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Lowell City Council
Non-Profit Organizations SC Meeting Minutes
- Date: July 28, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: City Council Chamber, Lowell City Hall, Lowell, Ma. / Zoom (Hybrid)
PRESENT:
Present on Roll Call were Chairman Liang, C. McDonough and C. Mercier. Also present were Lisa Golden (HHS) and C. Juran.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
Chairman Liang called the meeting noting agenda items regarding opioid spending and youth programs in the City.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Ms. Golden commented on the settlement fund regarding opioids and indicated it must be left for a certain amount of time before it is spent. Ms. Golden noted that the CFO is involve with the fund and that a dashboard has been created to provide transparency. Ms. Golden noted the funding formula was complicated, and the focus is on developing new programs which can be difficult in a resource rich community of Lowell. C. Liang noted the amount of funds available and questioned what outreach is done to the non-profits. Katie Sadlier (Non-Profit Alliance introduced Gianna Sandelli of Riverbend Rehabilitation who outlined recent workshop programs designed to identify and use of the funds. Ms. Sandelli commented on current partnership with Lowell High School. C. Mercier suggested that such partnerships should extend down to the lower schools. Ms. Sadlier noted the importance of the funding to keep successful programs vibrant. C. McDonough commented on some use restrictions regarding funding and that focus should be to ensure that funds are not just sitting there. Ms. Golden outlined possible future and existing programs. Ms. Golden noted that the State a has a separate funding program as well. C. Liang questioned areas of existing programs. Ms. Golden noted programs in the police and fire departments, CO-OP program and transportation services. C. Liang questioned if funds would apply for mental health services. Ms. Golden indicated that there would have to be a dual diagnosis. Ms. Sadlier questioned path to be taken to request funding. Ms. Golden noted it would be through Health and Human Services Department.
Ms. Sadlier introduced Shamir Quintal of Project Learn to outline some youth programming in the City. Ms. Quintal outlined the organization and the programs available, as well as partnerships established throughout the City. Ms. Quintal noted the programs have benefited over 2,000 students. Ms. Quintal introduced a student (Domenic) who was part of a program, and he noted his experience with the program and the successful results. C. Mercier lauded the efforts of the student. C. McDonough questioned what the organization would need. Ms. Quintal noted that there is a constant search for funding. C. Liang noted there could be a presentation before the full Council. C. Liang noted that there should be education at all levels. C. McDonough noted that funds should be used to the maximum. Ms. Golden noted funding in schools can be difficult due to repetitive services. C. Liang opened meeting to public. No speakers.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn by C. McDonough, seconded by C. Mercier. So Voted.
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM
Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk