Spillane on the New Bedford City Council's Planned Gatherings

New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane stopped by our Townsquare Sunday studio this week to talk about one of his favorite subjects: the New Bedford City Council.

Spillane was recently out of the area and on vacation, but still caught wind of a "gathering" of five city councilors at the Cafe Mimo restaurant in the North End.

Spillane's concern is that the council is "on the edge" of violating the state's Open Meeting Law.

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In New Bedford, six members are needed to forum a quorum – that is, the number of members needed to conduct valid city business. If there's a quorum present, they must give the public an opportunity to listen in.

Spillane suggested that's tough to do in a busy restaurant.

While there was no violation that we know of at Cafe Mimo, Spillane believes the council is still skirting the law.

"It seems to me these monthly gatherings gives the council the opportunity to violate the law," he said. "If you're going to do these every month, sooner or later, by accident or otherwise, they're going to drift into city business. I don't think it's a good idea."

Jack has also been busy with New Bedford Light's "Chat" segments. He most recently interviewed Shawn Oliver and Carmen Amaral, the two candidates facing off in the Feb. 28 final election for the Ward 3 council seat.

Spillane also talked about his recent chat with UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller about the chancellor's plans to grow enrollment on the North Dartmouth campus.

The complete interview with New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on WBSM. The program is also heard at 6 a.m. on Fun 107.

The program highlights individuals and organizations striving to make Greater New Bedford a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.