NOTE: THIS MEETING IS BEING LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED. CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD’S HOMEPAGE UNDER QUICK LINKS, THEN MEETINGS.
1. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that an amendment to Section 1 of the Home Rule Petition with the State, regarding the Appointment of Special Police Officers in the City of New Bedford, the change of the wording is Chapter 32 of the general law it should read: “No retired Police Officer shall be eligible for an appointment of a Special Police Officer if the applicant has attained the age of 70 and any Officer so appointed shall be terminated upon attaining the age of 70”; this is a home rule petition amendment to enable New Bedford Police Officers over the age of 65 the ability to be assigned to detail work in the City in New Bedford. (To be Referred to the Mayor, the Police Chief, our local State Delegation and the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.) (Matter ID #1388) (Referred – August 18, 2022.) (September 06, 2022 – RETURNED UNSIGNED by the Mayor.) (September 28, 2022 – tabled 60 days) (February 21, 2023 – tabled) (June 27, 2023 – tabled 90 days) (February 28, 2024 – remain on the table) (August 26, 2024 – remain on the table) (March 11, 2025 – tabled for 90 days)
INVITEES Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Jason Thody, Police Chief; Representative, Mayor’s Office
2. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Oliver, Morad, Abreu, Lopes, Baptiste, Giesta, Carney and Gomes, requesting, that Police Chief Paul Oliveira, Executive Secretary to the Traffic Commission Laurie Alfonso, City Solicitor Eric Jaikes, Chief Financial Officer Robert Ekstrom, and a representative from the Traffic Division, meet with the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods to discuss current policies, procedures and Ordinances surrounding campers, RV’s, boats and trailers that are left unregistered and abandoned throughout the various streets and neighborhoods within the City of New Bedford; and further, to discuss improvements and initiatives to address these matters in a timelier manner so as to not pose significant safety risks and eyesores, and to the improve the overall cleanliness within the City. (Matter ID #1214) (Referred – July 18, 2024.) (August 26, 2024 – VOTE: Purchasing Agent draft an RFP for a company to take, store and/or demolish campers, RV’s, boats, etc.; VOTE: Ask Department Heads if they have space to store boats, campers, RV’s, etc.; tabled)
INVITEES: Laurie A. Alfonso, Executive Secretary/Parking Clerk, Traffic Commission; Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Atty. Eric Jaikes, City Solicitor; Jason Thody, Police Chief; Representative, Traffic Division, Police Department
3. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods meet with the CEO or designated representative for E.L. Harvey Trash & Recyclables, along with representatives from the New Bedford Health Department and the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management for the purpose of discussing what was being done prior to the fire to address the rat burrows at said location; and further, to discuss what preventative actions have been implemented to ensure that this type of incident never happens again. (Matter ID #1261) (Referred – July 17, 2025.)
INVITEES: Stephanie Sloan, Director, Health Department; Jennifier Vieira, Director, Facilities and Fleet Management; Representative, E.L. Harvey Trash & Recyclables
Chair Suggests 'Waive Reading', 'No Further Action' and 'Report Out to the Full City Council'
4. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City immediately install “No Trespassing Anytime, Police Take Notice” signage at the Wilks Library, 1911 Acushnet Avenue, at the back of the property, where the library grounds meet Brooklawn Park; and further, that this action be taken on any City-owned property that has been invaded by criminal activity, trespassing and drug use. (To be Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods, the Department of Public Infrastructure, and the Administration.) (Matter ID #1443) (Referred – September, 12, 2024.)
5. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Gomes, submitting a response letter from Mayor Mitchell, relative to the August 26, 2024, Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee request for information regarding the use of ARPA funds for the purchase of solar radar speed limit signs. (Matter ID #1868) (Referred – November 14, 2024.)
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