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.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Oliver, requesting, that the Committee on Finance meet with Chief Financial Officer, Bob Ekstrom, and MAA Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors Sherie Pinzino, to review the current criteria for tax exemption eligibility at age 70 and to consider taking the necessary action to lower the eligibility age to 65; and further, that the Committee on Finance discuss any other exemptions that the City of New Bedford may implement in an effort to assist the City’s senior property owners. (Matter ID #1499) (Referred – September 11, 2025.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Sherie Pinzino, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors
2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a LOAN ORDER, appropriating $12,610,194.00 for the purpose of making critically needed repairs to City-owned buildings including, but not limited to, projects for the repair and renovation of public safety facilities, recreational facilities, general office space, replacement of capital equipment and vehicles, and roads and infrastructure improvements. (Matter ID #0106) (Referred – January 22, 2026.)
2a. LOAN ORDER, (Matter ID #0107) (Referred – January 22, 2026.)
INVITEES: Christina Connelly, Chief Operating Officer, Mayor’s Office; Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; David Flynn, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, New Bedford Public Schools; Jonathan Nunes, Interim Director of Information Technology; Andrew O’Leary, Superintendent, New Bedford Public Schools; Jamie Ponte, Commissioner, Department of Public Infrastructure; Shara Rapoza, Director, Buttonwood Zoo; Scot Servis, Manager, New Bedford Regional Airport; John Taxiarchos, Treasurer-Collector; Jason Thody, Chief, Police Department; Jennifer Vieira, Director, Department of Facilities and Fleet Management
Chair Suggests 'Waive Reading', 'No Further Action' and 'Report Out to the Full City Council'
3. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Morad, submitting a letter from Joseph Gomes, expressing his concerns regarding property taxes and senior adjustments, highlighting the difficulties seniors face in making ends meet and remaining in their homes. (Matter ID #1798) (Referred – November 13, 2025.)
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