Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Goals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts 2026–27 goals; creates "community coordinator" concept
Summary
The Lowell City Council unanimously approved Resolution 877 adopting fiscal-year 2026–2027 council goals, including a proposed community coordinator role to centralize outreach. The package ties unfinished priorities to the city's five-year strategic plan and emphasizes fiscal responsibility and infrastructure planning.
The Lowell City Council on May 19 adopted Resolution 877, "A Resolution Adopting Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Council Goals," after discussion of a typographical correction; Councilor Tim Stratis moved for approval and Councilor Gail Harris seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
City Administrator Max Baker described the goals as a mix of unfinished items and new priorities linked to the recently approved strategic plan. Council discussion focused on a renamed "community coordinator" position (previously proposed as a "volunteer coordinator") that Council President Jimmy Murray said could serve as a single point of contact for local groups including the pantry, grange, church, grocery store and schools while also guiding a communications strategy. Baker said the city would define the scope and selection committee process and left open whether the role would be volunteer or part-time paid, noting potential grant funding opportunities for rural communities.
Other specific goals listed in the adopted document include seeking funding opportunities and maintaining fund balances; selling the former city hall; completing policy updates and creating a surplus property inventory; completing master-plan and systems-development-charge updates; finalizing a rate study; and pursuing Pioneer East Main Street improvements subject to grant funding. The goals also call for ongoing code-enforcement work, exploring low-cost community programs through partnerships, and continuing caboose repairs and a permanent Christmas tree project.
The council approved the resolution "as amended," and Baker said staff will return with implementation details and timelines tied to each goal. No vote breakdown beyond the unanimous approval was required for the document adoption.
The council scheduled the first budget committee meeting for the next day at 6:00 p.m.; Baker reminded members that restroom facilities would be limited at the meeting site due to asbestos remediation.
