IN CITY COUNCIL

TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2006

TIME 6:33PM

Roll call showed 9 present.

Mayor Martin presiding.

CITY CLERK

Minutes of January 24th for acceptance. In Council, Read, accepted and placed on file by motion of C. A. Mercier, seconded by C. R. Mercier. So voted.

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, C. Donoghue moved, seconded by C. Elliott “To Suspend the Rules in order to allow Elkin McCallum, Owner of the Lock Monsters to address the Council”. So Voted.

Mr. McCallum explained his position with respect to the sale of the Lock Monsters Hockey Team and his concerns and efforts to keep the team in Lowell. After considerable discussion, Councillors asked the City Solicitor if the Council could, discuss publicly, the situation, or would it warrant another Executive Session. City Solicitor Christine O'Connor said the Council could, if it chooses, to discuss publicly, its intentions. Again after more discussion, C. Donoghue moved, seconded by C. Broderick “To have the Mayor introduce and read a Resolution that would have the City Council endorsing Community Efforts to keep the Lock Mosters in Lowell”. So voted.

Resolution-City Council supports the community efforts to keep the Lock Monsters Hockey Team in the City of Lowell. In Council, Under Suspension of Rules, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

Mayor Martin and the City Councillors made it very clear that the Council vote merely lend its support to the community effort and in no way would be they involved in the sale of tickets.

CITY MANAGER

Communication-From City Manager requesting approval of Out of State Travel. In Council, Read and approved on roll call vote 9 yeas. So voted.

$112,000 Manager, Rental of Administrative Office School Department and Employee Legal Settlement from Manager, Contingency. In Council, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

Keith Rudy, President of Local 1705 spoke in favor.

$2,000 Purchasing, Advertising from Purchasing, S&W Permanent. In Council, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

Resolution-Supporting the temporary designation of East Merrimack Street as Sesame Street from January 26, 2006 to January 29, 2006. In Council, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

REPORTS

C. Caulfield, Chairman of the Neighborhood Traffic Sub/Committee said they met last evening relative to safety improvements to the Lowell Connector. C. Caulfield said the meeting was held at St. Anthony's Parish Hall and was well attended by residents of the Connector area. C. Caulfield said Representatives of Mass. Highway were present and explained that rumble strips would be installed, additional signage, improved traffic lights and lighting would also be provided. C. Caulfield said the Committee and all those present agreed the improvements would help in the attempts to make safer, the end of the Lowell Connector. C. Caulfield said the Committee would continue to monitor the situation and would meet accordingly. Adopted as a repot of progress on motion off C. A. Mercier, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted.

C. Elliott, Chairman of the Bridge Construction Sub/Committee said they met this evening relative to the proposed new bridge replacing the University Avenue Bridge. C. Elliott said representatives of Mass. Highway were present and provided all with details of the proposed span over the Merrimack River. The Representatives explained that of the four proposed locations for the span, the crossing from the end of Merrimack Street to University Avenue, would have the least impact in a number of areas. It was the only proposal which would allow for the existing bridge to remain open during construction and would best qualify for State and Federal Funding. It would also have the least impact on securing rights of way. The Representatives also explained the Right of Way Process, which requires eminent domain takings. C. Elliott said after hearing from the Representatives, the Administration and hearing the concerns voiced by the CBA and the Mission Church, it was agreed that the crossing at the end of Merrimack Street would be the recommendation of the Committee. The Committee also agreed that the Appropriation Transfer in the amount of $50,000 for the appraisals of properties to be taken by eminent domain, be adopted by the City Council and C. Elliott so moved, seconded by C. Milinazzo. So voted.

Mayor Martin then read the Appropriation Transfer

$50,000 Manager, Appraisals of Property from Manager, Contingency. In Council, Under Sub/Committee Reports, Read twice and adopted 9 yeas. So voted.

PETITIONS

Misc.-Doris Schaefer 6 Cottage Place requesting Handicap Parking Sign. In Council, Read and referred to the Traffic Engineer for a report and recommendation. So voted.

MOTIONS

BY C. CAULFIELD, seconded by C. R. Mercier

“Request the City Manager have the Police Department report on status of a previous motion relative to vehicles principally garaged in the City of Lowell, registered out of state”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. CAULFIELD, seconded by C. Milinazzo

“Request the City Manager report on the completed construction and the operations of the new water tower on Wedge Street”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. R. MERCIER, seconded by C. Milinazzo

“Request the City Manager report on the financial status relating to the 16 City Laborers and also the financial impact on the City”. In Council, Read and referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. R. MERCIER, seconded by C. Elliott

“Request the City Manager contact the Local Delegation relative to the placement of a Crossing Flasher in the vicinity of the Council on Aging”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. MILINAZZO, seconded by C. A Mercier

“Request the Economic Development Sub/Committee meet with representatives of the building trades relative to upcoming public projects”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. RAMIREZ, seconded by C. Milinazzo

“Request the City Manager to either advertise and or post all expired Board or Commission positions or bring forward for appropriate council action”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. RAMIREZ, seconded by C. A. Mercier

“Request the City Manager to update the Council on the status of the property located at 172 River Place”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

BY C. RAMIREZ, seconded by C. Milinazzo

“Request the City Council adopt the initiative of the MIS Director relative to public contact with City Councillors via the Interned and the City's Web Page”. In Council, Referred to the City Manager. So voted.

At 8:15 PM, C. Donoghue moved, seconded by C. Broderick “To Adjourn”. So voted.

Adjourned

Richard C. Johnson, City Clerk