MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Special meeting · 7:00 p.m.
March 5, 2026
49 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Derek Baptiste, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Brian K. Gomes, Joseph P. Lopes, Scott Pemberton, Ryan J. Pereira, James Roy
Absent: Ian Abreu, Shawn Oliver
Every vote, in order
Communication, Councillor Abreu, to City Council, notifying that he will be unable to attend the Special City Council meeting on Thursday, March 05, 2026, due to a previously scheduled work-related commitment.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0221).”
Communication, Council President Pereira, to Dennis W. Farias, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, calling a Special City Council Meeting for Thursday, March 05, 2026 at 7:00 pm for the purpose of hearing the items on the City Council meeting agenda previously scheduled for Thursday, February 26,…
Received and Placed on file
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on file. (Matter #0222).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Ordinance, Amending Chapter 10, by inserting a new Section 10-86.1, Voluntary Electronic (Email) Delivery of Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills, after Section 10-86.
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0223).”
An Ordinance,
Referred to the Committee on Ordinances
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Ordinances. (Matter #0224).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $1,070,555.00 from State Aid, and an Order for the Transfer of $314,530.00 from State Aid 950, to School Department General Expense.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0225).”
An Order,
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0226).”
Referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“Referred to the Committee on Finance. (Matter #0227).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting an Order for the Transfer of $368,000.00 from General Fund Stabilization to Snow Removal Purhase of Services.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0228).”
Ordered, that the sum of Three Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars ($368,000) now standing to the credit of the account from General Fund Stabilization be and the same is hereby transferred and appropriated to as follows: Snow Removal Purchase of Services………………………………………$368,000 To be certified…
Adopted
Yes: Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Abreu, Oliver
From the minutes
“Adopted – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Matter #0229).”
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the Reappointment of Mark O’neal Ste. Rose, New Bedford, MA as Constable.
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0230).”
An Application, Mark O”Neal Ste. Rose, New Bedford, MA as Constable.
Reappointment Confirmed
Yes: Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Abreu, Oliver
From the minutes
“Reappointment Confirmed – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Matter #0231).”
An Ordinance, amending Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning, Section 4200D – Solar Energy Systems.
Passed to be Ordained
Yes: Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Gomes, Lopes, Pemberton, Pereira, RoyAbsent: Abreu, Oliver
From the minutes
“Passed to be Ordained – Yeas 9, Nays 0. (Matter #1485).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of an Application, Laguerre Pierre Marc, d/b/a L&s Transport, Inc., for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Sales and/or Rentals & General Repair, at 724 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0232).”
Special Permit Application, Laguerre Pierre Marc, d/b/a L&s Transport, Inc., for a Special Permit for Motor Vehicle Sales and/or Rentals & General Repair, at 724 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745. Public Hearing Held – February 17, 2026.
Special Permit Granted
From the minutes
“Special Permit Granted. (Matter #0233).”
Communication, Councillor Burgo, submitting a copy of a letter from Danny Romanowicz, Director of Inspectional Services, confirming that Laguerre Pierre Marc, d/b/a L & S Transport Inc., at 724 Ashley Boulevard, does not have an Mdc (Metropolitan District Commission) trap and that the owner has…
Received and Placed on File
From the minutes
“Received and Placed on File. (Matter #0234).”
Report, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Application for a New Private Livery License on behalf of Suzete Rosa DePina, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Tia Suzete Transportation, 38 Trinity Street, New Bedford, MA. (License will expire June 30, 2026.)
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments and Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0235).”
Communication, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for a New Private Livery License on behalf of Suzete Rosa DePina, New Bedford, MA, d/b/a Tia Suzete Transportation, 38 Trinity Street, New Bedford, MA. (License will expire June 30, 2026.)
Livery License Granted
From the minutes
“Livery License Granted. (Matter #0116).”
Report, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Jeffrey David Foisy, New Bedford, MA, as a Constable.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0236).”
An Application, Jeffrey David Foisy, New Bedford, MA, Apointment as a Constable.
Appointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed. (Matter #1931).”
Report, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending to the City Council Approval of the Appointment of Daniel Luis Reyes Ortiz, New Bedford, MA, as a Constable.
Recommended by the Committee on Appointments & Briefings
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0237).”
An Application, Daniel Luis Reyes Ortiz, New Bedford, MA, Appointment as a Constable.
Appointment Confirmed
From the minutes
“Appointment Confirmed. (Matter #0017).”
Report, Special Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Choquette, requesting that Jamie Ponte, Commissioner for the Department of Public Infrastructure, and James Costa, Wastewater Superintendent, appear…
Recommended by the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0238).”
Written Motion, Councillor Choquette, requesting that Jamie Ponte, Commissioner for the Department of Public Infrastructure, and James Costa, Wastewater Superintendent, appear before the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs to discuss the events contributing to the shellfish bed closures in…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Special Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillors Gomes, Dunn, Giesta, Lima, Abreu, Coelho, Carney, Markey and Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet with…
Recommended by the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0239).”
Written Motion, Councillors Gomes, Dunn, Giesta, Lima, Abreu, Coelho, Carney, Markey and Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods meet with officials from the Department of Inspectional Services, the Department of Public Infrastructure, the Fire Department, the…
NO FURTHER ACTION. (Special Committee on Environmental Affairs)
From the minutes
“NO FURTHER ACTION. (Special Committee on Environmental Affairs) (Matter #0214).”
Report, Special Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Lima, Council President Lopes and Councillor Abreu, requesting that the Inspectional Services Commissioner Danny Romanowicz, Environmental Stewardship…
Recommended by the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0240).”
Written Motion, Councillor Lima, Council President Lopes and Councillor Abreu, requesting that the Inspectional Services Commissioner Danny Romanowicz, Environmental Stewardship Director Michele Paul and Health Director Damon Chaplin appear before the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs to…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Special Committee on Environmental Affairs, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs meet with City Solicitor Mikaela McDermott and Director of Resilience and…
Recommended by the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0241).”
Written Motion, Councillor Morad, requesting, that the Special Committee on Environmental Affairs meet with City Solicitor Mikaela McDermott and Director of Resilience and Environmental Stewardship Michele Paul, to obtain a full briefing regarding the City’s ongoing legal position and financial…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Report, Committee on City Property, recommending that the City Council take “No Further Action” on the 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…
Recommended by the Committee on City Property
Recommendation Followed
From the minutes
“Recommendation Followed. (Matter #0242).”
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…
NO FURTHER ACTION
Communication/Demolition, Anne Louro, Preservation Planner, to City Council, re: Building Demolition Review: Ne South Water Street, (Map 47/LOT199), Former Eversource Office Building, a circa 1911 Brick Masonry/Aluminum Clad Vacant Building, advising that “the structure was initially constructed as…
Demolition Granted
Written Motion, Councillor Baptiste, requesting, on behalf of the Zeiterion Theatre, that the following street(s) be Closed: a portion of Spring Street, from Purchase Street to Acushnet Avenue, from Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm to Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 am, for the purpose of…
Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Council President Ratified. (Matter #0244).”
Petition/Indemnity Agreement, Drew Sylvia, d/b/a D and D Caterers, Inc., 53 Belleville Road, New Bedford, MA, for Permission to Erect and Maintain a 36” x 24” Illuminated Sign to overhang City property at 53 Belleville Road, New Bedford MA. Provisionally Granted, subject to the approval of…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified. (Matter #0245).”
Application, Seaspray Container Company, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 14 Donny Drive, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 13, 2026, 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 #0246).”
Applications, Aqua Line Utility, Inc., for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 09, 2026, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 117 - 119 Branscomb Street (#0247) Es King Street (#0248) 84 Irvington Street…
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 4 Kearsarge Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 18, 2026, 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 #0250).”
Application, Roto-Rooter, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 156 Grinnell Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 19, 2026, 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 #0251).”
Application, Rj Canessa Excavating, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 526 Rivet Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 19, 2026, 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 #0252).”
Applications, Aqua Line Utility, Inc., to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 10, 2026, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 117 – 119 Branscomb Street (#0253) Es King Street (#0254) 84 Irvington Street (#0255)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Jlc Construction, to Disturb the Surface, of 4 Kearsarge Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 18, 2026, 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 #0256).”
Application, Roto-Rooter, to Disturb the Surface, of 156 Grinnell Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 19, 2026, 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 #0257).”
Application, Rj Canessa Excavating, to Disturb the Surface, of 526 Rivet Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 19, 2026, 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 #0258).”
Applications, Eversource Gas, to Disturb the Surface, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 10, 2026, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 97 Sidney Street (#0259) 16 Highland Street (#0260) 187 Crapo Street (#0261) 122 Deane Street, Ashley Boulevard -…
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 February 11, 2026, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 564 Purchase Street (#0264) 374 Prescott Street (#0265)
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 February 13, 2026, subject to ratification by the Mayor and City Council as follows: 336 - 338 Maple Street (#0266) 646 Rockdale Avenue (#0267)
Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified
From the minutes
“Received and Action of the City Clerk Ratified..”
Application, Freedom Roofing LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 799 Brock Avenue, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 10, 2026, 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 #0268).”
Application, Mowbray Waste and Recycling, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 207 Walnut Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 12, 2026, 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 #0269).”
Application, Costello Home Construction, LLC, for permission to maintain a Street Obstruction at 170 State Street, provisionally granted by the City Clerk on February 13, 2026, 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 #0270).”
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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