1. HEARING, NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 322’ of Conduit and Cable and two (2) Manholes in COMMERCIAL STREET, to provide electric service to 13-15 Commercial Street.

1a. AN ORDER,

M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting VETOES of three City Council Motions from the March 9^th City Council agenda, regarding placing non-binding questions on the November 2023 ballot.

M1a. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Burgo, Gomes and Council President Morad, requesting, that pursuant to Section 53 of Chapter 18A of the Massachusetts General Laws, that the following nonbinding public opinion advisory question, or other question of similar form and context as determined by the City Solicitor, be placed on the municipal general election ballot on November 07, 2023: “Should the City of New Bedford adopt an Ordinance stabilizing rents, in order to prevent displacement in the local housing rental market?” (Vetoed by Mayor Mitchell on March 22, 2023.)

M1b.  WRITTEN MOTION Councillors Gomes, Burgo, Council President Morad, requesting that an advisory opinion ballot question be placed on the ballot for the next municipal election as follows:-

''Shall the term of Office of Mayor of the City of New Bedford be reduced from the current four years to two years?''  (Vetoed by Mayor Mitchell on March 22, 2023.)

M1c.  SUBSTITUTE MOTION, Council President Morad, requesting that an advisory ballot question be placed on the ballot regarding the revocation of the acceptance of Section 3 through 7 of Chapter 44B of the General Laws as follows:-

“Shall the City of New Bedford revoke the acceptance of Sections 3 through 7, inclusive of Chapter 44B of the General Laws that imposes an additional surcharge to property taxpayers?” (Vetoed by Mayor Mitchell on March 22, 2023.)

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council submitting a LOAN ORDER, for the purpose of financing the cost of projects outlined in the City’s Long Term CSO Control and Integrated Capital Improvements Plan, including but not limited to: Regulatory Compliance Planning to address Capacity Management, Operations and Maintenance requirements, and asset management planning; Pumping Station Upgrades, including the replacement and upgrade to the Howard Avenue Pumping Station; Stormwater System and Water Quality Improvements associated with Buttonwood Brook; and general publicly owned treatment works planning and improvements.

M2. LOAN ORDER,

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting ORDERS for the TRANSFER out of the FREE CASH ACCOUNT, to the STABILIZATION FUND in the amount of $3,217,704.00; to the STABILIZATION FUND in the amount of $6,151,689; to the OPED TRUST FUND in the amount of $1,287,082.00; to FACILITIES AND FLEET, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $495,000.00; to FACILITIES AND FLEET, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $85,500.00; to EMPLOYEES BENEFITS, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $166,077.00; to ZOO, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $70,000.00; to ZOO, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS in the amount of $22,766.00; to POLICE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $400,000.00; to POLICE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $375,000.00; to GENERAL GOVERNMENT UNCLASSIFIED, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $100,000.00; to PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $300,000.00 and to PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $200,000.00.

M3a.  AN ORDER, (STABILIZATION FUND in the amount of $3,217,704.00)

M3b. AN ORDER, (STABILIZATION FUND in the amount of $6,151,689.00)

M3c. AN ORDER, (OPED TRUST FUND in the amount of $1,287,082.00)

M3d. AN ORDER, (FACILITIES AND FLEET, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $495,000.00)

M3e. AN ORDER, (FACILITIES AND FLEET, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $85,500.00)

M3f.   AN ORDER, (EMPLOYEES BENEFITS, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $166,077.00)

M3g. AN ORDER, (ZOO, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $70,000.00; ZOO, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS in the amount of $22,766.00)

M3h. AN ORDER, (POLICE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $400,000.00)

M3i. AN ORDER, (POLICE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $375,000.00)

M3j. AN ORDER, (GENERAL GOVERNMENT UNCLASSIFIED, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $100,000.00)

M3k. AN ORDER, (PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $300,000.00)

M3l.  AN ORDER, (PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPITAL OUTLAY in the amount of $200,000.00)

M4.    COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $150,000.00 from PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE SALARIES AND WAGES to PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES & SERVICES.

M4a. AN ORDER,

M5. OMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $35,000.00, from AIRPORT OTHER FINANCING USES to AIRPORT CHARGES AND SERVICES in the amount of $30,000 AND AIRPORT SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS in the amount of $5,000.

M5a.    AN ORDER,

M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the APPROPRIATION of $8,000, from FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT RESERVE to FIRE CHARGES AND SERVICES in the amount of $5,625 AND FIRE SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS in the amount of $2,375.

M6a.   AN ORDER,

M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER amending the Order adopted by the City Council on June 09, 2022, and signed by the Mayor on June 15, 2022, which, in accordance with M.G.L., Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the revolving fund under the control of the Community Services Department, known as the ADULT SOCIAL DAY PROGRAM REVOLVING FUND, whose amount limited at $138,000 is hereby authorized at $198,000 for FISCAL YEAR 2023.

M7a. AN ORDER,

M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 10 Finance; Taxation; Property, Article I, Section 10-47, Departmental Revolving Fund.

M8a.  AN ORDINANCE, 

M9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council submitting AN ORDER for approval of the early in-person voting plan and schedule as recommended by the Chairperson of the Board of Election Commissioners.

M9a.   AN ORDER,

M16. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the RE-APPOINTMENT of ANTHONY JOHN POENTE, JR., Dartmouth, MA, as a CONSTABLE.

M16a AN APPLICATION, 

M17. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of ANTHONY PAIS LOPES, JR., New Bedford, MA, as a CONSTABLE.

M17a. AN APPLICATION, 

2. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 2, Article XI. New Bedford Historical Commission; Historic Districts, providing for the establishment of the Abolition Row and Mechanics Lane Historic Districts. (Passed to a Second Reading – March 9, 2023.)

3. REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council ADOPTION of the ORDER, as AMENDED, updating the Fire Department’s Fee Schedule.

3a. AN ORDER, (Referred to the Committee on Finance – February 23, 2023.)

4. REPORT, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the ORDINANCE, amending the Chapter 10, Finance; Taxation; Property, establishing two revolving funds for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

4a. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 10, Finance; Taxation; Property, establishing two revolving funds for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). (Referred to the Committee on Ordinances – February 09, 2023.)

5. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPLICATION, Anthony Nieves Roman, d/b/a A&J Auto Group 2, LLC, for a SPECIAL PERMIT for Motor Vehicle Sales and/or Rentals and Light Service at 271 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. 

5a. SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION,

6. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of CHRISTINA E. COTSORIDIS, New Bedford, MA, to the AIRPORT COMMISSION; Ms. Cotsoridis will be replacing Paula Popeo who has resigned; this term will expire December 2024.

6a. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of CHRISTINA E. COTSORIDIS, New Bedford, MA, to the AIRPORT COMMISSION; Ms. Cotsoridis will be replacing Paula Popeo who has resigned; this term will expire December 2024. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – December 06, 2022.)

7. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of MICHAEL J. PAIVA, New Bedford, MA to the TRAFFIC COMMISSION; Mr. Paiva will be replacing Ian Trombly, who has advised that he does not wish to be re-appointed, and whose term expired in December 2022; this term will expire in 2025.

7a. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of MICHAEL J. PAIVA, New Bedford, MA to the TRAFFIC COMMISSION; Mr. Paiva will be replacing Ian Trombly, who has advised that he does not wish to be re-appointed, and whose term expired in December 2022; this term will expire in 2025. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – February 09, 2023.)

8. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of YMANE GALOTTI, New Bedford, MA to the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS as an ALTERNATE MEMBER, Ms. Galotti will be replacing Horacio B. Tavares, whose term has expired in December 2020; this term will expire December 2025.

8a. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of YMANE GALOTTI, New Bedford, MA to the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS as an ALTERNATE MEMBER, Ms. Galotti will be replacing Horacio B. Tavares, whose term has expired in December 2020; this term will expire December 2025. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – February 09, 2023.)

9. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of PATRICIA LANGIS, New Bedford, MA, to the COUNCIL ON AGING; Ms. Langis will be replacing Jacqueline K. Medeiros, who has resigned; this term will expire in November 2025.

9a. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of PATRICIA LANGIS, New Bedford, MA, to the COUNCIL ON AGING; Ms. Langis will be replacing Jacqueline K. Medeiros, who has resigned; this term will expire in November 2025. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – February 23, 2023.)

10. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPLICATION, on behalf of Rose Guerdine Bazile, 505 Rivet Street, Apt 1, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a R G SERVICES, LLC, 96 Worcester Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (License will expire June 30, 2023.)

10a. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Rose Guerdine Bazile, 505 Rivet Street, Apt 1, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a R G SERVICES, LLC, 96 Worcester Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (License will expire June 30, 2023.) (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – February 23, 2023.)

11. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council send a letter to the ABC 6 and WPRI 12 news stations in 30-45 days seeking a status update on the Committee’s request to establish a local news bureau in the City of New Bedford.

12. REPORT, Committee on City Property, recommending that the City Council Adopt the SUBSTITUTE ORDER, relative to the proposed construction of a new or reconstructed DeValles School and take NO FURTHER ACTION on the original motion that was submitted at the City Council meeting of March 23, 2023.

12a. SUBSTITUTE ORDER, that relative to the proposed construction of a new or reconstructed DeValles School on its present site or as expanded to the north by the acquisition of six (6) parcels bordered by Rivet, Orchard, Bonney and Katherine Streets, and/or the former Goodyear property on the west side of Orchard Street, New Bedford Assessors’s Map 23, Lot 158; ORDERED, that relative to the proposed construction of the new or reconstructed DeValles School on its present site or as expanded to the north by the acquisition of six (6) parcels bordered by Rivet, Orchard, Bonney and Katherine Streets, the, the City Council determines pursuant to M.L.G. Chapter 30B, Section 16 ( e) ( 2) that advertising will not benefit the governmental body’s interest because of the unique qualities or  location of property needed.

12b. AN ORDER, ORDERED, that, relative to the proposed construction of a new or reconstructed DeValles School on its present site or as expended to the north by the acquisition of six (6) parcels bordered by Rivet, Orchard, Bonney and Katherine Streets, the City Council determines pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30B, Section 16 (e) (2) that advertising will not benefit the governmental body’s interest because of the unique qualities or location of property needed, the property proposed for acquisition is unique as it exactly adjacent to the DeValles School, therefore, the City Council waives the advertising pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30B, Section 16 (e) (2). (Referred to the Committee on City Property – March 23, 2023 - No Further Action to be Taken.)

13. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Gomes, Baptiste, Giesta, Carney, Morad and Markey, requesting, that the City Council go on record against granting any zoning change, or the establishment of the proposed downtown Recovery Connection Centers of America at 268-270 Union Street; and further, that the City Council work with the owners of the Recovery Connection Centers of America to assist them in finding a location for their proposed services and the COMMUNICATION, Michael J. Livingstone, Esq. to the New Bedford City Council regarding the ZBA Application concerning 268-272 Union Street.

13a. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Gomes, Baptiste, Giesta, Carney, Morad and Markey, requesting, that the City Council go on record against granting any zoning change, or the establishment of the proposed downtown Recovery Connection Centers of America at 268-270 Union Street; and further, that the City Council work with the owners of the Recovery Connection Centers of America to assist them in finding a location for their proposed services. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, the Zoning Board of Appeals, with a letter to the ZBA stating that the Council is against any zoning change and that Rule 40 be Waived.) (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – October 13, 2022.)

13b. COMMUNICATION, Michael J. Livingstone, Esq. to the New Bedford City Council regarding the ZBA Application concerning 268-272 Union Street. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – October 13, 2022.)

14. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Appointments & Briefings meet with local media outlets, SouthCoast Today, WBSM, New Bedford Guide, the Portuguese Times, the Providence media market to include Channels 6, 10, 12 and the Boston media market Channels 4, 5, 7, Fox 25, NECN and Boston 10; and including the new digital news website called New Bedford Light founding Editor Barbara Roessner and Publisher Stephen Taylor, this request comes upon the declining news service and coverage in the Greater New Bedford area; and further requesting that the Committee look into any new bureaus that wish to locate in the City New Bedford. 

14a. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Appointments & Briefings meet with local media outlets, SouthCoast Today, WBSM, New Bedford Guide, the Portuguese Times, the Providence media market to include Channels 6, 10, 12 and the Boston media market Channels 4, 5, 7, Fox 25, NECN and Boston 10; and including the new digital news website called New Bedford Light founding Editor Barbara Roessner and Publisher Stephen Taylor, this request comes upon the declining news service and coverage in the Greater New Bedford area; and further requesting that the Committee look into any new bureaus that wish to locate in the City New Bedford. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – March 25, 2021.)

15. REPORT, Committee on City Property, recommending that the City Council take NO FURTHER ACTION on the COMMUNICATION, Andrew O’Leary, Assistant Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, regarding the site acquisition options for the new DeValles/Congdon School. 

15a. COMMUNICATION, Andrew O’Leary, Assistant Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools, regarding the site acquisition options for the new DeValles/Congdon School. (Referred to the Committee on City Property – March 30, 2023.)

16. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Morad, requesting that Rule 21A of the City Council Rules of Order be suspended until March 31, 2025 whereby members of the City Council will be able to participate and vote on matters in City Council and Committee meetings from remote locations by utilizing a suitable electronic means that establishes meaningful participation in any such meeting up to, but not after, said date.

18. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Burgo, requesting that the Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs review the City’s Comprehensive Housing Plan titled “Building New Bedford: Strategies to Promote Attainable Housing for All in a Thriving New Bedford.” 

18a. COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING PLAN, (To be Referred to the Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs.)

26. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Renee DePina, 61 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a UNITED CARE TRANSPORT, INC., 189 Wood Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (License will expire June 30, 2023.)

27. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Renee DePina, 61 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740, d/b/a UNITED CARE TRANSPORT, INC., 189 Wood Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Term of License July 1, 2023 -June 30, 2024.)

28. COMMUNICATION, Atty. Eric C. Cohen, Executive Director of the New Bedford Retirement Board, to the City Council, advising that on March 24, 2023, the Board voted to grant a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) allowance of 3% to retirees, effective July 1, 2023. (Copy all Councillors via email March 27, 2023.)

29. COMMUNICATION, Atty. Eric C. Cohen, Executive Director of the New Bedford Retirement Board, to the City Council, advising that the Retirement Board intends to discuss at their April 27^th meeting, a one-time 2% additional Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees of the system retroactive to the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2022. (Copy all Councillors via email March 27, 2023.)

30. COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a letter from Rick Kidder, One SouthCoast Chambers to the City Council regarding the Council’s motions regarding non-binding referendum questions on the November ballot. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

31. COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a letter from Diana Henry, President of the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE), requesting that the Council not override the Mayor’s veto on the non-binding referenda to repeal the Community Preservation Act. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

32. COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a letter from Blue Harvest Fisheries, informing they will be ending their food processing operations at their facility located at 40 Herman Melville Boulevard, New Bedford on May 26, 2023.  (To be Referred to the Committee on Labor and Industry.)

34. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Giesta and Council President Morad, submitting copy of a letter from the New Bedford Economic Development Council, The Regeneration Project, to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, Yvonne Hao, regarding the New Bedford State Pier Redevelopment. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

35. COMMUNICATION, Council President Morad, submitting a copy of letter from State Representative Christopher Markey to New Bedford Economic Development Council President, Mr. Anthony Sapienza, regarding the development of the New Bedford State Pier. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

02/23/2023    REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of CAROL PIMENTEL, New Bedford, MA, to the GREATER NEW BEDFORD REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE; Ms. Pimentel will be replacing Patrick Walsh, who has resigned; this term will expire in May 2026.

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