MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting · 7:00 p.m.
February 13, 2025
42 recorded votes, 2 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 ()
- Pereira arrived late ()
Every vote, in order
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Peter Clark, as Permanent District Fire Chief, effective immediately.
Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived, Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived. (Matter #0143).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a request to waive the educational and experience requirement, Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1990, for the position of Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors.
Tabled
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Reverend Leona Fisher, New Bedford, MA, to the Housing Authority this term will expire December 2029.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0145).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Alex J. Weiner, New Bedford, MA to the Board of Health, this term will expire February 2028.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, PereiraNo: Burgo, Morad
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – Yeas 9, Nays 2. (Council President Burgo and Councillor Morad OPPOSED.) (Matter #0146).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of James P. Dee, New Bedford, MA, to the Licensing Board, replacing Marcelino “Sonny” Almeida, who has resigned; this term will expire June 2028.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0147).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Shayne Trimbell, New Bedford, MA, to the Planning Board, as a full member of the Board; Mr. Trimbell is currently serving as an Alternate Member and will be replacing Alexander J. Kalife, who has resigned; this term will…
Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived and Appointment Confirmed – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0148).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Robyn Branco, New Bedford, MA, as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, this term will expire December 2029.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings – Yeas 7, Nays 4. (Councillors Baptiste, Choquette, Gomes and Lopes OPPOSED.) (Matter #0149).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the recommendation that the 2025 Preliminary Election be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0150).”
Written Motion, Councillors Abreu, Choquette, Oliver and Lopes, requesting that a representative from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation appear before the Special Committee on Housing to discuss the “Veterans Villages” initiative, and how New Bedford could become a Northeast anchor City for said…
Referred to the Special Committee on Housing
From the minutes
“Referred to the Special Committee on Housing. (Matter #0151).”
Written Motion, Councillor Oliver, requesting, that Fire Chief Scott Kruger and Fire Safety Educator Anthony Poente appear before the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, to discuss safety protocols and standard operating procedures in anticipation of the new fleet of electric school buses…
Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods. (Matter #0152).”
Written Motion, Council President Burgo and Councillors Gomes, Morad and Pereira, requesting that the Committee on Ordinances meet to discuss removing the City Council as a Granting Authority for Special Permits as they pertain to Automotive Sales and/or Rentals, Body Repair, General Repair and…
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board. (Matter #0153).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, Council President Burgo, Councillors Abreu, Choquette, Oliver, Lopes and Carney, requesting, on behalf of the City Residents and Businesses, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings Committee meet with a representatives of Eversource to discuss the…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments in Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments in Briefings. (Matter #0154).”
Written Motion, Councillor Choquette, requesting that Airport Manager Scot Servis appear before the Special Committee on Airport, to discuss the status of continuing upgrades to the New Bedford Municipal Airport in FY 2024-2025.
Referred to the Committee on Airport
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Airport. (Matter #0155).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting that once more, the City Council go on record in opposition to Governor Healey’s proposed 5% increase in excise, gas, meals, lodging and car rental taxes; and further, that letters of opposition be sent to our State Delegation and our House and Senate…
Adopted as Amended, and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted as Amended, and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0156).”
Communication, Anne Louro, Preservation Planner, to City Council, re: Building Demolition Review: 1530 Old Plainville Road, (Map 124A/Lot 0014), Late 19th Century Wood Framed Barn, advising that “the structure is not located in a National Register Historic District; the structure is of no notable…
Demolition Granted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Demolition Granted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0157).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, Dennis W. Farias, submitting a copy of an email from Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General, acknowledging receipt of the filing of the Kings Highway Transit Oriented Development Overlay District Zoning Ordinance, dated November 26, 2024, and…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0158).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, Dennis W. Farias, submitting a copy of an email from Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General, acknowledging receipt of the filing of six Zoning Ordinances, dated April 28, 2022; January 12, 2023; March 23, 2023; June 22, 2023; March 26, 2024 and…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0159).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council Farias, submitting a communication from Mayor Mitchell, regarding the appointment of Treasurer/Collector John Taziarchos as Tax Title Custodian, due to that the former Tax Title Custodian, Sherie Pinzino, has transitioned out of the Treasurer’s…
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0160).”
Citation, Councillors Baptiste, Morad and Abreu, honoring Servedwell Hospitality LLC, in recognition of the ribbon cutting celebration for the elegant culinary venture – Candela Cucina – serving delicious Italian cuisine to your faithful customers and for your generous support of many community…
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0161).”
Citation, Councillor Gomes, honoring The Jeffrey Graham Community Room Dedication Ceremony at the NorthStar Learning Center Early Education Academy, in recognition of Jeffrey Graham’s overall lifelong commitment and dedication to providing transportation and counseling to the NorthStar Learning…
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0162).”
Communication, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Daniel Mccarthy, Race Coordinator – New Bedford Half-marathon/Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, to City Council/City Clerk/ requesting the Closing/Obstruction of: William Street, at Sixth Street, Middle Street, at Sixth Street, Market…
Permission Granted
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to the City Council, submitting the 2024 Year-End Report to the City of New Bedford from the Commissioners of the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (Srpedd).
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0164).”
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 January 02, 2025, January 09, 2025, January 16, 2025 and January 23, 2025; the Community Preservation…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0165).”
Application, Jc Excavation, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 494 Wood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 21, 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 #0166).”
Applications, New England Boring Contractors, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 22, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 229 Coffin Avenue (sidewalk) (#0167) Logan Street, between Route 18 and the…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jc Excavation, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 765 Church Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 28, 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 #0173).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 223 Wood Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 29, 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 #0174).”
Application, Danella Line Services, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Corner of Kempton Street and Ilion Street (on the sidewalk), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 30, 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 #0175).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating Co., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Hapwell Street, Lots 1 and 2, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 31, 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 #0176).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 26 Union Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 06, 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 #0177).”
Application, Jc Excavation, to Disturb the Surface, of 494 Wood Street provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 21, 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 #0178).”
Applications, New England Boring Contractors, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 22, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 229 Coffin Avenue (sidewalk) (#0179) Logan Street, between Route 18 and the Railway Line (#0180) 2031…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jc Excavation, to Disturb the Surface, of 765 Church Street provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 28, 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 #0185).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 233 Wood Street provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 29, 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 #0186).”
Application, Danella Line Services, to Disturb the Surface, of Corner of Kempton Street and Ilion Street (on the sidewalk), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 30, 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 #0187).”
Application, R.j. Canessa Excavating, Co., to Disturb the Surface, of Hapwell Street, Lots 1 and 2, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 31, 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 #0188).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 26 Union Street provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 06, 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 #0189).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 447 Oliver Street, Lynn Street – Brockton Street (working in street and street to house) (#0190) 225 – 227 Mount…
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 29, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Ricketson Street, East Rodney French Boulevard – Mina Street (street and street to house, 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 Westbrook Street (street & street to houses, including intersections & 50 feet in all directions), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 07, 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 #0195).”
Applications, Always Available Bargain Cleanouts, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on January 31, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 204 Sawyer Street (Bonneau Court) (#0196) 126 Sycamore Street (#0197)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Petition, Verizon New England, Inc. & Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy, for location of one jointly owned pole in Nemasket Street near the intersection of Robert Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 27, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, February 27, 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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