As usual, all writing of City Councilor comments are paraphasing. Commentary is typed in order they took up issues (I think - they go all over the place on the agenda). My comments or explanation in brackets [ ].
We’re finally done with standing O’s by Cox supporters in City Council meetings, I am happy to say. Of course, the speechmaking by certain Councilors made the meeting way too long. I was planning on going back to my studio to get some work done and that looks less possible now. *sighs*
Anyway, besides the bloviating, it was a fairly uneventful night except there is definitely still some tension (some? Rita Mercier hasn’t gotten over it, that’s for sure). I wonder if certain members of the city council will be giving new CM Lynch a hard time? I certainly hope they conduct themselves with a little more dignity then that.
More after the clicky:
The full agenda is here. I didn’t catch everything in the meeting, I am posting the relevant things I took notes on or at least caught the vote (of course, half of the things on the agenda pass without conversation by the Council).
At the end of the meeting, it was determined that next Monday, at noon, the Council would swear in new City Manager Bernie Lynch. It sounded like there’d be a reception afterwards. A funny thing from Armand Mercier when it was suggested that Dept heads and other city employees be invited; Mercier commented that maybe Lynch wouldn’t want to meet everyone right away or some sort of nonsense. Uhhhhhhh…ok. It was determined that they would ask Lynch on the off chance Lynch wouldn’t want to invite his new employees to his swearing-in reception.
OK, now for the meeting notes:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Order of Taking-Eminent Domain Taking for Concord River Greenway.
Caulfield: referred to public hearing?
R. Mercier: There is money to acquire from Mass Highway and City Concord Greenway account, funds from sale of 1095 Westford (?) st. Motion for Approval.
Roll call: unanimous
CITY MANAGER
Communication-From Mgr. requesting approval Out State Travel.
Roll call: unanimous
Constable Bond-John Bridges Jr. Lowell, Ma. & Juan Jarez Lawrence, Ma.
Roll call: unanimous
Ordinance-Creating 4 Grant positions (Full & Part-Time) and establishing the salaries thereof in the Police Dept.
Motion: send to public hearing Aug 8
Elliot: are we responsible for these positions once grants expires?
Answer: employment ends on end of grant, employees eligible for unemployment.
Elliot: are they employees? Benefits? Pensions?
Ans: They are employees, can’t put in provision to take away ability to get unemployment.
R. Mercier: I know grant was for 200K – 4 positions, amount $130K. What happens to extra? Benefits?
Answer: other items, traning, eqip, access to state conf. computer system, so we don’t have to buy these for them. Indications are for getting funding for at least 2 years.
Motion approved for public hearing Aug 8
Order-Dedicate Stevens Street/D Street (Robert Lemire Memorial).
Caulfield: honor to bring motion. Vet, etc.
Roll call: unanimous
Vote-Apply/Accept/Expend grant (Shedd Park).
(Renovations to shedd)
Motion to approve:
Roll call: unanimous
Ordinance-Amend Zoning Various Sections.
Matter to be referred to PB, public hearing, referred Zoning subcom for discussion
Roll call: unanimous
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ordinance-Codifying positions/salaries to be consistent w/FY 2007 Budget.
Motion to approve:
Roll call: unanimous
Vote-Accept provision of Ch 157, Acts 2005, Sections 1&2.
IN FAVOR:
Jim, Dracut, elected members Lowell Retirement Board: corrects injustice to employees who are vets, who leave too early due to injury. Passed in Nov, retirement board passed it, asking for the same here. 84 members of retirement group.
John M: Lowell Retirement Board: ask you to accept provision. Brings these people near superannuation.
Move to suspend rules (to discuss this issue): voice vote approved, rules suspended.
Donoghue: support
R. Mercier: Money already budgeted, we’re all set.
Roll call: unanimous
Fuel Storage-M/A Com 100 Chelmsford St. 3,300 gls. Hydrogen
MACOM request
IN FAVOR:
Atty for MACOM: requesting license at Chelmsford St facility. Closing Burlington, employees coming here. Hydrogen on that site is on travel trailers, will build new storage facility, approved by fire dept, have reps from fire dept.
Motion to approve:
Roll call: unanimous
Drake Petroleum 378 Gorham St. 25,000 gls. Gas & Self Service Station.
IN FAVOR:
Ron, Lee MA, Rep Drake: currently have 18K tanks, rebuilding, installing two new tanks. New branding, new facility, reason for rebuild is age of tanks.
R. Mercier: didn’t hear him say it was cleared or inspected from fire dept to store these extra tanks?
Ron: Yes app signed by Capt Webber, design, yes.
Motion to approve:
Roll call: unanimous
Greener Landscaping 123 Bolt St. 20,000 gls gas/diesel.
IN FAVOR:
Jeremy, owner of 123 Bolt st: applying permit for above ground storage.
Martin: is approved, I see it has been signed off.
Motion Approve:
Roll call: unanimous
A. Mercier: manager would like to address the council. Would like to suggest to have councilors who want to say something speak then the CM. I think Caulfield wants to lead off.
[INSERT PREPARED SPEECHES HERE. I won’t bother to write them up. If you really want to sit through them, LTC will have the meeting video available online in the next couple days. Bud Caulfield, Rita Mercier, and Armard Mercier spoke first, then Martin had a short speech.]
A. Mercier: Suggest we dismiss the CM for remainder of meeting and recess for 2-3 minutes [while all the Connected head off to Cobblestones for one last hurrah.]
MOTIONS
C. Donoghue-Req. Mgr. to have LTC Televise License Commission Meetings.
Donoghue: Some months ago, through motion from Ramirez, spoke about the ZBA and PB hearing, gives public access to info/events in the city. Used to televise License Comm. Fell off radar screen. In light of recent developments and issues, it’s critical this board be televised. Filed motion asking police and public safety subcom, affected by recent homicides, to that end meeting planned by Chief and command staff with group in Centerville and Highlands. In particular, with regard to murder in Centerville, conversation/info from neighborhood, on info about the bar, bar owners there. Neighborhood was very upset about issues RE that bar, overserving people, fights, leaving at 2am, breaking bottles, I believe if we look at some of the other homicides that have occurred. In the nature of the business, the police present a case to license comm., this is an area that is becoming very important for public safety issues. Recommendations from police are not always followed, but good for public to know as result of complaints made, was anything done? Think it’s time, we really need to televise these meetings. Opening government, really important here. It’s critical to community policing. One thing clear, we have to step up our efforts at community policing again, had decrease in crime previously, but we’re backsliding.
[Other discussion ensued, pretty much the same, motion passed]
C.R. Mercier-Req. Mgr. have the City Solicitor provide monetary breakdown of future manager’s contract and benefits outside of what city employees receive.
R. Mercier: [usual rant about not that she wants to beat a dead horse, but…she doesn’t understand the numbers, wants breakdown.]
[Elliot (I think, I missed most of it) made a statement opposing the motion]
Donoghue: nothing mysterious, nothing hidden, have contract, read contract, had opportunity to ask city solicitor. Nothing any different. I don’t intent to support [motion], we have a new manager coming in, no reason to put law dept to further work, not going to put new manager in position of having to be overly questioned. Never quantified car/gas is worth, when Cox was hired, or Martin was hired. These benefits were not part of Cox’s 130K salary. I do see this as distinctly different as question THIS city manager
R. Mercier: Maybe you’re right I am beating a dead horse. [Gets belligerent on annuity, etc]. Appearance of negotiation.
Broderick: contract drawn up from motion made when CM hired. 145K and 15K in additional benefits to be determined.
R. Mercier: We went over that when you said 15K, benefit well exceeds your motion.
Broderick my interpretation, explained in detail, got into Superintendents contract, it’s not anything unusual for professional CM to get some compensation or annuity on top of that. No one’s salary is based on the health insurance. I understand what you’re asking, but it was gone over…
R. Mercier: Did you know that he was going to ask for 10% of salary which is just under the 15K?
Broderick: he wasn’t coming here for less than he was making, picked number based on former salary, don’t know how it adds up there, but he makes 160K total in Chelmsford.
A. Mercier: Maybe a breakdown will set any rumors straight. I think there’s been sufficient explanation.
R. Mercier: wanted to hear explanation, that’s why I made motion. [Withdraws motion]
C. Milinazzo-Req. Mayor appoint a City Council Rules Sub/Committee.
Prayer at meetings, not giving up the Lord’s Prayer, but with that understanding, we would look at options for prayer at meetings.
[The Lord’s Prayer thing is one of the small things that really gets my goat. WHY is it part of our city goverment to promote ONE religion over any other, or the lack thereof? Ridiculous. Get rid of it. Join the 21st century.]
Motion Approved
July 25th, 2006 at 10:04 pm
Couldn’t go out on the guys final meeting without sarcastic remarks.
Maybe the long speeches (3 councilors, maybe 5 minutes each) were warranted after six years of public service to the city. Then again maybe they should have just done business as usual on his last meeting so you’d have gotten to your studio earlier. Uhhh…yeah.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:14 am
I would have been fine with long speeches had they not been grandstanding. Martin’s speech was very apt, thanking him for his service and the good things he’s done and leaving it at that.
We didn’t need a laundry list of so-called accomplishments, many of which I do not believe can be said to be completely or mostly the CM’s doing. Some of which, yes, he can get credit for, but many were not.
It is said that a leader takes credit for all the bad stuff and doesn’t really get much credit for the good works. It appears, however, we have an angel among us, as Cox is apparently the progenitor of all good for the last decade but not the reason that, say, downtown is half empty, or that our bond rating slipped this last year.
I’m just sayin’.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:29 am
I didn’t mind the speeches from the three CCs; but they were predictable and repetitive. I think the same thing was said by them at the meeting where CM Cox announced his “resignation.”
I did find Mayor Martin speech to be respectful and sincere; “you did good in the past and we are grateful but now it is time for us to move on.” Mayor Martin and the other five non-Cox supporters CC cannot win; if they do not say anything they get criticize for having no class; if they say something they are called hypocrites.
The most telling part of the evening was the discussion on the new CM Contract. There are so many rumors and misinformation going around that I was grateful that CC Kevin Broderick once again repeated the motion he made on June 30th which outlined the financial compensation of the new CM contract: Base pay $145,000 and $15,000 to be dispersed as fringe benefits.
Again, CM Lynch was not going to change jobs to take a more difficult position and get a cut in pay. He made that clear during his interview. So the 7 CCs who initially voted for him must have realized that his financial compensation was going to have to total $160,000.
But we all know this is not about CM Lynch and his contract. If CM Cox had left on his own and had hand-picked CM Lynch to be his successor with the same contract terms, this would have been lauded as brilliant.
July 26th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Those “Three Blind Mice” are so far up Cox’s ass, they can taste Brylcream. A guy like Cox will be able to provide favors for them for MANY years.
July 26th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Well now, let’s not be crass (besides, isn’t Romney the Brylcream?). However, the “three” and Cox and others are definitely connected, definitely interested in holding onto power, and definitely enjoy the “access” that procures.
Me, I am finding “access” way overrated. It’s interesting, but limiting in it’s own way. At some point I’ll post about it…
July 27th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
heres an “access” rumor i heard. cc donahue, martin, and milanazzo had been meeting with lynch prior to him applying for the cm job. if its true, who owes who soe favors?
the rumor monger said that they went after lynch and basically recruited him. i know someone will say they did a good job. but it has a bad smell to it…if it is true.
July 27th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Yeah and I know how reliable that “rumor” mill can be. It’s generally shite on a stick.
So I take everything you just posted with a huge grain of salt.
But I don’t see how going and asking Lynch to apply is unethical? Come on. Can’t they come up with something more damning, especially if they’re making it up?
July 27th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
I think it was pretty clear that Lynch was the best choice, so if they did solicit his participation, they did their job well.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
it was’nt my rumor, at least i did’nt create it. i did’nt say going to lynch prior to the nationwide search was unethical, it just wasted a lot of people’s time. if there is any truth to the gossip, does’nt that change the positions of the cc’s. the mercierx2 and caulfield spots are now held by d,m,& m or r?
just tossing it out there for discussion.
July 28th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Okay, I guess I have more than a single question about the meeting, let’s start with this:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Order of Taking-Eminent Domain Taking for Concord River Greenway.
Caulfield: referred to public hearing?
R. Mercier: There is money to acquire from Mass Highway and City Concord Greenway account,
funds from sale of 1095 Westford (?) st. Motion for Approval.
Roll call: unanimous
Did I miss something? 1095 Westford Street is NO WHERE NEAR the Concord River!
Ordinance-Amend Zoning Various Sections.
Matter to be referred to PB, public hearing, referred Zoning subcom for discussion
Roll call: unanimous
So we are going to change something else in the zoning code? Any mention of why developers
can go before their friends on various boards, get permits and then sell them at twice what
they paid?
A. Mercier: manager would like to address the council. Would like to suggest to have councilors
who want to say something speak then the CM. I think Caulfield wants to lead off.
1. [INSERT PREPARED SPEECHES HERE. I won’t bother to write them up. If you really want to sit
through them, LTC will have the meeting video available online in the next couple days.
Bud Caulfield, Rita Mercier, and Armard Mercier spoke first, then Martin had a short speech.]
A. Mercier: Suggest we dismiss the CM for remainder of meeting and recess for 2-3 minutes
[while all the Connected head off to Cobblestones for one last hurrah.]
So it was Armand Mercier and not the Mayor who told the council that the City Manager would
like to say a few words and councilors might want to respond?
Armand Mercier is still Mayor?
July 29th, 2006 at 7:51 am
Eleanor Rigby writes,”So it was Armand Mercier and not the Mayor who told the council that the City Manager would
like to say a few words and councilors might want to respond?
Armand Mercier is still Mayor?”
Two Words-Podium Envy
July 29th, 2006 at 10:05 am
My notes could be incomplete, Eleanor, on that first item…the price of live transcription, but that’s what I thought I heard.
LOL on podium envy.
July 31st, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Armand Mercier does not have to be the mayor in order to move for a suspension of the rules so that an individual, member of the public, etc… can address the council. That happens on a pretty regular basis at CC meetings. Talk about petty remarks!! What you guys weren’t invited to Cobblestones?? WAH!WAH!