MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Meeting night
July 23, 2018
2 meetings this evening, 24 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
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Start my ballot →6:30 p.m. · Committee on City Property
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Committee on City Property: committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Naomi R. A. Carney, Debora Coelho, Hugh Dunn, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima, Joseph P. Lopes, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad, Dana L. Rebeiro
Absent: None
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Communication, City Solicitor to Members of the City Council, submitting a draft Purchase and Sales Agreement between the City of New Bedford and Peacefully at Home Wellness and Healthcare, Inc., for the purchase of land for the South End Public Safety Center…
To recommend that the City Council Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the property at 860 Brock Avenue more specifically described in paragraph #2 of the agreement and authorize the Administration and City Solicitor to take all necessary action to execute all terms of the agreement and additionally authorize the City Solicitor to adjust any dates contained therein deeme
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, Rebeiro
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the property at 860 Brock Avenue more specifically described in paragraph #2 of the agreement and authorize the Administration and City Solicitor to take all necessary action to execute all terms of the agreement and additionally authorize the City Solicitor to adjust any dates contained therein deemed necessary by mutual agreement of the parties; and further that the Purchase and Sale Agreement with any and all exhibits be forwarded to the City Council. This motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 11, Nays 0..” (Motion: Lopes, second: Lima)
7:03 p.m. · Committee on Finance
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Committee on Finance: committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Naomi R. A. Carney, Hugh Dunn, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Scott J. Lima, Joseph P. Lopes, William “Brad” Markey, Linda M. Morad, Dana L. Rebeiro
Absent: Debora Coelho
23 recorded votes, 9 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Councillor Morad made a motion to take item number two (2) out of order and it was seconded by Councillor Carney. Item number two (2) was before them. Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order, that in accordance with Massachusetts…
To recommend to the City Council Adoption of the Order, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E½ the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management known as the Quest Center Revolving, whose revenues collected and amount limited to be spent estimated at $57,359.00, is hereby authorized for Fiscal Year 2019.
The minutes record 8–1 but do not say how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council ADOPTION of the ORDER, that in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E½ the revolving fund under the control of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management known as the QUEST CENTER REVOLVING, whose revenues collected and amount limited to be spent estimated at $57,359.00, is hereby authorized for FISCAL YEAR 2019. This motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 8, Nays 1, Councillor Morad opposed and Councillor Abreu not present for the vote..” (Motion: Morad, second: Giesta)
Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Communication, Community Preservation Committee to City Council, submitting for consideration the Community Preservation Act FY18 Project Funding Recommendations (Copy all Councillors 05/21/2018.) (Ref’d 5/24/18) was received and placed on file by Councillor…
To reduce the amount from $370,000 to $202,500 with $14,000 for soft cost; $167,500 for acquisition and $21,000 for construction.
Yes: Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Morad, RebeiroNo: Abreu, Carney, MarkeyAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To reduce the amount from $370,000 to $202,500 with $14,000 for soft cost; $167,500 for acquisition and $21,000 for construction. This motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 7, Nays 3, with Councillors Abreu, Carney and Markey opposed..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
To approve the amendment from $370,000 to $202,500. This Amendment passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Carney and Markey Opposed). Item 2 - Schooner Ernestina – Morrissey Rehabilitation - $100,000
Yes: Abreu, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Morad, RebeiroNo: Carney, MarkeyAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve the amendment from $370,000 to $202,500. This Amendment passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Carney and Markey OPPOSED). Item 2 - Schooner Ernestina – Morrissey Rehabilitation - $100,000.” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
To adopt the $100,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 3 – Veterans Transition Housing Expansion - $200,000 Councillor Morad asked why the figure was reduced from $220,000 to $200,000 and she was told that not all of the original submissions were structure related or historical related. Jessica Bailey explained that the original submission was $300,000 but they took
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $100,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 3 – Veterans Transition Housing Expansion - $200,000 Councillor Morad asked why the figure was reduced from $220,000 to $200,000 and she was told that not all of the original submissions were structure related or historical related. Jessica Bailey explained that the original submission was $300,000 but they took out items that were not directly historical to come up with the $200,000..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
To approve the $200,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 4 - Seamen’s Bethel Continued Restoration - $176,396 Councillor Morad asked why he figure was reduced from $200,000 and cut to $176,396 and she was told the figure allowed was for critical needs only.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To approve the $200,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 4 - Seamen’s Bethel Continued Restoration - $176,396 Councillor Morad asked why he figure was reduced from $200,000 and cut to $176,396 and she was told the figure allowed was for critical needs only..” (Motion: Abreu, second: Carney)
To adopt the $176,396, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 5 – First Baptist Community Theatre - $275,500
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Dunn and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $176,396, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 5 – First Baptist Community Theatre - $275,500.” (Motion: Dunn, second: Carney)
To adopt the $275,500, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 6 – Sgt. William H. Carney House Restoration -$53,800
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $275,500, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 6 – Sgt. William H. Carney House Restoration -$53,800.” (Motion: Morad, second: Abreu)
To adopt the $53,800, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 7 – Rotch Jones Duff House Restoration - $75,000
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lima and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $53,800, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 7 – Rotch Jones Duff House Restoration - $75,000.” (Motion: Lima, second: Abreu)
To adopt the $75,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 8 – 3005 – 307 Pleasant Street Foreclosure Restoration - $105,000 Councillor Morad asked if Whale owns the home and she was told no, not yet, that the home was in receivership and that Whale was in the process of acquiring the home and should own it in September. Anne Louro explained that Whale will pay nothing f
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Morad, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $75,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 8 – 3005 – 307 Pleasant Street Foreclosure Restoration - $105,000 Councillor Morad asked if WHALE owns the home and she was told no, not yet, that the home was in receivership and that WHALE was in the process of acquiring the home and should own it in September. Anne Louro explained that WHALE will pay nothing for the home, but that the funds allowed will allow for the acquisition costs. This home will become a part of the city’s first time homeowners program..” (Motion: Carney, second: Morad)
To adopt the $105,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad Opposed). Item 9 – Strand Theatre Restoration as Cape Verdean Cultural Center - $50,000 Councillor Carney asked why only $50,000 was allowed when they were asking for $320,000 and she was told that figure submitted was for the front façade.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, RebeiroNo: MoradAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $105,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad OPPOSED). Item 9 – Strand Theatre Restoration as Cape Verdean Cultural Center - $50,000 Councillor Carney asked why only $50,000 was allowed when they were asking for $320,000 and she was told that figure submitted was for the front façade..” (Motion: Morad, second: Lima)
To adopt the $50,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad Opposed). Item 10 – Zeiterion Theatre Marquee Project $50,000
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, RebeiroNo: MoradAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $50,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad OPPOSED). Item 10 – Zeiterion Theatre Marquee Project $50,000.” (Motion: Gomes, second: Lima)
To adopt the $50,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 11 – James Arnold Mansion Restoration - $48,000 Councillor Carney if this was the Wamsutta Club and she was told that the Wamsutta Club sold the home to the James Arnold Mansion Corporation in September of 2016.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $50,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 11 – James Arnold Mansion Restoration - $48,000 Councillor Carney if this was the Wamsutta Club and she was told that the Wamsutta Club sold the home to the James Arnold Mansion Corporation in September of 2016..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
To adopt the $48,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 6, Nays 4. (Councillors Carney, Giesta, Morad and Rebeiro Opposed). Item 12 – Hazelwood Park Rehabilitation - $374,400
Yes: Abreu, Dunn, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Carney, Giesta, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lima and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $48,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 6, Nays 4. (Councillors Carney, Giesta, Morad and Rebeiro OPPOSED). Item 12 – Hazelwood Park Rehabilitation - $374,400.” (Motion: Lima, second: Abreu)
To adopt the $374,400, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 13 – Abolition Row Park - $125,000 Councillor Morad asked who would main the Park if approved, she was told the City of New Bedford, Parks and Recreation.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $374,400, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 13 – Abolition Row Park - $125,000 Councillor Morad asked who would main the Park if approved, she was told the City of New Bedford, Parks and Recreation..” (Motion: Morad, second: Carney)
To adopt the $125,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Giesta and Morad Opposed). Item 14 – Buttonwood Diamond 1 Field Lighting - $244,000 The Committee was told that this project would also involve in-kind services through DPI.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, RebeiroNo: Giesta, MoradAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $125,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 8, Nays 2. (Councillors Giesta and Morad OPPOSED). Item 14 – Buttonwood Diamond 1 Field Lighting - $244,000 The Committee was told that this project would also involve in-kind services through DPI..” (Motion: Carney, second: Gomes)
To adopt the $244,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Giesta Opposed). Item 15 – Dias Field Rehabilitation - $205,000 Councillor Carney expressed her concern about funding this project when only two of the three fields in question were being utilized due to a lack of players.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroNo: GiestaAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Rebeiro, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $244,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Giesta OPPOSED). Item 15 – Dias Field Rehabilitation - $205,000 Councillor Carney expressed her concern about funding this project when only two of the three fields in question were being utilized due to a lack of players..” (Motion: Carney, second: Rebeiro)
To adopt the $205,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 7, Nays 3. (Councillors Carney, Morad and Rebeiro Opposed). Item 16 – Brooklawn Basketball Court Upgrades - $121,127
Yes: Abreu, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, MarkeyNo: Carney, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Dunn, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $205,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 7, Nays 3. (Councillors Carney, Morad and Rebeiro OPPOSED). Item 16 – Brooklawn Basketball Court Upgrades - $121,127.” (Motion: Gomes, second: Dunn)
To adopt the $121,127, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 17 – Buttonwood Brook Trail & Bridges Project - $26,000
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $121,127, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0. Item 17 – Buttonwood Brook Trail & Bridges Project - $26,000.” (Motion: Giesta, second: Abreu)
To adopt the $26,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To adopt the $26,000, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0..” (Motion: Carney, second: Lima)
To amend the final figure from $2,599,223 to $2,431,723, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To amend the final figure from $2,599,223 to $2,431,723, this motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0..” (Motion: Gomes, second: Lima)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Amended Total Expenditure of $2,431,723.00 in CPA funds for seventeen (17) projects for the Community Preservation Act FY18 Project Funding.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad, RebeiroAbsent: Coelho
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Rebeiro, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the AMENDED Total Expenditure of $2,431,723.00 in CPA funds for seventeen (17) projects for the Community Preservation Act FY18 Project Funding. This motion passed on a Roll Call Vote of Yeas 10, Nays 0..” (Motion: Gomes, second: Rebeiro)
Notice, City Clerk of reference of a Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the rental contract currently being negotiated with representatives of the Fort Taber Military Museum Association be presented to the Committee on Finance for review prior to being executed by the…
To recommend to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the rental contract currently being negotiated with representatives of the Fort Taber Military Museum Association be presented to the Committee on Finance for review prior to being executed by the Administration; and further, that the Executive Board of the Fort Taber Military Mus
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Rebeiro and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the rental contract currently being negotiated with representatives of the Fort Taber Military Museum Association be presented to the Committee on Finance for review prior to being executed by the Administration; and further, that the Executive Board of the Fort Taber Military Museum Association, along with their legal representative be invited to the Committee on Finance to discuss the terms of the contact and the financial effect said contract will have on the future operation of the Military Museum..” (Motion: Rebeiro, second: Lima)
To recommend to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting that the City erect seasonal park and beach signage that list the rules of the beaches and parks.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Rebeiro and seconded by Councillor Lima, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council to take “No Further Action” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting that the City erect seasonal park and beach signage that list the rules of the beaches and parks..” (Motion: Rebeiro, second: Lima)
From the official minutes kept by the New Bedford City Clerk (agendas and minutes). The minutes are text documents; we read every action, check every roll-call count against the councilors named, and quote the exact wording. Most items pass by voice vote, and the minutes record only the result for those; how each councilor voted is shown only for roll calls. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councilor photos: cropped from the City of New Bedford's official 2026 City Council photo (newbedford-ma.gov). The 2024–2025 group photo, and the photos of Maria E. Giesta and Linda M. Morad cropped from it: City of New Bedford, provided by the City Clerk.
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