City Council — June 16, 2026

Councilor Noon shared a tribute to Ra, describing her life journey from Cambodia to the United States, her resilience during the Cambodian Civil War, and her dedication to her family in Lowell.

A moment of silence was observed.

Mayor Gitche proclaimed the day to recognize the ecological vitality of the city and its waterways. Christine Wilkins from Lowell Loves Wildlife shared a personal account of seeing a bald eagle on the Merrimack River.

The proclamation was accepted and placed on file.

Councilors debated whether projects like Suffolk Place and Mass Mills were 'double-dipping' by receiving repeated funding cycles. There was significant tension regarding the allocation of funds to large-scale development and historic preservation versus open space improvements, such as skatepark and bike path connectivity. Councilor Murcia abstained from the Pawtucket Street vote due to a conflict of interest. The Council reviewed several CPC funding recommendations, including the Smith Baker Center. There was discussion regarding 'double-dipping' on repeated funding for certain projects and the breakdown of the required 10% set-aside for specific categories.

A bundle of motions (7.1 through 7.18) was approved, though Councilor Robbins voted against two specific items (Suffolk Place and Mass Mills) citing concerns over repeated funding. The Council voted on various CPC recommendations individually, with varying results including multiple 'yes' votes and some 'no' votes.

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is expected to return to the CPC next year to request construction funds for the open space design grant.

Councilors questioned how much of the $300,000 would go to actual park amenities versus the planning of shared-use paths. It was clarified that this is a design-only grant intended to create construction documents and interconnections for future implementation.

Clarification was provided that this is a design grant, not a construction grant.

An application for construction funds will likely be submitted following the completion of the design phase.

Items included requests for handicap parking signs, sign installations, and utility infrastructure updates (gas mains, poles, and conduits). Councilor McDonough requested more information regarding the intended use of the Meadowcroft site.

Most miscellaneous items were bundled and adopted; National Grid and Boston Gas requests were referred to a public hearing.

Public hearings for National Grid and Boston Gas are scheduled for July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Councilor Murcia moved for monthly reports, citing extreme overtime pay for some individuals and a $4 million total cost. Arguments included the need for better monitoring to prevent budget shocks, the necessity of staffing up to reduce OT, and concerns regarding the use of sick leave. The Fire Chief explained that current staffing levels (41 per shift) leave a small buffer that is often exhausted by illness or injury.

The motion to request monthly overtime spending reports from the City Manager was approved.

The City Manager is to provide monthly reports to the Council.

Attorney Geary presented the request on behalf of Residents First Development Corporation, noting that the Planning Board had already recommended approval. The amendment aligns with the city's Grow Forward housing production plan.

The Council approved the amendment to the special permit.

Multiple community members and councilors spoke in support, highlighting Samaras's 44 years of service as a teacher, administrator, and Mayor, as well as his impact on student success and city leadership.

The Council endorsed the motion to name the center after William J. Samaras.

The motion moves to the School Committee for deliberation and approval.

Councilor McArthur requested speed bumps on Conklin Street; the Manager agreed to a study. Councilor Scott requested advocacy for fencing/barriers near Butler School to prevent unsafe pedestrian crossings on high-speed tracks.

Motion for speed bumps was approved; motion for Butler School safety measures was approved.

City Manager to direct Ms. Altman to conduct a study on Conklin Street and advocate for safety measures at Butler School.

Councilor Scott noted the difficulty of the recent budget season and suggested looking for legislative relief rather than just internal cuts. Key areas of concern include charter school assessments, overtime, and the potential for increased involvement in the Mass Municipal Association to advocate for public safety earmarks.

The motion was approved.

Councilors expressed confusion over where current regulations are documented and noted resident concerns regarding parking and unidentified landlords in residential areas. The City Manager noted that rentals under 30 days and uncertified rooming houses are illegal, but tracking them is a challenge.

Two related motions were approved: one for a summary of regulations and one for a report on enforcement/violations over the last 24 months.

The City Manager's office is tasked with providing reports on regulations and enforcement data.

A resident supported the motion, praising the city's previous ban on SGARs on public property. Councilors discussed the possibility of incentivizing private developers to adopt IPM practices through tax incentives and the need for better public communication regarding progress.

The motion was approved.

A subcommittee will look into integrating IPM into city procurement and tax incentive mechanisms.

Following complaints about heat in classrooms, Councilors requested a list of which schools have functioning AC. The City Manager noted that $76 million has been invested in facilities since 2022, primarily focusing on heating systems. Councilors debated the feasibility of retrofitting old buildings versus long-term capital planning.

Two related motions were approved: one regarding HVAC controller issues and one requesting a list of schools with and without AC.

City Manager to prepare a report on school AC availability and repair plans.