Public Meetings - New Bedford, Massachusetts

A special meeting of the New Bedford City Council was called by Council President Shane Burgo on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of considering a wastewater rate increase for Fiscal Year 2026 and a transfer to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund. The meeting was livestreamed and recorded. Roll call was taken with 10 councilors present; Councilor Sean Oliver (Ward 3) was absent due to a family commitment, as noted in a letter read into the record. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - No discussion beyond the motions and votes occurred; the items were presented and adopted without debate. Key Outcomes - Wastewater Rate Increase (FY2026): The council adopted an order from Mayor Mitchell to increase wastewater rates by 3.0% for Fiscal Year 2026. The motion to receive and place on file and adopt the order passed 10-0. (The transcript initially recorded a slip of "10 to 7" but was corrected to 10-0 in the roll call.) - Transfer to Wastewater Enterprise Fund: The council adopted an order to transfer $2,350,000 from the Special Projects Fund to the Fiscal Year 2026 Wastewater Enterprise Fund. The motion passed 10-0. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7:05 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was led by Vice President Carney (in the absence of President Burgo) and included prayer led by Reverend Dr. Sandra Whitley and the Pledge of Allegiance. Seven council members were present initially; Councilor Baptiste arrived later, bringing the total to eight. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Key actions included approval of Eversource utility installations, adoption of several revolving funds (with one dissenting vote), rescission of over $118 million in unissued debt, restoration of $150,000 for the Acushnet River Rowing Center dock project, and approval of residency waivers for secondhand dealers. Consent Calendar - All items on the consent calendar (C1–C54) were adopted by a single motion. These included citations (e.g., Cheryl McCormack Academy of Dance, new police officers, Father Michael Racine), street closures for special events (Cape Verdean Recognition Day, Kultura Fest, Hip Hop Festival, etc.), approvals of street obstructions and disturbances for various locations, and minutes from several boards and commissions. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the public hearings. The only testimony came from Jessica Elder, representing Eversource, who described the scope of the utility work. Discussion Items - Eversource Conduit Installations (Items 1–3): Three public hearings were held for underground conduit installation: 20 feet on Shawmut Avenue (service to 1166 Shawmut Ave.), 125 feet of conduit and one manhole on Spring Street (service to 278 Union St.), and 101 feet of conduit on Eighth Street (service to 278 Union St.). Jessica Elder stated that work would begin 7–10 days after approval and that disturbed areas would be restored. Councilor Gomes requested additional police details for traffic control on Spring and Eighth Streets. The hearings were closed and the orders adopted unanimously. - Airport Lease Agreement (Item 4): Approved the lease between the New Bedford Airport Commission and the Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust. Adopted without debate. - Rescission of Unissued Debt (Item 5): Approved an order rescinding $118,876,793 in authorized but unissued debt. Roll call vote: 7–0 (Councilor Pereira absent). - Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock Project (Item 6): Approved restoration of $150,000 in Community Preservation Act funds, bringing the total project funding to $2,000,000. Roll call: 7–0. - Special Permit – Motor Vehicle Light Service (Item 7): Approved a special permit for Eric Medeiros d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC, at 366 Hathaway Road. Voice vote, unanimous. - Residency Waivers (Items 8 & 9): Initially tabled because only seven councilors were present (requiring eight votes). After Councilor Baptiste arrived, the items were removed from the table. Item 8 (Dionne R. Reyes d/b/a Saver’s Thrift Dept. Store, 1014 King’s Highway) granted a waiver of residency for a secondhand articles license. Roll call: 8–0. Item 9 (Jerome Alferes d/b/a Temptations Guitars and Comics, 2331B Acushnet Ave.) granted a similar waiver. Roll call: 8–0. - Street Closings and Obstructions (Items 10–12): Approved a street closing of William Street (Bethel to North Water) and obstructions of North Water Street and Bethel Street from June 30, 2025, to December 31, 2026, for building demolition and sidewalk/street reconstruction. The south sidewalk on William Street will remain open. Voice vote, unanimous. - Revolving Funds for FY2026 (Items 13–20): The council approved the following revolving funds for Fiscal Year 2026, with item 17 separated: (13) Adult Social Day Program – $330,000; (14) Demolition of Buildings and Structures – $133,000; (15) Vacant Building – $188,545; (16) Tangible Supply Disposition – $170,000; (17) Quest Center – $208,514; (18) Supportive Recreation FY25 amendment – $105,000; (19) Supportive Recreation FY26 – $120,000; (20) Fort Taber – $230,000. Items 13–16, 18–20 were approved by a single roll call vote: 7–0. Item 17 (Quest Center) was voted separately: 6–1, with Councilor Morad voting no. - Tax Increment Exemption – Couto Residences (Item 21): Approved a resolution for a Tax Increment Exemption Housing Development Incentive Program agreement for Couto Residences at 4586 Acushnet Avenue. Roll call: 7–0. - No Further Action on Motions (Items 22–29): The council accepted committee recommendations to take no further action on several older motions: (22) briefing by Primary Care for All Americans; (23) Hillman Street complex access issues; (24) HUD senior housing rules; (25) meeting with housing authority and Peabody Property; (26) HUD email response on Melville Towers; (27) creation of council social media pages; (28) new permitting system discussion; (29) I-195 to Route 18 interchange update. All waived and adopted unanimously. - Body Art Ordinance Review (Item 30): A motion by Councilor Lopes to have the Committee on Ordinances review and revise the Body Art ordinance (Sections 4000 and 4200) was referred to the Ordinances Committee and Planning Board. Voice vote, unanimous. - Guardrails at Hathaway Road and Rockdale Avenue (Item 31): Councilors Oliver and Gomes moved to request DPI to install guardrails at 1396 and 1379 Rockdale Avenue due to repeated motor vehicle accidents. After brief discussion, the motion was referred to the Department of Public Infrastructure and the Administration. Voice vote, unanimous. - Residency Waiver Referral (Item 32): A petition from Justin Williamson d/b/a Side Quest Complete LLC for a secondhand articles license was referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. Voice vote, unanimous. - Board of Assessors CPI Adjustments (Item 33): Approved three orders implementing a 2.9% increase in property tax exemptions and income/asset limits for qualifying seniors and disabled persons for FY2026. Specific amounts: Clause 17 exemption to $406.24, assets for Clause 17E to $82,838.27; Clause 41/41B/41C income limits: single $26,921.43, married $31,066.86; asset limits: single $57,987.03, married $62,128.70. Roll call: 8–0. - Memorial Bench (Item 34): A communication from Parks, Recreation and Beaches to place a memorial bench at Ash and Morgan Streets in honor of Rochelli Lynn Paris (“Coco”) was referred to the Special Committee on Memorials & Dedications. Voice vote, unanimous. - DEP Waterways Application (Item 35): A notice that the city’s waterways application for dredging and stormwater drain construction at 0 Washburn Street was determined to be water dependent was received and placed on file. Voice vote, unanimous. Key Outcomes - Passed: All three Eversource conduit orders (Items 1–3). - Passed: Airport lease agreement (Item 4). - Passed (7–0): Rescission of $118,876,793 in unissued debt (Item 5). - Passed (7–0): Restoration of $150,000 for Acushnet River Rowing Center dock (Item 6). - Passed: Special permit for motor vehicle light service (Item 7). - Passed (8–0): Residency waivers for Saver’s Thrift Dept. Store (Item 8) and Temptations Guitars and Comics (Item 9). - Passed: Street closings/obstructions for William, North Water, and Bethel Streets (Items 10–12). - Passed (7–0): Six revolving funds (Items 13–16, 18–20). - Passed (6–1): Quest Center Revolving Fund (Item 17), with Councilor Morad dissenting. - Passed (7–0): Tax Increment Exemption for Couto Residences (Item 21). - Adopted: No further action on items 22–29. - Referred: Body art ordinance review (Item 30) to Ordinances Committee and Planning Board. - Referred: Guardrail request (Item 31) to DPI and Administration. - Referred: Residency waiver for Side Quest Complete LLC (Item 32) to Appointments & Briefings. - Passed (8–0): CPI adjustments for property tax exemptions (Item 33). - Referral: Memorial bench application (Item 34) to Special Committee on Memorials & Dedications. - Received and Placed on File: DEP waterways notice (Item 35). - Tabled: The private livery license renewal for Gerana’s Transportation remained on the table.

This special meeting was convened to vote on a series of proposed cuts to Fiscal Year 2026 budget appropriations. After over six hours of debate and roll call votes on more than 200 individual cut items, the council approved a total reduction of $10,238,450 across all funds, including the general fund, enterprise funds, and special revenue funds. The amended general fund appropriation was set at $452,890,321. The meeting concluded at 1:45 AM on June 24, 2025. Discussion Items - Council President Burgo ruled items 1306‑1309 out of order at the outset. - Councilor Pereira gave an opening statement urging colleagues to act with confidence and reject "scare tactics" from the administration; he emphasized that this was the council's only chance to lower the tax rate. - Councilor Oliver echoed these sentiments, criticizing the administration's narrative that cuts would harm services; he cited the example of securing private sponsors for fireworks after the council pushed back. - Councilor Morad defended her across‑the‑board vacancy savings cuts, explaining that departments can manage hiring delays and that money can be restored later if needed. - Councilor Morad and Councilor Oliver spoke on police department cuts, assuring that the cuts target vacant positions and overtime, not street‑level services. - Councilor Morad argued that the fire department should contribute cuts, including eliminating an administrative manager position. - Councilor Morad raised concerns about longevity pay, alleging a "sleazy" move by the administration to withhold it from elected officials. - Councilor Oliver spoke on level‑funding the library, and Councilor Lopes noted that cutting library funding could jeopardize state matching funds. - Councilor Pereira pointed out that library electricity costs were overbudgeted. - Councilor Oliver proposed cutting the mayor's office salary increase, saying taxpayers cannot absorb a $50,000 increase in one year. - Councilor Pereira supported reducing the police budget by $1 million, noting that only five net new officers are expected despite a new academy class. - Councilor Morad criticized funding for open positions in public infrastructure and noted money for the MBTA bridge that the council has not approved. - Councilor Giesta called for privatizing the zoo, arguing taxpayers should not subsidize it; Councilor Morad agreed but said a plan is needed before cutting salaries. - Councilor Pereira supported reducing wastewater electricity spending, citing overestimates. - Councilor Morad advocated for level‑funding health insurance, but Councilor Pereira opposed cuts because the budget is based on actual premiums. - Councilor Pereira proposed cutting the school department budget by $1.7 million (later adjusted) to avoid over‑appropriating above minimum net school spending, awaiting state Cherry Sheet data. - Councilor Morad and Councilor Giesta opposed continued funding for the Zeiterion Theatre, while Councilor Pereira noted the city has a contractual obligation. - Councilor Morad pushed for cuts to water and wastewater budgets to mitigate rate increases of over 15% for residents. Key Outcomes - Total Cuts Approved: $10,238,450 across all funds. - General Fund Amended Appropriation: $452,890,321 (amended, passed 10‑1). - Airport Budget: Amended to $1,331,040 (passed 11‑0). - Arts, Culture & Tourism Fund: $129,600 (passed 10‑1). - Cable Access Enterprise Fund: Amended to $1,459,767 (passed 11‑0). - CCDA (Commission for Citizens with Disabilities): $66,500 (passed 11‑0). - Downtown Parking Fund: $1,113,112 (passed 10‑1). - DPI / Wastewater Budget: Amended to $34,328,405 (passed 11‑0). - DPI / Water Budget: Amended to $19,954,977 (passed 10‑1). - Rules: Rule 1 was waived to extend the meeting past midnight; Rule 40 was waived for items B‑I. - Quasi Committee of the Whole was discharged. - Adjournment at 1:45 AM on June 24, 2025.

The New Bedford City Council Finance Committee met on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Chaired by Councilor-at-Large Linda Morad, the committee reviewed nine revolving fund authorizations for Fiscal Year 2026 (plus one amendment for FY2025) and a Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) agreement for a proposed 63-unit residential development. Several city officials and department heads presented, and the committee voted to recommend most items to the full City Council. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 2 (Adult Social Day Program Revolving Fund): Received, placed on file, and referred to full council with a positive recommendation. Discussion included program details (two sites serving 50 clients, funded primarily via MassHealth Medicaid, with a $30,000 increase to $330,000 for FY2026 due to step increases and health insurance costs). - Items 3 & 4 (Demolition of Buildings and Structures Revolving Fund & Vacant Building Revolving Fund): Received, placed on file, and referred to full council. Discussion noted a large demolition ($133,000 request) and a significant decrease in the vacant building fund balance ($188,545 request, down from $497,187 in FY2025). Commissioner Romanowicz was asked to provide written explanation for the decrease. - Item 5 (Tangible Supply Disposition Revolving Fund): Received, placed on file, and referred to full council. The fund covers proceeds from scrap metal and surplus sales for the School Department ($100,000), Department of Facilities & Fleet Management ($60,000), and Police ($10,000). Funds are used for HVAC repairs, vehicle replacement, and furniture. - Item 9 (Fort Taber Revolving Fund): Received, placed on file, and referred to full council. The fund ($230,000 for FY2026) supports parking, events, building rentals, and the Kennedy Summer Day program. Building maintenance costs were noted ($60,000). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 1 (Health Department Compliance Programs Revolving Fund – $60,000 FY2026): Tabled because Health Director Stephanie Sloan was unavailable. CFO Robert Ekstrom could not answer detailed questions. Councilor Pereira moved to table; the committee agreed. - Item 6 (Quest Center Revolving Fund – $208,514 FY2026): Director Jennifer Vieira and EDC Executive Director Derek Santos presented. The fund supports operation of the Quest Center for Innovation. Revenue from tenants is expected to reduce the general fund subsidy to $33,000, lower than earlier estimates. Santos noted an upcoming state grant application that could further offset costs. Councilor Morad questioned cash-handling controls; CFO Ekstrom acknowledged risks but stated current controls are adequate. - Items 7 & 8 (Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund – FY2025 amendment to $105,000 and FY2026 authorization at $120,000): Director Mary Rapoza explained the fund covers program fees, field permits, and rentals at the Andre McCoy Rec Center. Increases are due to moving vendor payments from deposit-held accounts into the fund and taking over building maintenance contracts from DFFM ($26,496 annually). No general fund subsidy is involved. - Item 10 (Couto Residences TIE Agreement – 4586 Acushnet Avenue): Jordan Amaral (filling in for Community Development Director Joshua Amaral) and developer Derek Couto presented. The proposed $12 million project would convert a former nursing home into 63 market-rate units (up to 20% income-restricted). A 10-year TIE would provide $335,000 in tax relief to the developer while generating $220,000 in new tax revenue. The TIE is required to apply for state HDIP tax credits (up to $2.5 million) in August 2025. Several councilors praised the project, citing the developer's local reputation and the site's long vacancy. Councilor Choquette noted prior proposals (boarding house, drug treatment facility) were less desirable. The committee referred the resolution to full council for adoption. Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Health Department Compliance Programs Revolving Fund): Tabled (motion by Councilor Pereira, second by Councilor Giesta). Awaiting written responses from Director Sloan. - Item 2 (Adult Social Day Program Revolving Fund): Recommended to full council with a positive recommendation (motion by Councilor Pereira, second by Councilor Gomes). Voice vote: all ayes. - Items 3 & 4 (Demolition and Vacant Building Revolving Funds): Recommended to full council (motion by Councilor Lopes, second by Councilor Giesta). Voice vote: all ayes. Commissioner Romanowicz to provide written explanation on vacant fund decrease. - Item 5 (Tangible Supply Disposition Revolving Fund): Recommended to full council (motion by Councilor Lopes, second by Councilor Baptiste). Voice vote: all ayes. - Item 6 (Quest Center Revolving Fund): Recommended to full council (motion by Councilor Abrew, second by Councilor Lopes). Roll call vote: 9 in favor, 1 opposed (Councilor Morad). - Items 7 & 8 (Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund): Recommended to full council (motion by Councilor Lopes, second by Councilor Abrew). Voice vote: all ayes. - Item 9 (Fort Taber Revolving Fund): Recommended to full council (motion by Councilor Pereira, second by Councilor Giesta). Voice vote: all ayes. - Item 10 (Couto Residences TIE Agreement): Resolution recommended for adoption by full council (motion by Councilor Pereira, second by Councilor Choquette). Roll call vote: 10 ayes, 0 nays. The matter will appear on the June 26, 2025 City Council agenda.

The New Bedford City Council held a special meeting on June 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers to act on five items that had been tabled at previous meetings: two major loan orders for water and wastewater infrastructure, two transfers from free cash to enterprise fund budgets, and two reappointments to city boards. All items were approved unanimously with no public comment or debate. Consent Calendar - Loan Order (Water System Improvements): Appropriation of $38,100,000 for capital planning and construction of water distribution and treatment system improvements, including a lead service abatement program and transmission main inspection. Adopted 10–0 (Councilor Pereira absent for the first roll call but present later; final vote 11–0 on rule waiver). - Loan Order (CSO Control & Integrated CIP): Appropriation of $32,200,000 for wastewater collection system improvements, pumping station upgrades, flood control structures, water quality improvements, and CSO abatement. Adopted 10–0 (same vote pattern). - Transfer – Cable Access Free Cash: Transfer of $230,917 from Cable Access Free Cash to the FY2026 Cable Access Enterprise Fund Budget. Adopted 11–0. - Transfer – Downtown Parking Free Cash: Transfer of $88,787 from Downtown Parking Free Cash to the FY2026 Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund Budget. Adopted 11–0. - Reappointment – Commission for Citizens with Disabilities: Reappointment of Esperanza Alejandro-Berube to a term expiring May 2028. Approved 11–0 after waiving Rules 38 and 40. - Reappointment – Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District: Reappointment of Caroline Conzatti to a term expiring June 2028. Approved 11–0 after waiving Rules 38 and 40. Discussion Items No substantive discussion occurred. Each item was moved from the table and adopted via roll call votes without questions or debate. Key Outcomes - Loan Orders (Items 2 & 3): Removed from table and adopted; Rule 40 waived to allow immediate effect. Votes: Adoption 10–0 (May 22 reading had passed), waiver 11–0. - Transfers (Items 4 & 5): Removed from table and adopted 11–0. - Reappointments (Items 6 & 7): Removed from table; Rules 38 and 40 waived; appointments confirmed 11–0. - Adjournment: Motion passed; meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM.

The Appointments and Briefings Committee of the New Bedford City Council met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 7:08 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. Chairperson (Councilor Abreu) presided. The committee addressed 11 agenda items, including a public hearing for a car wash special permit, several residency waiver petitions, updates on the Parallel Products trash transfer facility, MBTA safety concerns, street closures for the Whaling Museum construction, and a detailed briefing on the I-195 to Route 18 interchange rehabilitation project. Public Hearing – Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Light Service (Item 1) - A public hearing was held on the application of Eric Medeiros, d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC, for a special permit to operate a two-bay automatic car wash at 366 Hathaway Road (former Wicks and Licks site). Attorney Gerwatowski presented the proposal, stating it would be a 24-hour operation with an A-frame building, extensive landscaping, and circulation from Hathaway Road. The planner noted the property had prior planning board approval on April 9, 2025. Estimated daily traffic is 50–150 vehicles. Commissioner Danny Romanowicz confirmed no objections from Inspectional Services. No public comments were made for or against. The hearing was closed, and a motion to approve the special permit and refer to the full City Council passed unanimously. Residency Waiver Petitions for Secondhand Licenses (Items 2 & 3) - Item 2: Dionne R. Reyes, manager of Savers Thrift Dept. Store at 1014 King's Highway, requested a residency waiver (she resides in Fall River). Her petition had been tabled on May 20, 2025; it was removed from the table. She explained Savers pays for donations and supports Big Brothers Big Sisters. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full council. - Item 3: Jerome Alferes, owner of Temptations Guitars and Comics at 2331B Acushnet Avenue, requested a residency waiver (he lives in Mattapoisett). He has operated the business for 30 years. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full council. Discussion Items - Item 4 – Creation of City Council Social Media Pages and Internship Program: Councilor Gomes moved to discuss establishing Facebook and Twitter pages for the City Council, along with a high school/university internship program. He argued that media coverage of council actions is insufficient. After debate, the committee voted to report the motion for no further action, effectively ending the proposal. - Item 5 – New Permitting System Update: Councilor Pereira requested a briefing from the Commissioner of Inspectional Services on the new permitting system. Since the system has been in place for over three years and users have adapted, the committee voted to recommend no further action. - Item 6 – South Coast Renewables (Parallel Products) Project: Wendy Morrill of South Coast Neighbors United provided an extensive update on the proposed trash transfer facility at 100 Duchesne Boulevard. She detailed recent events: a May 14, 2025 fire at the E.L. Harvey transfer station that required 40 firefighters and caused a rat infestation, ongoing environmental violations at the Duchesne site (illegal dumping, lack of silt fences), and a MassDEP inspection that confirmed violations but did not consider them in site suitability determinations. She urged the council to pressure MassDEP and the Board of Health to block the project. Tracy Wallace also spoke, emphasizing the need for the Board of Health to use all available powers. Councilors expressed support for the opposition. The committee voted to receive and place on file, then tabled the item. Councilors discussed drafting a letter to MassDEP, the Health Department, and the state delegation. - Item 7 – MBTA South Coast Rail Safety on Purchase Street: Councilors Gomes and Oliver requested a meeting with MBTA officials to discuss safety fencing, the support wall, and overgrowth along the Purchase Street corridor. No MBTA representatives attended despite notice. Councilors expressed frustration, noting that the wall and fencing were funded by a $2.5 million TIGER grant from the council's efforts. They cited photos of people walking on the tracks and unlocked gates. The committee voted to table the item and reschedule with stronger participation, possibly involving the state delegation. - Items 8, 9, 10 – Street Closures for Whaling Museum Construction: Councilor Baptiste submitted three motions on behalf of Consigli Construction to close or obstruct portions of William Street, North Water Street, and Bethel Street from June 30, 2025 to December 31, 2026 for demolition and reconstruction of the Whaling Museum annex. Representatives from Consigli and CSL Consulting presented the plan, emphasizing safety and pedestrian access. City Engineer Sean Sai confirmed the plan was the most efficient and safe. The committee voted to receive and place on file and refer to the full council with a favorable recommendation. - Item 11 – I-195 to Route 18 Interchange Rehabilitation Project: Council President Burgo requested a briefing. MassDOT Project Manager Valerie Kilduff and her team presented a detailed overview of the five-phase, multi-year project (2025–2030) to replace the structurally obsolete viaduct, improve safety, and construct a noise barrier and skate park. Key points: work hours 7 AM–3:30 PM with some night work; no lane closures during peak traffic; detour for westbound ramp to Route 18 southbound via I-195 to I-140 to I-195 eastbound; local streets will be monitored; a virtual public meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2025 at 6 PM. Councilors raised concerns about traffic impacts on Cogshall Street, Route 6, and near the school. The team committed to proactive signal timing adjustments and monitoring. The committee voted to receive and place on file and report for no further action. Key Outcomes - Special Permit Approved: The committee voted to recommend approval of the car wash special permit at 366 Hathaway Road to the full City Council (unanimous). - Residency Waivers Recommended: Both Savers Thrift and Temptations Guitars & Comics received favorable recommendations for residency waivers. - Social Media/Internship Proposal Dismissed: The motion for council social media pages and an internship program was reported for no further action. - Permitting System Update Deemed Unnecessary: The motion regarding the new permitting system was reported for no further action. - Parallel Products Project Tabled: The committee received the update, placed it on file, then tabled the item. Councilors agreed to pursue a letter to MassDEP and the Board of Health opposing the project. - MBTA Safety Meeting Tabled: The committee tabled the item to reschedule with MBTA representatives and potentially involve the state delegation. - Street Closures Approved: The committee voted to recommend approval of the three street closures (William, North Water, Bethel) for the Whaling Museum project. - I-195 Project Update Received: The committee received the briefing, placed the packet on file, and reported for no further action. A virtual public meeting is set for June 26, 2025. Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.

The committee convened at 6:00 PM on June 17, 2025, in City Hall Council Chambers. Present were Councilors Maria Giesta, Derek Baptist, Lodge, Shane Burgo (Council President), Sean Oliva, and Brian Gomes. The chair read letters from Councillor Choquet (unable to attend) and Councillor Moran (delayed due to another meeting). The meeting focused primarily on a briefing on the national primary care crisis by representatives from Primary Care for All Americans (PC4AA) and local health providers. Items 2 through 6 were addressed collectively by waiving reading and referring them to the full City Council for no further action. Item 1 - Briefing: Primary Care Crisis and PC4AA The committee heard a presentation from Cheryl Bartlett (CEO, New Bedford Community Health), Dr. Michael Rocha (Cardiologist, Hawthorne Medical), Helena DeSilva Hughes (President, Immigrants Assistance Center), and Dr. Michael Fine (Director, Primary Care for All Americans). Cheryl Bartlett noted that New Bedford Community Health serves 22,000–25,000 patients annually but has declined from 8–10 primary care physicians to only one. Most primary care is now delivered by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. She described the situation as a public health crisis and emphasized the need for local action. Dr. Michael Rocha defined primary care as the first line of defense and stressed that lack of access leads to more emergency room visits and higher costs. He noted that many patients present to specialists too late due to lack of primary care. Helena DeSilva Hughes reported a waiting list of 4,000 individuals for primary care physicians and that Hawthorne Medical is no longer accepting new patients. She highlighted the anxiety among elderly and non-English speaking clients. Dr. Michael Fine described PC4AA’s national scope and stated that only 43% of American adults have a meaningful primary care relationship, meaning 57% lack adequate prevention. He outlined local initiatives: a primary care report, task forces on pipelines/pathways, loan repayment programs, and establishing a residency program in New Bedford. The nationwide shortage is estimated at 40,000–60,000 primary care providers, with only 4,400 new providers entering the field annually against 10,000 retiring. Discussion Council President Burgo asked how the council could assist. Dr. Fine suggested supporting local fundraising efforts and considering passage of a resolution similar to those from Central Falls and Scituate, RI. Councillor Oliver expressed concern that urging residents to get primary care without sufficient capacity could be counterproductive. Speakers acknowledged the challenge and proposed collaborating on a resolution that focuses on supporting state-level efforts to increase primary care access. Councilors Giesta and others thanked the presenters. Items 2-6 Items 2 through 6, which addressed access issues at the Hillman Street complex, Melville Towers tenant concerns, HUD senior housing rules, and senior housing quality-of-life issues, were grouped and referred to the full City Council for no further action after a motion to waive reading was approved. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to report Item 1 (the briefing motion) to the full City Council for no further action, having satisfied its purpose. - The committee voted unanimously to waive reading for Items 2 through 6 and refer them to the full City Council for no further action. - The meeting adjourned shortly after the conclusion of the presentation.

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing, multiple items from the Mayor, reports from committees, new business, and a consent agenda. Key outcomes included the approval of a Verizon conduit installation with a police detail condition, the failure of a health insurance arbitration order (0-7), the tabling of two major loan orders, and the referral of a motion opposing Eversource's smart meter rollout. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the hearing or other items. The hearing on the Verizon conduit was opened and closed with no one speaking in favor or opposition. Discussion Items - Hearing - Verizon Conduit (Item 1): The Council held a public hearing for Network Building and Consulting, on behalf of Verizon, to install approximately 66 feet of conduit at the intersection of Union Street and Second Street. The petitioner stated the design was a revision. Councillors asked about road disruption, saw cuts, police details, and repair standards. The hearing was closed and the order was granted with the condition that a police detail be provided. - Mayor's Papers M2 - Health Insurance Arbitration: A motion to adopt an order that would allow the city to request a neutral arbitrator during health insurance negotiations with municipal unions was defeated by a roll call vote of 0-7. All seven council members present voted no. - Mayor's Papers M5-M17 - Budget Transfers: A series of 13 budget transfers totaling various amounts from Veterans Services and other departments were approved unanimously. These included transfers to Community Services, Labor Relations, Solicitor, Inspectional Services, City Clerk, EMS, Fire, Elections, Assessors, and Purchasing. - Loan Orders (Items 2 & 3): Two loan orders were tabled: a $38.1 million order for water distribution and treatment system improvements (including lead service abatement) and a $32.2 million order for CSO control and integrated capital improvement plan projects. - Livery Licenses (Items 4 & 5): A new private livery license and a renewal for Pathway Partners Transportation & Plus were approved. - Appointments (Items 6 & 7): The Council approved the appointments of Angela Clarke to the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and James McKeag as an alternate member of the Planning Board. - Rezoning (Item 8): An ordinance to rezone SS Bates Street from Industrial A to Residential C was passed to a second reading. - Clasky Common TOD Overlay (Item 9): An ordinance establishing the Clasky Common Transit Oriented Development Overlay District (CC-TOD) and related amendments was passed to a second reading. Councillor Carney requested to be recorded in opposition. - Public Hearings on Definitions (Item 10): The Council ordered the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board to hold public hearings regarding definitions, Section 1200, and Appendix A of the City Code. - Motion on Eversource Smart Meters (Item 15): Councillor Abreu introduced a motion opposing Eversource’s smart meter rollout, citing concerns about monthly fees, opt-out penalties, unlicensed installers, and cybersecurity risks. The motion calls for the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to suspend the program pending comprehensive public review. The motion was referred to the state delegation, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the DPU Chairman. Key Outcomes - Verizon Conduit Granted: Approved with condition of a police detail. (Voice vote, unanimous) - Health Insurance Arbitration Order (M2): Failed 0-7. (Roll call: all no) - Budget Transfers (M5-M17): Adopted. (Voice vote, unanimous) - Reappointments (M18, M19): Tabled. - Constable Appointment (M20): Referred to Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - Loan Orders (Items 2, 3): Tabled. - Livery Licenses (Items 4, 5): Approved. - Appointments (Items 6, 7): Approved. - Rezoning (Item 8): Passed to second reading. - Clasky Common TOD (Item 9): Passed to second reading (Councillor Carney opposed). - Public Hearings (Item 10): Ordered. - No Further Action (Items 11-14): Approved. - Eversource Smart Meter Motion (Item 15): Referred to state officials. - I-195 to Route 18 Project Update (Item 16): Referred to Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - Waiver of Residency (Item 17): Referred to Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - Memorial Dedications (Items 18, 19): Referred to Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications. (Roll call 7-0) - CPA Budget (Item 20): Referred to Committee on Finance. - Letter of Support (Item 21): Received and placed on file. - Consent Agenda: Adopted. (Roll call 7-0) - Adjournment: 7:35 PM.

The New Bedford Finance Committee met on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. Chair Linda Morrad presided, joined by Councillors Abreu, Giesta, Shoket, Kane, Burgo, and later Baptiste and Oliver. Three main agenda items were discussed: a proposed ground lease for airport hangar development, rescission of $118.9 million in authorized unissued debt, and reconsideration of a CPA-funded rowing dock project on the Acushnet River. All items were ultimately referred to the full City Council for approval. Consent Calendar - Three letters of absence were received and placed on file: Councillor Baptiste (prior commitment), Councillor Gomes (prior commitment), and Councillor Lopes (work-related commitment). - Two supplementary communications were received and filed; a third late communication was promised for distribution. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comment period was held, but during the CPA dock discussion, Councillor Burgo referenced a letter of opposition signed by multiple individuals from Roe New Bedford, expressing support for the dock but raising concerns about transparency and location selection. The sole opposition speaker at prior meetings was acknowledged as representing a broader community. Discussion Items 1. Airport Lease Agreement (Items 1, 1A, 1B) - Scott Servis, Airport Director, presented a proposed 50-year ground lease (5-year primary term, nine 5-year renewals) with the Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust to construct a new hangar building at New Bedford Regional Airport. The lease covers 28,160 square feet at $0.32 per square foot (based on a 2020 appraisal), resulting in annual rent of $9,011.20. - To incentivize development, the lease includes an abatement: 90% reduction for the first nine months, then 70% reduction for the next nine months (total 18 months), after which full rent resumes regardless of construction status. Councillors questioned the revenue loss and the airport's financial sustainability; Servis argued the promotion of long-term development and fuel sales justifies the short-term abatement. - A discrepancy was noted on the signature page (page 46) naming FMV Associates LLC, which was not referenced elsewhere in the lease. Chair Morrad expressed discomfort and requested documentation linking the LLC to the trust, with assurances that information would be provided before the June 26 council meeting. 2. Rescission of Authorized Unissued Debt (Items 2, 2A) - Treasurer John Taxiarchos and CFO Robert Ekstrom presented an order to rescind $118,876,793 in authorized but unissued debt, dating back to 1990. The action aims to clean up city books and improve financial management ratings. - Councillors inquired about safeguards to prevent future accumulation of unused debt authorizations. Ekstrom stated that the administration will conduct annual or biannual reviews with departments and rescind unused authorizations proactively. The current mess was attributed to past poor bookkeeping and lack of process, with projects often over-authorized to account for federal reimbursements (e.g., FAA, MassDOT). 3. CPA Project Reconsideration: Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock (Item 3) - Janine da Silva (CPC Chair), Jessica Bailey (CPA Manager), and Mary Rapoza (Parks Director) presented a $200,000+ project (approximate, exact figure not stated) for a 200-foot public dock at the Aerovox site on the upper Acushnet River. The project was referred back from the City Council due to concerns about process and transparency. - Rapoza detailed the history: two public meetings (March 2023 and March 2024) with over 40 attendees each, formation of an advisory committee of six local rowing organizations (New Bedford Rowing Center, Azorean Maritime Heritage, Whaling City Rowing, etc.), and evaluation of three sites (Aerovox, Sawyer Street, Market Basket). The Aerovox site was selected based on expert advice from dock engineers due to its low shoreline grade, immediate availability, and parking. Sawyer Street was deemed unsuitable due to high bulkhead and ongoing EPA involvement. - Councillors expressed disappointment over lack of invitation to ward councillors and failure to include Roe New Bedford (formed after the advisory committee was established) or document deliberations with meeting minutes or scoring systems. Rapoza confirmed no formal minutes were taken for advisory meetings. Councillors stressed that while they support the dock, future projects must ensure an open, inclusive process with recorded decisions. - Chair Morrad noted a reported incident where Roe New Bedford was asked to remove equipment from Pope's Island, warning against perceived targeting of dissenting groups. Key Outcomes - Airport Lease: Motion to receive, place on file, and refer to full City Council for approval (motion by Councillor Burgo, second by Councillor Abreu). Approved unanimously. Additional documentation on FMV Associates LLC requested by June 26. - Debt Rescission: Motion to receive, place on file, and refer the order to full City Council for approval (motion by Councillor Abreu, second by Councillor Giesta). Approved unanimously. - CPA Rowing Dock: Motion to accept the Community Preservation Committee's recommendation and refer to full City Council for approval (motion by Councillor Kane, second by Councillor Giesta). Approved unanimously. Councillors noted their support for the project but emphasized need for improved transparency in future projects. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.