1 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:31,480 All right, colleagues, we're done. Good evening, 2 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:44,980 ladies and gentlemen. Today is Thursday, August 20th, 2026, at 7.02 p.m. And I'm calling together this meeting of the New 3 00:02:44,980 --> 00:02:47,160 Befford City Council and the City Council Chambers. 4 00:02:49,780 --> 00:02:54,840 Tonight will be led in prayer by reverently on a fissure of in the name of Jesus Church. 5 00:02:54,840 --> 00:02:55,800 Evening 6 00:03:01,920 --> 00:03:06,520 everyone, you know, they really wanted me to do a church service, does everybody 7 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:06,980 ready? 8 00:03:07,980 --> 00:03:13,080 They really wanted me to do a church service, everyone ready, no, no, no, good evening. 9 00:03:13,240 --> 00:03:14,140 Thanks for the invitation. 10 00:03:15,100 --> 00:03:20,040 I greet you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 11 00:03:22,310 --> 00:03:30,210 Father God, we take this pause between the busy day that is now behind us and the busy 12 00:03:30,210 --> 00:03:40,590 evening that is still before us to acknowledge you and to invite your presence. I pray you provide 13 00:03:40,590 --> 00:03:50,630 each council member, rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit in order to process and resolve 14 00:03:50,630 --> 00:03:59,890 the agenda items set before them. May their labor's and commitment result in 15 00:03:59,890 --> 00:04:06,730 positive change and growth for the city and the citizens of New Bedford. 16 00:04:08,010 --> 00:04:16,990 Father, I pray you empower them with courage and patience to hold fast to what 17 00:04:16,990 --> 00:04:26,530 is right. And at the end of the day, God blessed them with peaceful rest, knowing that 18 00:04:26,530 --> 00:04:36,710 they did what is right. I pray you keep your hand of grace and mercy upon our city, our 19 00:04:36,710 --> 00:04:45,850 nation, and all nations of the world. This I pray in the name of the Father and of the 20 00:04:45,850 --> 00:04:48,910 Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 21 00:04:50,330 --> 00:04:51,390 Thank you, Reverend. 22 00:04:52,090 --> 00:04:54,130 We'll be led tonight in the Pledge of Allegiance 23 00:04:54,130 --> 00:04:56,150 by Councillor Void III, Sean Oliver. 24 00:04:57,330 --> 00:04:59,970 Aye. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flas- 25 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:14,840 The flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. President. 26 00:05:17,420 --> 00:05:18,180 Thank you, Councillor. 27 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:23,700 Tonight, I am joined in the City Council Chambers by my colleagues, 28 00:05:23,980 --> 00:05:28,560 Councillor Ratlarge, Ian Abrue, Councillor Ward 2, Scott Pemberton, 29 00:05:29,160 --> 00:05:33,560 Councillor Ward 1, Leo Schokat, Councillor Ward 5, Joseph Lopes, 30 00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:37,660 Councillor Ratlarge, Brian Gomes, Councillor Ratlarge, James Roy, 31 00:05:38,280 --> 00:05:42,160 Councillor Ratlarge, Naomi Carney, Councillor Ward 3, Sean Oliver, 32 00:05:42,840 --> 00:05:45,080 Councillor Ratlarge, and Vice President Shane Bergo, 33 00:05:45,080 --> 00:05:50,240 Well, Councillor Ward 4, Derrick Baptiste, and I'm Councillor Ward 6, Ryan Pereira. 34 00:05:50,780 --> 00:05:54,000 I'd like to note that this meeting is being live-streamed and recorded. 35 00:05:54,500 --> 00:05:58,040 City Council and committee meetings can be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage 36 00:05:58,040 --> 00:06:00,480 under quick links, then meetings. 37 00:06:01,060 --> 00:06:03,960 Unless the clerk, if there are any letters to be read into the record at this time. 38 00:06:04,260 --> 00:06:05,180 Mr. President, there are none. 39 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:06,540 Okay, thank you. 40 00:06:07,380 --> 00:06:10,020 This time, I'll ask the clerk to read item number one. 41 00:06:10,020 --> 00:06:13,940 Mr. President, item one is a resolution from City Council President Pereira, 42 00:06:14,300 --> 00:06:18,640 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. 43 00:06:22,350 --> 00:06:22,750 Is that good? 44 00:06:23,810 --> 00:06:24,030 An adopt? 45 00:06:24,970 --> 00:06:25,930 An adopt? 46 00:06:26,310 --> 00:06:28,710 Made by Councillor Abyruz, seconded by Councillor LaBurgo. 47 00:06:29,210 --> 00:06:31,170 At this time, should we vote? 48 00:06:32,530 --> 00:06:34,370 All those in favor of adoptions say aye. 49 00:06:34,390 --> 00:06:34,790 Roll call. 50 00:06:35,190 --> 00:06:36,150 Roll call vote. 51 00:06:36,290 --> 00:06:36,670 It's been requested. 52 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:40,780 Councillor Abyruz. 53 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:41,640 Yes. 54 00:06:41,860 --> 00:06:42,340 Councillor Baptiste. 55 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:42,740 Yes. 56 00:06:42,740 --> 00:07:00,160 Yes, come to Bergo. Yes. Yes, come to Carney. Yes, come to Shokat. Yes. Yes, come to Gomes. Yes. Yes, come to Loops. Yes, come to Oliver. Yes. Yes, come to Pemberton. Yes. Yes, come to Perreira. Yes. Yes, come to Roy. Yes. Yes, passes 11-0. 57 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:02,620 Item passes 11 to zero. 58 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:06,260 The resolution has been adopted and I will ask the clerk to read the resolution. 59 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:24,040 Companied with the resolution is a replica of the Declaration of Independence that was given to the city of New Bedford and the residents of New Bedford through the state delegation representatives, Antonio Cabral, Chris Hendricks, Senator Mark, Senator Tigny, 60 00:07:26,150 --> 00:07:29,270 she's what a bring for sorry and the entire delegation. 61 00:07:29,530 --> 00:07:30,950 So I'll ask the clerk to read the resolution. 62 00:07:32,050 --> 00:07:34,770 Mr. President, the resolution reads as follows a resolution 63 00:07:34,770 --> 00:07:38,890 commendering the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. 64 00:07:39,710 --> 00:07:43,790 Whereas July 4th, 2026 marked the 250th anniversary, 65 00:07:44,390 --> 00:07:47,790 semi-quincentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 66 00:07:47,790 --> 00:07:51,950 by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776, 67 00:07:52,830 --> 00:07:55,110 signifying the founding of the United States of America. 68 00:07:56,330 --> 00:07:59,450 And whereas the Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless principles 69 00:07:59,450 --> 00:08:04,410 who profound significance of the national heritage of the United States, including that all are 70 00:08:04,410 --> 00:08:09,910 created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit 71 00:08:09,910 --> 00:08:14,510 of happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of a governed, 72 00:08:15,010 --> 00:08:19,450 and whereas the founding of the United States established a principle of federalism, emphasizing 73 00:08:19,450 --> 00:08:23,830 a decentralized system of government where empowers are divided between national and state 74 00:08:23,830 --> 00:08:29,130 government's fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to local communities. 75 00:08:29,730 --> 00:08:34,610 And whereas this decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse 76 00:08:34,610 --> 00:08:39,470 policy approaches, and stronger accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that 77 00:08:39,470 --> 00:08:42,530 government remains close to and reflective of the people's will. 78 00:08:43,530 --> 00:08:48,010 And whereas the founding of the United States initiated a journey toward forming a more 79 00:08:48,010 --> 00:08:53,550 perfect union marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the nation's 80 00:08:53,550 --> 00:08:55,230 founding ideals for all citizens. 81 00:08:56,710 --> 00:09:00,370 And whereas the state of Massachusetts has played a significant role throughout the history 82 00:09:00,370 --> 00:09:05,450 of the United States, contributing to the nation's development, culture, economy, and defense 83 00:09:05,450 --> 00:09:10,830 through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens, and whereas the semi-quince centennial offers 84 00:09:10,830 --> 00:09:16,610 a unique opportunity for the people of Massachusetts to reflect on our shared history, on the diverse 85 00:09:16,610 --> 00:09:21,950 contributions of all Americans, celebrate our heritage of liberty, and look forward to 86 00:09:21,950 --> 00:09:26,970 future we strive to create for subsequent generations, and now therefore be it resolved 87 00:09:27,330 --> 00:09:32,290 that the New Bedford City Council hereby recognizes and commemorates the 250th anniversary of 88 00:09:32,290 --> 00:09:38,710 the founding of the United States of America, celebrated on July 4th, 2026, and formally accepts 89 00:09:38,710 --> 00:09:44,270 this replica of the Declaration of Independence presented by State Representative Antonio 90 00:09:44,270 --> 00:09:49,330 F. D. Cabral to the New Bedford City Council and a City Council meeting held on August 20th, 91 00:09:49,330 --> 00:09:53,570 2026, be it further resolved that the New 92 00:09:53,570 --> 00:09:56,150 Breakfast City Council encourages all residents, visitors, 93 00:09:56,730 --> 00:09:58,630 educational institutions, civic organizations, 94 00:09:59,110 --> 00:09:59,970 businesses, and so on. 95 00:10:00,700 --> 00:10:22,700 And I would like to thank all of you for the opportunity to take the opportunity to view this remarkable piece of American history. Be it further resolved that this replica of the Declaration of Independence shall be available for public viewing through December 31, 2026. The thereafter shall be permanently displayed in the New Bedford City Council of Chambers as a lasting tribute to the principles of liberty, democracy, and the nation's founding for generations to come. 96 00:10:24,710 --> 00:10:25,370 Thank you. 97 00:10:29,320 --> 00:10:34,040 All right. Moving on to Mayors Papers, I will ask the clerk to read item M1, please. 98 00:10:34,040 --> 00:10:37,220 This is President M1's communication from the mayor of the Council. 99 00:10:37,680 --> 00:10:42,920 It's meeting a veto of the ordinance in the in Chapter 19 of the City Code relative to paid family leave. 100 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:51,400 This veto was received in the City Council Office on July 10th, and the order was spurred on the record on July 16th, and one A is the ordinance. 101 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:54,820 Moves to approve, notwithstanding the objections of the mayor. 102 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:55,300 Second. 103 00:10:55,940 --> 00:11:00,160 Motion to approve, notwithstanding the objections of the mayor made by Councillor Bergo. 104 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:01,420 And Waving Rule 40. 105 00:11:01,620 --> 00:11:06,360 And Waved Rule 40 made by Councillor Bergos, seconded by Councillor Roy on the question that Chair 106 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:07,560 Reckon has is Councillor Bergos. 107 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:11,900 Thank you, Mr. President. 108 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:19,120 After nearly three years of work, this veto is a bad faith attempt to kill legislation that was 109 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,240 developed carefully and in good faith. 110 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:30,120 This conversation started in August of 2023 when a city employee came to me with a very real problem. 111 00:11:30,120 --> 00:11:44,440 Since then, we have worked through this issue in committee, considered the financial implications and developed a reasonable policy to allow city employees to care for their families without exhausting the vacation in sick time they have earned. 112 00:11:45,020 --> 00:11:56,140 And now, after all that work, we're being told this is the product of special interest, that it's legally defective, and that it will somehow burden the taxpayers. 113 00:11:56,140 --> 00:12:04,320 payers. These are all foolish claims. First, let's address the special interest. The employees 114 00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:10,800 this ordinance helps are not represented by a bargaining unit. They are unit C employees. 115 00:12:11,420 --> 00:12:17,160 They don't have a union negotiating these benefits for them. They have us. That's why 116 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:22,700 we are here to fill a gap in our city's employee benefits. And I have to say, it seems this 117 00:12:22,700 --> 00:12:28,300 administration has a problem when someone other than the mayor identifies a problem, develops 118 00:12:28,300 --> 00:12:33,880 a solution, and actually gets something done. A good idea doesn't become a bad idea 119 00:12:33,880 --> 00:12:40,120 simply because it didn't come from the corner office. Second, these alleged legal defects. 120 00:12:42,950 --> 00:12:48,150 This ordinance does not take away a single right protected under state or federal law. 121 00:12:53,850 --> 00:12:54,530 It does 122 00:12:54,530 --> 00:13:00,150 It simply determines when the city will continue paying an eligible employee while they are 123 00:13:00,150 --> 00:13:01,010 out on that leave. 124 00:13:01,870 --> 00:13:07,210 Unpaid protected leave and paid municipal leave are not the same thing. 125 00:13:07,950 --> 00:13:11,910 So if the administration is claiming that this ordinance violates state or federal law, 126 00:13:12,390 --> 00:13:13,590 then show us the law. 127 00:13:14,190 --> 00:13:15,430 Show us the legal opinion. 128 00:13:15,750 --> 00:13:19,670 Show us the specific provision we supposedly violated. 129 00:13:19,670 --> 00:13:27,990 Because after three years of discussion, those concerns should have been raised before we passed this ordinance, not suddenly appear in a veto message. 130 00:13:28,590 --> 00:13:30,630 Lastly, he talks about the budget. 131 00:13:31,510 --> 00:13:34,030 We were told this would have a budgetary impact. 132 00:13:34,490 --> 00:13:42,310 But during our work on this ordinance, the city's own CFO explained that this does not create a new operating budget line item. 133 00:13:42,650 --> 00:13:47,890 We are not creating positions or a new department or adding millions of dollars to the budget. 134 00:13:47,890 --> 00:13:53,250 These employees already have salaries appropriated in the city's operating budget. 135 00:13:53,430 --> 00:14:02,230 This ordinance simply allows an eligible employee to receive paid leave using the salary already budgeted for that position. 136 00:14:02,890 --> 00:14:07,330 And yes, there are operational considerations when an employee is absent. 137 00:14:07,930 --> 00:14:09,530 But that happens every day. 138 00:14:09,990 --> 00:14:16,830 Employees take vacation, they call out sick, they take unpaid leave, they retire, they transfer. 139 00:14:16,830 --> 00:14:24,990 Or they get laid off, like we've seen in this past budget, our departments already manage those situations. 140 00:14:25,750 --> 00:14:29,690 Co-workers step up, supervise the just and departments, adapt. 141 00:14:30,530 --> 00:14:34,910 So let's not pretend this ordinance creates some unprecedented operational burden. 142 00:14:35,670 --> 00:14:43,410 What it does create is an opportunity for an employee to welcome a child into their family without having to choose between being there for that moment 143 00:14:43,410 --> 00:14:46,190 and preserving the vacation and sick time they've earned. 144 00:14:46,830 --> 00:14:50,270 For years, this administration has talked about recruitment and retention. 145 00:14:50,830 --> 00:14:55,190 Well, if they want to compete for good employees, we need competitive benefits. 146 00:14:56,890 --> 00:14:59,870 Supporting employees when they welcome a child into their family. 147 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:06,460 Assembly is a basic part of being a modern employer. This ordinance is about our employees. It's 148 00:15:06,460 --> 00:15:10,860 about a mother who should not have to burn through her vacation time to recover from childbirth 149 00:15:10,860 --> 00:15:15,680 and care for her newborn. It's about a father who should be able to be home to support 150 00:15:15,680 --> 00:15:21,040 his partner and bond with his child. It's about an employee welcoming a child through adoption 151 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:28,040 and knowing that their employer recognizes that their family matters. And it's about telling 152 00:15:28,040 --> 00:15:32,580 our employees that they should not have to choose between being there for their families 153 00:15:32,580 --> 00:15:38,660 and protecting the leave they've earned. Tonight, despite the administration's attempt to stop it, 154 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:45,000 we have an opportunity to finally deliver it. And I am proud to stand on the side of our 155 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:51,920 employees, on the side of working families, and after nearly three years of work. I'm proud that 156 00:15:51,920 --> 00:15:53,740 This council is standing up for them, too. 157 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:54,900 Thank you, Mr. President. 158 00:15:56,100 --> 00:15:56,480 Thank you. 159 00:16:01,140 --> 00:16:03,680 Ladies and gentlemen, just ask that during debate, 160 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:06,200 no applause during debate, please, and thank you. 161 00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:07,820 Anyone else on the question? 162 00:16:10,010 --> 00:16:10,210 OK? 163 00:16:10,750 --> 00:16:12,290 This time, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll 164 00:16:12,810 --> 00:16:16,210 in the motion to override the veto and waive rule for it. 165 00:16:16,750 --> 00:16:17,410 Councilor Abram. 166 00:16:17,810 --> 00:16:19,170 Yes, Councilor Baptiste? 167 00:16:19,490 --> 00:16:19,650 Yes. 168 00:16:19,930 --> 00:16:20,750 Yes, Councilor Brugo? 169 00:16:21,110 --> 00:16:21,330 Yes. 170 00:16:21,830 --> 00:16:22,610 Yes, Councilor Carney? 171 00:16:22,790 --> 00:16:22,990 Yes. 172 00:16:23,430 --> 00:16:24,370 Yes, Councilor Schokett? 173 00:16:24,650 --> 00:16:25,090 Yes. 174 00:16:25,510 --> 00:16:26,330 Yes, Councilor Bones? 175 00:16:26,330 --> 00:16:37,270 Yes. Yes, Councilor Loeb. Yes. Yes, Councilor Oliver. Yes. Yes, Councilor Permanent. Yes. Yes, Councilor Perello. Absolutely. Yes, Councilor Roy. Yes. Yes, passes 11-0, Mr. President. 176 00:16:37,490 --> 00:16:37,690 Item? 177 00:16:38,410 --> 00:16:41,050 Item passes 11-0. It has been ordained. 178 00:16:42,570 --> 00:16:45,610 Will last the clerk to read item M2, please. 179 00:16:45,610 --> 00:16:48,890 Mr. President, M2 is a communication from the Mayor of the Council, 180 00:16:49,210 --> 00:16:54,790 submitting an order for the appropriation of $309 million, I'm sorry, $39,000, $303.75 181 00:16:55,570 --> 00:17:00,630 from the Housing Works Grant for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and 182 00:17:00,630 --> 00:17:04,390 Liberal Communities and within the custody of the Department of Public Infrastructure, 183 00:17:04,890 --> 00:17:08,770 to public way layout and taking damages for a future signalized intersection, 184 00:17:09,150 --> 00:17:12,450 the intersection of Hillman and Purchase Streets for the Purchase and 185 00:17:12,450 --> 00:17:15,070 of the Pleasant Street Improvement Project and 2A is the order. 186 00:17:17,950 --> 00:17:21,690 Motion to adopt the order made by Councillor Abyrue, seconded by Councillor Schokeh. 187 00:17:21,870 --> 00:17:22,730 Anyone on the question? 188 00:17:23,650 --> 00:17:24,810 Alas, the clerk to call the roll. 189 00:17:25,430 --> 00:17:26,010 Councillor Abyrue? 190 00:17:26,450 --> 00:17:26,930 Yes. 191 00:17:27,190 --> 00:17:27,690 Councillor Baptiste? 192 00:17:28,710 --> 00:17:28,830 Yes. 193 00:17:29,070 --> 00:17:29,490 Councillor Bergo? 194 00:17:29,790 --> 00:17:30,050 Yes. 195 00:17:30,470 --> 00:17:30,770 Yes. 196 00:17:30,830 --> 00:17:31,290 Councillor Carney? 197 00:17:31,530 --> 00:17:31,770 Yes. 198 00:17:32,210 --> 00:17:32,490 Yes. 199 00:17:32,630 --> 00:17:33,170 Councillor Schokeh? 200 00:17:33,430 --> 00:17:33,650 Yes. 201 00:17:34,330 --> 00:17:34,550 Yes. 202 00:17:34,730 --> 00:17:35,230 Councillor Gomes? 203 00:17:35,750 --> 00:17:35,950 Yes. 204 00:17:36,290 --> 00:17:36,550 Yes. 205 00:17:36,550 --> 00:17:41,110 Yes, Councillor Lopes. Yes. Yes, Councillor Oliver. Yes. Excuse me. Yes, Councillor 206 00:17:41,110 --> 00:17:45,970 Pemberton. Yes. Yes. Yes, Councillor Pereira. Yes. Yes, Councillor Roy. Yes. Yes, 207 00:17:46,170 --> 00:17:51,450 best. Let me know. Item passes 11-0. I will ask the clerk to read item M3. 208 00:17:52,210 --> 00:17:56,290 Mr. President, item M3 is communication from Mayor Mitchell to the City Council, Sweden 209 00:17:56,290 --> 00:18:02,230 Order, for the proposed lease agreement between French Street, Realty, LLC and Comcast LLC and 210 00:18:02,910 --> 00:18:05,990 All you can motion, just even place and file on the adopt the order that's presented. 211 00:18:06,310 --> 00:18:10,870 Motion to adopt the order made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Pemberton. 212 00:18:11,410 --> 00:18:12,110 Anyone on the question? 213 00:18:13,050 --> 00:18:14,070 All those in favor say aye. 214 00:18:15,050 --> 00:18:16,250 Opposed, the ayes have it. 215 00:18:17,330 --> 00:18:20,630 Without objection, the chair will take items M4 through M6 together. 216 00:18:22,490 --> 00:18:23,550 I'll ask the clerk to read. 217 00:18:23,990 --> 00:18:26,750 Mr. President, M4 is a communication from the Mayor of the Council. 218 00:18:26,750 --> 00:18:35,930 So, submitting a sewer abatement request for Tarcan Hill Realty Corporation at 627 Tarcan Hill Road in New Bedford in the amount of $26,574. 219 00:18:37,170 --> 00:18:46,750 M5A is a sewer abatement request in the mayor for tomorrow of Ramsey at 161 Campbell Street in New Bedford in the amount of $1,607.7 220 00:18:46,750 --> 00:18:55,870 And M6 is a sewer abatement request for Chevrolet McNeackle Roy at 234 Austin Street in New Bedford in the amount of $235. 221 00:18:57,470 --> 00:19:00,790 Motion to grant the abatement for M4, 5, and 6. 222 00:19:01,010 --> 00:19:07,810 Second. Motion to grant the abatements for 4, 5, and 6 made by Council of Burgos, seconded by Council of Baptist. 223 00:19:08,430 --> 00:19:09,370 Anyone on the question? 224 00:19:10,330 --> 00:19:11,490 I'll ask the clerk to call the roll. 225 00:19:11,870 --> 00:19:12,450 Councillor Abyrne. 226 00:19:12,950 --> 00:19:13,870 Yes, Council of Baptist. 227 00:19:14,310 --> 00:19:14,490 Yes. 228 00:19:14,490 --> 00:19:15,890 Yes, come to Bergo. 229 00:19:16,810 --> 00:19:17,650 Yes, come to Carney. 230 00:19:17,890 --> 00:19:18,150 Yes. 231 00:19:18,530 --> 00:19:19,610 Yes, come to Showcut. 232 00:19:19,970 --> 00:19:20,170 Yes. 233 00:19:20,530 --> 00:19:21,390 Yes, come to Gomes. 234 00:19:22,310 --> 00:19:22,790 Yes. 235 00:19:22,990 --> 00:19:23,590 Come to Loops. 236 00:19:24,050 --> 00:19:24,530 Yes. 237 00:19:24,750 --> 00:19:25,190 Come to Oliver. 238 00:19:25,570 --> 00:19:25,790 Yes. 239 00:19:26,130 --> 00:19:27,130 Yes, come to Pemberton. 240 00:19:27,290 --> 00:19:27,490 Yes. 241 00:19:27,870 --> 00:19:28,790 Yes, come to Pereira. 242 00:19:28,910 --> 00:19:29,130 Yes. 243 00:19:29,590 --> 00:19:30,390 Come to Roy. 244 00:19:30,650 --> 00:19:30,830 Yes. 245 00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:32,330 That's 11-0. 246 00:19:33,070 --> 00:19:34,710 Item passes 11-0. 247 00:19:35,830 --> 00:19:39,870 I will ask the clerk to read items M7 and M8 together without objection. 248 00:19:45,060 --> 00:19:47,900 Mr. President, M7 is communication from the Mayor of the Council. 249 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:51,800 This meeting is the reappointment of Scott Grant and the Bedford to the Conservation Commission. 250 00:19:51,900 --> 00:19:56,640 This term will expire in June of 2029, and M8 is communication from the Mayor of the Council. 251 00:19:56,880 --> 00:19:59,900 This meeting is the reappointment of Rebecca Leonard of the Bedford. 252 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:18,280 The Conservation Commission this term will also expire June 2020. Make a motion to receive M7 and M8, wave rule 38 and wave rule 40 with one vote and grant the reappointment. Motion has been made to wave rules 38 and 40 and grant the reappointments by Councillor Lope, seconded by Councillor Burgo, anyone on the question? 253 00:20:19,760 --> 00:20:21,220 I'll ask the clerk to call the roll. 254 00:20:21,740 --> 00:20:22,180 Councillor Abyrne. 255 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:23,100 Yes. 256 00:20:23,300 --> 00:20:23,880 Councillor Baptiste. 257 00:20:24,560 --> 00:20:24,700 Yes. 258 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:25,320 Councillor Brago. 259 00:20:25,660 --> 00:20:25,940 Yes. 260 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:26,460 Yes. 261 00:20:26,580 --> 00:20:26,980 Councillor Carney. 262 00:20:27,220 --> 00:20:27,440 Yes. 263 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:28,040 Yes. 264 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:28,920 Councillor Gomes. 265 00:20:31,500 --> 00:20:31,980 Yes. 266 00:20:32,120 --> 00:20:32,660 Councillor Locke. 267 00:20:32,960 --> 00:20:33,160 Yes. 268 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:33,760 Yes. 269 00:20:33,900 --> 00:20:34,360 Councillor Oliver. 270 00:20:34,680 --> 00:20:34,920 Yes. 271 00:20:35,220 --> 00:20:35,640 Yes. 272 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:35,700 Yes. 273 00:20:35,700 --> 00:20:35,860 Yes. 274 00:20:36,460 --> 00:20:36,940 Yes. 275 00:20:36,940 --> 00:20:37,160 Yes. 276 00:20:37,200 --> 00:20:37,500 Yes. 277 00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:38,140 Yes. 278 00:20:39,360 --> 00:20:39,840 Yes. 279 00:20:39,840 --> 00:20:39,960 Yes. 280 00:20:40,140 --> 00:20:41,240 Yes, that's the law of New Zealand. 281 00:20:41,620 --> 00:20:43,320 Item passes 11-0. 282 00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:47,340 I will ask the clerk to re-, oh, sorry. 283 00:20:48,020 --> 00:20:48,380 I did hear. 284 00:20:48,540 --> 00:20:48,860 I don't know. 285 00:20:49,980 --> 00:20:51,440 Is Scott a Rebecca here? 286 00:20:55,150 --> 00:20:55,430 Okay. 287 00:20:56,650 --> 00:20:57,010 Perfect. 288 00:20:57,470 --> 00:20:59,130 I'll ask the clerk to read item M9. 289 00:20:59,610 --> 00:21:02,630 Mr. President, M9 is communication from the Mayor of the Council. 290 00:21:02,850 --> 00:21:06,210 So I mean, the appointment of Brian J. Sousa of New Bedford to the Election Commission. 291 00:21:06,670 --> 00:21:08,630 This term will expire in April of 2029. 292 00:21:08,890 --> 00:21:10,870 Motion referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. 293 00:21:10,930 --> 00:21:11,090 Second. 294 00:21:11,090 --> 00:21:11,550 Second. 295 00:21:11,890 --> 00:21:19,030 Motion referred to the committee on appointments and briefings made by Councillor Bergo, seconded by Councillor, everybody, but seconded by Councillor Oliver. 296 00:21:19,690 --> 00:21:21,390 On the question that Chair reckons, is Councillor Bergo? 297 00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:34,640 I just wanted to address this communication for the mayor's office, which was sent now. 298 00:21:37,330 --> 00:21:43,230 The reason why that's significant is much like everything that comes to the mayor's office, it's very, very late. 299 00:21:45,710 --> 00:21:50,630 Although he's had this name for quite some time, and as always, he's asking the council 300 00:21:50,630 --> 00:21:51,190 to rush. 301 00:21:51,510 --> 00:21:56,350 Sure, many people are aware, or I hope that everyone's aware, we have a election coming 302 00:21:56,350 --> 00:21:57,950 up on September 1st. 303 00:21:58,050 --> 00:22:03,250 And our city charter, for those who don't know, and I would hope that our mayor who's been 304 00:22:03,250 --> 00:22:08,050 here for over a decade should know our city charter, this council only has one meeting in July 305 00:22:08,050 --> 00:22:14,490 and one meeting in August, and he saw it fit to send this appointment to us on our one 306 00:22:14,490 --> 00:22:16,670 meeting in August, which is today August 20th. 307 00:22:17,730 --> 00:22:21,990 It is customary for a new candidate to go to committee to be screened. 308 00:22:21,990 --> 00:22:25,830 We just did this with the last election commission that we had when there was vacancy. 309 00:22:26,570 --> 00:22:31,270 That election commission, when it went vacant, was sent to us in a timely manner. 310 00:22:31,390 --> 00:22:32,210 It came before us. 311 00:22:32,210 --> 00:22:37,050 It went to committee, the chairwoman of the committee on appointments and briefing, 312 00:22:37,770 --> 00:22:40,690 put it at the next possible available meeting. 313 00:22:41,210 --> 00:22:42,690 There are no delays here in the council. 314 00:22:42,870 --> 00:22:43,870 We do our work. 315 00:22:44,690 --> 00:22:50,290 The problem here are the delays in the corner office, even with their full time staff, the 316 00:22:50,290 --> 00:22:54,990 million dollar, well, more than a million dollar budget they have up there, they make mistake 317 00:22:54,990 --> 00:22:58,230 after mistake after mistake, and then they expect us to clean it up. 318 00:22:58,230 --> 00:23:02,290 So I just want to make it very clear for people because we know the corner office is going 319 00:23:02,290 --> 00:23:06,990 to point the finger and say, oh look how terrible that council is that they didn't wave 320 00:23:06,990 --> 00:23:11,470 the screening in a point, Mr. Sousa, and it's unfortunate Mr. Sousa is here tonight. 321 00:23:11,770 --> 00:23:12,770 I got to meet him. 322 00:23:12,830 --> 00:23:18,090 He's a very nice gentleman, and it's unfortunate he's here and he was expecting to be sworn 323 00:23:18,090 --> 00:23:20,050 in tonight, but that is not the way this works. 324 00:23:20,650 --> 00:23:21,890 He has to be screened. 325 00:23:21,950 --> 00:23:22,870 That is how we do this. 326 00:23:22,970 --> 00:23:27,110 That's how every other election commissioner has gotten on, and in some rare cases maybe 327 00:23:27,110 --> 00:23:31,970 we waive the screening but in this case we're referring it to committee how it should 328 00:23:31,970 --> 00:23:36,210 be done and I don't want this administration to make it seem as though we have done something 329 00:23:36,210 --> 00:23:41,450 wrong when it was them so I just want to be very clear here this mayor has sat on this name 330 00:23:41,450 --> 00:23:46,630 for months and decided to wait till the last possible second even though he knows the schedule 331 00:23:47,030 --> 00:23:51,890 of not only the election schedule but the council schedule and we are following the procedure 332 00:23:51,890 --> 00:23:52,910 here. Thank you. 333 00:23:52,910 --> 00:23:55,250 Thank you, the chair of the councilor Oliver. 334 00:23:56,130 --> 00:23:57,090 Thank you, Mr. President. 335 00:23:57,430 --> 00:24:03,490 I'll be brief, because many of the same points that I was going to say were spoken by the councilor before me. 336 00:24:05,150 --> 00:24:19,850 But obviously this is coming on the heels or coming on the eve of a state primary, and as the councilor who spoke before me stated, I hope a lot of people realize that there is a primary, I know I know there is a state primary. 337 00:24:22,430 --> 00:24:30,750 But here's another example of us on the second floor cleaning up the inefficiency of the third 338 00:24:30,750 --> 00:24:39,710 floor or the lack of attention to detail. Now the Councillor from the mayor has been 339 00:24:39,710 --> 00:24:45,930 given this gentleman's name or a sat on this name for months and that's true. As many 340 00:24:45,930 --> 00:24:52,030 Many of us do, we sit in different capacities at different boards, commissions, and groups 341 00:24:52,030 --> 00:24:52,830 throughout the city. 342 00:24:53,410 --> 00:24:56,790 And I know for a fact as the Chair of the Republican City Committee, the Republican 343 00:24:56,790 --> 00:24:59,590 City Committee, has sent communication. 344 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:29,860 To the administration, with two names for consideration for this vacancy on the Election Commission, that was in April, April 28th to be exact. I believe you are actually CC'd on that correspondence. I've actually provided that to the office, so our Councillors can all see that correspondence. But what it is, is this is something that should have been taken care of months ago, not a week and a half before the primary 345 00:25:29,860 --> 00:25:35,660 election. The process is a process for a reason. It's so that the applicant can come up here, 346 00:25:36,380 --> 00:25:42,840 speak, introduce themselves in a lot of cases to people and the public for the very first time. 347 00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:50,300 So, although I do recognize that this vacancy has to be filled, it should not be rushed through, 348 00:25:50,540 --> 00:25:59,080 because this board is in charge of upholding the integrity and facilitating our elections here in the city of New 349 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:07,380 So I apologize that Mr. Suzer is here tonight, but it gave him at least the opportunity to introduce himself to a lot of people here. 350 00:26:07,580 --> 00:26:14,760 So although I will be supporting him, I hope my colleagues will do the same in the future date when this is properly before this council. 351 00:26:14,980 --> 00:26:16,140 So thank you with that I yield. 352 00:26:16,520 --> 00:26:17,040 Thank you. 353 00:26:17,320 --> 00:26:18,500 Anyone else on the question? 354 00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:26,160 Just briefly from the chair, if there's one committee colleagues that deserves to have a proper screening, 355 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:31,540 It is the committee, the elections commission, to uphold integrity of elections in our city. 356 00:26:31,840 --> 00:26:35,340 There is one commission aboard in this city that deserves a full screening. 357 00:26:35,660 --> 00:26:37,800 It is this one, it is too important, thank you. 358 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:42,960 Without seeing any other questions, all those in favor of referral to committee say aye. 359 00:26:43,820 --> 00:26:46,360 Opposed, the aye's have it, I will ask the clerk to read item M10. 360 00:26:47,100 --> 00:26:50,300 Mr. President, M10 is a communication from the Mayor of the City Council. 361 00:26:50,300 --> 00:26:55,640 It's submitting the reappointment of Joseph Latimer of New Bedford as a constable, M10A as his application. 362 00:26:57,900 --> 00:27:00,000 Waving rule 38 and 40. 363 00:27:00,820 --> 00:27:06,800 Motion to wave rules 38 and 40, and grant the appointment made by Councillor Abrew, seconded by Councillor Bergo. 364 00:27:07,580 --> 00:27:08,480 Anyone on the question? 365 00:27:09,100 --> 00:27:10,240 I'll ask the clerk to call the roll. 366 00:27:16,900 --> 00:27:25,920 Yes, come to Bergo. Yes, come to Karnie. Yes, come to Schokke. Yes, come to Gomes. Yes, come 367 00:27:25,920 --> 00:27:32,920 to Lopes. Yes, come to Oliver. Yes, come to Pemberton. Yes, come to Prera. Yes, yes, 368 00:27:32,980 --> 00:27:40,060 come to Roy. Yes, passes 11 to 0. Item passes 11 to 0. 369 00:27:46,130 --> 00:27:47,550 Colleagues, without any objection 370 00:27:47,550 --> 00:27:58,080 At this time, I would like to take out of order items 14 through 17, have them all read together without objection. 371 00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:02,460 Without objection at this time, I will have the clerk read items 14 through 17. 372 00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:11,260 Mr. President, item 14 is written motion from Council Gohms requesting that the Committee on Public Safety and 373 00:28:11,260 --> 00:28:17,620 Neighborhoods immediately meet with Police Chief Jason Thody, a representative from the mayor's office, and a representative from Flock Safety. 374 00:28:17,620 --> 00:28:26,500 This meeting is to bring all parties together for the purpose of enhancing policies and ensuring procedures and strengthening community trust around the use of these cameras. 375 00:28:27,140 --> 00:28:32,640 The policy is ensuring that the policy is transparent, every search being logged, and additional safeguards in place. 376 00:28:33,100 --> 00:28:36,660 Not only to protect the civil rights of the citizens but for the police department as well. 377 00:28:37,540 --> 00:28:40,680 Item 15 is written motion from Council's Bergo, Lobes and Abru. 378 00:28:41,100 --> 00:28:45,460 Request that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet with representatives of the different police department. 379 00:28:45,460 --> 00:28:57,560 the city solicitor, the information technology department and any of the appropriate officials to discuss the city's use of law enforcement surveillance technologies including but not limited to automated license plate reader systems, 380 00:28:57,780 --> 00:29:06,900 flock safety cameras, public safety camera networks, and any other technologies capable of collecting or retaining data on the movement of vehicles or individuals. 381 00:29:06,900 --> 00:29:15,400 and further that the committee review the city's policies governing the collection, retention, sharing, security, and deletion of data generated by such technologies. 382 00:29:16,420 --> 00:29:36,880 The circumstances under which such data may be accessed or shared with outside law enforcement agencies, the safeguards in place to protect residences, constitutional rights and privacy, and whether additional local policies or ordinances are warranted to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence while preserving the legitimate public safety benefits these technologies. 383 00:29:36,880 --> 00:29:40,400 is provided. Item 16 is written motion from Council's 384 00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:45,040 Bergo, Abro and Loops, requesting that the Communion ordinances consider whether the appropriate 385 00:29:45,040 --> 00:29:50,240 policy outcome is either the complete removal and abolition of automated license plate reader 386 00:29:50,240 --> 00:29:54,700 systems and other similarly invasive surveillance technologies within the city of New Bedford 387 00:29:55,120 --> 00:29:59,840 or in the alternative establishing municipal automated license plate reader privacy. 388 00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:26,560 So, for items 14 and 15, correct. So, council, we'll refer items 14 and 15 to public 389 00:30:26,560 --> 00:30:31,660 safety, 16 to ordinance, and 17 receiving place on file, is that okay? 390 00:30:31,940 --> 00:30:32,420 That's fine. 391 00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:33,940 Okay, made by Councillor Gomes. 392 00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:35,600 Seconded by Councillor Carney. 393 00:30:36,020 --> 00:30:36,820 Anyone on the question? 394 00:30:38,860 --> 00:30:40,820 Chair recognizes Councillor Loops. 395 00:30:42,580 --> 00:30:43,620 Thank you, Councillor President. 396 00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:44,900 I will be extremely brief. 397 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:50,980 We have all seen across the country and our own city that the proposed safeguards don't 398 00:30:50,980 --> 00:30:51,260 work. 399 00:30:51,260 --> 00:30:58,120 The only safeguard is the actual removal of the cameras to provide the safety to the 400 00:30:58,120 --> 00:31:00,460 neighborhoods that they so rightfully deserve. 401 00:31:00,800 --> 00:31:07,400 We have seen firsthand that when you put safeguards in place, people will look for ways around them. 402 00:31:07,740 --> 00:31:16,480 The entire company has had to do a complete 360 in the last 30 days in regards to faults that they realize they implemented. 403 00:31:16,480 --> 00:31:21,360 I commend the Chief for trying to put safeguards in place, but we're trying to put safeguards 404 00:31:21,360 --> 00:31:24,980 in place after incidents have already happened, and we're seeing it within the own 405 00:31:24,980 --> 00:31:26,920 department that he is running. 406 00:31:27,140 --> 00:31:31,400 So the only safeguards and the only mechanism that we can actually justify is shutting 407 00:31:31,400 --> 00:31:32,640 them out and removing them. 408 00:31:32,900 --> 00:31:33,340 Thank you. 409 00:31:34,200 --> 00:31:35,280 Thank you, Councillor. 410 00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:48,740 Just in the gallery, if we could just refrain from a pause while debate is ongoing, I'd 411 00:31:48,740 --> 00:31:49,340 appreciate that. 412 00:31:49,520 --> 00:31:49,900 Thank you. 413 00:31:50,980 --> 00:31:52,220 Chair, recognize Councillor Roy. 414 00:31:54,380 --> 00:31:55,280 Thank you, Mr. President. 415 00:31:55,280 --> 00:32:02,360 But then I rise to speak in favor of the motion is going to public safety, the motion is 416 00:32:02,360 --> 00:32:06,560 going to ordinance and to receive the Councillor from Ward 1's motion on file. 417 00:32:07,460 --> 00:32:14,120 I want to speak to public hearing and public safety and the policy review we want to do there. 418 00:32:15,040 --> 00:32:21,800 We have a three hour public forum and a packed auditorium at Pulaski School with Chief 419 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:28,840 FODE, a representative from FLOC safety, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and members of the community. 420 00:32:30,170 --> 00:32:35,200 More than 100 people attended and roughly two dozen residents spoke. 421 00:32:35,820 --> 00:32:39,340 Not to mention the folks outside today and the folks in this room. 422 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:45,040 Their message was clear, people have serious concerns about privacy in New Bedford. 423 00:32:47,620 --> 00:32:52,020 The disproportionate impact that these technologies have on the BIPOC community. 424 00:32:52,800 --> 00:32:57,880 oversight and any lack of a public process before these cameras were installed. 425 00:32:58,900 --> 00:33:04,000 After that forum, I continued to ask residents and workers I encountered throughout the city 426 00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:11,200 what they thought of flock and their concerns were reasonable based on the reports of misuse 427 00:33:11,200 --> 00:33:12,020 nationwide. 428 00:33:13,680 --> 00:33:19,760 The recent incident involving our own New Bedford Police Officer show that our city is not 429 00:33:19,760 --> 00:33:29,280 immune to those same risks and we cannot dismiss our residents' concerns as hypothetical when 430 00:33:29,280 --> 00:33:32,560 our own city is now confronting the very questions they raised. 431 00:33:33,660 --> 00:33:38,160 I support additional public hearings and a review of the city's policies. 432 00:33:38,160 --> 00:33:42,900 I trust that the Public Safety Committee will ensure that the community plays a meaningful 433 00:33:42,900 --> 00:33:46,720 role in both the discussion and the policy review. 434 00:33:46,720 --> 00:33:52,220 Now, the item that we're referring to ordinance, I also support. 435 00:33:52,520 --> 00:33:57,320 I support sending the matter to the ordinance committee, and I trust that that committee 436 00:33:57,320 --> 00:34:03,820 will use that process to listen to the community and develop comprehensive policies for 437 00:34:03,820 --> 00:34:04,900 New Bedford going forward. 438 00:34:05,760 --> 00:34:12,180 I think many of the safeguards that the chief outlined in his recent release are important 439 00:34:12,180 --> 00:34:20,700 and overdue. A clear standard for searches, documentation of every search, regular audits, 440 00:34:21,220 --> 00:34:29,640 restrictions on outside agency access, prohibited uses, data retention limits, and public transparency 441 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:30,320 reported. 442 00:34:32,580 --> 00:34:40,180 However, I am not convinced that flock safety is the right partner for New 443 00:34:43,830 --> 00:34:59,150 Given the controversy surrounding the company and its nationwide data sharing network, I still have serious questions about whether we can adequately protect residents' privacy, their civil rights, their civil liberties, and their personal safety. 444 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:29,980 But this issue is bigger than flock, right? There are other types of cameras with facial recognition. There are cell-site simulators, predictive policing systems, and future tech we don't know about. Our city has used surveillance technologies for years without sufficient transparency or accountability. While these tools may provide public safety benefits, their use has also caused 445 00:35:31,180 --> 00:35:36,540 So I support sending this motion to ordinance committee because all surveillance technology 446 00:35:36,540 --> 00:35:43,840 currently used or considered for future use by the city should be subject to clear standards 447 00:35:43,840 --> 00:35:45,700 in public oversight, Mr. President. 448 00:35:46,600 --> 00:35:51,780 The public should know what surveillance technology is being used or proposed, how it's used 449 00:35:51,780 --> 00:35:54,940 and shared, and what safeguards are in place. 450 00:35:54,940 --> 00:36:01,040 residents should have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in on its use and the rules governing 451 00:36:01,040 --> 00:36:11,540 it. Their elected representatives, us, should vote on whether its use is approved. If it 452 00:36:11,540 --> 00:36:17,240 is approved, there must be ongoing transparency and accountability for how it's actually 453 00:36:17,240 --> 00:36:21,600 used. The basic premise is simple, 454 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:27,960 surveillance technology must be governed by clear rules that 455 00:36:27,960 --> 00:36:35,780 protect our safety and our rights, and decisions about its use must be made in the open with meaningful 456 00:36:35,780 --> 00:36:38,660 public participation and democratic oversight. 457 00:36:42,180 --> 00:36:47,020 Finally, I believe the chief should keep flocked 458 00:36:47,020 --> 00:36:53,660 suspended, while we review the city's policies, while we develop comprehensive legislation and 459 00:36:53,660 --> 00:36:58,100 determine if flock is appropriate for New Bedford at all, and with that I yield, Mr. President. 460 00:36:59,420 --> 00:37:00,680 Thank you, Cal State. 461 00:37:03,600 --> 00:37:05,520 Chair recognizes Councillor Gohms. 462 00:37:07,340 --> 00:37:08,320 Thank you, Mr. President. 463 00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:16,400 Did we orchestrate this this evening or was this just how we had planned it? 464 00:37:16,400 --> 00:37:17,260 I 465 00:37:19,790 --> 00:37:23,030 have been a proponent for cameras in the city in New Bedford for a long time. 466 00:37:23,970 --> 00:37:31,350 It was one of the first I've been here a while when we had other police agencies who had cameras in their cruisers and we had none. 467 00:37:31,870 --> 00:37:34,810 We finally got them, but they broke them, they weren't working. 468 00:37:37,460 --> 00:37:50,380 I asked for police cameras on police officers, I asked for cameras within neighborhoods to bring public safety to a place where 469 00:37:50,380 --> 00:37:52,280 Now, we could get the criminal. 470 00:37:53,020 --> 00:37:54,220 The criminal could be seen. 471 00:37:55,720 --> 00:38:00,820 Flotk has come along, and we wouldn't even know about this, and let me say this at first. 472 00:38:01,460 --> 00:38:06,520 The first thing we did wrong in this city, and we didn't do it, the administration did it, 473 00:38:06,660 --> 00:38:11,600 was not tell the people of what this was all about, not even some of us knew what these 474 00:38:11,600 --> 00:38:13,340 cameras were up throughout the city. 475 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,600 They should have set how the public announcement said that the cameras were going up. 476 00:38:18,600 --> 00:38:27,580 We know the cameras are watching you everywhere, cameras are watching you everywhere when you go into the shopping store, when you go in the mall, when you go into neighborhoods. 477 00:38:27,980 --> 00:38:44,940 The first thing our police department is doing when a crime is committed within the city, is going to residential houses to see if they have caught anything on their cameras that can possibly assist in the criminal action that has been taken and the arrest that should be made on that. 478 00:38:46,420 --> 00:38:51,700 I'm a proponent of the cameras, but what I'm not a proponent of is using the cameras in a way 479 00:38:51,700 --> 00:38:54,720 that is unconstitutional and against people's rights. 480 00:38:55,340 --> 00:38:57,120 And that's why this motion is here tonight. 481 00:38:57,700 --> 00:39:04,180 I'm basic asking that we go into public safety, we go through all of this, you give me a guarantee 482 00:39:04,180 --> 00:39:09,900 that these cameras will not be messed with in unjustified ways, and I'm okay with it. 483 00:39:09,900 --> 00:39:11,440 But as far as, 484 00:39:16,230 --> 00:39:20,550 excuse me, excuse me, there will be, please refrain yourselves in the 485 00:39:20,570 --> 00:39:21,950 I would hope that you would do that. 486 00:39:22,090 --> 00:39:23,930 You know, the same respect that we show you. 487 00:39:24,190 --> 00:39:25,090 Show us those. 488 00:39:28,860 --> 00:39:35,560 Mr. President, while we have a chamber of people here tonight, this is not the 100,000 people 489 00:39:35,560 --> 00:39:36,540 that we represent. 490 00:39:40,660 --> 00:39:41,580 You're a class act. 491 00:39:42,200 --> 00:39:45,740 I got half of a house that wouldn't even stand up for the pleasure of allegiance tonight. 492 00:39:46,120 --> 00:39:48,440 Now they're not going to even let the representation speak. 493 00:39:48,440 --> 00:39:49,300 We're 494 00:39:52,500 --> 00:39:53,240 emotional recess. 495 00:39:54,240 --> 00:39:56,580 We get a recess, please, Mr. Chair. 496 00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:27,600 Do what you have to do. Can we just? Can we have a recess, please? No, you are my wife, and you come to the call. To me this evening, tonight, I'm giving you to respect. What do you want me to do? You want me to sit down, Mr. President? Wait a minute, please. Is that what you want me to do? Because this is out of hand as blasky was out of hand. I would just ask, I would just ask that the members of it, a motion to recess has been made. We'll take a recess. Thank you. 497 00:40:45,960 --> 00:40:46,640 All 498 00:40:48,750 --> 00:40:52,050 right, we're calling together back this meeting on the City Council. 499 00:40:53,090 --> 00:40:59,410 I would like to ask members of the gallery, rule number four in the council chambers, 500 00:41:00,190 --> 00:41:05,110 dictates proper decorum in the council that is to refrain from outbursts, 501 00:41:05,510 --> 00:41:07,130 applies commentary. 502 00:41:07,630 --> 00:41:12,650 What I would ask is that while you might disagree with members of my colleagues, 503 00:41:12,650 --> 00:41:17,330 members of the City Council are saying, or you might agree with what they are saying. 504 00:41:17,450 --> 00:41:21,050 I ask that you maintain proper decorum so we can effectively get through the meeting. 505 00:41:21,370 --> 00:41:23,370 You will hear what everyone has to say on the matter. 506 00:41:23,810 --> 00:41:27,450 This is being referred to committees, proper decorum will be had. 507 00:41:27,770 --> 00:41:32,730 If we cannot get through that, I will have to suspend these items so 508 00:41:32,730 --> 00:41:34,970 that we can have proper debate at an appropriate time. 509 00:41:35,350 --> 00:41:40,350 So I'm just asking that members refrain outbursts and comments from the gallery so 510 00:41:40,350 --> 00:41:44,270 So that we may get through the debate of the call of my colleagues. 511 00:41:45,030 --> 00:41:51,530 So if everyone is amenable to that, I appreciate it and can withhold from applause, clapping, or speaking. 512 00:41:51,850 --> 00:41:55,490 Thank you very much, and with that, I will recognize Councillor Gomes. 513 00:41:58,160 --> 00:41:59,720 Thank you again, Mr. President. 514 00:42:00,400 --> 00:42:05,960 Mr. President, my intentions were to fix the problem that has been arisen here. 515 00:42:05,960 --> 00:42:12,920 to bring all parties together in public safety, to make sure that these flat cameras would not violate anybody's rights 516 00:42:12,920 --> 00:42:18,500 that were protecting the people of the city of New Bedford not violating anyone's rights. 517 00:42:23,820 --> 00:42:30,640 I'm really sorry tonight that this party in the American way could not, I could not stand up as a Councillor 518 00:42:30,640 --> 00:42:35,400 and just say what I had to say without the retaliation that has happened here tonight. 519 00:42:35,400 --> 00:42:36,540 Councillor 520 00:42:42,970 --> 00:42:49,810 Gomes, take a seat please. The City Council, excuse me, this is the forum. 521 00:42:50,390 --> 00:42:57,070 Take a seat please. At this time, we cannot appropriately and effectively handle these 522 00:42:57,070 --> 00:43:05,410 items. They will be table. These will be table. And we will, if we can, 523 00:43:25,180 --> 00:43:26,580 ladies and gentlemen, 524 00:43:26,580 --> 00:43:30,820 It is 753, the meeting has been suspended due to lack of decorum. 525 00:43:31,340 --> 00:43:34,260 Thank you, we are adjourned at 753 P.L.