October 2018 Minutes

LDNA 10/22/18

7 PM, LTC

Present:

Carolyn Alphen

Jack Moynihan

Sam Litvin

Meeting called to order at: 7:01.

Opening greeting

Approval of minutes

Approval of Sept minutes; Motion made and 2nd from floor; approved.

Police Report

               Capt. Sullivan – A Sector Commander

  • Was Downtown commander about 10 years ago; Since then was old east sector commander and then in charge of detective unit.
  • Recent downtown shooting was solved due to eye-witnesses and video cameras.
  • Major problems downtown:
    • 1:00 – 3:30 AM after bars close
    • Morning issues with homeless
  • Downtown high-vis patrols supported by grant funding will continue.

ksullivan@lowellma.gov

Q&A:

  • Councilor Leahy invites all residents to contact the council with any issues facing downtown.
  • Maybe we should do a downtown survey to see what everyone thinks about issues such as rolling back bar hours.
  • What is the status of City’s effort to get more latitude for dealing with homeless issues?
    • There was a meeting earlier today with Court officials.  Will report results next meeting.
  • What is the deal with pub crawls?  Is this really good for the city?
    • Police detail not paid by promoter, but there was no violence or major issues.
    • Need to coordinate with other events in the city.

Special Guest:  Lowell City Councilor and Vice-Mayor Vesna Nuon

  • Worked with Capt Sullivan for many years.
  • If council decides to do something about changing bar hours, public support/input will be crucial.

Q&A

  • Lots of lights out along canal and river walks.
  • Mayor Samaras: I’m interested in looking at overall climate in downtown:
    • after-hours drinking establishments.
    • Homeless issues and pan-handling.
    • Will work to start an open discussion about these issue with residents.
  • Some homeless issues are really mental health related.
    • It would help if shelter had daytime activities instead of dumping everyone on the street for the day.
  • What about pedestrian safety in the downtown?
    • People routinely run red lights.
    • What about red light cameras?  This would also help with gridlock.
      • Council will look into a motion to study the cost and feasibility.

Treasurer’s Report

               Deferred to November meeting.

Discussion

  • School Committee has motion pending to revisit neighborhood schooling.  What do we think?
    • Not enough info to know.  That’s why we need to study the issue.
    • Would city-wide specialty schools still work?
    • School Dept would have to work hard to maintain parity among the various schools.
    • Councilor Leahy strongly in favor of neighborhood schools.

Meeting Adjourns at 7:56.

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