Public Meetings - New Bedford, Massachusetts

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 7:02 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included public hearings on utility conduit installations, discussion of Mayor Mitchell's communications regarding the police chief appointment and zoning ordinances, several committee reports recommending no further action, and new business motions. A key point of contention was the mayor's appointment of the police chief without council confirmation, leading to a motion to take no further action. Two zoning ordinances from the mayor were tabled by the council in protest. Consent Calendar - C1-C6: Citations honoring Little People's College and three new police officers, street closure requests (Sycamore Street block party and Johnny Cake Hill Wine Festival), a constable bond for Antwaun Murphy, and receipt of meeting minutes from various boards. All were approved or received and placed on file. - C7-C39: Street obstructions and disturbances listed for various locations (e.g., 741 Purchase Street, County Street, etc.) were received and placed on file. - C40-C41: Petitions from Eversource for conduit locations on Wood Street and Orchard Street were received and hearings ordered for September 25, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Lee McGill (3 North Street, property owner at 2031 and 2071 Purchase Street) spoke in opposition to items 6 and 7 (Verizon/MassDOT conduit projects). He complained that contractors (Eversource, Verizon, DW White) had repeatedly damaged his property, parked on his land without permission, and failed to restore conditions. He requested coordination and accountability, and asked for a meeting with city officials. The council noted his concerns and committed to facilitating a meeting with DPI and MassDOT. - William Maniatis (23 7th Street) spoke during the first Eversource hearing, raising concerns about tree limbs growing into power lines on his property and asking if the conduit work could address it. Eversource representative Jessica Elder said she would follow up. Discussion Items - Hearings 1-7: Utility conduit requests (Eversource and Verizon) were presented and approved after public hearings. For items 6 and 7 (Verizon/MassDOT), a stipulation was added that Verizon must coordinate with the affected property owner (Mr. McGill) on scheduling and property use. - M1 – Police Chief Appointment: Mayor Mitchell submitted a letter stating his appointment of the police chief is not subject to council confirmation. Councillors debated at length: Councillors Pereira, Morad, Abreu, Oliver, and Gomes all argued that the council has charter-given confirmation authority over department heads. City Attorney Garatowski opined that the chief cannot legally serve without council confirmation. The council voted 10-0 to take no further action on the communication, signaling their refusal to accept the mayor's position without a formal submission for confirmation. - M2 (Solar Energy Systems ordinance) and M3 (Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance): Councillor Morad moved to table both items, stating the council would not process the mayor's zoning proposals until the administration shows respect to the council regarding the police chief issue. Both were tabled unanimously. - M4 – Reappointment of Sean Carney to Conservation Commission: Approved with a roll call vote of 10-0. - Items 8-16A: A special permit for a club at 34 Beetle Street (Casa Do Benfica) was granted. Committee reports recommending no further action on various motions (rat burrows at E.L. Harvey, signage at Wilks Library, ARPA funds for speed limit signs, special permit authority, body art ordinance, tax/fee ordinance, abutter lots program, EMS enterprise fund) were all adopted with no further action. - Items 17-20: New business motions were referred to committees: - Item 17 (Councillor Oliver): Review tax exemption eligibility age from 70 to 65, referred to Finance. - Item 18 (Councillors Abreu et al.): City voluntary benefits package, referred to Appointments & Briefings. - Item 19 (Councillors Abreu et al.): Prescription drug plan savings options, referred to Appointments & Briefings. - Item 20: New livery license application for New Bedford Transportation LLC, referred to Appointments & Briefings. - Tabled Agenda: A livery license renewal for Gerana’s Transportation Inc. was not discussed (remained tabled from March 13, 2025). Key Outcomes - Police Chief Confirmation: The council took no further action on Mayor Mitchell’s communication, effectively rejecting his position and signaling readiness for legal resolution. The matter remains unresolved. - Zoning Ordinances Tabled: Both the solar energy systems ordinance and the accessory dwelling units ordinance were tabled by unanimous vote (10-0) in a protest over the police chief issue. - Utility Conduit Hearings Approved: All seven hearings were approved, with items 6 and 7 containing a stipulation requiring Verizon to coordinate with the affected property owner. - Sean Carney Reappointment Confirmed: Unanimous roll call vote (10-0). - Special Permit Granted: Casa Do Benfica’s application for a club/lodge at 34 Beetle Street was approved. - Committee Reports Adopted: All eight committee reports recommending no further action were passed without objection. - New Business Referred: Four motions were referred to appropriate committees for further discussion.

The Memorials & Dedications Special Committee of the New Bedford City Council met on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee, chaired by Councillor Lodge, considered nine agenda items regarding memorial benches, plaques, street dedications, and a monument. Multiple applicants presented their requests, and the committee voted on several referrals and motions. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 – Antone T. Fortes Memorial: Jacqueline Fortes-Pina, applicant and sister, requested a memorial at Monte’s Park in honor of her brother, who taught gymnastics and tumbling for over 50 years. She proposed a banner on the northeast corner. After discussion with Mary Rapoza (Parks Director), the committee favored a plaque mounted on the wall for durability. Councillor also raised the possibility of a larger memorial at Washington Square Park due to Fortes' long history there. Ms. Fortes-Pina expressed openness to both options. - Item 2 – Rochelli Lynn Paris Memorial: Shawnte Paris, applicant and sister, requested a memorial bench and plaque at the corner of Ash and Morgan Street. She described her sister’s death from breast cancer 10 years ago, the annual cup display ("Miss You Coco") and the positive community impact of the corner garden. The committee supported the request. - Item 3 – Whaling City Youth Baseball League Founders: Steven Carreiro, representing the league, requested dedication of Diamond 3 at Brooklawn Park as "Founders Field" in honor of Milton Weaver, Lucian Beauregard, and Leo Paradis. He noted the league’s 75th anniversary and over 10,000 children served. Mary Rapoza confirmed other diamonds have been dedicated. The committee approved. - Item 4 – Leontina DaCosta Memorial Plaque: Anna Nunes and her sister Louisa Moroni requested a plaque on an existing bench in front of Lincoln School in memory of their mother, who became blind from a COVID vaccine reaction and loved sitting on that bench. The bench is on school property. Commissioner Jamie Ponte (DPI) said his department has no objection but needs school department approval. The committee recommended conditional referral. - Item 5 – Carl Pimentel Monument: Councillor Gomes spoke on behalf of the Pimentel family, seeking a monument on land (Map 10 Lot 108) to be donated to the city honoring businessman Carl Pimentel. Kurt Pimentel, son, described his father’s contributions. The city solicitor’s office has not yet processed the land donation deed. Janet Barbosa (Mayor’s office) offered to follow up. The committee tabled for 30 days pending status update. - Items 6 & 7 – Armand Marchand Tributes (Zeiterion): These items (portrait tribute and street renaming to "Armand R. Marchand Way") were tabled without discussion as Rosemary Gill, President & CEO of Zeiterion, was not present. - Item 8 – Joe Jesus Memorial: Councillor Gomes advocated for a downtown location honoring Joe Jesus, founder of the popular 50s Night. Janet Barbosa confirmed administration support. However, Councillor Morrad expressed concern over precedent of numerous dedications. The committee tabled for 30 days for further discussion. - Item 9 – Philip C. and Celeste Paleologos Plaque: Councillor Oliver discussed with Commissioner Ponte possible locations at the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Hathaway Road, including a traffic signal sign or a small monument on city-owned land. Costs estimated a few hundred dollars. Councillor Morrad raised precedent concerns. The committee tabled for 30 days pending an estimate for a green and white street sign. Discussion Items - For Item 1, the committee discussed the durability of a banner versus a plaque, deciding on a plaque mounted to the wall. - For Item 4, jurisdictional questions about school property led to a conditional referral requiring school department consent. - For Item 5, the land donation holdup with the city solicitor was the main barrier; the committee tabled to allow follow-up. - For Items 8 and 9, a broader debate occurred about the proliferation of dedications and the need for a consistent policy. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Motion to refer to full City Council and Parks Board for approval of a plaque at Monte’s Park, with further discussion on Washington Square Park memorial. (Motion by Councillor Morrad, seconded by Councillor Carney; all ayes.) Referral set for September 25, 2025. - Item 2: Motion to refer to City Council and Parks Board for approval of a park bench and plaque. (Motion by , seconded by Morrad and Carney; all ayes.) Referral for September 25, 2025. - Item 3: Motion to approve and send to full City Council and Parks Board regarding renaming Diamond 3 to "Founders Field". (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) Referral for September 25, 2025. - Item 4: Motion to refer to City Council with favorable recommendation, conditioned on school department approval (Commissioner Ponte and Superintendent O’Leary to confirm jurisdiction and provide letter of no objection). (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) On September 25, 2025 agenda. - Item 5: Motion to table for 30 days pending status update from city solicitor’s office. (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) Janet Barbosa to follow up. - Items 6 & 7: Tabled (motion by Morrad, seconded by Oliver; all ayes) without discussion. - Item 8: Motion to table for 30 days (by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes). - Item 9: Motion to table for 30 days pending estimate of a green and white street sign to be placed on traffic signal. (Motion by Oliver, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) The meeting adjourned after the votes.

The Ordinance Committee met on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers to discuss three major agenda items: a proposal to remove the City Council as the granting authority for special permits for automotive uses, a review of the Body Art Ordinance, and a public hearing on updates to the Zoning Use Table. The meeting lasted until 8:58 PM and was live-streamed. Discussion Items 1. Removal of City Council as Granting Authority for Automotive Special Permits (Item 3) - Overview: Clerk Dennis Farias introduced a motion to amend Chapter 9, Appendix A, Section H to remove the City Council as the special permit granting authority for automotive sales/rentals, body repair, general repair, and light service. He noted the current process is cumbersome, with fees of $700–$900 and a lengthy timeline involving multiple referrals and a 20-day appeals period. The Licensing Board does the investigative work, while the Council only provides initial approval. - Council Positions: Several councillors (Abreu, Oliver, Lopes, Giesta) opposed removing the authority, arguing that the Council represents constituents and addresses quality-of-life issues. They noted that the Council provides a public forum and that losing this authority would weaken their ability to respond to neighborhood concerns. Councillor Abreu highlighted the value of media coverage and public attendance at Council meetings versus Licensing Board meetings. Councillor Morad and Burgo supported the change, citing redundancy and the burden on businesses. Commissioner Romanowitz explained that the special permit process originated in 2003 to give the Council oversight, and that the Council can still revoke permits or attend Licensing Board meetings. - Outcome: A motion to table the item failed (4-7). A motion to refer the item to the full City Council with a recommendation of no further action passed (8-3). 2. Body Art Ordinance Revisions (Item 4) - Overview: Councillor Lopes requested a review of the Body Art Ordinance (Section 4200) to update provisions for industry concerns. The Planning Board held a hearing and recommended removing the separation distance requirement from churches but maintaining other distances (schools, child care). Stephanie Sloan (Health Department) stated no concerns as long as health requirements are met. Commissioner Romanowitz noted only minor complaints since 2003. - Council Positions: Councillor Lopes made a related motion to strike the word "church" from the separation distance section (Section 4220). Councillor Burgo opposed, arguing that the Council should not remove protections for neighborhoods. After debate, the related motion failed (3-8). Subsequently, a motion to take no further action on the original motion and recommend to the full City Council passed unanimously (voice vote). 3. Public Hearing on Zoning Use Table Changes (Items 1, 1A, 2) - Overview: The committee held a public hearing on a motion to amend the Definitions, Section 1200, and Appendix A (Use Table) of the City Code. Assistant City Planner Mike McCarthy presented a detailed overview of changes, including new use categories (e.g., hostels, brew pubs, food halls, marine recreational uses) and refinements to existing ones. The presentation covered residential, lodging, commercial, retail, eating/drinking, motor vehicle, civic, industrial, and marine uses. - Council Questions: Councillors raised concerns about short-term rentals (Airbnb), the distinction between hostels and Airbnbs, the impact of mixed-use zoning on neighborhoods (Councillor Baptiste), and the preservation of the working waterfront (Councillor Giesta). Councillor Morad requested a detailed list of changes to approving authorities and zones. The chair noted that any amendments would require new hearings based on legal advice. - Outcome: The hearing was continued to the next Ordinance Committee meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The Planning Department will provide requested information. No final action was taken. Key Outcomes - Item 3 (Automotive Special Permits): Referred to full City Council with recommendation of no further action (8-3). - Item 4 (Body Art Ordinance): Related motion to strike "church" failed (3-8); original motion referred to full City Council with recommendation of no further action (passed unanimously). - Items 1,1A,2 (Use Table): Public hearing continued to September 29, 2025; no vote taken. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chamber, Room 214, 133 William Street. Council President Shane A. Burgo presided. The meeting opened with a prayer by Reverend Don Weigand and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Joseph Lopes. The agenda included 21 items of new business, a consent set, and a tabled item. Major discussions centered on a proposed ordinance requiring U.S. citizenship for police officers, a controversial waste transfer facility, and a legal dispute over the confirmation of the Police Chief. Consent Calendar - Approved appropriations for the School Department: M1 ($2,831,359), CR2 ($803,586), and CR1 ($3,290,458) was received and placed on file with no further action. - Approved a transfer of $60,386 from Public Infrastructure Purchase of Services to Capital Outlay (M3). - Approved a change of polling location for Precincts 3A and 3C to Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (M5). - Referred the appointment of Heather Haggerty to the New Bedford Port Authority (M6) and several livery license applications (Items 14-18) to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - Adopted the consent set (C1-C21), including citations, resolutions, street closings, and utility petitions, as well as the street obstruction, disturbance, dumpster, and petition items (C22-C103). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken during this meeting; all remarks were made by council members. Discussion Items - Police Officer Citizenship Requirement (Items 8 and 9): - Item 8: A motion by Councillor Choquette to place a non-binding ballot question on the November 4, 2025 municipal ballot reading, "Should United States Citizenship be a requirement for a person to be hired as a Police Officer in the City of New Bedford?" failed on a roll call vote of 5-6 (Ayes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Lopes, Oliver; Nays: Baptiste, Burgo, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Pereira). - Item 9: A written motion by Councillor Gomes requesting the Ordinance Committee establish an ordinance requiring police officer candidates to be U.S. citizens, that the Police Department provide a hiring checklist, and that newly hired officers appear before the City Council for confirmation and swearing-in was referred to the Committee on Ordinances unanimously (11-0). Councillors Gomes, Oliver, Carney, and Choquette spoke in support, emphasizing that citizenship is necessary for arrest powers and that three current non-citizen officers should be assisted in obtaining citizenship. The motion passed unanimously. - South Coast Renewables Waste Transfer Facility (Items 10 and 20): - Item 10: A motion by Councillor Gomes requesting that the New Bedford Board of Health hold a public hearing for residents of the far north end on the proposed waste transfer facility by Parallel Products doing business as South Coast Renewables was referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods and the Board of Health. Councillors Gomes, Carney, Choquette, Morad, and Lopes spoke passionately against the facility, citing inadequate public notification (signs on poles only), limited speaking time at previous hearings, and concerns about health, property values, truck traffic (278 trucks per day projected), and environmental injustice. A friendly amendment to move the hearing location to Normandin Middle School was withdrawn. The motion passed by voice vote. - Item 20: A communication from Councillors Gomes and Morad submitting a letter sent to President Donald Trump requesting a cease and desist from the EPA and HHS regarding the project was received and placed on file. The letter highlights that 92 homes are within 250 feet and 2,045 homes within one mile. Councillor Gomes noted the letter was sent certified and that a response had been received from the White House. Councillor Choquette suggested additional letters to Senators Warren and Markey. - Police Chief Confirmation (Item 21): - Communications from Council President Burgo and City Solicitor Eric Jaikes regarding the council’s role in confirming the Police Chief were received and placed on file. Legislative Counsel David Gerwatowski provided a detailed legal opinion arguing that the city charter requires council confirmation for all department heads, including the Police Chief, and that no specific exemption exists. He noted that prior chiefs (Kelly, Manese, Prefontaine) were confirmed, while recent chiefs were not. After debate, Councillor Pereira moved to instruct Attorney Gerwatowski to file a complaint for declaratory judgment in superior court to resolve the dispute. The motion passed by voice vote. Councillors Carney and Abreu suggested first asking the mayor as a body, but the motion stood. - Reconsideration of Clasky Common TOD Overlay District (Item 2): Councillor Giesta moved to reconsider her initial vote on the ordinance establishing the Clasky Common Transit Oriented Development Overlay District. The reconsideration passed, and on re-vote, the ordinance was ordained 9-2, with Councillors Giesta and Morad voting no. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Rezoning SS Bates Street): Ordained 11-0. - Item 2 (Clasky Common TOD): Ordained 9-2 after reconsideration. - Item 3 & 4 (Junk dealer waivers for Marc DeCambra and Justin Williamson): Approved. - Item 5 (Appointment of Antwaun Donyeh Murphy as Constable): Approved. - Item 6 (Motor vehicle special permit): No further action. - Item 7 (Memorial plaque for Leontina Dacosta): Referred to Special Committee on Memorials & Dedications and DPI. - Item 8 (Non-binding ballot question): Failed 5-6. - Item 9 (Ordinance on police citizenship): Referred to Committee on Ordinances 11-0. - Item 10 (Public hearing on waste facility): Referred to Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods and Board of Health. - Item 11 (Enforcement of illegal signage): Referred to Department of Inspectional Services, with directive to immediately remove signs. - Item 12 (Demolition at 955 Rockdale Avenue): Granted. - Item 13 (Livery renewal for Comfort Transportation): Approved. - Items 14-18 (New private livery licenses): Referred to Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - Item 19 (DEP waterways application): Received and placed on file. - Item 20 (Letter to President Trump): Received and placed on file. - Item 21 (Police chief confirmation dispute): Motion passed to file for declaratory judgment. - Consent set (C1-C21, C22-C103): Adopted. - Tabled item (Ana L. Valentin Burgos livery renewal): Remained on the table.

The Appointments & Briefings Committee met on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:33 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to conduct a public hearing on a special permit application from Jose Barbosa and Derek Mendes, d/b/a Casa Do Benfica, No. 27, Inc., for a club or lodge at 34 Beetle Street. The meeting was chaired by Council President Shane Burgo (with Councilor Carney as chair noted, but Burgo presiding). Councilors present: Ryan Pereira (Ward 5), Joseph Lopes (Ward 1), Leo Choquette (Ward 2), Maria Giesta (At-Large), Shane Burgo (Council President), Sean Oliver (Ward 3), and later Councilors Morad and Gomes joined. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Consent Calendar - A letter from Councillor Derek Baptiste (Ward 4) was read into the record, explaining his expected lateness due to a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. The committee voted unanimously to receive and place it on file. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke in favor or in opposition during the public hearing. No written public testimony was noted. Discussion Items - Applicant Presentation (Derek Mendes): Mendes stated that Casa Do Benfica currently operates at 1484 Cushman Avenue and purchased the former Central Luzo American Club building at 34 Beetle Street to accommodate a growing membership. The new location is larger, has a kitchen and a fenced-in parking lot. Operations will remain family-oriented: Friday night member events with buffets, and Saturday rentals to the general public with screening. The kitchen has passed inspection. Mendes confirmed the club will be a members-only club but will rent the hall to the public on Saturdays. He noted the club has never had problems and is structured. - Attorney John Williams: Represented the applicant and stated that the 34 Beetle Street location has held a club license since 1948 and that Casa Do Benfica has run its existing club without issues. He confirmed a new corporation was formed for the purchase and that the existing liquor license will be transferred to the new location. - Building Department Representative (Matt): Asked by Councilor Lopes about the building’s condition, Matt responded that to his knowledge the building is set to be maintained as the previous club was used, with no issues. - Procedural Clarification (Attorney David Gerwatowski): At Councilor Murray’s request, Gerwatowski confirmed the application is properly before the City Council under the zoning code for a special permit for a club or lodge. He noted that after committee approval, the matter must go to the full City Council for a final vote; he was unsure of any appeal period but said permits could be sought after council approval. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Oliver, with all in favor. - The committee voted to approve the application with a favorable recommendation to the full City Council. Motion by Councilor Giesta, seconded by Councilor Oliver, passed unanimously. - The matter is scheduled to appear on the September 2025 City Council agenda for final action.

The Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee of the New Bedford City Council met on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers (Room 214, City Hall, 133 William Street). The meeting was live-streamed and recorded and concluded at approximately 8:29 PM. The committee welcomed newly appointed Police Chief Jason Thody, who introduced himself and outlined his background and public safety priorities. The committee then considered three substantive agenda items and two items recommended for no further action. Discussion Items 1. Home Rule Petition Amendment for Retired Police Officers (Matter ID 1388) - This item, originally referred in August 2022 and tabled multiple times, was removed from the table. Chief Thody expressed support for allowing retired officers over age 65 to work paid details, noting it helps fill shifts and keeps officers engaged. He suggested a medical clearance requirement after age 65 to ensure fitness for duty and agreed to follow up with the union president. The committee voted to table the matter for 45 days. 2. Abandoned Campers, RVs, Boats, and Trailers (Matter ID 1214) - This item, tabled since August 2024, was removed from the table. Chief Thody provided a detailed status: of 46 identified vehicles/campers, 23 remain active and are all registered; 5 have moved voluntarily; 18 have been towed; 11 sent for destruction; and 7 are pending pickup. Destruction costs are approximately $100 per foot, funded from the DFFM solid waste budget ($25,000 allocated plus end-of-year encumbrances). Discussion highlighted the legal limitation that registered vehicles attached to a car cannot be towed, and enforcement requires a local ordinance. Councillor Lopes successfully motioned for legal counsel to draft an ordinance prohibiting overnight parking of campers on city streets. Councillor Pereira motioned to add Chief of Staff Neil Mellow as an invited guest for future discussions, which was approved. The item was then tabled. 3. E.L. Harvey Trash Facility Fire and Rodent Issue (Matter ID 1261) - Cliff Bassett, District Manager of E.L. Harvey, reported on the May 14, 2025 fire at the facility on Shawmut Avenue and the resulting rodent problem. He detailed mitigation efforts: expansion from 45 to 110 bait stations, daily monitoring by Flynn Pest Control (three times daily at the peak), and street-level cleanup. Activity has dropped sharply; only 8 of over 2,000 bait pods required refill recently. He presented a new rodent control plan for reopening, including daily floor cleaning and reduced permit capacity. Health Director Stephanie Sloan confirmed the situation is under control and the park near the airport has reopened. Councillor Gomes praised the response. The committee voted to receive and place the matter on file. 4. and 5. No Trespassing Signs and ARPA Funds Communication (Matter IDs 1443 and 1868) - The chair recommended waiving reading and taking no further action on a motion to install "No Trespassing" signs at Wilks Library (Item 4) and a communication regarding use of ARPA funds for solar radar speed limit signs (Item 5). The committee approved. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Tabled for 45 days (motion by Councillor Pereira, seconded by Councillor Abreu; unanimous aye). - Item 2: Approved motion to direct legal counsel to draft an ordinance prohibiting overnight parking of campers on city streets (motion by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Carney; unanimous aye). Approved addition of Neil Mellow as invitee for future discussion. Item then tabled. - Item 3: Received and placed on file (motion by Councillor Burgle to receive and place on file, and motion by Councillor Oliver to receive the communication; both approved unanimously). - Items 4 and 5: No further action (recommendation by chair, seconded by Councillor Carney and Councillor Lopes; unanimously approved).

The City Property Committee met on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at New Bedford City Hall. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. Chairperson (Councillor Carney) presided, joined by Councillors Morad, Pereira, Gomes, Lopes, and later Baptiste. The sole agenda item was a written motion requesting the City Solicitor to explain delays in Purchase and Sale Agreements (P&S) for three properties awarded via RFP: Fire Station 3 (834 Kempton Street), Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Avenue), and Police Station 2 (170 Cove Street). The meeting concluded at 7:33 PM. Consent Calendar - A letter from Councillor Choquett excusing his absence due to a prior work commitment was read into the record and placed on file (motion by Lopes, second by Carney; all ayes). - A communication from Councillor Abreu excusing his absence due to a personal issue was read and placed on file (motion by Lopes, second by Pereira; all ayes). - The written motion for the agenda item was received and placed on file (motion by Carney, second by Burgo; all ayes). Discussion Items - Background on Clawback/Reverter Clause: Councillor Carney explained that the RFP for the two fire stations and the police station included a reverter (clawback) clause, which allows the city to take back the property if certain conditions are not met. She noted that the developers for the fire stations (Gwozdz Development, Inc., South Coast Investments, Inc., and Historic Built) are using conventional bank financing (no tax credits or HDIP money) and would start paying taxes immediately. The clause has been a barrier for over 8-10 months. - Solicitor Eric Jaikes' Testimony: Jaikes stated that the RFP's clawback language (detailed on pages 9-10) must appear in the deed. Banks providing financing for the fire stations found the clawback insurmountable because if the city exercises the clawback, the bank's sole recourse is against the LLC, which is unacceptable. A proposed subordination agreement also failed to resolve the issue. He recommended rebidding the fire stations with a revised RFP requiring financing be fully in place by a specific date, with the city retaining the right to terminate if not met. - Councillor Pereira's Questions: Pereira asked about the process to unaward the bid. Jaikes suggested the awardees could formally withdraw or the council could default them. He preferred a voluntary withdrawal letter. Attorney David Gerwatowski advised that the committee could directly instruct the purchasing department to reissue the RFP with the clawback removed, but noted that rebidding would reveal previous bid amounts to new bidders. - Councillor Morad's Suggestion: Morad proposed exploring a memorandum of understanding between the city and the bank to protect the bank's collateral without removing the clawback. Jaikes and Gerwatowski acknowledged this might be possible but noted it would require further exploration and bank agreement. - Attorney Sarah O'Leary's Testimony: O'Leary, representing the fire station developers, stated that after months of trying, no lender or title insurer would accept the reverter language. She verbally indicated that her clients release their rights under the awarded bids to move the process forward. - Police Station 2: Councillor Pereira noted that he spoke with the awardee for Police Station 2, who is comfortable with the reverter clause as written. Key Outcomes - Fire Station 3 and 11: Councillor Pereira moved to issue a new RFP for both fire stations with the reverter clause removed, except for a P&S clause regarding securing financing, contingent upon the awardees' formal withdrawal of bids, and to expedite the process. The motion was seconded by Councillor Gomes and passed unanimously (all ayes). - Police Station 2: Councillor Morad moved to take no further action on the RFP and to instruct the City Solicitor to immediately complete the P&S for the awardee. The motion was seconded by Councillor Lopes and passed unanimously (all ayes). - Next Steps: The committee adjourned at 7:33 PM.

The Appointments & Briefings Committee of the New Bedford City Council convened on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 7:02 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included citizen input, two waiver of residency petitions for a secondhand articles license, the appointment of a constable, and a motor vehicle special permit application. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Quigley (192 Walnut Street, 8, New Bedford) spoke on "Tenant Perspectives" for the allotted three minutes. He recounted a historical example from the Whaling Museum's expansion to illustrate displacement of marginalized communities, then described his own experience: he alleged his building was used as a drug house by an LLC, that the landlord colluded with the drug house occupant, and that he was labeled a "nuisance" tenant. Mr. Quigley stated he is 75 years old, has been unhoused twice in three years, and faced eviction when the building was sold. He criticized the city's housing meetings for focusing only on housing stock and costs, and urged the committee to include renters in any housing committee discussions. He also warned that many tenants are unaware of their legal rights, such as waiting for a court notice before arbitration. His item was referred to the Committee on Housing. Discussion Items - Petitions for Waiver of Residency – Side Quest Complete LLC (Items 2 & 3): Marc DeCambra (Taunton, MA) and Justin Williamson (Somerset, MA) requested waivers under Section 15-38 of the City Code to obtain a license to deal in junk, old metals, or other secondhand articles at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford. They described their business as buying and selling secondhand goods (toys, games, cards) and stated they plan to operate primarily on weekends initially, with the goal of making it full-time. Councilor Pereira noted that the mill location can be busy and asked them to use the loading dock; the applicants said they carry small items by hand. Councilor Abreu encouraged them to be open during weekdays, noting many tenants are only open on weekends. The committee voted to recommend the petitions to the full City Council for approval. - Appointment of Constable – Antwaun Donyeh Murphy (Item 4): The Mayor submitted the appointment of Antwaun Donyeh Murphy (217 Maple Street, New Bedford) as a constable. Mr. Murphy works for the New Bedford Housing Authority in security and fraud, and also as a loan originator. He stated he is stepping in to replace a retiring constable. Councilor Oliver noted the importance of humility when serving legal documents and that constable work requires self-tutoring; Mr. Murphy agreed and said he has connections in the court system. Councilor Baptiste praised Mr. Murphy's community involvement and character. An initial application discrepancy was corrected before the meeting. The committee voted to recommend the appointment to the full City Council. - Motor Vehicle Special Permit (Item 5): Adriano Vicente, d/b/a AV Auto Sales, 1532 Cove Road, New Bedford, applied for a motor vehicle special permit for auto sales and/or rentals. Without discussion, the committee voted to waive the reading and refer the item to the full City Council for no further action. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Citizen’s Input): Motion to refer Joseph Quigley’s comments to the Committee on Housing (made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Gomes) passed unanimously. Councilor Abreu, chair of the housing committee, stated the next scheduled meeting is in September and that Mr. Quigley will be invited to speak further. - Items 2 & 3 (Waiver of Residency): Motion to report the petitions to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation (made by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councilor Abreu) passed unanimously. The petitions will be heard at the August 21, 2025 City Council meeting. - Item 4 (Constable Appointment): Motion to report the appointment to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation (made by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Baptiste) passed unanimously. The appointment will be considered at the August 21, 2025 City Council meeting. - Item 5 (Motor Vehicle Special Permit): Motion to waive reading and refer to the full City Council for no further action (made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Burgo) passed unanimously.

The New Bedford City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 6:37 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting had two primary purposes: the appointment of Thomas Carreiro as District Fire Chief and a written motion concerning the financial and operating expenses of the Zeiterion Theatre. Council President Shane A. Burgo presided, with eight councilors present (Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pereira). Two councilors were absent: Joseph P. Lopes (Ward 5) and Linda Morad (At-Large), whose letters of absence were read and filed. Appointment of Thomas Carreiro as District Fire Chief - Councilors received and placed on file a communication from Mayor Mitchell submitting the appointment of Thomas Carreiro as District Fire Chief. A motion to waive Rules 38 and 40 and grant the appointment was made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Gomes. - The roll call vote passed unanimously, 8-0. Thomas Carreiro was then sworn in, taking the oath of office. He thanked the council and expressed his gratitude and pride in serving the city. Motion Regarding Zeiterion Theatre Finances - Councilors Pereira, Carney, and President Burgo sponsored a written motion requesting that representatives of the Zeiterion Theatre appear before the Committee on Finance to report on the theatre's financial and operating expenses. - The motion was referred to the Committee on Finance by a voice vote, with Councilor Pereira making the motion and Councilor Carney seconding. All present voted in favor. Key Outcomes - Appointment confirmed: Thomas Carreiro was appointed District Fire Chief by an 8-0 vote and sworn in. - Zeiterion motion referred: The request for a financial report from Zeiterion Theatre representatives was sent to the Committee on Finance for further review. - Meeting adjourned: The meeting concluded at 6:44 PM.