MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
March 27, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 125 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 →6:22 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, Joseph P. Lopes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Burgo arrived late (7:04)
3 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Communication, John Taxiarchos, Treasurer/Collector, to Councillor Linda Morad, Chair, Committee on Finance, requesting a vote of the Finance Committee to permanently finance various projects in the amount of $6,590,000 and to issue or renew temporary notes for various projects in the amount of…
To receive and place on file the Communication submitted by Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos requesting a vote of the Finance Committee.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the Communication submitted by Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos requesting a vote of the Finance Committee..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lopes)
To receive and place on file the informational packet relative to the project descriptions, submitted by Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the informational packet relative to the project descriptions, submitted by Treasurer/Collector John Taxiarchos..” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lopes)
To approve the financing request, as presented.
The minutes record 9 yes votes with 11 councilors present and do not say who did not vote, so individual votes are not shown. We have asked the City Clerk to confirm (Oct. 1, 2026).
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To approve the financing request, as presented..” (Motion: Lopes, second: Burgo)
7:01 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, Joseph P. Lopes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: None
122 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Hearing, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 40’ of Conduit and one handhole in Pleasant Street, this work is necessary to provide underground electric service to 111 Pleasant Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #0407).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #0408).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $918,000.00 from Free Cash to Stabilization Fund.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0409).”
Ordered, that the sum of Nine Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($918,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Free Cash be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Stabilization Fund………………………………………………………………....$918,000 To be certified and approved by the…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0410).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $368,000.00 from Free Cash to OPEB Trust Fund.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0411).”
Ordered, that the sum of Three Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars ($368,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Free Cash be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: OPEB Trust Fund………………………………………………………………….….$368,000 To be certified and approved by the…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0412).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $275,963.00 from Free Cash to Pension Contribution.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0413).”
Ordered, that the sum of Two Hundred Seventy-five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-three Dollars ($275,963) now standing to the credit of the account from Free Cash be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Pension Contribution……………………………………………………………..$275,963 To be…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0414).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $4,250,000.00 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Other Financing Uses.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0415).”
Ordered, that the sum of Four Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($4,250,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Water Retained Earnings be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Water Other Financing Uses……………………………………………….$4,250,000 To be…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0416).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $2,750,000.00 from Wastewater Retained Earnings to Wastewater Special Projects Fund.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0417).”
Ordered, that the sum of Two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($2,750,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Water Retained Earnings be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Wastewater Special Projects Fund……………………………………….$2,750,000 To be…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0418).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $1,225,995.00 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Stabilization Fund.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0419).”
Ordered, that the sum of One Million Two Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-five Dollars ($1,225,995) now standing to the credit of the account from Water Retained Earnings be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Water Stabilization…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0420).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $16,000.00 from City Council Personal Services to City Council, Other Financing Uses in the amount of $8,600.00, City Clerk Purchase of Services in the amount of $7,000.00; and City Clerk Supplies in the amount…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0421).”
Ordered, that the sum of Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000) now standing to the credit of the account from City Council Personal Services be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: City Council Other Financing Uses……………………………………………..$8,600 City Clerk Purchase of…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0422).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $805,559.00 from Free Cash to Waste Collection and Disposal, Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0423).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0424).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $731,000.00 from Free Cash to Fire Personal Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0425).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0426).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $150,000.00 from Free Cash to Solicitor Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance. (0427)
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (0427).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0428).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $93,100.00 from Free Cash to Public Infrastructure Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0429).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0430).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $84,238.00 from Free Cash to Auditor Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0431).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0432).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $54,000.00 from Free Cash to Mis Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0433).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0434).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $45,000.00 from Free Cash to Tourism Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0435).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0436).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $42,000.00 from Free Cash to Workers’ Compensation Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0437).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0438).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $40,000.00 from Free Cash to Assessors Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0439).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0440).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $28,000.00 from Free Cash to Facilities and Fleet Management Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0441).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0442).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $20,500.00 from Free Cash to Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Purchase of Services.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0443).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0444).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of 15,500.00 from Free Cash to Elections Capital Outlay.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0445).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0446).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $13,000.00 from Elections Personal Services to Elections Purchase of Services.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0447).”
Ordered, that the sum of Thirteen Thousand Dollars ($13,000) now standing to the credit of the account from Elections Personal Services be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Elections Purchase of Services……………………………………………….$ 13,000 To be certified and approved by the…
Adopted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0448).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance, amending Chapter 9, Sections 1200 & 2340 – Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board. (Matter #0449).”
An Ordinance,
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Board. (Matter #0450).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Donald Gaudette, New Bedford, to the Election Commission; this term will expire April 2027.
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 #0451).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Diane Henry, New Bedford, to the Board of Library Trustees; this term will expire April 2028.
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 #0452).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Maria Gloria De Sa, New Bedford, to the Board of Library Trustees; this term will expire April 2028.
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 #0453).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Patricia A. Lareau, New Bedford, to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2026.
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 #0454).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of James D. Oliveira, New Bedford, to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2027.
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 #0455).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Joseph M. Tavares, New Bedford, to the New Bedford Port Authority; this term will expire December 2027.
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 #0456).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Lee Blake, New Bedford, to the Board of Library Trustees; this term will expire April 2028.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0457).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Florentino Correa, Fall River, as a Constable.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0458).”
An Application,
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0459).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Michael Gonzalez, New Bedford, as a Constable.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0460).”
An Application,
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0461).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Alex Rodriguez, Sr., Dartmouth, as a Constable.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0462).”
An Application,
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0463).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Karen Treadup, New Bedford, MA, to the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee; replacing the late Frederick J. Toomey; this term will expire May…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0464).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Karen Treadup, New Bedford, MA, to the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School District Committee; replacing the late Frederick J. Toomey; this term will expire May 2028.
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 #0109).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of 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.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0465).”
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.
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 #0147).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Robyn Branco, New Bedford, MA, as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, this term will expire December 2029.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0466).”
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.
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 #0149).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Byron Ford, Jr., New Bedford, MA, to the Redevelopment Authority; Mr. Ford will be replacing John Walsh, who has resigned; this term will expire in July 2027.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0467).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Byron Ford, Jr., New Bedford, MA, to the Redevelopment Authority; Mr. Ford will be replacing John Walsh, who has resigned; this term will expire in July 2027.
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 #0205).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Kimberly Ferreira, New Bedford, MA, to the Zoning Board of Appeals; Ms. Ferreira will be replacing Laura Parrish, who has resigned; this term will expire in December 2029.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0468).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Kimberly Ferreira, New Bedford, MA, to the Zoning Board of Appeals; Ms. Ferreira will be replacing Laura Parrish, who has resigned; this term will expire in December 2029.
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 #0206).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Petition for the Waiver of Residency for Melody Frechette, Middleborough, MA 02346 d/b/a the Knights Bazaar, 127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA, in accordance with Section 15-38 of the…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0469).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Petition, Melody Frechette, Middleborough, MA 02346 d/b/a the Knights Bazaar, 127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a License to…
Waiver of Residency Granted
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Waiver of Residency Granted – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0232).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Communication, Mayor Mitchell to City Council, submitting the recommendation that the 2025 Preliminary Election be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0470).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the recommendation that the 2025 Preliminary Election be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Grant Approval FAILED
Yes: Baptiste, Burgo, GiestaNo: Abreu, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Grant Approval FAILED – Yeas 3, Nays 8. (Councillors Baptiste, Burgo and Giesta IN FAVOR.) (Matter #0150).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council refer the matter to the Mayor, and that the month of July be recognized as Cape Cabo Verdean Heritage Month. This motion passed on a roll call vote of Yeas 11, Nays 0.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed and Referred to the Administration
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed and Referred to the Administration – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0471).”
Report, Committee on City Property, recommending to the City Council Adoption of an Order, as Amended, transferring the City owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purposes of development for…
Recommended by the Committee on City Property
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0472).”
Ordered, that the City Property Committee recommend the Adoption of an Order, as Amended, transferring the City owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purposes of development for residential…
Adopted
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending 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…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0474).”
Loan Order, as Amended,
Motion was made to Table - FAILED
Yes: CarneyNo: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Motion was made to Table - FAILED – Yeas 1, Nays 10. (Councillor Carney IN FAVOR.) (Matter #1818).”
Passed to a Second Reading as Amended
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraNo: Carney
From the minutes
“Passed to a Second Reading as Amended – Yeas 10, Nays 1. (Councillor Carney OPPOSED.) (Matter #1818).”
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Jamie Ponte and the appropriate representative from Eversource's Roadway…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0475).”
Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that Department of Public Infrastructure Commissioner Jamie Ponte and the appropriate representative from Eversource's Roadway Repair Division appear before the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods to review the detailed listing of streets in the…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee meet with Police Chief Paul Oliveira, Fire Chief Scott Kruger and Emergency Medical…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0476).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee meet with Police Chief Paul Oliveira, Fire Chief Scott Kruger and Emergency Medical Services (Ems) Director Michael Thomas for the purpose of implementing EpiPens and nasal spray treatments in every…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Oliver, requesting, that Fire Chief Scott Kruger and Fire Safety Educator Anthony Poente appear before the Committee on Public Safety and…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0477).”
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…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, meet with a Representative from the Mayor’s Office, Police Chief Cordeiro,…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0478).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, meet with a Representative from the Mayor’s Office, Police Chief Cordeiro, the Community Development Director Patrick Sullivan, the President of Neighborhoods United, Scott Downing, Executive…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Gomes, Baptiste, Carney, Abreu, Oliver and Lima, requesting, that the Mayor take $100,000 of ARPA monies to purchase 10 to 12 solar radar speed limit…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0479).”
Written Motion, Councillors Gomes, Baptiste, Carney, Abreu, Oliver and Lima, requesting, that the Mayor take $100,000 of ARPA monies to purchase 10 to 12 solar radar speed limit signs; this signage is needed throughout the City to reduce speeding.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a letter from MassDOT, District Highway Director, in response to an invitation to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0480).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a letter from MassDOT, District Highway Director, in response to an invitation to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods meeting that was held on March 19, 2024.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Gomes and Choquette, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with the developers of Rosa Drive along with any other developers in…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0481).”
Written Motion, Councillors Gomes and Choquette, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with the developers of Rosa Drive along with any other developers in the City that have not completed road work, sidewalks and streetlights in order to give residents trash pickup and…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Communication, Council President Morad submitting a copy of a letter from Theresa Brum, regarding the public outreach meeting held at Normandin Middle School on June 13, 2023, that…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0482).”
Communication, Council President Morad submitting a copy of a letter from Theresa Brum, regarding the public outreach meeting held at Normandin Middle School on June 13, 2023, that was hosted by Southcoast Renewables, LLC.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Oliver, Abreu, Pereira, Burgo, Giesta, Baptiste, Carney and Markey, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Judith Keating,…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0483).”
Written Motion, Councillors Oliver, Abreu, Pereira, Burgo, Giesta, Baptiste, Carney and Markey, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Judith Keating, the Director of Personnel and Evan Bielski, President of the New Bedford Police Union, to discuss the feasibility of…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for Renewal of a Private Livery License on behalf of Flor Pineda, 7 Upton Street, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Flor Transportation, 7 Upton Street, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2025 – June 30, 2026.) Livery…
) Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Granted. (Matter #0484).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for Renewal of a Private Livery License on behalf of Sean Ciminello, 22 Shannon Way, Dartmouth, MA, 02747, d/b/a Yes We Van LLC, 651 Orchard Street, Suite 202A, New Bedford, MA. (Term of License July 01, 2025 - June 30,…
) Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Granted. (Matter #0485).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a Renewal of a Private Livery License, on behalf of Camille Taylor, 14 Beetle Street, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Ct Live Your Best Life Transportation LLC, 14 Beetle Street, New Bedford, MA. (Term of…
) Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Granted. (Matter #0486).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a Renewal of a Private Livery License, on behalf of Karla Mejia & Jose Herrera, 1781 East Rodney French Boulevard, Apt.1, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Karla Mejia Transportation, 1781 East Rodney French…
) Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“) Livery License Granted. (Matter #0487).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Stephania Zenon Pierre and Jean Fleurant Pierre, 50 New Plainville Road, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Pathway Partners Transportation & Plus, 127 West Rodney…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0488).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, submitting an Application for a Renewal of a Private Livery License, on behalf of Stephania Zenon Pierre and Jean Fleurant Pierre, 50 New Plainville Road, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Pathway Partners Transportation & Plus, 127 West…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0489).”
Communication, David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel to the City Council, to Dennis W. Farias, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, responding to the Open Meeting Law complaint submitted by Patrick Higgins of Patrick Higgins and Associates, Northport, Al.
Received and Placed on File and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, Pereira
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 11, Nays 0. (Matter #0490).”
Communication, Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches, submitting a Memorial Park Bench and Tree Dedication Program Application for a Memorial Park Bench to be located at Buttonwood Park, in memory of Deborah G. Roher.
Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications
From the minutes
“Referred to the Special Committee on Memorials and Dedications. (Matter #0491).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a report from Michael Thomas, Director of Emergency Medical Services (Ems), in response to the request made at the March 11, 2025, Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods Meeting regarding the purchasing of EpiPens at a reduced price.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0492).”
Citation, Councillor Morad and Councillor Lopes, honoring Manny Rivera-ramirez, in recognition of your being honored by M.o.l.i.f.e. as the recipient of the 2025 Katie Brienzo Personal Achievement Award and with many thanks for your continued efforts to enhance the lives of so many in our Community.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0493).”
Citation, Councillor Morad and Councillor Lopes, honoring Melissa Dineen, in recognition of your being honored by M.o.l.i.f.e. as the recipient of the 2025 Katie Brienzo Personal Achievement Award and with many thanks for your continued efforts to enhance the lives of so many in our Community.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0494).”
Citation, Councillor Morad and Councillor Lopes, honoring M.o.l.i.f.e., in recognition of The 30th Anniversary Celebration and with sincere appreciation for the organization’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of those with disabilities living in the Greater New Bedford Community.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #0495).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of Sister Trans Figuration, Immaculate Conception Church and the St. Anthony of Padua Church, that the following streets be closed: Acushnet Avenue, from Ingraham Street to Duncan Street, at St. Joseph’s Church, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from…
Permission Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste requesting, on behalf of Jlc Construction, that the following street(s) be Closed: Dover Street, from Acushnet Avenue to North Second Street, on, Monday, March 31, 2025, at 7:00 A.m. to Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 4:00 P.m., for the purpose of a fire supply…
Permission Granted
Constable Bond, Patrick Richard Duddy, Plympton, MA, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Ngm Insurance 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 Minute from the Board of Assessors for meetings held on February 27, 2025 and March 6, 2025; the Cemetery Board for a meeting held on December 12, 2024; the…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0499).”
Application, Trexan, LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1501 Acushnet Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 20, 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 #0500).”
Application, Collins Crane & Rigging Service, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 749 Purchase Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 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 #0501).”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 47 North Second Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 19, 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 #0502).”
Application, P.a. Landers, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Brownell Avenue, from Kempton Street to Gaywood Street, & Kempton Street, from Brownell Avenue to Cornell Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 19, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0503).”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 47 North Second Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 19, 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 #0504).”
Application, P.a. Landers, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of Brownell Avenue, from Kempton Street to Gaywood Street, & Kempton Street, from Brownell Avenue to Cornell Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 13, 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 #0505).”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of Aquidneck Street, from Brock Avenue – E. Rodney French Boulevard (street & street to houses, including intersections & 50 ft. in all directions), provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 11, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0506).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 12, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 941 Pine Hill Drive (#0507) 39 Little Oak Road (#0508) 29 East Clinton Street (#0509) 1131 Chaffee Street (#0510) 800 –…
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 March 13, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 206 Hathaway Street (#0512) 285 Sawyer Street (#0513) Logan Street, Acushnet Avenue – Railroad tracks (working from…
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 Church Street, Loc 1: 562 - 582 Church Street, Loc 2: Nash Road - Church Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on March 18, 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 #0515).”
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 →