New Bedford council unanimously appoints Thomas Carrero as district fire chief; refers Zeiterion finances to finance committee

The New Bedford City Council on Tuesday unanimously appointed Thomas Carrero as district fire chief and moved to refer a request for a report on the Zeiterion Theatre's financial and operating expenses to the council's Committee on Finance.

Council President Shane Burgo called the special meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. and the clerk read two communications: one calling the special meeting for the purpose of the appointment of Thomas Carrero as district fire chief and a separate written motion requesting a financial report on the Zeiterion Theatre. A motion to waive council rules 38 and 40 and to grant the appointment was made by Councilor Ryan Perera and seconded by Councilor Brian Gomes. The roll call vote passed 8–0.

After the vote, Thomas Carrero was sworn in and recited the oath of office required by the U.S. Constitution, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the charter and ordinances of the City of New Bedford. Carrero addressed the council at the podium, saying, "I'd just like to take a moment to say thank you to the council and appreciate all the hard work that was done to put this together for this evening. And I look forward to my continued service for the City of New Bedford, its residents, and working out there, our new, chief and deputy chief. Thank you." The council did not state a start date or salary in the meeting record.

Separately, a written motion from Councilors Ryan Perera, Naomi Carney and Council President Burgo requested that representatives of the Zeiterion Theatre appear before the Committee on Finance to report on the theatre's financial and operating expenses. That motion was referred to the Committee on Finance after a second by Councilor Carney; no financial figures or dates for the requested report were provided during the meeting.

Other routine business included the clerk reading three letters from councilors who said they would be absent; Councilor Ian Abreu moved to receive and place those communications on file and Councilor Sean Oliver seconded. The council adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Thomas Carrero as district fire chief: Motion to waive rules 38 and 40 and grant the appointment. Mover: Councilor Ryan Perera. Second: Councilor Brian Gomes. Roll call vote: 8 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved (Carrero sworn in). No salary, start date or contract terms were specified on the record.

- Referral of Zeiterion Theatre finances: Motion by Councilors Ryan Perera, Naomi Carney and Council President Shane Burgo to have Zeiterion representatives report to the Committee on Finance. Second: Councilor Naomi Carney. Outcome: referred to Committee on Finance. No timeline or specific financial amounts were stated.