IN CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2010

TIME 6:42PM

Roll call showed 8 present, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux).

Mayor Milinazzo presiding.

CITY CLERK

Minutes of February 9th for acceptance. In Council, Read, accepted and placed on file by motion of C. Murphy, seconded by C. Mendonca. So voted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Vote-Accepting the provisions of MGL Section 18A of Chapter 32 B, Medicare. In Council (from last meeting), Read and adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

PUBLIC HEARING

Loan Order-To borrow $400,000 for the acquisition of streetlights and equipment. In Council, Given 2nd reading and hearing held. Speaking in favor was:

Mark Goldman-58 Oakland St. Lowell, MA

No Remonstrants. Hearing closed. Adopted on roll call vote 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

CITY MANAGER

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

Order-60 Day Trial, Parking Regulations 1010 Central Street (4 Davis Terrace). In Council, Read Twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Vote-Authorizing the City Manager to accept a gift from UMass Lowell for signage at the Tsongas Arena. In Council, Read twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Vote-Authorizing the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Trinity Development for property located at 291.1 Jackson St. In Council, Read twice and adopted 7 yeas, 1 nay (C. Mendonca), 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Vote-Appropriation transfer $70,000 for the demolition of 401 Bridge Street. In Council, Read twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

Resolution-Supporting the amended Cooperative Agreement with the Lowell Housing Authority. In City Council, Read twice and adopted 8 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux). So voted.

REPORTS

C. Elliott, Chairman of the Finance Sub/Committee said they met this evening relative to the Quarterly Reports received from the City Auditor. C. Elliott said the Committee was informed by the Administration that the coming Fiscal Year (2011) again was going to be very difficult year as the economy had not yet rebounded and there is talk on the state level that Local Aid will be reduced. C. Elliott said the Committee agreed that this city is in better financial condition than most, however, we still have our work cut out for us in order to continue to provide services at present levels. City Manager Lynch said, as outlined in the report that presently, based on all current information no reductions in this year's fiscal budget are expected and work is beginning to formulate a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. C. Elliott said the Committee also discussed the issue of Meals Tax. Having received a communication from Methuen, and after considerable discussion, the Committee recommended that the City respond to the City/Town of Methuen that at this time, there is no proposal from the city Administration as it relates to the issue of imposing the option for a local meals tax.

Recommendation of the Committee adopted on motion of C. Broderick, seconded by C. Caulfield. So voted.

PETITIONS

Claims-There was 1 claim, which was read and referred to the Law Department. So voted.

MOTIONS

BY C. MERCIER, seconded by C. Martin

“Request the City Manager to have the Traffic Division address the No Parking, Tow Zone signs in front of 36 Iowa Street”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. ELLIOTT, seconded by C. Caulfield

“Request the City Auditor to report on the CDBG Funds for the past 5 years”. In Council, Referred to the City Auditor. So voted.

BY C. ELLIOTT, seconded by C. Murphy

“Request the City Manager contact National Grid relative to the $50.00 rebate for old refrigerators”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. MURPHY, seconded by C. Caulfield

“Request the City Manager develop a proposal to secure funding to address flooding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager, So voted.

BY C. MURPHY, seconded by C. Mendonca

“Request the City Manager to report on the potential of adopting a performance based budgeting for the City of Lowell”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

At this point, C. Martin moved, seconded by C. Caulfield “To Suspend the Rules in order to introduce motions”. So voted.

“Request the City Manager to report of the issue of placing a Cell Tower on the Duck

Island Wastewater Facility”. In Council, under Suspension of Rules, Referred to the City Manager. So voted. Mayor Milinazzo was recorded as present.

“Request the City Manager provide a report on the City's response to Enell relative to the placement of Flashboards on the Pawtucket Dam and the violation to the Wang Agreement”. In Council, under Suspension of Rules, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

At 8:27 PM, C. Mercier moved, seconded by C. Mendonca “To Adjourn”. So voted.

Adjourned

Richard C. Johnson

City Clerk