MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
October 28, 2024
2 meetings this evening, 16 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your New Bedford ballot: 15 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →6:01 p.m. · Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications: committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Carney arrived late (6:02)
- Gomes arrived late (6:02)
11 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at Ashley Park (400 Rivet Street or Swift Street) in honor of Rodolfo & Maria Amelia Almeida. (Referred – August…
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at Ashley Park (400 Rivet Street or Swift Street) in honor of Rodolfo & Maria Amelia Almeida.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at Ashley Park (400 Rivet Street or Swift Street) in honor of RODOLFO & MARIA AMELIA ALMEIDA. (Matter #1363).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Lopes)
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Fort Taber, near the military museum, or Buttonwood Park (not in the Buttonwood Park Zoo), in memory of Nancy and Edwin…
To receive and place on file the Communication submitted by the applicants.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the Communication submitted by the applicants. (Matter #1447).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Abreu)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Fort Taber, near the military museum, or Buttonwood Park (not in the Buttonwood Park Zoo), in memory of Nancy and Edwin Mello.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Fort Taber, near the military museum, or Buttonwood Park (not in the Buttonwood Park Zoo), in memory of NANCY and EDWIN MELLO. (Matter #1447).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Lopes)
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of Nyell Richard Nascimento, “Naz”. (Referred – September 12, 2024.) (Matter Id #1448)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of Nyell Richard Nascimento, “Naz”.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of NYELL RICHARD NASCIMENTO, “NAZ”. (Matter #1448).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Gomes)
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at any City beach, biking and/or walking path, in memory of Fatima Moniz Castelo. (Referred – September 12, 2024.)…
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at any City beach, biking and/or walking path, in memory of Fatima Moniz Castelo.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque to be located at any City beach, biking and/or walking path, in memory of FATIMA MONIZ CASTELO. (Matter #1449).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Gomes)
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Hazelwood Park the northeast green at Hazelwood Park (west facing bench), in memory of Donald Poitras. (Referred –…
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Hazelwood Park the northeast green at Hazelwood Park (west facing bench), in memory of Donald Poitras.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Hazelwood Park the northeast green at Hazelwood Park (west facing bench), in memory of DONALD POITRAS. (Matter #1450).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Lopes)
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of Hadley Ann Peternel, to be located on Brownell Street, in front of the Zoo. (Referred – October 10, 2024.)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of Hadley Ann Peternel, to be located on Brownell Street, in front of the Zoo.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench and Plaque, in memory of HADLEY ANN PETERNEL, to be located on Brownell Street, in front of the Zoo..” (Motion: Abreu, second: Lopes)
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications discuss making New Bedford a Purple Heart City with signage that would recognize the City residents who have received the Purple Heart, and further that the signage would be located at the borders…
To remove from the table.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To remove from the table. (Matter #0114).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Gomes)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications discuss making New Bedford a Purple Heart City with signage that would recognize the City residents who have received the Purple Heart, and further that the signage would be located at the borders of the City and including any highw
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications discuss making New Bedford a Purple Heart City with signage that would recognize the City residents who have received the Purple Heart, and further that the signage would be located at the borders of the City and including any highway entrances. (Matter #0114).” (Motion: Gomes, second: Abreu)
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, Council President Carney, Councillors Giesta, Lopes, Pereira, Oliver and Burgo, requesting, that the City take immediate action with ARPA money to revitalize the Mother Teresa Park, located at North and Chestnut Streets, this park was dedicated to Mother Teresa and…
To table the matter at this time.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To table the matter at this time. (Matter #1158).” (Motion: Gomes, second: Carney)
Related Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications and the Administration plan a dedication ceremony for the newly named Tavares Brother’s Way. (Referred – January 11, 2024.) (Matter Id #0008)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Related Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications and the Administration plan a dedication ceremony for the newly named Tavares Brother’s Way.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the RELATED MOTION, Councillor Baptiste, requesting that the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications and the Administration plan a dedication ceremony for the newly named TAVARES BROTHER’S WAY. (Matter #0008).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Abreu)
7:06 p.m. · Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs (2024)
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Special Committee on Affordable Housing and Homeless Affairs (2024): committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Derek Baptiste
5 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
The following items were taken up together, without objection: Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs meet to discuss the present housing shortage and cost in the City; and further, that the Administration explain how it’s dealing…
To receive and place on file and remove from the table.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file and remove from the table. (Matter #1361).” (Motion: Oliver, second: Lopes)
To receive and place on file the Tac Report. Referencing Councillor Morad’s Related Motion, Councillor Burgo shared that he met with Carl Alves from Housing Alternative and the Mitchell Administration to discuss the homelessness issue and how to address the concerns.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the TAC Report. Referencing Councillor Morad’s Related Motion, Councillor Burgo shared that he met with Carl Alves from Housing Alternative and the Mitchell Administration to discuss the homelessness issue and how to address the concerns. (Matter #1361).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Abreu)
To table the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs meet to discuss the present housing shortage and cost in the City; and further, that the Administration explain how it’s dealing with this present housing crisis in New Bedford.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To table the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs meet to discuss the present housing shortage and cost in the City; and further, that the Administration explain how it’s dealing with this present housing crisis in New Bedford. (Matter #1361).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Abreu)
To table the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City devise a plan to address the homeless issue in New Bedford, and further; that the City call a summit to include the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, the State Health Department, our State Legislative representation along with every drug and health agency that is available with local offices and officials to
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To table the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City devise a plan to address the homeless issue in New Bedford, and further; that the City call a summit to include the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, the State Health Department, our State Legislative representation along with every drug and health agency that is available with local offices and officials to assist with a plan of action to address the issue that is becoming a crisis in the City of New Bedford. Referencing the Related Motion, Councillor Morad asked if Councillor Burgo had been allowed to have a meeting with the Administration and what the outcome was of that meeting. (Matter #1361).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Abreu)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Related Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting that the Chair of the Special Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs establish a meeting with the Mitchell Administration, representative(s) of the Housing Alternatives Committee, the Heart task force, the Director of Housing and Community Development, and the Chief of Police
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the RELATED MOTION, Councillor Morad, requesting that the Chair of the Special Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs establish a meeting with the Mitchell Administration, representative(s) of the Housing Alternatives Committee, the HEART task force, the Director of Housing and Community Development, and the Chief of Police for a discussion regarding the increasing homeless population in the City and the establishment of a plan to address this concern with programs and increased shelter capacity; and further, that an update regarding this meeting be provided back to the Special Committee on Affordable Housing & Homeless Affairs within the next 45 days. (Matter #1361).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
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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