Special Committee on Environmental Affairs - Nov 25, 2025

The Special Committee on Environmental Affairs convened at 6:04 PM on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to receive and place on file communications regarding absences from three councilors, review a communication from the Mayor adopting the 2025 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and deliberate on an update to the city's existing hazard mitigation strategy. Chair Shane Burgo led the committee, which included Councillors Morad, Oliver, Lopes, Gomes, and Pereira, with Councillor Carney arriving late. The session focused on transitioning from a natural hazard-only plan to a comprehensive multi-hazard plan (including human-caused and technological hazards) to secure federal funding eligibility and enhance community resilience.

Consent Calendar

• Received and placed on file: Letters of apology/absence from Councillor Giester (family matter), Councillor Choquette (business commitment), and Councillor Carney (late arrival/previous meeting). Moved by Councillor Gomes, seconded by Councillor Oliver; passed unanimously.
• Received and placed on file: Communication and Resolution from Mayor Mitchell adopting the 2025 City of New Bedford Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Moved by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Pereira; passed unanimously.
• Received and placed on file: The presentation regarding the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (originally scheduled for November 10th due to lack of quorum, rescheduled to tonight). Moved by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Oliver; passed unanimously.
• Waived the reading of items two and three on the agenda and reported them to the full City Council for no further action. Moved by Councillor Pereira, seconded by Councillor Gomes; passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded during this committee session.

Discussion Items

• Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Scope and Process: Director Paul and consultant Craig Pereira presented the updated plan, which expanded from a "natural hazard" focus to a "multi-hazard" approach covering natural, human-caused, and technological risks. The team highlighted the plan's alignment with the City's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) and Master Plan. The planning process involved 32-34 members of the Local Hazard Mitigation Committee, social equity partners, and a core team meeting bi-weekly from January 2023 to December 2024. Outreach included two public workshops, ward-specific meetings, library listening posts, and an online survey that garnered 213 responses over 10 months.
• Funding Eligibility and Mechanisms: Pereira discussed the necessity of the plan for accessing federal funding, noting the current dissolution of the Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities (BRIC) program under the current administration but maintaining eligibility for future programs like Grant Assistance. Councillor Oliver inquired about the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS), prompting a discussion on the potential for flood insurance discounts for residents. Pereira explained that new enrollments typically start at a 5% discount (Rating Class 9) and that reaching a 45% discount (Class 1) is rare, with a realistic target for New Bedford estimated around 25%. Councillor Carney expressed concern that the current administration's grant deadlines (e.g., 3 months for EMPG) are too tight to secure funding compared to previous administrations (e.g., Fall River's $7-8 million post-disaster grants).
• Implementation and Community Input: Councillor Lopes asked if the five-year compliance window begins at submission or adoption; Pereira clarified it begins upon the FEMA compliance letter following formal adoption. Councillor Gomes asked about specific infrastructure projects like waterfront/boating grants; the committee confirmed the plan includes a prioritization of actions and identifies responsible departments for future grant applications. Councillor Morad noted that the online survey and ward meetings heavily emphasized flooding and infrastructure resilience (specifically wastewater and power outages), concerns which were incorporated into the plan's strategy. Councillor Carney emphasized the urgency of addressing known issues like the dam and seawall, noting the city already has the necessary documentation to respond quickly if funding becomes available.
• Administrative Follow-up: The committee noted that implementation is a shared responsibility between the Department of Public Infrastructure (DPI), Environmental Stewardship, and Emergency Management. The plan includes a requirement for annual reviews by the Local Hazard Mitigation Committee to keep the document "living" and updated.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Refer: The committee voted unanimously to refer the proposed resolution adopting the 2025 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Full City Council for final adoption.
  • Motion by: Councillor Pereira
  • Seconded by: Councillor Gomes
• Next Steps: Once adopted, the City has one year to formally activate the plan. Upon FEMA's formal notification of compliance, the five-year planning horizon will begin. The City will then be eligible to apply for the listed mitigation grant programs.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM.