Council refers $100,000 request to mayor so Board of Health can hire outside counsel in South Coast Renewables matter

The New Bedford City Council on Sept. 25 unanimously moved to ask Mayor Mitchell to submit a $100,000 appropriation to the council so the Board of Health can hire independent outside legal counsel if South Coast Renewables appeals the board’s decision on 100 Duchenne Boulevard.

“Tonight I rise asking for the unanimous support of my colleagues in this request for $100,000 from the mayor to be given to the city board of health, for the express purpose of hiring independent outside legal counsel in the event that South Coast Renewables appeals the board of health decision,” said the motion's sponsor during debate. Sponsors argued the city solicitor’s prior role in drafting the host community agreement creates an appearance of a conflict of interest and that outside counsel would avoid procedural problems. Councilor Linda Morad said she did not necessarily find the solicitor’s office understaffed but agreed that outside counsel is appropriate given the perceived conflict; she also announced plans to request an accounting of prior appropriations related to the project, saying the council previously authorized $250,000 and possibly another $75,000 for related matters. The council requested a roll call and the referral to the Mitchell administration passed 11–0.