IN CITY COUNCIL

TUESDAY MARCH 11, 2008

TIME 6:36PM

Roll call showed 6 present, 3 absent (C. A. Mercier, C. R. Mercier, C. Milinazzo).

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, a Moment of Silence in a darkened chamber was observed for Rita Bourke, Wife of Former Mayor Raymond Bourke and for James Tully, both of who passed away recently.

CITY CLERK

Minutes of March 4th for acceptance. In Council, Read, accepted and placed on file by motion of C. Elliott, seconded by C. Broderick. So voted.

CITY MANAGER

Communication-From City Manager, responses to Council Motions/Requests. In Council, accepted and placed on file. So voted.

Communication-From City Manager requesting approval of Out of State Travel. In Council, Read and approved on roll call vote 6 yeas, 3 absent (C. A. Mercier, C. R. Mercier, C. Milinazzo). So voted.

Loan Order-To borrow $2.2 Million for the Emergency 911 Center. In Council, Given 1st reading and hearing ordered for 7PM on March 25th. So voted.

Re-Appointment-Rachel Edlund to the Lowell Historic Board. In Council, Read and approved on roll call vote 6 yeas, 3 absent (C. A. Mercier, C. R. Mercier, C. Milinazzo). So voted.

Vote-To ratify the collective bargaining agreement with MVEA, Unit D. In Council, Read twice and adopted 6 yeas, 3 absent (C. A. Mercier, C. R. Mercier, C. Milinazzo). So voted.

Ordinance-Creating 2 positions of Sergeant in the Police Department and establishing the salaries therefore. In Council, Given 1st reading and hearing ordered for 7PM on March 25th. So voted.

REPORTS

Wire Inspector-Nation Grid to place 1 pole Willie Street. In Council, Read, accepted and accompanying orders adopted. So voted.

C. Elliott, Chairman of the Flood Issues Sub/Committee said they met and again addressed issues, which continue to be of concern to the Council, Administration and to the residents. C. Elliott said the majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussion related to the splashboards at the falls. C. Elliott said Brian Martin, Representing Congresswoman Tsongas was present and assured those present that she would continue to press forward with the Federal Agencies and Army Corps of Engineers to address the issues related to the spashboards, flow of the river and the control of the power plant on the Merrimack River. C. Elliott said the Administration continues to work along with the Congresswoman and Local Legislators to press the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take action as it relates to the control of the flow of the river. C. Elliott said the City has taken steps to provide the necessary supplies in both the Clay Pit Brook and Beaver Brook areas, should the waters reach flood stage. C. Elliott said the city continues to monitor the situation and is in a position to be proactive, if necessary. C. Elliott, the Committee and all present agreed that the flow of the water in the Merrimack River is of utmost concern given the fact that the water is, at this point, unusually high and the spring rainy and melting season is approaching. C. Elliott said the meeting was very productive, raised a number of issues and the Committee will schedule another meeting to continue to address these issues.

Adopted as a report of progress on motion of C. Broderick, seconded by C. Martin. So voted.

PETITIONS

Misc.-Falcons Insurance & Financial Services 28 Cabot Street requesting an overhanging sign. In Council, Referred to the Law Department for the proper voted. So voted.

Daniel Couture-Requesting the city to name the corner South Street and Appleton Street as Couture Square. In Council, Read and referred to the City Manager. So voted.

Virginia Michaels-Request to discuss the ramifications to Lowell Residents from the proposed Power Plant. In Council, accepted and placed on file. So voted.

Claims-There were 4 claims for property damage. In Council, read and referred to the Law Department. So voted.

MOTIONS

BY C. ELLIOTT, seconded by C. Kazanjian

“Request the City Manager to contact the Local Delegation relative to the re-opening of Solomon Mental Health”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

At 7:22 PM, C. Elliott moved, seconded by C. Martin “To Adjourn”. So voted.

Adjourned

Richard C. Johnson

City Clerk