Meeting report · City Council
Creating this report cost real money.
Help fund coverage →
City Council — April 28, 2026
The meeting featured a heated confrontation between the Mayor and a resident, as well as significant public pushback regarding utility spending and art selection.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Clerk's Office Fee Schedule Amendment
Increase in costs for obtaining vital records due to expensive state paper requirements. Affected: All residents requesting vital records.
fee change
02
Chapter 40Y Starter Home Zoning
Potential significant changes to residential density and housing availability. Affected: Broad resident base and property developers.
zoning change
03
Net School Spending and MOA Agreement
Complex financial calculations involving parking revenue and school resource officer costs. Affected: Students, taxpayers, and the school district.
budget allocation
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Accept and place on file Mayor's business 2.1 (Communication remote zoom participation).
Motion by Councilor Chau, seconded by Councilor DeCoto.
Approved
Accept and place on file City Clerk minutes from April 21st.
Motion by Councilor Robinson, seconded by Councilor Noon.
Approved
Authorize City Manager to file special legislation 1190 (Patucket Boulevard/parcels of land).
Motion by Councilor Noon, seconded by Councilor Duran. Unanimous roll call vote.
Approved
Adopt ordinance amending Clerk's Office fee schedule.
Motion by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilor Duran. Discussion held regarding cost of vital records.
Approved
Refer Boston Gas Gorham Street gas main replacement to the wiring inspector.
Motion by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilors Robinson and Noon.
Approved
Refer Boston Gas Kinsman Street gas main replacement to the wiring inspector.
Motion by Councilor DeCoto, seconded by Councilor Chau.
Approved
Refer National Grid Dracut Street electric conduit installation to the wiring inspector.
Motion by Councilor Duran, seconded by Councilor Yang.
Approved
Motion for pedestrian safety measures (Cross Street/Park area).
Motion by Councilor Yang, seconded by Councilor McDonough.
Approved
Motion to request the City Manager provide a detailed explanation of the process used for city-funded art installations.
Requested by Councilor Liang/Robinson.
Approved
Motion to request a report on the pros and cons of establishing a Chapter 40Y starter home zoning district.
Requested by Councilor Robinson and seconded by Councilor McDonough.
Approved
Motion to have the traffic engineer examine the feasibility of a four-way stop at Christian Orsby and Methuen Street.
Requested by Councilor Robinson.
Approved
Motion to accept the Tree Committee update and place on file.
Requested by Councilor Duran, seconded by Councilor Liang.
Approved
Motion to accept the Tiny Tots program restoration report and place on file.
Requested by Councilor McDonough, seconded by Councilor Liang.
Approved
Motion to accept the Mayor election subcommittee report and place on file.
Requested by Councilor Decoto, seconded by Councilor Chau.
Approved
Motion to accept the Lowell High School forensic audit report and place on file.
Requested by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilor Noonan.
Approved
Accept and place on file regional collaboration memo.
Motion by Councilor Liang, seconded by Councilor Duran.
Approved
Accept and expend $196,367.60 in FY26 State Aid to Public Libraries program grant funds.
Roll call vote to authorize the City Manager to accept funds from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Approved
Transfer $8,964 from Cemetery Perpetual Care Interest Fund to Cemetery Flowers Account.
For the purchase and installation of plantings at various cemeteries for Memorial Day.
Approved
Refer property damage claims to the Law Department.
Motion by Councilor Noon, seconded by Councilor McDonough.
Approved
Enter Executive Session.
To discuss collective bargaining strategies under Open Meeting Law.
Approved
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 01:17 Memorial Moment of Silence
A moment of silence was held for Mary Ann Doloff, a longtime Lowell resident and election official.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 04:25 Recognition of Erastus Mwangi
The City Council issued a citation to Erastus Mwangi for his resilience in completing the 2026 Boston Marathon following a brain tumor diagnosis.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 09:56 Basketball Court Maintenance Request
Local students presented a request for the resurfacing and maintenance of basketball courts at McPherson Park and Eagle Park.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 23:14 Town and the City Festival Information
Executive Producer Chris Porter provided details regarding the upcoming seventh edition of the multi-venue music and arts festival.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 25:54 FY2027 Budget Listening Session Update
CFO Baldwin provided an update on the budget listening sessions conducted in various neighborhoods.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 28:16 Special Legislation for Land Enactment
Discussion regarding special legislation for certain parcels of land, with support voiced by VFW Post 662 for a potential veterans' facility.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 29:19 Clerk's Office Fee Schedule Amendment
A public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the fee schedule for the Clerk's office, specifically regarding vital records.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 32:54 Gas Main Replacement Hearings
Public hearings for Boston Gas/National Grid regarding gas main replacements on Gorham Street and Kinsman Street.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 64:47 Street Lighting and Safety Improvements
Discussion regarding upgrading outdated lighting, flashing crosswalks, and speed humps in specific residential areas including Cross Street/Park area.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 63:00 Art Installation Process
A request for a detailed explanation of the process used for city-funded art installations following community concerns regarding designs near Roberto Clemente field that did not reflect local culture.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 68:49 Chapter 40Y Starter Home Zoning
Discussion on the pros, cons, and potential locations for establishing a state-incentivized starter home zoning district.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 81:30 Traffic Safety at Christian Orsby and Methuen Street
Request for a feasibility study regarding the installation of a four-way stop due to high-speed traffic.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 84:06 Tree Committee Update
Update on the formation of a new Tree Committee, community outreach efforts, and the potential inclusion of an arborist.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 98:00 Tiny Tots Program Funding
Report on the restoration of funding for the Tiny Tots recreation program and potential future fee-for-service models.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 103:00 Mayor Election Process
Discussion regarding the subcommittee's report on the process for transitioning to an elected mayor.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 108:13 Net School Spending Update
Discussion regarding the Maintenance of Effort (MOA) agreement, school resource officer costs, parking enterprise deficits, debt service, and the calculation of net school spending.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Councilor McDonough, Councilor Duran, CFO Baldwin
▶ 126:03 Regional Collaboration and Municipal Advocacy
A discussion regarding the potential for increased collaboration and shared political advocacy among neighboring gateway cities like Lowell, Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill.
Speakers: Councilor Robinson, Councilor McDonough, Manager Golden
▶ 128:51 St. Louis Park Improvements
A brief recognition of the successful installation of new nets and backboards at St. Louis Courts.
Speakers: Councilor Robinson
▶ 133:19 Water Main Break Update
Assistant City Manager Machado reported a 16-inch water main break at Madonna Circle/Broadway Street affecting local water service.
Speakers: Assistant City Manager Machado
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Gas Main Replacement (Gorham and Kinsman Streets)
Community members are divided on whether the utility company should be replacing infrastructure entirely rather than performing repairs, citing concerns over cost to ratepayers and transparency.
Board position: The board moved to refer the matter to the wiring inspector to investigate the necessity and cost implications.
high concern
02
City-Funded Art Installation Process
Residents expressed frustration that recent art installations near Roberto Clemente field do not reflect local culture, leading to a demand for a more transparent and consultative process.
Board position: The board supported a motion to require a detailed explanation of the current process from the City Manager.
medium concern
03
Chapter 40Y Starter Home Zoning
Changes to zoning to incentivize starter homes involve significant debates regarding land use, density, and local neighborhood character.
Board position: The board requested a formal report on the pros and cons and potential locations for this district.
medium concern
Community vs. board tension
Ready to share? AI-written accountability posts about this meeting's controversies.
View posts →
Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Provide a pathway to resurface and trim overgrowth at McPherson and Eagle Park basketball courts.
Assigned: City Manager / Assistant City Manager
Contact the students regarding the basketball court request and keep them updated via email.
Assigned: City Manager / Assistant City Manager
Discuss specific lighting needs with Councilor Liang for the park area.
Assigned: Assistant City Manager Machado · Due: By close of meeting
Assess feasibility of flashing crosswalk lights, speed humps, and enhanced lighting on Cross Street.
Assigned: City Manager / Relevant Departments
Provide detailed explanation of the process for city-funded art installations.
Assigned: City Manager / Proper Department
Provide report on pros/cons and recommended locations for Chapter 40Y starter home zoning.
Assigned: City Manager / Proper Department
Examine feasibility of installing a four-way stop at Christian Orsby and Methuen Street.
Assigned: Traffic Engineer
Follow up on whether city staff includes a certified arborist to serve on the Tree Committee.
Assigned: Ms. Moses (City Staff)
Review Maintenance of Effort (MOA) agreement and submit comments/counter-proposals to the School Committee.
Assigned: City Manager / School Business Office
Provide a report back regarding regional mayoral discussions/potential lunch meeting.
Assigned: Manager Golden · Due: 2-3 weeks
Notable statements
Anytime that we can provide the key word, as they just put, a safe place for kids to play, it's a no-brainer. — Unidentified speaker · Responding to students advocating for basketball court repairs. ▶ 14:13
We would love the opportunity to bid on this property to build a veterans home for all veterans within the city of Lowell. — Unidentified speaker · Supporting special legislation regarding land enactment. ▶ 282:06
Those vital records that you mentioned are done on state paper. Extremely expensive that you have to get from the state. — Unidentified speaker · Explaining the necessity of the Clerk's Office fee increase. ▶ 31:42
The art installation projections do not line up with the community... we're looking to put ladybugs and other things race cars on the side of being buildings... in a community that's proud of the athletes. — Unidentified speaker · Criticizing the lack of community consultation for art near Roberto Clemente field. ▶ 62:31
The tree warden's position should be something that is funded through the fines that are levied against people who are doing wrong to the bylaws. — Unidentified speaker · Suggesting a self-sustaining funding model for the Tree Committee/Warden. ▶ 88:00
There is no direct cash payment that changes hands between the schools and the parking enterprise. It is a paper credit. — Unidentified speaker · Clarifying how parking revenue is attributed to net school spending. ▶ 120:05
DESE does have a number of publications that recommend that communities have a written agreement in place [regarding school spending categories]. — CFO Baldwin · Clarifying the preference for written agreements between the city and schools to avoid annual disputes over what counts toward net school spending. ▶ 125:09
When you're talking about Lowell and Methuen and Lawrence and Haverhill, you're starting to talk about a better block of political juice. — Councilor McDonough · Emphasizing the benefit of regional municipal advocacy among similar gateway cities. ▶ 126:54
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
12
Total speakers
11
Addressed
1
Partial
0
Not addressed
John Rodriguez
Addressed
The speaker presented a thesis regarding the poor condition of local basketball courts. He highlighted issues such as worn-down lines, broken hoops, and grass growing through cracks at Ferguson and Eagle Parks.
Key concern
The need to resurface local basketball courts and trim overgrowth to ensure safe play areas.
Board responseThe City Manager and Councilors acknowledged the professional presentation, discussed potential funding via the Community Preservation Act, and provided specific updates on upcoming maintenance for Eagle Park.
The board provided immediate information regarding upcoming maintenance for one of the mentioned parks and discussed long-term funding strategies.
Gemini Rivera
Addressed
The speaker presented research on neighborhood improvement plans, noting that certain basketball courts were missed. She specifically pointed out hazards like cracked pavement and overgrown trees at Ferguson Park.
Key concern
Inclusion of specific neighborhood basketball courts in the city's improvement plans.
Board responseThe City Manager and Councilors acknowledged the presentation and discussed using CPA funds for court maintenance and repairs.
The board engaged with the request by discussing funding mechanisms and providing a timeline for upcoming work.
Joanne Santana
Addressed
The speaker shared research findings regarding the need for neighborhood improvement plans for local parks. She expressed concern that certain basketball courts were overlooked in previous planning.
Key concern
Ensuring neglected basketball courts are included in city improvement plans.
Board responseThe board responded by discussing the potential use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these smaller scale community park improvements.
The board specifically addressed how the city could use existing funding streams to address the missed courts.
Chris Porter
Not addressed
The speaker provided an informational report about the upcoming seventh annual Town and the City Festival. He detailed the venues, performances, and the new Bicentennial stage partnership with the City of Lowell.
Key concern
Promoting the festival and encouraging community participation and support.
Board responseThe board listened to the report; there was no formal question or response recorded from the council members regarding the information provided.
This was an informational report provided by a community leader rather than a request for action or a grievance.
Chris Golden
Partial
The speaker, representing VFW Post 662, expressed support for special legislation regarding land parcels. He expressed a desire for the VFW to bid on the property to establish a home for veterans.
Key concern
The opportunity for the VFW to bid on city property to create a space for local veterans organizations.
Board responseThe board moved to adopt the legislation; the speaker's specific interest in bidding was noted within the context of the discussion.
The board moved forward with the legislation the speaker supported, though they did not specifically address the VFW's intent to bid.
Diana Cuddy
Addressed
The speaker spoke in favor of a petition to replace a gas main, noting it is a leak-prone pipe. She mentioned that the project qualifies for a reimbursement grant from the DPU.
Key concern
Support for the replacement of the gas main due to safety/leak history.
Board responseThe council held a discussion regarding the decision to replace versus repair, the costs to ratepayers, and the oversight of the work.
The council discussed the merits of the project and the implications for the community.
Jonathan Grossman
Addressed
The speaker expressed opposition to the gas main replacement, questioning why the company is replacing rather than repairing. He raised concerns about the transparency of the decision-making process and the increased costs to ratepayers.
Key concern
Transparency regarding the decision to replace vs. repair and the financial impact on ratepayers.
Board responseCouncilors discussed the need for more information and whether the company had provided the requested data, eventually referring the matter to the wiring inspector.
The council took action by referring the matter to the wiring inspector to investigate the recommendation.
Annie Keofila
Addressed
The speaker expressed concern regarding frequent construction on Kinsman Street. She specifically worried about whether the road would be patched properly to ensure safety for neighborhood children riding bikes.
Key concern
Ensuring road safety and quality of paving after construction work.
Board responseThe City Manager and Councilors discussed the difference between temporary winter patches and final spring restorations, and the city's responsibility for inspection.
The board addressed the concern by explaining the paving process and the city's oversight role.
Alec Bartzong
Addressed
The speaker spoke in favor of installing underground electric conduit at 50 Dracut Street. He explained that this is an upgrade required for the St. Joan DeARC School service.
Key concern
Support for the service upgrade for the school.
Board responseThe board referred the matter to the wiring inspector for report and recommendation.
The board followed standard procedure to review the request.
Laura Ortiz
Addressed
The speaker engaged in a dispute with the Mayor regarding the requirement to state her full address for the record. She refused to provide a P.O. Box as her address.
Key concern
Disagreement over council rules regarding address verification.
Board responseThe Mayor refused to allow her to speak further and informed her she would be removed from the chambers.
The board addressed the situation by enforcing council rules and terminating her comment period.
Amada Gregory
Addressed
The speaker reported a fight that occurred at a local baseball field and expressed fear for the safety of children. She requested increased police presence and better lighting to prevent violence and gunshots in the area.
Key concern
Public safety and the need for police/lighting at the local park/field.
Board responseCouncilors discussed the need for flashing crosswalks, speed humps, and better lighting, and suggested involving the housing authority/state for lighting improvements.
The board discussed various safety measures (lighting, crosswalks) in response to the community's concerns.
Annie Keofila
Addressed
The speaker expressed concern about the quality of road patching on Kinsman Street. She requested that the city ensure the road is safe for children riding bicycles.
Key concern
Road safety and pavement quality after construction.
Board responseThe City Manager clarified that the city handles inspections and that the matter would be reviewed by the wiring inspector.
The board addressed the safety concern through the referral to the wiring inspector and discussion of inspection protocols.
Support coverage
Creating this report cost real money.
MeetingWatch attended, transcribed, and analyzed this meeting on its own dime. If this work is valuable to you, chip in to keep covering Lowell.
Follow Lowell
One email when a new report is published from the City Council — or one weekly digest.
Report composed by
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, claude-opus-4-7 · analyzed 2026-05-30.