MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting · 7:01 p.m.
March 12, 2020
55 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Ian Abreu, Naomi R. A. Carney, Debora Coelho, Hugh Dunn, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima, Joseph P. Lopes, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad
Absent: Derek Baptiste
Every vote, in order
Communication, Councillor Baptiste, to Members of the City Council, notifying that he will be unable to attend the Regular City Council Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2020, due to a prior commitment.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0354).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, requesting an opportunity for relevant City staff and Consultants to brief the City Council regarding proposed upcoming Wastewater and Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects identified through the City’s recently completed integrated plan as well to…
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0355).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance, amending Chapter 9, Section 1200 Zoning by clarifying the definition of seafood processing and light manufacturing and adding a definition for seafood products.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0356).”
An Ordinance,
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0357).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance, amending Chapter 10, Section 10-47 Departmental Revolving Fund by amending the current “Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund” under the control of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0358).”
An Ordinance,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0359).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $6,000.00 from Fire Code Enforcement Reserve for Appropriation to Fire, Supplies & Materials.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0360).”
Ordered, that the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) now standing to the credit of the account from Fire Code Enforcement Reserve for Appropriation be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Fire Supplies and Materials…………………………………………...……………………$6,000.00 To be…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request on behalf of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management to hire Carlos Araujo as Garage Superintendent/Fleet Management at Step 2, Grade M-13 ($78,622.65) on the Unit C Salary Schedule. Salary Request Approved – Yeas 8,…
Salary Request Approved
Yes: Abreu, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Carney, MoradAbsent: Baptiste
From the minutes
“Salary Request Approved – Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Carney and Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0369).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Jacqueline K. Medeiros, New Bedford, MA to the Council on Aging; Ms. Medeiros will be replacing Inez Mello, who has passed away; this term will expire November 2022.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0370).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Linda Haskins, New Bedford, MA to the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities; Ms. Haskins will be replacing Herbert Eddleston, who resigned and has since passed away; this term will expire May 2021.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0371).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Ordinance, Amending Chapter 9, Section 3147 – Relative to Alternate Material for Parking/Loading Surfaces.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0372).”
An Ordinance, (Referred to the Committee on Ordinances – January 23, 2020.)
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #0123).”
Communication, Councillor Morad submitting a copy of a letter from City Planner Harkin, notifying the Council of the Planning Board’s favorable recommendation regarding the Ordinance amendment relative to alternative material for parking/loading spaces.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0373).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Approval of the salary request for Ms. Elizabeth McNamara being considered for the position of Associate City Solicitor, at Step 3, Grade M-12, which is $76,397.00.
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0374).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a salary request for Ms. Elizabeth McNamara being considered for the position of Associate City Solicitor, at Step 3, Grade M-12, which is $76,397.00. (Referred to the Committee on Finance – February 13, 2020.)
Salary Request Approved
Yes: Abreu, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Carney, MoradAbsent: Baptiste
From the minutes
“Salary Request Approved – Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Carney and Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0177).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of an Order, relative to classifying the position of Special Legal Counsel and Hearing Officer as “Special Municipal Employee” positions.
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0375).”
Ordered, that the positions of Special Legal Counsel and Hearing Officer be and are hereby classified as “Special Municipal Employee” pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 268A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Adopted
Report, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the salary for Ms. Judith Perkins, nominee for Director of Personnel, be established at Salary Step 3 ($102,132.00) on the Unit C Salary Schedule. (Ms. Perkins’ Appointment as Director of Personnel was…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
Salary Request Approved
Yes: Abreu, Coelho, Dunn, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Carney, Giesta, MoradAbsent: Baptiste
From the minutes
“Salary Request Approved – Yeas 7, Nays 3. (Councillors Carney, Giesta and Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0376).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Leo E. Choquette, Jr., New Bedford, MA to the Zoning Board of Appeals, as an Alternate Member replacing John Walsh; this term will expire December 2021.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0377).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Leo E. Choquette, Jr., New Bedford, MA to the Zoning Board of Appeals, as an Alternate Member replacing John Walsh; this term will expire December 2021. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – February…
Appointment Confirmed and Waive Rule 40
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, MoradAbsent: Baptiste
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed and Waive Rule 40 – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0193).”
Report, Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Bousquet and Council President Martins, requesting that the City’s Remediation and Licensed Site Professionals, Trc Engineering, come before the City Council…
Recommended by the Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0378).”
Written Motion, Councillor Bousquet and Council President Martins, requesting that the City’s Remediation and Licensed Site Professionals, Trc Engineering, come before the City Council Special Committee on Environmental Affairs to outline the latest results and upcoming actions in regard to the…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting, Once Again that the Department of Public Infrastructure replace the existing and damaged green chain link fence that runs along the retention…
Recommended by the Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0379).”
Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting, Once Again that the Department of Public Infrastructure replace the existing and damaged green chain link fence that runs along the retention pond on Cove Road. (Referred to the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs - April 09, 2015.) Adopted –…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Lopes and Gomes, requesting, once again, that the Director of Environmental Stewardship, Michele Paul, conduct soil testing on properties located on the west…
Recommended by the Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0380).”
Written Motion, Councillors Lopes and Gomes, requesting, once again, that the Director of Environmental Stewardship, Michele Paul, conduct soil testing on properties located on the west side of Seymour Street for irregularities and/or contamination. (Referred to the Special Committee on…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Communication, Council President Lopes, submitting a letter from the New Bedford Port Authority regarding the purchase of 123 MacArthur Drive, the former Royal Restaurant, as a central Command Center to house Port Authority Staff, Marine Police and Fire personnel through a grant funded by the…
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0381).”
Purchase & Sales Agreement, between the “Seller” Ronald Oliveira and the “Buyer” New Bedford Harbor Development Commission d/b/a New Bedford Port Authority for a piece of property located at 123 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, MA 02740.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0382).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Albert M. Williams, III, 1 Deerfield Lane, Fairhaven, MA 02719 d/b/a Elite Transportation, INC., 1 Deerfield Lane, Fairhaven, MA 02719, hereby submits a copy of the Application requesting a Renewal of a Private…
) Livery License Renewal Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Renewal Granted. (Matter #0383).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Jenny Mejia, 88 Sagamore Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 d/b/a Jenny’s Transportation, 88 Sagamore Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a Renewal of a Private Livery…
) Livery License Renewal Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Renewal Granted. (Matter #0384).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Debra Ciminello, 22 Shannon Way, Dartmouth, MA 02747 d/b/a Yes! We Van LLC, 167 Butler Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a Renewal of a Private Livery License, to…
) Livery License Renewal Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Renewal Granted. (Matter #0385).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Nasar Bokhari, 347 North Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a Good Limousine/Airport Transportation, LLC. hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a New Private Livery License, to carry passengers for…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0386).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Nasar Bokhari, 347 North Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a Good Limousine/Airport Transportation, LLC. hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a Renewal of a Private Livery License, to carry…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0387).”
Communication, Community Preservation Committee to City Council, submitting the FY2020 Community Preservation Act Funding recommendations.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0388).”
Recommendations, Community Preservation Committee submitting FY2020 Funding Recommendations for eleven (11) Projects totaling $1,145,011.00.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0389).”
Citation, Councillor Gomes, honoring Joe Perez, in recognition of his years of service to New Bedford politics and his many contributions to charities.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0390).”
Written Motion, Councillor Lima, requesting, that the following street(s) be Closed: Oneida Street, from Lake Street to Fuller Memorial Parkway; Lake Street, from Oneida Street to Buttonwood Street; Buttonwood Street, from Lake Street to Fuller Memorial Parkway; Fuller Memorial Parkway, from…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, that the following street(s) be Closed: Purchase Street, from School Street to Spring Street, on Saturday, March 28, 2020, from 3:00 P.m. to 12:00 A.m., (Midnight) for the purpose of Doo Wop.…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, that the following street(s) be Closed: Purchase Street, from School Street to Spring Street, on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from 11:00 A.m. to 11:00 P.m., for the purpose of Heated: an Evening with Chef…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Greater New Bedford Earth Day Committee, that the following street(s) be Closed: Market Street, from Pleasant Street to North Sixth Street, on Thursday, April 09, 2020, from 4:00 P.m. to 7:00 P.m., for the purpose of The Earth Eve…
Permission Granted
Constable Bond, Michael Peter Antunes, II, New Bedford, MA 02740 with Western Surety Company in the amount of $5,000.00.
Approved
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 meetings held on February 14 & 28, 2020; Community Preservation Committee for a meeting held on February 5, 2020;…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0396).”
Application, R.w. Bryant Contracting, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Intersection of County Street and East Clinton Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 6, 2020, 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 #0397).”
Application, Pods of New England, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 19 Jenny Lind Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 11, 2020, 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 #0398).”
Application, R.w. Bryant Contracting, to Disturb the Surface of the Intersection of County Street and East Clinton Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 06, 2020, 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 #0399).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 04, 2020, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Purchase Street, working from Maxfield Street to Hillman Street (#0400) Sycamore Street, working from Summer Street to…
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 09, 2020, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 227 Church Street, working from Glennon Street to Query Street (#0406) South Front Street, working from 460 South Front…
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 10, 2020, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 373 Court Street, working from Rounds Street to Brownell Street (#0410) 156 David Street, working from Brock Avenue to…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Frade’s Disposal, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 02, 2020, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 67 Burns Street (#0419) 67 Burns Street (#0420) 19 Tisbury Street (#0421) 19 Tisbury…
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 March 11, 2020, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 65 Willard Street (#0424) 1528 Acushnet Avenue (#0425) 343 North Front Street…
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 in Orchard Street, South of Swift Street.
RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
From the minutes
“RECEIVED AND HEARING ORDERED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020..”
Communication, Councillor Gomes submitting a signed petition from area residents regarding the closing of Fire Station 11.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0430).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes submitting two (2) Written Motions from the February 13, 2020 City Council Meeting regarding the closing of Fire Station 11, that were returned unsigned from Mayor Mitchell on March 02, 2020.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0431).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes submitting a copy of a Written Motion from the February 13, 2020 City Council Meeting regarding the possibility of sailboat racing off the peninsula at Fort Tabor that was returned unsigned from Mayor Mitchell on March 02, 2020.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0432).”
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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