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.