With his administration focused on New Bedford’s long-term future, Mayor Jon Mitchell today presented the City Council with a proposal to modernize the term of office for mayor from two to four years. The modification, Mitchell said, would enhance the municipality’s ability to build a stronger future for itself by promoting stability in its executive branch, encouraging its chief executive to focus on the city’s long-term best interests and reducing the time diverted from governmental duties to campaigning and fundraising.

To avoid any suggestion that his proposal is motivated by personal political considerations, Mayor Mitchell also submitted a proposed amendment that would set the effective date of the act after the current mayor leaves office.

“If the council passes the amendment, I would not be eligible to be elected to a four-year term. This proposal is not about me, it is about the long term interests of the City we love,” he said.

A change in the term of office for mayor requires an amendment to the City of New Bedford’s charter. Mayor Mitchell has proposed the charter change as a Special Act which requires the approval of the City Council as well as the state legislature before it may take effect.

In a detailed letter to the Council outlining his proposal, Mayor Mitchell highlighted the serious disadvantages associated with the City retaining a two-year term for the office of mayor, “I believe that the adoption of a four-year term is necessary because the current two-year term impedes our ability to build the better future we all want for our City, in that it (1) tends to undermine the general effectiveness of the executive branch; (2) skews policy and program initiatives toward narrow or trivial short term interests; (3) diverts time and energy to mobilizing campaign organizations and to campaign fundraising and away from important governmental duties; and puts New Bedford at a competitive disadvantage versus cities with more modern mayoral structures.”

He pointed to the need for stability in the City’s executive branch and with that the importance of devoting all of the mayor’s attention and energy on the leading the city with a clear focus on the long-term. “That a mayor would be subject to a re-election campaign by the time he or she has just gotten up-and-running, in which the outcome may be the election of someone entirely new who would start the process all over again, is inherently destabilizing. Mayors serve the public best when they set clear, broad and achievable long-term goals and stay the course until they are realized. A four year term would significantly reduce the time necessary to campaign and to raise campaign contributions, which displace time spent governing,” Mitchell said.

Nearly every major city in the United States has adopted a four year mayoral term. Once adopted, New Bedford would join the increasing number of Massachusetts cities with a four-year term for mayor including, Boston, Pittsfield, Quincy, and Springfield.

The Massachusetts State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 and the New Bedford Elections Commission has announced that absentee ballots for this election are now available through the Elections Office at New Bedford City Hall.

Any registered voter unable to get to the polls on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot during regular office hours or may request that an absentee ballot application be mailed to their home address. Absentee ballots may be requested up until 12 Noon on Monday, September 8, 2014. In addition, to allow voters more time to cast an absentee ballot, the City of New Bedford Election Office will open on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

In this election, voters will cast their ballot for Senator in Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Representative in Congress, Ninth District; Councillor, First District; Senator in General Court, Second Bristol and Plymouth District, Representative in General Court, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 13th Bristol Districts, District Attorney for Bristol County, Register of Probate; Bristol County, County Treasurer and County Commissioner for Bristol County.

The deadline to register to vote in the State Primary is Wednesday, August 20, 2014. The Elections Office will remain open on August 20, 2014 until 8:00 p.m.

Any city resident who is uncertain about their voting status or designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or wishes to request an absentee ballot, should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420. For the list of State Primary candidates and more information on upcoming elections, please visit the Election Division of the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014
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OPENING OF SESSION BY: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES
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PRAYER LED BY: REVEREND LEONA FISHER, PASTOR IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHURCH
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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CITATIONS

1. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring LILLIAN DONAGHY, in recognition of your 32 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Buttonwood Senior Center.

2. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring BEATRICE FERREIRA, in recognition of your 12 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Buttonwood and Hazelwood Senior Centers.

3. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring ISAURA SOUZA, in recognition of your 12 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Buttonwood Senior Center.

4. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring JEANNETTE ST. DON, in recognition of your 17 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Buttonwood Senior Center.

5. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring RAYMOND ST. DON, in recognition of your 15 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Buttonwood Senior Center.

6. CITATION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring LUCY ZABOWSKI, in recognition of your 15 Years of Volunteer Service to the Council on Aging and with sincere appreciation for your Dedication to your fellow Seniors at the Brooklawn Senior Center.

7. CITATION, Councillor Gomes, honoring KENZI FARLAND, in recognition of her talent and imagination which led to her opening Princesses of New Bedford, an entertainment business for children.

8. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring JR. LEADER “DREAM TEAM” CHRISTIAN MCLEOD in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being honored with the Excellence Award.

9. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring JR. LEADER “DREAM TEAM” VUONG PHAN, in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being honored with the Perfect Attendance and Leadership Awards.

10. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring JR. LEADER “DREAM TEAM” NATHAN ANDRADE, JEREMY CASTRO and ADAM FINN, in recognition of their Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014.

11. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring LEONARD BRADLEY, in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being named as the Most Improved Student.

12. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring JASON AMARAL, in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being named as the Star Student of the Year.

13. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring BRANDON DE LA ROSA in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being honored with the Perfect Attendance Award.

14. CITATION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Winterson and Bousquet, honoring DARIEN GIBSON, in recognition of his Graduation from Saturday Academy on June 14, 2014 and being honored with the Student of Year, Sportsmanship and Leadership Awards.

15. CITATIONS, Councillors Gomes and Rebeiro, honoring MARILYN L. GONSALVES, Chairperson; CARL J. CRUZ, NORMA BELAY, ATTORNEY SYLVIA GOMES, GAIL GONSALVES, CHARLES PERRY, CYNTHIA MORRIS, DR. ELEANOR PONTES, DR. BRUCE A. ROSE, DOROTHY GOMES and PETER SILVA, in recognition of their Commitment and Dedication to the 2014 Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship Committee.

16. CITATIONS, Councillors Gomes and Rebeiro, honoring CAPE VERDEAN RECOGNITION COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2014 – MARY ANN ROGERS, PRESIDENT, MARILYN GONSALVES, VICE-PRESIDENT, NORMA BELAY, CLERK, DIANE GOMES, TREASURER, CARL J. CRUZ, GAIL GONSALVES, DOROTHY GOMES, JOANNA GOMES, ATTORNEY SYLVIA GOMES, CYNTHIA MORRIS, CHARLES PERRY, DR. BRUCE ROSE, PETER N. SILVA, HONORABLE MEMBERS EMMA GOMES and JULIANA HINES-BECK, in recognition of their continuing commitment to maintaining Cape Verdean Traditions in our City, Cape Verdean Recognition Week – 2014.

17. CITATIONS, Councillors Gomes and Rebeiro, honoring CAPE VERDEAN RECOGNITION WEEK 2014 PARADE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS, DIANE GOMES, CHAIRPERSON, SHANE BURGO, DANA DEBARROS, LORRAINE TELO, MARIE MONTEIRO, RENE LEDBETTER, DANA REBEIRO, JOHN DEPINA, JULIO BARBOSA, BETTY RIVERA, NORMA BELAY, CHARLES PERRY, JOANNA GOMES and PETER SILVA, in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Committee and another successful year.

18. CITATIONS, Councillors Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring BAREFOOT EVENTS, INC, JAMIE KELLEY, President/Event Technical Producer, JESSICA BAILEY, KELLY BENDIKSEN, BOB EATHERTON, ANNIE HUMISTON, GEORGE MORAN, CATHY ROONEY and BRIAN QUINN in recognition of your Dedication and Commitment in making the Visit of the Whaleship, Charles W. Morgan a successful event with your Logistic and Technical Talents.

19. CITATION, Councillor Alves, honoring WARING-SULLIVAN HOMES OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE/ROCK FUNERAL HOME, in recognition of their Annual City Employee Appreciation Day.

20. CITATIONS, Councillor Gomes, honoring HENRY TURGEON, Police Union President, JAMES ESTRELLA, Detective, JOSHUA FERNANDES, Sergeant and the NEW BEDFORD POLICE UNION, in recognition of their sponsorship of the New Bedford Kids Weekend Carnival at Buttonwood Park.

RESOLUTIONS

21. RESOLUTION, Councillors Martins, Morad and Oliveira, honoring CHRISTOPHER J. DUMONT, Massachusetts State Trooper and Former New Bedford Police Officer for being selected as the 2014 National Trooper of the Year.

22. RESOLUTION, Councillors Alves, Coelho, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Oliveira and Gomes, honoring THE 100TH FEAST OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

23. RESOLUTION, Councillors Gomes, Alves, Coelho, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins and Oliveira, honoring the Members of the Committee of the 100th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

24. RESOLUTION, Councillors Morad and Oliveira, honoring The Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on the Commemoration of the Center’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony.

MAYOR’S PAPERS

M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a VETO of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE granted to Rafael Reyes d/b/a Road Runner Transportation by the City Council on June 12, 2014; due to Mr. Reyes not filling out his Livery License application completely.

M1a. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Rafael Reyes, d/b/a ROAD RUNNER TRANSPORTATION, 12 Roosevelt Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting a NEW Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – April 24, 2014; License Granted – June 12, 2014; Vetoed by Mayor Mitchell – June 25, 2014.)

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, that in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the Revolving Fund under the control of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, known as QUEST CENTER REVOLVING FUND, whose purpose is to provide a focus on entrepreneurial training and location for business start-up activities focusing on marine/maritime technologies, life sciences and software development, is hereby authorized at $100,000.00 for FISCAL YEAR 2015.

M2a. AN ORDER,

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $400,000.00 from OVERLAY RESERVE, to DPI/HIGHWAYS, CAPITAL OUTLAY.

M3a. AN ORDER,

M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $75,000.00 from OVERLAY RESERVE, to GENERAL GOVERNMENT UNCLASSIFIED, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M4a. AN ORDER,

M5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $50,000.00 from OVERLAY RESERVE, to TOURISM/MARKETING, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M5a. AN ORDER,

M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $50,000.00 from OVERLAY RESERVE, to INSPECTIONAL SERVICES, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M6a. AN ORDER,

M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, requesting to pay the Training Officer, ROSEMARY NUNES, above the first step of the Unit C salary schedule.

M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for Associate Solicitor, ATTORNEY THOMAS J. MATHIEU, Raynham, MA; Atty. Mathieu’s current waiver expires July 2014.

M9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of JACOB GONSALVES, New Bedford, MA 02744, to the CONSERVATION COMMISSION, replacing Kenneth Motta who has resigned; this term will expire in June 2017.

M10. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of LAWRENCE D. WORDEN, New Bedford, MA 02745, to the GREATER NEW BEDFORD REFUSE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT COMMITTEE, replacing Jeffrey D. King, who has resigned; this term will expire June 2016.

M11. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of ANTHONY J. POENTE, JR., Dartmouth, MA, as a CONSTABLE.

M11a. APPLICATION,

M12. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of CHRISTOPHER H. Truelson, East Taunton, MA as a SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER.

M12a. APPLICATION,

CHARTER RULED

CR1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $35,000.00 from LIBRARY, SALARIES & WAGES, to MAYOR, SALARIES & WAGES. (Charter Ruled 06/26/2014)

CR1a. AN ORDER, (Charter Ruled 06/26/2014)

NEW BUSINESS

25. REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending that the City Council ADOPT the LOAN ORDER, appropriating $15,000,000.00 for the purpose of financing the construction of transmission main improvements including installation and replacement of piping, main line valves, blow-off structures, and air releases along the 36-inch water transmission mains from High Hill Reservoir.

25a. LOAN ORDER, (To be Passed to a Second Reading.)

26. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7 (c) PERSONNEL by reclassifying pay grades of the CITY AUDITOR, ASSISTANT CITY AUDITOR and LIBRARY DIRECTOR. (Passed to a Second Reading – 06/26/2014.)

27. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 16, Article IV, SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL. (Passed to a Second Reading 05/22/2014.)

28. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-18, Noncriminal Disposition of Violations of Certain Ordinances, Rules and Regulations. (Passed to a Second Reading 05/22/2014.)

29. LOAN ORDER, appropriating $250,000.00 for the creation of splash pad water play feature and appropriate site amenities including landscaping at Harrington Park, a 1.1 acre park located between Court Street, Tremont Street, Elm Street and Newton Street; said Loan Order is needed for the City to accept a grant in the amount of $200,000.00 from the State Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and a match in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Program, said grant is structured as a reimbursable grant and grant conditions require that the City Council vote to appropriate and expend an amount equal to the grant amount and match requirements which total $250,000.00. (Passed to a Second Reading 07/17/2014.)

30. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, accepting nominations for the Election of the position of CITY CLERK for a statutory three (3) year term.

30a. NOMINATION by Councillors Morad, Bousquet, Winterson and Gomes of DENNIS W. FARIAS, for promotion to the position of City Clerk for a statutory three (3) year term.

30b. NOMINATION by Councillors Oliveira and Rebeiro of ELIZABETH NICHOLS, for the position of City Clerk for a statutory three (3) year term

31. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes and Councillor Winterson, requesting that our State Senator Mark Montigny oppose the passage of S. 2183 or any amendment to the Massachusetts State Senate Economic Development Bill, which is an industry sponsored bill that would strip Cities and Towns of our municipal zoning bylaws, Ordinances, or local authority as it relates to the installation and placement of wireless antennas and equipment on any building or structure in a community; Senate Bill S. 2183 is being sponsored by the Telecommunication Industry with the sole intention of getting ahead of the proposed FCC planned Nationwide Siting Standards for Wireless Antennas which is planned for passage later this year at the Federal level.

32. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Winterson, requesting that the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center hold a second public hearing and provide proper notification to the abutters in a 2000 feet radius of the construction of the 190-foot AM Radio Tower; and further, requesting that our State Delegation halt all construction plans on the AM Tower until all residents/abutters have a chance to voice their concerns to said construction and that at said meeting alternative sites be discussed. (To be Referred to Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Matt Morrissey and the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

33. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of Deborah Bastoni, Team Builders, Inc./House of Music, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PURCHASE STREET, from Union Street to Spring Street, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M., for the purpose of the 5th Annual Everybody Dance Contest.

34. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, submitting a REVISED ORDER, for the Community Preservation Act, which adds exemption for $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel of Class Three, Commercial property, all Class Four, Industrial property and requesting that the ORDER Adopted on June 12, 2014, be RESCINDED.

34a. REVISED ORDER,

34b. ORIGINAL ORDER, adopted June 12, 2014.

35. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Carney, Martins, Bousquet, Winterson, Morad and Rebeiro, requested that the City Council send a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health expressing our support for Coastal Compassions, Inc.’s Application to operate a Registered Medical Marijuana dispensary in New Bedford, MA.

36. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Coelho and Rebeiro, requesting that the Police Chief increase patrols and install surveillance cameras in the area of the Quick Pic Mini Mart at 452 Cottage Street, due to the suspected drug activity in the area and that speed traps be set up at said location, also that the Traffic Commission install “NO LOITERING” signs in said area to curb customers congregating in the parking lot and around residential homes; and further, requesting that the Health Department send an Inspector out to investigate the amount of debris and garbage littering the parking lot of said store.

37. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Coelho, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Alves, Oliveira, Carney, Martins and Rebeiro, in light of the United States Postal Service’s final decision to relocate the Downtown Post Office, requesting that Mr. Joseph Mulvey, Real Estate Specialist with the United States Postal Service, be invited to the next Committee on Appointments and Briefings meeting to update the Council on plans for the building, when will the Post Office be moved, and where will the Downtown Post Office be located. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

38. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Oliveira, Gomes, Morad and Alves, requesting that Plot 124/Lot 162 (NS Shawmut Avenue) be rezoned from Mixed-Use Business, to RESIDENTIAL B, said lot lies between two residential properties and is considered inconsistent with the contour of the current neighborhood on the east side of Shawmut Avenue. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board.)

39. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, that Mayor Mitchell personally meet with representatives of the Whaling City Festival and the City Council to discuss keeping the Whaling City Festival in New Bedford; and further, that this meeting take place immediately prior to representatives from the Festival signing an agreement with Mayor Flanagan of Fall River to move the location of the Whaling City Festival to Fall River for the upcoming year.

40. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that a meeting be held with Health Department Director Dr. Brenda Weis, and a representative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to discuss what is being done to address the present bedbug problem that has plagued many housing complexes throughout the City; and further, to discuss strategies that have been put in place to address this issue which has affected many elderly and families across New Bedford. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

41. COMMUNICATION, Acting City Clerk, to City Council, on behalf of David Bizarro, d/b/a BIZARRO’S TRANSPORTATION, 50 Larch Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expires July 18, 2014.)

42. COMMUNICATION, Acting City Clerk, to City Council, on behalf Noel Ciminello d/b/a YES! We Van, LLC, 167 Butler Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expires July 18, 2014.)

43. COMMUNICATION, Acting City Clerk, to City Council, on behalf Edward M. Pacheco, 32 St. John Street, South Dartmouth, MA 02748, d/b/a PLACES TO GO, LLC, 651 Orchard Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expires August 13, 2014.)

44. COMMUNICATION, Acting City Clerk, to City Council, on behalf of Antonio B. Escobar, 38 Kearsarge Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, d/b/a ESCOBAR TRANSPORTATION, LLC, 120 Glennon Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expires July 18, 2014.)

45. COMMUNICATION, Acting City Clerk, to City Council, on behalf of Anthony Snow, 12 Humes Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, d/b/a CAB TRANSPORTATION, LLC, 34 Welby Road, New Bedford, MA 02745, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expires September 12, 2014.)

46. COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION, New Bedford Historical Commission, to City Council, re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW OF 488 UNION STREET, CIRCA 1920 ONE-STORY CONCRETE BLOCK GARAGE STRUCTURE – advising that “the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District, the structure is of no notable historic significance, either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure, demolition is required to facilitate environmental remediation, therefore, “the NBHC has determined that 488 Union Street is NOT a historically significant building or structure and not preferably preserved”.

47. COMMUNICATION, Blair S. Bailey, Tax Title Attorney, to City Council, re: Acquisition of New Tax Possession, advising that the City has acquired the following property as Tax Possession, W.S. Harmony Street, Plot 15/Lot 45, Area of 4,168 sq. ft. (Former Owner: North American Trust, Nancy Faria, Trustee); Total Amount due on the parcel as of the date of the transfer is $119,589.41.

48. COMMUNICATION, Blair S. Bailey, Tax Title Attorney, to City Council, re: Acquisition of New Tax Possession, advising that the City has acquired the following property as Tax Possession, N. S. Brock Avenue, Plot 15/Lot 199, Area of 5,683 sq. ft. (Former Owner: J. Michael Butler & Charles F. Callen); Total Amount due on the parcel as of the date of the transfer is $79,712.11.

TABLED BUSINESS

01/23/2014 CITATION, Councillor Rebeiro, honoring REVEREND RUSS CHAMBERLAIN, Mercy Meals and More, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the homeless during the recent snow storm of January 2 and 3, 2014.

03/27/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure which maintains the street lights provide the City Council with a report on the annual cost of upkeep including labor and materials; and further, whether it would be more cost efficient to contract the work to a private firm should be included in said report.

06/26/2014 HEARING on NSTAR Electric Company & Verizon New England, Inc. for joint location of one (1) Pole in UPLAND STREET, North of Brantwood Street.
AN ORDER,

06/24/2014 HEARING on NSTAR Electric Company & Verizon New England, Inc. for joint location of one (1) Pole in BRANTWOOD STREET, West of Upland Street.
AN ORDER,

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR – THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014
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OPENING OF SESSION BY: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES
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PRAYER LED BY: REVEREND KEVIN HARRINGTON, ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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CITATIONS

1. CITATIONS, Councillor Martins, honoring CHRISTOPHER M. ANDRADE, JASON M. PIRES and NATHAN R. MONTEIRO, in recognition of the celebration of their graduation from the Massachusetts State Police Academy on May 09, 2014, and in acknowledgment of their commitment to serve the Citizens of the Commonwealth.

2. CITATION, Councillor Alves, honoring TEAM MICHAEL, in recognition of their commitment and efforts in successfully raising over $20,000 in support of research through their Annual Walk for AIDS.

RESOLUTIONS

3. RESOLUTION, Councillors Bousquet and Gomes, honoring Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team The Bears on a Winning Year.

HEARINGS

4. HEARING on NSTAR Electric Company for location of one (1) 45”X45”X36” Handhole in WOOD STREET, East of Vernon Street.

4a. AN ORDER,

MAYOR’S PAPERS

M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a LOAN ORDER, appropriating $5,900,000.00 for the purpose of paying costs of making energy efficiency improvements to City streetlights and traffic signals.

M1a. LOAN ORDER,

M1b. ENERGY MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT, by and between the City of New Bedford and Siemens Industry, Inc.

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a LOAN ORDER, appropriating $250,000.00 for the creation of splash pad water play feature and appropriate site amenities including landscaping at Harrington Park, a 1.1 acre park located between Court Street, Tremont Street, Elm Street and Newton Street; said Loan Order is needed for the City to accept a grant in the amount of $200,000.00 from the State Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and a match in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Community Development Block Grant Program, said grant is structured as a reimbursable grant and grant conditions require that the City Council vote to appropriate and expend an amount equal to the grant amount and match requirements which total $250,000.00.

M2a. LOAN ORDER,

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, approving the Declaration of Conservation Restriction for Riverside Park and authorizing the Mayor and City Council President to execute said document, placing conservation restrictions on approximately 1.1+/-acres of land owned by the City for wetlands protection associated with the construction of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal.

M3a. AN ORDER,

M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a SEWER ABATEMENT for
P6 Management Group, Inc., 377 Cedar Street, New Bedford, MA, Account Number 003203A, in the amount of $265.60.

M5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a SEWER ABATEMENT for Maria Andrade, 71 Whitman Street, New Bedford, MA, Account Number 017587A, in the amount of $136.95.

M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER transferring the care, custody, management and control of Custom House Square property shown on Assessor’s Maps Plat 53, Lots 139 and 141 from the Traffic Commission to the Department of Parks and Recreation for recreational purposes that reflect the recent change of use from parking lot to green space.

M6a. AN ORDER,

M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER, amending the Order adopted by the City Council on June 27, 2013 and signed by the Mayor on June 28, 2013 which in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, authorized the Revolving Fund under the control of the Purchasing Department known as the PURCHASING REVOLVING FUND, whose purpose is to provide office supplies, photocopy supplies, copier leases, etc., for City Departments, whose revenues and amount limited at $262,000.00 is hereby authorized at $287,000.00 for FISCAL YEAR 2014.

M7a. AN ORDER,

M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $410,000.00 from HEALTH INSURANCE, CHARGES & SERVICES, to GENERAL GOVERNMENT UNCLASSIFIED.

M8a. AN ORDER,

M9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $2,000.00 from LABOR RELATIONS, SALARIES & WAGES, to GENERAL GOVERNMENT UNCLASSIFIED, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M9a. AN ORDER,

M10. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $70,000.00 from PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, SALARIES & WAGES, to SNOW REMOVAL.

M10a. AN ORDER,

M11. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $113,305.00 from HEALTH INSURANCE, CHARGES & SERVICES, to SNOW REMOVAL.

M11a. AN ORDER,

M12. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $30,000.00 from ELECTIONS, SALARIES & WAGES, to SNOW REMOVAL.

M12a. AN ORDER,

M13. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $20,000.00 from HEALTH, SALARIES & WAGES, to SNOW REMOVAL.

M13a. AN ORDER,

M14. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $250,000.00 from POLICE, SALARIES & WAGES, to FIRE, SALARIES & WAGES.

M14a. AN ORDER,

M15. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $80,000.00 from TREASURER, CHARGES & SERVICES, to EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, SALARIES & WAGES, in the amount of $50,000.00 and EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, CHARGES & SERVICES, in the amount of $30,000.00.

M15a. AN ORDER,

M16. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $35,000.00 from LIBRARY, SALARIES & WAGES, to MAYOR, SALARIES & WAGES.

M16a. AN ORDER,

M17. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $488.00 from HEALTH, SALARIES & WAGES, to LICENSING, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M17a. AN ORDER,

M18. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $70,000.00 from FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, to FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M18a. AN ORDER,

M19. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $17,000.00 from FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, CAPITAL OUTLAY, to FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M19a. AN ORDER,

M20. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $10,000.00 from FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, SALARIES & WAGES, to FACILITIES AND FLEET MANAGEMENT, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M20a. AN ORDER,

M21. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $19,000.00 from PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SALARIES & WAGES, to PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CHARGES AND SERVICES.

M21a. AN ORDER,

M22. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $25,000.00 from AIRPORT, SALARIES & WAGES, to AIRPORT, CHARGES & SERVICES, in the amount of $10,000.00; to AIRPORT, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, in the amount $10,000.00 and to AIRPORT, CAPITAL OUTLAY, in the amount of $5,000.00.

M22a. AN ORDER,

M23. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $4,436.00 from TREASURER, CHARGES & SERVICES, to TREASURER, SALARIES & WAGES.

M23a. AN ORDER,

M24. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $6,600.00 from RECREATION AND PARKS, SALARIES & WAGES, to RECREATION AND PARKS, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M24a. AN ORDER,

M25. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $2,250.00 from ASSESSORS, SALARIES & WAGES, to ASSESSORS, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M25a. AN ORDER,

M26. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $5,000.00 from FIRE, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS, to FIRE, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M26a. AN ORDER,

M27. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $166.00 from FIRE, CHARGES & SERVICES, to FIRE, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M27a. AN ORDER,

M28. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $500.00 from ELECTIONS, SALARIES & WAGES, to ELECTIONS, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M28a. AN ORDER,

M29. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $100.00 from LICENSING, SALARIES & WAGES, to LICENSING, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M29a. AN ORDER,

M30. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for DAVIS SULLIVAN, Rochester, MA, to serve on the Harbor Development Commission; Mr. Sullivan’s term expires December 2016.

M31. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of NILTON CORDONIZ, New Bedford, MA 02745, as SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER.

M31a. APPLICATION,

M32. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of MICHAEL W. CORREIA, II, New Bedford, MA, as SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER.

M32a. APPLICATION,

NEW BUSINESS

5. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 9, Section 4400 FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY DISTRICT (FHOD.) (Passed to a Second Reading – May 08, 2014.)

6. AN ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 15, Section 15-72, FOOD TRUCKS. (Passed to a Second Reading – May 08, 2014.)

7. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of JILL HORTON-SIMMS, New Bedford, MA to the LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES, replacing Dr. Joseph Silva, Jr., whose term has expired; this term will expire April 2017.

8. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of REVEREND PAUL LANGSTON-DALEY, New Bedford, MA, to the HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION. Reverend Langston-Daley will be replacing Jessica Wildman, who has resigned. This term will expire in December 2016.

9. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the REAPPOINTMENT of JOHN RADCLIFFE, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the CONSERVATION COMMISSION, this term will expire June 2016.

10. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the DEMOLITION of 1116 Chaffee Street, Map 130C, Parcel 39, with the contingency that any and all required permits be first approved and granted by the Building Department and Planning Board.

10a. COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION New Bedford Historical Commission, to City Council, re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW, 1116 CHAFFEE, STREET, Map 130C, Parcel 39, advising that “the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District or a local historic district; the structure is of no notable historic significance either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure; the structure was built circa 1920 as a speculative property in the far north end and reflects the growth of the City’s population during the height of the textile area;” and therefore, “the NBHC has determined that 1116 Chaffee Street is not a historically significant structure and not preferably preserved.” (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – April 10, 2014.)

11. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPLICATION, Ruben Jacob d/b/a SOFT TOUCH AUTO DETAIL, for a SPECIAL PERMIT for MOTOR VEHICLE, LIGHT SERVICE at 6 Hathaway Street, New Bedford, MA 02746.

11a. SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION,

12. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPLICATION, Antonio Camara & Jorge Da Luz d/b/a T & J SOLUTION REPAIR, for SPECIAL PERMIT for MOTOR VEHICLE, SALES & RENTALS , GENERAL REPAIRS and LIGHT SERVICE at 38 Collette Street, New Bedford, MA 02746.

12a. SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION,

13. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL, on behalf of DANIEL XAVIER, d/b/a MCKENZIE’S BUS COMPANY, 183 Campbell Street, New Bedford MA 02740, of the Application requesting a RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, under the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford.

13a. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of DANIEL XAVIER, d/b/a MCKENZIE’S BUS COMPANY, 183 Campbell Street, New Bedford MA 02740, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting a RENEWAL of a PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, under the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefing – April 24, 2014.)

14. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL, on behalf of Rafael Reyes, d/b/a ROAD RUNNER TRANSPORTATION, 12 Roosevelt Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, of the Application requesting a NEW Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefing – April 24, 2014.)

14a. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Rafael Reyes, d/b/a ROAD RUNNER TRANSPORTATION, 12 Roosevelt Street, New Bedford, MA 02744, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting a NEW Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefing – April 24, 2014.)

15. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Bousquet, requesting, on behalf of “LA LIGUE DES FRANCO-AMERICAINS”, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: MT. PLEASANT STREET, from Nauset Street NORTH to the intersection of Hathaway Road (The Point), ON: SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M., for the purpose of: A Memorial at the French Veterans Square for St. Jean Baptiste Day. (ALSO REQUESTING SAWHORSES TO BLOCK OFF DRIVEWAYS IN THE SHOPPING AREA ON THE EAST SIDE OF MT. PLEASANT STREET).

16. WRITTEN MOTION, Councilors Gomes and Rebeiro, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Union Street to Grinnell Street and PURCHASE STREET, from Grinnell Street to Walnut Street, ON SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M., for the purpose of the Cape Verdean Day Parade.

17. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Gomes and Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of the Cape Verdean Parade Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: MADISON STREET, from Pleasant Street to Acushnet Avenue; WING STREET, between Pleasant Street and Acushnet Avenue AND PURCHASE STREET, from Russell Street to Walnut Street, ON SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M., for the purpose of Cape Verdean Recognition Week Activities.

18. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of the New Bedford Economic Development Council and the Royal Front and Union Neighborhood Association, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: UNION STREET, from North Water Street to Front Street (With no access from Route 18); ROSE ALLEY, at the East Side of North Water Street and FRONT STREET, at the South Side of Centre Street, FROM 12:00 NOON TO 9:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014 AND FROM 12:00 NOON TO 7:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014, for the purpose of a Seaside Street Party.

19. WRITTEN MOTION, City Council President, requesting, that the following street(S) be CLOSED: NINA STREET, from East Rodney French Boulevard to Seaview Terrace, to the West End of the intersection so traffic may not enter Seaview Terrace ON FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014, FROM 12:00 (NOON) TO 12:00 MIDNIGHT, for the purpose of A Neighborhood Block Party.

20. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Rebeiro and Alves, requesting, on behalf of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from William Street to Union Street; BARKER’S LANE, from Acushnet Avenue to North Second Street and NORTH SECOND STREET, from William Street to Union Street, ON THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014, FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M., for the purpose of A Mini-Feast.

21. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, on behalf of Irmandade do Divino Espirito Santo Do Pico, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: BRIGHTMAN STREET, from Wood Street to Sylvia Street, ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014, AT 12:00 P.M., (NOON) THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014, AT 10:00 P.M. (AS NEEDED), for the purpose of their Annual Religious Feast.

22. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: STATE STREET, from Hazard Street to Austin Street, ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., for the purpose of The Wamsutta Apartments Fun Day.
23. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Rebeiro and Alves, requesting, on behalf of Joe Jesus, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PURCHASE STREET, from William Street to Spring Street; UNION STEET, from Pleasant Street to Johnny Cake Hill/Bethel Street; ACUSHNET AVENUE, from William Street to Spring Street and Second Street, from William Street to Spring Street, FROM 2:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M, ON THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014, for Fifties Night Downtown. (NOTE: ALTERNATE RAIN DATE SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014.)

24. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Martins, requesting, on behalf of Marcy Sousa, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: HOLLY STREET at the corner of Belleville Avenue, on SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014, FROM 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of a 4th Birthday Party.

25. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure clean the route and repair the potholes for the 42nd Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, to be held on Saturday, July 05, 2014. (Copy of Parade Permit detailing route enclosed.)

26. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Martins and Alves, requesting that the Administration, along with the Election Commission, place a binding or non-binding referendum question on the upcoming November ballot regarding the Community Preservation Act.

26a. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Martins, submitting information on the Community Preservation Act.

27. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, that the City Council seek to adopt the “Community Preservation Act” for New Bedford, as an opportunity for the City Council to create a fund dedicated for outdoor recreation, open space, historic preservation and community housing and to receive matching funds for these purposes. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

28. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Bousquet, requesting, that Health Department Director Dr. Brenda Weis and the Mayor consider a moratorium on the issuances of “trash tickets” violations to multi-unit housing operators while the City begins the implementation of the new trash collection and recycling system in order to allow for a learning curve adjustment period, so that they may educate their residents, tenants, etc. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, the Mayor’s Office and Health Department Director Dr. Brenda Weis.)

29. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City take immediate action to repair New Bedford tourism radio 1620AM, which broadcasts City attractions and events, which hasn’t been working for some time and can be an asset to the tourism of the City of New Bedford; and further, once this broadcasting system is repaired, that signage also be requested on the State level, to be placed on Route 195 East and West approaching New Bedford for the purpose of increasing tourism for the City, at the present time signage is only located on Route 140 South, before Exit 7.

30. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, an explanation as to why the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Beaches are spending $70,000 on a portable restroom facility for the East Beach area, which in this Councillor’s opinion is an unsafe situation for residents and tourists that will be visiting East Beach, pedestrians will have to cross East Rodney French Boulevard to get to the facility; and further, requesting an explanation as to why we are not remodeling the present restroom structures located on East Beach, along with the former snack bar; and further, requesting, that a letter be sent to FEMA requesting an explanation as to why they are restricting the City of New Bedford from rebuilding the present structures located on East Beach.

31. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, that the Administration reconsider the current allocation of trash collection containers used for trash collection allocated to duplex (side-by-side) homes which presents a problem different than the standard two-family homes in New Bedford, in that duplex units in most cases are independent with separate access entrances, driveways and in many cases, limited contact with neighbors, yet these facilities are only allocated ONE trash container for the building, making it a problem for placing trash in what would be considered “Your Neighbors” trash container. (To be Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.)

32. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications look into establishing a permanent memorial honoring the late Fernando Garcia, longtime community activist, philanthropist and businessman whose commitment to local education and to Bristol Community College made a lasting impact on the Greater New Bedford area. (To be Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications.)

33. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Gomes, submitting a DRAFT ORDINANCE, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-10, by adding Section 17-10.1, RELATIVE TO SMOKING MARIJUANA IN PUBLIC. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances.)

34. PETITION/INDEMNITY AGREEEMENT, Richard Oliveira d/b/a Advanced Wireless, 1834 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746, for permission to encroach on the City sidewalk with two (2) vertical Nylon Signs (8’Hx3’W). (Submitted by Councillor Martins.)

34a. AN ORDER,

35. COMMUNICATION, Jim Houghton, Director of Grants and Finance, New Bedford Police Department, to City Council, submitting the FFY14 Byrne JAG Local Grant Application for review as required by the Grant application requirements. (Copy all Councillors 06/09/2014.)

36. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Morad, submitting letter from Nicholas M. Christ, President and Chief Executive Officer from Bay Coast Bank, regarding the $116.4 million budget presented by Superintendent Durkin and approved by the School Committee for the New Bedford Public School System for Fiscal Year 2015. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

37. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Morad, submitting email from Julie Miller, Teaching and Learning Specialist at the Hayden McFadden Elementary School, regarding the implementation of the Reading Street program which is being proposed to be purchased through Superintendent Durkin’s FY15 School Budget. (To be Received and Placed on File.)

TABLED BUSINESS

01/23/2014 CITATION, Councillor Rebeiro, honoring REVEREND RUSS CHAMBERLAIN, Mercy Meals and More, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the homeless during the recent snow storm of January 2 and 3, 2014.

03/27/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure which maintains the street lights provide the City Council with a report on the annual cost of upkeep including labor and materials; and further, whether it would be more cost efficient to contract the work to a private firm should be included in said report.
05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PLEASANT STREET, from Wing Street to Bedford Street and WING STREET, from Pleasant Street to South Sixth Street, ON SUNDAY, JULY 06, 2014, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M., for the purpose of Cape Verdean Recognition Day Carnival.

05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: PURCHASE STREET, between Madison Street and Walnut Street (In Front of Cape Verdean-American Veterans Hall – 561 Purchase Street) ON: SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM: 11:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M., for the purpose of the Cape Verdean Recognition Day Festival.

05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Madison Street to Grinnell Street, at Monte’s Park, ON FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M., for the purpose of the ATA (Albina Tavares Association) Celebration of an Independence Day Festival.

05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of Mr. John Silva, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Russell Street South to Bedford Street, ON SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.; and further, that this area be closed as soon as the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Passes said area and remain closed until 8:00 P.M., for the purpose of the Cape Verdean Independence Day Basketball Tournament.

05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Union Street to Grinnell Street, PURCHASE STEET, from Grinnell Street to Walnut Street and WING STREET, at South Sixth Street, ON SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M., for the purpose of the Cape Verdean Day Parade.

05/22/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of the Cape Verdean Parade Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: JOLI GONSALVES WAY (formerly Cherry Street), from Sixth Street to Seventh Street, ON SATURDAY,
JULY 05, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. FURTHER NOTE: THAT NO PARKING BE ALLOWED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STREET DURING THE SAME, and ACUSHNET AVENUE, between Wing Street and Grinnell Street, and WING STREET, between Purchase Street and Acushnet Avenue, ON SATURDAY, JULY 05, 2014, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M., for the purpose of Cape Verdean Recognition Week Activities.

Yesterday morning I headed over to the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Forum hosted by the New Bedford Democratic City Committee at the Zeiteron Theater. Five Democratic candidates fighting for the Democratic Party’s nomination were there to answer questions. It was a big deal and I wanted to hear what they had to say.

It took 20 minutes to find parking at the streets were jammed with activity and the city’s two parking garages were maxed. It was standing room only as 3,000 people tried to fill into the 1,200 or so seats at the Zeiterion Theatre. There was excitement in the air and the candidates were even seen peeking at the crowd from the red curtains that shielded them from view. These candidates were rock stars and whoever won the nomination would take New Bedford and the South Coast seriously.

Now let’s step back into reality and review what really happened.

While I was excited to see the candidates, the turnout was dismal. The event started at 9 a.m., but due to prior commitments I showed up at 11 a.m. knowing that the candidates wouldn’t start answering questions until around 11:30 a.m.

It was surprisingly easy to find street parking just one block away and the parking garages were empty.  It was easy to find seating, even in the front row. In total about 150 people showed up (organizers claim 280) and that included local politicians, local media and of course the candidates’ entourages. This group seemed to outnumber the everyday citizen and who the candidates were trying to win over. I’d estimate about 50-75 of these people showed up.

Let me explain why this matters and why this disinterest needs to change.

Candidates for governors are very smart people and the five I listened to today are some of the smartest candidates I’ve ever seen. They have great memories. This event was billed as a South Coast, Massachusetts event. That’s a few hundred thousand people with New Bedford and Fall River alone being 190,000 people. It’s all about the numbers with politicians. The South Coast area is known for low voter turnout and we just validated that with someone who has a great chance of being our future governor.

By its historical voting record, the people of New Bedford and the south coast have already told Republican candidates, don’t bother coming and now we’ve just told these five Democratic candidates that we are an irrelevant, disinterested people that only need attention because we are the #1 fishing port in America.

New Bedford has a history of parents uninterested in showing up to important school meetings. Earlier this year we had 15 and 100 people show up to two meetings with Superintendent Pia Durkin to discuss the turnaround plan at New Bedford High School with 2,600 students. Earlier this month “maybe 30 parents” showed up to the same style meeting to discuss the future of three middle schools. During last year’s New Bedford elections, maybe 30 people showed up each night to the City Council and School Committee debates hosted at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

There are lots of excuses to the low turnout to debates, important school meetings and elections. The ones I hear most often are people stating they didn’t get the word or that they had prior commitments. This may be the case for many, but the sad case is I can walk into Market Basket at anytime of the day and find 300 people. It’s a matter of priorities. If we want to be taken seriously by the politicians locally, we must show up to local debates and important school meetings.  If we want to be taken seriously by the politicians statewide and nationally, we need to show up to important debates and vote when the time comes. These politicians have great memories and will make decisions that affect us based on our actions and even more importantly inactions.

Two New Bedford City Council members are working towards reducing the use of  polystyrene foam in New Bedford. Here is the motion they filed on Thursday, May 22, 2014:

23. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Bousquet and Council President Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances draft an Ordinance encouraging food services, supermarkets, and other users of expanded polystyrene foam to discontinue their use of the product and move to recyclable or recycled paper based materials, expanded polystyrene foam is a tremendous threat to our oceans and its ecosystems, and as a community who makes its living from the ocean we should be concerned for its health. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, the Chamber of Commerce and our State Legislative Delegation.)

The New Bedford Democratic City Committee is hosting a Gubernatorial Candidates Forum on Saturday, May 24th from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at the Zeiterion Theatre, which will offer area residents an opportunity to ask questions, get answers and hear the issues defined directly from those running as a Democrat for the State’s highest office.

Organizers of the event have collaborated with Democratic City and Town Committees, local organizations and stakeholders throughout the South Coast and have generated questions, which highlight issues relating to transportation, public safety, education, economy and environment. Each candidate will be allotted time for
opening and closing statements.

“This is an exciting chance for New Bedford residents to hear directly from those who wish to govern our great State,” said Ralf Rho a New Bedford Democrat and one of the organizers of the forum. “More importantly it secures an occasion for these candidates to hear from us on the issues that are important to our region.” Lisa Lemieux, 1199 Coordinator and another organizer of the event added: “This forum provides the perfect time for us to crowd the Zeiterion Theatre and ensure that our voices are heard.”

All five democratic candidates have agreed to attend and shared excitement has built up over the last weeks. “I am excited that we are helping make candidates accessible to voters that would not normally have the ability.” said Ward 4 Councilor and Communities of Color Director of the State Democratic Party, Dana Rebeiro. “Our hope is that everyone will walk away a more informed voter.”

An open-air market is also taking place before the forum just outside the Zeiterion Theatre. Everyone is encouraged to arrive as early as 9:30 A.M. to experience local small businesses selling Cape Verdean food, Portuguese recipes, live music and fresh produce. This is an ideal avenue to showcase our city’s cultural diversity and striking uniqueness.

The forum is free and open to the public. There is also free parking available at the Zeiterion garage. For more information please contact (617) 458-1165.

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR – THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
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OPENING OF SESSION BY: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES
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PRAYER LED BY: REVEREND JOSEPH BASALA, OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION PARISH
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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CITATIONS
1. CITATION, Councillor Bousquet, honoring KAREN REGAN, Supervisor of Nurses, New Bedford Public Schools, in recognition of her hard work and dedication on behalf of the New Bedford Educators Association administering a grant that aided many qualifying students in the School District, providing clothing and other personal needs.

RESOLUTIONS
2. RESOLUTION, Councillors Martins, Morad and Council President Lopes, honoring BOY SCOUT TROOP 3 Narragansett Council New Bedford, Massachusetts on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary.

3. RESOLUTION, Councillor Morad and Council President Lopes, honoring BOY SCOUT TROOP 7, New Bedford, Massachusetts for their outstanding commitment to others and the Youth of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

4. RESOLUTION, Councillors Martins and Morad, honoring NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL APPRECIATION WEEK APRIL 13-19, 2014.

HEARINGS
5. HEARING, on NSTAR Electric Company, for location of two (2) 4” Conduits and one 45”x45”x36” Handhole in SYCAMORE STREET, West of Walden Street.

5a. AN ORDER,

MAYOR’S PAPERS
M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $100,000.00 from DPI/HIGHWAY, SALARIES & WAGES, to DPI/HIGHWAY, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M1a. AN ORDER,

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $61,205.00 from MIS, CHARGES & SERVICES, to MIS, CAPITAL OUTLAY.

M2a. AN ORDER,

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $20,000.00 from ZOO, SALARIES & WAGES, to ZOO, CHARGES & SERVICES in the amount of $5,000.00 and ZOO, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS in the amount of $15,000.00.

M3a. AN ORDER,

M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $2,000.00 from COMMUNITY SERVICES, OTHER FINANCING USES, to COMMUNITY SERVICES, CHARGES & SERVICES.

M4a. AN ORDER,

M5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of REVEREND PAUL LANGSTON-DALEY, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION, replacing Jessica Wildman who has resigned; this term will expire December 2016.

M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of MARIA TOMASIA, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the ELECTION COMMISSION; this term will expire April 2018.

M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of WILLIAM BARR, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the HISTORICAL COMMISSION, as an ALTERNATE MEMBER in the Local Historical slot; this term will expire February 2017.

M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of ELSIE R. FRAGA, New Bedford, MA 02740 to the LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES; this term will expire April 2017.

M9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of HELEN ROGERS, New Bedford, MA, 02740, to the LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES; this term will April 2017.

M10. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of PATRICK WALSH, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the GREATER NEW BEDFORD REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE; this term will expire May 2018.

M11. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of ALLEN WAYNE RICHARD, JR., New Bedford, MA 02740, as a CONSTABLE.

M11a. APPLICATION,

NEW BUSINESS

6. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Alves and Martins, requesting, on behalf of the New Bedford Day of Portugal Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIAM STREET, from Sixth Street to Pleasant Street, ON THURSDAY, JUNE 05, 2014, FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of The Annual Day of Portugal Opening Ceremonies.

7. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Alves and Martins, requesting, on behalf of the Day of Portugal Committee, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Beetle Street to Coffin Avenue; SAWYER STREET, from North Front Street to Ashley Boulevard; HOLLY STREET, from North Front Street to Ashley Boulevard; TALLMAN STREET, from North Front Street to Ashley Boulevard; NYE STREET, from North Front Street to Ashley Boulevard; BULLARD STREET, from North Front Street to Ashley Boulevard; DEANE STREET, from Ashley Boulevard to Acushnet Avenue, FROM 6:00 A.M., FRIDAY, JUNE 06, 2014, THROUGH 10:00 A.M., MONDAY, JUNE 09, 2014; and further, that the following streets or intersections be designated NO PARKING AND ENFORCED AS A TOW ZONE: ACUSHNET AVENUE, from Beetle Street to Coffin Avenue (both sides); THE NORTH SIDE OF SAWYER STREET, EASTERLY APPROXIMATELY 150 feet, ending at a line parallel to the eastern most property line of the Howard Street Parking Lot (both sides); HOLLY STREET – 50 feet east and west of the intersection of Acushnet Avenue (both sides); TALLMAN STREET – 50 feet east and west of the intersection of Acushnet Avenue (both sides); NYE STREET – 50 feet east and west of the intersection of Acushnet Avenue (both sides); BULLARD STREET – 50 feet east and west of the intersection of Acushnet Avenue (both sides); DEANE STREET – 50 feet east and west of the intersection of Acushnet Avenue (both sides); for the purpose of THE 17TH ANNUAL DAY OF PORTUGAL CELEBRATION.

8. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: KATHERINE STREET, from Crapo Street to Bonney Street, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 07, 2014, FROM 4:00 P.M., THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 08, 2014, TO 11:30 P.M., for the purpose of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Holy Ghost Feast.

9. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: KATHERINE STREET, between Crapo Street and Bonney Street, ON SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2014, MIDNIGHT, for the purpose of the Annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast; ALSO, that the following streets be CLOSED ON SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. THROUGH 5:00 P.M., for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast PROCESSION, and so that the streets may be decorated for said Procession, as follows: RIVET STREET, between Crapo Street and Bolton Street; BONNEY STREET, between Rivet Street and Thompson Street; THOMPSON STREET, between Bonney Street and Hemlock Street; HEMLOCK STREET, between Thompson Street and Swift Street; SWIFT STREET, between Hemlock Street and Bolton Street and BOLTON STREET, between Swift Street and Rivet Street for the purpose of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Feast Procession.

10. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIS STREET, from Purchase Street to Pleasant Street on MONDAY, MAY 26, 2014, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., for the purpose of A Veteran’s Reception after the Memorial Day Parade.

11. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, on behalf of the Portuguese-American War Veterans, that ALLEN STREET, from Brownell Avenue to John Street, be CLOSED on MONDAY, MAY 26, 2014, FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M., for THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES.

12. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Alves, requesting, on behalf of the Greater New Bedford Veterans Council, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: HUNTER STREET, from Parker Street to Maxfield Street; PARKER STREET, from Hunter Street to County Street; COUNTY STREET, from Parker Street to Pope Street; and POPE STREET, from County Street to Purchase Street, on MONDAY, MAY 26, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. for the purpose of THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES.

13. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, asking, that the City accept the request from the New Bedford Contributory Retirement System under the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 32, Section 90D1/2, Retirement Systems and Pensions, to increase the allowance of members retired on superannuation accidental disability or ordinary disability with at least twenty-five years of creditable service. (Copy all Councillors 04/03/14).

13a. COMMUNICATION, Paul M. Lestage, Vice-Chairman, New Bedford Contributory Retirement Board, submitting letter to Council President Lopes, requesting under the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 32, Section 90D1/2 to “limit the increase to $12,000.00, and no individual increase of more than $2,000.00”, for retirees who qualify. (Copy all Councillors 04/03/14)

14. COMMUNICATION/DEMOLITION New Bedford Historical Commission, to City Council, re: BUILDING DEMOLITION REVIEW, 1116 CHAFFEE, STREET, Map 130C, Parcel 39, advising that “the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District or a local historic district; the structure is of no notable historic significance either recorded or found with the existing condition of the structure; the structure was built circa 1920 as a speculative property in the far north end and reflects the growth of the City’s population during the height of the textile area;” and therefore, “the NBHC has determined that 1116 Chaffee Street is not a historically significant structure and not preferably preserved.”

15. COMMUNICATION, David J. Fredette, City Engineer, to City Council, submitting RECOMMENDATION OF ACCEPTANCE, for the LAYOUT AND ACCEPTANCE of TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus); reporting that owner Norman Nichols, has conformed to all Rules & Regulations as required by City Code, Section 22-35, relative to the acceptance of new streets.

15a. COMMUNICATION, David Fredette, City Engineer, to City Council, submitting REQUEST TO TAKE LAND, for the LAYOUT AND ACCEPTANCE of TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus) for easement of fee for highway purposes in land belonging to Norman Nichols, in accordance with City Code, Section 22-35.

15b. COMMUNICATION, David Fredette, City Engineer, to City Council, submitting AWARD OF DAMAGES, for the LAYOUT AND ACCEPTANCE of TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus), there is NO DAMAGES PAYABLE to the owner (Norman Nichols) because the remainder has appreciated in value as a result of the layout to an amount which exceeds the value of the land dedicated and taken.

15c. COMMUNICATION, David Fredette, City Engineer, to City Council, submitting METES AND BOUNDS for the LAYOUT AND ACCEPTANCE of TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus). (Map Included.)

15d. AN ORDER, for Hearing on THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, for acceptance of proposed TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus).

15e. AN ORDER, requesting the City Solicitor to prepare a LAYOUT ORDER for the layout and acceptance of contemplated proposed of a portion of TORI LYNN DRIVE, Variable Width, from Chaffee Street 399.34 feet south to cul-de-sac (terminus). (Hearing on said matter has been ordered for THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., in City Council Chambers, City Hall.)

TABLED BUSINESS
01/23/2014 CITATION, Councillor Rebeiro, honoring REVEREND RUSS CHAMBERLAIN, Mercy Meals and More, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the homeless during the recent snow storm of January 2 and 3, 2014.

03/27/2014 COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER authorizing the Mayor to execute a Deed on behalf of the City of New Bedford to Finigan Property, LLC for $75,000.00 in substantially the same form as attached hereto, for property located at 109 Hillman Street, shown as Lot 157 on City of New Bedford Assessor’s Map 58.

03/27/2014 AN ORDER,

03/27/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure which maintains the street lights provide the City Council with a report on the annual cost of upkeep including labor and materials; and further, whether it would be more cost efficient to contract the work to a private firm should be included in said report.

CONSENT AGENDA
Thursday, April 10, 2014

WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of AHA! New Bedford, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: MARKET STREET, between Pleasant Street and North Sixth Street, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014, FROM 3:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of the Earth Eve Parade.

GRANTED PROVISIONALLY BY THE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES, ON TUESDAY, APRIL 01, 2014, TO BE RATIFIED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014.

Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, requesting assistance for the placing of flags at gravesites for Memorial Day, on behalf of Mr. Jack Pacheco, of the Portuguese-American War Veterans, Post One.

Received and Placed on File.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, requesting assistance for the placing of flags at gravesites for Memorial Day, on behalf of Mr. Dennis Mendes, Commander of the Cape Verdean Veterans Organization.
Received and Placed on File.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, requesting assistance for the placing of flags at gravesites for Memorial Day, on behalf of the Andrews-Dahill Post 1531 VFW.
Received and Placed on File.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to Sociadade Filamonica do Senhor da Pedra, inviting them on behalf of the Portuguese-American War Veterans to participate in the Memorial Day Ceremonies.
Received and Placed on File.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to DPI Commissioner Ronald Labelle and DPF Commissioner Kenneth Blanchard, requesting their assistance on behalf of the Memorial Day Dedication Committee, for the Memorial Day Ceremonies, as well as their assistance in cleaning the streets for the event.
Received and Placed on File.

COMMUNICATION, Councillor Alves, to Al Oliveira, New Bedford School Department, requesting the use of the public address system for the Portuguese-American War Veterans Memorial Day Ceremonies.
Received and Placed on File.

STREET OBSTRUCTIONS
219 Palmer Street
243 State Street
Maddie Drive P136/L497

STREET DISTURBANCES
219 Palmer Street
243 State Street
Maddie Drive P136/L497
Alford Street, North of Phillips Road

 

On March 13th, Councilors Rebeiro and Carney posted a motion to the city council to repeal the 44% pay raise that the City Council voted for two years earlier. It caused some major friction in the City Council chambers as the other nine city councilors verbally beat up the two newly elected councilors.

To put the pay raise in perspective it was a bump to from $14,600 to $21,000 or a $6,400 annual increase. That translates into $533.33 per month or $133 a week. It’s politically advantageous to say 44% compared to a $6,400 annual increase.

Apparently, only the city council can give themselves a pay raise and probably the reason they haven’t had a pay raise since 1995. Can voting yourself a pay raise every be popular in politics? That’s 17 years without a pay raise.  I’m not a mathematician or an accountant, but let’s examine the pay raise numbers using a compounded annual growth calculator. The growth from $14,600 to $21,000 over 17 years comes out to a compounded annual growth of 2.58%. You can see my work here.

Is it unreasonable to give a city councilor a 2.58% annual pay raise? I did a quick Google search and grabbed the first article that looked valid. According to the article: “From 2000 to 2008, the average pay increase was between 3.8 percent and 4.4 percent. Fast forward to the years from 2009 to 2011, and the median pay increase dropped to hover around 3 percent.” The article goes on to say 1.9% – 3.5% is the most recent going rate.

Take away the political rhetoric of the 44% number and look at the pay raise without emotion and the raise seems more than fair. You can argue that the pay raise was bad timing, but you can’t argue that the raise was high when looking at it on an annual basis compared to the private sector.

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CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014
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OPENING OF SESSION BY: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES
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PRAYER LED BY: REVEREND KENNETH BERES, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH/LUND’S CORNER
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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CITATIONS
1. CITATIONS, Councillor Martins, honoring New Bedford High School Engineering Academy’s Robotics Class Students, DAQUARI BRIDGES, MATHEW HAWK, JR., ANDY CRUZ, ANDREW GUILLOTTE, VICTORIA HATHAWAY, CAMEO LOBO, RICARDO MATIAS and KATHLEEN SPRING-CORNELL, in recognition of their winning the Massachusetts State Championship for FIRST Robotics Challenge – 2014.

2. CITATION, Councillor Martins, honoring New Bedford High School Teacher, CHRISTOPHER PARKER, in recognition of his Dedication and Mentoring of his Students, resulting in winning the Massachusetts State Championship for FIRST Robotics Challenge – 2014.

3. CITATION, Councillor Martins, honoring MIKE DESOUSA, in recognition of his Dedication and Mentoring of the Students, of New Bedford High School in the win of the Massachusetts State Championship for FIRST Robotics Challenge – 2014.

4. CITATION, Councillor Martins, honoring WILLIAM FERREIRA, in recognition of his Dedication and Mentoring of the Students, of New Bedford High School in the win of the Massachusetts State Championship for FIRST Robotics Challenge – 2014.

5. CITATION, Councillor Martins, honoring CANDIDA DESJARDINS, in recognition of her Dedication and Hard Work on behalf of the Students of New Bedford High School Engineering Academy’s Robotics Class and New Bedford Public Schools.

6. CITATION, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet, Council President Lopes, and Councillor Rebeiro, honoring JAYDEN BURGO, for recognition of his calling of 911 which saved the lives of his mother and brother during a house fire on March 08, 2014.

7. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring FIRE DEPARTMENT LT. MARK RAPOSA AND FIREFIGHTER MATHEW FORAND, in recognition of their heroic actions during a house fire on March 8, 2014 which resulted in the saving of two lives.

8. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring FIRE DEPARTMENTS, ENGINE 6, ENGINE 1, ENGINE 11, ENGINE 7, LADDER 3, LADDER 1, UNIT 2 AND UNIT 1, in recognition of their contributions and actions during a house fire on March 8, 2014.

9. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring POLICE DEPARTMENT DETECTIVE ANTHONY ESTEVES, POLICE OFFICERS JUSTIN FRIAS, DANIEL SWEENEY, NORMAN DUCHESNEAU, PAUL SILVA AND JAMIE WOTTON, in recognition of their contributions and actions as Law Enforcement Officials during a house fire on March 8, 2014.

10. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring POLICE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHER ANNE MARIE DASILVA, in recognition of her role as dedicated public servants during a house fire on March 8, 2014, which resulted in the saving of two lives.

11. CITATIONS, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson, Bousquet and Rebeiro, honoring NEW BEDFORD PARAMEDICS JENNIFER CABRAL and WILLIAM SULLIVAN and ALERT AMBULANCE COMPANY PARAMEDICS, TODD CORREIA and TIFFANY ANDRE, in recognition of their role as a dedicated public servant during a house fire on March 8, 2014 which resulted in the saving of two lives.

RESOLUTIONS

12. RESOLUTION, Councillors Alves and Oliveira, commemorating Vietnam Veteran’s Day and the Thirty-Ninth Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War.

13. RESOLUTION, Councillor Coelho, Council President Lopes, Councillors Alves, Gomes, Martins, Winterson, Bousquet, Rebeiro, Carney and Oliveira, honoring THOMAS G. DAVIS, Executive Director of the Greater New Bedford Industrial Foundation on the occasion of his retirement.

14. RESOLUTION, Council President Lopes, honoring MARLENE CERRITOS-RIVAS, Outstanding Student Award Recipient 2014 – Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

HEARINGS
15. HEARING, on NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, for location of two (2) 4” Conduits in MILL ROAD, North of Jireh Street.

15a. AN ORDER,

15b. COMMUNICATION, DPI Commissioner Ronald Labelle, to NSTAR Electric Company, granting permission to start the work before City Council approval to install an underground connection below Mill Road and its right-of-way onto the Buzzards Bay Coalition Property to restore a former industrial site into a conservation property on the Acushnet River.

16. HEARING, on VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. & NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, for joint location of one (1) Pole in HATHAWAY ROAD.

16a. AN ORDER,

MAYOR’S PAPERS
M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER authorizing the City to enter into a Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement with Future Generation Wind, LLC for the purpose of purchasing wind-generated electricity at 10.8 cents per kWh for the next twenty years.

M1a. AN ORDER,

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER granting an Easement to Verizon New England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company to locate poles 1255/1 and 1255/2 at Sullivan’s Ledge, 458 Hathaway Road, which will be used to transmit electricity generated by the solar array to its various intended points of delivery.

M2a. AN ORDER,

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER authorizing the Mayor to execute a Deed on behalf of the City of New Bedford to Finigan Property, LLC for $75,000.00 in substantially the same form as attached hereto, for property located at 109 Hillman Street, shown as Lot 157 on City of New Bedford Assessor’s Map 58.

M3a. AN ORDER,

M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $8,500.00 from TREASURER, CHARGES & SERVICES, to TREASURER, SALARIES & WAGES.

M4a. AN ORDER,

M5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting copy of DRAFT of Fiscal Year 2014 Office of Housing and Community Development Action Plan, which sets forth activities to be funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program, and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program for the period July 01, 2014 through June 30, 2015. (Copies provided to all Councillors 03/19/2014.)

M5a. BOOKLET, Fiscal Year 2014 DRAFT Action Plan & Certifications.

M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting to approve DR. ELIZABETH ARNETT-CHINN, as Veterinarian, at a Grade of M9, Step 7 of the Unit C Salary schedule $62,369.00.

M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for EMS Paramedic KEVIN PORTER, Mattapoisett, MA; Mr. Porter has been a per diem New Bedford Paramedic since February 2009.

M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for DR. ATHENA XIFARAS, Dartmouth, MA to the Board of Health; this waiver will expire on the last day of March 2015.

M9. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of DR. ATHENA XIFARAS, Dartmouth, MA, to the BOARD OF HEALTH; this term will expire in February 2017.

M10. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of DIANA HENRY, New Bedford, MA, to the HISTORICAL COMMISSION; this term will expire February 2017.

M11. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of JILL MACLEAN, New Bedford, MA, to the HISTORICAL COMMISSION; this term will expire February 2017.

M12. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of JILL HORTON-SIMS, New Bedford, MA, to the LIBRARY BOARD OF APPEALS, replacing Dr. Joseph Silva, Jr., whose term has expired; this term will expire April 2017.

M13. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of SHAUN MACFARLAND, New Bedford, MA, as a SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER.

M13a. APPLICATION,

NEW BUSINESS
17. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council to Grant the APPLICATION of U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL, INC., for the SPECIAL PERMIT for MOTOR VEHICLES SALES & RENTALS, at 99 Rockdale Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740.

17a. APPLICATION,

18. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the REAPPOINTMENT of JOHN RADCLIFFE, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the CONSERVATION COMMISSION, this term will expire June 2016; and the APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of ROBERT J. SCHILLING, New Bedford, MA 02740, to the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, replacing Jennifer Smith who has resigned; this term will expire December 2018.

19. REPORT, Committee on Appointment and Briefings, recommending to the City Council that it go on record in opposition to the United States Postal Services’ attempt to either close or relocate the Downtown New Bedford Post Office.

20. REPORT, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council, ADOPTION of AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter 23 – TRAFFIC, which is for the establishment of a Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund and a dedicated account for Acushnet Avenue parking improvements.

20a. AN ORDINANCE, (To Be Passed to a Second Reading.)

21. REPORT, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council, that it request from the Planning Board an explanation as to how a decision can be made to change the type of street lighting across the city without some type of briefing to the New Bedford City Council beforehand.

22. REPORT, Committee on Ordinances, forwarding the Ordinance, amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7 (c) the reclassification of the City Auditor, Assistant City Auditor and Library Director to the City Council without a recommendation.

23. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of the United Way of Greater New Bedford and Mayor Mitchell, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: WILLIAM STREET, from North Sixth Street to Pleasant Street, ON FRIDAY, MAY 02, 2014, FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 9:00 A.M., for the purpose of the United Way’s 20th Annual Youth Day of Caring Event on the Main Library’s Steps and Parking for the Student’s Buses.

24. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Winterson and Morad, requesting, on behalf of the Humane Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: LT. WALTER P. FULLER MEMORIAL PARKWAY, from Rockdale Avenue West to the Monument, ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M., for the purpose of their 15th Annual Dog Walk and Pet Fest in Buttonwood Park.

25. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of the Cove Street Neighborhood Association that the following street(s) be CLOSED: RUTH STREET, from Salisbury Street to Ashley Street, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014, FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M., for their Annual Family Fun Day.

26. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, on behalf of Javier Rojas, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: RIVET STREET, between South Second Street and Acushnet Avenue, ON SATURDAY, MAY 03, 2014, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 12:00 A.M., (MIDNIGHT) for the purpose of The Cinco De Mayo Celebration.

27. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: CLEVELAND STREET, from David Street to Rodney Street, ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014, FROM: 7:30 A.M. TO 12:30 A.M., for the purpose of the 35TH ANNUAL HAZELWOOD WOMEN’S 5K RUN/WALK.

28. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Coelho, requesting, ONCE AGAIN, in light of increasing interest, that the City Council sponsor a fact finding trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to study the impact the Bethlehem Sands Casino has had on that City and to determine whether a similar casino would be a viable option for the City of New Bedford; and further, that New Bedford Government Cable Access be included in the fact finding trip so that the Citizens of New Bedford will have the better opportunity to view the effect a casino would have on New Bedford.

29. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting a cost evaluation of the security cameras and door lock system recently installed in City Hall be provided to the City Council. (To be Referred to the Mayor and the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management.)

30. WRITTEN MOTION Council President Lopes, Councillors Alves, Winterson, Morad, Oliveira, Martins and Bousquet, requesting that the Mitchell Administration provide the New Bedford City Council with any and all information and reports generated by City Stat.

31. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Bousquet, Gomes, Winterson, Morad, Alves and Council President Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances consider drafting an Ordinance governing ” pop up” or ” roadside” memorials, the intent of the Ordinance is to make it known publicly that these memorials are appropriate for a short time only, thirty to sixty days perhaps, but beyond that time frame are often not maintained and become an eyesore in many cases. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances.)

32. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Winterson and Rebeiro, requesting, that the Trial Court Community Service Program be asked to maintain on a regular basis, whether it be monthly, or every other month, the area starting at Rt. 6 and Pleasant Street, heading East to the exit that merges Rt. 18 North to Rt. 6 East towards Fairhaven, and Rt. 18 North, from Elm Street to Coggeshall Street, in collaboration with District 5 MassDOT Highway Division, this location is covered with litter and debris and needs to be addressed regularly.

33. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that a joint letter be drafted from the City Council and Mayor Mitchell to His Holiness Pope Francis, requesting that the Pope consider a visit to the City of New Bedford during his visit to the United States, the letter should contain a description of the cultural diversity and of some of the problems facing our City, detailing everything from immigration to poverty, to how we struggle to regain a sense of pride and also, the possible reopening of St. John the Baptist Church; and further, requesting that a short Mass and Blessing on our City be held on the green at Buttonwood Park; and further, the letter should detail any other points of interest which would be given consideration for a visit from the Holy Father Pope Francis.

34. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure which maintains the street lights provide the City Council with a report on the annual cost of upkeep including labor and materials; and further, whether it would be more cost efficient to contract the work to a private firm should be included in said report.

35. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Dr. Michael J. Langworthy and a representative from the Mayor’s office, representatives from the School Committee, a representative from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth and a representative from Sea Lab, for the purposes of discussing a possible venture project of education and research with Dr. Langworthy and the Mars Project upon his research vessel to be docked here in the City of New Bedford.

36. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Carney and Gomes, requesting that the Mayor make a decision by the close of business on Friday, March 28, 2014, to allow the Whaling City Festival to operate until 9 p.m.

37. COMMUNICATION, State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, to City Council, responding to a Written Motion from the City Council Meeting held on February 27, 2014 submitted by Councillor Martins regarding the incorrect wait times displayed on the RMV’s website. (Copy all Councillors 03/17/2014.)

TABLED BUSINESS
01/23/2014 CITATION, Councillor Rebeiro, honoring REVEREND RUSS CHAMBERLAIN, Mercy Meals and More, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the homeless during the recent snow storm of January 2 and 3, 2014.