At its Nov. 25 meeting the Lowell City Council approved several administrative items and asked city staff for updates on audits and capital projects.

The council voted to accept and extend $193,581.76 in FY 2025 state aid to the public library; the roll-call vote was unanimous. Councilor Getchia thanked library staff for securing the funds.

Under motions and manager requests, the council asked the city manager for a complete audit of sick-time usage broken down by department and for a report on recent lead and asbestos testing and inspection services at Washington School. Manager Golden said staff will compile the reports and include third-party testing documents.

Councilors pressed the manager for a clearer accounting of two payments to the Frontrunner City Group (discussed in session as approximately $257,600 and $144,900), asking for a summary of deliverables under the MOU and whether milestones and timelines were met. Golden acknowledged some meetings and deliverables were delayed and promised a consolidated response.

Capital and facilities items included: a council request for updates on roughly $6 million in capital-plan funds earmarked for firehouse repairs; an update that coordination and design-bid work is imminent; and discussion about upgrades to the upper-field concession stands at Shed Park, where staff and councilors discussed procurement obstacles and the option of using in-house crews or vocational-school partnerships.

The council also reviewed a speed-monitoring report for East Merrimack Street: between September and October the radar detector logged 5,656 vehicles, with 2,644 traveling 21–25 mph (the largest group), 1,404 traveling 26–30 mph, 177 traveling 31–35 mph, and 13 exceeding 35 mph; staff said enforcement and physical traffic-calming measures will be considered in spring 2026.

The council referred the MSBA accelerated repair program item to a public hearing on Dec. 9, 2025, and adopted loan orders by roll call. Councilors used the announcements section to highlight the City of Lights Parade and a ribbon-cutting event.

Next steps: Manager Golden and department heads will provide the requested audits, testing reports, procurement histories, and capital-project timelines to councilors.