CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
7:00 PM

1.   HEARING, CSL Consulting LLC on behalf of Old Dartmouth Historical Society – New Bedford Whaling Museum for location of conduits to be captured/buried below the pedestrian crossing being established in WILLIAM STREET, this work is necessary to connect the 11 William Street site to the existing museum site at 18 Johnny Cake Hill.

1a. AN ORDER,

2.   HEARING, NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 100’ of Conduit and one Handhole in COUNTY STREET, this work is necessary to provide service to 840 County Street.

2a.   AN ORDER,

3.   HEARING, NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 15’ of Conduit in BELLEVILLE AVENUE, this work is needed to provide upgrade service to Belleville Avenue.

3a. AN ORDER,

4.   HEARING, NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one FO Pole with Anchor in BELLEVILLE AVENUE, this work is needed to provide upgrade service to Belleville Avenue.

4a.  AN ORDER,

M1.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $422,720.00 from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, PURCHASE OF SERVICES to AUDITOR, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $6,979.00; ASSESSORS, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $6,939.00; TREASURER, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $5,703.00; CITY CLERK, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $9,501.00; ELECTIONS, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $2,493.00; LICENSING, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $1,238.00; FACILITIES & FLEET, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $100,423.00; POLICE, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $78,379.00; FIRE, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $3,118.00; EMS, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $606.00; INSPECTIONAL SERVICES, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $26,938.00; TRAFFIC, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $8,429.00; PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $66,913.00; HEALTH, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $20,958.00; VETERANS, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $5,720.00; LIBRARY, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $28,178.00; PARKS & RECREATION, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $1,809.00; and ZOO, Salaries and Wages in the amount of $48,396.00. (This order funds the contract between the City of New Bedford and the Local 851-American Federation, State, County and Municipal Employees.)

M1a.   AN ORDER, 

M2.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $9,620.00 from AIRPORT STABILIZATION, to AIRPORT, Salaries and Wages. (This order funds the contract between the City of New Bedford and the Local 851-American Federation, State, County and Municipal Employees.)

M2a.   AN ORDER,

M3.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $7,998.00 from DOWNTOWN ENTERPRISE FUND, Free Cash to DOWNTOWN, Salaries and Wages. (This order funds the contract between the City of New Bedford and the Local 851-American Federation, State, County and Municipal Employees.)

M3a.   AN ORDER,

M4.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $44,837.00 from WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND, Free Cash, to WASTEWATER, Salaries and Wages. (This order funds the contract between the City of New Bedford and the Local 851-American Federation, State, County and Municipal Employees.)

M4a.  AN ORDER,

M5.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $137,293.00 from WATER ENTERPRISE FUND, Free Cash, to WATER, Salaries and Wages. (This order funds the contract between the City of New Bedford and the Local 851-American Federation, State, County and Municipal Employees.)

M5a.   AN ORDER,

M6.   COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of CELESTE PALEOLOGOS, New Bedford, MA to the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, this term will expire December 2030.

5.   LOAN ORDER, appropriating $12,610,194.00 for the purpose of making critically needed repairs to City owned buildings. (Passed to a Second Reading – March 26, 2026.)

6.   AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-105 – Municipal Tax Payment Agreements. (Passed to a Second Reading – March 26, 2026.)

7.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council ADOPTION of the ORDERS, for the TRANSFER of $1,070,555.00 from STATE AID, and for the TRANSFER of $314,530.00 from STATE AID 950, to SCHOOL DEPARTMENT GENERAL EXPENSE.

7a.  AN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance – March 05, 2026.)

7b.  AN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance – March 05, 2026.)

8.   REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Pereira, Carney and Council President Burgo, requesting, that representatives of The Z appear before the Committee on Finance to report on the financial and operating expenses of the Zeiterion Theatre.

8a.  WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Pereira, Carney and Council President Burgo, requesting, that representatives of The Z appear before the Committee on Finance to report on the financial and operating expenses of the Zeiterion Theatre. (Referred to the Committee on Finance – July 22, 2025.)

9.   AN ORDINANCE, Councillor Baptiste, submitting AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-19.1 RELATIVE TO THE REPEAL OF THE SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG PROHIBITION.

10.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Ordinances meet to discuss drafting an Ordinance that would address Airbnb rental properties in the City; and further that these properties would come under the hotel guest tax and be classified as commercial properties, furthermore, key aspects for the proposed Ordinance should be:  Primary Residence Requirement: operators must live at the address for at least nine months of the year ; Occupancy Limits:  Maximum of 8 guests, or 2 guests per bedroom, whichever is fewer; Registration & Inspections:  Annual registration with the City’s Inspectional Services Department is required; Safety Requirements:  Strict standards for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and Restrictions:  Renting of separate bedrooms to multiple parties is prohibited; only one party of renters is allowed at a time.

11.   WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Choquette, Abreu and Roy, requesting that Airport Director Scot Servis in conjunction with the City’s Conservation agent explore all options for the location of a new hangar at the New Bedford Regional Airport and that the Special Committee on Airport invite the Airport Director and the Conservation agent to a meeting to discuss such options; and further, that any plans to move forward with the construction of a hangar be suspended until such time as the committee has opportunity to consider any and all options that best serve the combined interests of the Airport and the surrounding neighborhoods. (To be Referred to the Special Committee on Airport.)

12.   COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION, Anne Louro, Preservation Planner, to City Council, re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW: - 532 RIVET STREET, (MAP 28, LOT 188),  a circa 1910 concrete block garage structure - advising that the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District; the structure is of no notable historic significance either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure; “in light of these findings, the Preservation Planner has determined that the concrete block garage structure located at 532 Rivet Street is neither Historically Significant nor a Preferably Preserved Structure.”

13.   COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION, Anne Louro, Preservation Planner, to City Council, re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW: - 105 ASHLEY BOULEVARD. (MAP 92, LOT 048), a circa 1901, partial demolition of a one story concrete block and brick storefront – advising that the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District; the structure is of no notable historic significance either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure; the structure is in poor condition and the demolition is part of a comprehensive adaptive reuse project; “in light of these findings, the Preservation Planner has determined that the one story concrete block and brick storefront located at 105 Ashely Boulevard is neither Historically Significant nor a Preferably Preserved Structure.”

14.   COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION, Anne Louro, Preservation Planner, to City Council re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW: 34-36 COVELL STREET  (MAP 112/LOT 196) a circa 1924, wood-framed shed structure, advising that the structure is not located within a National Register Historic District; and the structure is of no notable historic significance either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure; in light of these findings, the Preservation Planner has determined that the wood framed shed structure located at 34-36 Covell Street is neither Historically Significant nor a Preferably Preserved Structure.”

15.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Ali Bokhari and Sumaira Bokhari, 3 Revolutionary Way, Apt 110, Hopkinton, MA, d/b/a MAGIC WHEELS TRANSPORTATION LLC, 44 Liberty Street, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2026 – June 30, 2027.)

16.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Glenda Reyes, d/b/a GLENDA REYES TRANSPORTATION LLC, 68 Erin Court, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2026 – June 30, 2027.)

17.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Brittany Botelho, 369 Calvin Street, Fall River, MA, d/b/a PROJECT INDEPENDENCE SERVICES, INC., 250 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2026 – June 30, 2027.)

18.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting a PETITION, Paul N. Bryant, Round Rock, TX d/b/a FALL RIVER PAWNBROKERS, 1351 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.

19.   COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting a PETITION, Paul N. Bryant, Round Rock, TX d/b/a FALL RIVER PAWNBROKERS, 268 Union Street, 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.

20.   COMMUNICATION, Assistant City Solicitor Mason Mathieu, to City Council, submitting of listing of properties that have been acquired by the City as a Deed-in-Lieu, the following properties are:

N.S. Chaffee Street – Plot 130A/Lot 30                     N.S. Chaffee Street – Plot 130A/Lot 35

N.S. Chaffee Street – Plot 130A/Lot 40                     N.S. Fairfield Street – Plot 130A/Lot 106

S.S. Chaffee Street – Plot 130A/Lot 135                    N.S. Chaffee Street – Plot 130A/Lot 125

N.S. Fairfield Street – Plot 130A/Lot 96                     N.S. Fairfield Street – Plot 130A/Lot 116

S.S. Ruth Street – Plot 16/Lots 130,131 & 137          E.S. Congress Street – Plot 125A/Lot 191

E.S. Ashley Street – Plot 16/Lot 118

21.  COMMUNICATION, Department of Environmental Protection, Waterways Regulation Program, providing public notice of the waterway's application by B.S. Realty LLC, c/o Andrew Bishins, to drive 16, 30” steel anchor piles securing two floating steel barges with a vehicle access ramp to shore at 92 Kilburn Street. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

03/12/2026    COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of KENDRA PARKER, as ACTING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS.

03/12/2026 COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request for a waiver for the education and experience requirements for the position of Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Pemberton, requesting, on behalf of BC Crane, that the following street(s) BE CLOSED: BULLARD STREET, from Acushnet Avenue to Ashley Boulevard, (a one lane closure only) on SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026, from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., for the purpose of removing remaining construction material from completed roofing job.

GRANTED PROVISIONALLY BY THE 2026 CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT RYAN J. PEREIRA ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, TO BE RATIFIED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026.

Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of the Department of Veteran’s Services, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PEARL STREET, from Pleasant Street to County Street; PLEASANT STREET, from Pope Street to Pearl Street; PARKER STREET, from Hathaway Street to County Street; COUNTY STREET, from Pearl Street to Pope Street AND POPE STREET, from County Street to Pleasant Street, on MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M., for the purpose of THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES.                             

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Pereira, requesting, on behalf of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: KATHERINE STREET, from Crapo Street to Bonney Street, ON FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026, FROM 10:00 A.M., THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026, TO 10:00 P.M., for the purpose of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Holy Ghost Feast.

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ANTHONY STREET, from Bedford Street to Grove Street, ON FRIDAY, June 05, 2026, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M., for the purpose of a Graduation Party Block Party.

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of CSL Consulting and the Dartmouth Historical Society – New Bedford Whaling Museum, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: N. WATER STREET, from just north of Rodman Street to Hamilton Street, ON MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026, FROM 7:00 A.M. TO MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of underground utility work, and the reconstruction/repair of sidewalks and street. PLEASE NOTE: One side of the sidewalk will remain open to pedestrian traffic throughout the closure period.

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the United Way of Greater New Bedford, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIAM STREET, from North Sixth Street to Pleasant Street, ON FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2026, AT 7:30 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M., for the purpose of  the United Way’s Annual Youth Day of Caring Event on the Main Library’s Steps and Parking for the Student’s Buses.

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: SPRING STREET, from Purchase Street to Acushnet Avenue, FROM TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026, AT 7:00 A.M. TO WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026, AT 10:00 A.M., for the purpose of the Bristol County Savings Bank Annual Meeting at the Zeiterion Theatre.

Permission Granted.

WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIAM STREET, from Sixth Street to Eighth Street, ON THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 10:00 P.M., for the purpose of the SouthCoast Pride Block Party. 

Permission Granted.

CONSTABLE BOND, MARKO’NEAL STE. ROSE, New Bedford, MA, in the amount of $5,000.00 with the Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America.

Approved.

C10.    740-770 Purchase Street

C11.    126 Bullard Street

C12.    242 Walnut Street

C13.    65 Bliss Street

C14.    1265 Purchase Street

C15.    155 Fair Street

C16.    1546-1548 Purchase Street

C17.    293-305 Ashley Boulevard

C18.    445 Church Street

C19.    1279 Pleasant Street

C20.    Nash Road, from Ashley Boulevard to Belleville Avenue

C21.    49 Salisbury Street

C22.    360-382 South Front Street

C23.    522-526 Rivet Street

C24.    Brock Avenue Substation, at Ricketson Street Corner

C25.    163 Grinnell Street

C26.    389 Harwich Street

C27.    154 Matthew Street

C28.    317 Brooklawn Avenue

C29.    298 Collette Street

C30.    242 Walnut Street

C31.    65 Bliss Street

C32.    1265 Purchase Street

C33.    155 Fair Street

C34.    1546-1548 Purchase Street

C35.    293-305 Ashley Boulevard

C36.    445 Church Street

C37.    1279 Pleasant Street

C38.    Nash Road, from Ashley Boulevard to Belleville Avenue

C39.    49 Salisbury Street

C40.    360-382 South Front Street

C41.    522-526 Rivet Street

C42.    Brock Avenue Substation, at Ricketson Street Corner

C43.    163 Grinnell Street

C44.    389 Harwich Street

C45.    154 Matthew Street

C46.    317 Brooklawn Avenue

C47.    298 Collette Street

C48.    Aquidneck Street, from Brock Avenue to East Rodney French Blvd., including intersections

C49.    Hillcrest Road, from Ridgewood Road to Valley Road, including intersections

C50.    131-133 Reynolds Street

C51.    607-609 Brock Avenue

C52.    293 Clifford Street

C53.    347 Shaw Street

C54.    1113-1117 Acushnet Avenue

C55.    224-226 Ashley Boulevard

C56.    59 Deane Street

C57.    532 Rivet Street

C58.    91 Willow Street

C59.    66 Ward Street

C60.    Bedford Street, from Brigham Street to Brownell Street, including intersections

C61.    9-11 Ocean Street

C62.    Bliss Street, from Bolton Street to 64 Bliss Street

C63.    280 Rockdale Avenue

C64.    47 Rounseville Street

C65.    311 Coffin Avenue

C66.    227 Irvington Street

C67.    222 Brownell Street