September 22, 2025
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by the President. A motion was made to accept the minutes from the previous meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Greene reported that the account balance is $2,322.29. This includes one deposit and no withdrawals. There has been no change in the status of the account with the Enterprise/Rockland bank merger.
Community Updates
Bob Casey –Victorian Garden:
- LDNA will be donating $1,000 toward the purchase of trash receptacles at Victorian Garden
- Filed a preliminary CPA grant application with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for 11 new benches in the park. He expressed hope that the application will move forward.
- Councilwoman Rita Mercier suggested that community members might sponsor benches as part of the effort to help fund them
Treasurer Greene:
Shared that National Grid has announced a program offering a lower delivery rate for customers who use heat pumps.
- The discount applies to the delivery charge, so residents will receive the benefit even if they have another provider or are enrolled in the city’s aggregation plan.
- More information about this program will be shared when available.
Police Update – Captain Desmarais
Captain Desmarais provided updates on recent public safety issues and initiatives:
- Increased complaints about homelessness and drug use in the Gallagher Terminal area, which has spilled into downtown. Several arrests were made for individuals who refused to leave the area.
- At 246 Market Street, complaints were received about high school students gathering at what is considered a dangerous site. The city is working to fully fence off the area.
- A bike operation conducted on August 21 in Centralville and downtown resulted in 10 bikes being seized. The bikes were held for seven days, and parents and children were educated when the bikes were retrieved.
- Officers continue to work to disperse groups of students gathering on Merrimack Street after school.
Reviewed crime statistics.
- Addressed community questions regarding: a pedestrian struck on Central Street while crossing against the light; youths on bikes weaving through traffic and kicking cars (referenced the bike seizure operation as part of efforts to reduce this behavior); and the use of electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks. He noted that they should be on the street and that efforts are underway to increase signage and work with schools to share this information.
Candidate Introductions
A forum of city council candidates was conducted. Below are the main takeaways:
Wayne Jenness
- IT professional, District 4 City Councilor (4 years):
- Described his systems-based approach to problem solving.
- Noted accomplishments including the creation of a Communications Department, pushing for the implementation of a 311-style system, and bringing forward a motion to create policies to better train student employees at summer camps on handling bullying issues.
Eric Gitscher
- At-Large City Councilor, Civil Engineer by trade:
- Focuses on government efficiencies and improving how the city delivers services.
- Highlighted achievements including helping create the Sustainability Committee, pushing for road improvements, and noting that opioid incidents have declined by one-third since 2022.
- Spoke about the use of ARPA funds for new fire trucks and cautioned that ARPA funding is running low.
- Expressed support for residents having the right to vote directly for the their city councilor vs the council filling the vacant spot in Belvidere
Sixto Dejesus
- At-Large Candidate, Enterprise Bank (14 years):
- A resident since 2006, with extensive experience in business development.
- Highlighted his experience listening to customers and connecting them to solutions tailored to their needs.
- Stated his priorities include business development, ensuring equitable access to resources, and leaving no one behind.
- Speaks Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the languages spoken by many Lowell residents.
- Serves as Chairman of the Board for Coalition for a Better Acre, focusing on housing and helping residents break out of cycles of poverty.
Sean McDonough
- District 4 Candidate, Special Education Teacher at Lowell High School:
- Lives downtown above Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus. Graduate of UMass Lowell and former Peace Corps volunteer.
- Advocated for more green space downtown, noting the lack of parks available for residents. Stressed the need for unprogrammed, resident-focused spaces.
- Discussed parking issues, advocating for more affordable parking options for Section 8 residents, where parking costs can equal one-quarter of rent.
- Emphasized pedestrian safety, calling for better sidewalks and the full removal of old parking meters and filling in the holes they’ve left
Rita Mercier
- City Councilor (30 years), Former Sheriff’s Department Staff:-
- Spoke about her longevity and persistence in city government (30 years), and her preference for working directly with the administration rather than through motions.
- Praised neighborhood groups as the eyes and ears of the city.
- Cited her personal experience as a mother as important to her perspective.
- Serves as President of the Bridge Club, which provides support for those facing addiction and homelessness.
Q&A Highlights
– Concerns were raised about the homelessness situation in Lowell, with suggestions to explore practices used in other cities such as Springfield.
-A question was asked about the possibility of a new treatment center in Lowell. There was discussion about using more humanized language when addressing homelessness and addiction.
-Additional questions covered the Historic Commission and how change is managed, and which public figures the candidates look up to.
-Attendees asked what the candidates would like to see Lowell become a beacon for:
- Jenness: Education (Pre-K through PhD), sustainability with a focus on transportation.
- McDonough: Increasing green space and amenities such as basketball courts, particularly in neighborhoods that lack them.
– Motion to adjourn made, seconded and passed unanimously
NEXT MEETING: Monday, October 27, 7pm at LTC on Market St