Mayor Mitchell asks New Bedford City Council for six residency waivers in June

The following residency waiver requests are submitted by Mayor Mitchell to the New Bedford City Council and will be voted in session on June 25th:

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for GLENN STYS of Dartmouth, MA for the Department of Emergency Medical Services as a full-time paramedic.
M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for JONATHAN VILLA, variable time paramedic for the Department of Emergency Medical Services who currently resides in Lakeville, MA.
M5. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for DAVID ZANDER, Captain of Training for the Department of Emergency Medical Services, who currently resides in Wareham, MA.
M6. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for BRIAN PRATT, as a variable time paramedic for the Department of Emergency Medical Services, who currently resides in Acushnet, MA.
M7. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for JODI GOODMAN, Special Collections Librarian, who currently lives in Providence, RI.
M8. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT and WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for DR. RUSSELL OLSON of Westport, MA to the AIRPORT COMMISSION; this term will expire December 2022.




Federal Judge rules in favor of Bristol County Sheriff Hodgson in lawsuit about prisoners’ rights

The Federal Court on Monday ruled in favor of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and Securus Technologies in finding that Sheriff Hodgson acted lawfully in contracting with Securus Technologies to provide telephone service to inmates.

Two years ago, prisoners’ rights activists brought suit against Sheriff Hodgson and Securus, and ran to the media to publicize their filing, generating headlines like “Lawsuit claims Sheriff Hodgson receiving kickbacks from inmate telephone calls” (Taunton Daily Gazette 5/7/18).

Dismissing all claims against the Sheriff and Securus on Monday, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani decided that the Mass. Legislature by statute gave the Sheriff the authority to generate revenue from inmate telephone calls.

Despite the politically charged distortions of the prisoners’ rights groups and political activists claiming the receipt of “illegal kickbacks,” echoed in many cases by the media, all monies generated from the inmate telephone service were utilized for IT and investigatory services which supported and safeguarded the inmate telephone system. Monday’s decision vindicates not only Sheriff Hodgson’s actions, but those of other Sheriffs in the Commonwealth who, through ingenuity, utilized outside sources of revenue to relieve some of the burden on taxpayers.

“For years, we have had to defend ourselves from unmitigated attacks by political activists who have been non-stop accusing us of ‘illegal kickbacks’ and profiteering on inmate phone calls,” Sheriff Hodgson said Tuesday. “Now, the Federal Court has unequivocally told us that our actions were proper.

“As usual, I will not hold my breath waiting for any apologies for all the hateful and defamatory comments made about the Sheriff’s Office or myself,” Sheriff Hodgson continued. “Rather, the BCSO will continue to provide top-notch care and custody to the inmates and the community it serves while insuring that every effort is made to minimize the burden on taxpayers.”




Governor Baker announces Massachusetts sales tax holiday from August 29-30

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the annual sales tax-free weekend will take place the weekend of August 29-30. This marks the second sales tax holiday held under the new law signed by Governor Baker in 2018 that made the weekend an annual occurrence.

“The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This pandemic has created enormous challenges for the Commonwealth’s small businesses, and the sales tax-free weekend is one way that we can encourage more economic activity to help Main Street businesses and local economies.”

“As the Commonwealth continues its phased reopening process, we recognize that many small businesses continue to face difficulties,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud that our Administration worked with the Legislature to enact legislation making the sales tax holiday permanent and look forward to this year’s tax free weekend and the economic activity that will come with it.”

“We are proud to continue supporting local businesses and consumers as we work with our colleagues in the Legislature to navigate the evolving COVID-19 environment while adhering to public health guidelines,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “The upcoming sales tax holiday will be an opportunity for people throughout Massachusetts to help support local companies and generate much needed economic activity.”

In 2018, Governor Baker signed legislation that makes the annual sales tax holiday permanent. The Department of Revenue today is designating August 29-30 as the sales tax holiday under M.G.L. Chapter 64H, Section 6A.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about this year’s annual sales tax holiday.




Columbia Gas Sentenced in Connection with September 2018 Gas Explosions in Merrimack Valley

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) was sentenced today in connection with the gas explosions on Sept. 13, 2018, in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover that killed one individual, injured 22, and damaged homes and businesses.

Bay State Gas Company, d/b/a Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, was ordered by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to pay a criminal fine of $53,030,116 which represents twice the amount of profits that CMA earned between 2015 and 2018 from a pipeline infrastructure program called the Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP). In addition to a fine, the Court also sentenced CMA to a three-year period of probation during which CMA’s operations will be subject to a monitor to ensure CMA’s compliance with federal and state safety regulations. The three year period of probation will continue until CMA is sold to a qualified buyer.

In February 2020, the company agreed to plead guilty to violating a minimum safety standard of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act relating to the failure to implement procedures to prevent the over-pressurization of its low-pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence during a pipe replacement project known as the South Union Project.

“We expect utility companies operating in our communities to do so safely and responsibly,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Instead Columbia Gas acted with reckless disregard for safety by cutting corners and relying on lax protocols. The result was catastrophic – stealing one life, harming dozens and impacting the home and livelihoods of hundreds more. Today’s sentence serves as little comfort to the victims, but is another step towards terminating Columbia Gas’s business in Massachusetts.”

“Today’s sentencing of Columbia Gas makes clear that those entrusted with the public’s safety have a solemn obligation to make it their highest priority,” said Douglas Shoemaker, Regional Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Pipelines are a critical part of our Nation’s infrastructure, and working with our Federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to protect the safety and integrity of our pipeline transportation system from violations of regulation and law.”

“With today’s sentence, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has finally been held criminally and financially responsible for their sheer greed and reckless disregard for public safety. That said, we realize that the excruciating pain, suffering, and heartbreaking loss of life the citizens of Merrimack Valley endured is beyond reparation,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “It is the FBI’s hope that the departure of Columbia Gas from Massachusetts will bring the residents of these cities and towns some much-needed peace of mind.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with CMA’s parent company, NiSource, Inc. based in Indiana. As part of the DPA, NiSource has agreed to undertake their best reasonable best efforts to sell CMA after which NiSource and CMA would stop all gas pipeline operations in Massachusetts. In exchange for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s agreement to defer prosecution of NiSource, NiSource has also agreed to forfeit any profit it may earn from the sale of CMA and implement each of the safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

During the afternoon of Sept. 13, 2018, the over-pressurization of a low pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence caused multiple fires and explosions in the communities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. As a result, one individual in Lawrence was killed and another severely disabled, 22 people were injured and approximately 131 residential homes and commercial buildings were damaged.

CMA recklessly disregarded a known safety risk related to regulator control lines – sections of pipe connected to regulator stations that helped monitor and control downstream gas pressure. By at least 2015, according to an internal company notice, CMA knew that the failure to properly account for control lines in construction projects could lead to a “catastrophic event,” including fires and explosions. Aging cast iron pipes were being replaced, but the failure to remove or relocate control line pipes that were later abandoned would automatically cause regulator stations to continually increase pressure to the point of dangerous over-pressurization.

The DPA with NiSource acknowledges the fact that NiSource has previously made substantial voluntary restitution payments to the victims of the September 2018 incident, and has agreed to seek to resolve all pending civil claims. Most of the $53 million fine will be directed to the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which is a major funding source for victim services throughout the United States.

For more information regarding the case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/united-states-v-bay-state-gas-company-dba-columbia-gas-massachusetts

U.S. Attorney Lelling, DOT-OIG SAC Shoemaker and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Critical assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Lawrence Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. and Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.




New Bedford reports no new coronavirus cases on Tuesday

For the first time since the pandemic reached New Bedford, health officials reported no new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The total COVID-19 count in New Bedford remains at 2,123. One new COVID-19 related death was reported on Tuesday bringing the death count to 105 in the city.

According to New Bedford health officials, Hispanics/Latinos are 20% of New Bedford’s population but account for 45.5% of the COVID-19 cases in the city. New Bedford’s white population was 67.2% of the city and accounted for 28.1% of the COVID-19 cases. Full details here.

Eight additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Fall River, according to the Mayor’s Office. This makes the total in Fall River stand at 1,566. Full details here.




Massachusetts Environmental Police welcome new officers to the force

The Massachusetts Environmental Police would like to welcome aboard our newest Environmental Police Officers!

Officers successfully completed a rigorous 6-month Police Academy which culminated last week. Today, Officers were sworn in by Colonel Shaun T. Santos and will now begin an extensive specialized training program to equip them for their roles as Environmental Police Officers.

Congratulations and best of luck!




OPINION: “I don’t wanna hear you complaining about New Bedford when this is how you treat our nice things. Y’all are trash!”

“First of all, it’s been fireworks every SINGLE day, every single night, allll night and I’m sick of it!

Waking up my grandmother, my parents, myself, got my dog going crazy!!!!! Second of all, y’all MFs destroy EVERYTHING. You people love to complain about how we don’t have anything nice in New Bedford, but look how you treat the nice things we do have.

Brand new park/basketball court and you guys are out here setting off fireworks for NO reason, starting fires, littering, bothering people, triggering people’s PTSD. For what?!

Middle of the day at that! I don’t wanna hear you guys complaining about how New Bedford ain’t sh*t and we got nothing nice over here. This is how you people treat our nice things. Y’all are really trash. Who raised you?”-Lindsey Ferreira.




Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey could be transferred to Mass Maritime Control

Sam Doran and Chris Van Buskirk
State House News Service

The House passed legislation Monday that would transfer control of the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and designate the ship as Massachusetts’ official state vessel.

Passed by the Senate last September, the bill would set up an advisory board to oversee the schooner, including designees from Mass. Maritime, the Office of Travel and Tourism, and the Executive Office of Education. The bill (S 2328) would allow Mass. Maritime to use the schooner for educational and training purposes and charge fees to passengers on excursions or tours. Ernestina-Morrissey’s home port would be New Bedford — for at least 90 days per year on a three-year rolling average, the legislation stipulates.

The ship was first launched in 1894 and was used for fishing expeditions before Arctic explorer Robert Bartlett purchased the vessel. Later on, the ship ferried passengers and cargo between the United States and Cape Verde before coming to Massachusetts in 1970 as a gift of the Cape Verdean people.




Massachusetts voting bills diverge on mailings, poll location change

Chris Van Buskirk
State House News Service

Two issues could become a focus of negotiations between six lawmakers tasked with finding a compromise on vote-by-mail legislation: application mailing methods and limitations on changing polling locations.

As a new House-Senate conference committee works out its meeting plans, advocates are pointing to the two variations between the House and Senate bills as essential components to a statewide voting-by-mail system.

The bills (H 4778/S 2764) largely do the same things: instruct Secretary of State William Galvin to mail every voter an application for the primaries on Sept. 1 and the general election on Nov. 3. Residents would have three voting options under either bill — showing up to the polls in-person, taking advantage of early voting periods, or voting-by-mail — which both officials and advocates alike say helps address public health concerns regarding physical distancing.

The House bill proposes sending registered voters two separate applications by mail, one on July 15 for the primaries, and another in October for the general election. The Senate bill sends out one mailing on July 15 that includes paperwork for both elections, and also calls for a general election application to be included in the October voter guide.

“We think both options could work and would provide opportunities for voters to participate,” Common Cause Massachusetts Executive Director Pam Wilmot said in an interview. “On the Senate side, I think it was an attempt to save some postage and kind of combining things and making it more efficient. And on the House side … the bill came out of committee with the two-in-one and then Ways and Means changed it to two separate.”

It is unclear how much the state would save by combining applications for the general and primary elections.

Senate Chair of Election Laws Barry Finegold said that House and Senate negotiators do not have a meeting planned yet but that he is “sure it’s going to be soon.” The meetings, typically open to the public for only a short period, are used to hash out differences between the two branches on a particular bill.

“Honestly, I think I think the important thing is the framework has stayed the same of what we’re doing,” he told the News Service Monday. “We’re mailing everyone an application, we’re giving people the chance to vote early, and we’re giving people the chance to vote on election day.”

Conference committee members are Sens. Finegold, Cynthia Creem, and Ryan Fattman, House Elections Chair John Lawn, Rep. Michael Moran, and Rep. Brad Hill.

Lawn (D-Watertown) could not bet reached for comment on Tuesday.

Alex Psilakis, MassVOTE policy and communications manager, said he is focusing on language in the two bills that authorize select boards, town councils, or city councils to alter a polling location prior to the primaries or general elections.

The House bill says local officials must evaluate and report on whether a change in location would have a disparate impact on access based on race, national origin, disability, income, or age, no later than three days prior to the decision. Officials have until 15 days prior to the primary or general election to do so under the House bill.

The Senate codified the language by only allowing such a move to occur if officials made a substantial effort to recruit poll workers and if doing so would not have a “disparate adverse impact on access to the polls on the basis of race, national origin, disability, income, or age.” The Senate gives towns and cities until 20 days prior to either election to do so.

“We don’t want to see polling places close in parts of Boston and the state, you know, that are already struggling to deal with COVID-19 and face an even greater challenge in actually voting,” Psilakis said. “We really want folks to believe that the in-person voting process will be safe, and we believe this element of Senate legislation helps achieve that.”

Both the House and Senate bills also direct the secretary of state to create an online portal system where voters can request an early or absentee ballot. Senate language dictates that the system must be operational on Oct. 1 in time for the November general election and, if possible, for the September primary.

“The online portal requirement is very critical to all of this working because it will reduce the workload for clerks as well as making it more convenient for voters,” Wilmot said. “And the Senate language is a little stronger on that.”

The House passed the bill 155-1 in early June with the Senate unanimously approving its version on June 16 after dispensing with 41 amendments.

“I’m really hoping and I do believe that they’ll sign something before the Fourth of July,” Psilakis said. “I think that’s kind of their own deadline because they’ve got other things they have to worry about now too.”




New Bedford parks remind residents of designated grilling areas and social distancing

The New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches reminds residents that certain areas at city parks are marked as designated grilling areas, and that grilling is not allowed in other sections of the parks.

Social distancing is encouraged as New Bedford continues to combat the coronavirus. Special event permit applications are required for grilling in parks under 5 acres, and for events of more than 25 people. This summer, permitted events in parks have been cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus.

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches thanks residents for their responsibility when grilling. Grilling is not allowed on beaches, nature trails, or athletic fields – only in the designated areas within the city’s parks.

Residents using grills in the parks are asked to be attentive and use caution with nearby children in the park, and be courteous to other parks users.

Only those 18 years or older may grill in the parks. There are no open, ground or campfires allowed and fires must be at least three feet off the ground. Grills are not allowed on picnic tables or benches, and no flammable materials may be disposed of in trash barrels, including empty fuel containers. All trash must be removed from the site before leaving. Charcoal should be deposited in the hot coal bin.

For a list of designated grilling areas in parks, please visit www.nbprb.com.