Left In Lowell

Yesterday afternoon, after reviewing the City Council agenda, I thought that last night meeting was going to be rather uneventful. I was wrong. It did not have some of the explosive commentary and interaction of a few months ago; however, there was an interesting reaction to a seemingly innocuous but necessary and timely motion by City Councilor Rodney Elliott.

In his motion, CC Elliott asked that the Mayor appoint and Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee to plan and develop strategy to building and health code violations in the City. What followed the introduction of this motion was not a discussion on the building code violation and lack of enforcement but a turf war.

CC Bud Caufield, Chairman of the Neighborhood and Traffic Sub-Committee felt that it was totally unnecessary to set up this Ad-Hoc Committee since his sub-committee had jurisdiction over such matters. Unfortunately, the city web site that lists all the subcommittees and the members does not have a description of what the responsiblities are. Perhaps they should work on that.

From what CC Caufield said, it sounded as if he believes that his colleagues are out to usurp his authority.

This is a good motion; it gives the issue the gravity and focus that it needs. We all know where these buildings are located and we all can see the conditions under which these people live. If we need to redirect our resources, so be it.

The other area of interest to me was a non-agenda item. Again, CC Elliott asked the CM to give a quick update on the selection process for the new Police Superintendent. CM Bernie Lynch announced that the selection process will take from 9 – 12 months and that he will select an acting Superintendent shortly. I think he referred to the position as Interim Police Chief; he will review the internal candidates and put someone in place shortly

CM Lynch detailed the various selection methods available and to him. (This guy really knows municipal government). Right now is he limited to utilizing the Civil Service system. He will review all the different options, select which one fits the needs of our city, not only for now but long term, and then begin the process. If I understood correctly, the position will be limited to qualified Lowell Police Department members.

CC Eileen Donoghue did ask him that if he intends to approach the position differently than in the past, and he requires legislative (City Council) adjustments to make sure that they are given enough time to make the right decision.

I am not sure but I do not think he is leaning towards a Public Safety Commissioner but it seems that nothing has been ruled out. There is a possibility that we will not have a new Police Chief until a new Council is elected next year. I would prefer that CM Lynch takes his time and does the right thing.

CC Elliott had another important motion this one on the 111F issue. That is the law that allows injured fire fighters and policemen to receive their gross pay while out on injury suffered on the job. The City Solicitor informed the CC that currently there are 20 policemen and 2 fire fighters who fall under this category. The CM said they are preparing a report that will have recommendations how to bring some of these injured back to work.

The CM also announced that the real estate reevaluations have been posted on the City Web Site. While there were talking, I quickly checked mine; went down a little bit. You can find the information under the GIS interactive page. And in another piece of good news, the budget shortfall is down to about $4.4 and our new CFO, Tom Moses, who was sitting there next to CM Lynch last night has been given the task of finding some non-tax revenue to bring it down some more.

One more thing, if you watch the CC meetings regularly have you noticed that every time National Grid sends a representative to a public hearing meeting, it a different person. I am wondering if the utility company is using the need to address the Lowell CC as a form of punishment or reward for its employees.