MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting · 7:01 p.m.
December 12, 2024
60 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your New Bedford ballot: 15 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Shane A. Burgo
During the meeting:
- Baptiste arrived late ()
- Gomes arrived late ()
Every vote, in order
Communication, Councillor Burgo, to the Members of the City Council, informing that he is unable to attend the City Council meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #2076).”
Hearing, Verizon New England, Inc., for location of underground Conduit line in Acushnet Avenue, this work is necessary to bring service to a pedestrian bridge shelter/building in connection with the New Bedford Commuter Rail project. Public Hearing continued to Thursday, September 12, 2024, at…
Hearing Held and Closed
From the minutes
“Hearing Held and Closed. (Matter #1316).”
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1316).”
An Order, Public Hearing continued to Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm, in City Council Chambers – August 13, 2024. Public Hearing continued to Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 pm, in City Council Chambers – September 12, 2024. Public Hearing continued to Thursday, October 10, 2024, at…
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1317).”
Hearing, Verizon New England, Inc., & Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one mid-span Pole, in Belleville Avenue, between Kenyon Street and Washburn Street, this work is necessary to fulfill a request by Eversource Energy to support the installation of a primary riser.…
Hearing Held and Closed
From the minutes
“Hearing Held and Closed. (Matter #1419).”
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1419).”
An Order, Public Hearing continued to Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm, in City Council Chambers – August 13, 2024. Public Hearing continued to Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 pm, in City Council Chambers – September 12, 2024. Public Hearing continued to Thursday, October 10, 2024, at…
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1420).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting two Requests for Proposals (Drafts), for the disposition and development of the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #2077).”
Request for Proposals, (Draft), for the disposition and development of the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #2078).”
Request for Proposals, (Draft), for the disposition and development of the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #2079).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, requesting that 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, be transferred to the ownership of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority in order to position it for housing development.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #2080).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Edward C. Anthes-washburn, New Bedford, MA to the Airport Commission; this term will expire in December 2027.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – FAILED
Yes: Baptiste, Giesta, LopesNo: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – FAILED – Yeas 3, Nays 7. (Councillors Baptiste, Giesta and Lopes IN FAVOR.) (Matter #2081).”
Rule 38 Waived and Reappointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived and Reappointment Confirmed – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #2081).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Ramon Silva, New Bedford, MA to the Airport Commission; this term will expire in December 2025.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – FAILED
Yes: Baptiste, Giesta, LopesNo: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – FAILED – Yeas 3, Nays 7. (Councillors Baptiste, Giesta and Lopes IN FAVOR.) (Matter #2082).”
Rule 38 Waived and Reappointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived and Reappointment Confirmed – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #2082).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, submitting the Reappointment of Shawn Oliver, New Bedford, MA, as a Constable.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #2083).”
An Application,
Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, PereiraAbsent: Burgo, Oliver
From the minutes
“Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Councillor Oliver not present for vote.) (Matter #2084).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 an Order Appropriating and Authorizing A Borrowing of $500,000.00 for Improvements to the North Trail at Buttonwood Park Project Which Borrowing Shall Be Reimbursed Upon Receipt of $500,000.00 from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1820).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order, to Authorize the Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Feasability Study for Building A New Elementary School to Replace the Charles S. Ashley and the Jireh Swift Elementary Schools. Be It Ordered by the City Council that One Million…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1823).”
An Act, Councillors Abreu, Giesta, Choquette, Burgo, Pereira, Oliver, Gomes and Council President Carney, submitting a Home Rule Petition, authorizing the City of New Bedford to provide certain retirement benefits to Lavar Gilbert, a Police Detective of the City of New Bedford, MA.
Adopted and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Adopted and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #2085).”
Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the City Council discharge the Committee on Appointments & Briefings and consider the following matter: Communication, Mayor Mitchell, submitting the Reappointment of Jonathan Melo, New Bedford, MA as a Constable.
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #2086).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, submitting the Reappointment of Jonathan Melo, New Bedford, MA as a Constable.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #2010).”
An Application,
Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Burgo
From the minutes
“Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #2011).”
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Colantonio, Inc., that the following street(s) be Closed: a portion of Spring Street, from Purchase Street to the entrance of the DeMello Building parking lot, from Friday, February 28, 2025 at 5:01 P.m. to Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5:00…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Colantonio, Inc., that the following sidewalk(s) be Obstructed: a portion of Purchase Street (starting at the Zeiterion property) and onto Spring Street (to the entrance of the DeMello Building parking lot), from Tuesday, April 01, 2025…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with local musician and cultural educator Ms. Candida Rose to discuss her proposal for expanding the Cape Verdean Recognition Month of July in the areas of culture, education, art, and music, as well…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #2089).”
Written Motion, Councillor President Carney, requesting, that the Treasurer’s Office provide a report identifying all tax exempt properties, including churches, listing their value, property status as active or vacant, and number of years vacant if applicable.
Referred to the Committee on the P.I.L.O.T. Program
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on the P.I.L.O.T. Program. (Matter #2090).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council Dennis W. Farias, submitting a copy of a letter from Mayor Mitchell regarding the appointments of Assistant Harbormasters, Sgt. Paul Fonseca and Officer Robert Nunes, effective December 31, 2024, with a term to expire December 31, 2027.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #2091).”
Citations, Councillor Gomes, honoring, Marques Houtman, Isaiah Houtman, Marci Pina-christian, Roy Victor III, Steve Burgo, Victor Fonseca, Carl Cruz, Diane M. Gomes, Kevin Gomes, Richelle Gomes, Britney Ganeto, A.j. Tavares, Amilton Tavares, Jarrod Ramos, Gail Fortes, Pastor Curtis Dias, Kathy…
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #2092).”
Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, on behalf of D.f. Pray, General Contractors, that the following street(s) be Closed: Barker’s Lane, from Acushnet Avenue to North Second Street, from December 01, 2024 to February 28, 2025, for the purpose of utility work, construction and…
Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified. (Matter #2093).”
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Colantonio, Inc., that the following street(s) be Closed: a portion of Spring Street, from Purchase Street to the entrance of the DeMello Building parking lot, from Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 5:01 P.m., to Friday, February 28, 2025 at…
Permission Granted
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to the City Council, notifying that the Office of the City Clerk has received Meeting Minutes from the Board of Assessors for a meeting held on November 15, 2024; the Cemetery Board for a meeting held on September 04, 2024; the Health Board for a…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #2095).”
Application, Collins Crane & Rigging Service, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1213 Purchase Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 02, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2096).”
Application, Colantonio, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Portion of Purchase Street (starting at Zeiterion property and onto Spring Street – entrance of DeMello Bldg. Parking), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 06, 2024, subject to ratification by the…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2097).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Map 91 – Lot 167 (f.k.a. 91 – 93 Adams Street), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 22, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2098).”
Application, Fairhaven Excavating Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 107 Welby Road, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 22, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2099).”
Application, Farland Corp., Inc. for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Intersection of rivet Street and Hyacinth Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 25, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2100).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 435 John Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 25, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2101).”
Application, Dupre Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 214 Rivet Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 26, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2102).”
Application, Wc Smith & Son, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1168 Acushnet Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 27, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2103).”
Applications, Able Asphalt, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 02, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 950 South Rodney French Boulevard (#2104) 984 Sharon Street & Norfolk Street (#2105)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, New England Boring Contractors, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 229 Coffin Avenue, Sunbeam building to sidewalk, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 04, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2106).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 954 Thorndike Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 06, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2107).”
Application, Frank Corp. Environmental Services, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 449 North Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 09, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2108).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., to Disturb the Surface, of Map 91 – Lot 167 (f.k.a. 91 – 93 Adams Street), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 22, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2109).”
Application, Fairhaven Excavating, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 107 Welby Road, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 22, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2110).”
Application, Farland Corp., Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of Intersection of Rivet Street and Hyacinth Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 25, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2111).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 435 John Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 25, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2112).”
Application, Dupre, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 214 Rivet Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 26, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2113).”
Application, Wc Smith & Son, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 1168 Acushnet Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 27, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2114).”
Applications, Able Asphalt, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 02, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 950 South Rodney French Boulevard (#2115) 984 Sharon Street & Norfolk Street (#2116)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, New England Boring Contractors, to Disturb the Surface, of 229 Coffin Avenue, Sunbeam building sidewalk, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 04, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2117).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating, to Disturb the Surface, of 954 Thorndike Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 06, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2118).”
Application, Frank Corp. Environmental Services, to Disturb the Surface, of 449 North Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 09, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2119).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 26, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 218 Cornell Street (#2120) Brock Avenue, from Hudson Street to Bream Street (including intersections) (#2121)…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of 64 Bay Street, corner property with Ward Street (working sidewalk to house on Ward Street side), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 02, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2123).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 04, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 442 County Street (#2124) 165 Hemlock Street (#2125) 272 Nash Road (#2126) 234 Pine Grove Street (#2127) 269 Query…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 09, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 22 Warren Street, Rodney French Boulevard – Brock Avenue (#2129) 25 Warren Street, Rodney French Boulevard – Brock…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Harvey Waste & Recycling, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on November 26, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 599 King Street (#2145) 45 Tanglewood Drive (#2146) 39 Turner Street (#2147)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Mac Disposal, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 834 Brock Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 03, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #2148).”
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →