INVITEES: Joseph Goulart

INVITEES: Jenny Mejia

INVITEES: Jenny Mejia

INVITEES: Ryan Cote

INVITEES: Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner, Department of Inspectional Services; Thomas Vinagre, Applicant; Abutters

INVITEES: Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner, Department of Inspectional Services; Thomas Vinagre, Applicant; Abutters

INVITEES: Jennifer Carloni, Director, Planning Department; Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Diana Henry, Chairperson, New Bedford Historical Commission; Anne Louro, Preservation Planner; Philip Oliveira, Southcoast Hospitals Group, Petitioner; Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner, Department of Inspectional Services; Atty. Christopher T. Saunders, Petitioner Representative; Abutters

INVITEES: Jennifer Carloni, Director, Planning Department; Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Diana Henry, Chairperson, New Bedford Historical Commission; Sean R. Lafrance, National Downtown Club, Petitioner; Jay Lanagan, Petitioner Representative; Anne Louro, Preservation Planner; Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner, Department of Inspectional Services; Abutters

9. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet to discuss the present housing shortage and cost in the City, and further, that the Administration explain how it’s dealing with this present housing crisis in New Bedford. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.) (Ref’d 11/23/2021)

10. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Gomes, requesting that the Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, Mary Rapoza, look into installing Expression Swings in parks throughout the City, the recreational swings allow parents and infants or young children to swing together face-to-face in one unit; and further, that we look at Community Development monies to assist in this project. (Ref’d 07/16/15) (09/30/15-send letter to Park Board asking them to fund 3 Game Time Swings for Buttonwood, Hazelwood and Fort Taber; send letter to Community Development to see if funding is available to help with purchase of such swings) (06/12/18-Remain in Committee) (07/31/18-Remain in Committee) (02/10/2020 – Remain in Committee)

11. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Gomes, requesting, that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT), meet with the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, for the purpose of discussing replacing the signage along Route 18 North and South, which has become old and has sustained reflective deterioration especially in the nighttime hours; and further, to also discuss possible signage changes that would announce attractions, placed at main intersections along with the present directions on the signage; and further, that our State Representative for that area be requested to attend said meeting along with a representative from the Mayor’s Administration. (Ref’d 05/14/15) (10/28/15-tabled) (04/20/17-tabled) (10/19/17-tabled) (07/31/18-Remain in Committee) (02/10/2020 – Remain in Committee)

12. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with the owner and operator of Nice N’ Clean Car Wash located at Bolton Street and Bliss Street, this property has an ongoing problem with trash and maintenance affecting the entire neighborhood and businesses surrounding the property, it also affects the Veterans monument located just across the street south of said business; and further, that the Health Department and the Department of Inspectional Services take a look at this location and issue notices for trash and maintenance violations and that the owner be notified of any violations. (Ref’d 12/14/17) (01/03/18-returned UNSIGNED by the Mayor) (07/31/18-Remain in Committee) (02/10/2020 – Remain in Committee) (03/16/2021 – tabled; secure address for owner to invite to meeting when heard) (04/20/2021 – tabled)

13. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with MIS Director, Maria Pina-Rocha, along with City Council Clerk Dennis Farias for the purposes of discussing the creation of a New Bedford City Council Facebook page along with a Twitter page, the creation of these two website pages will give the City Council the opportunity to make sure that it reports out work and proposals along with actions and Committee reports in addition to the work throughout the community and ceremonies that the City Council participate in throughout the New Bedford, these website pages could also contain news faxes, and commentary from City Councillors; and further, that the City Council look into an internship program with local high schools and universities for the Council office in order to assist in making this proposal successful in getting all the information and faxes to the people, of this great City. (Ref’d 01/25/18) (03/16/2021 – tabled)

14. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Carney, requesting that the City file a HOME RULE PETITION for a liquor license for the Whaling City Golf Course Bar & Restaurant that mirrors the liquor license held by the Airport Grille. (Ref’d 03/22/18)

15. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Whaling City Baseball League’s Board of Directors, Mary Rapoza, Director of Parks, Beaches and Recreation, a representative of the Mayor’s Office and City Solicitor Mikaela McDermott, for the purpose of discussing why the City is not working in good faith with the league on a long-term contract, Whaling City Baseball League has provided the City with a Class A league and while under contract has expanded the league and made improvements to the fields and more importantly, the league services hundreds of area children. (Ref’d 05/24/18)

16. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City, Airport Commission, and management immediately address the airport signage located at Hathaway Road, Shawmut Avenue, Mount Pleasant Street and Downey Street, said signage needs to be replaced due to the fact it is not visible because of tarnishing and does not light up in the evening, the signage is important in directing passengers and businesses to the airport; and further, requesting that the trees and bushes be trimmed at both locations due to the fact this sign does not only serve the airport, but many of the businesses located in the airport area. (Ref’d 06/28/18)

17. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City of New Bedford put Riley Brothers Construction on notice that they will be held accountable and responsible for any damages done during construction and installation of new gas lines throughout the City, to include City streets, underground electrical wiring, sewer, water lines and sidewalks; and further, that the company put the landscape of every home exactly the way it was before construction; furthermore, that the gas square shut off‘s in front of homeowner’s property be placed straight and with some pride of the work that is being done, this motion has been placed on the agenda, because of damages done in the past to residents property during construction. (Referred to Riley Brothers Construction and the Committee on Appointments and Briefings) (Ref’d 09/27/18)

18. RELATED MOTION, Councillor Carney requesting, that the City Council meet with the Park Board and Director of Park’s 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 park. (Ref’d 02/28/2019)

19. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Gomes and Markey, requesting, that the City Council go on record in opposition to Parallel Products, Inc., of New England, 100 Duchaine Boulevard, New Bedford, being issued any type of permitting from the City of New Bedford or the Massachusetts Office of Environmental Protection (MEPA) for any recyclable plastics, glass waste or a waste water sludge facility at this location, until company officials hold a meeting with residents of the Pinehill Drive/Phillips Road area and City officials; and further, that Parallel Products, Inc. officials explain how land in the Industrial Business Park was bought or leased for this type of operation; and further, that the company explain to the residents and the City of New Bedford how this operation will not affect the quality of life of the abutting neighborhoods and businesses located in New Bedford Industrial Business Park; and further, that the meeting be held for the convenience of the neighborhood at the Casimir Pulaski School, making it easier for residents who live in the area to attend. (Ref’d 03/14/19) (06/12/19-Remain in Committee)

20. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Giesta, Coelho and Abreu, requesting that the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management work with ABC Disposal Service, Inc. to make sure that trash, furniture, mattresses, etc., left in front of properties are those of the homeowner before issuing a Citation and if a Citation is issued, DFFM should contact the owner directly, either by phone or mail and not leave the Citation attached to the door of the property that they have determined is in violation; and further, the City should also give the owner 30 days to fix the violation, and putting a lien on the property that is in violation is an excessive penalty especially for the first offense. (Ref’d 04/25/19)

21. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City and State update the City Council on the future and completion date of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, discuss plans for paving the entire parcel, installation of electricity, security cameras and the possibility of a storage facility; and further, that $100 million of the taxpayers money has been spent on this terminal which is doing nothing at this time to produce any return on the money spent to benefit the community with any long-term plan of action for the terminal, beside the possibility of wind turbines being staged out of this area; and further, that a letter be sent to our State Legislative Delegation, including Senator Mark Montigny, asking that they, along with the City, step up efforts to bring real commerce trading to this marine commerce terminal. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.) (Ref’d 05/09/19)

22. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Gomes, Abreu, Markey, Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Lima, Lopes, Council President Morad and Councillor Rebeiro, on behalf of the residents and businesses in the immediate area of the New Bedford Business Park, requesting that the City Council go on record as being in opposition to the waste, recycling, trash and sludge facility currently being proposed by Parallel Products of New England, located at 100 Duchaine Blvd; and further, that letters be sent to the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs and the City of New Bedford’s Planning Department, Board of Health, Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Commission, asking that unfavorable recommendations be made concerning this proposal and/or that any permits sought by Parallel Products for this project be denied due to the fact that the location of said business is in very close proximity to a residential area and that the New Bedford Business Park was established and intended for production and hi-tech businesses; furthermore, that letters be sent to Gov. Baker, Sen. Mark Montigny and the City’s entire State legislative delegation, Senators Warren and Markey and Congressman Keating expressing the City Council’s opposition to any state or federal permitting of this facility; and that letters also be sent to every business located in the Business Park, asking that they join the community and City officials in our firm opposition to this type of industry being located within this area; and finally, that the Committee on Appointments & Briefings meet with all park businesses in order to learn their opinions regarding this proposed project and what impact they foresee it having on the Business Park, the residents and overall quality of life within the area. (To be Adopted, referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, and that Rule 40 be Waived.) (Ref’d 05/09/19) (05/14/19 & 05/15/19 – Letters sent to all parties outlined in motion.) (06/12/19-tabled; Committee requests every business owner in the business park be given the opportunity to submit in writing their position on Parallel Products, and whether they are in support or opposition of this type of facility being located within the business park community) (06/27/19-letters sent to all businesses in the business park with info from the 06/12/19 meeting; to date, one response received.)

23. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with a representative from the Mayor’s Office, the Massachusetts Undersecretary of Energy Patrick Woodcock and a representative from Vineyard Wind that has a signed contract with the State, City of New Bedford and the Marine Commerce Terminal Clean Energy Center, that they provide the Committee with a company breakdown and action plan for the terminal; and further, how many jobs have been created to date for residents of the City and what has been the economic boost to the City. (Ref’d 06/27/19)

24. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Carney, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Board of Park Commissioners Chairman Peter Boswell, Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, Mary Rapoza, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, Craig Dixon, Representative of New Bedford Port Authority, Representative of the Mayor’s Office and a Representative of the City Solicitor’s Office, to discuss the procedure and permitting process that allowed the Trampoline Water Park to be placed in the water off East Beach, to ensure that all the proper permitting was acquired before the company was granted permission to open and also explain the insurance policy held by the vendor to ensure that the City of New Bedford is not liable, in accordance with Massachusetts Law for any legal action and all suits that may be brought against the water park vendor in the event to include but not limited to injury, death and etc.; and further requesting, that the Chairperson of the Committee on Appointments and Briefings schedule this matter to be heard at the next meeting. (Ref’d 07/18/19) (02/10/2020 – tabled 60 days) (04/20/2021 – tabled)

25. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lima, Council President Lopes, Councillors Abreu and Gomes, requesting, that Mary Rapoza, Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches appear before the Committee on Appointments and Briefings to detail the Administration’s plan to control the Canada geese  population in the City, at Buttonwood Park, other City parks and the golf course; and further, that Director Rapoza detail the proposed USDA Canada geese control agreement, the agreement’s approach and effectiveness and an explanation as to the USDA’s authority to control the Canada geese population with respect to the Migratory Bird Act. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.) (Ref’d 07/16/2020)

26. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Giesta, Abreu, Carney, Baptiste, Markey, Morad, Council President Lopes, and Councillors Coelho, Gomes and Dunn, requesting, that our Federal Legislative Delegation, Senators Warren and Markey, Congressman Bill Keating and Governor Baker expand the Opportunity Zone Program in New Bedford, the US Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 created the Opportunity Zone Program to provide incentives for investment in low income communities and we are asking that this program be expanded to areas of Ward Two, and other relevant neighborhoods throughout the City; and further, New Bedford is one of the largest Gateway Cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the expansion of the Opportunity Zone Program would promote economic redevelopment, it is very important that we have a strong and dynamic Downtown, but there are many other areas of the City that should be redeveloped, and we believe the Opportunity Zone Program would help accomplish this mission. (To be Referred to the Planning Department, Derek Santos at the Economic Development Council and the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.) (Ref’d 10/08/2020)

27. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting that a representative from ABC Disposal Service, Inc., be invited to a Committee on Appointments & Briefings meeting to discuss issues with yard waste, recycling, and trash collection.  (Ref’d 05/11/2021)

28. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu and Markey, requesting that the owner of "Rubber Duck Car Wash" located at 2712 Acushnet Avenue, come before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss concerns which have been brought forth by the neighborhood and abutting property owners as it pertains to loud noises from its operations occurring at all hours of the night, since this location is a 24-hour/7-day per week operation. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, Department of Inspectional Services Commissioner Danny Romanowicz, Neighborhood Task Force Solicitor Atty. John Flor and New Bedford Police Station 3 Captain and Commander, Derek Belong.) (Ref’d 06/24/2021) (07/13/2021 – returned UNSIGNED by the Mayor)

29. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the Re-precincting Plan for the City of New Bedford as required by Massachusetts law. (Ref’d 10/14/2021) (11/22/2021 – tabled) (12/08/2021 – Remain in Committee)

29a. AN ORDER, (Ref’d 10/14/2021) (11/22/2021 – tabled) (12/08/2021 – Remain in Committee)

29b. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting PROPOSED WARD AND PRECINCT LINES. (Ref’d 10/14/2021) (11/22/2021 – tabled) (12/08/2021 – Remain in Committee)

30. WRITTEN MOTION Council President Lopes, requesting that the Mitchell Administration provide the City Council with the updated Cold Weather Shelter Plan. (Ref’d 12/09/2021) (01/03/2022 – returned UNSIGNED by the Mayor)

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if any accommodations are needed, please contact the Clerk of Committees Office at 508-979-1482. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.