Public Meetings - New Bedford, Massachusetts

The New Bedford City Council Special Committee on Special Permits and Licensing met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. Chairman Ian Abrew (Councillor at Large) presided, joined by Councillors Scott Pemberton (Ward 2), Leo Choquett (Ward 1), and Joseph Lopes (Ward 5). The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. A letter from Councillor Carney was read indicating he would be late. Public Comments & Testimony - Anna Liz Valentine Burgos, applicant for a private livery license for Giranas Transportation Inc., described her business as providing transportation for school-age children and daycare services. She stated she has three vans, three drivers, and is hiring two additional employees. She indicated she does not perform airport runs or services for GATRA. - Mr. Bryant, petitioner for a residency waiver to operate a pawnbroker/junk dealer business under the name Paul and Bryant, explained that he purchased the company in 2022 and now operates 51 stores across nine states. He clarified that while he previously lived in Texas, he is now a resident of Revere, Massachusetts, and is committed to the area. The transcript refers to the business as both 'Fall River Palmbrokers' and 'Fall River Pondbrokers'. Discussion Items - Councillor Lopes inquired about the number of vans (three) and their parking locations (two at 456 Mill Street, one at 627 Allen Street), as well as the scope of services (only school and daycare). - Chairman Abrew asked about job creation, to which Burgos responded she is hiring two people. He suggested utilizing the New Bedford Career Center (Mass Hire) to find qualified employees. - No questions were asked of Mr. Bryant during his appearance. Key Outcomes - Item 1 – Giranas Transportation Inc. (Anna Liz Valentine Burgos): The committee voted unanimously to give a positive recommendation to the full City Council. The application will be considered for final approval at the City Council meeting on May 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM. - Item 2 – Sisters Express Transport (Maria De Pina and Maria L. Pyers): The committee voted to table this application as the petitioner was not present and no communication was received. - Items 3 & 4 – Paul and Bryant (residency waiver for junk/pawnbroker licenses): The committee voted unanimously to give a positive recommendation to the full City Council for both locations (1351 Cushioned Avenue and 268 Union Street), including the requested residency waiver. Final approval will also be considered on May 28, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.

The New Bedford City Council convened on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7:03 PM, with Vice President Neil McCarney presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer by Dr. Sandra Whitley and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Sean Oliver. The council addressed a range of items including budget transfers, a museum expansion utility connection, zoning reappointments, and proposed ordinances on plastic bags and short-term rentals. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM. Consent Calendar - Absentee Letters: Letters from Councilors Shane Burgo, Joseph Lopes, and Ryan Pereira were received and placed on file unanimously. - Mayor's Transfers (M2-M5): Orders transferring $9,620 (airport), $7,998 (downtown enterprise), $44,837 (wastewater), and $137,293 (water) from free cash to salaries and wages to fund the AFSCME Local 851 contract were adopted 8-0. - Reappointment (M6): The reappointment of Celeste Paliologus to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term expiring December 2030) was approved 8-0. - Demolitions (Items 12-14): Demolition of structures at 532 Rivet Street, 105 Ashley Boulevard, and 3436 Corville Street were granted, as the Preservation Planner determined they are not historically significant. - Livery License Renewals (Items 15-17): Renewals for Magic Wheels Transportation, Glenda Reyes Transportation LLC, and Project Independent Services Inc. were approved. - Property Acquisitions (Item 20): A list of properties acquired by the city via deed in lieu (on Chaffee, Fairfield, Ruth, Congress, and Ashley Streets) was received and placed on file. - DEP Waterways Notice (Item 21): A public notice regarding B.S. Realty LLC's application for steel anchor piles at 92 Kilburn Street was received and placed on file. Discussion Items - Whaling Museum Utility Connection (Item 1): Amanda McMullen (President/CEO) and Brian Pioli (CSL Consulting) presented a petition to install conduits under a pedestrian crossing on William Street to connect the museum’s new building at 11 William Street to the existing site at 18 Johnny Cake Hill. The work is part of the expansion project (opening spring 2027) and will not extend the construction timeline. The pedestrian plaza closure is planned for eight weeks, with sequencing pushed to late August/early September at neighbors' request. The public hearing was closed, and the order was adopted. - Utility Hearings (Items 2-4): Hearings for EverSource Energy conduit on County Street and two other petitions were continued to May 12, 2026, as no representatives appeared. - Mayor's Transfer (M1): An order transferring $422,720 across multiple departmental salary accounts to fund the AFSCME Local 851 contract was adopted 8-0. - Loan Order (Item 5): An order appropriating $12,610,194 for critical repairs to city-owned buildings was tabled. - Ordinance (Item 6): An ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 6, Section 2-105 on municipal tax payment agreements was passed to ordain on a roll call vote (8-0). - School Department Transfer (Item 7): Transfers of $1,070,555 and $314,530 from state aid to the school department general expense were adopted 8-0. - Plastic Bag Prohibition Repeal (Item 9): Councilor Baptiste introduced an ordinance to repeal the single-use plastic bag ban, arguing that surrounding communities still allow plastic bags, causing hardships for elderly and transit-dependent residents. Councilor Gomes supported the repeal, citing inconvenience and cost. The motion was referred to the Committee on Ordinances. - Airbnb Regulation (Item 10): Councilor Gomes submitted a motion to draft an ordinance requiring short-term rentals to be classified as commercial, subject to hotel tax, with requirements for primary residence, occupancy limits, registration, inspections, and safety standards. Councilor Abrew supported the motion, citing the need for same rules as hotels. The motion was referred to the Committee on Ordinances. - Airport Hangar Location (Item 11): Councilor Choquette, joined by Councilors Abrew and Roy, submitted a motion to suspend construction of a new hangar at the Regional Airport until the Conservation Agent and Airport Director explore all options, citing concerns about inadequate notice to abutters. Councilor Choquette noted a 30-day courtesy construction pause from the leaseholder. The motion was amended to refer to the Appointments and Briefings Committee (for full council participation) and was adopted. - Junk/Metal Dealer Licenses (Items 18-19): Applications from Paul and Bryant (Fall River Pond Brokers) for waiver of residency to obtain licenses were referred to the Special Committee on Licensing and Permitting. Key Outcomes - Votes: All votes taken were unanimous (8-0). - Adopted Orders: M1-M5, M6, Items 6, 7, 12-17, and Item 1 (Whaling Museum conduits). - Referrals to Committees: Items 9 (plastic bags) and 10 (Airbnb) to Committee on Ordinances; Item 11 (airport hangar) to Appointments and Briefings; Items 18-19 (junk dealer licenses) to Special Committee on Licensing and Permitting. - Continued Hearings: Items 2-4 continued to May 12, 2026. - Tabled Item: Item 5 (loan order) remains tabled. - Next Meeting: The next regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (moved from May 14 due to a holy day of obligation). The deadline for agenda items is May 7, 2026 at 10 AM.

On April 22, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Special Committee on the Airport of the New Bedford City Council met at City Hall. Chair Councillor Leo Shoket presided, joined by Councillor Scott Pemberton and Councillor James Roy. The meeting focused on a lease extension for Sandpiper Air Incorporated, a status update from Airport Director Scott Service on capital projects including the air traffic control tower, terminal improvements, taxiway relocation, and snow removal equipment purchases. The meeting concluded at 7:06 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes & Absences: Letters of absence from Councillors Lopes and Oliver were read into the record and placed on file without objection. The committee also voted to receive and place on file communications related to the lease extension (Agenda Item 1) and Councillor Choquette's motion (Agenda Item 2). Discussion Items - Sandpiper Air Lease Extension (Agenda Item 1): Director Scott Service presented a proposed lease extension for Sandpiper Air Incorporated's Building 2 (the larger hangar and apron). The existing lease expires March 31, 2031. The new lease would be backdated to November 1, 2022, to run concurrently with the already-approved Sandpiper 1 lease. It includes an initial term of 30 years with two five-year options, contingent on a minimum $300,000 capital investment in the building approved by the Airport Commission. Rent is set at approximately $0.30 per square foot, adjusted every five years based on an independent appraisal or cumulative CPI increase. The lease omits fuel farm provisions (since Building 2 lacks a fuel farm) but retains environmental insurance requirements for fuel truck operations on aprons. Attorney David Goratowski noted a provision allowing Sandpiper to pay a franchise fee “up to 100 percent” of real estate taxes in lieu of taxes, which he found unclear as to why a lessee would choose that option. Director Service clarified that all tenants, including Sandpiper, currently pay taxes to the city, and the franchise fee clause is likely applicable to entities like Massport that own large land parcels and charge subtenants a fee. He confirmed that taxes will be paid either way. - Airport Capital Projects Update (Agenda Item 2): Director Service provided a comprehensive briefing on ongoing and planned projects: - Air Traffic Control Tower: Currently in negotiations with MassDOT Aeronautics and a designer for a 10% design phase. The concept image shown is not final; the tower will be approximately 54 feet to the roof and 84 feet to the top of an antenna. The design will determine foundation type (formed concrete vs. steel), roadway access (circular for emergency vehicles), and FAA-mandated minimum amenities. The tower site is off Aviation Way, an unapproved roadway near Jones Street and Lang Street. It is expected to promote development by bringing utilities to the area. New Bedford is the sixth busiest airport in Massachusetts, with operations surpassing Hyannis last year. - Terminal Building: Early concept images shown; size and amenities not yet determined. The project was originally planned with a 95% state / 5% local cost share, and the city wants to avoid adding “wants” that could shift the split to 80/20. - Taxiway Bravo Relocation: Currently in environmental permitting, with design next year and construction the year after. The pavement condition index (PCI) is approximately 50 PSI, indicating need for reconstruction. The relocation will move the taxiway closer to Runway 14/32 to meet modern standards, potentially opening up space for future development. - Snow Removal Equipment: The airport is purchasing a new snowblower to replace a 1998 Oshkosh (no longer serviceable) and a new truck to replace a 1983 Chevrolet K-30. These purchases are funded 95% by FAA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) money, 2.5% state, 2.5% local. Total cost $1.1 million, with $27,500 local share paid by the airport. - Overall Project Cost: Initial estimate for the full terminal and tower project was $70 million three years ago, now approximately $76 million due to inflation. The fire station/snow removal/maintenance building (RFSRE) portion, estimated at $16 million, has been deferred. Net project cost: $60 million. With a 95/5 state/local split, the city’s share would be about $3 million. Director Service emphasized that the 10% design will provide firmer cost estimates. Key Outcomes - Sandpiper Air Lease Extension: The committee voted to refer the lease order and attachments to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Motion passed unanimously. - Airport Briefing Received and Filed: The committee voted to receive and place on file Director Service’s presentation, with no further action required. Motion passed unanimously. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting ended at 7:06 PM.

The Committee on Appointments and Briefings, chaired by Councillor Naomi Carney, met on April 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM. The meeting considered citizen input, a livery license renewal, and three mayoral appointments to city boards. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Lamontang (self-identified as “the angry rat guy”) addressed the committee and the public. He expressed concern about a “class cleanse” in the city, referencing the opioid crisis, housing crisis, and migrant crisis. He criticized a lack of leadership, but thanked Councillor Carney and Councillor Gomes for past personal outreach. He stated that his rights have been violated and urged the council to take action. Discussion Items - Livery License Renewal (Camille Taylor, CT Live Your Best Life Transportation): The committee reviewed a renewal application for a private livery license for six vehicles operating from 14 Beatle Street. Councillor Oliver raised concerns about neighborhood parking due to up to four vehicles parked on the street. Ms. Taylor stated that she has a yard that can accommodate all six vehicles, and that she parks them on the street only to free space for her tenants. She agreed to keep all vehicles off the street when not in use. The committee voted to refer the renewal to the full city council. - Appointment of Renee Ledbetter to the Election Commission: Ms. Ledbetter was appointed to replace Donald Gardat Jr., term expiring April 2027. She expressed excitement about increasing voter engagement, especially among Black and Brown communities and low-income residents. She noted that many people feel disenfranchised and that education is key. Councillors Abreu and Oliver voiced support. The committee voted to refer the appointment to the full city council. - Appointment of George Bulger to the Human Rights Commission: Mr. Bulger was appointed to replace Zoe Hanson de Bello, term expiring April 2028. He stated he loves the city and wants to serve, but is on a learning curve. No questions were raised. The committee voted to refer the appointment to the full city council. - Appointment of Zachary Nider to the Human Rights Commission: Mr. Nider was appointed to replace Chad Freitas, term expiring April 2028. He emphasized the importance of ensuring equal rights and access in the city. No questions were raised. The committee voted to refer the appointment to the full city council. - Items 7, 8, and 9: Councillor Lopes moved to take no further action on these items. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Livery License Renewal (Camille Taylor): Referred to the full city council for approval at the May 12, 2026 meeting. The committee urged Ms. Taylor to keep all vehicles off the public street. - Appointment of Renee Ledbetter (Election Commission): Referred to the full city council for approval at the May 12, 2026 meeting, with a positive recommendation from the committee. - Appointment of George Bulger (Human Rights Commission): Referred to the full city council for approval at the May 12, 2026 meeting. - Appointment of Zachary Nider (Human Rights Commission): Referred to the full city council for approval at the May 12, 2026 meeting. - Items 7, 8, and 9: No further action taken. - Meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.

The New Bedford City Council's Special Committee on Environmental Affairs met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chamber (Room 214). The meeting was livestreamed and recorded. Committee members present included Councillor Shocket (Ward 1), Councillor Gomes (At-Large), and Councillor Roy (At-Large). Non-member Councillors Lopes (Ward 5), Oliver (Ward 3), and Pimentel (Ward 2) also attended. Councillor Pereira was absent. The sole agenda item was a motion from Councillor Shocket requesting that Wendy Morrill and Tracy Wallace of South Coast Neighbors United appear to present community-based waste solutions. The motion had been referred on March 26, 2024, and tabled on February 19, 2026. The committee voted to remove the item from the table and heard from Anthony Novelli, Executive Director of the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, and Matthew Thomas, legal counsel. Discussion Items - Landfill capacity and lifespan: Mr. Novelli reported that the Crapo Hill landfill currently operates six cells within Phase Two (Phase One is fully capped). Existing cells have an estimated remaining lifespan of approximately five years at current waste acceptance rates. A new cell in planning would add about seven more years. The district has reduced waste acceptance from outside municipalities to extend capacity, though this reduces revenue. - Waste diversion and recycling: The district promotes recycling and food waste diversion through programs like subsidized backyard compost bins and FoodCyclers. Mr. Novelli noted that organics represent a significant portion of the waste stream. He stated that approximately 50% of all solid waste generated in Massachusetts is disposed of in other states, but all of New Bedford's curbside waste goes directly to the Crapo Hill landfill. - Outreach challenges: The district operates the New Bedford Recycling program through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, NewBedfordRecycling.org). Councillor Roy asked about recycling rates and outreach. Mr. Novelli acknowledged challenges in reaching a multilingual community and addressing contamination, but did not provide specific recycling rate data. He expressed willingness to collaborate with the council on education efforts. - Future planning: The district is exploring rail diversion options for long-term waste management after the landfill closes. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to return the item to the table (motion by Councillor Shocket, seconded by Councillor Roy) to allow the originally invited speakers (Morrill and Wallace) to present at a future meeting, likely in May 2026 before the budget season. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM. Note: The original motion invited Morrill and Wallace; however, the district representatives Novelli and Thomas appeared instead. The committee chose to keep the item tabled until the originally invited speakers can attend.

On Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:01 p.m., the Committee on Finance met in the City Council Chambers. Attendees included Councilors Scott Humpton (Ward 2), Leo Cap (Ward 1), City Council President Lodge James Ball, and Councilors Naomi Carney and others. Two letters of absence were read into the record from Councilor Gomes and Councilor Abrew. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - Rosemary, a representative of the Zaitarian Theater, provided testimony on the theater's financial and operating expenses. She explained the theater's fiscal year ends December 31 and that the financials presented covered the 12 months ending December 31, 2025. She noted that the theater was closed until January 2026 and had no production expenses, with staff hiring occurring mainly in the last quarter of 2025. Discussion Items - Item 1: Zaitarian Theater Financial Report - Councilor Pereira requested that representatives from the Zaitarian Theater report on financial and operating expenses. Councilor Pereira expressed concern that city funds provided to the Zaitarian Theater should be used for building insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Rosemary provided a summary of expenses, noting that the theater's compensation and benefits totaled $1.622 million, with total expenses of $2.377 million in 2025. The theater expects expenses to rise to nearly $6 million now that it is operating. Councilor Carney requested that financial reports be provided to the council in advance of meetings. Councilor Pereira also requested a breakdown of IT, communication, and other operating expenses, though these may be included in the audit. - Item 2: Military Service Benefits for City Employees - Councilor Dunn and others requested the city accept provisions of Chapter 33, Section 59 of Massachusetts General Laws, which would provide benefits to city employees temporarily absent for service in the armed forces or reserves. The item had been tabled since 2019. Councilor Pereira requested input from the city solicitor and personnel department on the number of employees affected and the potential financial impact. The item was tabled for 60 days. - Item 3: Transfer of State Aid to School Department - CFO Bob West explained two orders transferring $1,070,555 and $314,530 from state aid to the school department's general expense account. These transfers restore funding to the schools after the governor's 10% cut to cherry sheet aid was overridden. The item was referred to the full city council for adoption. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Motion to take no further action and refer to the full city council passed. - Item 2: Motion to table the item for 60 days passed, with requests for information from the city solicitor and personnel department. - Item 3: Motion to refer to the full city council for adoption passed. - Item 4: A motion to take no further action on a previously tabled item failed due to insufficient votes to remove it from the table. The item remains tabled. - The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with Council President Ryan Pereira presiding. The meeting covered public hearings for utility infrastructure projects, mayor's communications, and several council orders. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM. Public Hearings & Utility Work - Item 1A (Cushman Avenue): Jessica Elder (NStar/Eversource) presented a proposal for 62 feet of conduit and one handhole at 1780 Cushman Avenue, expected to take 1–2 days. No public comment; the order was adopted. - Item 2A (Union Street): Eversource proposed 244 feet of conduit and enlargement/reconstruction of three existing manholes to serve 193 Union Street, expected to take 2–4 days. No public comment; the order was adopted. - Items 3–5A (Ashley Boulevard, Nash Road, Belleville Avenue): John Perrin (Cornerstone Energy Services) and Anthony Velou (Eversource) presented a major underground 115 kV transmission line project (4.1 miles) to replace two lines built in 1949 and 1951. The project had already received nine road grants; three more were needed. Work began in fall 2025, with completion expected around 2027–2028. Councillors discussed traffic mitigation, business access, and restoration plans including $20 million for sidewalks, curbs, and trees. A member of the public, Bob Burgess (property at 2324 Ashley Boulevard), asked about the start date and duration for his area. The orders were adopted. Mayor's Papers & Appointments - M1A (School Tuition Revolving Fund): The council accepted Mass General Law Chapter 71, Section 71F to allow the school department to establish a non-resident tuition revolving fund. Unanimously adopted. - M2A & M3A (Outstanding Invoices): Authorized payments of $4,182.01 (Treasurer-Collector) and $450 (Facilities & Fleet) from prior fiscal years. Unanimously adopted. - M4A (Form-Based Code Zoning Amendment): Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Department. - M5–M10A (Reappointments): The council reappointed Glenn Chandler, Ann R. O'Leary, Rosemary Saber (Library Trustees), Brian Ayotte (Community Preservation Committee), Diana Henry (Historical Commission), and Adriana Baptista (Constable). All passed 10-0. Council Orders & Reports - Item 6 (Gomes School Loan Order): Approved a $13,787,624 loan order for roof replacement and accessibility upgrades at Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School. Passed 10-0. - Item 7 (COLA Base Increase): Approved increasing the COLA base from $14,000 to $16,000, effective July 1, 2026, as recommended by the Committee on Finance and the New Bedford Retirement Board. Passed 10-0. - Item 8 (CPA FY26 Funding): Approved $2,227,341 in Community Preservation Act funding for 20 projects. Passed 10-0. - Item 9 (2026 FIFA World Cup Promotion): Councillor Abrew introduced a motion urging the city to actively engage in regional planning and promotion for the five group-stage matches at Gillette Stadium (June 13 – July 9, 2026). The motion, which calls for a targeted marketing strategy and a report from the Tourism Office to the Economic Development Committee, was adopted. - Items 10–18 (License Applications & Renewals): A new private liberty license application (Six Sister Express Transport) was referred to the Licensing Committee. Renewals for 11 private liberty licenses (Mel Transportation, Tia Suzette Transportation, Yeswe Van LLC, Bizarro Transportation, Bluebird Transportation, For Transportation, JSR Transportation LLC, and Elite Transportation) were granted. Key Outcomes - All three utility public hearing orders were adopted. - All mayor's communications (M1–M10) were approved or referred as noted. - The $13.79 million loan for Gomes School passed unanimously. - The COLA base increase to $16,000 passed unanimously. - CPA funding of $2.23 million for 20 projects passed unanimously. - A motion to promote New Bedford for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was adopted, with a follow-up report requested. - All license renewals were granted.

The New Bedford City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 7:01 PM at City Hall. Key actions included approving the sale of bonds and bond anticipation notes, discussing the fiscal 2027 cost of living adjustment for retirees, and adopting 20 Community Preservation Committee project recommendations totaling $2,227,341. Consent Calendar - A communication from Councilor Morat regarding a COLA base increase for retirees was received and placed on file. - A communication from CFO Bob Ekstrom was also received and placed on file. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Bond Sale Approval: John Taxios, Treasurer/Collector, presented a request to permanently finance $47,340,000 in projects and issue $36,621,169 in renewal temporary notes. He reported that the city received favorable rates: the bond issue (resized to $41,075,000) was sold to Huntington Securities at a true interest cost of 4.02%, with 11 bids received; the bond anticipation notes ($37,448,169) were sold to TD Financial Products at a net interest cost of 2.63%, with 4 bids received. S&P Global Ratings affirmed the city’s AA- underlying bond rating and assigned an SP1+ rating to the notes. Councilor Choquette asked whether the rating reflected the recent snowstorm budget impacts; Taxios clarified the debt was from the FY25 CIP and earlier projects and did not include recent events. - Item 2 – COLA Increase for Retirees: Lenny Belanger, Chair of the Retirement Board, reported that the fund has grown from $336 million to over $600 million in 8 years, earning 14.7% on investments last year. The proposed COLA increase to $16,000 (from $14,000) would cost the city approximately $1,167,000 per year. He noted that 57% of retirees receive $2,500/month or less, and 17% are at or below the poverty level. CFO Bob Ekstrom provided a budget overview, stating that mandatory costs (education, assessments, debt service) are up $28 million, while new revenue is only $18.8 million, leaving a $9.2 million non-tax-levy deficit. Adding department requests and insurance increases brings the total to a $15.3 million deficit. He noted that unfunded union contracts could add $4-4.2 million more. Councilor Pereira expressed concern about the city's contract management, calling it “atrocious” that police are in a third year without a contract. He supported the COLA increase, noting it would add about $1 million to the tax levy. Councilor Abreu asked about retiree hardships; Belanger said his office receives multiple calls weekly for assistance. The council referred the item to the full council for adoption of a $16,000 COLA. - Item 3 – Community Preservation Committee Funding Recommendations: Chair Jan DeSilver presented the FY26 recommendations. Of 28 initial applications, 2 withdrew, 6 were not recommended, and 20 were moved forward. Key projects included: - 105 Ashley Boulevard: $100,000 for community housing (9 units, all at 60% AMI). - Cape Verdean Veteran Artifacts & Documentation: $35,000 for historic preservation. - Former Friends Meeting House: $15,000 for a window assessment (historic resource). Councilor Abreu noted the 7-1 committee vote; DeSilver explained the dissenting member opposed funding a for-profit organization, but the majority supported it given the building’s National Historic Landmark status. - Gallery X Roof: $55,000 for a roof replacement. - Russell Howland House: $288,835 for community housing (16 low-moderate income units, 4 market rate). Councilor Baptiste expressed concerns about neighborhood parking and building height. - Habitat for Humanity: $150,000 for an affordable homeownership project on Pleasant Street (one of three planned lots). First homeownership project funded by CPC. - Historic Bonin Building Roof: $150,000. - New Bedford Art Museum Window Restoration: $215,000 to restore arched windows on the William and Pleasant Street sides. - New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Archives Phase 4: $35,000. - Library Hall Playbill Conservation Phase 2: $45,000. - Dais Field: $62,556 for lights and security cameras. - Riverside Park Playground: $245,000 for a replacement (includes moving the playground upland to avoid flooding). - Roach-Jones-Duff House Access for All: $42,000. - Ron Polo Film Collection: $40,000 to digitize and archive a collection of approximately 100,000 negatives/slides from a former Standard-Times photographer. Councilor Abreu asked about public access; DeSilver confirmed the collection will be freely available via Digital Commonwealth. - Strand Theatre Exterior: $100,000 to complete exterior work. - Taylor School Playground: $200,000. - Cape Verdean Veterans Hall Restoration: $160,000 for HVAC, insulation, structural work, and window restoration. Councilor Baptiste noted this is a separate entity from the artifact project. - William H. Kearney Lodge: $155,000 for exterior work and an ADA ramp. - YWCA Historical Stone Wall: $125,000 to restore a stone wall dating to the early 1800s. Key Outcomes - Bond & BAN Sale (Item 1): Amended to approve $41,075,000 in bonds and $37,448,169 in BANs (unanimous 9-0). Final approval as amended also unanimous (9-0). - COLA Increase (Item 2): Motion to refer to the full council for adoption of a $16,000 COLA passed 10-0. - Community Preservation Committee Recommendations (Item 3): All 20 projects were approved individually by voice vote, with roll call votes on projects 16 (10-0), 18 (10-0), and the final overarching referral (10-0). Total funding approved: $2,227,341. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7:01 PM in the City Council Chamber, with President Ryan Pereira presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Pastor Leona Fisher and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor at Large James Roy. Eight councillors were present; Councillors Carney (late), Burgo, and Oliver were absent. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. The council conducted a public hearing, considered several mayor's papers, and acted on new business items, including several referrals and adoptions. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was moved and adopted unanimously, covering routine approvals and actions not separately debated. Discussion Items - Hearing – Eversource Conduit Installation (Item 1): Jessica Elder of Eversource presented a petition to install approximately 58 feet of conduit encased in concrete on South Street to provide electric service to 65 Potomska Street for an electric bus charging station. Work is expected to take one to two days with a police detail and minimal traffic impact. Councillor Gomes inquired about the location relative to the terminal and the need for a detail due to traffic rerouting. Councillor Baptiste emphasized proper signage. No public testimony was offered. The public hearing was closed, and the order was adopted unanimously. - Mayor's Papers: - M1: Transfer of $91,000 from airport free cash to airport purchase of services – adopted. - M2: Transfer of $50,000 from EMS capital outlay to EMS supplies – adopted. - M3: Amendment to increase the Adult Social Day Program Revolving Fund limit from $330,000 to $530,000 for FY26 – adopted. - M4: Amendment to increase the EMS Training Academy Revolving Fund limit from $11,01 (as stated in transcript) to $22,401 for FY26 – adopted. - M5–M7: Authorizing payment of prior year invoices: $162.77 (airport), $39.99 (labor relations), $39.99 (health department) – adopted. - M8: Lease extension and amendment for New Bedford Airport Commission and Sandpiper Air Inc. – referred to the special committee on the airport. - M9–M10: Appointments of George Bulger and Zachary Needer to the Human Rights Commission – referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. - New Business: - Item 2 (Zoning Amendment – Dimensional Requirements): Report from the Committee on Ordinances recommending approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 9, Appendix B (table of dimensional regulations for residential infill development with multiple buildings per lot). Councillor Schocket noted community questions and requested further discussion. The item was referred to the Committee on Economic Development on a roll call vote of 7–1 (Councillor Pereira voted no). - Item 3 (Zoning Amendment – Table of Principal Uses): Report from the Committee on Ordinances recommending approval of an ordinance amending Chapter 9, Appendix A. Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. - Item 4 (Delinquent Tax Payment Agreements): Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 6, Section 2-105 to conform with Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024. Passed to a second reading. - Item 5 (Loan Order for City Building Repairs): Loan order appropriating $12,610,194 for repairs to city-owned buildings, including public safety facilities, recreational facilities, office space, capital equipment, vehicles, and roads. Passed to a second reading. - Item 6 (Fund Balance Management Policy): Updated changes to the city's fund balance policy. Adopted. - Item 7 (Transfer to Cable Access Stabilization Fund): Transfer of $5,037,282 from free cash to the cable access stabilization fund. Adopted on a roll call vote of 8–0. - Items 8–13 (Various Free Cash Transfers): Transfers from free cash to public infrastructure ($60,386), waste collection ($175,000), tourism ($84,700), recreation and parks ($70,000), MIS ($63,662), and auditor ($17,610) – all adopted on a roll call vote of 8–0. - Item 14 (Special Permit – K&D Auto Rentals): Application for a special permit for motor vehicle sales/rentals at 297 Belleville Avenue. Granted. - Items 15–22: Reports from committees recommending no further action. Waived and taken as such. - Item 23 (Motion re: Non-Functional Cameras): Councillor Pemberton requested Police Chief Jason Thody and DPI Commissioner Jamie Pont appear before the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods to explain why cameras at Ashley Boulevard and Tallman Street were not operational on the night of March 8, 2026, when approximately 10 shots were reported, and to provide information on the duration of non-functionality, repairs, and actions taken. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety. - Item 24 (Motion re: Property on Conduit Street): Councillor Pemberton requested the Health Department and Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods to address accumulation of old vehicles and debris at the bottom of Shaw Street, posing a safety hazard. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods. - Item 25 (Motion re: Ballot Placement Lottery): Councillors Burgo and Roy requested a home rule petition to authorize a randomized lottery system for ballot placement of candidates. Councillor Roy explained the referral is for research and discussion. Councillor Gomes expressed initial skepticism but supported referral. Referred to the Committee on Ordinances on a roll call vote of 8–0. - Items 26–29 (Licenses): Item 26 (new private liberty license for Anna Liz Valentin Burgos at 627 Allen Street) referred to the special committee on licensing and permits. Items 27–29 (renewals) granted with waived readings. - Item 30 (Letter to Attorney General): Notification of an amended zoning ordinance. Placed on file. Key Outcomes - Eversource hearing order adopted (unanimous). - Mayor's papers M1–M7 adopted unanimously. - M8 referred to airport committee. - M9–M10 referred to appointments committee. - Item 2 referred to Economic Development Committee (7–1). - Items 3, 23, 24, 25 referred to respective committees. - Items 4, 5 passed to second reading (unanimous). - Items 6, 14 adopted/granted (unanimous). - Items 7, 8–13 adopted on roll call votes of 8–0. - Items 15–22 taken as no further action. - Consent agenda adopted. - Meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM.