MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
January 23, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 60 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 →6:15 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, Derek Baptiste, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Joseph P. Lopes
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Communication, John Taxiarchos, Treasurer/Collector, to Councillor Linda Morad, Chair, Committee on Finance, presenting a request for interim loan financing for Massachusetts Clean Water Trust projects; the interim loans are available to the City at an interest rate of 0.0%. (Referred – January 17,…
To receive and place on file.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file..” (Motion: Oliver, second: Carney)
To Approve the request for interim loan financing for Massachusetts Clean Water Trust projects.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To APPROVE the request for interim loan financing for Massachusetts Clean Water Trust projects..” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Giesta)
7:00 p.m. · New Bedford City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Joseph P. Lopes
58 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Communication, Councillor Lopes, to Council President Burgo and Honorable Members of the City Council, informing that he is unable to attend the City Council Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025, due to a prior work-related commitment.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0087).”
Hearing, 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.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #0088).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #0089).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a Request for Proposals (Draft), for the redevelopment of a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc).
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0090).”
Request for Proposals, (Draft), for the redevelopment of a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc).
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0091).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, in conjunction with the Request for Proposals (Draft), for the redevelopment of a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc), requesting that the Committee on City Property vote to authorize the…
Referred to the Committee on City Property
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on City Property. (Matter #0092).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell to City Council, submitting Ordinances, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-14 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Section 17-18, Noncriminal disposition of violations of certain ordinances, rules and regulations, and amending Chapter 17, Section 17-28, Chapter 40U of…
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0093).”
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 17 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0094).”
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-18 - Noncriminal disposition of violations of certain ordinances, rules and regulations.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0095).”
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 17, Section 17-28 - Chapter 40U of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0096).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order amending the Order adopted by the City Council on June 27, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on July 09, 2024, which, in accordance with M.g.l., Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, the Revolving Fund under the control of the Parks, Recreation…
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0097).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0098).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $12,000.00, from Cable Access Supplies to Cable Access Other Charges & Expenses.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0099).”
City of New Bedford City Council January 23, 2025 Ordered, that the sum Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Cable Access Supplies be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Cable Access Other Charges &…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $2,500.00, from Commission for Citizens with Disabilities Purchase of Services to Commission for Citizens with Disabilities Supplies.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0101).”
City of New Bedford City Council January 23, 2025 Ordered, that the sum Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500) now standing to the credit of the account from Commission for Citizens with Disabilities Purchase of Services be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows:…
Adopted
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Gordon M. Carr, Executive Director of the Port Authority, as the New Bedford designee to the Steamship Authority’s Port Council; this term will expire December 31, 2025.
Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0103).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Manuel H. Silva, New Bedford, MA, to the Traffic Commission; this term will expire December 2027.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Oliver, PereiraNo: Burgo, Giesta, Gomes, MoradAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – Yeas 6, Nays 4. (Councillors Burgo, Giesta, Gomes and Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0104).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Sherie Pinzino, New Bedford, MA, as the Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0105).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Quillan Lowney, New Bedford, MA, as the City Auditor.
Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0106).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Brian Ayotte, New Bedford, MA, to the Community Preservation Committee; Mr. Ayotte will be replacing Ross Nunes; this term will expire April 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0107).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Richard Mccue, New Bedford, MA, to the Licensing Board; replacing Nick Nanopoulos, whose emergency appointment expired on January 12, 2025; this term will expire June 2030.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0108).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Karen Treadup, New Bedford, MA, to the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Techical High School District Committee; replacing the late Frederick J. Toomey; this term will expire May 2028.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0109).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request to honor Korean War Veteran Andre Lopes by naming the new pedestrian bridge over John F. Kennedy Boulevard in his honor, namely the “Andre Lopes Memorial Bridge.”
Referred to the Committee on Memorials and Dedications
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Memorials and Dedications (Matter #0110).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Sgt. William Carney Memorial Academy. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1825).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Elwyn G. Campbell Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1827).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1829).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Carlos Pacheco Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1831).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Ellen R. Hathaway Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1833).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Hayden-mcfadden Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1835).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Casimir Pulaski Elementary School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1837).”
City of New Bedford City Council November 14, 2024 A Bond Order to Pay Costs of A Schematic Design/Feasability Study as Required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority with Respect to the Proposed Accelerated Repairs to the Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School. Be It Ordered, by the City…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Lopes
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas10, Nays 0. (Matter #1839).”
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 Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #2090).”
Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting, that the Special Committee on Pilot (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) Program hereby be dissolved.
Adopted
Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting, that the Special Committee on Cannabis Regulation and Host Community Agreements Review hereby be dissolved.
Adopted
Written Motion, Councillors Abreu, Oliver, Lopes, Choquette and Carney, requesting, that a representative from the New Bedford Board of Health or the New Bedford Health Department appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the Board’s recent vote to adopt a new Cigar Minimum…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, a representative of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association, and local New Bedford-based convenience, liquor, cigar and retail business community
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, a representative of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association, and local New Bedford-based convenience, liquor, cigar and retail business community. (Matter #0114).”
New Bedford Tobacco Regulations,
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, a representative of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association, and local New Bedford-based convenience, liquor, cigar and retail business community
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings, the New Bedford Health Department, the Administration, a representative of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association, and local New Bedford-based convenience, liquor, cigar and retail business community. (Matter #0115).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a Host Community Agreement Proposal Application on behalf of Shamar James, Founder/CEO of THConnect, LLC, dba Houz of Diesel, seeking to operate a co-located adult-use marijuana retail and product manufacturing establishment at 301 Herman Melville…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. (Matter #0116).”
Petition Indemnity Agreement, Candela Cucina, 72 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, for Permission to Erect and Maintain Two (2) Non-Illuminated Projecting Signs to Overhang City Property by 21.65 inches x 47.75 inches and 16.37 inches x 36 inches. Provisionally Granted, subject to the…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0117).”
Constable Bond, Gregory Michael Saucier, New Bedford, MA 02740, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Western Surety Company.
Adopted
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 meetings held on November 21, December 5 and December 12, 2024; the Board of Health for meetings held on October 21 &…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0119).”
Annual Report, Michael P. Watson, Superintendent-Director, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, submitting a copy of the 2024 Annual Report.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0120).”
Application, Trexan, LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1501 Acushnet Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 14, 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 #0121).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 66 Willard Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 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 #0122).”
Application, Frank Corp. Environmental Service, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1480 Sassaquin Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 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 #0123).”
Application, C. Naughton Corp., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at City wide (see attached list), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 08, 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 #0124).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 66 Willard Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 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 #0125).”
Application, Frank Corp. Environmental Service, to Disturb the Surface, of 1480 Sassaquin Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 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 #0126).”
Application, C. Naughton Corp., to Disturb the Surface, of City wide (see attached list), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 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 #0127).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 07, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Adams Street, County Street – Mt. Pleasant Street (working street & street to houses, including intersections & 50 ft.…
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 January 08, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: East Rodney French Boulevard - Ricketson Street #1299 (working street & street to houses, including intersections & 50…
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 County Street, Grinnell Street – Wing Street (street to houses, including intersections & 50 ft. in all directions), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 14, 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 #0133).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 15, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 30 Acushnet Avenue (#0134) 3 Acushnet Avenue (#0135)
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 Washburn Street, Acushnet Avenue – Belleville Avenue (including intersections), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 16, 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 #0136).”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 775' of 4-4” temporary Conduit, and two new manholes in Purchase Street, this work is necessary for MassDOT project 606527.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 2025..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 701' of 6-5” temporary Conduit, 230’ of 1-5” temporary Conduit, 99’ of 2-5” permanent Conduit, and 51’ of 4-5” permanent Conduit, and two new manholes in Belleville Avenue, this work is necessary for MassDOT…
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 2025..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 149' of 6-5” temporary Conduit, 160’ of 6-5” permanent Conduit, and two new manholes in Washburn Street, this work is necessary for MassDOT project 606527.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 13, 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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