City of New Bedford Meetings
Search and subscribe to city meeting topics that impact you
Newsletters
Subscribe
← Back to video
City Council — September 10, 2026
−
Fit
+
IN
0:00
OUT
0:00
Length
0:00
▶ Play selection
Export clip
Keyboard:
I
set in,
O
set out,
←
/
→
nudge playhead 5s.
0:13
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
In
Out
0:14
Today is Thursday, September 10th, at 7 o'clock PM in the New Bedford City Council chamber.
In
Out
0:22
Before we begin our meeting tonight, I'd like to ask that we all take a moment to pause and remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
In
Out
0:31
We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the first responders and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage, and the families and communities whose lives were changed forever.
In
Out
0:42
25 years later, we honor their memory by coming together with compassion, gratitude, and a commitment to never forget.
In
Out
0:50
Please join me in a moment of silence.
In
Out
1:01
Thank you.
In
Out
1:03
We'll be led in prayer tonight by Associate Pastor Jamie Nguyen of the Grace Harbor Church.
In
Out
1:15
Let's pray.
In
Out
1:17
Heavenly Father, we, we come before you tonight with, with grateful hearts.
In
Out
1:23
Recognizing that you are the giver of wisdom and strength and peace.
In
Out
1:30
Lord, we lift up the city of New Bedford, lift up its residents, its families, its neighborhood, and everyone who serves this community.
In
Out
1:39
We pray for our mayor.
In
Out
1:40
We pray for our city council members here today.
In
Out
1:43
We, we pray for every person entrusted with leadership in this city.
In
Out
1:48
Give them wisdom to make good decisions.
In
Out
1:51
The courage to do what's right.
In
Out
1:53
Lord, when, when there are difficult decisions before them, give them clarity.
In
Out
1:59
When there are disagreements, grant humility and bring understanding.
In
Out
2:02
When there are challenges in our city, we ask that you would give our leaders wisdom to find solutions that bring hope and safety and prosperity to our community.
In
Out
2:15
We pray for the families who are struggling, for those who are hurting, for those who are looking for work, for our children and young people, for our seniors, for everyone who calls New Bedford home.
In
Out
2:26
Let there be peace in our neighborhoods.
In
Out
2:29
Let there be unity among our people.
In
Out
2:30
Help us to remember that we are stronger when we work together and care for one another.
In
Out
2:36
Father, guide every conversation, every decision made tonight in this chamber.
In
Out
2:41
Let justice, truth, integrity, and compassion guide those who serve.
In
Out
2:46
And above all, Lord, may your presence be be with us.
In
Out
2:49
We ask all these things in the name of Jesus.
In
Out
2:52
Amen.
In
Out
2:55
We are led by— in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight by Councilor at Large Ian Abreu.
In
Out
3:15
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
3:22
I am joined in the chamber this evening by my colleagues, Councilor at Large Ian Abreu, Councilor of Ward 2 Scott Pemberton, Councilor of Ward 1 Leo Choquette, Councilor of Ward 5 Joseph Lopes, Councilor at Large Brian Gomes, Councilor at Large James Roy, Councilor at Large Naomi Carney, Councilor of Ward 3, Sean Oliver.
In
Out
3:42
Councilor at Large Shane Burgill.
In
Out
3:44
And I am City Council President Ryan Pereira.
In
Out
3:47
I'd like to note that this meeting is being live streamed and recorded.
In
Out
3:51
City Council and committee meetings may be, may be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage under Quick Links, then Meetings.
In
Out
3:57
I'll ask the clerk if there are any letters to be read into the record.
In
Out
4:00
There are none, Mr. President.
In
Out
4:02
All right, thank you, colleagues.
In
Out
4:04
Without objection, the clerk— I will ask the clerk to read hearing items 1 through 3.
In
Out
4:08
They are all part of the same project.
In
Out
4:10
We'll ask the clerk to read.
In
Out
4:12
Mr. President, item 1 is a hearing from Enstar Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, for the location of approximately 102 feet of conduit and one handhole in front of existing lightning control cabinets in Willis Street.
In
Out
4:25
This conduit is necessary to provide service to 25 Willis Street.
In
Out
4:28
1A is the order.
In
Out
4:30
Item 2 is a hearing, uh, for the location of approximately 50 feet of conduit from existing handhole to customer-installed lightning control cabinet in Maxfield Street.
In
Out
4:40
And item 3 is the location of approximately 59 feet of conduit and one handhole in Pleasant Street and Tower Drive.
In
Out
4:47
This conduit is necessary to provide service to the intersection of Pleasant and North Streets.
In
Out
4:51
And 3A is the order.
In
Out
4:59
Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearing on items 1 through 3A, made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
In
Out
5:06
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
5:08
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
5:10
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
5:11
Jessica, good evening.
In
Out
5:12
Good evening, Mr. President and members of the City Council.
In
Out
5:15
Jessica Elder representing Eversource.
In
Out
5:17
Again, thank you for having me here this evening.
In
Out
5:20
So these 3 petitions you've put together, uh, one of them being on Willis Street Eversource is requesting permission to install approximately 102 feet of 2 4-inch conduit from the existing manhole to the proposed manhole within the right-of-way of Willard Street.
In
Out
5:36
This work is necessary for the service to 25 Willard Street, which is the lighting control cabinet.
In
Out
5:42
A police detail will be requested as necessary to safely manage traffic and pedestrian construction— during construction in any disturbed area.
In
Out
5:51
Will be put back into the same, same as original condition or better.
In
Out
5:57
Um, same thing for, uh, 982 Pleasant Street.
In
Out
6:02
Um, that is 50 feet of one 4-inch conduit as the same, same as on the first one, going from handhold to a custom-installed lighting control cabinet within the Maxfield right-of-way.
In
Out
6:15
Um, this work is necessary to provide service to 982 Pleasant Street.
In
Out
6:20
Again, police detail will be requested if necessary, and we will restore to its original condition or better.
In
Out
6:28
And Pleasant Street Tower Drive, uh, plan number 24115244, we're requesting to install a new handhole 8000/316C, approximately 59 feet of 2 4-inch conduit from the proposed handhole to existing manhole 8000 over 316 in the right-of-way of Pleasant and Tower Drive.
In
Out
6:52
And again, we will, uh, request a detail if necessary and respectfully request any approvals of these 3 petitions.
In
Out
7:03
Thank you, colleagues.
In
Out
7:04
Any questions of Jessica?
In
Out
7:09
Okay, seeing none, this is a public hearing, so I'll ask if there are any members of the public Who would like to speak in favor of this item?
In
Out
7:19
Speak in favor.
In
Out
7:20
If any member of the public would like to be recorded in favor of this item, to be recorded in favor.
In
Out
7:27
Would any member of the public like to speak in opposition?
In
Out
7:31
Speak in opposition.
In
Out
7:34
Be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
7:36
Be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
7:39
All right, seeing none, Colleagues, motion to close the public hearing would be appropriate.
In
Out
7:46
Made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
In
Out
7:49
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
7:50
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
7:52
Opposed?
In
Out
7:52
The ayes have it.
In
Out
7:53
Colleagues, your pleasure.
In
Out
7:55
Make a motion to follow the recommendation and adopt the orders for 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, and 3A.
In
Out
8:01
Motion to adopt the orders for 1 through 3A made by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
8:06
Seconded by Councillor Chauquet.
In
Out
8:08
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
8:13
All those in favor say— all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
8:17
Opposed?
In
Out
8:18
The ayes have it.
In
Out
8:24
Mr. President, item 4 is a hearing from Enstar Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, for the location of approximately 51 feet of conduit and 2 handholes in Belleville Avenue.
In
Out
8:35
This work is necessary to provide upgraded underground service and increase system reliability on Belleville Avenue.
In
Out
8:40
4A is the order.
In
Out
8:49
Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearing, made by Councillor Abreu, seconded by Councillor Pemberton.
In
Out
8:54
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
8:55
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
8:58
Opposed?
In
Out
8:58
The ayes have it.
In
Out
9:00
Jessica.
In
Out
9:01
So work order number, uh, Eversource work order number 26695107.
In
Out
9:06
Eversource is requesting permission to install 2 new manholes— handholes, I'm sorry— in approximately 51 feet of 2 4-inch conduits associated with pole 4/24, which is an existing pole on Belleville Ave.
In
Out
9:20
The work is necessary to provide an upgrade underground service and increase system reliability on Belleville Ave. Police detail will be requested.
In
Out
9:29
We are, you know, digging under the city street, and we will restore the condition of the road to the same, if not better.
In
Out
9:42
Perfect.
In
Out
9:42
Thank you.
In
Out
9:43
Anyone on the question for Jessica?
In
Out
9:50
All right.
In
Out
9:50
Seeing none, this is a public hearing.
In
Out
9:52
Would anyone like to speak in favor?
In
Out
9:54
Would anyone like to speak in favor?
In
Out
9:57
Would anyone like to be recorded in favor?
In
Out
9:59
Be recorded in favor.
In
Out
10:01
Would anyone like to speak in opposition?
In
Out
10:04
Speak in opposition.
In
Out
10:06
Would anyone like to be recorded in opposition?
In
Out
10:09
To be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
10:11
All right, seeing none, motion to close the public hearing would be appropriate.
In
Out
10:15
Made by Councilor Abrams, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
10:17
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
10:18
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
10:20
Opposed?
In
Out
10:20
The ayes have it.
In
Out
10:21
Colleagues, your pleasure.
In
Out
10:25
Motion to adopt the order as presented, made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
10:30
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
10:31
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
10:33
Opposed?
In
Out
10:34
The ayes have it.
In
Out
10:34
Jessica, thank you very much.
In
Out
10:35
Thank you so much.
In
Out
10:36
Everybody have a good evening.
In
Out
10:37
Thank you.
In
Out
10:37
Moving on to mayor's papers, I'll ask the clerk to read item M1.
In
Out
10:40
Mr. President, M1 is communication from Mayor Mitchell to the City Council submitting for approval An amendment to a lease purchase agreement and ground landlord estoppel and agreement for the city-owned property located at 32 Madison Street that is occupied by Pace.
In
Out
10:54
The amendment would allow Pace to borrow against its leasehold interest to obtain funding for capital improvements to the building.
In
Out
11:01
M1A is the lease and the agreement.
In
Out
11:03
Make a motion to receive and place in files item 1 and 1A and adopt as presented.
In
Out
11:07
Second.
In
Out
11:08
Motion to adopt made by Councilor Lope, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
In
Out
11:11
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
11:14
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
11:16
Opposed?
In
Out
11:16
The ayes have it.
In
Out
11:17
I will ask the clerk to read item M2.
In
Out
11:20
Mr. President, M2 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting an ordinance amending Chapter 9 relative to definition and use classification of data centers.
In
Out
11:28
And M2A is the ordinance.
In
Out
11:35
Motion to refer the item to the planning board and the committee on ordinance made by Councilor Abrams.
In
Out
11:39
Second.
In
Out
11:39
Seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
In
Out
11:41
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
11:42
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
11:44
Opposed?
In
Out
11:45
The ayes have it.
In
Out
11:46
I will ask the clerk to read out M3.
In
Out
11:48
Mr. President, M3 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting the appointment of Alyssa de Cunha, assistant director of the Board of Health of Dartmouth, Mass., as the executive director of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities.
In
Out
11:59
This term will expire in April of 2028.
In
Out
12:02
Motion to receive and place on file and refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.
In
Out
12:04
Second.
In
Out
12:05
Motion to refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings made by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
12:08
Seconded by Councilor Lobergo.
In
Out
12:09
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
12:10
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
12:13
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
12:14
I will ask the clerk to read M4.
In
Out
12:16
Mr. President, M4 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting the appointment of Joanna Gonzalez, community relations specialist of New Bedford, as the executive director of the Human Rights Commission, and this term will expire in September of 2029.
In
Out
12:28
Make a motion to receive and place on file and refer to Committee on Appointments and Briefings.
In
Out
12:31
Second.
In
Out
12:32
Motion to refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Burgos.
In
Out
12:36
On the question, the chair recognizes Counselor Burgo.
In
Out
12:41
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
12:42
I just wanted to acknowledge this appointment, which I'm glad it's finally here, mainly because at National Night Out on August 4th, Martin Bentz, who is the chair of our Human Rights Commission, was misinformed by the mayor.
In
Out
13:01
He was told that the council has blocked the mayor from being able to have any such appointment because of, as you all— this body knows, we were not interested in changing and disrupting the city's current structure for a new Health and Human Services department that has not been thought through fully.
In
Out
13:28
We didn't say no, we just said Let's take a pause and think through a plan that obviously was rushed and not fully thought through.
In
Out
13:37
And so even though Martin Benz was misinformed, I sent an email to Mayor Mitchell on August 5th.
In
Out
13:44
It went unanswered, but I'm glad to see, although he obviously lied again, another lie.
In
Out
13:50
And the only reason I want to stand up to talk about this is because we have to call this out when it happens.
In
Out
13:55
I know the mayor gets upset.
In
Out
13:56
Upset and he, you know, groans about us name-calling, but a lie is a lie, and that's— and it's, it's unacceptable from anyone.
In
Out
14:05
And so I, I have to call it out as often as possible for people to wake up and pay attention to how often this mayor lies to the general public to try to showcase the wrongs that he's doing here and the failures of this administration to not properly plan.
In
Out
14:22
Anyway, I won't go on and on about it, but I just— I think that this applicant that the mayor has put forward will do an amazing job.
In
Out
14:29
I look forward to screening this in appointments and briefing.
In
Out
14:31
I'm glad that he saw that the city council is not blocking him from doing his actual job.
In
Out
14:37
Thank you.
In
Out
14:38
Thank you.
In
Out
14:39
Anyone else?
In
Out
14:41
All right, on referral to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
14:47
Opposed?
In
Out
14:47
The ayes have it.
In
Out
14:48
I will ask the clerk to read item M5.
In
Out
14:50
Mr. President, M5 is a communication from Mayor Mitchell to the City Council submitting the appointment of Iman Gulati of New Bedford to the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Guillemy Santiago, who no longer resides in the city.
In
Out
15:01
This term will expire in December of 2028.
In
Out
15:04
Motion received and placed on file.
In
Out
15:05
Grant the appointment, waiving Rules 38 and 40.
In
Out
15:09
Motion to grant the appointment, waiving Rules 38 and 40.
In
Out
15:12
I would just like— oh, oh, sorry, go ahead.
In
Out
15:14
Just the chair would just like to inform the body that, um, Iman Gulati is already currently serving as an alternate member and attending these meetings, uh, but if we wanted to screen, that's still our prerogative.
In
Out
15:28
But she is being essentially promoted to a full-time member of the board.
In
Out
15:32
On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Braga.
In
Out
15:35
Yeah, so essentially I just wanted to reiterate that, is that this is a person who's already come before the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, has already come before this body has already screened, is already a part— well, a participating member in that they can't vote but has attended the meeting, has already been serving in this role.
In
Out
15:50
So that's why I, I have made the motion.
In
Out
15:53
Although it's worded as an appointment, in my mind they're already serving and just assuming this role, which is already what the role is designed to do.
In
Out
16:01
I just wanted the general public to understand.
In
Out
16:03
Thank you.
In
Out
16:04
Thank you, Councillor.
In
Out
16:05
Any other question?
In
Out
16:08
All right, I will ask the clerk to call the roll, waiving Rules 38 40 in granting the appointment.
In
Out
16:14
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
16:15
Yes.
In
Out
16:15
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
16:16
Yes.
In
Out
16:16
Yes.
In
Out
16:17
Councilor Virgo?
In
Out
16:17
Yes.
In
Out
16:18
Yes.
In
Out
16:18
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
16:19
Yes.
In
Out
16:20
Yes.
In
Out
16:20
Councilor Choquette?
In
Out
16:21
Yes.
In
Out
16:22
Yes.
In
Out
16:22
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
16:23
Yes.
In
Out
16:24
Yes.
In
Out
16:24
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
16:25
Yes.
In
Out
16:25
Yes.
In
Out
16:26
Councilor Oliver?
In
Out
16:27
Yes.
In
Out
16:27
Yes.
In
Out
16:28
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
16:28
Yes.
In
Out
16:29
Yes.
In
Out
16:29
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
16:30
Yes.
In
Out
16:31
Yes.
In
Out
16:31
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
16:32
Yes.
In
Out
16:32
Yes.
In
Out
16:32
Passed 11-0.
In
Out
16:34
Item passes 11-0.
In
Out
16:36
Without objection, I'll ask the clerk to read items M6 through M7A together.
In
Out
16:41
Mr. President, M6 is a communication from the mayor of the city council submitting the reappointment of Ian Daly of Taunton, Massachusetts as a constable.
In
Out
16:48
And M7 is a communication from the mayor of the council submitting the reappointment of Rick Nunes of New Bedford as a constable.
In
Out
16:59
Motion to grant the reappointments of M6 and M7 made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
In
Out
17:05
I believe.
In
Out
17:06
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
17:07
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
17:09
Opposed?
In
Out
17:10
The ayes have it.
In
Out
17:10
It's new business.
In
Out
17:11
I will ask the clerk to read item 5.
In
Out
17:14
Mr. President, item 5 is a report from the Committee on Finance recommending the City Council adoption of the order for the transfer of $157,791 from school general expense to school transportation.
In
Out
17:26
5A is the order.
In
Out
17:28
Motion to adopt.
In
Out
17:29
Motion to adopt has been made by Councilor Fargo.
In
Out
17:32
Seconded by By— who was that?
In
Out
17:34
By Councilor Roy.
In
Out
17:36
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
17:40
Chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
In
Out
17:43
Again, this is a small drop in the bucket to help the school replenish some of the funds that the mayor obviously cut from the school department budget.
In
Out
17:51
It doesn't help them on the transportation— as much on the transportation side.
In
Out
17:57
Again, the mayor cut millions of dollars from our school department.
In
Out
18:00
Department budget.
In
Out
18:01
I know not much has been talked about, so I want to bring it up as often as possible that the mayor has defunded our schools.
In
Out
18:07
So again, I hope that we can pass this transfer from, again, net school spending side to the non-net school spending side to hopefully help with the transportation, which has already been severely defunded over the years.
In
Out
18:21
Thank you.
In
Out
18:23
Anyone else?
In
Out
18:25
Okay.
In
Out
18:28
For adoption of the order for the transfer, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
18:32
Opposed?
In
Out
18:32
The ayes have it.
In
Out
18:33
I will ask the clerk to read item number 6.
In
Out
18:36
Mr. President, item 6 is a written motion from Councilor Lopes requesting that all future budget book submissions to the New Bedford City Council provide a line-by-line breakdown of all dues and subscriptions as part of each department submission.
In
Out
18:48
Motion to receive and place on file and follow recommendation referred to the Mayor Mitchell.
In
Out
18:52
The CFO's office, and the Committee on Finance.
In
Out
18:55
Motion to refer to Mayor Mitchell, the CFO's office, and the Committee on Finance, made by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Burgo.
In
Out
19:01
On the question, motion speaks for itself, will be discussed in committee.
In
Out
19:05
Okay, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
19:07
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
19:09
I will ask the clerk to read item number 7, please.
In
Out
19:12
Mr. President, item 7 is written motion from Councillor Abreu requesting the Committee on Finance and the administration through either the city's public safety departments or the Department of Health and Human Services identify and appropriate available funds to establish a program providing bicycle safety flags at no cost to eligible city residents for use by their children.
In
Out
19:31
Bicycle safety flags are a relatively inexpensive safety device that can be purchased at a low cost while providing an added measure of visibility for young riders, helping motorists more easily identify children on bicycles Particularly, particularly along roadways, at intersections, and around parked vehicles.
In
Out
19:49
Given the minimal cost of these flags compared with the potential benefit of increasing a child's visibility to motorists, the city should explore this simple, affordable investment in bicycle safety and injury prevention.
In
Out
20:01
Motion to refer the items to the Committee on Finance, CFO Robert Ekstrom, and the administration, made by Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
20:09
Seconded by Councilor Choquette.
In
Out
20:11
On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
20:14
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
In
Out
20:15
I'll be quick because this isn't something to politicize.
In
Out
20:19
This isn't about politics.
In
Out
20:20
This is about doing what's right for the community.
In
Out
20:22
You know, we spend as a city millions of dollars every year in our budget, um, dealing with the consequences of accidents, injuries, and public safety challenges We can spend hundreds, literally hundreds of dollars in this case, and I priced it all out.
In
Out
20:41
You can buy these safety flags at wholesale costs at $2 apiece.
In
Out
20:45
We could buy, just basic math, 250 for the community, and that would cost the city of New Bedford $500.
In
Out
20:52
I think we can find the money, honestly.
In
Out
20:54
Um, you know, I think that this is a common sense, cheap way to go around it.
In
Out
20:59
I didn't want to work on an ordinance where we mandate that children under certain weight or height, the parents have to erect these, these safety flags.
In
Out
21:07
Let's make it a free program.
In
Out
21:08
Let's make it inviting, engaging, and let's try to, you know, make, make our children a little more safer when they're in their neighborhoods on bicycles.
In
Out
21:19
I've already spoken to a family that we all know that unfortunately, you know, had an unspeakable tragedy a few months ago, and they're all on board with this.
In
Out
21:28
They love this idea.
In
Out
21:30
And they want to see the legacy of that beautiful little boy live on, and they think that maybe this could be a way for that to happen.
In
Out
21:36
So, um, I'll yield at this point, but the motion pretty much does speak for itself.
In
Out
21:40
So hopefully we can figure something out and work with the mayor.
In
Out
21:43
But even if— and if the mayor doesn't want to work with us, we'll just appropriate it ourselves.
In
Out
21:47
We'll do what we have to do.
In
Out
21:48
But this is a no-brainer for us, guys.
In
Out
21:49
Let's do it.
In
Out
21:50
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
21:51
I'll yield.
In
Out
21:52
Thank you, Councilor.
In
Out
21:53
Anyone else?
In
Out
21:56
All right, on referral to the Committee on Finance, CFO Ekstrom, and the administration.
In
Out
22:02
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
22:04
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
22:06
We'll ask the clerk to read item number 8.
In
Out
22:08
Mr. President, item 8 is a written motion from Councilor Burgo requesting that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods review the lack of public trash receptacles throughout the city of New Bedford and make recommendations for increasing the availability and accessibility of trash receptacles in neighborhoods and public spaces.
In
Out
22:26
Motion to receive and place on file and refer to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.
In
Out
22:31
Motion to refer to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, made by Councilor Lobergo, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
In
Out
22:37
On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Lobergo.
In
Out
22:40
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
22:42
I'm sure I'm not the only councilor who's gotten calls and complaints from residents and business owners alike.
In
Out
22:49
This has been an ongoing issue since the administration has taken out trash barrels.
In
Out
22:55
On the way into City Hall, you can see some trash barrels that are now flower pots.
In
Out
23:00
And the reason why I mention those flower pots that have been, you know, the trash barrels that have turned into flower pots is because one particular business owner that I spoke to had told me that he had reached out to the mayor's office and was informed that the reason why certain trash barrels were removed or aren't there or aren't able to be supplied in certain areas are because the city doesn't have enough trash barrels.
In
Out
23:26
And so I informed that business owner that they could look outside of City Hall for 4 that are turned into flower pots.
In
Out
23:34
As always, Mr. President, we know that these plans or thoughts policy positions of the mayor are not ever thought through.
In
Out
23:43
Down in your ward, Mr. President, in the beach area where families enjoy our beautiful beaches, they don't have anywhere to dispose of their trash.
In
Out
23:52
So where do they dispose of it?
In
Out
23:53
On the streets, on the beach areas.
In
Out
23:55
So the streets are littered with trash oftentimes.
In
Out
23:58
So it's created a larger problem.
In
Out
24:00
Even— I think a number of us here were tagged on Instagram Instagram post a couple weekends ago of a downtown area, which we know is the mayor's pride and joy, downtown area and a busy Union Street intersection doesn't have a trash barrel.
In
Out
24:15
It doesn't make any common sense, as always from this administration that doesn't have any thoughtful plan.
In
Out
24:21
So I want to get this into Public Safety and Neighborhoods because it affects our neighborhoods, and I believe that we should figure out why and how we can rectify this.
In
Out
24:30
Thank you.
In
Out
24:31
Thank you, Councilor.
In
Out
24:31
Anyone else?
In
Out
24:35
All right, on referral to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
24:39
Opposed?
In
Out
24:40
The ayes have it.
In
Out
24:40
I will ask the clerk to read item number 9.
In
Out
24:42
Mr. President, item 9 is written motion from Councilor Burgo requesting that the Committee on Audit review the mayor's new staff hire, including the position, compensation, funding source, and hiring process, and report its findings and recommendations to the full City Council.
In
Out
24:57
Motion received and placed on file and referred to the Committee on Audit.
In
Out
25:00
Motion to refer to the Committee on Audit made by Councilor Lobergo, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
In
Out
25:06
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
25:07
Chair recognizes Councilor Lobergo.
In
Out
25:10
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
25:11
Um, so as, as we're all aware, during the budget season, um, we were informed by the mayor's chief of staff that his special assistant, I believe is the actual term, was leaving.
In
Out
25:29
And so therefore that position would be vacant.
In
Out
25:32
And much like the positions that were cut out of the budget, he removed all the vacant positions and, and even positions that were filled.
In
Out
25:42
A lot of layoffs were also included in that.
In
Out
25:44
So this council saw fit to remove a vacant position in the mayor's office.
In
Out
25:50
And as much as the mayor talks about austerity measures, we felt that he should put his money where his mouth is in this situation.
In
Out
25:59
We cut this position amongst other positions, which we can get into at another time.
In
Out
26:03
But now we're being told that he hired someone for this position, which is not funded in his 100 account.
In
Out
26:11
So I'm just curious if— is Is this an unpaid intern?
In
Out
26:14
Is this a volunteer?
In
Out
26:16
Because there is no funding mechanism for this supposed new hire that has been walking around the city with him, driving him around, and going to meetings with him.
In
Out
26:26
So if this is something that we refer to as deficit spending and he's doing it intentionally, then that would be a direct violation of Mass.
In
Out
26:35
General Law Chapter 44, Section 31.
In
Out
26:38
And so we need to get to the bottom of it.
In
Out
26:40
I hope that we can get into Audit Committee and review this amongst other departments.
In
Out
26:45
I know there's a longstanding motion from you, Mr. President, in the Audit Committee to review all departments, and I hope the current chairman to the left of me will review all departments, not just this new hire, because we know there's many other cuts that we have made to this budget that has continued to go fully funded.
In
Out
27:05
And I hope that we can get control of this out-of-control spending.
In
Out
27:09
Thank you.
In
Out
27:11
Thank you, Councillor.
In
Out
27:11
Anyone else?
In
Out
27:14
All right, on referral to the Committee on Audit, roll call vote was requested.
In
Out
27:21
I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
In
Out
27:23
Councillor Abrams?
In
Out
27:24
Yes.
In
Out
27:24
Councillor Baptiste?
In
Out
27:26
Yes.
In
Out
27:26
Councillor Burgos?
In
Out
27:27
Yes.
In
Out
27:28
Councillor Carney?
In
Out
27:28
Yes.
In
Out
27:29
Yes.
In
Out
27:29
Councillor Chauquet?
In
Out
27:30
Yes.
In
Out
27:31
Yes.
In
Out
27:31
Councilor Gomes.
In
Out
27:32
Yes.
In
Out
27:33
Yes.
In
Out
27:33
Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
27:34
Yes.
In
Out
27:34
Yes.
In
Out
27:35
Councilor Oliver.
In
Out
27:35
Yes.
In
Out
27:36
Yes.
In
Out
27:36
Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
27:37
Yes.
In
Out
27:38
Yes.
In
Out
27:38
Councilor Pereira.
In
Out
27:39
Yes.
In
Out
27:39
Yes.
In
Out
27:40
Councilor Roy.
In
Out
27:40
No.
In
Out
27:41
No.
In
Out
27:42
Passes 10 to 1, Mr. President.
In
Out
27:44
Item passes 10 to 1.
In
Out
27:46
I will ask, I, uh, the clerk to read item 10, please.
In
Out
27:49
Mr. President, item 10 is written motion from Councilor Abreu and City Council President Pereira requesting that DPI and any other applicable city departments provide the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs a list of all logged calls regarding odor complaints in the South End and surrounding the sewage treatment plant.
In
Out
28:09
Motion to make the request of DPI, city departments, and provide that information to the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs, made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
28:20
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
28:22
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
28:24
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
28:25
I will ask the clerk to read item number 11.
In
Out
28:27
Mr. President, item 11 is a written motion from Councilor Pereira— Council President Pereira— requesting the Committee on Audit review the City of New Bedford's health insurance brokers' fees, consultants' fees, and any other information surrounding this matter that the committee deem relevant, and further, that the committee review all commissions paid out for the last 3 fiscal years.
In
Out
28:48
Motion received and placed on file and referred to the Committee on Audit.
In
Out
28:51
Motion referred to the Committee on Audit made by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
In
Out
28:56
On the question, if the body would allow just one comment from the chair.
In
Out
29:00
Uh, we've— I've asked this of the personnel director multiple times to provide this information.
In
Out
29:06
It has not come to this— to myself.
In
Out
29:08
Um, I spoke to a couple of my colleagues.
In
Out
29:11
It has not come to them as well.
In
Out
29:12
At this point in time, the Committee on Audit can take action if needed.
In
Out
29:16
Thank you.
In
Out
29:17
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
29:19
All right, on referral to the Committee on Audit, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
29:23
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
29:24
I will ask the clerk to read item 12.
In
Out
29:26
Mr. President, item 12 is communication from Councilor Gomes submitting a request on behalf of the Bedford Veterans Advisory Board for the permission to place 2 plaques at 2 existing memorial trees located at Klasky Common Park that were planted and dedicated in 1951 in honor of Gold Star mothers and Gold Star wives.
In
Out
29:44
Motion to follow recommendation.
In
Out
29:47
Motion to grant the approval made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
29:51
On the question, roll call vote.
In
Out
29:53
Okay, no one on the question.
In
Out
29:55
I will ask the clerk to call the roll on adoption.
In
Out
29:58
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
30:00
Yes.
In
Out
30:00
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
30:01
Yes.
In
Out
30:02
Councilor Burgos?
In
Out
30:03
Yes.
In
Out
30:03
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
30:05
Yes.
In
Out
30:05
Councilor Choquette?
In
Out
30:06
Yes.
In
Out
30:07
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
30:09
Yes.
In
Out
30:09
Yes.
In
Out
30:10
Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
30:11
Yes.
In
Out
30:11
Yes.
In
Out
30:12
Councilor Oliver.
In
Out
30:13
Yes.
In
Out
30:13
Yes.
In
Out
30:14
Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
30:14
Yes.
In
Out
30:15
Yes.
In
Out
30:15
Councilor Pereira.
In
Out
30:16
Yes.
In
Out
30:17
Yes.
In
Out
30:17
Councilor Roy.
In
Out
30:18
Yes.
In
Out
30:19
Yes.
In
Out
30:19
11 to 0, Mr. President.
In
Out
30:21
My apology, could we waive Rule 40 on this, please?
In
Out
30:24
Okay, that— the approval— approval is granted 11 to nothing.
In
Out
30:30
Waive Rule 40 now, made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
30:35
I will ask the clerk to call a roll on waiving Rule 40.
In
Out
30:39
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
30:40
Yes.
In
Out
30:40
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
30:41
Yes.
In
Out
30:42
Councilor Burgos?
In
Out
30:43
Yes.
In
Out
30:44
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
30:45
Yes.
In
Out
30:45
Yes.
In
Out
30:46
Councilor Chokek?
In
Out
30:47
Yes.
In
Out
30:47
Yes.
In
Out
30:48
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
30:48
Yes.
In
Out
30:49
Yes.
In
Out
30:50
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
30:51
Yes.
In
Out
30:52
Councilor Oliver?
In
Out
30:53
Yes.
In
Out
30:54
Yes.
In
Out
30:54
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
30:55
Yes.
In
Out
30:55
Yes.
In
Out
30:56
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
30:56
Yes.
In
Out
30:57
Yes.
In
Out
30:57
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
30:58
Yes.
In
Out
30:59
Yes.
In
Out
30:59
11-0.
In
Out
31:00
Item passes 11 to 0.
In
Out
31:03
I will ask the clerk to call the rule— um, excuse me, I'll ask the clerk to read item number 13, please.
In
Out
31:07
Mr. President, item 13 is a communication from Ann Laurel, the preservation planner, to the city council regarding the demolition review at 262 Carroll Street, Map 38, Lot 172.
In
Out
31:20
This is a circa 1927 wood frame structure for partial demolition, advising that the structure is not located within a National Register Historic District The structure is constructed on the Dutch— in the Dutch colonial style with a gambrel roof.
In
Out
31:34
The roof is to be demolished for the purpose of raising the height and to modify its pitch to a hip roof style.
In
Out
31:40
The structure is of no notable historic significance, either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure.
In
Out
31:47
In light of these findings, the preservation planner has determined that the wood frame structure located at 262 Carroll Street is neither historically significant nor nor is it preferably preserved.
In
Out
31:57
Make a motion to receive and place on file, follow recommendation of the Historical Commission, and grant the demolition.
In
Out
32:03
Motion to grant the demolition made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Lobergo.
In
Out
32:06
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
32:08
All those in favor of granting the demolition say aye.
In
Out
32:11
Aye.
In
Out
32:11
Opposed?
In
Out
32:12
The ayes have it.
In
Out
32:13
There are 2 tabled items.
In
Out
32:14
Motion to remove from tabled items— both tabled items dated 03/12/2026.
In
Out
32:21
Motion to remove both tabled items dated 03/12/2026.
In
Out
32:27
At this time, I will— do I ask you to read it first?
In
Out
32:31
Is there a second to remove from the table?
In
Out
32:34
Seconded by Councilor Carney.
In
Out
32:36
I'll ask the clerk to read the 2 tabled items, then we can vote.
In
Out
32:39
Mr. President, the first item is a communication from the mayor to the council submitting the appointment of Kendra Parker as acting administrative assistant to the Board of Assessors.
In
Out
32:47
And the second is a communication from the mayor of the council submitting a request for a waiver for the education and experience requirements for the position of administrative assister— assistant to the Board of Assessors.
In
Out
32:57
All right, all those in favor of removing the items from the table say aye.
In
Out
33:01
Aye.
In
Out
33:02
Opposed?
In
Out
33:02
The ayes have it.
In
Out
33:04
The 2 items are now before us.
In
Out
33:06
Motion to approve.
In
Out
33:07
Motion to approve both items made by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
33:28
Second.
In
Out
33:28
Motion to approve made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
33:32
On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
In
Out
33:35
Thank you.
In
Out
33:36
Um, so I made a motion to approve because we have to make our motions in the affirmative, but I want to be very clear that I do not approve of this appointment or this waiver.
In
Out
33:47
We already have someone serving in this role who is competent and who is serving diligently with a waiver from this body.
In
Out
33:53
If the mayor wants to put forward someone who doesn't require a waiver, who already meets all the educational requirements and does well, then we can review it at that time.
In
Out
34:03
But I don't feel at this time that we need to review anyone and grant a any additional waivers because we already have someone serving and doing an excellent job.
In
Out
34:10
So at this time, I'd encourage my colleagues to vote no at this time for a motion to approve.
In
Out
34:15
Thank you.
In
Out
34:16
Okay, thank you, Councilor Burgos.
In
Out
34:19
Anyone else on the question?
In
Out
34:22
All right, on the motion to approve, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.
In
Out
34:25
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
34:27
Yeah, that's okay.
In
Out
34:29
No.
In
Out
34:31
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
34:32
No.
In
Out
34:33
Councilor Burgow?
In
Out
34:34
No.
In
Out
34:34
No.
In
Out
34:35
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
34:35
No.
In
Out
34:36
No.
In
Out
34:36
Councilor Chilcott?
In
Out
34:38
No.
In
Out
34:38
No.
In
Out
34:38
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
34:40
No.
In
Out
34:40
No.
In
Out
34:40
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
34:41
No.
In
Out
34:42
No.
In
Out
34:42
Councilor Oliver?
In
Out
34:43
No.
In
Out
34:44
No.
In
Out
34:44
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
34:45
No.
In
Out
34:46
No.
In
Out
34:46
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
34:47
No.
In
Out
34:48
No.
In
Out
34:48
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
34:49
No.
In
Out
34:50
No.
In
Out
34:51
Mr. President, it fails 0 to 11.
In
Out
34:53
Item fails 0 to 11.
In
Out
34:56
Motion to take up and adopt consent.
In
Out
34:57
Motion to take up and adopt the consent agenda made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Councillor Carney.
In
Out
35:02
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
35:03
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
35:05
Opposed?
In
Out
35:05
The ayes have it.
In
Out
35:07
Motion to adjourn.
In
Out
35:08
Motion to adjourn made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Councillor Carney.
In
Out
35:12
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
35:13
Seeing none, all those in favor?
In
Out
35:16
Opposed?
In
Out
35:17
The ayes have it, and we are adjourned at 7:35 PM.
In
Out