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

Date:
October 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 Housing SC October 13th; City Council Regular Meeting October 13th, For
Acceptance.
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 13 HOUSING SC MINUTES1.PDF
2026 OCTOBER 13 CC MINUTES.PDF
4. GENERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS (Scheduled For 7PM)
4.1. Loan Order - Land Acquisition - 276 Broadway - Senior Center.
HTTPS://WWW.LOWELLMA.GOV/AGENDACENTER/VIEWFILE/ITEM/36244?
FILEID=107138
5. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS
5.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On
The Requested Draft Ordinance Regarding 25% Apprenticeship/Residency
Requirement On Development Projects.
5.2. C. Robinson / M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide
Input On A Path To Request The State Implement Criminal Penalties On Unlawful,
Improper Usage Of ALPRs By Authorized Users.

5.1. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide An Update On
The Requested Draft Ordinance Regarding 25% Apprenticeship/Residency
Requirement On Development Projects.
5.2. C. Robinson / M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Proper Department Provide
Input On A Path To Request The State Implement Criminal Penalties On Unlawful,
Improper Usage Of ALPRs By Authorized Users.
6. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
6.1. Informational Reports
Informational Report - Zoning Rewrite
Informational Report - GFOA
Documents:
INFORMATIONAL REPORT - ZONING REWRITE.PDF
INFORMATIONAL REPORT - GFOA.PDF
6.2. Communication - Resignation Of Chan Huot From The Lowell Cultural Council
Documents:
COMMUNICATION - RESIGNATION OF CHAN HUOT FROM THE LOWELL
CULTURAL COUNCIL.PDF
7. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
7.1. Vote - Accept/Expend $115k FY27 Earmarked Funds - Rapid Rectangular Flash
Beacons
Documents:
VOTE - ACCEPTEXPEND 115K FY27 EARMARKED FUNDS - RAPID
RECTANGULAR FLASH BEACONS.PDF
7.2. Vote - Accept/Expend $65,000 FY27 Municipal Road Safety Grant - LPD
Documents:
VOTE - ACCEPTEXPEND 65,000 FY27 MUNICIPAL ROAD SAFETY
GRANT - LPD.PDF
8. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY)
8.1. Non-Profit Organization SC October 20, 2026.
8.2. Wire Insp. Reports:
1) Boston Gas - Request To Relocate Gas Main On Stockbridge Avenue;
2) Boston Gas - Request To Replace Gas Mains Along Lawrence And Woburn
Streets;
3) Boston Gas - Request To Replace Gas Mains On Leroy, Canal And Grove
Streets; And
4) Boston Gas - Request To Replace Gas Mains On Llewellyen, Beacon, Third And
Bennett Streets.
Documents:

4) Boston Gas - Request To Replace Gas Mains On Llewellyen, Beacon, Third And
Bennett Streets.
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 20 WIRE INSPECTOR REPORTS (4)-BOSTON GAS.PDF
9. PETITIONS
9.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage.
9.2. Misc. - Hilda Pimentel Negron Request Installation Of A Handicap Parking Sign
Located At 92 Fort Hill Avenue (Apt. 2).
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 20 HILDA PIMENTAL HANDICAP 92 FORT HILL AVE.PDF
9.3. Boston Gas - Request Replacement Of Existing Gas Mains At 217-250 Westford
Street And Portion Of Lane And Fernald Streets.
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 20 BOSTON GAS CO REPLACE MAIN WESTFORD
LANE STREET.PDF
9.4. National Grid - Request Installation Of Underground Electric Conduit Along Robeson
Street For Service At 225 Middlesex Street.
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 20 NATIONAL GRID INSTALL UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
ROBESON STREET.PDF
9.5. Zayo Enterprise Networks - Request Installation Of Underground Fiber Optic Conduit
At 174 South Street.
Documents:
2026 OCTOBER 20 ZAYO NETWORKS INSTALL UNDERGROUND FIBER
OPTIC CONDUIT SOUTH ST.PDF
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
11. 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: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov

Lowell City Council
Housing SC Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location

Michael Q. Geary
City Clerk

October 13, 2026
5:30 PM
Council Chamber, City Hall / Zoom (Hybrid)

PRESENT:
Present on Roll Call were C. Robinson, C. Chau and C. Nuon. Also, present Yovani Baez-Rose
(DPD), City Solicitor Williams, Asst. City Solicitor French, C. McDonough, C. Liang and Edward
Mierzwa (Building Inspector).
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
C. Robinson called the meeting to order noting attendance and the ordinance regarding tenant
rights referred to the subcommittee.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
C. Robinson opened matter to the public; Aaron Ginsburg (Community Teamwork, Inc,)
commented on the proposed ordinance noting his input and indicating the goal is ensuring
tenants are educated concerning their rights. C. Robinson outlined the drafting of the
ordinance. City Solicitor Williams commented on the drafting of the ordinance and that it
originated from third party source, but fundamentally good and purpose was clear. C. Robinson
questioned application of the ordinance by private and public entities, noting some exemptions
in the language. Asst. Solicitor French noted the application to all entities. C. Robinson
commented on the fines / warnings in place and questioned the enforcement procedures for
this ordinance. Mr. Ginsberg suggested tying it to occupancy permits. Mr. Mierzwa outlined
the permitting process in the City which focus on safety and health and that permits stay with
the unit until they expire. C. Robinson noted the need for a notice element for the ordinance.
C. Chau recognized the importance of tenant rights and the need for enforcement of them. C.
Chau noted the need to explore ways to inform tenants of these rights and must be applicable
to all landlords. Ms. Baez-Rose indicated many forums in which to provide notice to tenants.
Ms. Baez-Rose noted the need for oversight if there is to be full compliance. City Solicitor
Williams indicated further discussion regarding tracking information. Asst. City Solicitor French
commented on some options discussed. C. Nuon recognized the motion was made by C.

City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov

(Page 2 of 2)

McDonough and that it is a good ordinance to protect tenant rights. C. Nuon noted larger
complexes are usually compliant with the state rules and regulations as they have the resources
and that smaller landlords may have difficulty. C. Noun suggested language regarding short
term rentals should be excluded from ordinance as they are not allowed in the City. C. Chau
noted the need for some type of dispute resolution.
C. Robinson opened back up to public: Jeff Bush (Heritage Properties) noted he was a large
landlord in the City and that the industry was highly regulated regarding tenant rights. Mr.
Bush noted that landlords can add to this discussion. Mikeala Hondros-McCarthy noted she
was a small landlord noted it is in the best interest to have informed tenants and safe
properties. C. Robinson noted the community needs to be involved with this discussion as it
develops. Ms. Baez-Rose noted the ability to inform partners. Motion by C. Nuon, seconded by
C. Chau to have further subcommittee discussion once information is gathered from different
partners. So voted.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn by C. Chau, seconded by C. Nuon. So Voted.
Meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM

Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk

City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov

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:
October 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 10 present (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C.
Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C.
Scott).
M. Gitschier presiding.
2. MAYOR'S BUSINESS
2.1. Communication Remote / Zoom Participation.
In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson,
seconded by C. Scott. So voted.
Motion to suspend rules to allow Peg Shanahan to speak about Lowell and
the UNESCO Learning City Program. So voted. Ms. Shanahan noted the
recent award received by the City and the many upcoming events regarding
the program. M. Gitschier noted that October was Learning City Month for
the City.
Motion by C. Chau, seconded by C. Descoteaux to take Item #6.1 out of
order. So voted.
3. CITY CLERK
3.1. Minutes of Rules & Election Law SC October 6th; City Council
Regular Meeting October 6th, for acceptance.

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

In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file” by C. McDonough,
seconded by C. Liang. So voted.
4. CITY COUNCIL - MOTIONS
4.1. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. work with the appropriate department to
develop and implement a system that provides the public with realtime access to search for building permits as they are issued.
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So
voted. C. Scott noted the request of residents and that it would be a simple
task with little costs. C. McDonough noted difficulty with permit violations
complaints done during the weekends. C. Nuon noted that notice is
provided to some during the permitting process.
4.2. C. Scott - Req. City Mgr. work with the Traffic Engineer to develop
a plan to improve safety along Woburn Street, including evaluating
the prohibition of on-street vehicle parking along 178–194 Woburn
Street to improve sight lines and visibility for pedestrians and
motorists.
In City Council, seconded by C. Juran, referred to City Manager. So voted.
C. Scott noted resident concerns with safety because of street
infrastructure. Manager Golden, Jr. made note of the area and where the
issues were present.
4.3. C. Robinson - Req. City Mgr. have the proper department provide
a report on the newly installed mini forest as well as the pollinator
garden in Centralville.
In City Council, seconded by C. Mercier, referred to City Manager. So
voted. Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to take Item
#5.1(C) up for discussion here. So voted. C. Robinson requested the plan
for future work for plantings and at the reservoir.
4.4. C. Robinson / C. Descoteaux - Req. City Mgr. have the proper
department provide a report providing a path forward to implement a

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

pilot camera program on a selection of school buses assigned to
transporting Lowell students.
In City Council, no second needed, referred to City Manager. So voted. C.
Descoteaux noted the upcoming budget and the need to plan for this
expense and that a pilot program would be more cost effective. C.
Robinson noted this is about safety and that if it is a pilot program would it
need the support of the School Committee. C. Descoteaux noted the next
step is to get before the School Committee.
4.5. C. Juran - Req. City Mgr. have DPW and Transportation Engineer
prepare, by early 2027 or as appropriate, plans for which streets and
sidewalks will be paved, otherwise repaired, or traffic calmed in 2027
and how consistent the prioritization is with the decision flow-charts.
In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, referred to City Manager. So voted.
C. Juran noted residents are anxious about street paving and traffic flow
moving forward and further noted that 2026 information is used for 2027
schedules. C. Nuon noted the need for a flow chart every year as 2026
work could enter 2027 schedules. C. Robinson noted there could be
changes in ratings from year to year for streets due to outside factors.
Manager Golden, Jr. noted information changes and that there are updates
to the charts. C. Juran noted that there are changes but the criteria must
remain consistent.
4.6. C. Juran - Req. City Mgr. have proper departments explain
benefits and costs of having firefighters and fire trucks respond to
non-fire calls (including EMS and helipad calls) and the costs and
feasibility of alternatives.
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted.
C. Juran noted the need to support safety departments but there must be
an understanding on how resources are used. C. Nuon noted concerns
with costs in safety departments and that a balanced approach must be
used. C. Robinson noted the need to protect the equipment from overuse.
C. Mercier noted the need to have fire department on all calls as there is a

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

need for response from someone. C. McDonough noted costs could be
transferred to communities that benefit from the services. C. Liang
questioned type of calls outside of fire calls. Manager Golden, Jr. outlined
the various calls to the department. C. Juran noted the need to look
towards efficiency. C. Nuon noted report could go to a subcommittee.
4.7. M. Gitschier - Req. City Mgr. Have The Traffic Engineer Monitor
The Traffic Being Held Back On Beacon Street From 9:05 To 9:30am
And Again At The Robinson School Dismissal Between 2:05 And
2:25pm; There Is Also A Need For Clearer Signage Or A Trained
Crossing Guard During These Heavy Traffic Times.
In City Council, seconded by C. Nuon, referred to City Manager. So voted.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY MANAGER
5.1. Motion Responses.
A) Motion Response - Vacancy Ordinance - In City Council, Motion “To
accept and place on file” by C. Liang, seconded by C. Juran. So voted. C.
McDonough made note of the Inn and Conference Center for UML,
indicating the condition of the property in the back. C. Robinson
commented on properties near the Church Street area indicating the
condition and the vacancy for some time. Manager Golden, Jr. Noted they
have been fined and the issue is that it is a legacy property with some
internal strife. C. Robinson noted there may be a need to adjust penalties
under the ordinance. City Solicitor Williams noted there can be changes
made if it complies with statute. C. Nuon noted report section regarding the
Inn and Conference Center and questioned plans for the site. Manager
Golden, Jr. indicated the conservations with parties regarding the site and
that the City is at the table for them. C. McDonough noted the need for
fines as the vacancy of the building is affecting the whole area.
B) Motion Response - Short Term Rentals - In City Council, Motion “To
accept and place on file” by C. Chau, seconded by C. Juran. So voted.
Registered speaker, Mordecai Ese Ebhohon (comment – explore some
steps that could be done to allow short term rentals as there is a tourist
benefit for it), addressed the Council. C. Juran noted the need to see the

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

regulations and rules for short term rentals and boarding houses. C. Chau
noted that there are a number in the City. Yovani Baez-Rose (DPD) noted
the need to educate owners and to warn those who are violating.
C) Motion Response – Reservoir - In City Council, Motion “To accept and
place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. See
discussion under Item #4.3.
D) Motion Response - Portrait Mayor Palmer - In City Council, Motion
“To accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier. So
voted. M. Gitschier thanked the Historic Board.
E) Motion Response - Social Districts - In City Council, Motion “To
accept and place on file” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Scott. So voted.
Motion to refer matter to Economic Development SC by C. Robinson,
seconded by C. Scott. So voted. C. Mercier did not support having open
containers downtown.
5.2. Communication - Resignations of Members from Various Boards
and Commissions. In City Council, Motion “To accept and place on file”
by C. Liang, seconded by C. Descoteaux. So voted. The following
resignations were accepted: James Harmon (Veterans Commission);
Nayeli Pimentel (Veterans Commission); Judith Huber (Council on Aging)
and Kevin Dillon (Conservation Commission). C. Robinson noted that there
are more resignations appearing before the body. Manager Golden, Jr.
noted they are moving on attempting to fill vacancies.
5.3. Communication - Appointment of Olivia Hart-Paulson to
Commission on Disability.
In City Council, M. Gitschier pulled item. No objections.
6. VOTES FROM THE CITY MANAGER
6.1. Vote - Authorize CM Ex. Release of Land Restrictions - Lowell
Housing Authority.

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

In City Council, Given 2nd reading. Motion “To Adopt” by C. Chau,
seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C.
Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier,
C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Scott). So voted. C. Robinson noted the
restriction regarding open space. William Martin (Attorney for Trinity
Financial) noted open space would remain and the other restrictions should
have been released way before and this is to just to begin construction on
housing units. Chair was relinquished to Vice Chair Nuon at 6:42 PM. M.
Gitschier questioned ownership once the restrictions were lifted. Chair
returned at 6:45 PM. C. McDonough noted his concern with Decatur
Street. Atty. Martin noted that there were no changes to the original intent
of the agreement.
7. REPORTS (SUB/COMMITTEE, IF ANY)
7.1. Rules & Election Law SC October 6, 2026.
In City Council, C. Juran provided report outlining the attendance and the
discussion regarding update of City Council Rules and that the Law
Department will draft them and bring before full Council for discussion.
Motion to accept the report as a report of progress by C. Descoteaux,
seconded by C. Chau. So voted.
7.2. Housing SC October 13, 2026.
In City Council, C. Robinson provided report outlining the attendance and
the discussion regarding ordinance concerning housing standards in terms
of tenant rights. C. Robinson noted it was the beginning of the process and
that there will be public input on this matter. Motion to accept the report as
a report of progress by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Juran. So voted.
8. PETITIONS
8.1. Claim - (1) Property Damage.
In City Council, Motion to refer to Law Department for report and
recommendation by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS
In City Council, C. Mercier noted upcoming Bridge Club award. C.
Descoteaux lauded the Chelmsford Street work that was done. M.
Gitschier noted upcoming Bay State Marathon and the effect on City traffic.
10. ADJOURNMENT
In City Council, Motion to Adjourn by C. Descoteaux, seconded by C.
Juran. So voted.
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 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

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Thomas A. Golden, Jr., City Manager

FROM:

Yovani Baez-Rose, Assistant City Manager/DPD Director

CC:

Camilo Espitia, Deputy Director DPD
Dylan Ricker, Senior Planner

DATE:

October 14, 2026

SUBJECT:

INFORMATIONAL – Zoning Rewrite

Camilo Espitia
Deputy DPD Director

In July 2025, the City of Lowell began a zoning audit working with our consultant Community Scale,
LLC to review and update the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The rewrite will include new zoning
regulations for data centers in addition to an overall update of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Department of Planning and Development staff held an initial Data Center Forum on June 29th at
the Butler School. Extensive feedback was received and can be reviewed here. Based on the feedback
received the City proposes two options for zoning regulations for data centers found here.
The Department of Planning and Development held a second data center community engagement event
on Wednesday, October 7th at the Lowell Senior Center. At the event, staff heard community member
input on the proposed data center regulations. Comments and questions received at this forum will be
uploaded to the Lowell Zoning Rewrite webpage. See here, for the presentation from the community
engagement event.
Overall, Option 2, a proposed ban on data centers in the City of Lowell received greater support than
the proposal for Green Computing Centers. Attendees expressed concerns with the enforcement of
regulations under Option 2, interest in increased buffers to residential zones, better defined screening
requirements, concerns regarding multiple green computing centers located in a small area or operating
under common ownership, and ensuring applicants could not request Variances for an exception to the
requirements for green computing centers. DPD staff will work with our consultants to review each
option and provide updates for review.
Department of Planning and Development staff are happy to attend a Council Subcommittee meeting
to review findings from the second data center engagement event, and to discuss the 2 proposed options.
In addition to the data center updates, Department of Planning and Development staff, in conjunction
with our consulting team has completed an audit and draft update of the Lowell Zoning Ordinance. The
redline of the Ordinance can be found here (note the proposed updates include both proposed data

center regulation options). The public may use the link above to review the proposed updates, and issue
any comments. Comments may also be submitted to [email protected].
Proposed changes include updates to the following sections:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Section 4.3.7 and 4.3.8: Accessory Dwelling Units;
Section 4.5: Conversion of non-conforming uses;
Section 5.1: Updated Dimensional Regulations;
Section 6.1: Off-street parking for commercial uses in existing buildings;
Section 6.3: Signs;
Section 7.11: Solar Energy Systems;
Section 7.12: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS);
Section 8.1: Conversion of Existing Buildings; and
Section 9.7: Expansion of the Multi-Family Overlay High Rise (MFOH) to include additional
parcels along Thorndike Street.

Throughout October and November Department of Planning and Development staff will be attending
neighborhood meetings to get feedback from community members on the proposed zoning updates. In
addition to the groups listed below, staff has contacted the Pawtucketville Citizens Council and
ACTION (Acre).
•
•
•
•
•
•

Highlands Neighborhood Group – October 19th
Belvidere Neighborhood Group – October 21st
Centralville Neighborhood Action Group – November 2nd
South Lowell Neighborhood Group – November 2nd
Back Central Neighborhood Group – November 19th
Downtown Lowell Neighborhood Group – November 23rd

Department staff will work with Community Scale, and the Steering Committee to revise the proposed
ordinance based on feedback from neighborhood meetings, and the online comment portal. Once
revisions are made the City will provide an update to the City Council and recommends further
discussion at a Zoning Subcommittee meeting.
DPD staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about the proposed regulations, and looks
forward to further discussion on the proposed updates.
DR

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
Chief Financial Officer

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Thomas A. Golden, Jr., City Manager

FROM:

Conor Baldwin, Chief Financial Officer

Austin Ball
Deputy CFO

DATE: October 20th, 2026
SUBJECT:

INFORMATIONAL - FY26 GFOA Distinguished Budget Award

I am pleased to inform you that the finance department has been notified by the Government
Finance Officers Association (“GFOA”) that the City of Lowell received the GFOA’s
‘Distinguished Budget Presentation Award’ for the FY2026 operating & capital budgets. The
award represents a significant achievement by Lowell city government. It reflects the commitment
of the City Council and Administration to meeting the highest principals of governmental
budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, Lowell had to satisfy nationally recognized
guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an
entity’s budget serves as:
▪
▪
▪
▪

A policy document;
A financial plan;
An operations guide; and
A communications device.

Budget documents must be rated as “proficient” in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory
criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Only about 1,900 municipalities throughout
the United States and Canada have received the award this fiscal year, of the over 22,500 member
communities in the GFOA. The GFOA established the award program in 1984, but it was not until
2015 that Lowell first won the award. Since that time, however, Lowell has won the award in each
of the last eleven (11) years. According to the association, award recipients like Lowell have
pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other
governments throughout North America.
The city’s finance team and all Department Heads have worked tirelessly to improve both the
quality and the content of the city’s annual operating and capital budget documents. The document
is intended to provide to the taxpayers of Lowell the most complete picture possible of how public
funds are spent. An electronic version of the budget document is on-line and can be accessed on
the city’s website at the following address: lowellma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35373/City-ofLowell-FY2026-Adopted-Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/7/2026

For more information, contact:
Technical Services Center
Phone: (312) 977-9700
Email: [email protected]

(Chicago, Illinois)—Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that City of
Lowell, Massachusetts received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.
The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing
body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget
award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These
guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:
▪
▪
▪
▪

a policy document
a financial plan
an operations guide
a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria
within those categories, to receive the award.
There are over 1,900 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients,
along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award
recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for
other governments throughout North America.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best
practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the
communities they serve.

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

October 20, 2026
Mr. Chan Hout
RE:

Resignation – Lowell Cultural Council

Dear Mr. Hout:
This letter acknowledges receipt of your resignation communication in which you resign from
the Lowell Cultural Council.
I am filing your resignation and this acceptance thereof with the City Clerk, as required by
law, and also forwarding copies as a “communication” to the City Council.
The City of Lowell appreciates your service to the Lowell Cultural Council, and on its behalf
I extend thanks.
Very truly yours,

Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
cc:

City Clerk
City Council
City Auditor
Human Relations Manager

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
CITY OF LOWELL
In City Council
VOTE
Authorizing the City Manager, acting through the Department of Planning and Development, to
accept and expend Fiscal Year 2027 earmarked funds in the amount of One Hundred Fifteen
Thousand and 00/100 ($115,000.00) Dollars from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The City was able to obtain this funding through a Fair Share Supplemental Budget Earmark;
and
The City of Lowell desires to accept, appropriate, and expend the earmarked funds for the
procurement and installation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at strategic
locations near the UMass Lowell campuses to promote pedestrian student safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT VOTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOWELL:
That the City Manager, acting through the Department of Planning and Development, is hereby
authorized in the name of the City of Lowell to accept and expend Fiscal Year 2027 earmarked
State funds Grant in the amount of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand and 00/100 ($115,000.00)
Dollars from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
for the procurement and installation of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at strategic
locations near the UMass Lowell campuses to promote pedestrian student safety.
BE IT FURTHER VOTED:
That the City Manager, on behalf of the City of Lowell, is hereby authorized to execute any and
all documents necessary in connection with said grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
V:earmark/fy27

Office of the City Manager
City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852
P: 978.674.4400 • F: 978.970.4007
www.LowellMA.gov

1

Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
Shawn Machado
Assistant City Manager

October 13, 2026
Mayor Erik Gitschier
And
Members of the Lowell City Council
Dear Mayor Gitschier and Members of the Lowell City Council,
I respectfully request that the City Council vote to accept, appropriate, and expend MassDOT funding in the
amount of $115,000 through a Fair Share Supplemental Budget earmark for the procurement and installation
of Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at strategic locations near the UMass Lowell campuses to
promote pedestrian student safety. The Department of Planning and Development will be the primary contact
of the City and will be working closely with other departments as well as our partners at the University of
Massachusetts Lowell. No funding match is required from the City for this funding.
The placement of the RRFBs is an important goal of the Pedestrian Safety Task Force in which UMass Lowell
and DPD participate and aligns with the goals prioritized in the Lowell Forward Master Plan.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if there are any questions.
Sincerely,

Thomas A. Golden, Jr.
City Manager
CC:

Yovani Rose-Baez, Assistant City Manager / DPD Director
Camilo Espitia, DPD Deputy Director

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 (EOPSS) Highway Safety Division
regarding the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Road Safety Award.
--------------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 (EOPSS)
Highway Safety Division regarding the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Road Safety Award
in the amount of Sixty-Five Thousand and 00/100 ($65,000.00) Dollars to allow the police
department to participate in a number of campaigns to decrease the number of traffic fatalities
and the number of impaired driving related crashes in the City of Lowell.
BE IT VOTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOWELL:
The City of Lowell desires to accept and expend a Grant in the amount of Sixty-Five Thousand
and 00/100 ($65,000.00) Dollars through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
(EOPSS) Highway Safety Division regarding the Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Road
Safety Award, wherein the goal of the grant is to decrease the number of traffic fatalities and
number of impaired driving related crashes in the City.
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 from the Executive Office of
Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), including the expenditure thereof.

V:Grant/LPD/FY27MunicipalRoadSafety