New Bedford City Council Meeting – July 16, 2026

The New Bedford City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:06 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of business including a public hearing on an Eversource conduit, the mayor's veto of a paid family leave ordinance, numerous financial transfers, appointments, and several policy motions. Key votes included approval of a $220.4 million CSO loan order and a split decision on accepting a pedestrian bridge easement.

Consent Calendar

• Items 11–25A: Waived readings and no further action, approved unanimously.
• Item C14 (as amended): Motion to install speed limit signs on Cherokee Street and Pequot Street (lowering to 20 mph) was adopted. The original motion was amended to replace the specific intersections with 'along the length of' those streets.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing or offered testimony during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Eversource Conduit (Item 1): A public hearing was held for approval of approximately 40 feet of conduit at Howard Avenue to serve the new Howard Avenue pumping station. Sean (DPW) explained the work is necessary for the CSO reduction project. Councilors asked about project status and bridge closures. The hearing was closed and the order approved unanimously.
• Mayor's Veto of Paid Family Leave Ordinance (M1): Councilor Burgo led a lengthy discussion, reading a written response to the mayor's veto. He emphasized that the ordinance was developed over three years and that city employees have shared stories of needing to use accrued sick and vacation time for parental leave. The council voted to receive and spread the veto on the record; the override vote will occur at a later meeting.
• Pedestrian Bridge Easement (Item 28): Councilor Burgo moved to discharge the item from committee to allow a dedication during Cape Verdean Heritage Month. After discharge (8-1), a motion to adopt the easement passed 7-2. Councilors Carney and Oliver opposed, citing ongoing maintenance costs and a desire for state assistance. Councilor Burgo noted that the city already bears the maintenance costs.
• Whaling City Festival Security (Item 29): Councilor Gomes introduced a motion to meet with festival organizers and police to discuss future security. He and other councilors defended the festival, noting that the disturbance occurred outside the festival grounds. Councilor Baptiste reported that only nine police details were assigned on the night of the stabbing. The motion was referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.
• Winter Recovery Assistance Funds (Item 26): Councilor Abreu explained the motion requesting a detailed accounting of $713,441.91 received from the state. He noted that the administration was initially unaware of the funds. The motion was referred to the Finance Committee.
• Hillman Street Layout (Item 30): A communication from the city solicitor regarding the layout and taking of Hillman Street for a realignment project. Councilor Roy asked about the appropriation amount, but the chair ruled the question for committee. The item was referred to Finance to ensure proper documentation.
• Special Police Officers (Item 31): Councilor Gomes submitted an act to allow appointment of retired police officers as special police. He stated it has police chief support and would help with details. Referred to the state legislative delegation.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Eversource Conduit): Public hearing closed and order approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (CSO Loan Order): $220,400,000 loan order approved 9-0.
• Item 3 (Ordinance – Chapter 16 Rates): Passed to be ordained 8-1 (Councilor Carney opposed).
• Items 4–6 (Appointments): Reappointment of Ricard Rosende to Licensing Board, appointment of Lara Harrington to Airport Commission, and appointment of Craig Gaspanola to Steamship Authority approved 9-0.
• Item 28 (Pedestrian Bridge Easement): Discharged from committee 8-1; then adopted 7-2 (Councilors Carney and Oliver opposed).
• Item 32 (Private Livery License): Renewal granted for Khalil B. Arsanios, International Transportation LLC.
• All transfer orders (M2–M6) referred to the Committee on Finance.
• Item 7 (CPA Budget): FY27 budget adopted.
• Item 8 (Zoning – Form-Based Code): Passed to a second reading.
• Item 9 (Fee Increases): Fees for vital records and business certificates increased from $40 to $50, adopted.
• Item 10 (Fire Station Proposals): Referred to Committee on City Property.
• Item 29 (Whaling City Festival): Referred to Public Safety and Neighborhoods Committee.
• Item 30 (Hillman Street): Referred to Finance Committee.
• Item 31 (Special Police Officers): Referred to state legislative delegation.
• Consent Agenda: Adopted as amended.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.