MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
June 17, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 22 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
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Start my ballot →6:00 pm · Committee on Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing and Disability Issues
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Committee on Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing and Disability Issues: 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, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Shawn Oliver
Absent: Leo Choquette, Linda M. Morad, Ryan J. Pereira
During the meeting:
- Abreu arrived late (6:35)
- Lopes arrived late (6:27)
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting, that representatives from Primary Care for All Americans (PC4AA) come before the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing & Disability Issues to provide a briefing on their work and discuss how their initiatives could…
To receive and place on file an informational packet on Primary Care for All Americans, a draft Resolution for New Bedford and Resolutions from Central Falls and Scituate, supporting primary health care. Cheryl Bartlett, CEO of New Bedford Community Health, was recognized. Ms. Bartlett shared that Primary Care for All Americans is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness abo
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file an informational packet on Primary Care for All Americans, a draft Resolution for New Bedford and Resolutions from Central Falls and Scituate, supporting primary health care. Cheryl Bartlett, CEO of New Bedford Community Health, was recognized. Ms. Bartlett shared that Primary Care for All Americans is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of securing a primary care physician. (Matter #0319).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Burgo)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting that representatives from Primary Care for All Americans (PC4AA) come before the Committee to provide a briefing on their work and discuss how their initiatives could benefit residents of New Bedford.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Burgo, requesting that representatives from Primary Care for All Americans (PC4AA) come before the Committee to provide a briefing on their work and discuss how their initiatives could benefit residents of New Bedford. (Matter #0319).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Oliver)
On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee Voted: To follow the Chair’s recommendation to waive the reading and take “No Further Action” on the following items: Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting that the Director of Community Services Cynthia…
To follow the Chair’s recommendation to waive the reading and take “No Further Action” on the following items: Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting that the Director of Community Services Cynthia Wallquist, the Acting Director of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management Jen Vieira and the Chairperson of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities Dennis DeMarinis be invited to a
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To follow the Chair’s recommendation to waive the reading and take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the following items: WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Morad, requesting that the Director of Community Services Cynthia Wallquist, the Acting Director of the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management Jen Vieira and the Chairperson of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities Dennis DeMarinis be invited to a meeting of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health, Housing and Disability Issues to discuss the status of various access issues related to the Hillman Street complex. (Matter ID #0339) (Referred – February 24, 2022.) RELATED MOTION, Councillor Pereira, requesting that the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners and the Management Team of Peabody Properties for Melville Towers be invited to appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings in order to address the issues that were raised by tenants at the June 28, 2022 Appointments & Briefings Committee Meeting. (Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings from Committee – June 28, 2022.) (November 15, 2022 – tabled) (Referred – February 13, 2023.) WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, that letters of support be sent to our Federal delegation, Senators Markey, Warren and Congressman Keating, requesting that HUD’s Senior Citizens Housing Rules be reviewed and reverse the current practice of allowing mix-use in Senior Housing, other than 65 and over, and Citizens with disabilities; this request is on behalf of our local Senior population that have been put into a housing situation that is unsafe and detrimental to their quality of life; and further that a letter be sent to HUD’s Boston Regional Office requesting, a meeting with the Council’s Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the Senior housing situation along with testimony from New Bedford’s Senior Citizen population regarding their quality of life and living standards. (Matter ID #1243) (Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings – July 21, 2022.) (November 15, 2022 – tabled) (Referred – February 13, 2023.) WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Chairman George Smith and Members of the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities, the Council on Aging Board, the Director or Representative of the New Bedford Housing Authority and a Representative from Peabody Property for the purpose of discussing issues affecting seniors in public and private senior housing throughout the City. (Matter ID #1389) (Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings – August 18, 2022.) (Referred – February 13, 2023.) COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council submitting a copy of an email from Rhonda Siciliano, HUD responding to the residents' issues/concerns at Melville Towers. (Matter ID #0018) (Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings – January 12, 2023.) (Referred – February 13, 2023.) (Matter #0339).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Oliver)
7:08 p.m. · Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
Committee on Appointments and Briefings: 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, Maria E. Giesta, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Shawn Oliver, Ryan J. Pereira
Absent: Leo Choquette, Linda M. Morad
19 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Public Hearing on an Application, Eric Medeiros, d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC, for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Light Service, at 366 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA 02740. (Application Received – April 24, 2025.) (Duly advertised in The Standard-Times on Tuesday, June 03, 2025 and…
To receive and place on file the Motor Vehicle Special Permit application and open the public hearing.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the Motor Vehicle Special Permit application and open the public hearing..” (Motion: Burgo, second: Oliver)
To close the public hearing.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To close the public hearing..” (Motion: Abreu, second: Oliver)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Application, Eric Medeiros, d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC, for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Light Service, at 366 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA 02740.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPLICATION, Eric Medeiros, d/b/a Hathaway Road Holdings, LLC, for a SPECIAL PERMIT for Motor Vehicle Light Service, at 366 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA 02740..” (Motion: Oliver, second: Abreu)
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting a Petition, Dionne R. Reyes, Fall River, MA d/b/a Saver’s Thrift Dept. Store, 1014 King’s Highway, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15- 38 of the City Code, to obtain a License to Deal in…
To remove the item from the table.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To remove the item from the table. (Matter #0540).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Abreu)
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Petition, Dionne R. Reyes, Fall River, MA d/b/a Saver’s Thrift Dept. Store, 1014 King’s Highway, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a License to Deal in Junk, Old Metals or Any Other Secondhand Articles.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the PETITION, Dionne R. Reyes, Fall River, MA d/b/a SAVER’S THRIFT DEPT. STORE, 1014 King’s Highway, New Bedford, MA, requesting a WAIVER OF RESIDENCY in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a LICENSE TO DEAL IN JUNK, OLD METALS OR ANY OTHER SECONDHAND ARTICLES. (Matter #0540).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting a Petition, Jerome Alferes, Mattapoisett, MA d/b/a Temptations Guitars and Comics, 2331B Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a License to Deal…
To recommend to the City Council Approval of the Petition, Jerome Alferes, Mattapoisett, MA d/b/a Temptations Guitars and Comics, 2331B Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a License to Deal in Junk, Old Metals or Any Other Secondhand Articles.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the PETITION, Jerome Alferes, Mattapoisett, MA d/b/a TEMPTATIONS GUITARS AND COMICS, 2331B Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA, requesting a Waiver of Residency in accordance with Section 15-38 of the City Code, to obtain a LICENSE TO DEAL IN JUNK, OLD METALS OR ANY OTHER SECONDHAND ARTICLES. (Matter #0928).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Lopes)
Appointments & Briefings Committee June 17, 2025 Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Mis Director, John Costa, along with City Council Clerk Dennis Farias for the purposes of discussing the creation of a New Bedford City Council…
To remove the item from the table.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To remove the item from the table. (Matter #0278).” (Motion: Gomes, second: Burgo)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Mis Director, John Costa, along with City Council Clerk Dennis Farias for the purposes of discussing the creation of a New Bedford City Council Facebook page along with a Twitter page, the creation of these two website pages wil
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Gomes and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with MIS Director, John Costa, along with City Council Clerk Dennis Farias for the purposes of discussing the creation of a New Bedford City Council Facebook page along with a Twitter page, the creation of these two website pages will give the City Council the opportunity to make sure that it reports out work and proposals along with actions and Committee reports in addition to the work throughout the community and ceremonies that the City Council participate in throughout the New Bedford, these website pages could also contain news, faxes, and commentary from City Councillors; and further, that the City Council look into an internship program with local high schools and universities for the Council office in order to assist in making this proposal successful in getting all the information and faxes to the people of this great City. (Matter #0278).” (Motion: Gomes, second: Burgo)
Written Motion, Councillor Pereira, requesting that Commissioner of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Appointments and Briefings to discuss the new permitting system and the building permit process. (Matter Id #0357) (Referred – February 23, 2023.)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Pereira, requesting that Commissioner of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Appointments and Briefings to discuss the new permitting system and the building permit process.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Pereira, requesting that Commissioner of Inspectional Services appear before the Committee on Appointments and Briefings to discuss the new permitting system and the building permit process. (Matter #0357).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Burgo)
Appointments & Briefings Committee June 17, 2025 Written Motion, Councillors Carney, Gomes, Abreu, Oliver, Council President Morad and Councillors Giesta and Markey, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with Wendy Morrill from the South Coast Neighbors United…
To remove the item from the table.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Pereira, the Committee VOTED: To remove the item from the table. (Matter #1191).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Pereira)
To receive and place on file the letter and packet submitted by Ms. Morrill. Ms. Morrill explained that a decision has not yet been rendered by the State, although she has been informed that one may be rendered by the end of June. Once that decision is made, it will be sent to the New Bedford Board of Health for consideration.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Giesta and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the letter and packet submitted by Ms. Morrill. Ms. Morrill explained that a decision has not yet been rendered by the State, although she has been informed that one may be rendered by the end of June. Once that decision is made, it will be sent to the New Bedford Board of Health for consideration. (Matter #1191).” (Motion: Giesta, second: Oliver)
To table the matter at this time.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Pereira and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To table the matter at this time. (Matter #1191).” (Motion: Pereira, second: Gomes)
Written Motion, Councillors Gomes and Oliver, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with MBTA South Coast Rail officials for the purpose of discussing the safety of the Purchase Street Train corridor; the installation of safety fencing from Minuteman Car Wash, south and…
To table the matter at this time.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Gomes, the Committee VOTED: To table the matter at this time. (Matter #0116).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Gomes)
The following matters were taken up together, without objection: Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Consigli Construction, that the following street(s) be Closed: William Street, from Bethel Street to North Water Street (encompass full width of street; eastbound travel…
To receive and place on file an informational packet provided by the petitioner titled “Road Closure Request”.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Baptiste, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file an informational packet provided by the petitioner titled “Road Closure Request”. (Matter #0924).” (Motion: Burgo, second: Baptiste)
To recommend that the City Council Grant the Street Closing: William Street, from Bethel Street to North Water Street (encompass full width of street; eastbound travel lane, three (3) metered parking spots and north sidewalk into construction site), on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 A.m. to Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 5:00 P.m., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruc
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council GRANT the STREET CLOSING: WILLIAM STREET, from Bethel Street to North Water Street (encompass full width of street; eastbound travel lane, three (3) metered parking spots and north sidewalk into construction site), ON MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. PLEASE NOTE: SOUTH SIDEWALK WILL REMAIN OPEN TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC THROUGHOUT CLOSURE PERIOD. (Matter #0924).” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Burgo)
To recommend that the City Council Grant the Street Obstruction: A portion of North Water Street, the southbound lane and west sidewalk, from William Street to 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 A.m. to Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 5:00 P.m., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council GRANT the STREET OBSTRUCTION: A portion of NORTH WATER STREET, the southbound lane and west sidewalk, from William Street to 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, ON MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. (Matter #0924).” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Burgo)
To recommend that the City Council Grant the Street Obstruction: A portion of Bethel Street, the northbound parking spots and east sidewalk, from William Street to about 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 A.m. to Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 5:00 P.m., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Baptiste and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council GRANT the STREET OBSTRUCTION: A portion of BETHEL STREET, the northbound parking spots and east sidewalk, from William Street to about 1/3 of the way to Elm Street, ON MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 AT 7:00 A.M. TO THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M., for the purpose of the demolition of a building, and the reconstruction and repair of sidewalks and street. (Matter #0924).” (Motion: Baptiste, second: Burgo)
Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting that the MassDOT team, Gareth Saunders, Liaison Government & Public Affairs, Valerie Kilduff, Project Manager, Design- Build Major Projects, City Planner Jennifer Carloni and DPI Commissioner Jamie Ponte, update the Committee on Appointments &…
To receive and place on file the presentation submitted by MassDOT titled “New Bedford I-195 / Route 18 Interchange Rehabilitation Project”. Jennifer Carloni, Planning Director, was recognized and proceeded to introduce the MassDOT Project Team who would be presenting to the Committee this evening including, Valerie Kilduff, Project Manager; Gareth Saunders, Government & Public Affairs Liaison; Da
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To receive and place on file the presentation submitted by MassDOT titled “New Bedford I-195 / Route 18 Interchange Rehabilitation Project”. Jennifer Carloni, Planning Director, was recognized and proceeded to introduce the MassDOT Project Team who would be presenting to the Committee this evening including, Valerie Kilduff, Project Manager; Gareth Saunders, Government & Public Affairs Liaison; Dan Mastrangelo, District 5; and Taylor O’Neill, Public Involvement. An overview of the project background, project scope, construction timeline & impacts, and community engagement was provided..” (Motion: Burgo, second: Oliver)
To recommend that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Council President Burgo, requesting that the MassDOT team, Gareth Saunders, Liaison Government & Public Affairs, Valerie Kilduff, Project Manager, Design-Build Major Projects, City Planner Jennifer Carloni and DPI Commissioner Jamie Ponte, update the Committee on Appointments & Briefings on the Route I-195 to Route
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Burgo and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend that the City Council take “NO FURTHER ACTION” on the WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Burgo, requesting that the MassDOT team, Gareth Saunders, Liaison Government & Public Affairs, Valerie Kilduff, Project Manager, Design-Build Major Projects, City Planner Jennifer Carloni and DPI Commissioner Jamie Ponte, update the Committee on Appointments & Briefings on the Route I-195 to Route 18 Interchange Rehabilitation Project..” (Motion: Burgo, second: Lopes)
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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