[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6092395,"mediaKeyId","2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377","parentId",2854047,"title","Council asks manager for feasibility report to raise state‑governed senior property tax exemption thresholds","audioSeconds",298,"startMs",1306000,"endMs",1604000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377&start=1306&end=1604","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6092395/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-asks-manager-for-feasibility-report-to-raise-stategoverned-senior-property-tax-exemption-thresholds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092395-6305e351a5847e9ac79cf707c8b2380c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159484&Signature=EBSkBJqxW2W0yRMal5yx-WK34~MsHQD~mhwwZLkyB3OJdG8H70Au4MUqRAApO6ys40pRzdacQHZdXMaRFc-GiGYJzPxV1Vlj6fXRBzJNvU7UFeEDYhimYUCB2hdkqX~Ay~NsWTvUfQ0uCCaWnG4hpZklctAINZxR6IYPAwHRD8bcOBBPtQutegycDAzPBNZLbomSj6lRvcVXixY4rTR96mg7M39m2MO4hyYmmBjW6SKgGBRv1sy29oRI~zXvkESVjZ6UiFa~CEeO3ZMKhvgArm5WRbtVXYVnb9pmaK8p7tHxgpZdNSFzfETUVsLjAWr-6cwLGubmL9oqCzm4jtxtkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lowell City, MA","date","2025-04-03T00:16:37.84Z","article","The Lowell City Council voted to request that the city manager and finance staff prepare a report on the feasibility and process for raising the income threshold for senior property tax exemptions.

Councilor Morozia (who introduced the motion) said the current state statutory thresholds for residential exemptions have not kept pace with inflation, excluding many older homeowners who face rising property tax bills. \"Senior property tax exemptions are important for reducing the financial burden of our most vulnerable older homeowners,\" the councilor said during discussion.

Finance staff and the city solicitor were cited in the discussion: councilors and staff identified Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, as the governing statute and noted that any increase beyond current state allowances would likely require a request for special legislation at the statehouse. CFO Baldwin confirmed staff can prepare a report and that a tailored special‑legislation approach for Lowell is an option; the report would outline steps and costs and whether local overlay funds could be used to implement changes.

Councilors stressed the effect of rising assessments alongside fixed incomes and discussed including an inflationary adjustment mechanism in any proposal. The motion passed unanimously.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lowell City Council - April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors voted to request a report on raising income thresholds for senior property tax exemptions and on what steps, including special legislation, would be needed to change limits set in Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41.","taxTitle","Lowell City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",4223,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092400,"Technology subcommittee reports progress on five‑year Comcast franchise renewal; 5% fee, PEG support included",176,4724000,4900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377&start=4724&end=4900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377/thumbnail_4724000.jpg","/articles/6092400/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Technology-subcommittee-reports-progress-on-fiveyear-Comcast-franchise-renewal-5-fee-PEG-support-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092400-664571dc7a73c04df42ba9e8b4464ae9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159484&Signature=iKCFVPa2WAWfi3q8uukUGMNBGuFr8r4D5ykYyv2UOqdmXIBm-wW3KFFfIUm8v-W7lcVFH83fPAHYkJjKHJKgSG0T1OBtpsvybk3Ox0tIo~X0zK46ShGQ-OZi4R43zWCSNhpzD4I-QOxxB27GgN22ZXXUi8JEl9-ZU7X6P6m5oRxC9qVtoGs10pDtE81UIGeniavxRdJKVy0K1ks5fxyLSNbNtsUqjmqIt~ILIa8heCguBY1WRDaLmt6kirUmglNJcuEvWUpAVJXsjCNZoIBSyxQusD5B1VrWswvp00vyXElosh2lIDB7tiFb9Xs8YFGHd1APRqolPgJ2jIP9OQ2pRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A City of Lowell subcommittee updated the full council on negotiations to renew the cable franchise with Comcast of Southern New England, describing a five‑year agreement that includes the maximum statutory franchise fee and provisions supporting public, educational and government (PEG) access.

The Technology and Utilities Subcommittee report said the proposed contract includes a 5% franchise fee on gross video revenues, a 50¢ per subscriber fee, and a side letter to formalize a senior discount. The report also said Lowell would retain complimentary access to the institutional fiber network (INET) connecting city buildings during the five‑year term; staff cautioned that the complimentary INET provision may not survive future renewals.

Attorney Bill August, who represented the city in negotiations, explained that \"the proposed 5% franchise fee is based on the gross revenue that Comcast earns from video services within the city of Lowell,\" and that Internet and telephony revenues do not count toward the video‑only fee calculation under Massachusetts law. Committee members noted that cord‑cutting and declining video subscriptions are reducing franchise revenues statewide and locally.

Adam McHugh, executive director of Lowell Telecommunications Corporation (LTC), attended and said the LTC relies on franchise revenues to fund community media services; the subcommittee noted that franchise revenue declines could reduce that support. Staff also reported that Comcast maintains a retail presence in the city at Target Plaza on Plains Street and reaffirmed Comcast's operational stability.

The subcommittee emphasized that the city manager — not the council — has authority to execute the franchise agreement. No immediate council action was required; the report was submitted as a progress update and the manager will complete execution consistent with the negotiated terms.

","The Technology and Utilities Subcommittee reported a negotiated five‑year franchise renewal with Comcast that includes the statutory 5% franchise fee on video revenue, PEG support and continued complimentary use of the institutional network (INET) for the city during the contract term.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092405,"Shed Park restroom project hits site utility milestone; $250k funding gap remains",229,2249000,2478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377&start=2249&end=2478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377/thumbnail_2249000.jpg","/articles/6092405/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Shed-Park-restroom-project-hits-site-utility-milestone-250k-funding-gap-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092405-a8acc954355182dc7e86d7aca0796fbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159484&Signature=a0~rV67LqRX5ApiyhEdugzN9SP1Uy9rGTnwMIdYskZtw~joM02w6Zxee4Bh4NonvyKJNRh4x66YPF~UWmWEVIKEuUEhkLdsbarEWweGuVCWH6U0Mz8wBK1Li5XL3vKgUrFf3Fxy30mqeVbwmereIKoGnE68lp48fptuk7CykX1eK1~cnHiukQhGjaDLGW~HoCw9yXs1jRPxQ6GVdjQJsmRHM18Ouryl5DEhbHLpbqdEPo3JgpO~2G-w0eMbCM70iBDh0W-lWgkz8tgA9YdFV-WdRbBDW6wsKnWFPLroI5r7BmH7UeCyNfm136ib1XdT4650dptORofhdRXdYXrOo1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the council that utilities are now at the Shed Park site but the planned concession and restroom building for youth baseball has come in far above early estimates and additional funding is required to finish construction.

DPD staff and councilors discussed the project at length after a parent and councilor pressed for an update on the small facility that supports heavily used fields at Shed Park. Officials said existing electric and water were available and a new sewer line and sewage pump were installed; a foundation is ready to be poured as soon as weather permits.

The finance and development update said the awarded construction and installation approach produced a final cost estimate near $900,000 for a 750‑square‑foot facility. Staff said existing funds would cover most work but roughly $250,000–$350,000 more is needed to purchase and place a building (staff mentioned prefab options as one route). The councilor who represents the area asked whether temporary options (porta‑potties and portable concession arrangements) would be used for the coming season; staff confirmed porta‑potties will be supplied but the unfinished foundation will be fenced until the building can be set.

DPD director Giovanni Rose (identified in the meeting as the department contact) explained that pulling a new sewer line and installing a pump were significant cost drivers because of the distance the utilities required. Staff estimated about $350,000 would be needed to close the gap to a prefabricated building; about $100,000 remains in the project account at the time of the update.

Councilors expressed frustration with the cost increase and urged staff to pursue grants and other funding sources to finish the project. No new appropriation vote was taken at the meeting; the project update was accepted as a motion response and staff were asked to continue seeking funding to complete construction.

","Officials said electrical and water hookups are complete and foundation work is waiting on weather, but the planned 750‑square‑foot concession/restroom building came in near $900,000 and staff identified roughly $250,000–$350,000 needed to complete the project.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092410,"Lowell officials present $99.8 million five‑year water CIP; loan orders set for public hearing",1267,2599000,3866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377&start=2599&end=3866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2854047-868340f4424e1d139c6266853c7f0377/thumbnail_2599000.jpg","/articles/6092410/Lowell-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Lowell-officials-present-998-million-fiveyear-water-CIP-loan-orders-set-for-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092410-261e29952cc73fcfd652db9897383395/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159484&Signature=QTGfmBUGCwIbGYD6qrFZxDQ4IKm4VYB01NDAXQs9eXqENrieLSxmtUqZ32-n98jiATMmvrPvzgLzH1X5hI6DF6qCnjXlJa7IJRxRJlGmXBjTGTyJcvk3f2GDO-sHZg~21gNUWDIqZFjnMMRidQBF2vMhMiYKs8g6cqIt~UNPoZR-FrgrZoOTf0Wb4N0LyfYRTmj8xgKjEfjDS8fOZ5nD5~8ei0juOXVcqSGVHcSd~9NgB7ouQsoiOHv64BGRBorhmPzGJJpAEHxYLCFtHinC73qVlXC~3aEwVnh28ZnJGO3vglljMMFjuwCR67Gk8fb5rPq-V05Ihrqsk3nh9ZM9tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lowell City officials on the council meeting described a proposed five‑year capital improvement plan for the Lowell Regional Water Utility totaling $99,800,000 and asked the council to consider loan orders that would fund parts of the work.

The plan covers multiple large projects including a $23.5 million treatment‑facility upgrade, about $10.4 million in utility work to support the Rourke Bridge, $26 million in water improvements timed with the sewer‑separation (CSO) project, and additional funding for cast‑iron main replacements, lead service work and meter replacements. City staff said some previously authorized loan dollars will be rescinded and re‑issued in a single, updated financing package.

Why it matters: Councilors and department leaders said the work is intended to protect water quality, improve fire protection, reduce unaccounted‑for water and capture economies by coordinating water work with upcoming sewer and roadway projects.

City staff presented the plan and fielded detailed questions from council members about usage trends, financing and the mix of state and local borrowing. Stevie Deshanes, identified in the meeting as representing the Lowell Regional Water Utility, described the program and its priorities, and CFO Baldwin explained the financing approach and options for low‑interest loans through the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

Officials said the proposed borrowing and projects include:
- $23,500,000 for a facility upgrade at the Lowell Regional Water Plant;
- $10,400,000 to support utility work related to the Rourke Bridge project, with the city responsible for cross‑connection costs;
- $26,000,000 for water improvements tied to the sewer‑separation work;
- roughly $5,500,000 for lead service replacements and about $3,700,000 for meter replacements, plus cast‑iron main rehabilitation and other distribution needs.

CFO Baldwin said the city intends to pursue low‑interest loans from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and noted that the water enterprise fund — supported by user rates and by sales to outlying communities — will be used to support the debt service. \"We're able to submit application to be on the intended use plan, and then get low interest loans through the trust at a rate of 1, sometimes 2%,\" Baldwin said.

Councilors pressed staff on how recent meter‑replacement and loss‑reduction work had changed usage. Deshanes reported that average daily treated water declined from about 15–17 million gallons per day in earlier years to roughly 11.5–12 million gallons on average, and noted seasonal peaks in summer. He also highlighted needs for modern online instrumentation at the plant and the long‑term public‑safety and reliability benefits of replacing aged mains and hydrants.

Formal steps: The council voted to place the CIP presentation on file and referred two loan orders for public hearing and further consideration at a public hearing scheduled for April 15, 2025.

What happens next: The council will hold the public hearing on April 15 on the loan orders and may authorize debt issuance afterward. Staff said coordination with the sewer‑separation timeline is intended to reduce future re‑mobilization and overall construction cost.

","City staff outlined a five‑year Water Enterprise capital plan totaling $99.8 million, tied to sewer‑separation work and Rourke Bridge utility needs; council referred related loan orders to a public hearing on April 15.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asks manager for feasibility report to raise state‑governed senior property tax exemption thresholds

Technology subcommittee reports progress on five‑year Comcast franchise renewal; 5% fee, PEG support included

Shed Park restroom project hits site utility milestone; $250k funding gap remains

Lowell officials present $99.8 million five‑year water CIP; loan orders set for public hearing