New Bedford City Council Meeting - July 17, 2025

The City Council met on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included hearings on a major Eversource underground transmission line project, several mayoral appointments and appropriations, and numerous motions on topics ranging from street dedications to beach signage. The council also debated the Zeiterion Theatre funding and longevity payments for elected officials.

Consent Calendar

• C1: Resolution acknowledging July as Cabo Verdean Heritage Month. Adopted.
• C2-C5: Ratification of provisionally granted street closings for a block party, the One Custom House Square ribbon-cutting, Zeiterion Theatre construction, and an AHA! Night event.
• C6-C17: Permission granted for street closings for Youth Celebration Day, Feast of the Blessed Sacrament events, Scallopalooza, Summer in the Seaport, Overdose Awareness event, Zeiterion Theatre construction extension, and several block parties.
• C18: Meeting minutes from various boards received and placed on file.
• C19-C32: Street obstructions and disturbances listed and approved.
• C63-C64: Dumpster requests approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Eunice (490 County Street, business owner) expressed opposition to the Eversource project, concerned about two-year construction impacting his business. He requested night work or other mitigation. Eversource representatives responded that a project services team would work with abutters and that business interruption methods exist.

Discussion Items

• Eversource Underground Transmission Lines (Items 1-9a): Anthony Vayu (Eversource Community Relations) and Irving Chura (contractor) presented the project to replace two 115 kV transmission lines built in 1949 and 1951 along a 4.2-mile route. The project includes a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) valued at nearly $15 million for curb-to-curb paving, new sidewalks, ADA ramps, and intersection rebuilds. Construction is expected to take two years, with temporary restoration during civil work and permanent restoration after. Councillors raised concerns about business impacts, police details, and ensuring full restoration within two years. The project was approved with conditions.
• Zeiterion Theatre Appropriation (M6): Mayor Mitchell requested $495,000 from ordinary revenue for the Zeiterion Theatre. Councillors debated the contractual obligation, the need for transparency, and whether the money should be appropriated before the council receives detailed reporting. Supporters argued the theatre is a cultural and economic driver; opponents questioned why operating funds are needed while the theatre is closed and demanded a breakdown of expenses. The motion to adopt passed 7-4.
• Longevity Payments (Item 13): Councillor Gomes moved to discuss longevity payments for elected officials, prompted by media allegations. He and other councillors defended their receipt of longevity payments, stating they were unaware of any impropriety and that the payments had been part of the budget for decades. The motion was referred to the Committee on Internal Affairs (10-0).
• Beach Signage (Item 15): Councillor Gomes renewed a request for 4x8 plywood signage at East Beach, West Beach, Hazelwood Park, and Fort Taber to post rules and regulations. Multiple councillors expressed frustration with repeated delays, suggesting the signs could be made by vocational students. The motion was referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods.
• Armand Marchand Recognition (Items 10-11): Two motions honored the late Armand Marchand: a portrait tribute in the Zeiterion lobby (amended to include George Charbonneau) and renaming a portion of Purchase Street to “Armand R. Marchand Way.” Both were referred to the Special Committee on Memorials & Dedications.
• Fire Station Sales Delay (Item 12): Councillors questioned the six-month delay in finalizing purchase and sale agreements for two fire stations and a police station. The motion was referred to the Committee on City Property.
• E.L. Harvey Fire (Item 14): Councillor Gomes requested a meeting to discuss rat abatement and fire prevention at the E.L. Harvey facility. The motion was amended to replace Department of Public Infrastructure with Department of Facilities and Fleet Management and referred to Public Safety.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Brian Medeiros confirmed as Fire Chief (10-0); Daniel Coons confirmed as Deputy Fire Chief (11-0). Peter Boswell reappointed to the Board of Park Commissioners (9-0).
• Eversource Project: Items 1-9a adopted with conditions: police detail at each site and full road restoration within two years. The MOU between the city and Eversource to be provided to councillors.
• School Appropriations (M3 and M4): Both items were charter ruled to the next meeting (August 21) after motions to refer to finance failed (2-9). Councillor Morad will schedule a finance committee meeting in August.
• Zeiterion Appropriation (M6): Adopted 7-4 after a motion to refer to finance failed 5-6.
• Waste Collection & Disposal (M7): Referred to finance (10-1).
• MIS Appropriation (M8): Referred to finance (unanimous).
• Health Insurance Appropriation (M5): Referred to finance (unanimous).
• Related Motion: Councillor Morad requested that the administration, school department, and CFO submit the net school funding formula to the Committee on Finance within seven days. Motion passed.
• Longevity Reimbursement: Councillor Morad's motion to obtain a copy of Mayor Mitchell's $900 longevity reimbursement check was adopted.
• Street Closings: All consent calendar street closings and obstructions approved.
• Demolition Permit: Approved for a garage at 110 Eighth Street upon recommendation of the Preservation Planner.
• Livery Licenses: New licenses for Glenda Reyes Transportation, Rafaela's Transportation, and International Transportation were approved or referred to committee as appropriate.