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Lowell City Council approves manager contract, sets sign-plan hearing and denies telework policy
Summary
At its Sept. 10 meeting, the Lowell City Council amended and adopted the agenda, approved proclamations (Patriot Day and Stormwater Awareness Week), set an Oct. 8 public hearing for a master sign plan, approved the interim city manager contract, directed staff to collect more quotes on a City Hall clock/possible marquee, tabled a customer-service staffing decision pending cost/job-description details, and denied a proposed telework policy.
The Lowell City Council met Sept. 10, 2024 and handled routine business including proclamations, personnel matters and agenda housekeeping.
The council amended the agenda to move a consent item into new business and then adopted the agenda as amended. It approved proclamations designating Sept. 11, 2024 as Patriot Day and Sept. 23–27, 2024 as Stormwater Awareness Week.
The council set a public hearing for Oct. 8, 2024 to consider a master sign plan submitted for 100 Indian Walk that would allow additional signage on the property’s frontage. The council also approved the interim city manager contract as written after members said it reflected previously negotiated terms.
On facilities, staff presented a quote (roughly $6,669) to repair the City Hall clock. Council members discussed the clock’s historic value versus installing a digital marquee sign and directed staff to obtain additional quotes, research donor history for the clock and evaluate window-replacement or trim options that could save energy.
On personnel and operations, council discussed restoring a customer-service position to manage utility billing. Staff and some council members supported at least a part-time hire to ensure front-office coverage and to prevent missed deadlines; others asked for a job description and a full cost comparison (part-time vs. full-time). The council directed staff to return with a job description and cost estimates and agreed to revisit the item next month.
Council debated a proposed telework (remote-work) policy that would allow limited remote work for narrowly defined medical and exceptional circumstances. After extended discussion about equity, reasonable accommodation and legal risk, a motion to deny the telework policy was moved, seconded and carried during the meeting.
City staff also reported the YMCA is working on a partnership proposal for use of the rec center but had not submitted a formal plan yet. Staff provided quotes from the LCC for exterior work on City Hall (painting, pressure washing and trim) that totaled roughly $5,600 using the lowest bids; council asked staff to seek additional quotes, including for insulated windows.
The council adjourned after closing remarks and thanks to staff and residents. Items the council asked staff to return with for a future meeting included: detailed procurement bids and studies for the wastewater-plant discussion raised in public comment, additional quotes for the clock/possible marquee, a job description and cost analysis for the customer-service position, and any formal proposal from the YMCA.
