Burgo Challenges Mayor Over City Department Restructuring and Human Rights Appointee
Council Approves $157,791 School Transportation Budget Transfer
Proposal for Free Bicycle Safety Flags for City Children
Concerns Raised Over Lack of Public Trash Barrels in Neighborhoods and Downtown
Council Probes Mayor Over Alleged Deficit Spending on Defunded Staff Role
Council Requests Odor Complaint Logs for South End Sewage Plant
The New Bedford City Council met on September 10, 2026, opening with a moment of silence in observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, followed by an opening prayer by Associate Pastor Jamie Nguyen of Grace Harbor Church. The council approved multiple utility petitions from Eversource Energy for conduit installations on Willis Street, Maxfield Street, Pleasant Street, Tower Drive, and Belleville Avenue. The council also approved an amendment to the lease-purchase agreement for 32 Madison Street, allowing PACE to borrow against its leasehold interest for building capital improvements, and approved the partial demolition and roof reconstruction of a residential structure at 262 Carroll Street. Key mayoral appointments were processed, including the appointment of Ymane Galotti to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approved 11-0) and the reappointments of Ian Daly and Rick Nunes as constables. Appointments for Alyssa de Cunha (Commission for Citizens with Disabilities) and Joanna Gonzalez (Human Rights Commission) were referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. During discussions, Councillor at Large Shane A. Burgo criticized Mayor Jon Mitchell regarding statements on the city's health and human services restructuring and regarding a newly hired mayoral staff member whose position Burgo asserted had been cut during budget proceedings. Burgo's motion to have the Committee on Audit investigate the mayoral hire passed 10-1, with Councillor James Roy dissenting. Additionally, the council voted unanimously 0-11 to reject the tabled appointment and qualification waiver for Kendra Parker as acting administrative assistant to the Board of Assessors. Several council motions and financial orders were advanced. The council approved a $157,791 transfer within the School Department from general expense to school transportation. Other approved referrals included an ordinance classifying data centers sent to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee, a proposal from Councillor Ian Abreu to establish a free bicycle safety flag distribution program for children, a review of public trash receptacle availability, an audit of city health insurance broker and consulting fees over the past three fiscal years, and permission for the Veterans Advisory Board to install two Gold Star memorial plaques at Clasky Common Park.
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Council
City Officials
Public / Other
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
0:14Today is Thursday, September 10th, at 7 o'clock PM in the New Bedford City Council chamber.
0:22Before 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.
0:31We 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.
0:4225 years later, we honor their memory by coming together with compassion, gratitude, and a commitment to never forget.
0:50Please join me in a moment of silence.
1:01Thank you.
1:03We'll be led in prayer tonight by Associate Pastor Jamie Nguyen of the Grace Harbor Church.
1:15Let's pray.
1:17Heavenly Father, we, we come before you tonight with, with grateful hearts.
1:23Recognizing that you are the giver of wisdom and strength and peace.
1:30Lord, we lift up the city of New Bedford, lift up its residents, its families, its neighborhood, and everyone who serves this community.
1:39We pray for our mayor.
1:40We pray for our city council members here today.
1:43We, we pray for every person entrusted with leadership in this city.
1:48Give them wisdom to make good decisions.
1:51The courage to do what's right.
1:53Lord, when, when there are difficult decisions before them, give them clarity.
1:59When there are disagreements, grant humility and bring understanding.
2:02When 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.
2:15We 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.
2:26Let there be peace in our neighborhoods.
2:29Let there be unity among our people.
2:30Help us to remember that we are stronger when we work together and care for one another.
2:36Father, guide every conversation, every decision made tonight in this chamber.
2:41Let justice, truth, integrity, and compassion guide those who serve.
2:46And above all, Lord, may your presence be be with us.
2:49We ask all these things in the name of Jesus.
2:52Amen.
2:55We are led by— in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight by Councilor at Large Ian Abreu.
3:15Thank you, Mr. President.
3:22I 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.
3:42Councilor at Large Shane Burgill.
3:44And I am City Council President Ryan Pereira.
3:47I'd like to note that this meeting is being live streamed and recorded.
3:51City Council and committee meetings may be, may be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage under Quick Links, then Meetings.
3:57I'll ask the clerk if there are any letters to be read into the record.
4:00There are none, Mr. President.
4:02All right, thank you, colleagues.
4:04Without objection, the clerk— I will ask the clerk to read hearing items 1 through 3.
4:08They are all part of the same project.
4:10We'll ask the clerk to read.
4:12Mr. 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.
4:25This conduit is necessary to provide service to 25 Willis Street.
4:281A is the order.
4:30Item 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.
4:40And item 3 is the location of approximately 59 feet of conduit and one handhole in Pleasant Street and Tower Drive.
4:47This conduit is necessary to provide service to the intersection of Pleasant and North Streets.
4:51And 3A is the order.
4:59Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearing on items 1 through 3A, made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
5:06Anyone on the question?
5:08All those in favor say aye.
5:10Opposed, the ayes have it.
5:11Jessica, good evening.
5:12Good evening, Mr. President and members of the City Council.
5:15Jessica Elder representing Eversource.
5:17Again, thank you for having me here this evening.
5:20So 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.
5:36This work is necessary for the service to 25 Willard Street, which is the lighting control cabinet.
5:42A police detail will be requested as necessary to safely manage traffic and pedestrian construction— during construction in any disturbed area.
5:51Will be put back into the same, same as original condition or better.
5:57Um, same thing for, uh, 982 Pleasant Street.
6:02Um, 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.
6:15Um, this work is necessary to provide service to 982 Pleasant Street.
6:20Again, police detail will be requested if necessary, and we will restore to its original condition or better.
6:28And 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.
6:52And again, we will, uh, request a detail if necessary and respectfully request any approvals of these 3 petitions.
7:03Thank you, colleagues.
7:04Any questions of Jessica?
7:09Okay, 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?
7:19Speak in favor.
7:20If any member of the public would like to be recorded in favor of this item, to be recorded in favor.
7:27Would any member of the public like to speak in opposition?
7:31Speak in opposition.
7:34Be recorded in opposition.
7:36Be recorded in opposition.
7:39All right, seeing none, Colleagues, motion to close the public hearing would be appropriate.
7:46Made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
7:49Anyone on the question?
7:50All those in favor say aye.
7:52Opposed?
7:52The ayes have it.
7:53Colleagues, your pleasure.
7:55Make a motion to follow the recommendation and adopt the orders for 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, and 3A.
8:01Motion to adopt the orders for 1 through 3A made by Councilor Lopes.
8:06Seconded by Councillor Chauquet.
8:08Anyone on the question?
8:13All those in favor say— all those in favor say aye.
8:17Opposed?
8:18The ayes have it.
8:24Mr. 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.
8:35This work is necessary to provide upgraded underground service and increase system reliability on Belleville Avenue.
8:404A is the order.
8:49Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearing, made by Councillor Abreu, seconded by Councillor Pemberton.
8:54Anyone on the question?
8:55All those in favor say aye.
8:58Opposed?
8:58The ayes have it.
9:00Jessica.
9:01So work order number, uh, Eversource work order number 26695107.
9:06Eversource 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.
9:20The work is necessary to provide an upgrade underground service and increase system reliability on Belleville Ave. Police detail will be requested.
9:29We are, you know, digging under the city street, and we will restore the condition of the road to the same, if not better.
9:42Perfect.
9:42Thank you.
9:43Anyone on the question for Jessica?
9:50All right.
9:50Seeing none, this is a public hearing.
9:52Would anyone like to speak in favor?
9:54Would anyone like to speak in favor?
9:57Would anyone like to be recorded in favor?
9:59Be recorded in favor.
10:01Would anyone like to speak in opposition?
10:04Speak in opposition.
10:06Would anyone like to be recorded in opposition?
10:09To be recorded in opposition.
10:11All right, seeing none, motion to close the public hearing would be appropriate.
10:15Made by Councilor Abrams, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
10:17Anyone on the question?
10:18All those in favor say aye.
10:20Opposed?
10:20The ayes have it.
10:21Colleagues, your pleasure.
10:25Motion to adopt the order as presented, made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Pemberton.
10:30Anyone on the question?
10:31All those in favor say aye.
10:33Opposed?
10:34The ayes have it.
10:34Jessica, thank you very much.
10:35Thank you so much.
10:36Everybody have a good evening.
10:37Thank you.
10:37Moving on to mayor's papers, I'll ask the clerk to read item M1.
10:40Mr. 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.
10:54The amendment would allow Pace to borrow against its leasehold interest to obtain funding for capital improvements to the building.
11:01M1A is the lease and the agreement.
11:03Make a motion to receive and place in files item 1 and 1A and adopt as presented.
11:07Second.
11:08Motion to adopt made by Councilor Lope, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
11:11Anyone on the question?
11:14All those in favor say aye.
11:16Opposed?
11:16The ayes have it.
11:17I will ask the clerk to read item M2.
11:20Mr. 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.
11:28And M2A is the ordinance.
11:35Motion to refer the item to the planning board and the committee on ordinance made by Councilor Abrams.
11:39Second.
11:39Seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
11:41Anyone on the question?
11:42All those in favor say aye.
11:44Opposed?
11:45The ayes have it.
11:46I will ask the clerk to read out M3.
11:48Mr. 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.
11:59This term will expire in April of 2028.
12:02Motion to receive and place on file and refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.
12:04Second.
12:05Motion to refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings made by Councilor Lopes.
12:08Seconded by Councilor Lobergo.
12:09Anyone on the question?
12:10All those in favor say aye.
12:13Opposed, the ayes have it.
12:14I will ask the clerk to read M4.
12:16Mr. 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.
12:28Make a motion to receive and place on file and refer to Committee on Appointments and Briefings.
12:31Second.
12:32Motion to refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Burgos.
12:36On the question, the chair recognizes Counselor Burgo.
12:41Thank you, Mr. President.
12:42I 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.
13:01He 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.
13:28We 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.
13:37And so even though Martin Benz was misinformed, I sent an email to Mayor Mitchell on August 5th.
13:44It went unanswered, but I'm glad to see, although he obviously lied again, another lie.
13:50And the only reason I want to stand up to talk about this is because we have to call this out when it happens.
13:55I know the mayor gets upset.
13:56Upset 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.
14:05And 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.
14:22Anyway, 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.
14:29I look forward to screening this in appointments and briefing.
14:31I'm glad that he saw that the city council is not blocking him from doing his actual job.
14:37Thank you.
14:38Thank you.
14:39Anyone else?
14:41All right, on referral to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, all those in favor say aye.
14:47Opposed?
14:47The ayes have it.
14:48I will ask the clerk to read item M5.
14:50Mr. 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.
15:01This term will expire in December of 2028.
15:04Motion received and placed on file.
15:05Grant the appointment, waiving Rules 38 and 40.
15:09Motion to grant the appointment, waiving Rules 38 and 40.
15:12I would just like— oh, oh, sorry, go ahead.
15:14Just 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.
15:28But she is being essentially promoted to a full-time member of the board.
15:32On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Braga.
15:35Yeah, 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.
15:50So that's why I, I have made the motion.
15:53Although 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.
16:01I just wanted the general public to understand.
16:03Thank you.
16:04Thank you, Councillor.
16:05Any other question?
16:08All right, I will ask the clerk to call the roll, waiving Rules 38 40 in granting the appointment.
16:14Councilor Abreu?
16:15Yes.
16:15Councilor Baptiste?
16:16Yes.
16:16Yes.
16:17Councilor Virgo?
16:17Yes.
16:18Yes.
16:18Councilor Carney?
16:19Yes.
16:20Yes.
16:20Councilor Choquette?
16:21Yes.
16:22Yes.
16:22Councilor Gomes?
16:23Yes.
16:24Yes.
16:24Councilor Lopes?
16:25Yes.
16:25Yes.
16:26Councilor Oliver?
16:27Yes.
16:27Yes.
16:28Councilor Pemberton?
16:28Yes.
16:29Yes.
16:29Councilor Pereira?
16:30Yes.
16:31Yes.
16:31Councilor Roy?
16:32Yes.
16:32Yes.
16:32Passed 11-0.
16:34Item passes 11-0.
16:36Without objection, I'll ask the clerk to read items M6 through M7A together.
16:41Mr. President, M6 is a communication from the mayor of the city council submitting the reappointment of Ian Daly of Taunton, Massachusetts as a constable.
16:48And M7 is a communication from the mayor of the council submitting the reappointment of Rick Nunes of New Bedford as a constable.
16:59Motion to grant the reappointments of M6 and M7 made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
17:05I believe.
17:06Anyone on the question?
17:07All those in favor say aye.
17:09Opposed?
17:10The ayes have it.
17:10It's new business.
17:11I will ask the clerk to read item 5.
17:14Mr. 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.
17:265A is the order.
17:28Motion to adopt.
17:29Motion to adopt has been made by Councilor Fargo.
17:32Seconded by By— who was that?
17:34By Councilor Roy.
17:36Anyone on the question?
17:40Chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
17:43Again, 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.
17:51It doesn't help them on the transportation— as much on the transportation side.
17:57Again, the mayor cut millions of dollars from our school department.
18:00Department budget.
18:01I 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.
18:07So 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.
18:21Thank you.
18:23Anyone else?
18:25Okay.
18:28For adoption of the order for the transfer, all those in favor say aye.
18:32Opposed?
18:32The ayes have it.
18:33I will ask the clerk to read item number 6.
18:36Mr. 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.
18:48Motion to receive and place on file and follow recommendation referred to the Mayor Mitchell.
18:52The CFO's office, and the Committee on Finance.
18:55Motion to refer to Mayor Mitchell, the CFO's office, and the Committee on Finance, made by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Burgo.
19:01On the question, motion speaks for itself, will be discussed in committee.
19:05Okay, all those in favor say aye.
19:07Opposed, the ayes have it.
19:09I will ask the clerk to read item number 7, please.
19:12Mr. 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.
19:31Bicycle 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.
19:49Given 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.
20:01Motion to refer the items to the Committee on Finance, CFO Robert Ekstrom, and the administration, made by Councilor Abreu.
20:09Seconded by Councilor Choquette.
20:11On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Abreu.
20:14Thank you very much, Mr. President.
20:15I'll be quick because this isn't something to politicize.
20:19This isn't about politics.
20:20This is about doing what's right for the community.
20:22You 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.
20:41You can buy these safety flags at wholesale costs at $2 apiece.
20:45We could buy, just basic math, 250 for the community, and that would cost the city of New Bedford $500.
20:52I think we can find the money, honestly.
20:54Um, you know, I think that this is a common sense, cheap way to go around it.
20:59I 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.
21:07Let's make it a free program.
21:08Let'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.
21:19I'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.
21:28They love this idea.
21:30And 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.
21:36So, um, I'll yield at this point, but the motion pretty much does speak for itself.
21:40So hopefully we can figure something out and work with the mayor.
21:43But even if— and if the mayor doesn't want to work with us, we'll just appropriate it ourselves.
21:47We'll do what we have to do.
21:48But this is a no-brainer for us, guys.
21:49Let's do it.
21:50Thank you, Mr. President.
21:51I'll yield.
21:52Thank you, Councilor.
21:53Anyone else?
21:56All right, on referral to the Committee on Finance, CFO Ekstrom, and the administration.
22:02All those in favor say aye.
22:04Opposed, the ayes have it.
22:06We'll ask the clerk to read item number 8.
22:08Mr. 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.
22:26Motion to receive and place on file and refer to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.
22:31Motion to refer to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, made by Councilor Lobergo, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
22:37On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Lobergo.
22:40Thank you, Mr. President.
22:42I'm sure I'm not the only councilor who's gotten calls and complaints from residents and business owners alike.
22:49This has been an ongoing issue since the administration has taken out trash barrels.
22:55On the way into City Hall, you can see some trash barrels that are now flower pots.
23:00And 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.
23:26And so I informed that business owner that they could look outside of City Hall for 4 that are turned into flower pots.
23:34As always, Mr. President, we know that these plans or thoughts policy positions of the mayor are not ever thought through.
23:43Down 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.
23:52So where do they dispose of it?
23:53On the streets, on the beach areas.
23:55So the streets are littered with trash oftentimes.
23:58So it's created a larger problem.
24:00Even— 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.
24:15It doesn't make any common sense, as always from this administration that doesn't have any thoughtful plan.
24:21So 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.
24:30Thank you.
24:31Thank you, Councilor.
24:31Anyone else?
24:35All right, on referral to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, all those in favor say aye.
24:39Opposed?
24:40The ayes have it.
24:40I will ask the clerk to read item number 9.
24:42Mr. 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.
24:57Motion received and placed on file and referred to the Committee on Audit.
25:00Motion to refer to the Committee on Audit made by Councilor Lobergo, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
25:06Anyone on the question?
25:07Chair recognizes Councilor Lobergo.
25:10Thank you, Mr. President.
25:11Um, 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.
25:29And so therefore that position would be vacant.
25:32And much like the positions that were cut out of the budget, he removed all the vacant positions and, and even positions that were filled.
25:42A lot of layoffs were also included in that.
25:44So this council saw fit to remove a vacant position in the mayor's office.
25:50And as much as the mayor talks about austerity measures, we felt that he should put his money where his mouth is in this situation.
25:59We cut this position amongst other positions, which we can get into at another time.
26:03But now we're being told that he hired someone for this position, which is not funded in his 100 account.
26:11So I'm just curious if— is Is this an unpaid intern?
26:14Is this a volunteer?
26:16Because 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.
26:26So 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.
26:35General Law Chapter 44, Section 31.
26:38And so we need to get to the bottom of it.
26:40I hope that we can get into Audit Committee and review this amongst other departments.
26:45I 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.
27:05And I hope that we can get control of this out-of-control spending.
27:09Thank you.
27:11Thank you, Councillor.
27:11Anyone else?
27:14All right, on referral to the Committee on Audit, roll call vote was requested.
27:21I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
27:23Councillor Abrams?
27:24Yes.
27:24Councillor Baptiste?
27:26Yes.
27:26Councillor Burgos?
27:27Yes.
27:28Councillor Carney?
27:28Yes.
27:29Yes.
27:29Councillor Chauquet?
27:30Yes.
27:31Yes.
27:31Councilor Gomes.
27:32Yes.
27:33Yes.
27:33Councilor Lopes.
27:34Yes.
27:34Yes.
27:35Councilor Oliver.
27:35Yes.
27:36Yes.
27:36Councilor Pemberton.
27:37Yes.
27:38Yes.
27:38Councilor Pereira.
27:39Yes.
27:39Yes.
27:40Councilor Roy.
27:40No.
27:41No.
27:42Passes 10 to 1, Mr. President.
27:44Item passes 10 to 1.
27:46I will ask, I, uh, the clerk to read item 10, please.
27:49Mr. 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.
28:09Motion 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.
28:20Anyone on the question?
28:22All those in favor say aye.
28:24Opposed, the ayes have it.
28:25I will ask the clerk to read item number 11.
28:27Mr. 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.
28:48Motion received and placed on file and referred to the Committee on Audit.
28:51Motion referred to the Committee on Audit made by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Choquette.
28:56On the question, if the body would allow just one comment from the chair.
29:00Uh, we've— I've asked this of the personnel director multiple times to provide this information.
29:06It has not come to this— to myself.
29:08Um, I spoke to a couple of my colleagues.
29:11It has not come to them as well.
29:12At this point in time, the Committee on Audit can take action if needed.
29:16Thank you.
29:17Anyone on the question?
29:19All right, on referral to the Committee on Audit, all those in favor say aye.
29:23Opposed, the ayes have it.
29:24I will ask the clerk to read item 12.
29:26Mr. 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.
29:44Motion to follow recommendation.
29:47Motion to grant the approval made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
29:51On the question, roll call vote.
29:53Okay, no one on the question.
29:55I will ask the clerk to call the roll on adoption.
29:58Councilor Abreu?
30:00Yes.
30:00Councilor Baptiste?
30:01Yes.
30:02Councilor Burgos?
30:03Yes.
30:03Councilor Carney?
30:05Yes.
30:05Councilor Choquette?
30:06Yes.
30:07Councilor Gomes?
30:09Yes.
30:09Yes.
30:10Councilor Lopes.
30:11Yes.
30:11Yes.
30:12Councilor Oliver.
30:13Yes.
30:13Yes.
30:14Councilor Pemberton.
30:14Yes.
30:15Yes.
30:15Councilor Pereira.
30:16Yes.
30:17Yes.
30:17Councilor Roy.
30:18Yes.
30:19Yes.
30:1911 to 0, Mr. President.
30:21My apology, could we waive Rule 40 on this, please?
30:24Okay, that— the approval— approval is granted 11 to nothing.
30:30Waive Rule 40 now, made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
30:35I will ask the clerk to call a roll on waiving Rule 40.
30:39Councilor Abreu?
30:40Yes.
30:40Councilor Baptiste?
30:41Yes.
30:42Councilor Burgos?
30:43Yes.
30:44Councilor Carney?
30:45Yes.
30:45Yes.
30:46Councilor Chokek?
30:47Yes.
30:47Yes.
30:48Councilor Gomes?
30:48Yes.
30:49Yes.
30:50Councilor Lopes?
30:51Yes.
30:52Councilor Oliver?
30:53Yes.
30:54Yes.
30:54Councilor Pemberton?
30:55Yes.
30:55Yes.
30:56Councilor Pereira?
30:56Yes.
30:57Yes.
30:57Councilor Roy?
30:58Yes.
30:59Yes.
30:5911-0.
31:00Item passes 11 to 0.
31:03I will ask the clerk to call the rule— um, excuse me, I'll ask the clerk to read item number 13, please.
31:07Mr. 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.
31:20This 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.
31:34The roof is to be demolished for the purpose of raising the height and to modify its pitch to a hip roof style.
31:40The structure is of no notable historic significance, either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure.
31:47In 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.
31:57Make a motion to receive and place on file, follow recommendation of the Historical Commission, and grant the demolition.
32:03Motion to grant the demolition made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Lobergo.
32:06Anyone on the question?
32:08All those in favor of granting the demolition say aye.
32:11Aye.
32:11Opposed?
32:12The ayes have it.
32:13There are 2 tabled items.
32:14Motion to remove from tabled items— both tabled items dated 03/12/2026.
32:21Motion to remove both tabled items dated 03/12/2026.
32:27At this time, I will— do I ask you to read it first?
32:31Is there a second to remove from the table?
32:34Seconded by Councilor Carney.
32:36I'll ask the clerk to read the 2 tabled items, then we can vote.
32:39Mr. 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.
32:47And 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.
32:57All right, all those in favor of removing the items from the table say aye.
33:01Aye.
33:02Opposed?
33:02The ayes have it.
33:04The 2 items are now before us.
33:06Motion to approve.
33:07Motion to approve both items made by Councilor Burgo.
33:28Second.
33:28Motion to approve made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Abreu.
33:32On the question, the chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
33:35Thank you.
33:36Um, 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.
33:47We already have someone serving in this role who is competent and who is serving diligently with a waiver from this body.
33:53If 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.
34:03But 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.
34:10So at this time, I'd encourage my colleagues to vote no at this time for a motion to approve.
34:15Thank you.
34:16Okay, thank you, Councilor Burgos.
34:19Anyone else on the question?
34:22All right, on the motion to approve, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.
34:25Councilor Abreu?
34:27Yeah, that's okay.
34:29No.
34:31Councilor Baptiste?
34:32No.
34:33Councilor Burgow?
34:34No.
34:34No.
34:35Councilor Carney?
34:35No.
34:36No.
34:36Councilor Chilcott?
34:38No.
34:38No.
34:38Councilor Gomes?
34:40No.
34:40No.
34:40Councilor Lopes?
34:41No.
34:42No.
34:42Councilor Oliver?
34:43No.
34:44No.
34:44Councilor Pemberton?
34:45No.
34:46No.
34:46Councilor Pereira?
34:47No.
34:48No.
34:48Councilor Roy?
34:49No.
34:50No.
34:51Mr. President, it fails 0 to 11.
34:53Item fails 0 to 11.
34:56Motion to take up and adopt consent.
34:57Motion to take up and adopt the consent agenda made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Councillor Carney.
35:02Anyone on the question?
35:03All those in favor say aye.
35:05Opposed?
35:05The ayes have it.
35:07Motion to adjourn.
35:08Motion to adjourn made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Councillor Carney.
35:12Anyone on the question?
35:13Seeing none, all those in favor?
35:16Opposed?
35:17The ayes have it, and we are adjourned at 7:35 PM.