Lowell council accepts Walmart grant, approves bonds and referrals; residents ask for speed bumps and handicap parking

The Lowell City Council's Jan. 6 meeting included multiple routine approvals and referrals.

The council voted unanimously (11-0) to accept and expend a $1,000 Walmart Spark Good private grant to the Lowell Fire Department; CFO Baldwin told the chamber the funds would buy tripod lights for emergency command boards.

Council also adopted constable bonds after the city manager requested approval, and several resident petitions seeking handicap parking signs (54 Clare St., 28 B Cork St., 16 Newhall St.) were referred to the transportation engineer for a report and recommendation.

During public comment, John Iannucci (45 London St.) asked the council to install speed bumps on London Street because of increased traffic and children playing; the council referred his request to the transportation engineer for study and recommendation.

Other routine motions taken on Jan. 6 included procedural acceptance of certain minutes and communications and a request by Councilor Dakota for a city-manager update on the status of the property at 801 Stephen Street (described as an eyesore). The council adjourned after announcements about local events.

Items involving formal votes were recorded by roll call in the transcript excerpt; instances where matters were referred for staff study were recorded as motions to the appropriate department.