MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting · 7:00 p.m.
February 28, 2019
59 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Ian Abreu, Naomi R. A. Carney, Debora Coelho, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima, Joseph P. Lopes, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad, Dana L. Rebeiro
Absent: Hugh Dunn
Every vote, in order
Communication, Councillor Dunn, to Members of the City Council, notifying that he will be absent from the City Council Meeting on Thursday, February 28, 2019, due to a work conflict.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0316).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting A Loan Order, appropriating $17 Million to construct the South Public Safety Center located on the property at Brock Avenue and Ruth Street and to include the demolition of the former St. Anne’s Church and School.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0317).”
Loan Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0318).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a response to its RFP of 45 Salisbury Street, for its inclusion in the proposed Public Safety Facility at Ruth and Salisbury Street and Brock Avenue.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0319).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request, that pursuant to Section 2-65 of the City Code, the Council begin Committee on City Property proceedings to seek proposals for the disposition of a twenty-year leasehold interest in property owned by the City of New Bedford,…
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0320).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Gary Raposa to the position of District Fire Chief, effective March 03, 2019.
Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0321).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Shayne M. Trimbell, New Bedford, MA 02740, as an Alternate Member to the Planning Board; Mr. Trimbell will be replacing George N. Smith, whose term has expired; this term will expire September 2021.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0323).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Celeste Paleologos, New Bedford, MA, 02746, to the Zoning Board of Appeals; this term will expire in December 2020.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0324).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Jennifer Smith, New Bedford, MA 02740, as an Alternate Member to the Historical Commission; Ms. Smith will be replacing Meghan Kish, whose term has expired; this term will expire March…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0325).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Jennifer Smith, New Bedford, MA 02740, as an Alternate Member to the Historical Commission; Ms. Smith will be replacing Meghan Kish, whose term has expired; this term will expire March 2021. A motion was made to Waive…
Appointment Granted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Appointment Granted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1798).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Carol Pimentel, New Bedford, MA to the Redevelopment Authority, replacing Celia Brito, whose term has expired and recently ceased being a City resident; this term will expire July 2022.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0326).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Carol Pimentel, New Bedford, MA to the Redevelopment Authority, replacing Celia Brito, whose term has expired and recently ceased being a City resident; this term will expire July 2022.
Appointment APPROVED
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Appointment APPROVED – Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Council President Morad and Councillor Rebeiro OPPOSED.) (Matter #1905).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Ann R. O’leary, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Jill Horton Simms who has resigned, this term will expire April 2020.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0327).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request to rescind Mr. Barry Trahan’s appointment to serve on the Library Board of Trustees replacing Jill Horton Simms; and further submitting the Appointment of Ann R. O’leary, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing…
Appointment APPROVED
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Appointment APPROVED – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0015).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Martin Bentz, New Bedford, MA, to the Human Relations Commission, replacing Kevin Thomas, whose term has expired; this term will expire February 2021.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0328).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Martin Bentz, New Bedford, MA, to the Human Relations Commission, replacing Kevin Thomas, whose term has expired; this term will expire February 2021.
Appointment APPROVED
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Appointment APPROVED – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0016).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council to follow the Recommendations of the Historical Commission and Grant Partial Demolition and replacement of existing windows at 61 Wamsutta Street, (Map 78, Lot 125).
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0329).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Application, Dennis and Grace Madeira, D/B/A Manny’s Auto Body, for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Sales and Rentals, Body Repair, General Repair and Light Service at 262 Myrtle Street, New…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0330).”
Special Permit, Dennis and Grace Madeira, d/b/a Manny’s Auto Body, for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Sales and Rentals, Body Repair, General Repair and Light Service at 262 Myrtle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746.
SPECIAL PERMIT GRANTED
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn, Morad
From the minutes
“SPECIAL PERMIT GRANTED – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Council President Morad not present for vote.) (Matter #0331).”
Report, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Barry G. Trahan, New Bedford, MA, to the Library Board of Trustees, Mr. Trahan will be replacing Jill…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0332).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Barry G. Trahan, New Bedford, MA, to the Library Board of Trustees, Mr. Trahan will be replacing Jill Horton- Simms who has resigned; this term will expire April 2020.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Written Motion, Councillors Coelho and Giesta, requesting, that the City Council inquire of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Public Health Council, and the New Bedford Board of Health whether or not the State has any regulatory requirements to prevent photos from…
Referred to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Public Health Council and the New Bedford Board of Health
From the minutes
“Referred to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Public Health Council and the New Bedford Board of Health. (Matter #0333).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet with a Representative of Avigilon Surveillance Camera Company, a Representative of America Security the company responsible for the installation and monitoring of City Hall surveillance cameras,…
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn, Giesta
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Councillor Giesta not Present for Vote.) (Matter #0334).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order, requesting on behalf of the New Bedford Airport Commission that the City Council purchase from Tifereth Israel Congregation, two Lots for a total consideration of $35,000.00.
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0335).”
Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes
From the minutes
“Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes. (Matter #0335).”
An Order,
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0336).”
Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes
From the minutes
“Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes. (Matter #0336).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order, requested by the New Bedford Airport Commission that the City sell a parcel of real estate to Tifereth Israel Congregation for $35,000.00.
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0337).”
Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes
From the minutes
“Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes. (Matter #0337).”
An Order,
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0338).”
Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes
From the minutes
“Motion made by Councillor Carney to RECONSIDER the matter and Refer to the Committee on City Property – All Ayes. (Matter #0338).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Joseph A. Neves, 574 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 d/b/a Neves Bus Company, INC., 574 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submits a copy of the Application requesting a New Private Livery License, to…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0339).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of a letter from City Solicitor McDermott, to Ms. Ericca Kennedy, Whisk & Jane, LLC, regarding Whisk and Jane’s request to locate a recreational cannabis facility at 161 Pope’s Island, New Bedford, MA.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0340).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a copy of a letter sent to Mayor Mitchell, from Ericca Kennedy, Whisk and Jane, LLC, thanking him for the meeting to discuss a multi-purpose recreational cannabis facility at 161 Pope’s Island.
Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review
From the minutes
“Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review. (Matter #0341).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting copies of emails from and to Martha Worley, from Worleybeds Factory Outlet, 197 Pope’s Island, regarding a Zoning Waiver Request for Whisk & Jane, LLC, to locate a recreational cannabis business at 161 Pope’s Island, New Bedford, MA.
Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals
From the minutes
“Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Matter #0342).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a copy of an abutters list and Certified Mail Receipts notifying community of plans for Whisk and Jane LLC, at Pope’s Island.
Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review
From the minutes
“Referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review. (Matter #0343).”
Communication, Councillor Giesta, submitting a copy of the Zoning for Marijuana Establishments and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers Ordinance.
Referred to the Zoning Officer, Danny Romanowicz
From the minutes
“Referred to the Zoning Officer, Danny Romanowicz. (Matter #0344).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a copy of the Guidance on Equitable Cannabis Policies for Municipalities from the Cannabis Control Commission.
Referred to the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review
From the minutes
“Referred to the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review. (Matter #0345).”
Communication, Councillor Giesta, submitting a copy of a letter from Department of Inspectional Services Commissioner Danny Romanowicz relative to zoning restrictions for a recreational cannabis facility at 161 Pope’s Island - Plot 60/Lot 26.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0346).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a copy of a letter from Dis Commissioner Danny Romanowicz, relative to zoning of 161 Pope’s Island, Plot 60/Lot 26.
Referred to the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review
From the minutes
“Referred to the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review. (Matter #0347).”
Communication, Councillor Giesta, submitting a copy of Marine Park (Pope’s Island) deed which proves that it has been a park since 1928.
Referred to DIS Commissioner Danny Romanowicz
From the minutes
“Referred to DIS Commissioner Danny Romanowicz. (Matter #0348).”
Related Motion, Councillor Carney, requesting, that the City Council meet with the Park Board and Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, Mary S. Rapoza, to discuss the issue of the Pope’s Island Marina and Pope’s Park property to see what steps can be taken to clearly define the use of this…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, RebeiroNo: Giesta, MoradAbsent: Dunn
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Council President Morad and Councillor Giesta OPPOSED.) (Matter #0349).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of an email from Mr. Cynthia Roy, New Bedford, MA, regarding the Alma del Mar Charter School Expansion.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0350).”
Communication, Councillor Abreu, submitting a copy of a letter sent to our State Legislative Delegation in support of House Bill Hd. 986 – An Act regarding pay parity for Correctional Officers of the fourteen county Sheriffs’ Offices.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0351).”
Communication, Councillor Lopes, submitting a copy of a letter sent to our State Legislative Delegation urging legislative action regarding House Bill Hd. 986 – An Act regarding pay parity for Correctional Officers of the fourteen county Sheriffs’ Offices.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0352).”
Petition/Indemnity, Boutique Fitness, for Permission to Erect and Maintain a Projecting Non- illuminated thirty-six inch Sign at 516 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Provisionally Granted, subject to Approval of the Building Commissioner and subject to Ratification by Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0353).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of letter addressed to the New Bedford Kiwanis Club, thanking them for the invitation to their meeting and luncheon.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0354).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of an email from American Progressive Bag Alliance regarding the City Council’s possible Ordinance that would ban the use of plastic bag.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0355).”
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 February 08, 2019; Bristol County Phep Board for a meeting held on December 18, 2018; Board of Park…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0356).”
Application, Nathanyl Gomes Const., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 971 Osgood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 22, 2019, 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 #0357).”
Application, Nathanyl Gomes Const., to Disturb the Surface, of 971 Osgood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 22, 2019, 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 #0358).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 15, 2019, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 895 Brock Avenue, George Street to Warren Street (#0359) 156 David Street, Brock Avenue to West Rodney French…
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 February 22, 2019, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 228 Brook Street, Tinkham Street to Nash Road (#0371) 39 Arch Street, Union Street to Arnold Street (#0372) 309 Davis…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 25, 2019, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Pleasant Street, Spring Street and School Street
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0378).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 28, 2019, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 303 Central Avenue (#0379) 184 Thompson Street (#0380) Lot 1, Dutton Street (#0381)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Abc Disposal Service, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 25, 2019, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 179 Arnold Street (#0382) 211 Church Street (#0383) 204 Hersom Street (#0384) 51…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one (1) 4" Conduit and one (1) 45"x45"x36" Handhole in Bedford Street, West of Orchard Street.
RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019
From the minutes
“RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one (1) 4" Conduit, five (5) 4” Conduits and one (1) 45"x45"x36" Handhole in Borden Street, North of Bedford Street.
RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019
From the minutes
“RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of two (2) 4” Conduits, in Rivet Street, West of County Street.
RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019
From the minutes
“RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR MARCH 14, 2019..”
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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