MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Regular meeting · 7:06 p.m.
March 23, 2017
67 recorded votes, 7 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Ian Abreu, Naomi R. A. Carney, Debora Coelho, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Steven Martins, Linda M. Morad, James D. Oliveira, Dana L. Rebeiro, Kerry M. Winterson
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Hearing, on Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one (1) Pole in Hathaway Road, East of Shawmut Avenue.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #0408).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded in Book of Location Order Records
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded in Book of Location Order Records – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0409).”
Hearing, on Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of two (2) 4” Conduits in Hathaway Road, East of Shawmut Avenue.
Hearing Held
Petition placed on file
From the minutes
“Petition placed on file. (Matter #0410).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded in Book of Location Order Records
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded in Book of Location Order Records. (Matter #0411).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance, amending Chapter 15, Section 15-101 of the City Code pertaining to Wetland Protection.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0412).”
An Ordinance,
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0413).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order authorizing the Mayor and the Chairman of the Airport Commission to execute a lease amendment with Claremont Aviation, LLC on behalf of the City.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0414).”
Ordered, that the Chairman of the Airport Commission and the Mayor are herby authorized on behalf of the City to execute an Amendment to Lease between the City of New Bedford and Claremont Aviation, LLC for lease’s construction of a hangar at the New Bedford Regional Airport. The leased property is…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0416).”
Ordered, that the City Council of the City of New Bedford acknowledges the Authority of the Mayor to execute Grant Assurances to the Federal Aviation Administration and Massachusetts and Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division on behalf of the City of New Bedford and that…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order amending the order adopted by the City Council on June 23, 2016 and signed by the Mayor on June 30, 2016, which in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, authorized the revolving fund under the control…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0419).”
Ordered, amending the order adopted by the City Council on June 23, 2016, and signed by the Mayor on June 30, 2016, which, in accordance with the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2, authorized the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department known as the…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order, for the Transfer of $2,250.00 from CFO, Supplies & Materials, to CFO, Salaries & Wages in the amount of $850.00 and CFO, Charges & Services in the amount of $1,400.00.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0421).”
Ordered, that the sum of Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($2,250.00) now standing to the credit of the account from CFO Supplies and Materials ($1,500.00) and CFO Capital Outlay ($750.00) be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: CFO Salaries and…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $1,850.00 from Assessors, Salaries & Wages, to Assessors, Supplies & Materials.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0423).”
Ordered, that the sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($1,850.00) now standing to the credit of the account from Assessors Salaries and Wages be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Assessors Supplies and Materials……………………………………………………..$1,850.00 To be…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of William E. Jennings, New Bedford, MA to the Council on Aging, replacing Joan Halter; this term will expire May 2018.
Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0425).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Carol Pimental, New Bedford, MA to the New Bedford Housing Authority, replacing Cynthia Edwards who has resigned; this term will expire December 2021.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, and that the Mitchell Administration supply a copy of the letter showing that Ms. Edwards has resigned from the New Bedford Housing Authority Board
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, and that the Mitchell Administration supply a copy of the letter showing that Ms. Edwards has resigned from the New Bedford Housing Authority Board. (Matter #0426).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Elson Costa, New Bedford, MA, as a Special Police Officer.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0427).”
Application, Elson Costa, New Bedford, MA 02740, for Appointment as a Special Police Officer.
Appointment made and confirmed
From the minutes
“Appointment made and confirmed. (Matter #0428).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell to City Council, submitting the Appointment of David Michael Simoes, New Bedford, MA, as a Special Police Officer.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0429).”
Application, David Michael Simoes, New Bedford, MA 02740, for Appointment as a Special Police Officer.
Appointment made and confirmed
From the minutes
“Appointment made and confirmed. (Matter #0430).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro as Harbormaster for a term of five (5) years in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 109 of the Acts of 2014; and requesting a Waiver of Residency as required under Chapter 109. (Charter…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Yes: Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliveira, RebeiroNo: Abreu, Carney, Martins, Winterson
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – Yeas 6, Nays 4. (Councillors Abreu, Carney, Martins and Winterson OPPOSED.) (Matter #0329).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council to Grant the Demolition of 1494 East Rodney French Boulevard (Map 12/Lot77.)
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0431).”
Communication/Demolition, New Bedford Historical Commission, to City Council, re: 1494 East Rodney French Boulevard, (Map 12, Lot 77), circa 1890 wood framed structure; the structure retains historical significance due to its association with New Bedford’s 20th century boat building industry and…
Demolition Granted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, RebeiroAbsent: Lopes, Winterson
From the minutes
“Demolition Granted – Yeas 8, Nays 0. (Council President Lopes and Councillor Winterson not present for vote.) (Matter #2300).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council to Grant a One-Year Waiver of Residency for Stephanie (Harrington) Sloan, Grants Administer in the Health Department, who resides in Fall River.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Motion was made to follow the Recommendation of the Committee and Grant the One Year Waiver – FAILED
Yes: Coelho, Oliveira, WintersonNo: Abreu, Carney, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Rebeiro
From the minutes
“Motion was made to follow the Recommendation of the Committee and Grant the One Year Waiver – FAILED – Yeas 3, Nays 7. (Councillors Coelho, Oliveira and Winterson IN FAVOR.) (Matter #0432).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Stephen S. Brown, New Bedford, MA 02740 to the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing James Mathes, who resigned from the Board on March 21, 2016; this term will expire December 2017.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed and Appointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Oliveira, Rebeiro, WintersonNo: Morad
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed and Appointment Confirmed – Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0433).”
Report, Committee on Memorials and Dedications, recommending to the City Council Approval of the lot across from the High School between Ruggles and Greenwood Streets to be transformed into a dog park with the appropriate fencing, key system, play areas, trash barrels, doggie bags, stands and…
Recommended by the Committee on Memorials and Dedications
Amended to Strike the word Lynn in the dog park name to read “The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park” – All Ayes
From the minutes
“Amended to Strike the word Lynn in the dog park name to read “The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park” – All Ayes. (Matter #0434).”
Recommendation Followed as Amended
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed as Amended. (Matter #0434).”
Minutes, dated June 15, 2016 from the Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Unanimously Approving the naming of the Dog Park, “The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park.”
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0435).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Approval of the amended Loan Order appropriating $21,608,000 for the purpose of financing the construction of the West End Sewer Separation Project – Phase 4, West End Sewer Separation Project – Phase 5, Deane Street Sewer Separation…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0436).”
Loan Order,
Passed, to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed, to a Second Reading. (Matter #0201).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Approval of an Order for the Transfer of $1,008,667.00 from Water Free Cash, to Water Stabilization Fund.
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0437).”
Ordered, that the sum of One Million Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Seven Dollars ($1,008,667.00) now standing to the credit to the account from Water Free Cash be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Water Stabilization Fund………………………………………………………………$1,008,667.00…
Adopted
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Approval of an Order for the Transfer of $1,000,000.00 from Water Free Cash, to Water, Other Charges.
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Motion was made to TABLE the item FAILED
Yes: AbreuNo: Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Motion was made to TABLE the item FAILED - Yeas 1, Nays 9. (Councillor Abreu IN FAVOR.) (Matter #0438).”
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0438).”
Ordered, that the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) now standing to the account from Water Free Cash be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Water Other Charges……………………………………………………………………..$1,000,000.00 To be certified and approved by the Department Head.
Motion was made to TABLE the item FAILED
Yes: AbreuNo: Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Motion was made to TABLE the item FAILED – Yeas 1, Nays 9. (Councillor Abreu IN FAVOR.) (Matter #0205).”
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Oliveira, Rebeiro, WintersonNo: Morad
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0205).”
Written Motion, Councillor Abreu, requesting, that the New Bedford City Council offer its full support to Somerset Selectman and Executive Chair of "Hyperloop Massachusetts," Holly McNamara, and Team Lead, John Myron as their "Hyperloop" Transportation Proposal for the State of Massachusetts and…
Adopted
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with the CEO or Director of CleanSlate Addiction Treatment Center, 92 Grape Street, to discuss neighborhood concerns and security issues around the facility, due to the number of complaints about…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0440).”
Citations, Councillor Gomes, honoring Captain Adelino Sousa, Lieutenant Even Bielski, Sergeant Stanley Chabarek, Sergeant Norman Duchesneau, and Sergeant Kurt Dreher, in recognition of their promotions within the New Bedford Police Department.
Adopted, to be presented at later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at later date. (Matter #0441).”
Citations, Councillor Gomes, honoring Sergeant Mark Stone and Officer Leonard “Lenny” Mota, in recognition of their receiving the Chief’s Award and their years of Dedicated and Committed Service to the New Bedford Police Department.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0442).”
Written Motion, Councillor Winterson, requesting, on behalf of the Humane Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford, that the following street(s) be Closed: Lt. Walter P. Fuller Memorial Parkway, from Rockdale Avenue West to the Monument, on Sunday, May 21, 2017, from 8:00 A.m. to 5:00 P.m., for…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Oliveira, requesting, on behalf of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, that the following street(s) be Closed: Mill Road, from Jireh Street to Mazeppa, on Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 10:00 A.m. to 4:00 P.m. for the purpose of The Acushnet River Herring Festival. Permission…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Rebeiro, 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, April 28, 2017, from 7:00 A.m. to 9:00 A.m., for the purpose of the United Way’s 23rd…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of Javier Rojas, that the following street(s) be Closed: Rivet Street, between South Second Street and Acushnet Avenue, on Friday, May 05, 2017, from 1:00 P.m. to Saturday, May 06, 2017 at 12:00 A.m., (Midnight) for the purpose of The…
Permission Granted
Constable Bond, Joseph C. Latimer, Westport, MA 02790, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Hanover Insurance Company.
Approved
Minutes, Board of Assessors, submitting Minutes of meetings held on February 24, and March 3, and March 9, 2017.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0448).”
Minutes, Planning Board, submitting Minutes of a meeting held on February 8, 2017.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0449).”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 111 Smith Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 21, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0450).”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 111 Smith Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 21, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0451).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 13, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: County Street from Hillman Street to Pearl Street (#0452) Hall Street from Thompson Street to Rockland Street and…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 15, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 24 – 30 Thompson Street (#0464) Intersection of Purchase Street and Union Street (#0465)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 17, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Smith Street from Walden Street to Cedar Street (#0466) Walden Street from Hillman Street to Smith Street (#0467)…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Frade’s Disposal, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 13, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 368 Mill Street
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0476).”
Applications, Abc Disposal Service, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 13, 2017, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 233 Belleville Road (#0477) 102 Ashley Boulevard (#0478) 454 Court Street (#0479) 71…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Pole Removal, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to remove and abandon six (6) Poles Off Brock Avenue (Hazelwood Park).
Received and Granted
From the minutes
“Received and Granted. (Matter #0484).”
Written Motion, Councillors Gomes & Oliveira, requesting that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet with Pulaski School Parents and School Staff in conjunction with the Far North End Neighborhood Association, to discuss the ongoing traffic and public safety issues at Pulaski school…
Rule 42 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Rule 42 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0485).”
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, and that a Representative of the School Department and Social Committee be invited to said meeting
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, and that a Representative of the School Department and Social Committee be invited to said meeting. (Matter #0485).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting an email from Lisa Tavares, concerned parent of a student at Pulaski School, regarding the traffic issues at the school. (To be Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods.)
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods. (Matter #0486).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Ordinance, as Amended, Relative to Personnel, Chapter 19, Section 19-7.1.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Rule 42 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Rule 42 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0487).”
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0487).”
An Ordinance, as Amended
Rule 42 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lopes, Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro, Winterson
From the minutes
“Rule 42 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0226).”
Passed, to be Ordained, as amended – FAILED
The minutes record 4–5 but name 3 councilors as in favor, so the names and the count do not match; individual votes are not shown. We will ask the City Clerk to confirm.
From the minutes
“Passed, to be Ordained, as amended – FAILED – Yeas 4, Nays 5. (Councillors Martins, Morad, Oliviera and Rebeiro IN FAVOR.) (Matter #0226).”
Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting that CFO Ari Sky, brief the Committee on Finance on the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, before the Mayor's budget submission in May. ( To be Referred to the Committee on Finance.)
TABLED
Written Motion, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of Scott Downing, Executive Secretary, Traffic Commission, that the following street(s) be Closed: Frederick Douglas Way, North to the property line at Regency Towers (its Terminus), Starting Saturday, April 01, 2017, to Sunday, October 01,…
Permission Granted
From the official minutes kept by the New Bedford City Clerk (agendas and minutes). The minutes are text documents; we read every action, check every roll-call count against the councilors named, and quote the exact wording. Most items pass by voice vote, and the minutes record only the result for those; how each councilor voted is shown only for roll calls. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councilor photos: cropped from the City of New Bedford's official 2026 City Council photo (newbedford-ma.gov). The 2024–2025 group photo, and the photos of Maria E. Giesta and Linda M. Morad cropped from it: City of New Bedford, provided by the City Clerk.
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