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Lowell City Council
Rules SC Minutes
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location Council Chamber, 375 Merrimack St., City Hall / Zoom (Hybrid)
PRESENT:
Present on Roll Call was Chairman Juran, C. McDonough and C. Scott. Also, present was Atty. Garrett Beaulieu (1st. Ass. City Solicitor) and C. Mercier.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
Chairman Juran called the meeting to order noting the attendance and topics for discussion regarding further review and discussion of City Council Rules.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
C. Juran began review of the new drafted rules and commented on the following:
Rule 5 – C. Juran commented on start time changes.
Rule 6 – C. Juran noted rules governing subcommittees.
Rule 12 – C. Juran commented on submitting a vote to reconsider and the timing when Council agenda finalization is changed due to holidays. Clerk Geary noted that a 12 Noon time deadline would work for every meeting.
Rule 15 – C. Juran noted any changes regarding this consent agenda should have an explanation and instruction sheet for the Councilors. Atty. Beaulieu noted new concepts will have growing pains.
Rule 16 – Atty. Beaulieu noted use of resolutions by the Council. C. McDonough noted letters sent should have resolutions attached to them as it shows more professional approach.
Rule 17 – C. Juran commented on rules to relinquish chair during meeting and what order to follow. Atty. Beaulieu noted some procedures used to relinquish the chair.
Rule 21 – C. Scott commented on the use of privilege during meeting and that instructions should be provided to members. Atty. Beaulieu noted language was lifted from Roberts Rules.
Rule 22 – C. McDonough discussed rule of inquiry and compliance with that rule. Atty. Beaulieu noted rights of appeal regarding ruling from the Chair. C. Juran noted chair runs the meeting and makes those determinations.
Rule 25 – C. Juran noted sufficiency of the vote when members are absent or have resigned and if there is a difference between an elected official versus an appointed official. Atty. Beaulieu noted that distinction is covered by Massachusetts law.
Rule 30 – C. Juran question number of voted needed to allow someone to participate in the meeting. Atty. Beaulieu noted members can set that number.
Rule 34 – C. McDonough questioned how ordinances can be introduced. Atty. Beaulieu noted usually generated from Manager's office but may be other methods.
Rule 37 – C. Juran commented on the relationship with Rule 5 suspensions. C. McDonough noted only can suspend Council rules and not statutes.
C. Juran commented on next steps. Motion by C. Scott, seconded by C. McDonough to bring matter before full Council. So voted. C. McDonough noted further discussions regarding subcommittees.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion "To Adjourn" and continue by C. Scott, seconded by C. McDonough. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.
Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk