CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
7:00 PM

M1.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of SHARA RAPOZA, as DIRECTOR OF ZOOLOGICAL SERVICES.

M2.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, rescinding authorized, unissued debt in the amount of $118,876,793.00.

M2a.   AN ORDER,

M3.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, amending the Order Adopted by the City Council on June 27, 2024 and signed by the Mayor on July 9, 2024, which, in accordance with M.G.L., Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the Revolving Fund under the control of the Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department, known as the SUPPORTIVE RECREATION REVOLVING FUND, whose amount limited at $55,000.00 is hereby authorized at $105,000.00 for FISCAL YEAR 2025.

M3a.   AN ORDER,

M4.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, known as the QUEST CENTER REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $208,514.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M4a.   AN ORDER,

M5.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Public Infrastructure, known as the NEW BEDFORD RAILYARD & RAIL CROSSING REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $230,216.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M5a.   AN ORDER,

M6.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Purchasing Department, known as the PURCHASING REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $100,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M6a.   AN ORDER,

M7.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Fire Department, known as the COMMUNITY TRAINING REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $67,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M7a.   AN ORDER,

M8.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Police Department, known as the RIFLE RANGE REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $60,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M8a.   AN ORDER,

M9.      COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Health Department, known as the HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $60,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M9a.   AN ORDER,

M10.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Library Department, known as the LIBRARY EQUIPMENT REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $15,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M10a. AN ORDER,

M11.    COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Planning Department, known as the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $22,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M11a. AN ORDER,

M12.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the School Department and the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, known as the TANGIBLE SUPPLY DISPOSITION REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $170,000.00 (School - $100,000.00, DFFM - $60,000.00 and Police $10,000.00) is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M12a. AN ORDER,

M13.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the MIS Department, known as the SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL POLICE REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $25,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M13a. AN ORDER,

M14.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship, known as the NEW BEDFORD ENERGY NOW REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $15,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M14a. AN ORDER,

M15.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the School Department, known as the FOOD SERVICE CONCESSION REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $250.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M15a. AN ORDER,

M16.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Inspectional Services, known as the VACANT BUILDING REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $188,545.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M16a. AN ORDER,

M17.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Inspectional Services, known as the DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $133,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M17a. AN ORDER,

M18.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, known as the FORT TABER REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $230,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M18a. AN ORDER,

M19.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, known as the SUPPORTIVE RECREATION REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $120,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M19a. AN ORDER,

M20.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, known as the GOLF COURSE REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $20,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M20a. AN ORDER,

M21.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, known as the DOG PARK REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $3,500.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M21a. AN ORDER,

M22.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the EMS Department, known as the EMS DETAIL REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $26,279.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M22a. AN ORDER,

M23.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the EMS Department, known as the EMS TRAINING ACADEMY REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $11,001.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M23a. AN ORDER,

M24.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department, known as the ADULT SOCIAL DAY PROGRAM REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $330,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M24a. AN ORDER,

M25.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department, known as the SENIOR TRANSPORTATION REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $3,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M25a. AN ORDER,

M26.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department, known as the SENIOR TRAVEL AGENCY REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $900.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M26a. AN ORDER,

M27.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department, known as the SENIOR ACTIVITIES REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $700.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M27a. AN ORDER,

M28.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER that in accordance with MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the City Council, known as the COUNCIL SPECIAL PERMIT REVOLVING FUND, whose revenues collected, and amount limited to be spent estimated at $5,000.00 is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2026.

M28a. AN ORDER,

M29.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $230,917.00 from CABLE ACCESS FREE CASH to the FISCAL YEAR 2026 CABLE ACCESS ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET.

M29a. AN ORDER,

M30.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $88,787.00 from DOWNTOWN PARKING FREE CASH to the FISCAL YEAR 2026 DOWNTOWN PARKING ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGET.

M30a. AN ORDER,

M31.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $73,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to MIS PERSONAL SERVICES.

M31a. AN ORDER,

M32.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $70,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to POLICE OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES.

M32a. AN ORDER,

M33.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $30,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES.

M33a. AN ORDER,

M34.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $35,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to MAYOR PERSONAL SERVICES.

M34a. AN ORDER,

M35.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $41,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to AUDITOR PERSONAL SERVICES.

M35a. AN ORDER,

M36.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $18,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to PURCHASING PERSONAL SERVICES.

M36a. AN ORDER,

M37.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $11,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to CFO PERSONAL SERVICES.

M37a. AN ORDER,

M38.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $8,000.00 from VETERANS SERVICES OTHER CHARGES AND EXPENSES to TOURISM PERSONAL SERVICES.

M38a. AN ORDER,

M39.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $21,000.00 from EMS PERSONAL SERVICES to EMS PURCHASE OF SERVICES.

M39a. AN ORDER,

1.   AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-14.1 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions - Fire Alarm Nuisances. (Passed to a Second Reading – April 10, 2025; to be Passed to be Ordained.)

2.   AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-18 – Noncriminal disposition of violations of certain Ordinances, rules and regulations – Fire Alarm Nuisances. (Passed to a Second Reading – April 10, 2025; to be Passed to be Ordained.)

3.   AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-28 – Chapter 40U of the Massachusetts General Laws - Fire Alarm Nuisances. (Passed to a Second Reading – April 10, 2025; to be Passed to be Ordained.)

4.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending that the City Council AMEND the ORDER by striking the figure $238,000.00 and replacing it with $200,000.00 and recommending to the City Council ADOPTION of the ORDER, AS AMENDED, Amending the Order Adopted by the City Council on October 10, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on October 18, 2024, which, in accordance with M.G.L., Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the Revolving Fund under the control of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, known as the QUEST CENTER REVOLVING FUND, whose amount limited at $150,231.00, is hereby authorized at $200,000.00 for FISCAL YEAR 2025. 

4a.   AN ORDER, AS AMENDED, (Referred to the Committee on Finance – March 13, 2025.)

5.   REPORT, Committee on City Property, recommending to the City Council, that the proposal submitted by National Downtown Club, LLC, an affiliate of Lafrance Hospitality, has been hereby selected as the successful proposal submitted pursuant to an RFP for lease of the property owned by the City located at 26 Union Street, formerly known as the National Club; recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the revised lease of the property owned by the City located at 26 Union Street, formerly known as the National Club, pursuant to the proposal selected by the Committee and hereto attached; and further that the City Council AUTHORIZE the Mayor and Solicitor to execute the lease pursuant to the attached proposal and proposed lease agreement.

5a.   PROPOSAL & REVISED LEASE AGREEMENT, for the disposition of a long-term leasehold interest in property owned by the City, located at 26 Union Street, formerly known as the National Club; PROPOSAL received from National Downtown Club, LLC, an affiliate of Lafrance Hospitality, for a LEASE AGREEMENT for Outdoor Dining & Café Services; and a REVISED LEASE AGREEMENT, between the City of New Bedford and the National Downtown Club, LLC, for Outdoor Dining on the corner of Route 18 and Union Street.

6.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending to the City Council, APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Tree to be located at Hazelwood Park (on a hill looking down, if possible), in memory of DAKOTA SYLVIA.  

6a.   COMMUNICATION, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Tree to be located at Hazelwood Park (on a hill looking down, if possible), in memory of DAKOTA SYLVIA. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – February 27, 2025.)

7.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending to the City Council, APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Buttonwood Park, in memory of DEBORAH G. ROHER. 

7a.   COMMUNICATION, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Buttonwood Park, in memory of DEBORAH G. ROHER. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – March 27, 2025.)

8.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council, ADOPTION of the LOAN ORDER, in the amount of $38,100,000.00, to authorize a borrowing to pay the costs of Capital Planning and Construction of Water Distribution and Treatment Systems Improvements including a Lead Service Abatement Program, Transmission Main Inspection Program, and General System Improvements.

8a.   LOAN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance - April 24, 2025.)

9.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council, ADOPTION of the LOAN ORDER, in the amount of $32,200,000.00, to authorize a borrowing to pay the costs of projects outlined in the City’s Long Term CSO Control and Integrated Capital Improvements Plan including Wastewater Collection System Improvements, Pumping Station Improvements, Flood Control Structure Improvements, Water Quality Improvements, CSO Abatement and General System Improvements.

9a.   LOAN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance - April 24, 2025.)

10.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council, ADOPTION of the ORDER, for the TRANSFER of $3,851,210.00 from WASTEWATER RETAINED EARNINGS, to WASTEWATER SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND.

10a.   AN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance - May 08, 2025.)

11.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council, ADOPTION of the ORDER, authorizing the Mayor to negotiate the salary of and hire between now and July 8, 2025, for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Water/Plant Manager at Grade M12, up to Step 3.

11a.   AN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance - May 08, 2025.)

12.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council Farias, submitting a Communication from Mayor Mitchell, regarding the appointment of Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos as Tax Title Custodian, due to that the former Tax Title Custodian, Sherie Pinzino, has transitioned out of the Treasurer’s Office and can no longer perform that role.

12a.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council Farias, submitting a Communication from Mayor Mitchell, regarding the appointment of Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos as Tax Title Custodian, due to that the former Tax Title Custodian, Sherie Pinzino, has transitioned out of the Treasurer’s Office and can no longer perform that role. (Referred to the Committee on Finance – February 13, 2025.)

13.   REPORT, Committee on City Property, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Pereira, requesting, that the Committee on City Property investigate the feasibility of obtaining the Hastings Keith Federal Building for the purpose of establishing a “City Hall Annex”.

13a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Pereira, requesting, that the Committee on City Property investigate the feasibility of obtaining the Hastings Keith Federal Building for the purpose of establishing a “City Hall Annex”. (Referred to the Committee on City Property – October 10, 2024.)

14.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Mitchell Councillors Carney, Abreu and Oliver, requesting, that the Administration look into leasing or purchasing the nursing home facilities in the City that are closed, such as the former Hallmark Nursing Home on Rockdale Avenue and the former Sassaquin Nursing Home on Acushnet Avenue, to help combat the housing crisis that the City is currently facing by creating additional affordable housing units in New Bedford; and further, that the City Council reach out to our State and Federal Delegation for assistance in obtaining supplementary funds for this project, by way of grants and/or other available resources.

14a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Carney, Abreu and Oliver, requesting, that the Administration look into leasing or purchasing the nursing home facilities in the City that are closed, such as the former Hallmark Nursing Home on Rockdale Avenue and the former Sassaquin Nursing Home on Acushnet Avenue, to help combat the housing crisis that the City is currently facing by creating additional affordable housing units in New Bedford; and further, that the City Council reach out to our State and Federal Delegation for assistance in obtaining supplementary funds for this project, by way of grants and/or other available resources. (Referred to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs - March 23, 2023.)

15.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu, Carney, Lopes and Oliver, requesting, that the City of New Bedford’s Office of Housing & Community Development appear before the Special Committee on Housing to discuss efforts to identify vacant properties and encourage their return to occupancy.

15a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu, Carney, Lopes and Oliver, requesting, that the City of New Bedford’s Office of Housing & Community Development appear before the Special Committee on Housing to discuss efforts to identify vacant properties and encourage their return to occupancy. (Referred to the Special Committee on Housing – March 13, 2025.)

16.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of a letter from the Realtor Association of Southeastern Massachusetts (RASEM) stating their opposition to the rent stabilization motion heard at the City Council Meeting of March 09, 2023.

16a.   COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of a letter from the Realtor Association of Southeastern Massachusetts (RASEM) stating their opposition to the rent stabilization motion heard at the City Council Meeting of March 09, 2023. (Referred to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs – March 23, 2023)

17.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Zach Boyer.

17a.   COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Zach Boyer. (Referred to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs – October 26, 2023.)

18.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Lena Silva.

18a.   COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Lena Silva. (Referred to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs – October 26, 2023.)

19.   REPORT, Special Committee on Housing, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Maria Rosario.

19a.   COMMUNICATION, Councillor Burgo submitting a copy of an email regarding Rent Stabilization from Maria Rosario. (Referred to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs – November 09, 2023.)

20.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City Council go on record in support of sending a letter to Congressman William Keating and the National Park Service, requesting that the Federal Government designate Ft. Taber Park as a National Veterans Memorial Park. 

20a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City Council go on record in support of sending a letter to Congressman William Keating and the National Park Service, requesting that the Federal Government designate Ft. Taber Park as a National Veterans Memorial Park. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – September 23, 2014.)

21.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a letter from Peter Boswell, Chair, Board of Park Commissioners, regarding the April 25, 2018 Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meeting vote to bring a Motion to the full Council relative to the National Park Service designation of Ft. Taber Park as a National Veteran’s Memorial Park. 

21a.   COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a letter from Peter Boswell, Chair, Board of Park Commissioners, regarding the April 25, 2018 Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meeting vote to bring a Motion to the full Council relative to the National Park Service designation of Ft. Taber Park as a National Veteran’s Memorial Park. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – May 24, 2018.)

22.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, Council President Carney, Councillors Giesta, Lopes, Pereira, Oliver and Burgo, requesting, that the City take immediate action with ARPA money to revitalize the Mother Teresa Park, located at North and Chestnut Streets, this park was dedicated to Mother Teresa and has become a beacon within the community not only for the neighborhood kids, but also for the kids of the Mother Teresa House located on County Street.   

22a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, Council President Carney, Councillors Giesta, Lopes, Pereira, Oliver and Burgo, requesting, that the City take immediate action with ARPA money to revitalize the Mother Teresa Park, located at North and Chestnut Streets, this park was dedicated to Mother Teresa and has become a beacon within the community not only for the neighborhood kids, but also for the kids of the Mother Teresa House located on County Street. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – June 27, 2024.)

23.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meet to discuss a location to honor the late Mr. Peter Britto, the Champion of youth basketball; Mr. Britto was a committed and dedicated beacon in serving the youth in the community; and that the Committee consider the basketball court at Monte Park as a suitable location. 

23a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meet to discuss a location to honor the late Mr. Peter Britto, the Champion of youth basketball; Mr. Britto was a committed and dedicated beacon in serving the youth in the community; and that the Committee consider the basketball court at Monte Park as a suitable location. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – February 22, 2024.)

24.   REPORT, Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Baptiste, Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey and Morad, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meet with a Representative of the Mitchell Administration, the Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Jamie Ponte; and Parks Recreation and Beaches Director Mary Rapoza to discuss the feasibility of erecting an appropriate dedication in honor of New Bedford resident, Dr. Jibreel Khazan, a civil rights icon who is best known as a member of the Greensboro Four, a group of African American college students who on February 1, 1960, sat down at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina challenging the store’s policy of denying service to non-white customers; the protest and the subsequent events were major milestones in the Civil Rights Movement; Dr. Khazan has been a resident of New Bedford for the past 50 years and raised his family here in New Bedford where he has worked with numerous organizations and been one of the most influential people in our Community. 

24a.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Baptiste, Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey and Morad, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications meet with a Representative of the Mitchell Administration, the Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Jamie Ponte; and Parks Recreation and Beaches Director Mary Rapoza to discuss the feasibility of erecting an appropriate dedication in honor of New Bedford resident, Dr. Jibreel Khazan, a civil rights icon who is best known as a member of the Greensboro Four, a group of African American college students who on February 1, 1960, sat down at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina challenging the store’s policy of denying service to non-white customers; the protest and the subsequent events were major milestones in the Civil Rights Movement; Dr. Khazan has been a resident of New Bedford for the past 50 years and raised his family here in New Bedford where he has worked with numerous organizations and been one of the most influential people in our Community. (Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications – March 25, 2021.)

25.   WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Burgo, requesting that the City Council WAIVE RULE 27, IN ORDER TO HOLD QUASI COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETINGS on MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2025 & THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025.

26.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the New Bedford City Council and the City of New Bedford Planning Board amend Section 4220, Separation Distances for Body Art Establishments, from its current use of a circle radius of 200 feet from any property being used as a school, child care facility or church, to a door to door measurement of 200 feet from any property being used as a school, child care facility or church. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, the Planning Board and the Planning Department.)

27.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Giesta, Morad, Abreu, Choquette, Oliver and Lopes, requesting, that the Park Board Commission review and favorably approve the proposal from Bay State Girls Softball League for the expanded Pavilion and Concession Stand at their complex located in Brooklawn Park. (Copy of project plans attached.) (To be Referred to the Park Board Commission.)

28.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Consigli Construction, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIAM STREET, from Bethel Street to North Water Street Street (encompass full width of street; eastbound travel lane, three (3) metered parking spots and north sidewalk into construction site, ON, MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025, AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. PLEASE NOTE: SOUTH SIDEWALK WILL REMAIN OPEN TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CLOSURE PERIOD. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

29.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Consigli Construction, that the following street(s) be OBSTRUCTED: a portion of NORTH WATER STREET, the southbound lane and west sidewalk, from William Street to 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, ON MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025, AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of  the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

30.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Consigli Construction, that the following street(s) be OBSTRUCTED:  a portion of BETHEL STREET, the northbound parking spots and east sidewalk, from William Street to about 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, ON MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025, AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of  the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

31.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Oliver, Abreu and Choquette, submitting AN ORDER, to hereby AMEND the New Bedford City Council’s original Order dated March 13, 2025, as such: That the City establish a 100% increase in the exemption rate to all City qualified homeowners under Section 23 of Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024 entitled “An Act Honoring, Empowering, And Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans”, more commonly known as the “Hero Act”.

31a.   AN ORDER, AMENDING, the Order dated March 13, 2025, as such: That the City establish a 100% increase in the exemption rate to all City qualified homeowners under Section 23 of Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024 entitled “An Act Honoring, Empowering, And Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans”, more commonly known as the “Hero Act”.

32.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Oliver and Lopes, requesting that School Superintendent Andrew O’Leary, the Director of School Facilities Management, the Principal of Carter Brooks Elementary School, and the Traffic Commission be notified to address the two flashing School Zone signs located on Rockdale Avenue, the southbound sign is extremely crooked and the northbound sign is missing the metal backing, both of which appear to be non-operational during school hours; and further, requesting that the metal street signs be erected marking the School Zone along Nemasket Street, as there have been several reports from guardians and residents of the neighborhood of the excessive speeding during both drop off and pick-up times, and further that the New Bedford Police Department be notified to conduct spot enforcement of said School Zone to address these concerns.

33.   PETITION, Jerome Alferes, Mattapoisett, MA d/b/a TEMPTATIONS GUITARS AND COMICS, 2331B Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a LICENSE TO DEAL IN JUNK, OLD METALS OR ANY OTHER SECONDHAND ARTICLES.

03/13/2025       COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE on behalf of Ana L. Valentin Burgos, 627 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a GERANA’S TRANSPORTATION, INC., 211 Weld Street, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2026.)

C1.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Tourism and Marketing, that the following street(s) BE CLOSED: UNION STREET, from Acushnet Avenue to South Second Street, from 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. AND SPRING STREET, from Pleasant Street to Purchase Street, FROM 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025, for the purpose of a film crew working on a commercial promoting transportation to and in New Bedford through the MBTA.

GRANTED PROVISIONALLY BY THE 2025 CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT SHANE A. BURGO ON FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, TO BE RATIFIED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025.

Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified.

C2.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Lopes and Abreu, requesting, on behalf of The New Bedford Firefighters Local 841 Union, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: LAKE STREET, from Rockdale Avenue to Hussey Street, ON SUNDAY, JUNE 08, 2025, FROM 7:00 A.M., TO 11:30 A.M., for the purpose of the IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER SUNDAY MEMORIAL.

Permission Granted.

C3.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Giesta, requesting, on behalf of the St. Michael Social Club, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: MADEIRA AVENUE, between Eugenia Street and Whitman Street, FROM 8:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025, TO 8:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025, for the purpose of The Annual St. Michael Social Club Festival-Festa Do Chicharro.

Permission Granted.

C4.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Pereira, requesting, on behalf of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church,  that the following street(s) be CLOSED: KATHERINE STREET, between Crapo Street and Bonney Street, ON FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025, FROM 10:00 A.M. THROUGH  SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2025, MIDNIGHT, for the purpose of the Annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast; ALSO, that the following streets be CLOSED ON SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2025, FROM 8:00 A.M. THROUGH 10:00 P.M., for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast PROCESSION, and so that the streets may be decorated for said Procession, as follows: RIVET STREET, between Crapo Street and Bolton Street; BONNEY STREET, between Rivet Street and Thompson Street; THOMPSON STREET, between Bonney Street and Hemlock Street; HEMLOCK STREET, between Thompson Street and Swift Street; SWIFT STREET, between Hemlock Street and Bolton Street and BOLTON STREET, between Swift Street and Rivet Street for the purpose of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast Procession. 

Permission Granted.

C5.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, on behalf of Southcoast LGBTQ+ Network, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ONEIDA STREET, from Lt. Walter P. Fuller Memorial Parkway to Lake Street, (in Front of the Buttonwood Senior Center), ON SATURDAY, JUNE 07, 2025, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M., for the purpose of New Bedford Pride Day.

Permission Granted.

C6.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PURCHASE STREET, from Spring Street to Union Street, (In Front of Star Store), ON FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025, FROM 3:00 P.M. TO SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025, AT 1:00 P.M., the purpose of THE ROOTS AND BRANCHES FESTIVAL.

Permission Granted.

C7.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Department of Tourism and Marketing, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: UNION STREET, FROM Rt. 18 and North Water Street, FROM 12:00 P.M. (NOON) TO 10:00 P.M. on the following FRIDAYS; JUNE 20, JULY 25 AND AUGUST 15, 2025 AND UNION STREET, between Rt. 18 and Johnny Cake Hill AND NORTH WATER STREET, FROM Hamilton Street to Union Street ON FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2025, FROM 2:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M. AND PURCHASE STREET, FROM Union Street to William Street, FROM 12:00 P.M. (NOON) TO 10:00 P.M. on the following FRIDAYS; JUNE 27, JULY 18,  AUGUST 08 and AUGUST 22, 2025 AND, THE KRUGER PARKING LOT, Corner of Union Street and North Water Street, FROM 12:00 P.M. (NOON) TO 10:00 P.M., ON FRIDAY JUNE 20, 2025, the purpose of A SUMMER SOUND SERIES.

Permission Granted.

C8.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Department of Marketing and Tourism, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: LOWER UNION STREET, from North Water Street to Route 18 AND UNION STREET, from North Water Street to South Second Street (With Both the Intersections at North Water Street and South Second Street Open to Vehicular Traffic) AND (With No Access from Route 18) AND FRONT STREET, from Union Street to Hamilton Street AND JOHNNY CAKE HILL, from Union Street to William Street, ON THURSDAY, JULY 03, 2025, FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M, for the purpose of an Independence Day Fireworks Display.

Permission Granted.

C9.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PURCHASE STREET, from William Street to Spring Street; UNION STREET, from Pleasant Street to Route 18; ACUSHNET AVENUE, from William Street to Spring Street AND SECOND STREET, from William Street to Spring Street, ON THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025, FROM 8:00 A.M. THROUGH 12:00 A.M. (MIDNIGHT) OR AS NEEDED, for the purpose of JOE JESUS FIFTIES NIGHT DOWNTOWN. PLEASE NOTE: ALTERNATE RAIN DATE SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2025; AND FURTHER, REQUESTING THAT DPI PROVIDE STREET CLOSURE BARRELS FOR EVENT.

Permission Granted.

C10.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, on behalf of the residents on Hawthorn Street, that the Traffic Commission approve the installation of "No Parking Here to Corner" signs at the intersection of Tremont and Hawthorn Streets. (To be Referred to the Traffic Commission.)

Permission Granted.

C11.  CONSTABLE BOND, THIAGO HENRIQUES LOPES, New Bedford, MA, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Western Surety Company.

Approved.

C12.  COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to the City Council, notifying that the Office of the City Clerk has received Meeting Minutes from the Board of Assessors for a meeting held on April 24, 2025; the Board of Health for a meeting held on May  14, 2025; the Redevelopment Authority for meetings held on October 21, 2024, November 18, 2024, December 16, 2024, January 27, 2025, February 24, 2025 and March 17, 2025; the GNB Regional Refuse Management District for a meeting held on March 27, 2025 and the Zoning Board of Appeals for meetings held on September 21, 2023, May 23, 2024 and March 20, 2025.

Received and Placed on File.

C13.     65 Chancery Street

C14.     102 Durfee Street

C15.     537 Orchard Street

C16.     74 Rockland Street

C17.     106 Oakdale Street

C18.     40 Herman Melville Boulevard

C19.     146 Duchaine Boulevard

C20.     170 Sycamore Street

C21.     67 Acushnet Avenue

C22.     65 Chancery Street

C23.     102 Durfee Street

C24.     537 Orchard Street

C25.     74 Rockland Street

C26.     106 Oakdale Street

C27.     40 Herman Melville Boulevard

C28.     146 Duchaine Boulevard

C29.     170 Sycamore Street

C30.     67 Acushnet Avenue

C31.     486 County Street

C32.     Foster Street at 48 North Street

C33.     62 Garrison Road

C34.     167 North Street

C35.     17 North Water Street

C36.     36 North Water Street

C37.     70-74 North Water Street

C38.     24 Pamela Drive

C39.     1145-1155 Purchase Street

C40.     287 Shaw Street

C41.     11 William Street

C42.     149 William Street

C43.  Cornell Street, working from Kempton Street to 166 Cornell Street (including intersections)

C44.     21 - 23 Willard Street

C45.     404 Nash Road

C46.     56 - 62 North Water Street

C47.     449 Bedford Street

C48.     500 South Second Street

C49.     552 County Street

C50.  PETITION, Network Building + Consulting on behalf of Verizon New England, Inc. for location of approximately 66’ of Conduit at the intersection of UNION STREET and SECOND STREET.

RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025.