MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford · Committee on Finance · 7:01 p.m.
April 20, 2023
27 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Attendance
Present: Derek Baptiste, Naomi R. A. Carney, Maria E. Giesta, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Ian Abreu, Shane A. Burgo, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima
During the meeting:
- Baptiste arrived late (7:11)
Every vote, in order
Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Communication, Janine da Silva, Chairperson, Community Preservation Committee, submitting the Community Preservation Committee’s FY23 Community Preservation Act Funding recommendations (Ref’d 03/23/2023) (Matter Id #0583)
To approve $47,167.00 for the Boys & Girls Club Playground – Project 1.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To approve $47,167.00 for the Boys & Girls Club Playground – Project 1. (Matter #0583).” (Motion: Carney, second: Pereira)
Project 2: The request is $270,827.00. The Capitol Theatre project is the transformative rehabilitation and restoration of the 1920 Classical Revival film theatre into (6) units of affordable housing, retail space, non-profit offices and a resource hub for the North End. This building was deemed…
To approve $270,827.00 for the Capitol Theater – Project 2.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $270,827.00 for the Capitol Theater – Project 2..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To approve $50,000.00 for the City Clerk Record Preservation Phase II – Project 3.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $50,000.00 for the City Clerk Record Preservation Phase II – Project 3..” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
Project 4: The request is $4,000.00. The Coffin Howland House is listed on the Massachusetts Registry of Historical Places and is a cultural and historic asset within the Park built in 1846 by Joseph Congdon. The building shares the Gothic inspired architecture of the Congdon Lucas House. After the…
To approve $4,000.00 for the Coffin Howland House Feasibility Study and Restoration – Project 4.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Oliver, PereiraNo: MoradAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $4,000.00 for the Coffin Howland House Feasibility Study and Restoration – Project 4..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
Project 5: The request is for $12,000.00. The Ft. Taber-Ft. Rodman Military Museum, that houses over 5,000 artifacts representing Southcoast Veterans’ service to our Country. This unique, hand-painted mural measures 54” x 112” and maps the path of the 212th Field Artillery Unit Massachusetts…
To approve $12,000.00 for the Ft. Taber-Ft Rodman Military Museum 212th Field Artillery Unit Mural Preservation – Project 5.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $12,000.00 for the Ft. Taber-Ft Rodman Military Museum 212th Field Artillery Unit Mural Preservation – Project 5..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
Project 6: The request is for $90,000.00. Gallery X was built in 1855 as the First Unitarian Church and, over the last 167 years, has served as the home of the Pilgrim Church, Temple Sinai, and Douglas Memorial Ame Church. Situated in the Upper William Street area, this building is also part of the…
To approve $90,000.00 for the Gallery X Stained Glass Window Restoration – Project 6.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To approve $90,000.00 for the Gallery X Stained Glass Window Restoration – Project 6..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Oliver)
Project 7: The request is for $24,000.00. The Receiving Tomb and Chapel (circa 1896) at Rural Cemetery and the Receiving Tomb and Chapel (circa 1892) at Oak Grove Cemetery are both contributing historic resources to their respective National Register Districts. This project recommendation will fund…
To approve $24,000.00 for the Historic Cemetery Public Tombs Structures Assessment – Project 7.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Oliver, PereiraNo: MoradAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $24,000.00 for the Historic Cemetery Public Tombs Structures Assessment – Project 7..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
Project 8: The request is for $12,000.00. This singularly unique historic Tea Kettle has been a visible landmark on Union Street for over 172 years. Attached to 1 Johnny Cake Hill in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, it served as an advertising device for a downtown business. The…
To approve $12,000.00 for the Historic Tea Kettle Assessment and Refurbishment – Project 8.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Baptiste, the Committee VOTED: To approve $12,000.00 for the Historic Tea Kettle Assessment and Refurbishment – Project 8..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Baptiste)
Project 9: The request is for $175,000. The James Arnold Mansion, Inc., is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the 1821 mansion. This phase of the restoration will address needed restoration and rehabilitation of the mansard, dormers, and cornices. Councillor Pereira…
To approve $175,000.00 for the James Arnold Mansion, Mansard, Dormer and Cornice Repair – Project 9.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To approve $175,000.00 for the James Arnold Mansion, Mansard, Dormer and Cornice Repair – Project 9..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
Project 10: The request is $25,000. New Bedford’s Fishing Heritage Center’s mission is to preserve and present the story of the commercial fishing industry. The Center has amassed a significant collection of local fishing community history and culture which includes oral histories; a digital…
To approve $25,000.00 for the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Fishing Community History Archives – Project 10.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve $25,000.00 for the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Fishing Community History Archives – Project 10..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
Project 11: The request is $15,000. The New Bedford Free Public Library holds a painting collection of over 200 pieces. Three paintings are in immediate need of restoration. A portrait of William Rotch, Sr, by Cornelius Hinckley c. 1820, the first painting ever acquired by the Library. The “Dancing…
To approve $15,000.00 for the New Bedford Free Public Library Historic Paintings Conservation – Project 11.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve $15,000.00 for the New Bedford Free Public Library Historic Paintings Conservation – Project 11..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
Project 12: The request is $101,767. The New Bedford Free Public Library holds the third largest collection of logbooks and journals in the world. In addition, the Library holds various historical collections in the Special Collections which also require archival storage. The current system is…
To approve $101,767.00 for the New Bedford Free Public Library Mobile Archive Shelving System – Project 12.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To approve $101,767.00 for the New Bedford Free Public Library Mobile Archive Shelving System – Project 12..” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
Project 13: The request is $26,655. The Whaling Museum is dedicated to the telling of the region’s rich whaling history. Much history is contained in the collection of Whaling logbooks, journals, consisting of over 2,502 volumes documenting 3,351 voyages from 1669 – 1977. This collection is the…
To approve $26,655.00 for the New Bedford Whaling Museum Digitization of Whaling Logbooks and Journals – Project 13.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Oliver, PereiraNo: MoradAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To approve $26,655.00 for the New Bedford Whaling Museum Digitization of Whaling Logbooks and Journals – Project 13..” (Motion: Carney, second: Oliver)
Project 14: The request is $45,000. Pine Hill Park is an 18-acre park within walking distance of two New Bedford Housing Authority developments. The parcel to be acquired will expand the park while incorporating the last remnant of a mill/icehouse site which abuts a perennial stream. After the…
To approve $45,000.00 for the Pine Hill Park – Mill Interpretive Overlook – Project 14.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, PereiraNo: OliverAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To approve $45,000.00 for the Pine Hill Park – Mill Interpretive Overlook – Project 14..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
Project 15: The request is $34,085.00. Ricketson Nature Center is the site of a Full Steam Ahead nature studies after school program for K-8 students and serves as a community center. The building was constructed by Wpa in the 1930’s so it does have historical significance. The building needs a new…
To approve $34,085.00 for the Ricketson Nature Center – Project 15.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To approve $34,085.00 for the Ricketson Nature Center – Project 15..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
Project 16: The request is $48,000. The Rotch-Jones Duff House and Garden Museum is the only authentic Whaling Mansion and garden estate in the City. The property is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rje grounds are open to the public and…
To approve $48,000.00 for the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Rubber Roof Repair – Project 16.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To approve $48,000.00 for the Rotch-Jones-Duff House Rubber Roof Repair – Project 16..” (Motion: Carney, second: Pereira)
Project 17: The request is $48,000. Founded in 1837, Rural Cemetery is the fifth oldest such cemetery in the United States and listed in the National Register. It is the final resting place of many of New Bedford’s wealthiest, most renowned, and most accomplished citizens including landscape…
To approve $48,000.00 for the Rural Cemetery Gravestone Conservation – Project 17.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve $48,000.00 for the Rural Cemetery Gravestone Conservation – Project 17..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
Project 18: The request is $100,000. Founded in 1837, Rural Cemetery is the fifth oldest such cemetery in the United States and listed in the National Register. It is the final resting place of many of New Bedford’s wealthiest, most renowned, a most accomplished citizens including landscape…
Down; he was told that if the funding failed, the Cpc would go back to the applicant to inform them and tell them they could reapply for the next round of funding.
From the minutes
“The Committee VOTED: down; he was told that if the funding failed, the CPC would go back to the applicant to inform them and tell them they could reapply for the next round of funding..”
To approve $100,000.00 for the Rural Cemetery Office Building Rehabilitation – Project 18.
Yes: Baptiste, MarkeyNo: Carney, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve $100,000.00 for the Rural Cemetery Office Building Rehabilitation – Project 18..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
Project 19: The request is $250,000. In partnership with the New Bedford Public Schools, Sgt. William H. Carney Academy Community Playground will be located on the grounds of the Academy. The playground will provide an area for children of all abilities to exercise and have fun while stimulating…
To approve $250,000.00 for the Sgt. William H. Carney Academy Community Playground – Project 19.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Giesta, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To approve $250,000.00 for the Sgt. William H. Carney Academy Community Playground – Project 19..” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Oliver)
Project 20: The request is $27,500. The Sgt. William H. Carney House is a significant local and national historical and cultural resource as it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Serving as the home of the Martha Briggs Educational Club, it is also a recognized site on the…
To approve $27,500.00 for the Sgt. William H. Carney House Front Porch Rehabilitation – Project 20.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Baptiste, the Committee VOTED: To approve $27,500.00 for the Sgt. William H. Carney House Front Porch Rehabilitation – Project 20..” (Motion: Oliver, second: Baptiste)
Project 21: The request is $240,000. The Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford owns the historic Strand Theatre, one of the only surviving theatres of its era in the North End and is currently transforming the building into the Cape Verdean Cultural Center. The Center will provide arts and…
To approve $240,000.00 for the Strand Theatre Restoration – Project 21.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To approve $240,000.00 for the Strand Theatre Restoration – Project 21..” (Motion: Giesta, second: Oliver)
Project 22: The request is $162,099. Temple Landing II will develop senior (62+), ADA compliant community housing units in the existing Temple Landing neighborhood. The building will consist of 27 units which incorporate elements such as Universal Design and Passive House Design while connecting…
To approve $162,099.00 for the Temple Landing II – Project 22.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To approve $162,099.00 for the Temple Landing II – Project 22..” (Motion: Carney, second: Oliver)
Project 23: Thomas Department Store Restoration. The project was not read into the record. On a motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee Voted: To Receive and Place on File a letter from the Women’s Center withdrawing their request for funding for the Thomas…
To Receive and Place on File a letter from the Women’s Center withdrawing their request for funding for the Thomas Department Store Restoration project.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Receive and Place on File a letter from the Women’s Center withdrawing their request for funding for the Thomas Department Store Restoration project..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
The figures were reviewed the Clerk, the Chair and Mrs. Bailey. The total proposed funding would be reduced by $100,000 (due to the failing of the request for the Rural Cemetery Office Building Rehabilitation – Project #18) and $191,900 (due to the Women’s Center withdrawing their request for…
To amend the Community Preservation Act Funding recommendations to $1,708,100.00.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To amend the Community Preservation Act Funding recommendations to $1,708,100.00..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Oliver)
To recommend to the City Council Adoption of an Order, as Amended, for the Community Preservation Act FY23 Funding Recommendations for 22 projects totaling $1,708,100.00.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Giesta, Markey, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lima
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council ADOPTION of AN ORDER, AS AMENDED, for the Community Preservation Act FY23 Funding Recommendations for 22 projects totaling $1,708,100.00..” (Motion: Carney, second: Oliver)
Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Communication, Council President Morad submitting a copy of an email from the Director of Accounts of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services, regarding the Excess and…
To follow the Chair’s recommendation to Waive the Reading and Refer to the City Council’s Budget Quasi Committee of the Whole.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To follow the Chair’s recommendation to Waive the Reading and Refer to the City Council’s Budget Quasi Committee of the Whole. (Matter #0366).” (Motion: Morad, second: Giesta)
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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