On the agenda: Lowell meeting — data center (Jan 20)

Date:
January 20, 2026
Time:
6:30 PM
Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid)

1. ROLL CALL
2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS
2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation:
Meetings Will Be Held In Council Chamber With Public Welcome And By Using
Remote Participation As Follows: Members Of The Public May View The Meeting
Via LTC.Org (On-Line; Live Streaming; Or Local Cable Channel 6). Those Wishing
To Speak Regarding A Specific Agenda Item Shall Register To Speak In Advance
Of The Meeting By Sending Email To City Clerk Indicating The Agenda Item And A
Phone Number To Call So That You May Be Issued Zoom Link To The Meeting.
Email Address Is [email protected]. If No Access To Email You May
Contact City Clerk At 978-674-4161. All Request Must Be Done Before 4:00 PM
On The Day Of Meeting. For Zoom - HTTPS://SUPPORT.ZOOM.US/HC/ENUS/ARTICLES/201362193-JOINING-A-MEETING

3. CITY CLERK
3.1. Minutes Of City Council Regular Meeting January 13th, For Acceptance.
Documents:
2026 JANUARY 13 CC MINUTES.PDF
4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled For 7PM)
4.1. Loan Order - Amend High School Project.
HTTPS://WWW.LOWELLMA.GOV/AGENDACENTER/VIEWFILE/ITEM/33545?
FILEID=88250
5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS
5.1. C. Juran / C. Scott - Req. Neighborhoods SC Work With Administration To Create A
Schedule Of Reports To Be Provided By The Administration To The Council And
Residents On An Annual, Quarterly And Monthly Basis.
5.2. C. Juran / C. Rourke - Req. Frontrunner City Program SC And City Administration
Meet Regularly To Discuss Frontrunner City Activities And Plans, And Report Back To
The City Council.
5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Update City Council On The Downtown Business

Residents On An Annual, Quarterly And Monthly Basis.
5.2. C. Juran / C. Rourke - Req. Frontrunner City Program SC And City Administration
Meet Regularly To Discuss Frontrunner City Activities And Plans, And Report Back To
The City Council.
5.3. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Update City Council On The Downtown Business
Improvement District (BID).
5.4. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Have Fire And Police Chiefs Schedule Recruitment Events
At Different Locations Across The City For The Purpose Of Reaching More
Candidates To Recruit For The Lowell Fire & Police Departments; Said Events To
Include Notification To The City Council When Civil Service Events Are Scheduled,
Including The Districts Where Said Meetings Will Be Held.
5.5. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With Appropriate Departments To Address Traffic
Calming Measures, Including Crosswalks, Speed Bumps Or Other Safety Measures
Needed To Improve Safety Throughout The City.
5.6. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Work With Appropriate Department To Install Iron Railings
On The University Avenue Bridge.
5.7. C. Nuon - Req. City Mgr. Provide City Council With A Report Concerning Best
Practices Used To Ensure The City’s Noise Ordinance Is Effectively Enforced,
Including But Not Limited To, Situations Where Property Owners Play Loud Music At
Late Hours.
5.8. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. Have The Appropriate Department Take Any
Necessary Steps To Provide A Report To The Council On ICE Operations In The City
Of Lowell Over The Last 18 Months Including: Who Has Been Arrested; Where Are
They Being Detained; How Many Immigration Related Arrests Have Been Made In
Lowell; Any Cooperation, Or Requests For Cooperation, Between ICE And The Lowell
Police Department.
5.9. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide A Report To
The Council On ADA Compliance Of City Owned Garages, Specifically Detailing Any
Repairs Or Improvements Needed To Ensure That Our Public Garages Are
Accessible To All Lowell Residents And Visitors.
5.10. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide The
Council With A Copy Of All Lease Agreements Between The City And/Or Any Of Its
Departments And Private Entities.
5.11. C. Chau - Req. City Mgr. Work In Coordination With The Department Of Public Works,
The Lowell Police Department, The MassDOT, And Any Other Relevant State Or
Regional Authorities To Evaluate And Pursue The Installation Of Suicide-Prevention
Measures, Including But Not Limited To Physical Barriers, Safety Netting, Or Other
Proven Deterrent Infrastructure, On Bridges Within The City Of Lowell Where Such
Incidents Have Occurred Or Present A Demonstrated Public Safety Concern.
5.12. C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. Provide An Update On Creating A Facilities
Department.
5.13. M. Gitschier / C. Mercier - Req. City Mgr. Reach Out To The Lowell Transitional Living
Center Requesting They Clean In Front Of Their Property Daily.
5.14. M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Repair All ADA Sidewalk Warning Pads On Parker
Street.
5.15. M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Send Letter To The State Requesting Immediate Action
To Safeguard The Railings On The Richard P. Howe, Sr. Bridge.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
6.1. Informational Reports
Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance

To Safeguard The Railings On The Richard P. Howe, Sr. Bridge.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
6.1. Informational Reports
Informational Report - Traffic Ordinance
Informational Report - Lowell Memorial Auditorium RFP
Informational Report – FuseIdeas City Brand Presentation
Documents:
INFORMATIONAL REPORT - TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.PDF
INFORMATIONAL REPORT - LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM RFP.PDF
6.2. Communication - Appointment Of Corey Robinson To LTC Board
Documents:
COMMUNICATION - APPOINTMENT OF COREY ROBINSON TO LTC
BOARD.PDF
7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $612,919.09 FY26 Shannon Grant Community Safety Initiative
Documents:
VOTE - ACCEPTEXPEND 612,919.09 FY26 SHANNON GRANT
COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVE.PDF
8. CONSTABLE BONDS
8.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval Of Constable Bonds
Documents:
COMMUNICATION - CITY MGR. REQUEST APPROVAL OF CONSTABLE
BONDS.PDF
9. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY)
10. PETITIONS
10.1. Claims - (3) Property Damage.
10.2. Misc. - Jose Antonio Robles Gelpi Request Installation Of Handicap Parking Sign At
341 Pawtucket Boulevard (Unit 8).
Documents:
2026 JANUARY 20 JOSE ANTONIO ROBLES GELPI LOWELL MA REQ.
HANDICAP PARKING SIGN 341 PAWTUCKET BLVD.PDF
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Office of the City Clerk - 375 Merrimack Street - Phone: 978.674.4161

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Date:
January 13, 2026
Time:
6:30 PM
Location: City Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor,
Lowell, MA / Zoom (Hybrid)
1. ROLL CALL
Roll Call showed 11 present (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C.
Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C.
Rourke, C. Scott).
M. Gitschier presiding.
C. Mercier requested moment of silence in darkened chamber for John
Rose, Jr.
2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS
2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Scott, seconded
by C. Rourke. So voted.
2.2. Presentation - UNESCO Learning City Designation.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke,
seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C.
Mercier to take Item #4.3 with this discussion. So voted. C. Juran noted
disclosure filed with Ethics Commission regarding discussion of this Item.
Professor John Wooding provided presentation entitled “Lowell City of
Learning – UNESCO". Professor Wooding thanked all those involved with
the endeavor including all of the organizations that helped with the effort.
Professor Wooding described the program. Pat Shanahan commented on
the efforts of all, including C. Juran. C. Chau described the operations and

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

noted effort on the part of the City. C. Rourke noted the beginning concept
of the program and noted that it provided a global footprint for the City. C.
Nuon commented on past and present efforts. C. Liang commented on the
organization and its cultural importance. C. McDonough commented on the
efforts of Professor Wooding to bring plan to fruition.
3. CITY CLERK
3.1. Minutes of City Council Inauguration Ceremony 2026-2027
January 5th; City Council Regular Meeting January 6th, for
acceptance.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Rourke,
seconded by C. Robinson. So voted.
4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS
4.1. C. Scott - Req. City Council approve a temporary moratorium on
the permitting and approval of new or expanded data center facilities
in the City of Lowell until zoning and planning regulations are
updated to protect residents, including required buffer zones, noise
standards, screening and protections against water and electric rate
impacts.
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager / Law
Department. So voted. Registered speakers, Mary Wambui (comment –
moratorium needed to understand impact); Jonathan Grossman (comment –
noted the need to be a good corporate neighbor), addressed the Council.
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Robinson to allow Nancy Castle to
address the Council. So voted. Ms. Castle commented on the Markley
property. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier to refer to Law
Department to prepare proper draft language. Adopted per Roll Call vote
11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C.
McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So
voted.
C. Nuon noted the need for a better understanding. C. McDonough noted
the need for more information regarding data centers. C. Liang commented

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

on pollution and energy costs for data centers. C. Juran noted the need for
law department to draft language to protect residents.
Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. McDonough to take Items #5.2 and
#4.7 out of order. So voted.
4.2. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. have the appropriate department
investigate the long-term feasibility of relocating polling places
currently located in public schools to alternative, accessible
community locations, and to report back to the Council with findings
and recommendations.
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So
voted. C. McDonough recuse self from discussion and vote. C. Scott
noted the concerns of the parents and that there may be better locations
than the schools.
4.3. C. Chau / C. Rourke - Req. City Mgr. create a Lowell Learning City
Task Force to ensure that Lowell actively participates as a UNESCO
Learning City; The Task Force shall include members of the Lowell
City of Learning organization and representatives from Lowell Public
Schools, UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, cultural
organizations, the City administration, and a member of the City
Council; The Task Force shall coordinate citywide learning initiatives,
promote community engagement, and provide regular progress
reports to the City Council.
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. Adopted per
Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C.
Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C.
Scott). So voted. See discussion under Item #2.2.
Motion by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon to take Item #9.3 out of order.
So voted.

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

4.4. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. work with appropriate department
to provide a detailed report on winter operation procedures in high
pedestrian traffic locations throughout the City.
In City Council, seconded by C. Robinson, referred to City Manager. So
voted. C. McDonough commented on the confusion and concern regarding
winter operations downtown in a high-density area. C. Robinson noted the
need for clarification of responsibility.
4.5. C. McDonough - Req. City Mgr. reach out to the University to
explore the feasibility of a land swap within the LINC Project.
In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, referred to City Manager. So voted.
C. McDonough commented on the number of parcels owned by the City
and the need to keep open green space in the area.
4.6. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide
a detailed report on percentage as well as dollar amount increases for
all ordinance employees over the past 4 years.
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted.
C. Robinson noted upcoming lean budgets and just need a snapshot of
where the City is. C. Rourke noted the increase in retaining employees and
that was important. Manager Golden, Jr. indicated the vast turnaround in
that area as well as increased interest in employment.
4.7. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. work with the Lowell Folk Festival
Foundation to explore how our Council and administration may be
able to assist with fundraising efforts.
In City Council, seconded by C. Descoteaux, referred to City Manager. So
voted. Registered speaker, Lee Villiesin (comment – efforts for future
funding), address the Council. C. Robinson noted the efforts of the
organization and the need to work with them in fundraising. C. Descoteaux
commented on the work of the foundation and the need to partner with

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

them. Manager Golden, Jr. noted current funding and that the City will
continue to be involved.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
5.1. Motion Responses.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded
by C. Descoteaux. So voted.
A) Motion Response - Update on 809 Stevens St – C. Descoteaux noted
it was a safety issue with some resolution. Shawn Machado (Asst. City
Manager) noted work of inspectors got the owner to cooperate with
securing the site.
5.2. Communication - Appointment of Kristin Ross-Sitcawich to
Conservation Commission.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Juran, seconded
by C. McDonough. So voted. C. Scott recognized the appointment and
noted her work on the School Committee.
5.3. Communication - City Manager request approval of Out of State
travel (1) DPD.
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Mercier.
Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier,
C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C.
Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
6.1. Vote - Amend JAM Plan.
In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Nuon,
seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C.
Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier,
C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

6.2. Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $3k MA Economic and Workforce
Developers Fellowship Program Grant.
In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Juran,
seconded by C. Descoteaux. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau,
C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C.
Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
7. CONSTABLE BONDS
7.1. Communication - City Mgr. Request Approval of Constable
Bonds.
In City Council, Motion “To Adopt” by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C.
Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M.
Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C.
Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted. The bonds were approved for
Steven Brouillette and Steven DeRosa.
8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY)
In City Council, none.
9. PETITIONS
9.1. Claims - (6) Property Damage.
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and
recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted.
9.2. Misc. - Carolynn Bennett request installation of a handicap
parking sign at 7 Arthur Street.
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and
recommendation by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted.

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

9.3. Misc. - Johanna Monsalve request permission to address City
Council regarding condition of Smith Avenue.
In City Council, Motion to refer to Transportation Engineer for report and
recommendation by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Chau. So voted. Ms.
Monsalve commented on the condition of the street and that it needs
attention. C. Mercier noted it was a one-way street. Manager Golden, Jr.
noted the delay was due to current federal mandate of updating combined
sewer water flow and that the City has spent millions of dollars on roads.
C. Chau commented on the area. C. Robinson questioned if possible
temporary stop gaps could be done. C. Liang noted the importance of
residents voicing their concerns. C. Scott questioned status of information
on the website.
9.4. Misc. - Peter Astorian request permission to address the Council
regarding installation of a handrail on side entrance steps to City Hall.
In City Council, Motion to refer to City Manager for report and
recommendation by C. Robinson, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted.
10. CITY COUNCIL - EXECUTIVE SESSION
10.1. Executive Session - To Consider And Discuss The Purchase,
Exchange, Lease, Or Value Of Real Property (The Senior Center, 276
Broadway Street), Public Discussion Of Which May Have A
Detrimental Effect On The Negotiating Position Of The City.
In City Council, M. Gitschier stated purpose of the session, Motion to enter
executive session and adjourn from that session by C. McDonough,
seconded by C. Chau. (7:50 PM). Adopted per Roll Call vote 11 yeas (C.
Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C.
Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS
In City Council, C. Mercier noted upcoming hockey event for Bridge Club.

Office of the City Clerk
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4162
www.LowellMA.gov
Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk
Angela M. Gitschier
Assistant City Clerk

12. ADJOURNMENT
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn from Executive Session by C. Rourke,
seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted.
Meeting adjourned from Executive Session at 8:45 PM.
___________________________________
Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk

The City of Lowell • Department of Planning and Development
JFK Civic Center • 50 Arcand Drive • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674-4252 • F: 978.970.4262
www.LowellMA.gov
Yovani Baez-Rose
Assistant City Manager/DPD Director
Camilo Espitia
Deputy Director

SECTION 266-51- 15 MINUTE PARKING AREAS
SCHEDULE H
is hereby amended by adding the following:
Name of Street

Side

Location

Plain Street (61)

South

Beginning at a point 170 feet east from
the easterly curbline of Chelmsford Street
running east for 20 feet

Lawrence Street (491)

West

Beginning at a point 20 feet north from
the northerly curbline of Swift Street
running north for 20 feet

(Initiated by Business Owner Request)
SECTION 266-52- 30 MINUTE PARKING AREAS
SCHEDULE I
is hereby amended by adding the following:
Name of Street

Side

Willie Street (382 Broadway) East

(Initiated by Business Owner Request)

Page 1 of 3

Location
Beginning at a point 20 feet south from
the southerly curbline of Broadway Street
running south for 20 feet

SECTION 266-55. C - PARKING FOR HANDICAP PERSONS: ELDERLY DROP-OFF ZONES
SCHEDULE L
is hereby amended by adding the following:
Name of Street

Side

Location

2nd Street (23)

South

Beginning from a point 213 feet east of
the easterly extended curbline of Bridge
Street running easterly a distance of
20 feet

Arthur Street (7)

North

Beginning from a point 55 feet west of
the westerly extended curbline of
Hutchinson Street running westerly a
distance of 20 feet

Clare Street (54)

West

Beginning from a point 0 feet of the
northerly extended curbline of Sargent
Street running south a distance of 20 feet

Cork Street (28B)

East

Ellis Avenue (5)

West

Hutchinson Street (17)

East

Beginning from a point 40 feet south of
the southerly extended curbline of
Broadway Street running south a distance
of 20 feet
Beginning from a point 20 feet south of
the southerly extended curbline
of Mammoth Road running south a
distance of 20 feet
Beginning from a point 10 feet south of
the southerly extended curbline of Arthur
Street running southerly a distance of
20 feet

Lincoln Street (75)

West

Beginning from a point 20 feet south of
the southerly extended curbline of Short
Street running south a distance of 20 feet

Newhall Street (16)

East

Beginning from a point 110 feet south of
the southerly extended curbline of
Whipple Street running south a distance
of 20 feet

(Initiated by Petition)
Page 2 of 3

SECTION 266-56 - PARKING PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS AT ALL TIMES
SCHEDULE M
is hereby amended to change:
Name of Street

Side

Location

Lee Street

North

From a point 80 feet easterly of Kirk
Street to a point 260 feet easterly of Kirk
Street

(Initiated by Parking Request)

Page 3 of 3

Office of the City Manager
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4402 • F: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov
Conor Baldwin
Assistant City Manager/ CFO

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Thomas A. Golden, Jr., City Manager

FROM:

Conor Baldwin, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs

Cc:

P. Michael Vaughn, Chief Procurement Officer

DATE:

January 20, 2026

SUBJECT:

INFORMATIONAL – Lowell Memorial Auditorium RFP

Background
The Lowell Memorial Auditorium (LMA) is a cornerstone of Lowell’s cultural economy and a
vital community asset. Constructed in 1922 and renovated in 1984, the facility hosts a wide
range of events that attract thousands of visitors annually, supporting local businesses and
enhancing the city’s reputation as a cultural destination.
The current management contract for LMA is set to expire on June 30, 2026. To ensure
continuity of operations and allow for robust public input on the future of this historic venue, the
City is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified management company. The new
contract term will run: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031, with an option for a three-year extension.
Importance of LMA
The LMA is more than a performance venue; it is a driver of economic activity and cultural
engagement. The main auditorium seats up to 2,854 patrons and accommodates diverse events,
including:
-

Broadway shows and touring productions (e.g., Sesame Street Live)
Concerts and comedy acts
Boston Pops Orchestra performances
Golden Gloves Boxing tournaments
Community events, graduations, and trade shows

Liberty Hall, home to the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, adds another 279 permanent seats,
supporting local theater and educational programming. Recent renovations and ongoing capital
improvements underscore the City’s commitment to maintaining LMA as a first-class facility.
Attendance at these events contributes significantly to Lowell’s restaurants, hotels, and
downtown businesses, reinforcing LMA’s role as a cultural and economic anchor.

Austin Ball
Deputy CFO

Office of the City Manager
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4402 • F: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov
Conor Baldwin
Assistant City Manager/ CFO

Financial Considerations
The city currently provides an annual operating subsidy of up to $200,000, which includes: a
$84,000 management fee. In addition, a $2.00 facility fee is collected on tickets priced over
$17.00, which helps fund capital improvements. The city has invested millions in recent years
through bonds and grants to maintain and upgrade the facility. The upcoming RFP will seek
proposals that reduce the City’s subsidy and explore revenue-sharing models to maximize
financial sustainability. Additionally, the City provides a $40,000 annual appropriation in the
City Manager’s budget for smaller facility repairs and maintenance.
Next Steps
The RFP process will begin shortly, with proposals due on approximately February 26, 2026,
and an anticipated award date of March 30, 2026 (depending on the advertisement date). Time is
of the essence, and these dates are in place to meet these deadlines and ensure a smooth
transition before the current contract expires.
Please note: Pursuant to MGL c. 30B, the award of this long-term contract will require a formal
vote of the City Council following the evaluation process. This vote is projected to occur some
time in the Spring, after the proposals have been evaluated by the review committee and a
recommendation to award has been made.
Recommendations
1. Establish a Review Committee
The city will assemble a committee to evaluate proposals and guide the process. This committee
will include an odd number of reviewers, and advisory (non-voting) members to aide in the
process. Because of the importance of the facility to Lowell and, specifically to the creative
economy in Lowell, the following is the recommendation by the finance department for
membership of the review committee. This recommendation is based, in part, from lessons
learned from the last two procurements for the contract:
a. The Chair of the LMA Board of Trustees (or designee) - voting member
b. Relevant stakeholders from arts and culture - voting member(s) – up to 3
members
c. A representative from the Finance Department - voting member
d. Chief Procurement Officer (advisory, non-voting)
e. City Solicitor or his designee (advisory, non-voting)
2. Refer the Matter to the City Council Arts & Culture/Special Events Subcommittee
This will ensure transparency and allow for public input on the future direction of LMA
programming and management. A more robust discussion of the RFP itself can be had with the
subcommittee.
Please let me know if there are any questions. The Purchasing Department intends to advertise
the RFP beginning on January 26th, for a period of 30 days.

Austin Ball
Deputy CFO

Office of the City Manager
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.970.4000 • F: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov
Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
Shawn Machado
Assistant City Manager

January 20, 2026
Mayor Erik R. Gitschier
And
Members of the Lowell City Council
RE:

Lowell Telecommunications Corporation; Appointment Thereto

Dear Mayor Gitschier and Members of the City Council:
Pursuant to the by-laws of the Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, twenty percent (20%)
of the Membership of the Board of Directors shall be appointed by the City Council. It is with
pleasure that the City Council wishes to appoint Councilor Corey Robinson to the Board for a
three (3) year term, which expires January 20, 2029, or such time thereafter until a successor is
appointed and qualified.
Confirmation by the City Council is not required for this appointment.
I would be happy to answer any inquiries you may have concerning this appointment.
Sincerely,

Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
cc:

City Clerk
LTC
MIS

Law Dept.
City Auditor
Human Relations Manager

In City Council

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
CITY OF LOWELL
VOTE

Authorizing the City Manager on Behalf of the City of Lowell, to accept and expend a grant from the
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security regarding the FY2026 Shannon Community Safety
Initiative (CSI) award in the amount of Six Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Nineteen and
09/100 ($612,919.09) Dollars over a one-year period for use by the City of Lowell Police Department.
--------The City of Lowell is desirous of accepting and expending a grant from the Executive Office of Public
Safety and Security regarding the FY2026 Shannon Community Safety Initiative (CSI); and
The Grant will make available to the City the sum of Six Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred
Nineteen and 09/100 ($612,919.09) Dollars over a one-year period which will enable the Police
Department to implement a comprehensive anti-gang and youth violence strategy. In addition to using
funds for suppression activities, funding is subcontracted to a wide range of City entities and
community partners, including Lowell Public Schools, the Recreation Department, the Career Center
of Lowell, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, Cambodian
Mutual Assistance Association, CTI, YouthBuild, and the YWCA. It also funds portions of the
Summer Student Police Academy and the LPD Youth Services Program. Additionally, funding is
allocated for the Gang Unit to increase patrols and ensure the Gang Unit is fully staffed during the
warmer months.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT VOTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOWELL:
That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized in the name of the City of Lowell, to accept and
expend a Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security regarding the FY2026 Shannon
Community Safety Initiative (CSI) award in the amount of Six Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred
Nineteen and 09/100 ($612,919.09) Dollars over a one-year period which will enable the Police
Department to implement a comprehensive anti-gang and youth violence strategy. In addition to using
funds for suppression activities, funding is subcontracted to a wide range of City entities and
community partners, including Lowell Public Schools, the Recreation Department, the Career Center
of Lowell, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, Cambodian
Mutual Assistance Association, CTI, YouthBuild, and the YWCA. It also funds portions of the
Summer Student Police Academy and the LPD Youth Services Program. Additionally, funding is
allocated for the Gang Unit to increase patrols and ensure the Gang Unit is fully staffed during the
warmer months.
BE IT FURTHER VOTED:
That the City Manager, on behalf of the City of Lowell, be and hereby is, authorized to execute any and
all documents necessary in connection with said grant, including the expenditure thereof.

VotesGrantsLPDEOPSSFY26Shannon

Office of the City Manager
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.970.4000 • F: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov
Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
Shawn Machado
Assistant City Manager

January 20, 2026
Mayor Erik R. Gitschier
and
Members of the City Council
RE:

Appointment of Constables

Dear Mayor Gitschier and Members of the City Council:
Please find the attached applications for Constableship for the current term terminating January
2, 2029 in the City of Lowell, with my signature, as submitted to me by:
Stanley Wyzansky
Confirmation by the City Council is required for these appointments and is hereby requested.
I would be happy to answer any inquiry that you may have concerning these appointments.
Very truly yours,

Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
Cc:

Ellen Brideau, Chief Assessor