Meeting report · City Council
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City Council — May 26, 2026
The meeting featured significant debate over budget transparency, staff layoffs, and a near-split vote on vital technology infrastructure funding.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Fire Department Staffing and Fiscal Stability
Commitment to maintain 203 firefighters via a $688,742 budget increase for personal services. Affected: All residents of Lowell
safety change
02
FY 2027 Budget and Tax/Fee Increases
A 4.6% tax increase and discussions regarding increased tax title fees. Affected: All residents and taxpayers
tax increase
03
MIS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Significant budget expansion to transition to cloud infrastructure following a major cyber event. Affected: All city residents (data security/service continuity)
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Accept communication regarding remote Zoom participation and place on file.
Motion by Councilor Chow, seconded by Councilor Dakota.
Passed
Accept May 19th City Council regular meeting minutes.
Motion by Councilor Duran, seconded by Councilor Liang.
Passed
Accept information report regarding Bicentennial celebration and place on file.
Motion by Councilor Robinson, seconded by Councilor Rourke.
Passed
Appointment of Carmelo Espada to Monument Committee.
Motion by Councilor Robinson, seconded by Councilor Scott.
Passed
Approval of out-of-state travel for Lowell Police Department.
Roll call vote: 11 yays. Motion by Councilor Mercier, seconded by Councilor Noon.
Passed
Transfer of $822,000 for Fire Department overtime.
Motion to take from the table by Councilor Scott, seconded by Councilor Noon; subsequently approved by roll call.
Passed
Accept Rules and Election Law Subcommittee report as a report of progress.
Motion by Councilor Liang, seconded by Councilor DeCoto.
Passed
Motion to go line by department by department.
Motion by Councilor Robinson, seconded by Councilor McDonough.
Passed
Motion to take the Fire Department budget first.
Motion by Councilor Rook, seconded by Councilor Marisi.
Passed
Approval of Fire Department budget (Personnel Services: $27,947,583; Ordinary Expenses: $1,016,519).
Motion by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilor Scott.
Passed
Approval of City Council budget (Personnel Services: $280,000; Ordinary Expenses: $10,000).
Motion by Councilor Noon, seconded by Councilor Scott.
Passed
Approval of Mayor budget (Personnel Services: $74,491; Ordinary Expenses: $33,350).
Motion by Councilor DeCotto, seconded by Councilor Chau.
Passed
Approval of City Clerk bottom line budget.
Motion by Councilor Mercy, seconded by Councilor Dakota. Note: Mayor abstained.
Passed
Approval of City Manager budget (Personnel Services: $1,500,928; Ordinary Expenses: $6,487,982).
Motion by Councilor DeCotto, seconded by Councilor Rook.
Passed
Approval of City Manager Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Personal Services ($298,361).
Motion by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilor Scott.
Approved
Approval of Finance Department as proposed.
Motion by Councilor Noon, seconded by Councilor Marisi. 11 ayes.
Approved
Approval of Auditing.
Motion by Councilor Dicoto, seconded by Councilor Noon. 11 ayes.
Approved
Approval of Treasurer's Office.
Motion by Councilor Noon, seconded by Councilor Chau.
Approved
Reduction of Human Relations ordinary expense account by $15,000.
Motion by Councilor McDonough, seconded by Councilor Liang. This amended an initial motion to cut $30,000.
Passed
Approval of Human Relations (Personnel Services $500,747; Ordinary Expenses $38,400).
Motion by Councilor Rourke, seconded by Councilor Robinson.
Approved
Approval of MIS (Management Information Systems) budget bottom line.
Motion to accept bottom line.
Approved
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget.
Roll call: Rourke (Yes), Scott (Yes), Chau (Yes), Dakota (Yes), Duran (Yes), Mercia (Yes); Liang (No), McDonough (No), Noon (No), Robinson (No), [Unspecified/Missing one] (No).
6-5 (Passed)
Suspend the rules to continue the meeting past 10:00 PM.
Roll call: Rourke (Yes), Scott (Yes), Chau (Yes), Duran (Yes); DeCotto (No), Mayor Gitche (No), Liang (No), McDonough (No), Mercia (No), Noon (No), Robinson (No).
4-6 (Failed)
Schedule a meeting for next Tuesday at 6:00 PM.
Motion by Council Rourke, seconded by Council Scott.
Unanimous (Passed)
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 03:03 Communications and Administrative Items
Review of remote participation protocols, acceptance of previous meeting minutes, and an information report regarding the city's bicentennial celebration.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 06:55 Smokehouse Tavern Outdoor Seating Permit
Discussion regarding an application for an outdoor dining permit for Smokehouse Tavern, with councilors raising concerns about the establishment's history of code violations, noise, and lack of a functional kitchen.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 17:11 Rules and Election Law Subcommittee Report
A report on the subcommittee's discussion regarding standardizing procedures for boards and commissions, improving transparency, and potentially revising the City Council agenda to facilitate public participation.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 30:45 FY 2027 Budget Public Hearing
A public hearing regarding the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, featuring testimony from the Library Board of Trustees, union representatives, and residents regarding firefighter staffing, historic preservation layoffs, and treasurer's office personnel actions.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 72:39 Budget Revisions and State Aid
Discussion regarding a $688,742 upward revision to the budget and how the city plans to maintain balance using local receipts if state Senate aid numbers do not hold.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 79:53 Fire Department Budget Review
The council reviewed personnel services and ordinary expenses for the Fire Department, including questions about overtime increases and staffing ratios.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 86:00 City Council Departmental Budget
Discussion on advertising budget increases and the clarity of line-item descriptions for professional services.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 90:11 City Clerk Departmental Budget
Debate over the Clerk's office budget, specifically balancing increased fee revenue against proposed staff reductions and the impact on public service.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 96:00 City Manager Departmental Budget
Review of the City Manager's personnel and ordinary expenses, including discussion on salary reserves for union COLA commitments and creative economy funding.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 139:53 Utility and Energy Budgeting
Discussion regarding the adequacy of budgeted funds for utilities (electricity and heating/gas) for the upcoming fiscal year, noting rising costs and recent supplemental transfers.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 140:13 Contracted Services (Lowell Telecommunications)
Discussion on the level-funding of the LTC contract and the potential for supplemental funding through PEG revenue.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 141:29 Finance Department Budget
Review of finance department personnel services and the consolidation of the budget department. Clarification was provided regarding the retention of two ARPA administrative positions for audit compliance.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 145:56 Mosaic Lowland/Public Art Funding
A motion to cut $20,000 from the City Manager's ordinary expenses related to Mosaic Lowland was withdrawn after it was clarified the funds were fully spent in the current year for public art and the Creative Economy Plan.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 147:58 Purchasing and Telephone Services
Inquiry into rising professional services costs, which were identified as the city's landline/telephone account. Discussion on ongoing projects to reduce unused lines and transition to fiber/TPX.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 151:13 Assessor's Department Budget
Discussion on certification year expenses, including public disclosures, and the implementation of 'Just Appraised' software for deed processing efficiency.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 153:13 Treasurer's Office and Tax Title Fees
Debate regarding the increase in tax title fees versus the collection of outstanding tax revenue. Discussion covered the impact of a Supreme Court case on the city's ability to foreclose on properties.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 172:14 Human Relations and DEI Budget
A motion to cut $30,000 from the Human Relations budget due to concerns over DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) language was amended to a $15,000 reduction. The funds were clarified as supporting translation services and employee appreciation.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 191:13 MIS (Management Information Systems) Budget and Cybersecurity
Extensive discussion on the 'explosive' growth of the MIS budget, the transition to cloud-based infrastructure following a 2023 cyber event, the impact of reorganizing technology services, cybersecurity needs, and significant reductions in department vacancies and staff levels. Debate focused on staffing reductions while maintaining leadership positions.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 206:38 Radio System Upgrades
A discussion regarding a planned capital plan upgrade to consolidate radio systems across police, fire, DPW, and schools.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
MIS (Management Information Systems) Budget
The budget saw 'explosive' growth following a 2023 cyberattack. Councilors questioned the decision to maintain high-level leadership positions while reducing staff and vacancies by half.
Board position: The board ultimately approved the bottom line budget, but only through a narrow margin.
Internal dissent
The vote was 6-5, with Liang, McDonough, Noon, and Robinson voting against the MIS budget bottom line.
medium concern
02
Human Relations Budget Cuts
There was explicit opposition to funding related to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Councilor McDonough argued for finding 'fluff' in the budget while layoffs occur elsewhere.
Board position: The board compromised, reducing the budget by $15,000 instead of the proposed $30,000.
Internal dissent
The reduction was spurred by a specific motion from Councilor McDonough.
medium concern
03
Off-Agenda Budget Revisions
A revised fire department budget was presented during the public hearing without prior public notice, potentially violating open meeting principles. The CFO noted the 'rule of necessity' was invoked to follow a court order.
Board position: The administration moved forward with the revised figures to address staffing needs.
Internal dissent
The administration had to justify the lack of prior notice regarding the $688,742 upward revision.
high concern
Split votes
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
6-5
Suspend the rules to continue the meeting past 10:00 PM
4-7
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Investigate whether there are criteria for businesses applying for outdoor dining permits regarding being in good standing or violation history.
Assigned: Solicitor Williams
Revise the order of items on the City Council agenda to move items intended for public speaking closer to the beginning of the meeting.
Assigned: City Manager / Proper Department
Work with AFSCME 93 to resolve language in the collective bargaining agreement for Local 1705 regarding bumping rights.
Assigned: City Manager · Due: Before start of fiscal year
Look into specific clerical/nomenclature discrepancies regarding custodial supplies and professional services for department heads.
Assigned: CFO Baldwin
Review potential to reinstate staff/positions in July once final state budget numbers are confirmed.
Assigned: City Manager · Due: July 2026
Review telephone lines with an outside vendor to identify unused lines or potential reductions.
Assigned: Mr. Ball · Due: Ongoing/Restarting Thursday
Hold next meeting
Assigned: City Council · Due: Next Tuesday at 6:00 PM
Notable statements
DPD does check on outstanding fines and kitchen violations, but liquor license history is not currently a mandatory criterion for outdoor dining permits. — SPEAKER_12 (Assistant City Manager) · Responding to inquiry about permit criteria. ▶ 08:49
I committed to not laying off any firefighters. The revised budget will allow us to get to the 203 firefighters that we deserve. — SPEAKER_09 (City Manager) · Addressing concerns regarding firefighter staffing in the FY 2027 budget. ▶ 60:54
The changes made to the budget between the book and the paper copies handed out tonight are only in the fire department budget, increasing personal services by $688,742 to reach 203 firefighters. — SPEAKER_04 (CFO) · Clarifying budget discrepancies during the public hearing. ▶ 72:00
The rule of necessity actually would be invoked... in order to follow the court order, it's going to require us to sort of run afoul of the open meeting law. — Unidentified speaker · Explaining why the revised budget was presented during a public hearing without prior public notice. ▶ 75:56
I'm asking for six weeks until... we get the final number from the state... I don't want to set that false expectation [of reinstating employees]. — Unidentified speaker · Responding to calls to reinstate laid-off employees by explaining the risk of state budget cuts reversing revenue gains. ▶ 113:00
The budget for [energy] is our best starting point... I can't sit here and tell you that we won't need additional money for the schools come the spring of next year. — CFO Baldwin · Discussing the uncertainty of electricity and heating costs for schools. ▶ 139:06
We've essentially hit the pause button on tax takings... because [a Supreme Court case] changed how all of this is going to happen. — Solicitor Williams · Explaining why the city is not aggressively pursuing tax titles despite high outstanding balances. ▶ 161:00
I'm really trying to find some fluff... we are laying off people across the city and we're raising taxes 4.6%. — Councilor McDonough · Argument for cutting the Human Relations budget. ▶ 175:30
The city of Lowell is recognized... as the quickest time to recovery for any municipality on the East Coast to date as a result of a cyber event. — MIS Director Fernandez · Defending the MIS department's management following the 2023 cyberattack. ▶ 205:00
We can never guarantee [cybersecurity]. — Unidentified speaker · Responding to a question about being up to date with modern cybersecurity. ▶ 207:53
The department, as far as the workforce, has been reduced by half, but we're keeping the weight at the top. — Councilor McDonough · Criticizing the MIS budget and the reduction of staff/vacancies while maintaining leadership positions. ▶ 211:51
Member positions
3 issues · 2 explicit · 0 inferred
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
YES
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
YES
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
YES
✓
Gitche
Present
Mayor
Suspend the rules to continue the meeting past 10:00 PM
NO
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
YES
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
NO
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
NO
✓
Human Relations Budget Cuts
✓
Supported $15,000 reduction from Human Relations ordinary expenses
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
YES
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
NO
✓
Present
Accept the bottom line of the MIS budget
NO
✓
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position.
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
9
Total speakers
4
Addressed
3
Partial
2
Not addressed
Donna Scannell Richards
Addressed
Speaking as the Chair of the Paul Memorial Library Board, she expressed support for the Library Director's budget reduction plan. She emphasized that through cross-training, the library can maintain service levels despite the budget cuts.
Key concern
Support for the library's budget plan and the need to fill current budgeted vacancies to maintain service.
Board responseThe board acknowledged the comments as part of the public hearing process for the FY 2027 budget.
The comments were part of a formal public hearing where the administration listened to the support for the budget implementation.
Chris Romero
Addressed
He spoke in solidarity with the Firefighter Union, expressing anger over potential firefighter job losses. He emphasized that firefighters put their lives on the line for the community and urged the council to support the 203 firefighter budget.
Key concern
Support for the Firefighter Union and preventing firefighter layoffs.
Board responseThe City Manager later addressed this by announcing a commitment to not lay off any firefighters following productive talks with the union.
The City Manager explicitly responded later in the meeting by stating he committed to not laying off any firefighters.
Donna Butt
Not addressed
A city employee of 26 years, she raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency in recent termination processes within the Treasurer's office. She argued that collective bargaining agreements should be followed to ensure fairness and accountability during staff reductions.
Key concern
Lack of transparency and adherence to proper procedures during employee terminations/layoffs.
Board responseThe board did not provide a direct specific response to her individual grievance during her testimony.
While the budget discussion touched on layoffs generally, her specific allegations of unfair process and lack of transparency in the Treasurer's office were not specifically addressed by the board.
Peter Arcella
Partial
A former city official, he spoke against the layoff of the Lowell Historic Board administrator, Steve Stowell. He argued that the position is essential for maintaining the city's historic character and fulfilling commitments made to the National Park Service.
Key concern
The layoff of the Lowell Historic Board administrator and the loss of specialized historic preservation expertise.
Board responseThe board heard the testimony; several councilors joined the discussion regarding the value of the position.
The councilors discussed the importance of the role and the expertise of the individual, but no formal action was taken to reverse the decision during the meeting.
Brett Faust
Partial
As the former Executive Director of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, he echoed concerns regarding the loss of Steve Stowell. He highlighted how the administrator's expertise fosters a collaborative environment with developers and protects the city's economic assets.
Key concern
The loss of professional historic preservation leadership and the potential negative impact on development.
Board responseThe councilors continued the discussion on the importance of the position.
The councilors engaged with the topic of preservation expertise, but the personnel decision remained unchanged.
Andrew Kolar
Partial
A local architect, he expressed profound concern about the dismissal of the Historic Board administrator. He argued that losing this institutional memory is a 'false economy' that will ultimately cost the city more in delayed projects and lost heritage.
Key concern
The dismissal of Stephen Stowell and the impact on the local design and development community.
Board responseThe board/council listened to his professional perspective as part of the public comment.
The council recognized the professional concern, but the personnel decision was not rescinded.
Deb Price
Addressed
She spoke in support of the firefighters, stating that laying off essential public safety personnel is a risk to the community. She specifically mentioned the unique needs of Lowell due to its aging building stock.
Key concern
Preventing firefighter layoffs to maintain public safety.
Board responseThe City Manager addressed the firefighter staffing issue later in the meeting.
The City Manager responded by announcing a commitment to maintain the 203 firefighter count.
Ryan Faria
Addressed
He critiqued the city's budget management, specifically noting that ARPA funds were used for recurring positions rather than addressing immediate shortfalls like firefighter layoffs. He also raised concerns about increasing taxes and fees while simultaneously implementing layoffs.
Key concern
Inefficient use of ARPA funds and the overall financial direction of the budget (taxes/fees vs. layoffs).
Board responseThe City Manager and CFO provided detailed explanations regarding ARPA fund management and the state of the budget.
The administration provided a direct defense of their fund management and the economic constraints they face.
Mr. Light
Addressed
As the Firefighters Union President, he expressed both frustration and a willingness to find common ground with the City Manager. He urged the council to support the budget to maintain 203 firefighters, emphasizing that staffing is the top priority.
Key concern
Securing the budget for 203 uniformed firefighters.
Board responseThe City Manager responded that he had already had productive talks with the union and had committed to the 203 number.
The City Manager acknowledged the productive conversation and confirmed the commitment to the requested staffing level.
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Report composed by
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-05-29.