New Bedford Committee on Appointments and Briefings Meeting - June 23, 2026
New Bedford Committee on Appointments and Briefings Meeting - June 23, 2026
The Committee on Appointments and Briefings met on June 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Council chambers. The meeting was live streamed and recorded. The committee considered several appointments, discussed the County Street construction project, and heard a reappointment for the Licensing Board. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
Consent Calendar
- The committee voted to waive items #6 through #13, referring them to the full City Council for no further action. Councilor Gomes requested that items #7 and #10 be severed from the waiver, keeping them for future discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Lara Harrington (Airport Commission appointee): Harrington, a New Bedford resident since 2001, stated she has a small business background and works at New Bedford Research and Robotics. She expressed a desire to learn more about the airport and contribute to its growth. Councilors praised her fresh perspective and entrepreneurial skills.
- Craig Espinola (Steamship Authority Board appointee): Espinola, a New Bedford resident for 25 years and former assistant city solicitor, emphasized his passion for the city and commitment to building relationships. He acknowledged the Steamship Authority's voting structure: Martha's Vineyard (35%), Nantucket (35%), New Bedford (10%), Barnstable (10%), and Falmouth (10%). He pledged to advocate for year-round ferry service for tradespeople and to address reservation system issues. Councilors voiced support, noting his ability to build consensus.
- Richard Rosendis (Licensing Board reappointment): Rosendis, a retired police officer of 32 years, provided updates on the Licensing Board, including the office move to the Health Department and staff reductions. He stated he is not a fan of Zoom meetings and prefers in-person hearings. He committed to improving public participation by limiting speaker time to allow more people to speak. He explained his decision-making process for the NIP ban, which included a personal walk to observe litter and feedback from police on public safety. He noted that the mayor has never called him to influence a vote.
Discussion Items
- Appointment to Airport Commission (Lara Harrington): The committee received the appointment. Councilors expressed support, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives. A motion to refer to the full City Council with a positive recommendation passed unanimously.
- Appointment to Water Board (Justin Olsen): Olsen was not present. A motion to table the item passed unanimously.
- Appointment to Steamship Authority Board (Craig Espinola): The committee discussed Espinola's qualifications, his understanding of the weighted voting system, and his plans to advocate for New Bedford. Councilors highlighted the importance of year-round ferry service and fair reservation systems. A motion to refer to the full City Council with a positive recommendation passed unanimously.
- County Street Construction Project Update: Sean from the Department of Public Infrastructure (DPI) provided an update. The project, funded by MassDOT at over $12 million, is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Nelson Street to Rivet Street) is nearly complete; Phase 2 (Rivet Street to Allen Street) is ongoing; Phase 3 (Allen Street to Union Street) will proceed with a goal of completion by 2028. A fourth phase (Union Street to Kempton Street) is planned for 2030. Councilors raised concerns about lane closures affecting businesses, blocked driveways, trash pickup, dust, and damage to port-a-potties. DPI stated they hold weekly meetings with the contractor to address issues. The item was tabled.
- Reappointment of Richard Rosendis to the Licensing Board: Rosendis answered questions about Zoom hearings, public participation, and decision-making. He stated he will work to improve public access by limiting speaker time. Councilors commended his independence and service. A motion to refer to the full City Council for confirmation passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Airport Commission appointment (Lara Harrington): Unanimous vote to refer to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. (Motion by Councilor Lopes, second by Councilor Abreu)
- Water Board appointment (Justin Olsen): Unanimous vote to table. (Motion by Councilor Abreu, second by Councilor Oliver)
- Steamship Authority Board appointment (Craig Espinola): Unanimous vote to refer to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. (Motion by Councilor Abreu, second by Councilor Lopes)
- County Street construction discussion: Unanimous vote to table. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, second by Councilor Abreu)
- Licensing Board reappointment (Richard Rosendis): Unanimous vote to refer to the full City Council for confirmation. (Motion by Councilor Gomes, second by Councilor Lopes)
- Consent Calendar: Waived items #6 through #13, with items #7 and #10 severed by request of Councilor Gomes.
Meeting Transcript
Colleagues, would you take your seats? We're about to begin. Seven o'clock. All right. Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the committee on appointments and briefings. It is June 23rd, 2026, and it is seven o'clock, and we're here in the chambers. No, this meeting is being live streamed and recorded. City Council and Committee meetings can be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage under quick links, then meetings. My colleagues in government who has joined us is a concert lodge in Abrew. Council Ward 2, Scott Pemberton. Council Board 1, Leo Choquett, Council Ward 5, Joseph Lopes, Councillor, James Roy, Council Ward 3, Sean Oliver, and Councill Lodge and First Vice President Shane Burgo. Thank you all for coming. Oh, and and Ryan stepped out. And Councilor from Ward 6 is here, Ryan Pereira, he just stepped out for a minute, but he should be back momentarily. Okay, colleagues, we're going to stop with number two, because Mr. Ricard is downstairs at a license board meeting. So when he's done, he's he'll be up. Okay. There are um no letters to read into the record to get that onto the record. Item number two is a communication, Mayor Mitchell to the City Council submitting the appointment of Lara Harrington and New Bedford Mass to the Airport Commission. Ms. Harrington will be replacing Christina E. Who resigned in January 2025. This term will expire in December 2027. It was referred here on May 28th, 2026. And number two is now before you. Motion receive and place on file made by Council Abrew, second by Council Lopes. All in favor say aye. Opposed the ayes have it. And she's there. Yes, and Laura. Ms. Harrington, you are at the podium. So just give a little brief overview of yourself and why you want to sit on the airport commission. Uh my name is Lara Harrington. I've been in New Bedford since 2001. Um I raised a daughter here in New Bedford Public Schools, opened a business, uh, had the business for 14 years, just sold it last year, and now I work in New Bedford Research and Robotics. Um very committed to New Bedford, very committed to the community, to outreach. Um when I was asked about this position, the question was what do I know about the airport? And I didn't really know much. And then how would I feel if it was non-existent? And I didn't like that either. So it was an interesting opportunity to learn more in depth about an area I think that I've probably taken for granted the whole time I've been here and ready to be helpful. Excellent. Um let the record show that Council Gomes has joined us. Thank you, Council Gomes. Yes, Council Abrew. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening. Good to see you.
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