Special City Council Meeting — January 5, 2026

I just came out of there because we're not live, right?

Okay, we'll let you know when we're ready.

Yeah, just one second.

Councilors, why don't you find your seats, please?

Councilors, just very briefly before we, uh, before we begin the meeting, when we leave here, we're gonna, as you know, we're gonna walk down to the Whaling Museum.

Please go right into the lobby.

Don't go directly into the theater.

Go into the lobby because we're gonna get you in a certain order to proceed into the theater, okay?

And then your seats You'll each have your assigned seats in the 2 front rows in the center of the theater, okay?

But we'll get you organized when we get down there.

All right.

Gosh, you ready?

Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to this meeting.

Of January 5th, 2026.

The City Council organizational meeting is hereby called to order.

I would like at this time to invite Pastor, Pastor Leona Fisher from the In the Name of Jesus Christ Church to lead us in the first prayer of the year.

Good evening, everyone.

Happy New Year.

And first, to Dennis, I thank you for the invitation.

To the newly elected councilors, congratulations.

And to all the citizens of New Bedford, I pray a good and favorable new year.

May we pray.

Sovereign God, we humbly come before you in reverence for who you are.

We pray for your presence and guidance for these council members as they organize to be a body of multiple people who need to govern in unity for the betterment of the affairs of New Bedford.

A heavy task indeed.

God, I pray you empower them with wisdom like King Solomon to understand every issue.

I pray you empower them with holy boldness like young David to stand and fight for what is right.

I pray you bless them with sound mind good health, and perfect peace to succeed at this heavy task and to succeed at their individual personal journeys.

This I pray to you, Lord, in expectation.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Thank you, Pastor.

This time I'd like to call on Councilor-elect Shane Burgo to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Councilor.

Thank you.

Good evening, everyone.

Chamber tonight is Councilor-elect of Ward 4, Derek Baptiste.

Councilor-elect at large, Shane Burgo.

Councilor-elect of Ward 3, Sean Oliver.

Councilor-elect at large, Naomi Carney.

Councilor-elect at large, James Roy.

Councilor-elect of Ward 6, Ryan Pereira.

Councilor-at-large-elect, Brian Gomes.

Councilor-elect of Ward 5, Joe Lopes.

Councilor-elect of Ward 1, Leo Choquette.

Councilor-elect of Ward 2, Scott Pemberton.

And Councilor-Elect at Large Ian Abreu.

Welcome everyone.

Congratulations on your elections.

Welcome tonight.

Councilors, before us is— actually, before I get to that, I just want to note that this meeting is being live streamed and recorded.

City Council and committee meetings can be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage under Quick Links and then Meetings.

Councilors, item 1 is a communication from the city clerk, clerk of the council, notifying of the organizational meeting of City Council to be held on Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 6 PM.

In the City Council chambers for the following purpose: temporary organization of the City Council and election of the City Council President Pro Tem, Election Commission reporting the election of municipal officials, recess for swearing in of elected officials, the reconvening for the organization of the City Council for the year of 2026, the election of the President of the City Council for '26, drawing for seats if necessary, appointments of assistant city solicitors for 2026, Appointment of Attorney David J. Garatowski as Legislative Counsel to the City Council for 2026, and the appointment of weighers of merchandise for 2026.

There'd be a motion to receive and place on file the communication.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Opposed?

The ayes have it.

At this time, the chair will be a nominate— will receive nominations for President Pro Tem.

Yes, I'd like to nominate Councilor-elect Shane Burgo for President Pro Tem.

The nomination has been made for Councilor Burgo to be president pro tem.

Is there a second for the nomination?

Seconded by Councilor Baptiste.

Any other nominations?

We will take a roll call vote on electing Councilor Shane Burgo as president pro tem.

Councilor Abreu?

Yes.

Councilor Baptiste?

Yes.

Councilor Burgo?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Carney?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Chilcote?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Gomes?

Yes.

Councillor Lopes?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Oliver?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Pemberton?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Pereira?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Roy?

Yes.

Yes.

Motion passes 11 to 0.

Councillor Burgos, you are elected president pro tem.

Please come to the dais.

Thank you.

That was really easy, huh?

I'll ask the clerk to read item 2.

Easiest thing you'll do all year, Mr. President.

Item 2, Mr. President, is communication from the Election Commission reporting the election of municipal officials for 2026.

Motion received and placed on file.

So moved.

Made by Councilor Oliver.

Seconded by Councilor Lopes.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The eyes have it.

At this time, we'll go into recess to head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Into recess.

All right.

Stretch our legs a little and freeze.

There he is.

There he is.

I don't think Garrett Thompson has the votes tonight.

I didn't get a call from you.

I— oh, wait a minute.

I didn't get a call.

I always call you back.

We are back from recess.

It is 7:23 PM, and we are reconvening on letter D for the organization of city council for for the year 2026, our Lord and Savior.

Um, we're under item 1, and we will now take up letter E, election of president of the city council for 2026.

I will now open the floor for nominations.

The chair recognizes Councilor Carney.

Yes, thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I'd like to nominate Ryan Pereira for city council president.

Thank you.

Nomination made by Councilor Carney for Councilor Pereira.

Is there a second?

Second.

Second made by Councilor Roy.

Any other nominations?

Motion to close the nominations at this time made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Lopes.

Anyone on the question?

Oh, all those in favor of closing the nomination say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

I'll ask the clerk to call the roll on— oh, sorry, I apologize.

Anyone speak on the question of the— oh, Chair recognizes Councilor Olivares first.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I rise tonight to support our colleague Councilor Ryan Pereira to be the next City Council president.

Of the New Bedford City Council.

As we know, serving on this council is an honor.

It's a privilege.

It's a challenge for all of us.

It's, it's that way because we bring different perspectives, different priorities, different approaches to the table.

And truthfully, that's what makes this council work.

The debates that we have here in this room, the disagreements that we have here in this room are essential parts of the process.

Now, I truly believe what defines someone is how they handle those moments of disagreement.

It's about showing respect.

It's about listening with an open mind.

And it's about doing the work.

And we know we get our fair share of it at times, but it's always remembering why we're here.

And that's to serve and better the city of New Bedford.

And that's how I see Councilor Pereira's approach to government.

Councilor Pereira does the work.

He shows up, he's prepared, becomes informed, and he takes the time to understand the details, to hear from all parties that are affected, and brings those concerns to the table.

And though we represent different wards, I appreciate the fact that Councilor Pereira doesn't limit his focus to just south of Rivet Street.

He understands that every decision that we make here, every vote that we cast here, impacts the city as a whole.

And time after time, he asks the tough questions.

He shows that he's committed to doing the work.

And to do what he believes is best.

That kind of perspective takes balance.

It takes a genuine care for community, and it takes a sense of fairness that I believe this council would benefit from as we move into this new year.

Because Councilor Pereira will help us build consensus.

He'll let all sides be heard and lead in a way that will keep the conversation productive.

Even when the issues are tough.

Now, I know we're in the council chambers and typically we address councillors properly.

However, I do want to take a moment to speak about Ryan the person, not the councillor.

You know, we spend a lot of time in this room.

Most weeks we spend more time in this room with each other than with family.

So over the last few years, I could say that I've gotten to know Councilor Pereira not just as a colleague but as a friend, someone that you can pick up the phone and talk to for more than just city business.

He's someone that is genuine, even if you disagree with— if he disagrees with you.

And he's someone who takes the time to just check in, no city business at all, just to see how things are going, just to see if everything's all right.

Just to lend an ear and to see if you're feeling well.

That is a trait that I believe he possesses.

It's not taught because it comes from a land of respect and mutual care.

That's something that I value.

Now, some in this room think that relationships like friendship don't belong in government.

That's fine.

But I can tell you that friendships like this matter because they help bridge the divides to get the work done.

They help foster understanding.

And they are part of the human condition to work together and to show genuine care, just trying to make the city of New Bedford a better place.

So while we may not see eye to eye on every policy, on every proposal or every motion, I can say without hesitation I have respect for Councilor Ryan Pereira's work ethic, his dedication to the city, his friendship.

And for those reasons, I believe that he will lead this body with fairness, with integrity, commitment to the process.

And I'm proud to stand tonight in support of our colleague Ward 6 City Councilor Ryan Pereira to be the 2026 president of the New Bedford City Council, and I hope that my colleagues will be compelled to join me as well.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Oliver.

Anyone else on there first?

Seeing none, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll on the election of the president with the nomination, uh, on, uh, Councilor Pereira.

Councilor Habrew.

From one Wood Sixer to another, yes.

Yes, Councilor Baptiste.

Yes, Councilor Burgos.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Carney.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Choquette.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Gomes.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Lopes.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Mr. President, passes 11 to 0.

Passes 11 to 0.

New Bedford, you have a new city council president, Councilor Ryan Pereira.

At this time, I would like to ask Councilors Abreu and Carney to escort our 2026 City Council President Ryan Pereira to the dais.

Thank you, Councilors Carney and Abreu, for, uh, walking me up to the dais.

Uh, before we get back to business, I'd just like to take this time to address the body, colleagues, and residents.

In this chamber, history isn't just found in the records we keep.

It's in the very air that we breathe, from the portraits that watch over us to the votes that we take.

But as I sit at this desk, I am aware of the one figure looking down from above, President Washington, whose leadership birthed the American experiment 250 years ago.

But New Bedford has never been a city that merely watches history pass by.

We are the city that fueled it, the city that lit the world when our nation was young and searching for its way.

Today, as we stand at the threshold of our country's 250th anniversary, the light we cast is no longer from whale oil, but from the grit of our waterfront, the resilience of our people, and the diversity of our neighbourhoods.

To my colleagues and my fellow residents, we are not just heirs of this 250-year legacy.

We are the authors of its next great chapter.

My fellow councillors, I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me to lead this body.

This gavel is not a symbol of power, but a tool for service, and I thank you for the honor of using it to help steer our shared work.

You have given me your vote and your trust.

In return, you will have my absolute best as we work together to move our city forward.

To my family and friends, Those who have stood by me through the long campaigns, the late-night meetings, and the sacrifices that public life demands.

I would not be sitting at this desk without your unwavering support.

I thank you all so much.

Mom, Dad, Christina, Sam, Nick, thank you for helping to keep my head on my shoulders, for assisting in all of my last-minute crazy ideas, and just helping to get things done.

I wouldn't be half as prepared as I am if it wasn't for you all helping me out, so I want to thank them.

To my Vu aunt, uncle, and cousins, thank you for everything you've done for me, for keeping me grounded in my faith, for giving me an ear to vent to, for showing me that old-school hard work goes a very long way.

Most importantly now, to the residents of New Bedford, thank you for the privilege of representing you.

Every day that I walk into this building, I carry your stories, your concerns, and your thoughts.

And I think I can speak for the whole council— we do not take the weight of this office lightly.

This year, colleagues, I invite you to join me in a vision of functional leadership.

We are 11 individuals representing different wards, different walks of life, bringing a wealth of different perspectives.

But we serve one single interest: the progress of New Bedford.

I challenge us this year to move beyond the friction of the moment and focus on the foundations of our future.

Whether we are debating the revitalization of our waterfront, the expansion of housing, or the safety of our neighborhoods, let our discourse be marked by the same dignity that this chamber demands.

Let us be a council that listens with intent.

Let us be a council that acts with courage.

Let us be a council that proves every single day that there is no limit to what we can achieve for the common good of the people of New Bedford.

To my new colleagues, Councilors Pemberton and Roy, congratulations.

Give them a round of applause too.

I look forward to working with you.

In the coming year and offer you both any support you might need in any way.

My one piece of advice is that we have an excellent staff that I lean to, and I encourage you to do the same.

From Attorney Garatowski's 24/7 legal opinions— literally call him anytime— Clerk Farias helping out with the council agenda, preparing and game planning what might occur.

Clerk Lawrence for helping me through committee meetings and bouncing ideas off of him, and to our excellent office staff under Susan's leadership for tracking down my random requests of meeting minutes and votes that may or may not have been taken, that could have been made up in my head.

250 years ago, our founders did not agree on every detail.

But they agreed on the necessity of the work.

They understood that the strength of a democracy is measured by its results and the character of its leaders.

In this year of 2026, let the City That Lit the World find its spark once again.

Let us prove that local government can still be the gold standard of the American promise.

A place where we can look a neighbor in the eye, disagree with dignity, and still walk out of this chamber committed to the same common good.

The task before us is great.

The tides are high.

But our resolve is stronger.

To my colleagues, my family, and the people of New Bedford, I am ready to give you my all.

Let us honor the legacy that's behind us.

By building a future that next generations will be proud to inherit.

Thank you.

God bless you.

And may God bless the city of New Bedford.

Let's get to work.

No, we got to draw the seats.

Letter F. All right, there is a procedure.

Mr. President, currently before us is the matter of drawing for the seats.

Would any counselor like to— I believe we have 2 seats.

Would any counselor like to switch seats at this time?

Any of the returning counselors?

Okay.

Nope.

The 2 new counselors, are you guys happy where you are, or would you like to Okay, very good.

All right, now move on to number 3.

Without objection at this time, I'll ask the clerk to read items number 3 and 4 on the agenda.

Mr. President, item 3 is communication from Mayor Mitchell submitting the reappointment of Attorney Owen Murphy of Dartmouth Massachusetts as an assistant city solicitor for a 1-year term expiring December 31st, 2026.

And item 4 is communication from the mayor submitting the reappointment of attorney Michael J. Harrington of Little Compton, Rhode Island, as an assistant city solicitor for a 1-year term expiring December 31st, 2026.

Wave screening confirmed.

Motion— motion— motion to waive screening and confirm the reappointment.

Motion to waive screening, waive Rule 40, and confirm, made by Councilor Gomes, seconded by Councilor Abreu.

Any discussion on that item?

Roll call vote.

Councilor Abreu?

Yes.

Councilor Baptiste?

Yes.

Councilor Burgos?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Carney?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Choquette?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Gomes?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Lopes?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Oliver?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Pemberton?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Pereira?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Roy?

Yes.

Yes.

Passes 11 to 0.

Item passes 11 to 0.

If the attorneys wouldn't mind standing up, the clerk will swear you in.

Do solemnly swear— do solemnly swear— that I will faithfully and impartially— that I will faithfully and impartially— perform my duties as Assistant City Solicitor— perform my duties as Assistant City Solicitor— to the best of my abilities and understanding— to the best of my abilities and understanding— in accordance with the Constitution of the United States— in accordance with the Constitution of the United States— the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts— the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts— and the Charter of Quincy And the charter ordinances of the city of New Bedford.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

Thanks, man.

I wasn't going to get up.

I'm sick of getting At this time, I'll ask the clerk to read item number 5.

Mr. President, item 5 is written motion from 2025 City Council President Shane Virgo submitting to the full council the reappointment of attorney David J. Garotowski of New Bedford, Massachusetts, as legislative counsel to the council for a 1-year term expiring December 31st, 2026.

Same course of action.

Motion to waive screening, Rule 40, and confirm made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by— seconded by Councilor Carney.

Any discussion on the item?

I will ask the clerk to call the roll.

Councilor Abraham?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Baptiste?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Burgo?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Carney?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Choquette?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Gomes?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Lopes.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Passes 11 to 0.

Item passes 11 to 0.

Attorney Garatowski, if you'd go to the podium and be sworn in.

Do we have to stand and clap again?

Full name.

I, David Grewitowski, do solemnly swear.

Do solemnly swear.

That I will faithfully perform my duties.

That I will faithfully perform my duties.

As legislative counsel.

As legislative counsel.

To the best of my abilities and understanding.

To the best of my abilities and understanding.

In accordance with the Constitution of the United States.

In accordance with the Constitution of the United States.

The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The laws of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the charter and ordinances of the city of New Bedford, the charter and ordinances of the city of New Bedford, whatever those are.

All right, so I'll leave it there.

Whatever those are.

Thank you very much.

I will ask the clerk to read item number 6, please.

Mr. President, item 6 is a communication from the mayor submitting the reappointment of wares of merchandise for a 1-year term expiring December 31st, 2026, from L&S Industries Incorporated, Ian McGraw of Lakeville, Massachusetts, and Zachary DeRocco of Wareham.

Massachusetts.

Same course of action made to reappoint and waive Rule 40, made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.

Any discussion?

I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.

Councilor Abrum?

Yes.

Councilor Baptiste?

Yes.

Councilor Burgo?

Yes.

Councilor Carney?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Choquette?

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Gomes?

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Lopes.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Pereira.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Roy.

Yes.

Yes, passes 11-0.

Item passes 11-0.

Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Oliver.

Any debate on adjournment?

Aye.

Opposed?

The ayes have it, and we are adjourned at 7:47 PM.