New Bedford public meetings in 2025
48 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee will hold a public hearing on a special permit for motor vehicle sales and repair at 724 Ashley Boulevard, and consider Mayor Mitchell's appointment of Jason Thody as New Bedford Police Chief. The committee will also vote on the appointment of George M. Viveiros to the Board of Park Commissioners, a petition for a junk dealer license waiver for Swift Sales, and a renewal of a private livery license for Gerana's Transportation.
- Public hearing on special permit for Laguerre Pierre Marc d/b/a L and S Transport for motor vehicle sales and repair at 724 Ashley Boulevard
- Mayor Mitchell's appointment of Jason Thody as New Bedford Police Chief
- Appointment of George M. Viveiros to the Board of Park Commissioners replacing Lee Blake
- Petition by Ksea and Justin Swift for a waiver of residency to obtain a junk dealer license at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard
- Renewal of private livery license for Ana L. Valentin Burgos d/b/a Gerana's Transportation, Inc.
Ordinance Committee
The Committee on Ordinances will conduct continued public hearings on several proposed amendments to Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning. These proposals include new regulations for solar energy systems, accessory dwelling units, and parking requirements. The Planning Board has issued favorable recommendations for most of these changes.
- Proposed ordinance adding Section 4200D to regulate solar energy systems in residential and non-residential districts
- Proposed amendment to Chapter 9, Section 2340 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Proposed changes to parking and loading requirements in Appendix C
- Proposed changes to dimensional regulations, residential infill development, and multiple buildings per lot in Appendix B
- Proposed amendment to the Table of Principal Uses Regulations regarding Special Permit Granting Authority
City Council
The City Council is considering several loan orders for accelerated repairs at multiple elementary and high schools. The body will also hold hearings on utility pole and conduit placements and review the 2025 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Loan order of $21,865,465 for repairs at Sgt. William Carney Memorial Academy, Hayden-McFadden, and Casimir Pulaski Elementary Schools
- Loan order of $7,911,603 for repairs at Elwyn G. Campbell, Ellen R. Hathaway, and Carlos Pacheco Elementary Schools
- Loan order of $5,703,804 for repairs at Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School
- Loan order of $200,000 for a feasibility study for Trinity Day Academy repairs
- Public hearings for Verizon New England conduit on County Street and a pole on Phillips Road
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will hear a report on the status of Tax Increment Financing, Special Tax Assessments, and Tax Increment Exemptions. The committee will also discuss accepting a real estate donation from Wayland Development Corp. and two resolutions regarding park grants.
- Request for annual TIF, STA, and TIE activity report
- Resolution to accept PARC Grant Program funds for Common improvements
- Resolution for dedication of Riverside Park
- Order to accept real estate donation from Wayland Development Corp.
- Discussion on updated SOP for TIF/STA processing
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee will discuss five motions, including requests for monthly reports on city purchasing and departmental expenditures, but the focus is on a demand for a detailed accounting of $250,000 appropriated in 2019 for legal fees opposing the Parallel Products expansion. Also up for discussion is a briefing on the city's legal strategy regarding Parallel Products and an investigation into a $184,291 deficit in the Mayor's Office. The committee may vote to table, waive reading, or report items to the full City Council.
- Motion requesting monthly RFP reports from Purchasing Director Molly Gilfeather Rodriguez
- Motion requesting monthly expenditure reports from all departments (repeatedly tabled)
- Detailed accounting of $250,000 spent on KP Law PC for Parallel Products opposition
- Briefing on city's legal status and plan for Parallel Products' Final Environmental Impact Report
- Investigation into a $184,291 deficit in the Mayor's Office
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee is considering a Host Community Agreement Proposal Application. The application seeks to establish a co-located adult-use marijuana retail and product manufacturing business.
- Host Community Agreement Proposal Application for THConnect, LLC (dba Houz of Diesel) at 301 Herman Melville Boulevard
Environmental Affairs - Special Committee
The Special Committee on Environmental Affairs will discuss a resolution adopting the 2025 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, a $6.8 million loan order for the Buttonwood Park Pond and Dam Rehabilitation and Dredging Project, and a motion to oppose proposed state-mandated Title 5 septic regulations. No votes are recorded on the agenda.
- Resolution adopting the 2025 City of New Bedford Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Loan order of $6,800,000 for Buttonwood Park Pond and Dam Rehabilitation and Dredging
- Motion requesting a briefing on and opposition to mandated Title 5 septic regulations
City Council
The New Bedford City Council will consider approving loan orders for school construction projects and new private livery licenses. The body will also honor a local family and hear public comments on utility work.
- Loan orders for school repairs totaling $35,680,872
- Approval of new private livery licenses for 5 companies
- Hearings for Eversource and Verizon utility work
- Citation honoring the Silverstein family
- Order to authorize hiring an Executive Finance and Operation Manager
Ordinance Committee
The Ordinance Committee will hold public hearings on five proposed zoning amendments covering solar energy systems, accessory dwelling units, and multiple parking and dimensional regulation updates. The Planning Board has issued favorable recommendations on all items. A discussion is also scheduled on a draft ordinance to allow condominium conversions in Residence A zones for properties over 3,250 square feet.
- Public hearing on new Section 4200D regulating solar energy systems in residential and non-residential districts
- Public hearing on amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit standards and definitions (Section 2340)
- Public hearing on revisions to parking and loading requirements (Appendix C)
- Public hearing on dimensional regulations for residential infill and multiple buildings per lot (Appendix B)
- Motion to discuss allowing condominiums in Residence A zones via special permit for properties larger than 3,250 sq ft
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is reviewing several loan orders for accelerated school repairs and a lease agreement for the New Bedford Airport. The body will also discuss the hiring of an Executive Finance and Operation Manager for the Auditor's Office and the acceptance of donated real estate.
- Loan order of $21,865,465.00 for repairs at Sgt. William Carney Memorial Academy, Hayden-McFadden, and Casimir Pulaski Elementary Schools
- Loan order of $7,911,603.00 for repairs at Elwyn G. Campbell, Ellen R. Hathaway, and Carlos Pacheco Elementary Schools
- Loan order of $5,703,804.00 for repairs at Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School
- Lease agreement between New Bedford Airport Commission and Sandpiper Air, Inc.
- Appropriation of $175,000.00 for waste collection and disposal purchase of services
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council is meeting to hold a public hearing regarding tax classification for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will consider an order to adopt the minimum residential factor for that fiscal year.
- Public hearing on tax classification for Fiscal Year 2026
- Order adopting minimum residential factor for Fiscal Year 2026
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The committee will vote on appointments to the Conservation and Traffic Commissions and consider four applications for new private livery licenses. It will also discuss the city's prescription drug plan and voluntary benefits package. Additionally, a proposed host community agreement for a marijuana retail and manufacturing facility at 301 Herman Melville Boulevard will be reviewed.
- Appointment of Connor Worden to Conservation Commission (term through June 2027)
- Appointment of Cheryl Ann Viveiros to Traffic Commission (term through December 2027)
- Four applications for new private livery licenses (New Bedford Transportation, DJ Transportation, Grace Transportation, Blue Line Transportation)
- Discussion of city's prescription drug plan and possible savings options with HR Director and CFO
- Host community agreement proposal for Houz of Diesel marijuana retail and manufacturing at 301 Herman Melville Boulevard
City Council
The City Council will discuss a loan for school repairs and an appropriation for health department legal services. The body is also reviewing the appointment of a new police chief and several utility conduit hearings.
- Loan order of $5,709,804.00 for accelerated repair project at Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School
- Appropriation of $150,000.00 from ordinary revenue and municipal receipts to Health Department for purchase of services
- Appointment of Jason Thody as New Bedford Police Chief
- Hearings for Eversource Energy conduit and manhole installations at 1418 Acushnet Avenue, Bolton Street, and Purchase Street
- Ordinance to establish the Street Obstruction and Disturbances Revolving Fund under the Department of Public Infrastructure
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council is meeting to discharge the Committee on Appointments and Briefing from further consideration of a mayoral appointment. The body will consider the appointment of Daniel Higgins to the Election Commission.
- Appointment of Daniel Higgins to the Election Commission to replace Lisa Dunaway (term expires April 2029)
Special City Council Meeting
The New Bedford City Council is holding a special celebration meeting solely to award official citations and resolutions to individuals and groups for their community contributions. No legislative or financial business will be conducted.
- Honoring Brenda Grace and Renay Ribeiro, founders of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Inc.
- Honoring Diane Martin of Dee's Hot Dogs for 40 years of service to the community.
- Honoring John W. 'Bullet' Bulgar on his 100th birthday.
- Honoring Cheryl McCormack for 60 years as owner of the Cheryl McCormack Dance Studio.
- Honoring the 2025 Cape Verdean Recognition Committee boards and parade volunteers.
City Council
The City Council will hold a hearing on a Verizon pole installation on Hathaway Road. Mayor Mitchell submitted four loan orders totaling $47.4 million for repairs to city buildings and schools. The council will also consider motions related to the Parallel Products development, including requests for accounting of legal expenses and a $100,000 appropriation for Board of Health legal representation. Other items include petitions about sober homes, a motion to fill police vacancies, and appointments to the Election and Traffic Commissions.
- Hearing on Verizon pole and cable installation on Hathaway Road near 19 Hathaway Road.
- Four loan orders: $17.4M for city building repairs, $21.9M for Carney Academy, Hayden-McFadden, and Pulaski schools, $7.9M for Campbell, Hathaway, and Pacheco schools, and $200K for Trinity Day Academy feasibility study.
- Motions to audit $250,000 spent on KP Law for Parallel Products opposition and to brief on outside counsel status.
- Motion to appropriate $100,000 for Board of Health independent legal representation in Parallel Products appeal.
- Motion to fill deputy chief, North End captain, and sergeant vacancies in New Bedford Police Department.
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee will review two mayoral appointments and a private livery license request. The meeting will be held at City Hall on October 23, 2025.
- Appointment of Connor Worden to the Conservation Commission
- Appointment of Maria Adamides as a Constable
- Application for a new private livery license by New Bedford Transportation, LLC
- Meeting to be held at City Hall, 133 William Street
- Meeting is live streamed and recorded
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will consider several appropriations and fund transfers, including $750,000 for health insurance and $175,000 for waste collection. They will also discuss establishing a Cable Television Public Education and Government Access Stabilization Fund. Additionally, the committee will receive reports on Tax Increment Financing activity and legal expenses related to the Parallel Products development, as well as a listing of Community Development Block Grant projects from FY2021-2025.
- Appropriation of $750,000 from ordinary revenue to health insurance purchase of services
- Appropriation of $175,000 from ordinary revenue to waste collection and disposal purchase of services
- Transfer of $132,572 from police purchase of services to MIS purchase of services
- Order to establish a Cable Television Public Education and Government Access Stabilization Fund
- Motion requesting accounting of $250,000 spent on KP Law legal fees for Parallel Products litigation
City Council
The City Council is reviewing several ordinances regarding zoning, including parking requirements and residential infill development. The agenda also includes requests for street closures for community events and a review of the mobile food truck ordinance.
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 Zoning regarding parking and loading requirements
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 Zoning regarding residential infill development
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 22 regarding driveways and curb cutting
- Proposed zoning changes for various categories including motor vehicle service stations and recycling facilities
- Street closures for the Go Green Campaign, Veterans Day Parade, and Dee's Hot Dogs anniversary
Ordinance Committee
The Ordinance Committee is conducting continued public hearings regarding the City Code's definitions and the Table of Principal Use Regulations. The body is also reviewing the mobile food truck ordinance and a proposal for city employee parental paid leave.
- Public hearing on City Code Section 1200 Definitions and Appendix A Table of Principal Use Regulations
- Presentation by City Planner and City Solicitor on changes to Coding, Definitions, and Principal Uses
- Review of mobile Food Truck Ordinance Section 15-72 regarding locations, generators, and noise
- Discussion on establishing a parental paid leave ordinance or policy for City employees
City Council
The City Council will consider a lease agreement between the New Bedford Airport Commission and Sandpiper Air, Inc. for aircraft operations, as well as accept a donation of two parcels of real estate from Wayland Development Corp. Council will also vote on several appointments to boards and commissions, new private livery licenses, and the Community Preservation Act annual budget for fiscal year 2026.
- Hearing and order for Eversource conduit installation on Wood Street and Orchard Street
- Lease agreement between New Bedford Airport Commission and Sandpiper Air, Inc. for aircraft servicing
- Donation of two parcels (Map 132, Lots 6 and 62) from Wayland Development Corp.
- Reappointments of Shayne Trimbell and Peter Cruz to the Planning Board; appointment of Connor Worden to the Conservation Commission
- Authorization of $60,000 Health Department Compliance Programs Revolving Fund for FY2026
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will review several financial matters including the CPA annual budget for fiscal year 2026 and requests regarding abandoned funds. The committee is also considering multiple fund transfers from free cash to various city services and a report on tax-exempt properties.
- Health Department Compliance Programs Revolving Fund authorization of $60,000.00 for FY2026
- Community Preservation Committee CPA annual budget for fiscal year 2026
- Request for an annual program report on TIF, STA, and TIE activity from the Economic Development Council
- Order to provide tools for the disposal of abandoned funds held by the City
- Report identifying tax-exempt properties including value and vacancy status
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The committee will consider an appointment for the New Bedford Port Authority and several new private livery license applications. It will also review a host community agreement proposal for a cannabis retail and manufacturing establishment.
- Appointment of Heather Haggerty to the New Bedford Port Authority through December 2026
- Six new private livery license applications
- Host Community Agreement Proposal for THConnect, LLC (dba Houz of Diesel) at 301 Herman Melville Boulevard
Housing - Special Committee
The Housing Special Committee will hear citizen input on tenant perspectives, discuss a motion to create a city-wide plan and summit to address homelessness, and consider a proposal to bring the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's Veterans Villages initiative to New Bedford for homeless veterans.
- Citizen input from Joseph Quigley of 192 Walnut Street on tenant perspectives
- Motion by Councillor Gomes to devise a homelessness plan and convene a summit involving health departments and agencies
- Motion by Councillors Abreu, Choquette, Oliver, and Lopes to invite Tunnel to Towers Foundation to discuss the Veterans Villages program
- Invitees include PAACA, Housing & Community Development, Inter-Church Council, Mayor's Office, and Veterans' Transition House
City Council
The City Council will hold hearings on seven utility conduit installations by Eversource and Verizon, and consider ordinances amending zoning to add regulations for solar energy systems and accessory dwelling units. It will also receive a communication from the mayor stating that the police chief appointment is not subject to council confirmation. Several committee reports recommend no further action on motions regarding rat burrows, signage, speed limit signs, special permits, body art ordinances, license revocation, abutter lots, and an EMS enterprise fund.
- Hearing for Eversource conduit installation at 21 Seventh Street, 561 Allen Street, 11 William Street, and 71 Borden Street.
- Hearing for Verizon conduit installation on County Street between North and Hillman streets and at intersections for MassDOT rehabilitation projects.
- Mayor submits ordinance to add Section 4200D – Solar Energy Systems to Chapter 9 zoning.
- Mayor submits ordinance to amend Chapter 9 zoning relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.
- Communication from mayor stating Police Chief appointment (Jason Thody) is not subject to City Council confirmation.
Memorials & Dedications - Special Committee
The Special Committee on Memorials & Dedications will discuss and vote on several proposals for memorials, including a street renaming, multiple park benches, plaques, a monument, and a portrait tribute. Applicants and city officials will present for each item. All items originate from council communications and motions referred to the committee.
- Street renaming of Purchase Street from School Street to Spring Street to 'Armand R. Marchand Way'
- Monument to memorialize Carl Pimentel on donated land (Map 10 Lot 108)
- Memorial bench and plaque for Rochelli Lynn Paris aka 'Coco' at Ash and Morgan Streets
- Park bench and tree dedication banner for Anton T. Fortes at Monte's Park
- Dedication of Diamond #3 at Brooklawn Park to founders of Whaling City Youth Baseball League
Ordinance Committee
The Ordinance Committee will hear a public hearing on zoning code definitions and review a motion to remove the City Council as a granting authority for special permits. The committee will also discuss updates to the Body Art Ordinance and the Abutter Lots Program.
- Public hearing on zoning code definitions and principal use regulations
- Motion to remove City Council as granting authority for special permits
- Review of Body Art Ordinance updates
- Discussion on Abutter Lots Program improvements
- Acceptance of Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund
City Council
The City Council will consider several financial orders including over $2.8 million for the School Department. The agenda also includes discussions on rezoning, polling location changes, and motions regarding police officer citizenship requirements.
- Appropriation of $2,831,359.00 to the School Department
- Transfer of $132,572.00 from Police Purchase of Services to MIS Purchase of Services
- Transfer of $60,386.00 from Public Infrastructure Purchase of Services to Capital Outlay
- Rezoning of SS Bates Street, Plot 108/Lot 317, from Industrial 'A' to Residential 'C'
- Change of polling location for Precincts 3A and 3C to Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee is holding a public hearing on a special permit application from Jose Barbosa and Derek Mendes, d/b/a Casa Do Benfica, No. 27, Inc., for a club or lodge at 34 Beetle Street. The committee will receive testimony and decide on the application.
- Public hearing on special permit application for Club or Lodge at 34 Beetle Street by Casa Do Benfica, No. 27, Inc.
Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee
The committee will discuss a proposed amendment to a home rule petition that would allow retired New Bedford police officers over age 65 to work detail, while prohibiting appointments for those over 70. Other items include policies on abandoned campers and RVs, fire prevention at a trash facility, no-trespassing signs at Wilks Library, and a communication about ARPA-funded speed limit signs.
- Amendment to home rule petition to set special police officer age limit at 70, allow detail work for officers over 65 (Matter #1388, tabled since 2022)
- Discussion of policies for abandoned campers, RVs, boats, and trailers in city neighborhoods (Matter #1214)
- Meeting with E.L. Harvey Trash & Recyclables and city health/fleet officials regarding rat burrows and fire prevention (Matter #1261)
- Request to install 'No Trespassing' signs at Wilks Library, 1911 Acushnet Avenue, and other city properties (Matter #1443)
- Communication from Mayor on use of ARPA funds for solar radar speed limit signs (Matter #1868)
City Property Committee
The City Property Committee will hear from the City Solicitor and other officials about the delay in finalizing Purchase and Sale Agreements awarded to Gwozdz Development, South Coast Investments, and Historic Built for three city properties: Fire Station #3 (834 Kempton Street), Fire Station #11 (754 Brock Avenue), and Police Station #2 (170 Cove Street). The matter was referred on July 17, 2025.
- Motion requesting explanation of delay in Purchase and Sale Agreement for three city-owned public safety properties
- Fire Station #3 at 834 Kempton Street
- Fire Station #11 at 754 Brock Avenue
- Police Station #2 at 170 Cove Street
Special City Council Meeting
The New Bedford City Council will hold a special meeting on July 22, 2025, to consider the appointment of Thomas Carreiro as District Fire Chief. Councillors also introduced a motion requesting representatives from The Z appear before the Committee on Finance to report on the financial and operating expenses of the Zeiterion Theatre.
- Appointment of Thomas Carreiro as District Fire Chief
- Motion for The Z to report on Zeiterion Theatre financial and operating expenses
- Special meeting at City Council Chambers, 133 William Street
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee will consider residency waivers for two individuals to obtain licenses to deal in junk and secondhand articles. The body will also review the Mayor's appointment of a constable and a special permit application for auto sales.
- Residency waiver request for Marc DeCambra (Side Quest Complete LLC) for a license to deal in junk, old metals or secondhand articles at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard
- Residency waiver request for Justin Williamson (Side Quest Complete LLC) for a license to deal in junk, old metals or secondhand articles at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard
- Appointment of Antwaun Donyeh Murphy as a Constable
- Motor vehicle special permit application for Adriano Vicente (AV Auto Sales) at 1532 Cove Road
- Citizen input from Joseph Quigley regarding tenant perspectives
City Council
The City Council will hold nine hearings on Eversource's plan to install underground electric transmission lines on multiple streets. Mayor Mitchell has submitted several appropriations totaling over $5.5 million for schools, health insurance, Zeiterion Theatre, waste collection, and information technology. The council will also consider the appointment of Deputy Fire Chief Brian Medeiros as Fire Chief and Daniel Coons as Deputy Fire Chief, along with motions to rename a street near the Zeiterion Theater and discuss delays in selling two former fire stations.
- Nine hearings on underground electric transmission lines by Eversource on Pine, MacArthur, Walnut, Second, School, County, Linden, State, and Weld Streets
- Appointment of Brian Medeiros as Fire Chief and Daniel Coons as Deputy Fire Chief
- Supplemental appropriation of $3,290,458 to the School Department from ordinary revenue
- Supplemental appropriation of $495,000 to Zeiterion Theatre for purchase of services
- Motion to rename part of Purchase Street as 'Armand R. Marchand Way' honoring theater founder
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council will meet to discuss a proposed 3.0 percent wastewater rate increase for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also consider a request to transfer funds into the Wastewater Enterprise Fund.
- Proposed 3.0 percent wastewater rate increase for FY2026
- Proposed transfer of $2,350,000.00 from the Special Projects Fund to the FY2026 Wastewater Enterprise Fund
City Council
The City Council will consider several committee recommendations, including rescinding $118,876,793 in authorized unissued debt, restoring $150,000 for the Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock Project, and approving a lease agreement between the New Bedford Airport Commission and the Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust. Also up for votes are street closures and obstructions for a demolition project, special permits, and revolving fund authorizations for FY2026.
- Rescind $118,876,793 in authorized unissued debt
- Restore $150,000 for the Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock Project (total $2,000,000)
- Lease agreement between New Bedford Airport Commission and Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust
- Street closure of William Street from Bethel to North Water from June 30, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026 for demolition and reconstruction
- Special permit for motor vehicle light service at 366 Hathaway Road
Special City Council Meeting
This special city council meeting is the FY26 final budget and budget cut session. The council will consider multiple appropriation orders totaling over $520 million for various funds including general municipal, airport, arts, cable access, parking, water, and wastewater. Actions today will set spending for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.
- Order appropriating $460,838,400 from ordinary revenue for FY26 municipal department expenses
- Order appropriating $35,596,711 from wastewater receipts for DPI/Wastewater Budget
- Order appropriating $20,904,506 from water receipts for DPI/Water Budget
- Order appropriating $1,488,882 from enterprise fund receipts for Cable Access Enterprise Fund
- Order appropriating $66,500 from CCDA Traffic Handicap Parking to Commission for Citizens with Disabilities
Special City Council Meeting
The New Bedford City Council will consider two large loan orders (totaling $70.3 million) for water distribution and wastewater improvements, along with two fund transfers and two reappointments—all previously tabled. The meeting was specially called to act on these items.
- Loan order for $38,100,000 for water system improvements including lead service abatement
- Loan order for $32,200,000 for CSO control and wastewater collection system improvements
- Transfer of $230,917 from Cable Access Free Cash to FY2026 Cable Access Enterprise Fund
- Transfer of $88,787 from Downtown Parking Free Cash to FY2026 Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund
- Reappointment of Esperanza Alejandro-Berube to Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and Caroline Conzatti to Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is reviewing orders to authorize spending limits for various city revolving funds for Fiscal Year 2026. The agenda includes funding for health compliance, demolition, vacant buildings, and park programs, as well as a resolution to approve a tax incentive for a housing development.
- Authorize $60,000 for Health Department Compliance Programs Revolving Fund
- Authorize $330,000 for Adult Social Day Program Revolving Fund
- Authorize $105,000 for Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund (amendment)
- Authorize $120,000 for Supportive Recreation Revolving Fund (new)
- Resolution to approve Tax Increment Exemption for Couto Residences at 4586 Acushnet Avenue
Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing & Disability Issues Committee
The committee will receive a briefing from Primary Care for All Americans on health initiatives and discuss a motion regarding access issues at the Hillman Street complex. Several older motions related to senior housing conditions at Melville Towers and proposed letters to federal delegates on HUD's senior housing rules are also on the agenda. The chair recommends waiving reading and reporting out item 1 with no further action.
- Briefing by Primary Care for All Americans on initiatives to benefit residents (Motion #0319)
- Discussion of access issues at Hillman Street complex with Community Services, Facilities, and Disability Commission (Motion #0339)
- Letter to federal delegation requesting review of HUD's mixed-use rules in senior housing (Motion #1243)
- Discussion of tenant issues at Melville Towers involving Housing Authority and Peabody Properties (Motion #0339 related)
- HUD email response regarding Melville Towers resident concerns (Communication #0018)
Appointments & Briefings Committee
The Appointments & Briefings Committee will hold a public hearing on a special permit for a motor vehicle light service at 366 Hathaway Road and discuss several motions. Items include residency waiver petitions for junk dealer licenses, a proposal to create City Council social media pages, and updates on the South Coast Renewables project, MBTA rail corridor safety, and the I-195 to Route 18 interchange project. The committee will also consider street closures and obstructions for construction on William, North Water, and Bethel Streets.
- Public hearing: Eric Medeiros d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC seeks special permit for motor vehicle light service at 366 Hathaway Road
- Residency waiver petitions for junk dealer licenses: Saver's Thrift Dept. Store (1014 King's Highway) and Temptations Guitars and Comics (2331B Acushnet Avenue)
- Motion to discuss creating City Council Facebook and Twitter pages and an internship program
- Motion to discuss South Coast Renewables project with Health Department and South Coast Neighbors United
- Request to close William Street from Bethel to North Water for demolition/reconstruction, June 30, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026
City Council
The City Council will vote on two large loan orders for water distribution and wastewater system improvements. The body is also reviewing zoning changes, including a new transit-oriented development district and a residential rezoning on SS Bates Street.
- Loan order of $38,100,000 for Water Distribution and Treatment Systems Improvements
- Loan order of $32,200,000 for CSO Control and Integrated Capital Improvement Plan
- Rezoning of SS Bates Street, Plot 108/Lot 317, from Industrial 'A' to Residential 'C'
- Establishment of the Clasky Common Transit Oriented Development Overlay District (CC-TOD)
- Tax Increment Exemption agreement for Couto Residences at 4586 Acushnet Avenue
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will discuss three items: a lease agreement between the New Bedford Airport Commission and the Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust, an order to rescind $118,876,793 in authorized but unissued debt, and a request from the Community Preservation Committee to reconsider funding for the Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock project. The meeting includes invited city officials to provide information on each item.
- Lease agreement between New Bedford Airport Commission and Trustees of the 5 Hangar Trust (Matter ID #0711/#0712/#0713)
- Order to rescind authorized, unissued debt totaling $118,876,793 (Matter ID #0821/#0822)
- Reconsideration of CPA funding for the Acushnet River Rowing Center Dock project (Matter ID #0647)
Quasi Committee of the Whole - Budget Hearings
The City Council will hold a quasi committee of the whole budget hearing to discuss proposed budgets for several departments and funds. Items include Police, Fire (with Emergency Management Agency rolled in), Department of Public Infrastructure, Sullivan's Ledge, Wastewater Special Revenue Fund, and Water Enterprise Fund. The agenda references specific page numbers in the budget document. No votes or decisions are recorded; this is a discussion session.
- Police Department budget (pages 157-165)
- Fire Department budget including EMA (pages 91-100)
- Department of Public Infrastructure budget (pages 166-175)
- Sullivan's Ledge budget (pages 251-252)
- Water Enterprise Fund budget (pages 276-283)
Quasi Committee of the Whole - Budget Hearings
The Quasi Committee of the Whole is holding budget hearings to review proposed budgets for the Department of Facilities & Fleet Management, City Utilities, Waste Collection and Disposal, Zeiterion Theatre, and the School Department. The meeting is live streamed and recorded, and no votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session only.
- Review of Department of Facilities & Fleet Management budget (pages 82-90)
- Review of City Utilities budget (pages 230-231)
- Review of Waste Collection and Disposal budget (pages 255-256)
- Review of Zeiterion Theatre budget (pages 258-259)
- Review of School Department budget (no page numbers listed)
Quasi Committee of the Whole - Budget Hearings
The Quasi Committee of the Whole will conduct budget hearings for various city departments and enterprise funds. The body will review financial allocations for services including elections, planning, and public libraries.
- Airport Enterprise Fund
- Cable Access Enterprise Fund
- Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund
- Arts, Culture & Tourism Special Revenue Fund
- Planning Department budget (now including the Planning Board)
Ordinance Committee
The Ordinance Committee will hold public hearings on two major zoning amendments: the Clasky Common Transit Oriented Development Overlay District to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, and revisions to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations. It will also hear a rezoning request for SS Bates Street from Industrial A to Residential C, and continue discussion on a proposed recall of elected officers, which has been tabled since 2024.
- Public hearing on establishing the Clasky Common Transit Oriented Development Overlay District (CC-TOD) near the commuter rail station
- Public hearing on amending Chapter 9 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) citywide
- Public hearing on rezoning SS Bates Street (Plot 108, Lot 317) from Industrial A to Residential C
- Continued discussion on a proposed recall process for elected officers, with amended signature requirements (1800 signatures, 300 per ward)
- Planning Board favorable recommendations received for Clasky Common TOD, ADU amendments, and SS Bates Street rezoning
Quasi Committee of the Whole - Budget Hearings
The Quasi Committee of the Whole will conduct budget hearings for various municipal offices and services. The body will review financial requests for departments ranging from community services to public administration.
- Community Services budget review
- Commission for Citizens with Disabilities budget review
- Mayor's Office budget review
- Snow Removal budget review
- Budget reviews for CFO, Treasurer, and Solicitor