MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting · 7:02 p.m.
September 11, 2025
85 recorded votes, 0 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
Every vote, in order
Hearing, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 3’ of Conduit and one new handhole in Seventh Street, this work is necessary to move electric service from the backyard of the property to the front of the property at 21 Seventh Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1468).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1469).”
Hearing, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 45’ of Conduit in Bedford Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to 561 Allen Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1470).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1471).”
Hearing, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 20’ of Conduit, from an existing manhole to William Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to 11 William Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1472).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1473).”
Hearing, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 33’ of Conduit and a Handhole at 71 Borden Street, this work is necessary to provide service to 71 Borden Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1474).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1475).”
Hearing, Verizon New England, Inc. for location of approximately 355’ of underground Conduit line in County Street between North Street and Hillman Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to an antenna on a light pole at the northwest corner of County Street and Hillman Street.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1476).”
An Order,
Approved with condition that police detail be provided and present at all times
From the minutes
“Approved with condition that police detail be provided and present at all times. (Matter #1477).”
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1477).”
Hearing, Network Building and Consulting on behalf of Verizon New England, Inc for location of four-inch Conduits at the Ne side of the intersection of County Street and Cedar Grove Street, this work is necessary for the MassDOT Rehabilitation Project.
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1478).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1479).”
Hearing, Network Building and Consulting on behalf of Verizon New England, Inc. for location of four-inch Conduits at the intersection of Purchase Street and Coggeshall Street to Purchase Street at the intersection of Penniman Street; and Purchase Street at the intersection of Cedar Grove Street,…
Hearing Held
Petition Placed on File
From the minutes
“Petition Placed on File. (Matter #1480).”
An Order,
Adopted and ordered recorded
From the minutes
“Adopted and ordered recorded. (Matter #1481).”
Communication, Mr. Miguel submitting a MassDOT map outlining his property in the area of the Cedar Grove Street on ramp to I-195W.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #1482).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a letter regarding the Mayor’s appointment of the Police Chief and the City Solicitor’s opinion that this appointment is not subject to confirmation by the City Council.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning, by adding Section 4200D – Solar Energy Systems.
TABLED
An Ordinance,
TABLED
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning – Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.
TABLED
An Ordinance,
TABLED
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Sean M. Carney, New Bedford, MA to the Conservation Commission; this term will expire June 2028.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Giesta, Gomes, Lopes, Morad, Oliver, PereiraAbsent: Carney
From the minutes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Councillor Carney not present for vote.) (Matter #1488).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Application, Jose Barbosa and Derek Mendes, d/b/a Casa Do Benfica, No. 27, Inc., for a Special Permit for a Club or Lodge, to be located at 34 Beetle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1489).”
Special Permit Application, Jose Barbosa and Derek Mendes, d/b/a Casa Do Benfica, No. 27, Inc., for a Special Permit for a Club or Lodge, to be located at 34 Beetle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746. Public Hearing Held – August 21, 2025.
Special Permit Granted
From the minutes
“Special Permit Granted. (Matter #1490).”
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 & Neighborhoods meet with the CEO or designated representative for E.l. Harvey Trash &…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1491).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods meet with the CEO or designated representative for E.l. Harvey Trash & Recyclables, along with representatives from the New Bedford Health Department and the Department of Facilities and Fleet…
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 City immediately install “No Trespassing Anytime, Police Take Notice” signage at the Wilks Library, 1911 Acushnet Avenue,…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1492).”
Written Motion, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the City immediately install “No Trespassing Anytime, Police Take Notice” signage at the Wilks Library, 1911 Acushnet Avenue, at the back of the property, where the library grounds meet Brooklawn Park; and further, that this action be taken on any…
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 response letter from Mayor Mitchell, relative to the August 26, 2024, Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee request for…
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1493).”
Communication, Councillor Gomes, submitting a response letter from Mayor Mitchell, relative to the August 26, 2024, Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee request for information regarding the use of ARPA funds for the purchase of solar radar speed limit signs.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Council President Burgo, Councillors Gomes, Morad and Pereira, requesting that the Committee on Ordinances meet to discuss removing the City Council as a Granting Authority for…
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1494).”
Written Motion, Council President Burgo, 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 Light…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting that the Committee on Ordinances review and consider revisions to the current Body Art Ordinance, specifically Section 4000 – Special Regulations, Section…
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1495).”
Written Motion, Councillor Lopes, requesting that the Committee on Ordinances review and consider revisions to the current Body Art Ordinance, specifically Section 4000 – Special Regulations, Section 4200 – Body Art, with the goal of updating the current provisions of the Ordinance to reflect the…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on a an Order and Ordinance, Amending Chapter 10, Section 10-45 of the City Code, pertaining to local licenses and permits; denial, revocation or suspension for failure to pay municipal taxes or charges.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1496).”
An Order,
NO FURTHER ACTION
An Ordinance,
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Related Motion, Councillors Gomes and Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances take a look at the current Abutter Lots Program and Ordinance, to see what improvements can be made to…
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1497).”
Related Motion, Councillors Gomes and Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances take a look at the current Abutter Lots Program and Ordinance, to see what improvements can be made to acquiring and moving these properties onto the tax roll; and further, that the Committee meet with the Tax…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on an Order, Councillor Morad, Ordered, that pursuant to M.g.l. Chapter 44, Section 53F ½ , an Enterprise Fund is hereby accepted and established for all Emergency Medical Services effective on July 1, 2025…
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1498).”
An Order, Councillor Morad, that pursuant to M.g.l. c. 44 sec. 53F ½ , an Enterprise Fund is hereby accepted and established for all Emergency Medical Services effective on July 1, 2025 (FY 2026) to be known as the Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund and that all receipts, revenues and funds…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Written Motion, Councillor Oliver, requesting, that the Committee on Finance meet with Chief Financial Officer, Bob Ekstrom, and MAA Administrative Assistant to the Board of Assessors Sherie Pinzino, to review the current criteria for tax exemption eligibility at age 70 and to consider taking the…
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #1499).”
Written Motion, Councillors Abreu, Carney, Choquette and Pereira, requesting, that Hr Director, Jose Gouveia, appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the City's current voluntary benefit package, benefits that are paid for solely by the employee.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. (Matter #1500).”
Written Motion, Councillors Abreu, Choquette, and Pereira, requesting, that Hr Director, Jose Gouveia, and CFO, Bob Ekstrom, appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the City's current Prescription Drug Plan and possible savings options available.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. (Matter #1501).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Duria Arsanios, d/b/a New Bedford Transportation, LLC, 11 Franklin Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a New Private Livery License, to carry passengers for hire over…
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #1502).”
Citation, Councillor Morad, honoring Little People’s College, in recognition of their ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Welby Road location and with sincere appreciation for their commitment to providing a caring and supportive early childhood atmosphere for families in the Greater New Bedford…
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #1503).”
Citations, Councillor Gomes, honoring Cameron O’neill, Corey Taylor and Flavio Goncalves, in recognition of their appointment as New Bedford Police Officers.
Adopted, to be presented at a later date
From the minutes
“Adopted, to be presented at a later date. (Matter #1504).”
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, that the following street(s) Be Closed: Sycamore Street, from Ash Street to Cedar Street, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1:00 P.m. to 8:00 P.m., for the purpose of A Block Party. Granted Provisionally by the 2025 City Council President Shane A.…
Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified. (Matter #1505).”
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of Johnny Cake Hill Events, LLC, in partnership with Whale, that the following street(s) Be Closed: Johnny Cake Hill, from William Street to Union Street and William Street, from North Second Street to Bethel Street, on Sunday, October 05,…
Permission Granted
Constable Bond, Antwaun Donyeh Murphy, New Bedford, MA 02740, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Western Surety 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 Minutes from the Board of Assessors for a meeting held on July 31, 2025; the Library Board of Trustees for a meeting held on June 24, 2025; the Licensing Board…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #1508).”
Application, Poyant Signs, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 741 Purchase Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1509).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1441 Pleasant Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1510).”
Application, Haugland Energy, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at County Street, Union Street - Middle Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1511).”
Application, Eversource Electric, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 48 - 60 South Second Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1512).”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 77 Bedford Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1513).”
Application, Haugland Energy, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at County Street, School Street - William Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1514).”
Application, Dupre, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 67 Princeton Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 02, 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 #1515).”
Application, Sandstone Construction, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 19 Hathaway Road, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 02, 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 #1516).”
Application, Haugland Energy, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at County Street, Austin Street - Linden Street; Linden Street, County Street - State Street; State Street, Linden Street - Weld Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 08, 2025, subject to…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #1517).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 48 Lemos Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 08, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #1518).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 1441 Pleasant Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1519).”
Application, Haugland Energy, to Disturb the Surface, of County Street, Union Street – Middle Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1520).”
Application, Eversource Electric, to Disturb the Surface, of 48 - 60 South Second Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1521).”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 77 Bedford Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1522).”
Application, Haugland Energy, to Disturb the Surface, of County Street, School Street - William Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1523).”
Application, Dupre, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 67 Princeton Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 02, 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 #1524).”
Application, Sandstone Construction, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 19 Hathaway Road, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 02, 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 #1525).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 48 Lemos Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 08, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #1526).”
Application, Haugland Energy, to Disturb the Surface, of County Street, Austin Street - Linden Street; Linden Street, County Street - State Street; State Street, Linden Street - Weld Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 08, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #1527).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 19, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Viall Street, between Cove Street - Ruth Street (#1528) State Street, from Penniman Street - Cedar Grove Street (#1529)
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 August 20, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 96 Caswell Street (#1530) Route 18 @ Madison Street working on the Jfk Memorial side of Madison Street dead end (#1531)…
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 130 Summer Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1537).”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of ws Belleville Avenue, corner property - Holly Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 25, 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 #1538).”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of 53 North Street, Foster Street - Hill Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on August 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 #1539).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on September 03, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 144- 146 Bellevue Street (#1540) 12 Jennifer Lane (#1541)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 10’ of Conduit on Wood Street from a pole 760815 across city owned sidewalk to customer installed handhole at 494 Wood Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, September 25, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, September 25, 2025..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 40’ of Conduit on Orchard Street, this work will provide upgraded service to Orchard Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, September 25, 2025
From the minutes
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, September 25, 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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