MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford · Committee on Finance · 7:00 p.m.
March 20, 2025
44 recorded votes, 32 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Attendance
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:
- Burgo arrived late (7:04)
Every vote, in order
Communication (Matter Id #1817)
To receive and place on file a spreadsheet submitted by Councillor Morad, breaking down the Loan Order into each department requesting funds, purpose for the requested funds, and exact amount of requested funds.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file a spreadsheet submitted by Councillor Morad, breaking down the Loan Order into each department requesting funds, purpose for the requested funds, and exact amount of requested funds. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Pereira)
To receive and place on file an informational packet submitted by Shara Rapoza, Acting Director for the Buttonwood Zoo, relating to her funding request. Christina Connelly, Chief Operating Officer for the Administration, along with the Zoo’s Veterinarian, answered questions relative to the Zoo’s requests for $54,650.00 for hospital equipment, $60,000.00 for vehicle replacement, $70,000.00 for the
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file an informational packet submitted by Shara Rapoza, Acting Director for the Buttonwood Zoo, relating to her funding request. Christina Connelly, Chief Operating Officer for the Administration, along with the Zoo’s Veterinarian, answered questions relative to the Zoo’s requests for $54,650.00 for hospital equipment, $60,000.00 for vehicle replacement, $70,000.00 for the goat facility, $116,000.00 for the animal facility, $150,000.00 for deferred maintenance and $180,000.00 for the black bear facility. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Pereira)
To Amend the amount of the request for Ems/Vehicle Replacement from $980,000.00 to $410,000.00.
Yes: Carney, Choquette, Giesta, MoradNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Morad, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for EMS/Vehicle Replacement from $980,000.00 to $410,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Morad)
To Amend the amount of the request for Ems/Vehicle Replacement from $980,000.00 to $570,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for EMS/Vehicle Replacement from $980,000.00 to $570,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Oliver)
To Amend the amount of the request for Fire/Vehicle Replacement from $195,476.00 to $116,276.00.
Yes: Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Fire/Vehicle Replacement from $195,476.00 to $116,276.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Oliver, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Fire/Vehicle Replacement from $195,476.00 to $79,200.00.
Yes: Carney, ChoquetteNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Choquette, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Fire/Vehicle Replacement from $195,476.00 to $79,200.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Choquette)
To Approve the amount of the request for Fire/Training Facility in the amount of $114,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Carney
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To Approve the amount of the request for Fire/Training Facility in the amount of $114,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Gomes)
To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Fire Wall Replacement from $128,841.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Fire Wall Replacement from $128,841.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Abreu)
To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Vehicle Replacement from $538,359.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Vehicle Replacement from $538,359.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Vehicle Replacement from $538,359.00 to $160,110.00.
Yes: Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Choquette, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Police/Vehicle Replacement from $538,359.00 to $160,110.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Choquette)
To Amend the amount of the request for School/Prab Pointing & Windows from $50,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for School/PRAB Pointing & Windows from $50,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lopes)
To Amend the amount of the request for School/Taylor School Generator from $375,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Carney, Giesta, MoradNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for School/Taylor School Generator from $375,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for School/Taylor School Generator from $375,000.00 to $187,500.00.
Yes: Giesta, Morad, OliverNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for School/Taylor School Generator from $375,000.00 to $187,500.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Oliver, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Cable Access/Computer Server Upgrade from $65,035.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Cable Access/Computer Server Upgrade from $65,035.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lopes)
To Amend the amount of the request for Mis/Radio Communications from $408,402.00 to $250,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Burgo
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for MIS/Radio Communications from $408,402.00 to $250,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Gomes)
To Amend the amount of the request for Library/HVAC & Electrical from $500,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, OliverNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Library/HVAC & Electrical from $500,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Oliver, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Goat Facility from $70,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Burgo
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Choquette, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Goat Facility from $70,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Choquette)
To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Animal Facility from $116,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Animal Facility from $116,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Black Bear Facility from $180,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Zoo/Black Bear Facility from $180,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Vehicle Replacement from $115,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Vehicle Replacement from $115,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Layout Updates from $166,667.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Layout Updates from $166,667.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Airfield Markings from $350,000.00 to $125,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Airport/Airfield Markings from $350,000.00 to $125,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Cemetery/Road Improvements from $450,000.00 to $225,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Cemetery/Road Improvements from $450,000.00 to $225,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Wastewater/Vehicle Replacement from $955,046.00 to $550,000.00.
Yes: Morad, OliverNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Wastewater/Vehicle Replacement from $955,046.00 to $550,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Oliver)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Wastewater/Vehicle Replacement from $955,046.00 to $637,053.00.
Yes: Choquette, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Wastewater/Vehicle Replacement from $955,046.00 to $637,053.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Water Filter Replacement from $234,500.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Carney, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Water Filter Replacement from $234,500.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Traveling Screen Replacement from $275,477.00 to $0.00.
Yes: CarneyNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Traveling Screen Replacement from $275,477.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Vehicle Replacement from $470,173.00 to $296,142.00.
Yes: Carney, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Vehicle Replacement from $470,173.00 to $296,142.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Vehicle Replacement from $470,173.00 to $368,725.00.
Yes: Abreu, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for DPI Water/Vehicle Replacement from $470,173.00 to $368,725.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Oliver, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Splash Pad Upgrades from $360,500.00 to $0.00.
Yes: CarneyNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Splash Pad Upgrades from $360,500.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Oliver)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Splash Pad Upgrades from $360,500.00 to $175,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Burgo
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Splash Pad Upgrades from $360,500.00 to $175,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Dias Field from $450,450.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Carney, MoradNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Dias Field from $450,450.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Carney)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Dias Field from $450,450.00 to $250,000.00.
Yes: Baptiste, Choquette, Giesta, MoradNo: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Baptiste, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Dias Field from $450,450.00 to $250,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Baptiste)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: CarneyNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $200,000.00.
Yes: Carney, MoradNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $200,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Oliver)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $225,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Baptiste, Gomes, Lopes
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Basketball & Tennis Courts from $400,000.00 to $225,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $103,705.00.
Yes: CarneyNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Carney and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $103,705.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Carney, second: Giesta)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $248,000.00.
Yes: Carney, Choquette, Morad, PereiraNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $248,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Oliver)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $350,728.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Choquette, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Vehicle Replacement from $425,728.00 to $350,728.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Choquette)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Path Repairs from $500,000.00 to $0.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Path Repairs from $500,000.00 to $0.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Abreu)
To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Playground Upgrades from $973,985.00 to $625,000.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Giesta, the Committee VOTED: To Amend the amount of the request for Parks/Playground Upgrades from $973,985.00 to $625,000.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Giesta)
To Amend the Order, by striking the figure $13,494,375.00 and replacing it with $9,320,249.00.
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To AMEND the ORDER, by striking the figure $13,494,375.00 and replacing it with $9,320,249.00. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Gomes, second: Lopes)
To Amend the Order, by inserting at the end of the first sentence “as specifically detailed in Exhibit A, attached hereto.”
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To AMEND the ORDER, by inserting at the end of the first sentence “as specifically detailed in Exhibit A, attached hereto.” (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Burgo)
To recommend to the City Council Adoption of the Loan Order, as Amended, as detailed in Exhibit A, that reflects the Finance Committee Vote on the various projects, appropriating $9,320,249.00 for the purpose of making critically needed repairs to City-owned buildings including, but not limited to, projects for the repair and renovation of public safety facilities, recreational facilities, general
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Carney
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Carney, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council ADOPTION of the LOAN ORDER, AS AMENDED, as detailed in Exhibit A, that reflects the Finance Committee Vote on the various projects, appropriating $9,320,249.00 for the purpose of making critically needed repairs to City-owned buildings including, but not limited to, projects for the repair and renovation of public safety facilities, recreational facilities, general office space, replacement of capital equipment and vehicles, and roads and infrastructure improvements. (Matter #1817).” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Carney)
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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