City Council — September 10, 2026

The New Bedford City Council met on September 10, 2026, opening with a moment of silence in observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, followed by an opening prayer by Associate Pastor Jamie Nguyen of Grace Harbor Church. The council approved multiple utility petitions from Eversource Energy for conduit installations on Willis Street, Maxfield Street, Pleasant Street, Tower Drive, and Belleville Avenue. The council also approved an amendment to the lease-purchase agreement for 32 Madison Street, allowing PACE to borrow against its leasehold interest for building capital improvements, and approved the partial demolition and roof reconstruction of a residential structure at 262 Carroll Street.

Key mayoral appointments were processed, including the appointment of Ymane Galotti to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approved 11-0) and the reappointments of Ian Daly and Rick Nunes as constables. Appointments for Alyssa de Cunha (Commission for Citizens with Disabilities) and Joanna Gonzalez (Human Rights Commission) were referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. During discussions, Councillor at Large Shane A. Burgo criticized Mayor Jon Mitchell regarding statements on the city's health and human services restructuring and regarding a newly hired mayoral staff member whose position Burgo asserted had been cut during budget proceedings. Burgo's motion to have the Committee on Audit investigate the mayoral hire passed 10-1, with Councillor James Roy dissenting. Additionally, the council voted unanimously 0-11 to reject the tabled appointment and qualification waiver for Kendra Parker as acting administrative assistant to the Board of Assessors.

Several council motions and financial orders were advanced. The council approved a $157,791 transfer within the School Department from general expense to school transportation. Other approved referrals included an ordinance classifying data centers sent to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee, a proposal from Councillor Ian Abreu to establish a free bicycle safety flag distribution program for children, a review of public trash receptacle availability, an audit of city health insurance broker and consulting fees over the past three fiscal years, and permission for the Veterans Advisory Board to install two Gold Star memorial plaques at Clasky Common Park.

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