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.
REVISED AGENDA
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; Kendra Parker, Assistant City Assessor
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
3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the attached updated City’s Fund Balance Management Policy. (Matter ID #0158) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer
4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $5,037,282.00 from FREE CASH to CABLE ACCESS, STABILIZATION FUND. (Matter ID #0159) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
4a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0160) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; James Marshall, Director, Cable Access
5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $60,386.00 from FREE CASH to PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0162) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
5a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0162) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Jamie Ponte, Commissioner, Department of Public Infrastructure
6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $175,000.00 from FREE CASH to WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0163) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
6a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0164) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Jennifer Vieira, Director, Department of Facilities and Fleet Management
7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $84,700.00 from FREE CASH to TOURISM, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0165) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
7a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0166) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Ashley Payne, Director, Tourism and Marketing
8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $70,000.00 from FREE CASH to RECREATION AND PARKS, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0167) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
8a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0168) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Mary Rapoza, Director, Parks, Recreation and Beaches
9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $63,662.00 from FREE CASH to MIS, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0169) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
9a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0170) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Jonathan Nunes, Interim Director of Information Technology
10. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $17,610.00 from FREE CASH to AUDITOR, PURCHASE OF SERVICES. (Matter ID #0171) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
10a. AN ORDER, (Matter ID #0172) (Referred – February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; Quillan Lowney, City Auditor
11. 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.)
12. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Morad, submitting a copy of a letter issued by the Law Offices of David J. Hoey P.C. to the City of New Bedford, pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 258 § 4, relating to claims regarding the Estate of the late Paul N. Coderre, Jr. and his widow, Jane Coderre. (Matter ID #1451) (Referred – September 12, 2024.)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if any accommodations are needed, please contact the City Council Office at 508-979-1455. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.