education funding, with 9 yeas, 1 recusal and 1 absence. Several other items were referred for further study, including a Form‑Based Code amendment, multiple utility pole requests, and infrastructure upgrades.

• Adopted remote/Zoom participation motion (unanimous)
• Accepted September 9 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Referred Form‑Based Code parcels amendment to Planning Board (10/20) and set Oct 28 public hearing
• Referred multiple National Grid pole installation requests to Wire Inspector (each “So voted”)
• Adopted request to draft ordinance banning safe injection sites (9 yeas, 1 nay, 1 absent)
• Adopted request to send $200 M higher‑education funding letter to state (9 yeas, 1 recuse, 1 absent)
• Referred granite curbing project at Wyman Rd & Fairmount St to City Manager
• Referred update on Westford St lights at Steadman St to City Manager

Cultural Council

The Lowell Cultural Council will vote on whether to use direct granting or reimbursement‑based granting for its 2027 budget. It will also vote on discontinuing the Lowell residency requirement for council members. The meeting includes discussion of council‑initiated program planning, recruitment of new members, and a review and signature of reimbursement requests.

• Vote on direct granting vs reimbursement‑based granting for 2027
• Vote on discontinuing the Lowell residency requirement for council members
• Discussion of council‑initiated program planning
• Recruitment of new council members
• Review and signature of reimbursement requests

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a special permit for a paved parking area at 14‑16 Rockdale Avenue. It will consider a variance request to convert a two‑unit building at 239 E Merrimack Street into a four‑unit building, with the case continued to the October 16 meeting. The board will also review a special permit for internally illuminated signage at 55 and 77 Phoenix Avenue. Additionally, a pre‑application hearing is scheduled for a proposed addition of 55 residential units at 236 Broadway Street.

• Special Permit: paved parking area for 8 nearby properties at 14‑16 Rockdale Avenue (ZBA-2025-38)
• Variance: convert two‑unit to four‑unit residential building at 239 E Merrimack Street (ZBA-2025-37)
• Special Permit: internally illuminated signage at 55 & 77 Phoenix Avenue (ZBA-2025-39)
• Pre‑application hearing: addition of 55 residential units at 236 Broadway Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a Special Permit and a Variance for 14‑16 Rockdale Avenue, each with four conditions, by a 5‑0 vote. It also approved a Special Permit for illuminated signage at 55 & 77 Phoenix Avenue. Several petitions were continued to future meetings, and the 2026 meeting schedule and prior minutes were adopted.

• Approved Special Permit for 14‑16 Rockdale Ave with conditions (5‑0)
• Approved Variance for 14‑16 Rockdale Ave with conditions (5‑0)
• Approved Special Permit for illuminated signage at 55 & 77 Phoenix Ave (5‑0)
• Continued Delice variance petition to Oct 16 meeting (5‑0)
• Continued 236 Broadway St pre‑application hearing to Oct 27 meeting (5‑0)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (5‑0)
• Approved minutes from 9/8/2025 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

School Building Committee

The Lowell School Building Committee meeting will first accept the minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting. Committee members will hear a presentation from Suffolk, Skanska, and PE on the Phase 3 project schedule and progress, followed by an update on minority‑business and workforce participation. The committee will then consider a Skanska budget update and vote on the MSBA Budget Revision Request 2 (BRR 2). The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next committee date and adjournment.

• Accept minutes of the August 14, 2025 School Building Committee meeting
• Presentation on Phase 3 project schedule and progress by Suffolk/Skanska/PE
• Update on MBE/WBE participation and workforce from Suffolk
• Skanska budget update and vote on MSBA Budget Revision Request 2 (BRR 2)
• Set date for the next School Building Committee meeting

The School Building Committee approved the budget revision request (BRR #2) for the Lowell High School project with a unanimous 15‑0 vote. The committee also approved placing the previous meeting minutes on file. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

• Approved budget revision request (BRR #2) for LHS project (15‑0)
• Approved placement of prior meeting minutes on file (unanimous roll call)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:34 p.m. (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will approve minutes from the September 4 meeting and hold several public hearings. Continued business includes a definitive subdivision request for 17 lots at 129 Llewellyn Street and 115 Christian Street. New business includes a special permit and site‑plan amendment for a multi‑family project at 1 Merrimack Plaza, a site‑plan review for a cannabis delivery business at 70 Wilbur Street, and pre‑application hearings for the Rivers Edge development and a 55‑unit building at 236 Broadway Street. The board will also vote on the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Definitive Subdivision approval for 17‑lot project at 129 Llewellyn St & 115 Christian St (SSF district)
• Special Permit and Site Plan Review Amendment for multi‑family use >11 units at 1 Merrimack Plaza (DMU district)
• Site Plan Review for cannabis delivery business at 70 Wilbur Street (LI district)
• Pre‑application hearing for Rivers Edge development seeking increase to 187 units
• Pre‑application hearing for 55‑unit residential building at 236 Broadway Street

The Planning Board unanimously continued the September 4 minutes to the October 6 meeting. It also continued the definitive subdivision application for 129 Llewellyn and 115 Christian Streets to the October 20 meeting. The Board approved a site‑plan amendment and a special‑permit amendment for 1 Merrimack Plaza, each adding a dumpster‑screening condition. Additional unanimous actions included continuing a cannabis‑delivery application, approving the 2026 meeting schedule, and moving a 236 Broadway pre‑application hearing to November 3.

• Continued approval of 9/4/2025 minutes to Oct 6 (5-0)
• Continued definitive subdivision application (129 Llewellyn & 115 Christian) to Oct 20 (5-0)
• Approved site‑plan amendment for 1 Merrimack Plaza with dumpster‑screening condition (5-0)
• Approved special‑permit amendment for 1 Merrimack Plaza with same condition (5-0)
• Continued cannabis‑delivery application at 70 Wilbur Street to Oct 6 (5-0)
• Approved 2026 Planning Board meeting schedule (5-0)
• Continued pre‑application hearing for 236 Broadway Street to Nov 3 (5-0)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Lowell Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees will meet on September 17, 2025 at Lowell City Hall. The agenda includes approving the minutes from the August 20 meeting, introducing appointee Cathy Mercado, and a round‑table discussion of the Trust Fund’s vision and goals. The board will also set the date for the next meeting and consider any other new business.

• Approve minutes from the August 20 meeting
• Introduce Cathy Mercado, appointee of Mayor Daniel Rourke
• Round‑table discussion of vision and goals for the Trust Fund
• Schedule date for the next meeting
• Consider other new business items

The Affordable Housing Trust Board approved the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes. They accepted Cathy Mercado as a new member appointed by the mayor. The meeting was then adjourned. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved motion to begin the meeting (3-0)
• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved acceptance of new member Cathy Mercado (3-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (3-0)

School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee

The Policy & Governance Subcommittee will meet to discuss potential updates to Lowell Public Schools policies. The discussion focuses on draft analyses and changes related to general school administration and fiscal management.

• Review of Section C General-School-Administration-Analysis-Draft
• Review of Section C General-School-Administration-with-MASC-Changes-Draft
• Review of Section D Fiscal-Management-Analysis-Draft
• Review of Section D Fiscal-Management-with-MASC-Changes-Draft

The subcommittee removed several procedural policies and approved updates to others, including policy CBD with edits. Section C was sent to the full committee for review. Eight policies were replaced with MASC versions and ten policies were referred to the Finance Department and the City for further review.

• Removed policies CC, CF, CHB, CHC, CHCA‑E, Cl, CL (3 yeas)
• Approved policies CB, CBI, CCB, CE, CHCA, CHD, CM (3 yeas)
• Approved policy CBD with recommended edits (3 yeas)
• Removed policies CH and CHA (3 yeas)
• Sent Section C to the full Committee for review with edits (3 yeas)
• Removed policies DBB, DG, DJV‑R, DJG, DKA, DM (3 yeas)
• Removed policies DBE and DBF (3 yeas)
• Approved replacement of policies DA, DB, DBC, DBD, DBG, DBJ, DD, DEC with MASC versions and referred policies DH, DI, DID, DIDA, DIE, DJU, DJA, DJE, DK, DKC for review (2 yeas, 1 absent)

School Committee Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee met on September 16, 2025 to consider a motion concerning Planet’s Health, Sustainability, and Climate education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The motion was moved by Jackie Doherty, seconded by Ms. Delrossi, and passed with five yeas and two members absent. The meeting also included updates on professional learning initiatives and the implementation of the English Language Arts curriculum.

• Motion passed to send response on Planet’s Health, Sustainability, and Climate K‑12 to the Curriculum Subcommittee (5 yeas, 2 absent)
• Update on professional learning programs
• Update on English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum implementation

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee discussed climate education and ELA professional learning updates but took no formal actions on those topics. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Bahou, seconded by Ms. Doherty, and passed with three yeas. The meeting ended at 6:44 p.m.

• Motion to adjourn passed with 3 yeas (motion made by Mr. Bahou, seconded by Ms. Doherty)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to welcome new associate trustees and receive updates on the strategic plan and collection selection. The agenda includes a joint session with the library's Foundation and Friends organizations.

• Welcome of Associate Trustees Titiana Tambi and Christopher St. Croix
• Joint meeting with Library Foundation and Friends of the PML
• Overview of General and Specific Collections Selection
• Strategic Plan Work Groups update
• Policy Review by the Governance Committee

The Trustees approved the agenda for the September 10 meeting unanimously. They also accepted the June 11 and July 9, 2025 board minutes without amendment. The board decided to circulate a digital copy of the ARIS report to all trustees for review. No other formal motions were recorded.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Donna Richards)
• June 11, 2025 minutes accepted unanimously (motion by Suzanne Frechette)
• July 9, 2025 minutes accepted unanimously (motion by Donna Richards)
• Board decided to send a digital ARIS report to all trustees for review

Conservation Commission

The Lowell Conservation Commission will meet on September 10, 2025 to consider several items related to wetlands and floodplain regulations. It will issue an enforcement order requiring removal of landscaping and trees at the Vatt Khmer Lowell and Khmer American Cultural Center within a 100‑foot wetland buffer and FEMA 100‑year floodplain. The commission will also review requests for determination of applicability for a deck project by Quinn’s Construction, a driveway repaving by Robert Clark, and a notice of intent for fuel‑oil remediation by Mullins Management Co.

• Enforcement Order: remove landscaping and trees at 48 Townsend Avenue (100‑ft wetland buffer & FEMA 100‑yr floodplain) for Vatt Khmer Lowell and Khmer American Cultural Center
• Request for Determination of Applicability: Quinn’s Construction seeks approval to demolish and rebuild deck at 587 Princeton Boulevard (part in FEMA 100‑yr floodplain)
• Notice of Intent: Mullins Management Co. proposes remediation of No. 6 fuel oil release at 169.2 Bridge Street, work in the Concord River
• Request for Determination of Applicability: Robert Clark proposes repaving driveway at 31 Lauren Way within 100‑ft wetland buffer
• Review of minutes from the August 13, 2025 Conservation Commission meeting

City Council

The City Council will consider several grant expenditures and license agreements. Members are proposing new ordinances regarding needle exchange locations and noise penalties, as well as exploring the expansion of the Senior Center into a vacant Walgreens space.

• Grant expenditures: $216,990 for LPD staffing, $90,750 for Fire staffing, $80,000 for Jail/Arrest Diversion, and $19,250 for Mass Technology Collaborative
• Proposed ordinances to prohibit needle exchange programs within 1,000 feet of schools
• Proposed amendment to Form Based Code for HCID Parcels 2, 3A, 4, and 5
• License agreements with UpNext LLC for 262 Merrimack St and 51-57 Market St
• Proposed feasibility study for expanding the Senior Center into the vacant Walgreens space

The council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the distribution of needles within 1,000 feet of a school, passing unanimously (8 yeas, 3 absent). It also adopted a request to explore expanding the Senior Center into the vacant Walgreens space, also with an 8‑yea vote. Several other requests were referred to the City Manager for further study.

• Adopted ordinance prohibiting needle distribution within 1,000 ft of a school (8‑0)
• Adopted request to explore expanding the Senior Center into vacant Walgreens space (8‑0)
• Referred request for a program to assist disabled persons with hedge trimming to City Manager
• Referred request to prohibit needle exchange programs within 1,000 ft of schools and 1,100 ft of city parks to City Manager
• Referred request to eliminate minimum water usage billing charge beginning FY26 to City Manager
• Referred request for Back Central neighborhood parking sticker program to City Manager
• Referred request to create a Lower Locks Working Group to City Manager
• Referred request for updated noise ordinance with increased penalties for repeat corporate offenders to City Manager

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting. The board confirmed the city’s approval of a Bingo Day scheduled for September 29, 2025. Other topics such as grant applications, a senior playground concept, and the possible acquisition of the former Walgreens space were discussed but no formal actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Bingo Day on September 29, 2025 (city approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review five variance petitions regarding residential construction and parking. The board is deciding on requests for height, story, and setback relief, as well as the conversion of a former municipal building into housing.

• Conversion of former municipal firehouse at 93 Mammoth Road into three residential units
• Request to add a third story to the home at 10 Corson Street
• Request to raise the roof for attic space at 128 Lilley Avenue
• Request to enclose a front porch at 22 Wedge Street
• Construction of a paved parking area for 8 nearby properties at 14-16 Rockdale Avenue

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved four variances for roof, third‑story, porch enclosure, and a firehouse conversion, adding conditions to the latter. A fifth variance request for a parking area was continued to September 22, 2025. The board also approved the prior meeting minutes and adjourned the session at 7:18 PM.

• Approved variance for Jesus Padua to raise roof at 128 Lilley Ave (5-0)
• Approved variances for Skaff Realty to convert former firehouse at 93 Mammoth Rd into three residential units, with conditions (5-0)
• Approved variance for Pony Khousakoun to add third story at 10 Corson St (5-0)
• Approved variance for Sambath and Sandap Chim Ros to enclose front porch at 22 Wedge St (5-0)
• Continued Steve Derosa parking area variance request to September 22, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 8/11/2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:18 PM (5-0)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board will meet to approve minutes, hear public comments on zoning applications, and consider a tree removal request. Several applications have been withdrawn or continued.

• Approval of August 18, 2025 minutes
• Withdrawal of 318 Andover Street subdivision application
• Withdrawal of 246 University Ave site plan review application
• Continued tree hearing for Van Greenby Road removal
• Public hearing for 353 Wilder Street multi-family conversion

The Planning Board approved a special permit to convert 353 Wilder Street from a two‑family to a three‑family home, requiring that mature trees remain on the site. It also approved site‑plan and special‑permit conditions for 110 Branch Street, and granted withdrawals for two other applications. A tree‑removal hearing was continued to the October 20 meeting.

• Approved withdrawal of subdivision request for 318 Andover St (5-0)
• Approved withdrawal of site‑plan and special‑permit request for 246 University Ave (5-0)
• Continued tree hearing for Van Greenby Rd to 10/20 meeting (5-0)
• Issued special permit for 353 Wilder St conversion, with condition to preserve mature trees (5-0)
• Approved site‑plan for 110 Branch St conversion, with condition to keep one deeded parking space (5-0)
• Approved site‑plan condition for 110 Branch St that all Building Department requests be followed (5-0)

Board of Health

The Board approved the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. It approved a three‑day suspension of Country Farms Groceries' tobacco sales license for September 15‑17, 2025. The Board then moved the suspension to the week of October 14, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM.

• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved three‑day tobacco sales license suspension for Sep 15‑17, 2025 (Jo‑Ann Keegan, William Galvin, Erin Gendron, Alison Keegan – all yes)
• Moved suspension to week of Oct 14, 2025 (all in favor)
• Took item 1.IV out of order (all in favor)
• Accepted Central Mass Mosquito Control Program communications (filed)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:58 PM (all in favor)

Sustainability Council

The Sustainability Council will meet to vote on the Specialized Stretch Code and letters of support for grants. The body will also discuss the annual schedule of events and a collaboration with the Markley Data Center.

• Vote on Specialized Stretch Code
• Vote on letters of support for grants
• Planning for MCG Harvest Fest (9/13) and Lowell Drives Electric event (9/27)
• Update on Markley Data Center collaboration with Lowell Sustainability Division
• Discussion of criteria for initiatives

The council approved its meeting minutes and unanimously approved drafting a letter of support for grant funding. A motion to recommend the City adopt the specialized stretch code was carried with a 4‑2 vote. The council also approved the adjournment of the meeting.

• Minutes approved (motion by Vooys, seconded by Oates)
• Recommend City adopt specialized stretch code – passed 4-2 (yes: Hondros‑McCarthy, Lefebvre, Oates, Vooys; no: Fragoso, Wambui)
• Approve drafting Council letter of support for grants – unanimous
• Tabled criteria for initiatives – no vote
• Adjourn meeting – all in favor

Board of Parks

The board approved a $200 custodian fee for all permits and adopted a rule requiring tournament dates on permit requests, with a penalty fee and a one‑year permit restriction for non‑compliance. It also approved numerous community event permits, setting fees ranging from $0 to $2,400 as requested.

• Approved $400 credit for Gil Vigeant (5-0)
• Approved Shirley Ciccolo Walkathon with $0 fee (5-0)
• Approved Joseph Ngugi Cookout with $100 fee (5-0)
• Approved Crystal Mccormick birthday party with $150 fee (5-0)
• Approved Aisha Nieves Girls on the Run dates with no fee (5-0)
• Amended custodian fee to $200 for all permits (5-0)
• Required tournament dates on permits; penalty fee and 1‑year restriction for non‑compliance (5-0)
• Approved Lowell Youth Baseball & Softball League dates with no fee (4-0-1 abstained)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The Pollard Memorial Library Governance Committee will meet to review draft policies regarding local authors and lending to residents of decertified communities. The meeting is hybrid, allowing in-person attendance at 401 Merrimack St. or online via Zoom.

• Review of 'Local Author Policy Draft'
• Review of 'Policy Regarding Lending to Residents of Decertified Communities'
• Public comment period available via email or phone
• Meeting held under state extension of remote meeting provisions until June 30, 2027

Cultural Council

The council scheduled the upcoming program for September 27 and tasked Beth to distribute volunteer time slots. The legal department was assigned to draft language for direct funding and open a public comment period. Reimbursements were reviewed and signed by attending members. A public‑art permit for the "Looms and Legacy" installation was reviewed.

• Scheduled council‑initiated program for September 27
• Assigned Beth to send volunteer timeslots for the September 27 event
• Tasked legal department to draft direct‑funding language and schedule public comment period
• Completed review and signature of reimbursements by members present
• Reviewed public‑art permit for "Looms and Legacy" installation on the Leo A. Roy Garage
• Noted new member application submitted (eligibility requires Lowell residency)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund board approved four motions, each with a 5‑0 vote: to call the meeting to order, to adopt the July 16, 2025 minutes, to share members' visions and goals via email with the administrator, and to adjourn the meeting. No funding allocations or policy changes were decided at this session.

• Approved motion to call meeting to order (5-0)
• Approved adoption of July 16, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved motion to share visions and goals via email (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (5-0)

Monument Committee

The Lowell Monument Committee unanimously approved a plaque to be placed in the City Auditor’s Office recognizing former City Auditor James T. Kennedy. The motion was made by Joe Pyne and seconded by Heather Forysthe. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved plaque honoring former City Auditor James T. Kennedy (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board approved the amended Special Permits and Site Plan Review for 125 Perry Street, allowing eight additional residential units (total 32) and a new parking area with 27 spaces, subject to conditions. Conditions require final LRWWU approval, bike rack availability, lighting plan submission, and elevation work. The Board also approved the Special Permit and Site Plan Review for 558 Gorham Street with conditions, and continued the 353 Wilder Street hearing to September 4. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved amended Special Permits for 125 Perry Street with conditions (5-0)
• Approved amended Site Plan Review for 125 Perry Street with same conditions (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for 558 Gorham Street with conditions (5-0)
• Approved Site Plan Review for 558 Gorham Street with conditions (5-0)
• Continued 353 Wilder Street hearing to 9/4 (5-0)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee approved the previous meeting minutes with a correction for P. St. Cyr’s attendance. A motion to add Eliza Siek as a student representative was approved unanimously (14‑0). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved previous meeting minutes with correction (passed by roll call)
• Added Eliza Siek as a student representative (14 Yay, 0 Nay)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion by C. Baldwin, second by B. Opara)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0 to issue a negative 3 determination for Max Levine Co.'s request to install a truck scale within a wetland buffer. The Commission also ratified an Enforcement Order against Vatt Khmer for removing trees in a wetland buffer and flood plain, voting 5‑0. Additional unanimous actions included continuing the meeting to September 10, 2025, and approving the July 16, 2025 minutes.

• Issued negative 3 determination for Max Levine Co. truck‑scale project (5‑0)
• Ratified Enforcement Order against Vatt Khmer for illegal tree removal (5‑0)
• Continued meeting to September 10, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)

City Council

The council created a new Parks department position, naming it after Mr. and Mrs. Conant for a new splash pad. It also adopted two zoning amendments for Pawtucket Boulevard and Branch Street, and approved a temporary repairs ordinance. The council cancelled the scheduled August 26 meeting and referred multiple requests to the City Manager for further study.

• Adopted naming of new Centralville splash pad after Mr. and Mrs. Conant (11 yeas)
• Adopted amendment to Zoning Ext SMU Zone – 1190 Pawtucket Blvd (11 yeas)
• Adopted amendment to Zoning Ext TMU Zone – Branch Street (11 yeas)
• Adopted amendment to Chapter 243 – Temporary Repairs on Private Ways (11 yeas)
• Created new Parks department position (9 yeas, 2 nays)
• Cancelled Council meeting scheduled for 08/26/25 (11 yeas)
• Accepted and placed on file the remote/Zoom participation motion (passed)
• Accepted and placed on file the Cameo Diner citation motion (passed)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Advisory Board will meet to review director and committee reports. The board will discuss state budget items and the formation of a Senior Center Working Group.

• State Budget: EMHOT and COA Now BHOAP Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Population
• Changes to MassHealth
• Formation of Senior Center Working Group
• Discussion on verbal abuse of elderly
• Discussion on GLHA

The Advisory Board voted to approve the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes. The board also approved the LCOA By‑Laws. Both motions passed with all members in favor. No other formal actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved LCOA By‑Laws (all in favor)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved five variance petitions. It granted a variance for four angled parking spaces at 84 Walker Street. It approved conversion of a commercial unit to two residential units at 110 Branch Street with a wastewater compliance condition. It also approved variances for a single‑family home at 31 Chapel Street, a front porch at 170 Mount Pleasant Street, and a lot‑line reconfiguration at 21 Spring Avenue and 10 Sawtelle Place.

• Approved variance for 4 parking spaces at 84 Walker Street (5-0)
• Approved variances for 110 Branch Street conversion, conditioned on wastewater compliance (5-0)
• Approved variance for single‑family home at 31 Chapel Street, conditioned on wastewater comments (5-0)
• Approved front‑porch variance at 170 Mount Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Approved lot‑line reconfiguration variance at 21 Spring Avenue & 10 Sawtelle Place (5-0)

Board of Parks

The board adopted a fee of $225 per non‑synthetic field per day for tournaments. It also approved a $1,500 per day fee for synthetic fields, a $200 per park per day trash‑removal charge (unless the permittee removes trash), and a $200 per 4‑hour block custodial fee. The board set an annual review of the tournament fee structure to occur each July 1. The meeting was adjourned at 5:43 p.m., with all votes 5‑0.

• Approved $225 per non‑synthetic field per day tournament fee (5‑0)
• Approved $1,500 per synthetic field per day tournament fee (5‑0)
• Approved annual review of tournament fee structure on July 1 (5‑0)
• Approved $200 per park per day trash‑removal charge unless permittee removes trash (5‑0)
• Approved $200 per 4‑hour block custodial fee for tournaments (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:43 p.m. (5‑0)

Board of Health

The Board accepted the minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting. It approved several reports and placed related communications on file, and expressed support for investigating a temporary tattoo license. The Board unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss litigation concerning 2 Brothers Smoke Shop & Vape. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted June 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted PrideStar EMS reports (unanimous)
• Accepted Tobacco Control monthly report (unanimous)
• Accepted CMMCP August spray schedule (unanimous)
• Accepted CMMCP abandoned swimming pool program (unanimous)
• Supported investigation of temporary tattoo license (unanimous)
• Entered executive session on 2 Brothers Smoke Shop & Vape litigation (Yes: Jo‑Ann Keegan, William Galvin III, Erin Gendron, Kathleen Cullen‑Lutter, Alison Keegan)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:47 PM (unanimous)

Board of Parks

The board voted 5‑0 to waive a $900 fee for canceled Shedd Park permits. It also approved a birthday celebration with the adult fee waived, a back‑to‑school event with no fee, a fundraiser with a $50 fee, and a graduation party with a $270 fee. Additional approvals included waiving a $600 fee for a canceled health‑cup permit and allowing two city‑sponsored community events with no fees. All motions were passed unanimously except one with one abstention.

• Waived $900 fee for canceled Shedd Park permits (5-0)
• Approved Deborah Rodriguez birthday celebration with adult fee waived (5-0)
• Approved Levi Tankersley Back-to‑School event with no fee (5-0)
• Approved Marcos Candido fundraiser with $50 fee (5-0)
• Approved Dhwani Jain graduation party at Shedd Park Pavilion with $270 fee (5-0)
• Waived $600 fee for Joseph Ofosu canceled Health Cup permit (5-0)
• Approved DPD community engagement events at South Common with no fee (5-0)
• Approved Kerouac Park rally with $0 fee (5-0)

Sustainability Council

The council approved the June meeting minutes. It voted to table at Mill City Grows' Harvest Fest using Sustainability Division materials. A motion was approved to request a written report from the Sustainability Division on Markley Data Center emissions, noise, and mitigation options, passing by voice vote with one abstention. Motions to tour a Passive House and to advance climate education in public schools were tabled.

• Approved June minutes (unanimous)
• Approved tabling at Harvest Fest (voice vote)
• Approved request for written Markley Data Center report (voice vote, 1 abstention)
• Tabled motion for community tour of Passive House
• Tabled motion to advance climate education in public schools

City Council

The council adopted the HERO Act with a roll‑call vote of 11 yeas. It also approved a $46,259.50 MassEVIP parking grant and an ORR permit for cobblestones, each by 11 yeas. The council adopted Option 1 for LPS funding in the FY2026 budget update. Numerous other items were referred to the City Manager for further action.

• Adopted HERO Act (MGL c. 59 s. 22I) – 11 yeas
• Approved $46,259.50 MassEVIP parking grant – 11 yeas
• Adopted ORR permit for cobblestones – 11 yeas
• Adopted Option 1 for LPS funding in FY2026 budget – adopted (vote not recorded)
• Referred request for bollards at Westford & Stedman to City Manager – referred
• Referred addition of Wellesley, Walton, West Albert (and Hudson) streets to paving list – referred
• Referred request for report on MBTA Zoning Overlay projects to City Manager – referred
• Referred request for ADU application report to City Manager – referred

Cultural Council

The council signed off on pending reimbursements and approved the public‑art permit for painted crosswalks throughout Lowell. No vote outcomes were recorded; other items such as partnership talks and grant payment methods were discussed but not decided.

• Approved pending reimbursements (signed in person)
• Approved public‑art painted crosswalk permit (signed in person)

City Council Public Safety Sub Committee

The Public Safety Subcommittee held a discussion on hybrid hiring, the assessment center, and the Citizen Advisory Committee, but no formal actions were approved. The only decision was a motion to adjourn, which was carried. No other items were voted on or resolved.

• Motion to adjourn meeting passed (motion by C. Yem, seconded by C. Chau)

Planning Board

The Lowell Planning Board voted unanimously to issue a positive recommendation to the City Council to amend the zoning code, extending the Suburban Mixed‑Use district to include 1190 Pawtucket Boulevard. The board also unanimously continued the tree‑removal hearing for Van Greenby Road to the September 4 meeting and the definitive subdivision hearing for 129 Llewellyn and 115 Christian Street to the September 18 meeting.

• Continue Van Greenby Road tree hearing to Sept 4 (5‑0)
• Continue subdivision hearing for 129 Llewellyn & 115 Christian St to Sept 18 (5‑0)
• Issue positive recommendation to City Council to rezone 1190 Pawtucket Blvd to Suburban Mixed‑Use (5‑0)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and placed them on file. The committee then adjourned the meeting. A future meeting was scheduled for August 14, 2025. No substantive project approvals or denials were made.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (motion by R. Underwood, seconded by C. Baldwin)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by C. Baldwin, seconded by R. Underwood)
• Scheduled next School Building Committee meeting for 8/14/2025

Affordable Housing Trust

The board approved a $7,500.00 stipend for George Coutouras as administrator of the City of Lowelt Affordabte Housing Trust Fund. The meeting also approved the June 19, 2025 minutes, affirmed that the board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Reception Room, and unanimously adjourned. Discussion on the ARPA Funds distribution process was tabled until the next meeting.

• Motion to begin the meeting – Approved 5-0
• Approve June 19, 2025 minutes – Approved 5-0
• Affirm meeting schedule (third Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., Mayor's Reception Room) – Approved 5-0
• Approve $7,500.00 stipend to George Coutouras for administrator position – Approved 5-0
• Adjourn meeting – Approved 5-0

Conservation Commission

The commission closed the public hearing on the amended Notice of Intent for the Mass Audubon pond expansion and adopted the City of Lowell Standard of Conditions. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for a property at 91 Leonard Circle, a negative 3 determination with erosion‑control conditions for Community Teamwork, Inc., and ratified two emergency certifications for beaver‑dam breaches. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Closed public hearing on amended Notice of Intent (Mass Audubon) – vote 5-0
• Approved City of Lowell Standard of Conditions for amended NOI – vote 5-0
• Issued Certificate of Compliance to Francisco Camacho – vote 5-0
• Issued negative 3 determination with erosion‑control condition to Community Teamwork, Inc. – vote 5-0
• Ratified emergency certification for 20 Holt Circle – vote 5-0
• Ratified emergency certification for 141 Black Brook Drive – vote 5-0
• Approved 6/25/2025 meeting minutes – vote 5-0
• Adjourned meeting – vote 5-0

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board withdrew a variance request for 246 University Ave. It approved variances for an accessory dwelling unit at 115‑117 Andrews Street and for a 32‑unit redevelopment at 125 Perry Street, adding conditions on granite veneer and signage. The board also continued a roof‑raise petition for 128 Lilley Ave and approved a three‑family conversion at 353 Wilder Street with a condition to adopt the revised site plan. All motions passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote.

• Withdrawal of variance for 246 University Ave approved (5-0)
• Variance for ADU at 115‑117 Andrews Street approved (5-0)
• Variance for 32‑unit redevelopment at 125 Perry Street approved with conditions (5-0)
• Petition for roof raise at 128 Lilley Ave continued to 9/8 meeting (5-0)
• Variance for three‑family conversion at 353 Wilder Street approved with site‑plan condition (5-0)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. Trustees voted to transfer the Open Meeting Law complaint to the City Solicitor's Office, with all present members voting in favor. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that also received unanimous support.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Judy Davidson, seconded by Helen Littlefield)
• Transfer Open Meeting Law complaint to City Solicitor approved (all 7 present voted in favor)
• Meeting adjourned at 5:46 PM (motion by Donna Richards, seconded by Suzanne Frechette, all present voted in favor)

City Council

The City Council adopted several grant expenditures, including a $1,000,000 Community Project Funding Grant, a $773,400 SSYI Grant, a $250,000 MassCall3 Grant, a $135,472.79 OLRH Grant, a $149,417 BHOAP Grant, and a $20,000 Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grant. All grant motions were adopted unanimously. The Council also approved out‑of‑state travel for the LPD and voted 10‑1 to use concrete for sidewalks on Barasford Avenue.

• Adopted $1,000,000 Community Project Funding Grant (11 yeas)
• Adopted $773,400 SSYI Grant (11 yeas)
• Adopted $250,000 MassCall3 Grant (11 yeas)
• Adopted $135,472.79 OLRH Grant (11 yeas)
• Adopted $149,417 BHOAP Grant (11 yeas)
• Adopted $20,000 Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grant (11 yeas)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for LPD (11 yeas)
• Approved concrete sidewalks on Barasford Avenue (10 yeas, 1 nay)

City Council

The council adopted a $247,870.21 expenditure for the Shared Street and Spaces project. It also approved several financial transfers, including $101,883 for Ride Share, $74,500 for demolitions, and $20,000 for the Disability Commission revolving fund. Additional actions included reappointing Clifford Krieger to the License Commission, approving out‑of‑state travel for the police department, and adopting orders for a taking at 40 Market Street and a 60‑day trial. All motions were adopted with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes as recorded.

• Adopted $247,870.21 Shared Street and Spaces expenditure (11 yeas)
• Adopted $101,883 Ride Share transfer (11 yeas)
• Adopted $74,500 demolition transfer (11 yeas)
• Adopted $20,000 Disability Commission revolving fund transfer (11 yeas)
• Reappointed Clifford Krieger to License Commission (11 yeas)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel request for LPD (11 yeas)
• Adopted Order of Taking for 40 Market Street (10 yeas, 1 nay)
• Adopted 60‑day trial order (11 yeas)

Sustainability Council

The council approved the May meeting minutes. Motions to write letters supporting H.560/S.391 and H.3448/S.2358 were both tabled. The framework for initiative criteria was also tabled. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved May meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Tabled motion to write a letter supporting H.560 / S.391
• Tabled motion to write a letter supporting H.3448 / S.2358
• Tabled Criteria for Initiatives Framework
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks approved a $550 credit for rain‑cancelled permits and authorized several youth and adult cricket sessions at Hovey Field with associated fees. It also approved multiple softball tournament dates at McPherson Park with fees ranging from $1,200 to $1,650. Additional approvals included a birthday party pavilion reservation, a car‑wash custodial fee, and several youth‑sports schedules. Requests from Dylan Thibeault and two birthday parties were declined.

• Approved $550 credit for rain‑cancelled permits (vote 4‑0)
• Approved youth cricket at Hovey Field with no fee (vote 4‑0)
• Approved adult cricket at Hovey Field, $675 fee (vote 4‑0)
• Approved adult cricket at Hovey Field, $3,150 fee (vote 4‑0)
• Approved McPherson Park softball tournament July 4‑6, $1,275 fee (vote 4‑0)
• Approved McPherson Park softball tournament July 11‑13, $1,650 fee (vote 4‑0)
• Approved Shedd Park Pavilion birthday party, $270 fee (vote 4‑0)
• Declined Dylan Thibeault CTI Field Day request

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved a Positive 2a determination for Keolis' wetlands map renewal and denied the proposed vegetation management work with a Negative 3 determination, both unanimously (5-0). It also issued Certificates of Compliance for Atlantic Oliver II and Mark James, and Negative 3 determinations for the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust invasive‑species project and the City of Lowell Aiken Street Bridge resurfacing, each vote 5-0.

• Issue Positive 2a determination for Keolis wetlands mapping (5-0)
• Issue Negative 3 determination for Keolis vegetation work (5-0)
• Issue Certificate of Compliance for Atlantic Oliver II parking expansion (5-0)
• Issue Negative 3 determination for Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust invasive‑species project (5-0)
• Issue Negative 3 determination for City of Lowell Aiken Street Bridge resurfacing (5-0)
• Grant Certificate of Compliance for Mark James (5-0)

City Council

The council adopted a loan order for the 40 Market Street property, passing the motion 9‑1‑1. It also approved the VHB Markley Way request to install four 6,000‑gallon diesel generators, with a 9‑1‑1 vote. A motion to table the Markley permit was defeated 3‑7‑1. Several other items were accepted for the record and referred to the City Manager for further study.

• Adopted loan order for 40 Market Street (9 yeas, 1 nay, 1 absent)
• Approved VHB Markley Way diesel generator permit (9 yeas, 1 nay, 1 absent)
• Motion to table Markley permit defeated (3 yeas, 7 nays, 1 absent)
• Accepted Mayor's remote/Zoom participation motion (vote not specified)
• Accepted minutes of June 10 council meeting (vote not specified)
• Referred traffic‑calming study for Middlesex & Appleton Streets to City Manager
• Referred traffic‑calming study for Butman Road to City Manager
• Referred feasibility study for 4‑way stop at W. 6th & Bunker Hill to City Manager

Cultural Council

The council reviewed direct versus reimbursement granting and considered adopting direct granting for FY2026. Reimbursements were reviewed and signed. Upcoming events were planned, including confirming the art market date for September 22 and reserving a table for the Folk Festival. No formal votes or approvals were recorded.

• Reviewed and signed reimbursements
• Art market date set for September 22
• Reserved Folk Festival table for Saturday and Sunday
• Planned purchase of additional council stickers for the festival

School Committee Policy & Governance Subcommittee

The subcommittee reviewed numerous school‑committee policies and recommended updates. The members voted to accept the revised Section B policies and send them to the full School Committee for approval. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted Section B policies with changes and sent to full Committee for approval (2 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:47 p.m. (2 yeas, 1 absent)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the variances requested by Madjack7, LLC for a new single‑family home at 110 Billings Street, requiring the applicant to work with the Greening the Gateway Cities program to select a shade tree before permitting. The Board also extended a previously granted variance for 26 July Street by six months, and continued three other applications to future meetings. All motions passed unanimously.

• Continued Peter Dendromiris variance application to August 11 meeting (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved withdrawal of Greg Looney variance application without prejudice (unanimous 4‑0)
• Continued Marsha Hebert variance application to July 14 meeting (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved variances for 110 Billings Street with tree‑planting condition (unanimous 4‑0)
• Extended variance for 26 July Street by six months (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 4‑0)

Affordable Housing Trust

The board elected Eric Netson as chair, Vaterie Opera as vice‑chair, and Tha Chhan as secretary (all 5‑0). It approved the receipt of $3,300,000 in ARPA funds for the trust (5‑0). The trustees also approved the creation of the Lowell Affordable Housing Trust and authorized the City Manager to record its declaration (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting scheduled for July 16 at 4:30 p.m.

• Eric Netson elected chair (5‑0)
• Vaterie Opera elected vice‑chair (5‑0)
• Tha Chhan nominated secretary (5‑0)
• Accepted $3,300,000 ARPA seed funds for the trust (5‑0)
• Established Lowell Affordable Housing Trust and authorized City Manager to record declaration (5‑0)
• Scheduled next meeting for July 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (decision noted)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

School Committee School Improvement & Performance Management Subcommittee

The subcommittee voted to receive updates in October on school lunch packaging, breakfast options, and culturally diverse menu offerings. The motion passed with three yeas. The committee also voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m., which also passed with three yeas.

• Approved October updates on packaging, breakfast options, and culturally diverse food offerings (3 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:59 p.m. (3 yeas)

School Committee Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee

The subcommittee voted to combine agenda items 1 and 3. It also approved a motion authorizing the City Manager and Superintendent to begin discussions on consolidating the City and School facilities departments. Both motions passed with five yeas and one member absent (Ms. Scott). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Combined agenda items #1 and #3 (5 yeas, 1 absent)
• Authorized City Manager and Superintendent to begin facilities department consolidation discussions (5 yeas, 1 absent)

School Committee Human Resources & Labor Relations Subcommittee

The subcommittee discussed the superintendent evaluation process, setting deadlines for document distribution, evidence submission, and score compilation. No vote was taken on those timelines. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was moved, seconded, and passed with three yeas.

• Adjourned meeting (motion passed with 3 yeas)

School Committee Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee met to review budget allocations and discuss the 2025‑2026 budget, including the status of bad bills and technology funding. No formal approvals or denials were recorded. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which passed with 2 yeas and 1 member absent.

• Adjourned meeting (2 yeas, 1 absent)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to extend the definitive subdivision request for 318 Andover Street to a September 4 hearing, requiring the applicant to sign a continuation form within two weeks. It also voted 4‑0 to postpone the tree removal hearing on Van Greenby Road to the July 21 meeting. A third 4‑0 vote continued the site‑plan review and special permit request for 246 University Avenue to the September 4 meeting. All motions were approved unanimously.

• Continued 318 Andover St subdivision to Sep 4 (4-0)
• Continued Van Greenby Rd tree hearing to July 21 (4-0)
• Continued 246 University Ave site‑plan review to Sep 4 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 6/02/2025 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:38 p.m. (4-0)

City Council Senior Citizens Sub Committee

The Senior Citizens Subcommittee approved a motion for the City to explore disability seating at city events. It also adopted a motion directing a traffic mitigation plan for Swan and Bigelow Streets due to the Gorham Street Bridge project. Finally, the committee approved a request for a traffic engineer to study a solar digital speed‑limit sign between Nesmith Street and Waverly Avenue.

• Approved motion to explore disability seating for city events (3 yeas: C. Mercier, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier)
• Approved motion to develop traffic mitigation plan for Swan and Bigelow Streets (3 yeas: C. Mercier, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier)
• Approved motion to request traffic‑engineer feasibility study for solar digital speed‑limit sign (3 yeas: C. Mercier, C. Descoteaux, C. Gitschier)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting after a motion by M. Byrne and a second by B. Opara. The remainder of the meeting consisted of construction, budget, workforce, and air‑quality updates, with questions and answers but no formal votes or approvals.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (motion by M. Byrne, seconded by B. Opara; passed by roll call)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The board unanimously approved the agenda and the April 9 minutes. Trustees elected new officers—President Kerry Jenness, Vice President Linda Kilbride, Treasurer Donna Richards, Clerk Belinda Juran—and added Katy Aronoff and Richard Hubble as board members. They approved a non‑public gathering of Foundation, Friends, and Trustees and selected appropriate advocacy posters for display. The Friends book sale raised $2,800.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Donna Richards, seconded by Helen Littlefield)
• April 9 minutes approved unanimously with corrections
• Officers voted in: President Kerry Jenness, Vice President Linda Kilbride, Treasurer Donna Richards, Clerk Belinda Juran
• New board members added: Katy Aronoff and Richard Hubble
• Agreed to convene a non‑public gathering of Foundation, Friends, and Trustees (Richards to contact executive teams)
• Selected appropriate advocacy posters for library display
• Friends book sale raised $2,800
• Director Cooley to contact City Legal Department regarding Open Meeting Law complaint

City Council

The council rejected the Department of Planning and Development’s housing production plan, voting 6 against and 5 for. It approved the appointment of William Lefebvre to the Lowell Sustainability Council and authorized out‑of‑state travel for two library staff and one DPD employee. CPC funding recommendations for four development projects were adopted, with votes ranging from 10 to 11 yeas. The council also accepted the meeting minutes, the mayor’s proclamation, and referred the 40 Market Street loan order to a public hearing on June 24.

• Rejected DPD Housing Production Plan (5 yeas, 6 nays) – defeated
• Adopted appointment of William Lefebvre to Sustainability Council (9 yeas, 2 absent) – adopted
• Adopted out‑of‑state travel approval for 2 library staff and 1 DPD employee (9 yeas, 2 absent) – adopted
• Adopted CPC funding for 246.1 Market St. (10 yeas, 1 recused) – adopted
• Adopted CPC funding for 32 Bridge St. (11 yeas) – adopted
• Adopted CPC funding for 484 Merrimack St. (11 yeas) – adopted
• Adopted CPC funding for 573‑579 Lawrence St. (11 yeas) – adopted
• Referred 40 Market Street loan order to public hearing on June 24 (vote passed) – referred

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit and variance for Huynh Properties to build three residential units at 535 Pawtucket Boulevard, with conditions for a landscaping plan and revised site plan. It also approved a variance for BCFC Park’s building expansion with utility, easement, and parking‑sign conditions. Two other variance applications were continued to the June 23, 2025 meeting.

• Approved Special Permit and Variance for 535 Pawtucket Blvd (5-0) with landscaping and revised site‑plan conditions
• Approved Variance for 278 Central Street expansion (5-0) with utility plan, easement review, and no‑parking sign conditions
• Continued variance application ZBA-2025-17 (84 Walker St) to June 23, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Continued variance application ZBA-2025-18 (318 Andover St) to June 23, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 5/29/2025 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:21 PM (5-0)

Board of Health

The Lowell Board of Health accepted the June 4 meeting minutes and placed several communications and reports on file. It approved a motion to enter executive session to discuss litigation concerning 2 Brothers Smoke Shop & Vape, with all members voting yes. The board then adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted minutes of June 4, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Placed communication to Mr. James A. Dowd on file (accepted)
• Accepted PrideStar EMS reports (filed)
• Accepted Tobacco Control monthly report (reviewed, hearing scheduled)
• Accepted CMMCP August 2025 spray schedule (filed)
• Accepted CMMCP Abandoned Swimming Pool Program (filed)
• Voted to enter executive session to discuss litigation over 2 Brothers Smoke Shop & Vape (5 Yes votes)
• Motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board voted 5‑0 to continue the 558 Gorham Street townhouse request to the August 18 meeting. It also approved the site plan for 190‑198 Plain Street with conditions, and unanimously passed special permits for a drive‑through and reduced parking at the same location. Additionally, the Board approved the removal of one tree at Hadley Park to allow playground expansion, also by a 5‑0 vote.

• Continued 558 Gorham St townhouse matter to Aug 18 (5‑0)
• Approved Plain St site plan with transportation engineer conditions (5‑0)
• Approved special permit for Plain St drive‑through (5‑0)
• Approved special permit for reduced restaurant parking at Plain St (5‑0)
• Approved removal of one tree at Hadley Park for playground expansion (5‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board approved a variance for an 80‑unit residential development at 534‑556 Chelmsford Street, adding a required landscaping plan (vote 4‑0). It also approved variances for a two‑family conversion at 199 Mammoth Road, a rear addition at 1284 Varnum Avenue, and a driveway at 532 Gorham Street, each with specific conditions (each vote 5‑0). The application to convert 23 W Fifth Street to a four‑family building was withdrawn (5‑0). Minutes were approved and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved 80‑unit Chelmsford Street housing variances with landscaping condition (4‑0)
• Approved variance for 199 Mammoth Road two‑family conversion, requiring shade tree (5‑0)
• Approved variance for 1284 Varnum Avenue rear addition, requiring single‑story roof and deck removal (5‑0)
• Approved variances for 532 Gorham Street driveway (5‑0)
• Withdrawn application for 23 W Fifth Street four‑family conversion (5‑0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks approved dozens of event permits, most with no fee and all votes 4‑0. Fees were applied for a few events, including a $200 fee for the Day of Remembrance and a $120 fee for a birthday party. The board granted a $450 credit for a canceled pavilion permit and authorized a three‑month trial community library at Shedd Park. Requests from absent applicants were declined.

• Approved Tommy Farley Field Day (no fee) – vote 4‑0
• Approved Jason McCrevan Summer School Recess (no fee) – vote 4‑0
• Approved Rosemary Guillette Day of Remembrance with $200 fee – vote 4‑0
• Approved Joseph Essien Community Health Screening with $450 credit for canceled permit – vote 4‑0
• Approved Lowell Pop Warner Football Games with $1,200 fee – vote 4‑0
• Approved Cawley Stadium Practices (no fee, fee waived) – vote 4‑0
• Approved Becky Roman Evangelism Church Service (no fee) – vote 4‑0
• Approved community library trial at Shedd Park – vote 4‑0

City Council

The council adopted the FY2026 budget with a unanimous 10‑yea vote. It also approved the 2025 Capital Plan loan order, the parking capital improvements loan order, and several ordinance amendments covering DPW, sewer and water rates. The water‑rate amendment passed 7‑3, while the other ordinances passed unanimously. Council also approved the creation of new positions in various departments.

• Adopt FY2026 budget (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt 2025 Capital Plan loan order (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt Parking Capital Improvements loan order (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt amendment to DPW Chapter 20 Article III (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt amendment to Sewer Rate FY26 (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt amendment to Water Rate FY26 (7 yeas, 3 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopt creation of new positions ordinance (10 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)

Sustainability Council

The council noted there is no budget for FY 2025‑26 and will ask about the next year’s budget in February. It agreed to delay the Sustainability Summit until Fall 2026 and to focus on gathering stakeholder input on the Specialized Stretch Code for the June meeting. The discussion on a Styrofoam ban was tabled for the July meeting, and the council decided not to pursue a table at the Mill City Seed Swap due to time constraints.

• Noted lack of FY 2025‑26 budget; will query next fiscal year budget in February (agreed)
• Postponed the Sustainability Summit to Fall 2026 (agreed)
• Will gather community input on the Specialized Stretch Code for the June meeting (agreed)
• Tabled the Styrofoam ban discussion for the July meeting (agreed)
• Decided not to table at the Mill City Seed Swap because of time constraints (agreed)
• Agreed to consider co‑tabling with Energy Advocate Victor Vargas at the Folk Festival (discussed, no firm decision)
• Home Modernization Navigator Program reported as fully launched (status update)
• Scheduled a town‑hall on geothermal for May 28 at Coburn Hall (announced)

City Council

The Lowell City Council adopted FY25 earmarked funds for the North Common and approved a TIE Agreement with New England Heritage Properties, Inc. for a housing project. It also authorized a lease agreement with The Daly Group LLC and adopted a travel request for the police department. Several items were referred to the City Manager for further action.

• Adopted FY25 earmarked funds request for North Common (11 yeas)
• Approved TIE Agreement with New England Heritage Properties, Inc. (11 yeas)
• Authorized CM Ex. Lease Agreement with The Daly Group LLC (11 yeas)
• Adopted City Manager out‑of‑state travel request for LPD and parking (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Accepted and placed on file Mayor’s remote/Zoom participation motion (vote passed)
• Accepted and placed on file National DPW Week proclamation (vote passed)
• Accepted and placed on file AAPI Heritage Month citation (vote passed)
• Referred utility requests for JO Poles at 9 Baldwin St. and gas regulator pit near Rogers & High St. to Wire Inspector (vote passed)

City Council

The council voted to accept and place a document on file. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved. No vote counts were recorded for either motion.

• Accepted and placed on file (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the removal of specified trees and replacement planting at Barasford Avenue, 486 Andover Street, Parker and Ruth Streets, 320 Varnum Avenue, and 51 Wedge Street. Each motion was approved unanimously with a 5‑0 vote and included conditions to preserve the tree at 15 Barasford Avenue and to design new sidewalks to protect the replanted trees. The Board also approved the meeting minutes for April 24 and May 5 with unanimous votes. No decision was recorded on the site‑plan revision and special‑permit amendment for 190‑198 Plain Street.

• Approved April 24, 2025 minutes with conditions (5-0)
• Approved May 5, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved tree removal & replanting plan for Barasford Avenue (5-0)
• Approved tree removal & replanting plan for 486 Andover Street (5-0)
• Approved tree removal & replanting plan for Parker and Ruth Streets (5-0)
• Approved tree removal & replanting plan for 320 Varnum Avenue (5-0)
• Approved tree removal & replanting plan for 51 Wedge Street (5-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee approved allocating $313,000 to the community housing category (5-2). It also approved using $87,462.08 from the general reserve to cover Rollies Farm bond payments (6-1). The CPA Plan was adopted with wording updates to reference Lowell Forward (6-0). Unanimous 2‑year extensions were granted for several grant agreements, including projects at 44 Princeton Boulevard, Clemente Park, O’Donnell Park, Downtown Lowell, and Hadley House.

• Approved $313,000 community housing allocation (5-2)
• Approved $87,462.08 Rollies Farm debt service from general reserve (6-1)
• Approved CPA Plan with updated Comprehensive Plan reference (6-0)
• Approved 2‑year extension for 44 Princeton Boulevard grant (7-0)
• Approved 2‑year extension for Clemente Park grant (7-0)
• Approved 2‑year extension for O’Donnell Park grant (7-0)
• Approved 2‑year extension for Downtown Lowell grant (7-0)
• Approved 2‑year extension for Hadley House grant (6-0, 1 abstention)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved three items: extending Keolis Commuter Services' wetlands applicability request to May 28, 2025; issuing a Negative III Determination for the City of Lowell LED pole project; and ratifying an emergency certification allowing a beaver dam breach to address flooding. The commission also approved the prior meeting minutes and adjourned.

• Extended Keolis wetlands applicability request to May 28, 2025 (6-0)
• Issued Negative III Determination for LED pole project at 1650 Middlesex St (6-0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification to breach beaver dam at 45 Wellworth St (6-0)
• Approved 4/23/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The council adopted the $5,050,000 OneStop for Growth Grants with a 9‑yea vote. It also authorized a memorandum of understanding with Wexford Development LLC and adopted the timely submission of the FY2026 budget. Several items were referred to a public hearing on May 27, 2025, and the 40 Market Street loan order was removed from the agenda.

• Approved $5,050,000 OneStop for Growth Grants (9 yeas, 2 absent)
• Authorized MOU and Temporary Access Agreement with Wexford Development LLC (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopted timely submission of FY2026 budget (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Referred FY2026 Budget Appropriation Order to public hearing on May 27, 2025
• Removed 40 Market Street loan order from agenda (unanimous, no objections)
• Referred 2025 Capital Plan Loan Order to public hearing on May 27, 2025
• Referred Parking Capital Improvements loan order to public hearing on May 27, 2025
• Adopted 60‑day trial order (10 yeas, 1 absent)

City Council Non-Profit Organizations Sub Committee

The committee approved a motion directing the City Manager to reach out to the American Red Cross to establish a coalition. The motion was introduced by Chairman Gitschier and seconded by Commissioner Mercier and was adopted without a recorded vote tally. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that also passed.

• Approved motion directing City Manager to contact Red Cross to establish a coalition (passed)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (passed)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Advisory Board approved the March 10 minutes without dissent. The board discussed potential federal funding cuts, a new bus driver, grant applications, and a board vacancy, but no further actions were voted on. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved March 10 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board approved a variance for Vannara Nhar to enclose the front porch at 73 Inland Street, requiring the revised drawings be submitted to DPD. The Board also continued Peter Dendromiris' paving variance petition to the June 9 meeting for additional information. Meeting minutes were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Approved variance for porch enclosure at 73 Inland St, condition: submit revised drawings to DPD (5-0)
• Continued paving variance petition for 84 Walker St to June 9 meeting (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 4/28/2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:08 PM (5-0)

School Building Committee

The School Building Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting by motion of E. Kennedy, seconded by B. Opara. The committee then adjourned the meeting by motion of C. Baldwin, seconded by B. Opara. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (motion by E. Kennedy, second by B. Opara)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by C. Baldwin, second by B. Opara)

Board of Disabilities Commission

The Lowell Board of Disabilities Commission met on May 8, 2025 in a hybrid format (Room 54, City Hall and via Zoom). The agenda covered approving previous minutes, folkfest follow‑up, closed captioning receipts, transition plan updates, scholarship progress, school updates, building progress, the bicentennial festival, and an open community discussion. The minutes do not show any motions, votes, or approvals being adopted. No substantive decisions were recorded.

Board of Health

The Board accepted the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting and placed several reports on file, including the Tobacco Control Monthly Report and the CSX Pan Am Railways 2025 Operational Plan. It approved motions to have the LPS Facilities Manager and Deputy Facilities Manager attend the June 4 meeting, and also approved a request for Impact Fire Services to attend that same meeting. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Accepted minutes of the April 2, 2025 Board of Health meeting (all in favor)
• Accepted Tobacco Control Monthly Report and placed it on file (all in favor)
• Accepted Monthly Development Services Reports, noting food permit approval for Northwood Rehab (all in favor)
• Approved motion to request attendance of LPS Facilities Manager Rick Underwood and Deputy John Leahy at June 4 meeting (all in favor)
• Approved motion to request attendance of Impact Fire Services at June 4 meeting (all in favor)
• Accepted PrideStar EMS, Inc. reports and placed on file (all in favor)
• Accepted CSX Pan Am Railways 2025 Yearly Operational Plan and placed on file (all in favor)
• Accepted EMSL Analytical Inc Report – Pawtucket Memorial and placed on file (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council adopted a second‑reading amendment to Chapter 290, creating a Flood Plain Overlay district, with a unanimous 11‑yea vote. The council also approved the appointment of Melissa Morales to the Board of Parks (10 yeas, 1 absent) and authorized out‑of‑state travel for the Health and Human Services department (11 yeas). Additional actions included adopting state legislation (MGL c.71 s.37M) and referring several utility and city‑manager requests for further study.

• Adopt Flood Plain Overlay amendment (Chapter 290) – 11 yeas
• Adopt appointment of Melissa Morales to Board of Parks – 10 yeas, 1 absent
• Adopt out‑of‑state travel approval for HHS – 11 yeas
• Adopt MGL c.71 s.37M legislation – 11 yeas
• Refer Boston Gas/National Grid gas‑main and pole requests to Wire Inspector – motion passed
• Refer UML Inn use update request to City Manager – motion passed
• Refer convex mirror installation at Lakeview Ave & Ferry Ln to City Manager – motion passed
• Refer LRTA service‑frequency study to City Manager – motion passed

City Council Neighborhoods Sub Committee

The subcommittee voted to recommend that the full City Council approve funding for several housing and historic preservation projects, passing the motion with five yeas. It also approved a report on possible Community Preservation Act surcharge changes to be referred to the appropriate subcommittee. No applicants were received for open‑space funding in this round.

• Recommend approval of funding for housing projects (138 Cross Street $220,000; Mass Mills IV $125,000; Suf folk Place $200,000; East End Club $20,000) and historic preservation projects (Turbine Building $125,000; 573-579 Lawrence Street $59,000; St. Anne’s $256,000; Wannalancit Mills $96,500; 484 Merrimack $200,000; 32 Bridge Street $75,000) to full Council – adopted, 5 yeas
• Recommend providing a report on possible CPA surcharge changes to full Council with referral to the proper subcommittee – adopted

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 5‑0 to postpone approval of the May 24 minutes until the May 19 meeting. It also voted 5‑0 to defer the public hearing on the 558 Gorham Street special‑permit application to June 2, 2025. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Continue minutes to May 19 meeting (5-0)
• Continue special‑permit hearing for 558 Gorham St to June 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks approved a series of permits for events at city parks, often waiving or reducing fees. Requests that failed to appear were declined. Several fee waivers and credits were granted for canceled dates. All motions passed with a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved gender reveal at Shedd Park Pavilion (May 10) with adult fee waived, total $150 (3‑0)
• Waived $900 fee for Lowell Youth Lacrosse canceled dates (3‑0)
• Approved Lowell High School cross country track use (Aug 18‑Nov 28) with $0 fee (3‑0)
• Approved Matthew Stone Lowell Catholic Elementary Field Day (June 4) with $0 fee (3‑0)
• Approved church picnic at North Common Stage (July 26) with $50 fee (3‑0)
• Approved church picnic at Shedd Park Pavilion (Aug 23) with $200 fee (3‑0)
• Approved $75 credit for Sabeeh Ehsan’s canceled rain‑affected permits (3‑0)
• Approved transfer of $450 credit to Sabeeh Ehsan’s personal account (3‑0)

School Committee Special Education Subcommittee

The subcommittee motioned to adjourn at 7:24 p.m.; it was seconded and passed with three yeas. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:24 p.m. (passed 3 yeas)

City Council

The council adopted the abandonment of a portion of Delaware Avenue with a unanimous 11‑yea vote. It also approved a residency ordinance for city workers, again with 11 yeas. Several motions were accepted and placed on file, and the council referred multiple study and support requests to the City Manager.

• Adopt abandonment of portion of Delaware Avenue (11 yeas)
• Adopt residency ordinance with Attorney General assistance (11 yeas)
• Accept and place on file Mayor's remote/Zoom participation motion
• Accept and place on file April 22 meeting minutes
• Take Item #7.1(F) out of order
• Continue Loan Order 40 Market Street until May 13, 2025
• Refer senior playground study request to City Manager
• Refer support request for H.R. 540 9-1-1 Saves Act to City Manager

City Council Rules and Election Law Subcommittee

The Rules and Election Law Subcommittee reviewed the September 9, 2025 election date, potential polling locations, and plans for an online census tool. No formal approvals or votes on those items were recorded. The meeting was formally adjourned by a motion.

• Motion to adjourn approved (unanimous)

School Committee Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee

The Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee met on April 29, 2025 to review the district's financial literacy curriculum and other instructional updates. No formal actions were taken on the curriculum proposals. The meeting was adjourned by a motion that passed with three yeas.

• Adjourned meeting (3 yeas)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit for New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC to install a replacement small cell facility adjacent to 11 Crowley Street. The board also voted to continue three variance petitions—Vannara Nhar’s porch enclosure, Luis Zapatier’s four‑family conversion, and Han Pham’s rear addition—to future meetings. Minutes from the April 14 meeting were approved and the board adjourned at 6:54 PM.

• Approved Special Permit for New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (5-0)
• Continued Vannara Nhar variance petition to May 12, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued Luis Zapatier variance and permit petitions to May 29, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued Han Pham variance petition to May 29, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:54 PM (5-0)

Planning Board

The board approved the meeting minutes and granted a special permit amendment and a driveway‑length permit for 133 Clark Road, each with conditions and a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It denied a public shade‑tree removal request until a replacement plan is submitted, then required a replanting plan, rescinded the denial, and scheduled the next shade‑tree hearing for May 19, 2025. The board withdrew the application to convert a three‑family building at 23 W Fifth Street. Finally, the board issued a unanimous recommendation to adopt a Flood Plain Overlay District amendment to the city’s zoning code.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved special permit amendment for 133 Clark Rd with conditions (5-0)
• Approved special permit for driveway length at 133 Clark Rd (5-0)
• Denied shade‑tree removal request pending replacement plan (5-0)
• Required replanting plan for shade trees (5-0)
• Rescinded denial of shade‑tree removal (5-0)
• Continued shade‑tree hearings to May 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Recommended Flood Plain Overlay District amendment to City Council (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved three actions: extending Keolis Commuter Services' applicability petition to May 28 2025, issuing a Negative III Determination for the City of Lowell's LED pole project, and ratifying an Emergency Certification to breach a beaver dam at 45 Wellworth St. The commission also approved the meeting minutes and adjourned the session.

• Extended Keolis Commuter Services applicability petition to May 28 2025 (6‑0)
• Issued Negative III Determination for LED pole project at 1650 Middlesex St (6‑0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification to breach beaver dam at 45 Wellworth St (6‑0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted the City Manager employment agreement (8‑2 vote, 1 absent) and reappointed City Auditor Kelly Oakes (10‑0 vote, 1 absent). It also approved abandoning a portion of Delaware Avenue (10‑0, 1 absent) and adopted a motion to send a letter opposing House Bill 2347 (8‑1‑1‑1). A later motion to refer the issue to the Housing Subcommittee was defeated (2‑8, 1 absent).

• Adopt City Manager employment agreement (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Reappoint City Auditor Kelly Oakes (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopt order to abandon portion of Delaware Avenue (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopt motion to send letter opposing House Bill 2347 (8 yeas, 1 abstain, 1 nay, 1 absent)
• Defeat motion to refer House Bill 2347 to Housing Subcommittee (2 yeas, 8 nays, 1 absent)
• Accept remote/Zoom participation motion (adopted)
• Accept Town and City Festival information (adopted)
• Accept Parks and Recreation Committee minutes (adopted)

City Council Parks and Recreation Sub Committee

The subcommittee discussed updating tournament fees, insurance requirements, and access policies for city fields. No fee changes, insurance rules, or other policy amendments were approved or denied. The meeting was adjourned by a motion that passed.

• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The City Council adopted an amendment to Chapter 104 concerning kennels. It also approved loan orders for water infrastructure and rescinded a previous water loan order. The Council adopted three grant expenditures totaling $3,293 for fire service and firefighter safety, and authorized a license agreement with Infuse Afro Fusion LLC. Additional actions included authorizing payment of excess bills and adopting a 60‑day trial order.

• Adopted Kennels ordinance amendment (10 yeas)
• Adopted rescission of Water Loan Order (10 yeas)
• Adopted Water Infrastructure Improvement Loan Order (10 yeas)
• Adopted $1,115 SFPE New England Fire Service Grant (10 yeas)
• Adopted $2,178 EOPSS Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant (10 yeas)
• Authorized license agreement with Infuse Afro Fusion LLC (10 yeas)
• Authorized payment of bills incurred in excess of appropriations (9 yeas, 1 recusal, 1 absent)
• Adopted 60‑day trial order (10 yeas)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board approved the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No other formal actions were taken; the board discussed future participation in Doors Open Lowell, a video tour idea, a grant application, and upcoming board reappointments, but these items were not decided.

• Approved February 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board unanimously approved a variance for Duval Sign Company to install a channel‑letter sign at 1201 Bridge Street, limiting illumination to one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset or after business hours, whichever is later. It also voted unanimously to continue the variance applications of Vannara Nhar (front‑porch enclosure at 73 Inland Street) and Bradley Hinkley (two‑family conversion at 199 Mammoth Road) to future meetings. No decision was made on the McSorley subdivision variance.

• Approved Duval Sign Co. signage variance with illumination condition (5-0)
• Continued Vannara Nhar front‑porch variance to April 28 meeting (5-0)
• Continued Bradley Hinkley two‑family conversion variance to May 29 meeting (5-0)

Board of Disabilities Commission

The Board of Disabilities Commission approved several motions, including tabling the minutes until next month and updating the LPD. It also approved actions on scholarship progress, Bartlett School lift updates, and LHS building progress, and agreed to cover the Bicentennial Festival with guests. An open discussion on community needs and LRTA feedback was also approved.

• Table minutes until next month – approved (all in favor)
• Update with the LPD – approved (all in favor)
• Scholarship progress – approved (all in favor)
• Bartlett School lifts update – approved (all in favor)
• LHS building progress – approved (all in favor)
• Lowell Bicentennial Festival coverage with guests – approved (all in favor)
• Open discussion on community needs – approved (all in favor)

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the March 12 minutes, changed the first agenda item to focus on advocacy and presidential actions, and unanimously approved a joint letter urging reinstatement of IMLS funding. They also appointed Courtney McSparron as a full board member and voted to cancel the May 14 meeting, keeping the schedule within bylaws. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

• Changed first agenda item to Advocacy – ‘Policy Issues’ and ‘Presidential Actions’ (unanimous)
• Approved March 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous, with one abstention)
• Approved joint letter to advocate for IMLS funding (unanimous)
• Appointed Courtney McSparron as a full board member
• Cancelled the May 14 trustee meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 PM (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The commission continued its meeting to April 23, 2025 and unanimously ratified then rescinded an enforcement order for 5 Presidential Circle. It closed the public hearing on the Green Tree Properties townhouse project and issued a City of Lowell Standard Order of Conditions that includes a special condition for an invasive‑species removal plan. The commission also directed the Law Department to draft standard language for invasive‑species mitigation on larger future projects and approved the meeting minutes.

• Continued meeting to April 23, 2025 (unanimous 6-0)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 5 Presidential Circle (unanimous 6-0)
• Rescinded Enforcement Order for 5 Presidential Circle (unanimous 6-0)
• Closed public hearing on Notice of Intent (unanimous 6-0)
• Issued Standard Order of Conditions with special invasive‑species removal condition (unanimous 6-0)
• Directed Law Department to draft language for invasive‑species mitigation on larger projects (unanimous 6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous 6-0)

City Council

The City Council voted 4 yeas to 7 nays to reject a motion calling an executive session to outline negotiation procedures for the auditor's contract. Two other motions also failed by the same vote count. Several informational and request items were accepted for filing or referred to the City Manager for further action.

• Accepted and filed minutes of the April 1 meeting (no vote tally recorded)
• Accepted and filed remote/Zoom participation citation (no vote tally recorded)
• Rejected motion to call executive session on auditor contract negotiations (4 yeas, 7 nays)
• Rejected public motion on RFP parameters (4 yeas, 7 nays)
• Referred request for unaccounted water numbers (2022‑2024) to City Manager
• Referred request for water main break report (since July 1 2023) to City Manager
• Referred request for fire hydrant inspection reports (last three years) to City Manager
• Referred request for shade improvement options at city playgrounds to City Manager

City Council Economic / Downtown Development Sub Committee

The subcommittee heard a report on the proposed Business Improvement District and discussed its development. No formal actions or approvals were taken on the BID. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that passed.

• Motion to adjourn passed (motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Nuon)

Planning Board

The Planning Board unanimously approved the removal of trees at four park sites, adding a condition to repurpose younger trees at 406 W Sixth Street. The board also unanimously voted to continue the 133 Clark Road and 558 Gorham Street development applications to later meetings. All motions passed with a 5-0 vote.

• Approved tree removal at 413 Fletcher Street (5-0)
• Approved tree removal at 80 Woodward Avenue (5-0)
• Approved tree removal at 406 W Sixth Street with condition to repurpose younger trees (5-0)
• Approved tree removal at 803 Middlesex Street (5-0)
• Continued 133 Clark Road application to April 24 meeting (5-0)
• Continued 558 Gorham Street application to May 5 meeting (5-0)

School Building Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting after a motion by C. Baldwin and a second by B. Opara. The committee voted to accept Fred Bahou as a new School Building Committee member. The meeting was adjourned following a motion by W. Samaras, seconded by P. St. Cyr.

• Minutes from prior meeting accepted (motion passed by roll call)
• Fred Bahou accepted as SBC member (motion passed by roll call)
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Board of Health

The Board accepted the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. It approved the nominations for Animal Inspectors for 2025‑2026 and also approved the 2025‑2026 Funeral Directors licenses. The board accepted the CMMCP 2025 Larval Mosquito Control Program communication and placed it on file.

• Accepted March 5, 2025 Board of Health minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Animal Inspector nominations for 2025‑2026 (3‑0)
• Approved 2025‑2026 Funeral Directors licenses (3‑0)
• Accepted CMMCP 2025 Larval Mosquito Control Program communication (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted an amendment to the Body Art License fee schedule and appointed Courtney McSparron to the Library Board of Trustees. It approved a $117,645 tobacco‑control grant, a $1 million EOHLC grant, and a $118,750 transfer to the DPW. The council also adopted a motion to negotiate the City Auditor’s contract (8‑3) and referred several policy requests to the City Manager.

• Adopted Body Art License fee schedule amendment (11 yeas)
• Appointed Courtney McSparron to Library Board of Trustees (11 yeas)
• Approved $117,645 Tobacco Control Grant FY25/26 (11 yeas)
• Approved $1,000,000 EOHLC Grant (11 yeas)
• Approved transfer of $118,750 from City Manager contingency to DPW (11 yeas)
• Adopted motion to negotiate City Auditor contract (8 yeas, 3 nays)
• Referred multiple policy requests (311 data updates, erosion control, By & Barker Street paving, irrigation outsourcing, open positions, Andover St. project, senior tax exemption study) to City Manager

School Committee Facilities & Transportation Subcommittee

The subcommittee voted to reconvene on June 17, 2025 to continue discussion and receive updates; the motion passed with six yeas. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:27 p.m. with a motion that also passed with six yeas. No other formal decisions were recorded.

• Scheduled follow‑up meeting for June 17 2025 (6 yeas)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 p.m. (6 yeas)

Sustainability Council

The council voted to add schools to the polystyrene ban, including Lexington Public Schools and comparable areas. It also approved a letter urging the city to ban single‑use styrofoam containers in schools, municipal facilities, and to recommend a citywide ban for businesses. The council awarded the “Green Design” prize to CBA and combined it with a broader award for 350 Mass. Several items—an ordinance, modernization plan, and specialized stretch code—were tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved inclusion of schools in the polystyrene ban (motion passed)
• Approved letter requesting city ban on single‑use styrofoam in schools, municipal facilities, and recommendation for all businesses (motion passed)
• Approved award of “Green Design” to CBA (motion passed)
• Approved combining the narrow award with the general 350 Mass award (motion passed)
• Tabled ordinance to next meeting (motion passed)
• Tabled modernization plan to next meeting (motion passed)
• Tabled specialized stretch code to next meeting (motion passed)
• Approved minutes for approval (motion passed)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the January 23, 2025 meeting. Members also voted unanimously to hold the next committee meeting on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved 1/23/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Scheduled meeting for 5/15 at 6:30 p.m. (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Parks

The Lowell Board of Parks approved several permit requests, including a time change for a Shedd Park Pavilion event, dates for an Ultimate Frisbee league, and a youth “Moody Day” with no fee. It also set a $7,950 fee for a multi‑field softball tournament covering May 2‑June 29, and approved a cookout permit with a conditional $400 fee pending payment of an outstanding balance. Resident adult fees were waived for multiple community outreach events, and other permits were approved with their stated fees.

• Approved amended Shedd Park Pavilion time to 2 pm‑6 pm (3‑0)
• Approved Ultimate Frisbee league dates with $300 fee (3‑0)
• Approved Moody Day youth event with $0 fee (3‑0)
• Approved softball tournament fee $7,950 for May‑June dates (3‑0)
• Approved Cookout permit with rain date and $400 fee, pending outstanding payment (3‑0)
• Waived resident adult fees for community outreach events at Shedd Park (3‑0)
• Approved family kickball permits with total $450 fee (3‑0)
• Waived resident adult fee for 5k Run, approved with $150 custodial fee (3‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to deny the Notice of Intent submitted by 21 Century Mill LLC for three single‑family homes at 10 Toupi Lane, citing negative impacts to wetlands and boundary disagreements. The commission also voted unanimously to continue the enforcement order hearing for 258 Varnum Avenue to April 9. The body approved the meeting minutes and authorized Conservation Agents to sign on its behalf. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous vote.

• Denied Notice of Intent for 3 homes at 10 Toupi Lane (6-0)
• Continued enforcement order hearing for 258 Varnum Avenue to April 9 (6-0)
• Closed hearing on 10 Toupi Lane application (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
• Authorized Conservation Agents to sign for Commissioners (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The Lowell City Council adopted a $979,120 MVP Action Grant and a $144,900 Mass Cultural Council gaming mitigation grant. It also approved several TIE and TIF agreements for the Jackson Street properties and authorized special legislation. Additional actions included adopting executive‑session minutes and referring a Delaware Avenue abandonment order to a public hearing.

• Adopt $979,120 MVP Action Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopt $144,900 Mass Cultural Council FY25 Gaming Mitigation Grant (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Approve TIE Agreement for 291 Jackson Street, LLC (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Approve TIE Agreement for 341 Jackson Street, LLC (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Approve TIF Agreement for 291 Jackson Street, LLC (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Approve TIF Agreement for 341 Jackson Street, LLC (8 yeas, 2 nays, 1 absent)
• Authorize City Manager to file special legislation (10 yeas, 1 absent)
• Adopt and release executive‑session minutes (9 yeas, 1 present, 1 absent)

Cultural Council

The council approved the reimbursement requests that were reviewed and signed. It set aside $5,000 for the Arts Market event and approved an additional $5,000 from the admin fund for marketing. The council directed three prospective members to submit cover letters and assigned Erin to follow up on the volunteer‑fair email.

• Approved and signed reimbursements
• Set aside $5,000 for Arts Market event
• Authorized additional $5,000 from admin fund for marketing
• Requested three prospective members submit cover letters
• Assigned Erin to follow up on volunteer fair email

City Council Technologies and Utilities Sub Committee

The Technology and Utilities Subcommittee held a public hearing on the Comcast cable franchise renewal, reviewed the contract terms and noted that the City Manager alone can execute the agreement. No vote or formal approval of the renewal was taken. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion.

• Motion to adjourn approved (no vote tally recorded)

School Committee Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee

The subcommittee discussed establishing a monthly Curriculum & Instruction Subcommittee and reviewed the district’s ongoing K‑8 English Language Arts and Literacy curriculum selection process. Dr. Fox Roye presented the evaluation of three curricula, survey results, and upcoming timelines for recommendation and implementation. No formal decisions on curriculum adoption or subcommittee establishment were made. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m. with a motion passing 3 yeas.

• Motion to adjourn passed (3 yeas)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board approved a variance for Kimseng Seng's takeout restaurant at 180 Liberty Street, adding a 6‑month administrative review condition. It also approved a special permit for Care Self Mojo Bodywork Spa at 101‑107 Central Street, requiring the revised floor plans be submitted to the Development Services Department. The board voted to continue Duval Sign Company's signage variance to the April 14 meeting.

• Approved variance for 180 Liberty St takeout restaurant (5-0) with 6‑month review condition
• Approved special permit for 101‑107 Central St day spa (5-0) with floor‑plan submission condition
• Continued Duval Sign Co. signage variance to April 14 meeting (5-0)