MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting · 7:01 p.m.
January 9, 2025
62 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, 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: None
During the meeting:
- Baptiste arrived late ()
Every vote, in order
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 19, Section 19-7 (c) Personnel, by inserting the title “Supervisor of Local Building Inspectors” at a pay grade of M-6.
Passed to be Ordained
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, PereiraNo: MoradAbsent: Baptiste
From the minutes
“Passed to be Ordained - Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Morad OPPOSED; Councillor Baptiste not present for vote.) (Matter #1426).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Rosemary M. Saber, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Helen Rogers, who has resigned; this term will expire April 2026.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0006).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Rosemary M. Saber, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Helen Rogers, who has resigned; this term will expire April 2026.
Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #2007).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Glen G. Chandler, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Elsie R. Fraga, who has resigned; this term will expire April 2026. Recommendation Followed.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0007).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Glen G. Chandler, New Bedford, MA to the Library Board of Trustees, replacing Elsie R. Fraga, who has resigned; this term will expire April 2026.
Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #2008).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Application for the Appointment of Gregory Michael Saucier, New Bedford, MA as a Constable.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0008).”
An Application,
Appointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed. (Matter #2013).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Ana L. Valentin Burgos, 627 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Gerana’s Transportation, INC., 211 Weld Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0009).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Ana L. Valentin Burgos, 627 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Gerana’s Transportation, INC., 211 Weld Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to Expire June…
Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“Livery License Granted. (Matter #1446).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Sgt. William Carney Memorial Academy located…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0010).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1825).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Elwyn G. Campbell Elementary School located…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0011).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1827).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School located at…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0012).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1829).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Carlos Pacheco Elementary School located at…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0013).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1831).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Ellen R. Hathaway located at 256 Court…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0014).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1833).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Hayden-McFadden Elementary School located at…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0015).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1835).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Casimir Pulaski Elementary School located at…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0016).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1837).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, appropriating $150,000.00 for the purpose of paying the costs associated with a schematic design and feasibility study for the proposed roof replacement project at Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School located at…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0017).”
Loan Order,
Passed to a Second Reading
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1839).”
Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the City of New Bedford Traffic Commission replace the faded out “No Parking This Side of Street” signs on Lake Street.
Referred to the Traffic Commission
From the minutes
“Referred to the Traffic Commission. (Matter #0018).”
Written Motion, Councillors Lopes and Morad, requesting, on behalf of Joseph O'Neil, owner of Medicare Help 65, located at 375 Rockdale Avenue, that the Traffic Commission consider the installation of a Handicapped Parking spot in front of said business. (Letter from property owner giving…
Referred to the Traffic Commission
From the minutes
“Referred to the Traffic Commission. (Matter #0019).”
Written Motion, Councillors Choquette, Oliver and Abreu, requesting, that the City Council accept and adopt the provisions of the Hero Act, passed by the Governor and General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, specifically with respect to tax exemptions outlined for disabled veterans.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0020).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Joao Filipe De Sa Ramos, 316 Davis Street, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Jsr Transportation LLC, 316 Davis Street, Apt. 3, New Bedford, MA. (License to expire –…
) Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Granted. (Matter #0021).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Junior L. Morpeau, 152 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Jm&v, 152 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to expire – June 30, 2025.)
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0022).”
Communication, Councillors Giesta and Morad, submitting a Petition of opposition relating to the 15 year lease agreement of the Homer’s Wharf parking area to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0023).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a copy of a letter sent to the New Bedford YMCA relating to two complaints filed with the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities regarding accessibility issues, and a report of the Commission’s subsequent review.
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods. (Matter #0024).”
Communication, Councillor Morad, to the New Bedford Economic Development Council, submitting a letter in support of the Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford’s Island Park application for a Wicked Cool Places Grant.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0025).”
Communication, Councillor Morad, submitting a letter in support of the Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford’s application for a Mass Cultural Council Facilities Capital Grant to revitalize the Strand Theatre.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0026).”
Constable Bond, Shawn Oliver, New Bedford, MA 02746, in the amount of $5,000.00, with Western Surety Company.
Approved
Constable Bond, Jonathan Sousa Melo, New Bedford, MA 02745, in the amount of $5,000.00, with Western Surety Company.
Approved
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 Community Preservation Committee for a meeting held on October 22, 2024; the Board of Health for a meeting held on December 11, 2024; the…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0029).”
Application, Td Design & Development Corp., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Plot 72 / Lot 303, ws State Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 16, 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 #0030).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction LLC for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 24 - 26 Wing Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 10, 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 #0031).”
Applications, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 16, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 160 & 154 Hapwell Street (#0032) 16 Washburn Street (#0033)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1936 Shawmut Avenue (124C – 57), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 18, 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 #0034).”
Applications, Soil X Corp., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Wing Street, from 4 to 18, both sides of street (#0035) Purchase Street, from 323 to 404, both…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 28 Pearl Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 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 #0042).”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 209 State Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 30, 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 #0043).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 233 Wood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 30, 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 #0044).”
Application, W.c. Smith & Son, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Hapwell Street (ss) 60’ w x Nashua Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 03, 2025, 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 #0045).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 24 – 26 Wing Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 10, 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 #0046).”
Applications, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 16, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 160 & 154 Hapwell Street (#0046a) 16 Washburn Street (#0047)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., to Disturb the Surface, of 1936 Shawmut Avenue (124C – 57), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 18, 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 #0048).”
Applications, Soil X Corp., to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Wing Street, from 4 to 18, both sides of street (#0049) Purchase Street, from 323 to 404, both sides of street (#0050)…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 28 Pearl Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 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 #0056).”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 209 State Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 30, 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 #0057).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., to Disturb the Surface, of 233 Wood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 30, 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 #0058).”
Application, W.c. Smith & Son, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of Hapwell Street (ss) 60’ w x Nashua Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 03, 2025, 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 #0059).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 10, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 8 Mulberry Street, Rivet Street – Larch Street (working in the street) (#0060) 59 Brewster Street, Acushnet Avenue –…
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 11, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 174 Ash Street, Union Street – Arnold Street (#0066) 44 Carroll Street, Brigham Street – Brownell Street (#0067) 100…
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 18, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 27 Cedar Street (#0074) 765 Church Street (#0075) 229 Coffin Avenue (#0076) 63 Union Street (#0077) 110 Whitman…
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 20, 2024, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 216 Church Street (#0080) 223 Kempton Street (#0081) 997 Lloyd Street (#0082) 40 Milford Street (#0083)
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 Orchard Street, east side, opposite of Swift Street, to the sidewalk, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 03, 2025, 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 #0084).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for Relocation of one Fo Pole with anchor approximately 17’ north of existing location in Purchase Street, this work is necessary for MassDOT project 606527.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0085).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #0086).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one new Manhole and approximately 38’ of Conduit in North Water Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to 89 North Water Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 23, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 23, 2025..”
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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