MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting · 7:01 p.m.
January 26, 2023
70 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Baptiste arrived late ()
Every vote, in order
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 60’ (feet) of conduit and cable in Herman Melville Boulevard, to provide permanent underground electric service to 242 Herman Melville Boulevard.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0199).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0200).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 94’ (feet) of conduit and cable and one (1) new handhole in County Street, to provide permanent underground electric service to 550 County Street.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0201).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0202).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 40’ (feet) of conduit and cable in Wamsutta Street, to provide electric service to the South Coast Rail Wamsutta Layover Yard.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0203).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0204).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 62’ (feet) of conduit and cable in Brownell Avenue, to relocate overhead electric service to underground electric service at the zoo.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0205).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0206).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 45’ (feet) of conduit and cable and one (1) manhole in Brownell Avenue, to relocate overhead electric service to underground electric service at the zoo.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0207).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0208).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of one (1) new handhole in Rounds Street, to provide underground electric service to 137/139 Rounds Street.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0209).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0210).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of approximately 573’ (feet) of conduit and cable and three (3) new manholes in Hathaway Boulevard, to provide electric service to the Hetland Ice Rink at 310 Hathaway Boulevard.
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0211).”
An Order,
Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
From the minutes
“Hearing Continued until February 09, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Matter #0212).”
Petition, Verizon New England and Nstar Electric Company for location of one (1) new jointly owned pole at 748 Mt. Pleasant Street, to rearrange utility lines on Mt. Pleasant Street.
Hearing Held
Petition placed on file
From the minutes
“Petition placed on file. (Matter #0213).”
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 #0214).”
Petition, Verizon New England and Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of one (1) jointly owned pole at 211 Church Street, to rearrange utility lines at the intersection of Church Street and Glennon Street.
Hearing Held
Petition placed on file
From the minutes
“Petition placed on file. (Matter #0215).”
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 #0216).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order, that the City Solicitor be requested to obtain appraisals and prepare an Order of Taking for land located on County Street, from Nelson Street to Union Street, for the purpose of acquiring permanent and temporary easement for…
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0217).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0218).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order authorizing that the City execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and New Bedford for a Pedestrian Bridge over Route 18.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0219).”
Ordered, that the Mayor is authorized on behalf of the City of New Bedford to execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and New Bedford for a Pedestrian Bridge over Route 18, a copy of which is attached hereto.
Motion was made to Table the item and Refer to a Special City Council Meeting to be held on February 01, 2023 – FAILED
Yes: Burgo, Carney, Gomes, Lima, MoradNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Giesta, Markey, Pereira
From the minutes
“Motion was made to Table the item and Refer to a Special City Council Meeting to be held on February 01, 2023 – FAILED – Yeas 5, Nays 5. (Councillors Abreu, Baptiste, Giesta, Markey and Pereira OPPOSED.) (Matter #0220).”
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, PereiraNo: Burgo, Gomes, Lima, Morad
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 6, Nays 4. (Councillors Burgo, Gomes, Lima and Council President Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0220).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Transfer of $30,000.00 from City Council, Salaries & Wages to City Clerk, Salaries & Wages.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0221).”
Ordered, that the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) now standing to the credit of the account from City Council Salaries and Wages be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: City Clerk Salaries and Wages………………………………………..……….$30,000 To be certified and approved…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Markey, Morad, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0222).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of James W. Clark, New Bedford, MA to the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Stephen S. Brown, whose term has expired December 2022; this term will expire December 2027.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0223).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Aneshia Savino, New Bedford, MA as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing former alternate member Leo E. Choquette, Jr., whose has moved to a full-time member of this Board; this term will expire…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0224).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council Grant the Demolition of the Porch, located at 135 Cottage Street, (Map 45/Lot 263).
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0225).”
Communication/Demolition, New Bedford Historical Commission, to City Council, re: Building Demolition Review: Partial Demolition - Porch -135 Cottage Street, (Map 45/Lot 263) advising that “the property owner is proposing the demolition of the building’s wrap- around porch in its entirety and…
Demolition Granted
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Juvenal Alves Neves, New Bedford, MA 02740, as a Constable.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0226).”
An Application, Juvenal Alves Neves, New Bedford, MA 02740, for Appointment as a Constable.
Appointment Approved
From the minutes
“Appointment Approved. (Matter #1638).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Reappointment of Patricia A. Lareau, New Bedford MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2023.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0227).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Patricia A. Lareau, New Bedford MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2023. Severed and
Reappointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Reappointment Confirmed. (Matter #0384).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Reappointment of Brian Rothschild, New Bedford, MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2022.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0228).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Brian Rothschild, New Bedford, MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2022. Severed and
Reappointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Reappointment Confirmed. (Matter #0385).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Reappointment of Joseph M. Tavares, New Bedford, MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2022.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0229).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Joseph M. Tavares, New Bedford, MA to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2022. Severed and
Reappointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Reappointment Confirmed. (Matter #0386).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Pamela Kavanaugh, New Bedford, MA, to the Board of Health; Ms. Kavanaugh will be replacing Dr. Patricia Andrade, whose term has expired; this term will expire in February 2025.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0230).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Pamela Kavanaugh, New Bedford, MA, to the Board of Health; Ms. Kavanaugh will be replacing Dr. Patricia Andrade, whose term has expired; this term will expire in February 2025.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. (Matter #1878).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Ricard Rezendes, New Bedford, MA to the Licensing Board, replacing Steven A. Beauregard, whose term has expired; this term will expire June 2026.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0231).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Ricard Rezendes, New Bedford, MA to the Licensing Board, replacing Steven A. Beauregard, whose term has expired; this term will expire June 2026.
Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Markey, Morad, Pereira
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1369).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Ordinances relative to changing the Human Relations Commission’s name to the Human Rights Commission.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0232).”
An Ordinance, Amending Chapter 2, Article Ix, by changing the Human Relations Commission’s name to the Human Rights Commission.
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1461).”
An Ordinance, Amending Chapter 10, Article I, Section 10-43 – In General, by striking the phrase “Human Relations Commission” to “Human Rights Commission.”
Passed to a Second Reading. (#1461a)
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (#1461a).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council amend the New Bedford MacArthur Drive Area Redevelopment Plan by striking the tax credit language found in four places in the plan and recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Ordinance and the Order, approving the New…
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
TABLED
An Order, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B, Section 48, the City of New Bedford approves the New Bedford MacArthur Drive Redevelopment Plan.
TABLED
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning, Section 2110 (Districts) by inserting MacArthur Drive District (Mdd).
TABLED
Written Motion, Councillor Pereira, requesting on behalf of Ms. Carmen Souza, Tenant at 459 Bolton Street, that the Traffic Commission install a Handicap Parking sign in front of said address on the Kane Street side, due to the fact that Ms. Souza does not own the home and has no access to the…
Referred to the Traffic Commission
From the minutes
“Referred to the Traffic Commission. (Matter #0234).”
Written Motion, Council President Morad, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances revise Chapter 2 - Section 58, by striking the paragraph: Each standing committee shall consist of five (5) Councillors except the Committees on Ordinances, Finance, Appointments and Briefings, Public Safety and…
NO FURTHER ACTION
An Ordinance, amending Section 2-58 of Article III of Chapter 2, by inserting, after the words “City Property”, the following words, “Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing and Disability Issues”.
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #0236).”
Written Motion, Council President Morad, requesting, that representatives from the Department of Emergency Management, Department of Public Infrastructure and the Department of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship appear before the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods to provide said…
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods. (Matter #0237).”
Written Motion, Council President Morad, requesting that the Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Jamie Ponte and the Department of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Director Michele Paul appear before the Committee on Environmental Affairs to provide the City Council a detailed…
Referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs and the State Delegation
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs and the State Delegation. (Matter #0238).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Jerry Gil, 146 Holly Street, New Bedford, MA 02746, d/b/a J&n Transportation, 146 Holly Street, New Bedford, MA 02746, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a New 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 #0239).”
Communication, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding her support of a Special Permit for the proposed demolition of an old warehouse and the construction of a new Dunkin Fast Food Restaurant to be located at 756 South Water Street.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0240).”
Citation, Councillor Pereira, Council President Morad, Councillors Markey, Lima, Gomes, Giesta, Carney, Burgo, Baptiste and Abreu, honoring Marcelina Pina-christian, in recognition of her passionate leadership over the past fifteen years as Chairwoman of the annual community celebration of Reverend…
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0241).”
Citation, Councillor Gomes, honoring Bruce Duarte, Sr., in recognition of the celebration of his 80th Birthday on January 27, 2023 and with gratitude for all he has done for the City of New Bedford and our Veterans Services.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0242).”
Citation, Councillor Gomes, honoring Nelson Hockert-lotz, in recognition of his retirement as the owner of the New Bedford Domino’s Pizza Franchise and his commitment, generosity and contributions to the community and to our Public Safety Personnel.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0243).”
Communication/Minutes, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, notifying that the Office of the City Clerk has received Meeting Minutes from the Community Preservation Committee for a meeting held on November 29, 2022 and New Bedford Cultural Council for a meeting held on December…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0244).”
Application, South Coast Improvement Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 46-50 Union Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 11, 2023, 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 #0245).”
Application, New England Electrical Contracting, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 100 Hathaway Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 12, 2023, 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 #0246).”
Application, Fairhaven Excavating, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 162 Sawyer Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 10, 2023, 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 #0247).”
Applications, Frank Corp. Environmental, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 11, 2023, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 286 Herman Melville Boulevard, North to Wamsutta Street (#0248) 573 Rockdale…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 32 Cottage Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 18, 2023, 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 #0250).”
Application, Fairhaven Excavating, to Disturb the Surface, of 162 Sawyer Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 10, 2023, 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 #0251).”
Applications, Frank Corp. Environmental, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 11, 2023, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 286 Herman Melville Boulevard, North to Wamsutta Street (#0252) 573 Rockdale Avenue (#0253)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 32 Cottage Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 18, 2023, 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 #0254).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 13, 2023, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Social Street, from Rodney French Boulevard to McGurk Street (Including Intersections) (#0255) Harmony Street, from…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Sms Services, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 26 Union Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 10, 2023, 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 #0261).”
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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