New Bedford City Council Regular Session - February 12, 2026

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7:01 PM in the City Council Chamber, presided by Council President Ryan Pereira. The session opened with a prayer led by Samuel Buongiorno. The council considered multiple financial transfers, ordinances, and motions, including significant debate on parking requirements and accessory dwelling units.

Consent Calendar

• Items M3 through M10A, M13, and M14A (transfers from free cash): Adopted 11-0. Transfers included $1,080,331 to police personal services, $100,000 to police capital outlay, $25,625 to police salary purchase services, $616,225 to pensions contributions, $565,000, $817,000 to stabilization, $350,000 to employee benefits, $250,000 to public infrastructure, and two EMS capital outlay transfers ($91,749 and another).
• Items M20 and M21 (reappointments): Marcus Coward to the Human Rights Commission (term expiring December 28, 2028) and Yasmin Galati to the Zoning Board of Appeals as alternate (term expiring December 2030) were confirmed 11-0 after waiving rules 38 and 40.

Discussion Items

• M1 – Updated Cities Fund Balance Management Policy: A motion to adopt was made by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Lopes. A competing motion to refer to the Committee on Finance was made by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Roy. The referral motion carried, sending the policy to committee.
• M2, M11, M12, M15–M18A – Various Transfers: All were referred to the Committee on Finance without discussion. Amounts: $5,032 to Cable Access Stabilization Fund; $60,386 to public infrastructure; $175,000 to waste collection; $84,700 to tourism; $70,000 to recreation and parks; $63,662 to MIS; $17,610 to auditors.
• M19 – Revolving Fund Amendment: An order amending the Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund limit from $120,000 to $135,000 for FY26 was adopted by voice vote.
• New Business Item 1 – Ordinance on Council Committees: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code relative to City Council committees, passed to a second reading on January 22, 2026, was ordained by a roll call vote of 10-1 (Councillor Roy voted no).
• New Business Item 2 – Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance: An ordinance amending Chapter 9 (comprehensive zoning) relative to accessory dwelling units, passed to a second reading on January 8, 2026. The initial roll call showed 7-4 (fail), but City Attorney Garatowski clarified that a 2023 state law change requires only a simple majority (6 votes) for such zoning amendments. The council then accepted the vote as passed (7-4).
• New Business Item 3 – Parking Requirements Ordinance: An ordinance amending Chapter 9 relative to parking requirements (Appendix C), passed to a second reading on January 8, 2026, sparked extended debate. Councillor Choquett spoke against, citing concerns about overcrowded streets and public safety, using the Casey Miller Apartments as an example of insufficient parking. Councillor Baptiste opposed, arguing inadequate parking in multi-family developments and a lack of consideration for existing residents. Councillor Gomes opposed, stating the change supports developers at the expense of neighborhood quality of life. Councillor Burgo spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for development and noting that the ordinance would eliminate expensive variance processes for smaller developers. The roll call vote was 8-3 (Councilors Baptiste, Choquett, and Gomes opposed), and the ordinance passed.
• New Business Item 5 – Cannabis Consumption Lounges: A motion by Councillor Abreu and Councillor Oliver to explore permitting host community agreements for on-site cannabis consumption establishments was referred to the Special Committee on Special Permits, Licensing, Health Department, Police Chief, Planning Department, City Solicitor, and Mayor's office. Speakers included Councillor Abreu (in favor, citing potential revenue and tourism), Councillor Oliver (in favor, as an economic driver), Councillor Choquett (in favor but critical of selective enforcement, referencing cigar lounges), and Councillor Gomes (cautious but in favor, noting prior conversations and concerns about fairness). The motion passed by voice vote.
• Related Motion – Cigar Lounges: Councillor Lopes introduced a related motion to explore permitting on-site tobacco consumption (cigar lounges). It was seconded by Councillor Oliver and passed by voice vote without further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• All consent transfers (M3–M10A, M13, M14A) and reappointments (M20, M21) approved unanimously.
• Fund balance policy and several financial transfers (M2, M11, M12, M15–M18A) referred to Committee on Finance.
• Revolving fund amendment (M19) adopted.
• Ordinance on council committees ordained 10-1.
• Accessory dwelling unit ordinance passed 7-4 after clarification that a simple majority suffices.
• Parking requirements ordinance passed 8-3.
• Motions to explore cannabis consumption lounges and cigar lounges referred to committee or departments.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.