Yard Waste Pickup

Some confusion and consternation has been generated as a result of misinformation regarding the new solid waste contract, particularly in regards to yard waste. It has been misconstrued that the new contract calls for the elimination of yard waste collection. This is incorrect. Simply stated, the new contract, which begins January 1, 2014, does not call for the termination of yard waste pickup. Yard waste will continue to be picked up on a weekly basis.

At some point, a variety of options to cut yard waste collection costs will be reviewed and considered as part of the City’s goal of increasing efficiencies and decreasing costs to taxpayers. For example, it has been suggested that Spring and Fall yard waste collection continue on a weekly cycle, however move to a monthly, or every-other-week schedule for the summer months given that the volume of yard waste drops dramatically during the summer and that it consists primarily of grass clippings. It would only make sense to explore ways to reduce operational costs in line with reduced volume and demand especially given the low level of yard waste users relative to the substantial cost incurred with sending trucks throughout the City. It should be noted that Lowell is one of the few communities that offers this as an almost year round service.

However, it must be stressed that this is not part of the new contract and is just one option that may be worth considering in the future.

Homeowners with lawns can reduce grass clippings in a variety of ways. The Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, has several suggestions:
• Grasscycling—cutting your lawn more often and leaving clippings on the lawn to decompose naturally which returns nutrients back to the soil (about 90% water, grass clippings decompose quickly)
• Composting—creating a compost pile or using a compost bin to create “black gold” for gardens and potted plants

For more information on options to reduce yard waste, check out these sites: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/yardwoodwaste.htm and
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/dtg.pdf

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License Commission Opening for Registered Voter in the City of Lowell

If you are interested in getting involved and making a contribution to your community, the City of Lowell presently has an opening on the License Commission for one member. 

The purpose of the License Commission is to adopt rules and regulations for licenses and license activities that address matters of local interest in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Commission is the local authority for licenses effecting alcoholic beverages, public amusements, common victual, entertainment and second hand motor vehicles.

Three members of the Commission are appointed by the City Manager for a six year term.  Diverse political party representation is required according to MGL chapter 4, section12. At this time, there is a registered member of the Democratic Party and a registered member of the Republican Party serving on the Commission.  Therefore, the new member could be a registered member of either party or a registered voter of any political party.

Two years of prior residency in the City of Lowell is a requirement as well as confirmation by the City Council.  Statute reference: Chapter 428 Acts of 1894; MGL chapter 138, section 10, specials 1998. 

 The License Commission meets on the first and third Thursday at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers at Lowell City Hall. 
 Please forward resumes and letters of interest to Lynda Clark at lclark@lowellma.gov or call 978.674.1001 with any questions.

 

 

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Coyotes Deployed at Edwards Soccer Field

 

A pack of coyotes is being deployed at the Edwards Soccer Field to discourage flocks of wild geese from taking over the turf and turning it into a hazardous waste field.

With its proximity to the Merrimack River and wide open spaces, the field has recently become a favorite landing spot for the fast-growing numbers of wild geese in the area. These hardy waterfowl have become the bane of parks and open spaces in recent years, digging up grasses and leaving behind their droppings. With the soccer season starting, these birds, with their bad habits, have become unwelcome visitors.

In an effort to chase away Mother Goose and her many followers, the Parks Department has purchased several faux coyotes which will be positioned to keep watch over the field and do their 3D “menacing predator” best to scare away the geese.

This effort is the latest in a number of improvements done to Edwards Soccer Field since its development by the City in the early 1990s.

Over the years improvements included construction of the concession stand/restroom facilities, parking area, fencing, gates and storage containers. A $75,000 irrigation system was installed resulting in improved field condition and expansion of the league’s hours of operations. Recently the City invested approximately $40,000 to connect the concession stand to the City’s sewer system, replacing the $7,800 holding tanks installed in 2006.

This season, the Department of Public Works will repave the entry and install new curbing.

Our new coyote patrol will be keeping a sharp eye on Edwards Field and making sure the goose gang doesn’t do damage to our many investments to this great asset.

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Cutting Down on Salt

No, this isn’t a health advisory although a 40% reduction in road salt used during winter storms will make for a healthier environment and a healthier snow and ice budget.

New equipment installed to monitor and control salt output on the City’s salt trucks have resulted in a 40% reduction of salt usage in the first full year of operation. Twenty-one vehicles–a combination of new and existing winter fleet vehicles–have been equipped with the Cirus SpreadSmart salt control system. This system allows for the managed spread of salt at various levels to account for varying storm conditions as well as distinct neighborhood and road characteristics. Retrofitting the older vehicles cost $100,000; the savings in fiscal year 2013 alone has been $215,000.

Where the average truck output of salt per truck was 1,000 pounds per lane mile, it is now down to 350 pounds per lane mile, a far more efficient way to keep our roads safe during the winter.

Going forward, the Department of Public Works will be fine-tuning the system for even greater benefits. In addition, contractors with salters will be required to install the Cirus system on their vehicles by next winter, further reducing salt use and costs. Also in the works for next year is the addition of an agricultural based liquid product that will increase the effectiveness of the salt.

All of which will result in positive outcomes for our environment and our bottom line.

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Counting House Lofts Mills Development Project

Another Mill Development Project is set to get underway in the coming months, with the Winn Companies taking on a second mill re-development into loft style housing units.  The project, slated to be completed in 2014, will create 52 new housing units, with 26 being designated as affordable.  Read a more in depth post about the project here:

http://blogs.lowellsun.com/thecolumn/2013/04/09/another-lowell-mill-readies-for-build-out/

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City of Lowell Board and Commission Openings

 Are you a resident who is looking to get more involved in how our City functions?

Would you like to make a positive impact in your community?

Consider applying for a seat on one of the many Boards and Commissions within the

City of Lowell All interested applicants are encouraged to forward a cover letter and resume to Nancy Do in the Human Relations office @ ndo@lowellma.gov.

 

Animal Advisory Committee – One new member who DOES NOT own a dog Advises the City Manager on issues pertaining to animals within the City. Members are appointed to a multiyear term. Statute Ref: M.G.L. Ch 140 Section 147A; City Code Sec. 104-1. City Council Confirmation is not required.

Auditorium Commission – *Three new members Advises the City Manager on issues pertaining to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Five (5) members are appointed by the City Manager to a five (5) year term. One member submitted from the Veteran’s Council. Statute Ref: C.148 Special Acts 1919; Special Acts 1989 C.427 Acts 1983. City Council Confirmation is required.

Board of Parks – *One new member The Board of Parks has jurisdiction to act in all instances for the promotion and conduct of recreation, play, sport or other similar acts with regard to the use of playgrounds, parks, stadiums, etc. Five (5) members are appointed by the City Manager to a five (5) year term. Statute Ref: C.383 Acts 1921; Code of City of Lowell, Article VI, S 9-20. City Council Confirmation is required.

Conservation Commission – *Two new members The Conservation Commission is responsible for overseeing the protection of wetlands, riverbanks, and wildlife as defined by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The Commission also issues permits and orders of conditions for work to be performed near protected areas under MGL Ch 131 s. 40. Seven (7) members are appointed by the City Manager to a (3) year term. Statute Reference: MGL C.40 s.8C; Accepted 10/04/1960, Specials 1993. City Council Confirmation is not required.

Immigration Assistance Commission – *One new member Advises the City Manager on issues pertaining to the well-being of Lowell’s diverse immigrant and refugee population. The amendments to Section 9-25 are intended to clarify that 9 Members are appointed by the City Manager. If the Manager is automatically a member he is appointing nine people other than himself. The City Manager or designee should be an ex officio member because he does not appoint himself. He designates an alternate if he so desires. In total there will be 13 members: 9 appointed by the City Manager and the City Manager himself; the Mayor or designee; a City Councilor or designee and a School Committee member or designee. New Code Article VIII S 9-25, 26, 27 Adopted 3/23/2010. City Council Confirmation is required.

Lowell Civic Stadium Commission – *Three new members Advises the City Manager on issues pertaining to the Lowell Civic Stadium Commission. Seven (7) members are appointed to a five (5) year term. Four (4) members are appointed by the City Manager, three (3) members are appointed by the University of Massachusetts Lowell; Statute Reference: C.325 Acts 1994; C.79 Acts 1995; Code 15-167. City Council Confirmation is required.

Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees – *One new member The Library Board of Trustees have responsibility through the City of the general care, administration, and policy making for the library. The Board engages in an ongoing planning process, which assesses the needs of the library and the role of the library in the community and ensure that the library develops to meet those needs. Nine (9) members, including the City Manager as ex officio President of the Board are appointed by the City Manager to a four (4) year staggered term to expire December 31st. Statute Reference: C.231 Acts 1888 Code 17-166 (Stagger Terms); New Code Sec.39-1. City Council Confirmation is required.

Taxicab and Livery Commission – *One new member Advises the City Manager on issues pertaining to Taxicab and Livery issues within the City. Three (3) members are appointed by the City Manager to a five (5) year term of which two (2) are members of the general public and residents and the third member is a designated Department Head of the City. Statute Reference: New Code S 254-4. City Council Confirmation is required.

 

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Young Adult Summer Employment Program

Young Adult Summer Employment Program 2013 – SAVE THE DATES!!

 

Applications for the Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board and Career Center of Lowell Young Adult Summer Employment Program will be distributed during Application Orientation sessions being held during school vacation April 16 – 19 and during the week of April 22 – 26  daily in the Young Adult Career Center area (entrance at 18 John Street, Lowell).  Applicants must apply in person.  For more information, go to the GLWIB or Career Center websites:  www.GLWIB.org or www.CCLowell.org

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Happy Greek Independence Day!

.Happy Greek Independence Day!

Hundreds of paraders marched to celebrate Greek Independence Day today, March 25th. A ceremonial Greek flag raising took place at City Hall at 12:30.

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Absentee Ballotts for Special Senate Primary are Now Available

The Lowell Election and Census Commission announces that absentee ballots for the April 30 Special US Senate primary are now available.

Under Massachusetts Law, voters may cast absentee ballots for the following reasons only:

1)      absence from the City during polling hours (7am – 8pm); or

2)      physical disability preventing you from going to your polling location; or

3)      religious belief

To request an absentee ballot, you may request an absentee ballot application from the Election & Commission or send a letter of request including the following: your name and Lowell address where you are registered to vote, the address where the ballot is to be sent, your signed name, your printed name, and reason for voting absentee.  Voters who are not enrolled in a political party must also inform us which party (Democrat or Republican) ballot they would like to vote. 

Absentee ballots may also be cast by eligible voters in the Election Office during regular office hours: weekdays 8am – 5pm.  We are also open until 8pm on Wednesday, April 10.  We will be closed on Monday, April 15 for the Patriots Day Holiday.   We will also be open on Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 3pm to accommodate voters who want to vote over the counter. 

Voters who are not current in the census will only be allowed to vote if they submit their ballots with a copy of identification and sign an affidavit that they still reside at the given Lowell address.

The deadline to apply for absentee voting is 12:00 noon on Monday, April 29 but voters who are requesting voting through the mail are urged to apply well in advance of the deadline.  Only ballots received by the close of the day on Election Day will be counted.

For further information on your voter registration status or absentee voting procedures, please call the Election Office at 978-674-1200.

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Press Release – City Manager Announces Interim Police Superintendent

Press Release

City Manager Announces Appointment of Interim Superintendent of Lowell Police Department

 

 (Lowell, MA) – - Lowell City Manager, Bernie Lynch announces the appointment of Deputy Superintendent Deborah Friedl as the interim Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department effective March 30, 2013. 

Deputy Friedl succeeds Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee who will be retiring on March 29^th after a notable career with the Lowell Police Department.  Deputy Friedl is the first woman chosen as Superintendent in the City’s history. 

Deputy Friedl has been a member of the Lowell Police Department since 1985 and has advanced through the ranks of the department from Patrol Officer to Deputy Chief.  She previously worked in the Vice, Narcotics and Criminal Bureaus and is currently responsible for the day to day administrative functions of the department.

Deputy Friedl earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell; a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.  She is a Graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and a Graduate of the Massachusetts Police Leadership Institute.  She is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Women Police and a member of the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement.

The City Manager has begun the search process for a permanent Superintendent and plans to make a permanent appoint within a 4-6 month period. 

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