MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting · 7:01 p.m.
69 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your New Bedford ballot: 15 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Present: Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Brian K. Gomes, Shawn Oliver, Scott Pemberton, Ryan J. Pereira, James Roy
Absent: Joseph P. Lopes
During the meeting:
Communication, Councillor Lopes, to City Council, notifying that he will be unable to attend the City Council Meeting on Thursday, January 08, 2026, due to a prior commitment.
Received and Placed of File
“Received and Placed of File. (Matter #0011).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Gordan Carr, Executive Director of the New Bedford Port Authority, as the New Bedford designee to the Steamship Authority Port Council, this term will expire December 31, 2026.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Lopes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0012).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Michael J. Paiva, New Bedford, MA, to the Traffic Commission; this term will expire December 2028.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Lopes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0013).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Reverend Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley, New Bedford, MA to the Council on Aging; this term will expire December 2028.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Lopes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0014).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Wayne Edwards, New Bedford, MA, to the Veterans Advisory Board, replacing Karen Cosme whose term has expired; this term will expire December 2026.
Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Lopes
“Rule 38 Waived, Reappointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #0015).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Daniel Luis Reyes Ortiz, New Bedford, MA as Constable.
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0016).”
An Application,
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0017).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Report as Amended, recommending Adoption of the Order, as Amended, for the City of New Bedford to accept a donation of real estate from Wayland Development Corp., shown on City of New Bedford Assessors Map 132 as Lot 62.
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #1878).”
Ordered, that the City of New Bedford accept a donation of real estate, in accordance with M.g.l. c. 40, § 1 and 3 from Wayland Development Corp., a Massachusetts corporation, having a business address of 67 Middle Road, Acushnet, Massachusetts. The real estate to be gifted consists of two one…
Adopted as Amended
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council Adoption of the Resolution, to file and accept grants with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0018).”
A Resolution to File and Accept Grants with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program for Improvements to the Common Whereas, Riverside Park is by far a…
Adopted
Resolution - Dedication of Riverside Park Whereas, The City of New Bedford owns the land identified as shown on the City of New Bedford Assessor’s Maps, Parcels #99-81, and #100-83, by tax foreclosure and located in the North End of New Bedford on the west bank of the Acushnet River which it…
Adopted
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Jason Thody, as the New Bedford Chief of Police.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0019).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of Jason Thody as the New Bedford Police Chief.
Appointment Confirmed Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyNo: CarneyAbsent: Lopes
“Appointment Confirmed Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 9, Nays 1. (Councillor Carney OPPOSED.) (Matter #1784).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of George M. Viveiros, New Bedford, MA, to the Board of Park Commissioners, replacing Lee Blake who has resigned.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0020).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Appointment of George M. Viveiros, New Bedford, MA, to the Board of Park Commissioners, replacing Lee Blake who has resigned; this term will expire May 2026.
Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived
Yes: Abreu, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Lopes
“Appointment Confirmed and Rule 40 Waived – Yeas 10, Nays 0. (Matter #1794).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Ordinance, Amending Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning by adding Section 4200D – Solar Energy Systems.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0021).”
An Ordinance, Amending Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning, by adding Section 4200D – Solar Energy Systems.
Passed to a Second Reading
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1485).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Ordinance, Amending Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning – Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0022).”
An Ordinance, Amending Chapter 9 Comprehensive Zoning – Relative to Accessory Dwelling Units.
Passed to a Second Reading
“Passed to a Second Reading. (Matter #1486).”
Report, Committee on Ordinances, recommending to the City Council, Approval of the Ordinance, as Amended, Relative to Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning, Relative to Parking Requirements – Appendix C – Table of Parking and Loading Requirements.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0023).”
An Ordinance, as Amended, Amending Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning, Relative to Parking Requirements - Appendix C - Table of Parking and Loading Requirements.
Passed to a Second Reading, as Amended
“Passed to a Second Reading, as Amended. (Matter #1615).”
Report, Committee on Finance, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Lopes and Morad, requesting, that Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, provide to the Committee on Finance the annual program…
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0024).”
Written Motion, Councillors Lopes and Morad, requesting that Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council provide to the Committee on Finance the annual program report detailing the status of the City of New Bedford Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Special Tax…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Audit, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Morad and Pereira, requesting that Purchasing Director Molly Gilfeather Rodriguez provide to the Audit Committee monthly – by the 5th of each month – reports detailing the…
Recommended by the Committee on Audit
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0025).”
Written Motion, Councillors Morad and Pereira, requesting that Purchasing Director Molly Gilfeather Rodriguez provide to the Audit Committee monthly – by the 5th of each month – reports detailing the previous month's Request for Proposals issued by the City of New Bedford.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Audit, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Related Motion, Councillor Pereira, requesting, that the Committee on Audit investigate the departmental deficit of $184,291 in the Mayor’s Office.
Recommended by the Committee on Audit
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0026).”
Related Motion, Councillor Pereira, requesting that the Committee on Audit investigate the departmental deficit of $184,291 in the Mayor’s Office.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for the Renewal of a Private Livery License on behalf of Ana L. Valentin Burgos, 627 Allen Street, New…
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0027).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for Renewal of a Private Livery License on behalf of Ana L. Valentin Burgos, 627 Allen Street, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Gerana’s Transportation, INC., 211 Weld Street, New Bedford, MA.
NO FURTHER ACTION
Written Motion, Council President Pereira and Councillor Abreu, requesting, that the Traffic Commission install “No Parking from 10:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.” signage on Coral Street, spanning the entirety of the street, from the Brock Avenue to West Rodney French Boulevard corners, due to the volume of…
Referred to the Traffic Commission
“Referred to the Traffic Commission. (Matter #0028).”
Written Motion, Councillors Pemberton and Abreu, requesting, that Mr. Paul Brooks Jr., Director of Real Estate and Development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, appear before the Committee on City Property, to discuss the feasibility of leasing the Diocese’s 25,000 square foot parking…
Referred to the Committee on City Property, Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, Mitchell Administration and the Purchasing Department
“Referred to the Committee on City Property, Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, Mitchell Administration and the Purchasing Department. (Matter #0029).”
Written Motion, Councillors Pemberton and Oliver, requesting, that the Committee on City Property meet to begin the process of disposition for the Phillips Avenue Elementary School, located at 249 Phillips Avenue.
Referred to the Committee on City Property and the Mitchell Administration
“Referred to the Committee on City Property and the Mitchell Administration. (Matter #0030).”
Petition Indemnity Agreement, Mlm Realty Trust Partners, at 297 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02746, for permission to encroach onto City property with an 80’ x 3’ Awning. (Sponsored by Councillor Oliver)
Petition Indemnity Granted
“Petition Indemnity Granted. (Matter #0031).”
Ordered, That permission be granted to Md Abdul Mannan, on behalf of Mlm Realty Trust Partners, 34 Arlington Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, for permission to encroach onto City property with an 80’ x 3’ Awning, located at 297 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02746. Be It Further Ordered, That said…
Adopted
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License, on behalf of Celestin Wilkend, 1 Warwick Street, New Bedford, MA d/b/a Cris Transportation, 1 Warwick Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to expire – June 30, 2026.)
Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
“Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. (Matter #0033).”
Communication, Council President Pereira, submitting a copy of a letter sent to Shawn Syde, City Engineer, regarding his inability to attend the meeting at the sewage treatment plant regarding the Cso Capital Improvement Plan on Tuesday, December 09, 2025.
Received and Placed on File
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0034).”
Constable Bond, Amancio Soares Ribeiro, New Bedford, MA 02746, in the amount of $5,000.00 with Western Surety Company.
Approved
Application, Jm of New Bedford, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 246 - 248 Pleasant Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0036).”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 110 Eighth Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 11, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0037).”
Application, Jh Landscaping & Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 192 Sawyer Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 11, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0038).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 1016 June Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 12, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0039).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 293 - 305 Ashley Boulevard, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 12, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0040).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 119 Shawmut Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0041).”
Application, Dirty Diggin’ Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 293 - 305 Ashley Boulevard, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0042).”
Application, Dw White Construction, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 54 Wright Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 24, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0043).”
Application, C. Naughton Corp., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at Multiple streets in New Bedford, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 31, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0044).”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 110 Eighth Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 11, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0045).”
Application, Jh Landscaping & Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 192 Sawyer Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 11, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0046).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 1016 June Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 12, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0047).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 293 - 305 Ashley Boulevard, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 12, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0048).”
Application, Mike Andrade Excavation LLC, to Disturb the Surface, of 119 Shawmut Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0049).”
Application, Dirty Diggin Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 293 - 305 Ashley Boulevard, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0050).”
Application, Dw White Construction, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, of 54 Wright Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 24, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0051).”
Application, C. Naughton Corp., to Disturb the Surface, of Multiple streets in New Bedford, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 31, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0052).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 09, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: Cottage Street @ Parker Street, working on Cottage Street, between 51 - 57 Parker Street (#0053) State Street,…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of 232 Adelaide Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 10, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0058).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 16, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 629 Cottage Street (#0059) 67 Ryan Street (#0060) 2660 Acushnet Avenue (#0061) 195 Cedar Street (#0062) 108 - 110…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 17, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 316 - 318 Conduit Street (#0065) 178 Ashley Boulevard (#0066) 214 Dawson Street (#0067) 321 Maple Street (#0068) 101…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 18, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 125-127 Whitman Street (#0074) 17-19 Arlington Street (#0075) 62 Mechanics Lane (#0076) 158-160 Query Street (#0077)…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 19, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 29 East Clinton Street (#0089) 403-405 West Clinton Street (#0090) 19 Glennon Street (#0091) 22 Holly Tree Lane…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of 152 Tarkiln Hill Road, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 22, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0093).”
Application, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, of 106 Richmond Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 29, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0094).”
Application, Kimson Perry, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 48 Davis Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 10, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0095).”
Application, El Harvey, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 396 Elm Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 19, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0096).”
Application, Certified Disaster Restoration, Corp., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 7 Stanton Court, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on December 23, 2025, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council.
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0097).”
Petition, Verizon New England, Inc for location of Conduit at the Intersection of County Street and Allen Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to a node attached to a light pole for wireless service. (Note: Police Details will be engaged while the work is being completed.)
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of one handhole and approximately 70’ of Conduit in Walnut Street, this work is necessary to provide upgraded service to Walnut Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026..”
Petition, Nstar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for location of approximately 38’ of Conduit in Walnut Street, this work is necessary to provide electric service to 198 Walnut Street.
Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026
“Received and Hearing Ordered for Thursday, January 22, 2026..”
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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