We'll be starting momentarily for those in the chamber.

There's a rule about hats in the chamber.

So if you have a hat on your head, please remove any hats, please.

Good evening, everyone.

It is 7 p.m.

on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Uh, and I am opening up the session today as your city council president Shane Burgo.

And tonight, uh leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance is the Ward 4 Councillor Derek Baptiste.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, individual with liberty and justice for all.

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 Brefort's homepage under quick links, then meetings.

I want to welcome everyone to our council chamber tonight and my colleagues in government, Ward 4, City Councilor Derek Baptiste, Ward 2, Councilor Maria Giesta, Ward 1 Counselor Leo Choquette, Ward 3 Councillor Sean Oliver, Counselor at Large, Brian Gomes, Ward Six Counselor Ryan Pereira, Councilor at Large and Second Vice President Linda Morad, Councilor at Large and First Vice President Naomi Carney.

There's one letter that has been submitted tonight by our colleague Ward 5 Counselor Joseph Lopes.

Uh, dear Council President Burgo and Council members, I am writing to inform you that regretfully I am unable to attend the special city council meeting on Monday, October 27th, due to a prior personal commitment.

Please read this letter into the record to make my colleagues and the public aware of the reason for my absence.

Signed, Joseph P.

Lopes.

Motion receiving place on file.

Motion receiving place on file, made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Council Pereira.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

Okay.

Item one communication, Council President Burgo to City Clerk, Clerk of the City Council, Dennis Ferries calling a special meeting of the City Council for Monday, October 27th at 7 p.m.

in City Council Chamber, second floor of City Hall for the celebration and awarding of official city council citations and resolutions.

Motion to receive and place on file.

Motion to receive and place on file made by Council Perrar, seconded by Councillor Carney.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

Uh Councilor Carney, without objection.

Uh can I read items two and three together?

Without objection.

All right, item two citation.

Councillor Carney honoring Brenda Grace, founder, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Incorporated, in recognition of her creating a support network for families committed to protecting grandchildren and keeping families together.

And item three, citation, Councillor Carney honoring Renee Ribero, co-founder, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Incorporated, in recognition of her creating a support network for families committed to protecting grandchildren and keeping families together.

Motion to adopt, made by Councillor Carney.

Yes.

Second by Councillor Gomes.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

I'll ask uh Brenda Grace and Renee Ribero to come to the podium to receive.

And this is a celebration meeting.

We can all clap and cheer.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

First of all, um it's remiss that I wanted uh Council Mora to be part of this too.

I'm sorry that the communication to get there for you to be up here with us, but if you'd like to join us, you can.

Okay, all right.

And and Brian, would you like to join us?

He's gonna just sit there and wink.

I I was here when she started it all.

Go ahead and do your own.

Yes.

Okay, so anyways, this is an honor and a privilege to introduce these two ladies to the community.

Not that the community doesn't know them, but the community does know these two wonderful, beautiful ladies who had did a bang up job for over 20 years, well, up to 20 years of grandparents raising grandchildren.

This organization was founded by this beautiful window woman, Brenda Grace, and then shortly after that, she was joined by Renee Ribero, the right hand and the left hand as they call each other.

And um, so their whole mission was keeping families together.

Um Miss Grace had did have the uh Miss Um Grace had the opportunity to experience some uncomfortable situations with her family, which that started her to decide that she needed to keep families together.

So it's from her own experience that she started this organization.

Also, Renee also had the same type of experience, and she decided to join them.

And that organization not only lasted for more than 20 years, it also spread to Taunton, Fall River, and as far as Worcester, where they help keep the families together.

This is a great organization, and we need to honor these two women for the love and the caring of grandchildren.

Now, I just became a grandchildren 17 months ago.

I have two now, and I know what the experience lies.

They are your heart, and you just can't be at a part with them.

So I know where you're coming from, and I know how difficult it was to try to keep these families together and the hurt that you must have seen with with families and grandparents trying to hold on to their children because there was nothing in place at the time to give them anything.

And because of these two ladies, now there are things in place where grandparents do have the opportunity to take care of their grandchildren.

So without further ado, I will present the first citation.

Okay.

The citations to this is this is New Bedford City official resolution.

Be it hereby known to all that the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts, here by office it's sincere congratulations to Brenda Grace, founder of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Inc.

in recognition of your created creating a support network for families committed to protecting grandchildren and keeping families together.

And it's really important because they were they were had a mission to make sure that the siblings stayed together, which is very important because everybody knows in the foster care system, siblings are often split up, and it's a very difficult situation for the children and for the family members that don't have that support for them, and do these two women, they have that support now.

So um, so the entire citizenry extends his very best wishes on this memorable occasion, expresses a hope for continuous good fortune given this day on the 27th day of October 2025, given by my myself, Neil McCarney, our Council President Shane Burgo, Council of Second Vice President Linda Morrat, Council Gomes, and the entire body.

Thank you so much for one.

Thank you.

And the second one, this New Bedford City, this new Bedford City Council official resolution.

Hereby known to all that the City Council of New Bedford, Massachusetts, hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Renee Ribero, co-founder of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Inc.

in recognition of your creating a support network for families committed to protecting uh grandchildren and keeping families together.

The entire citizen street extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued good fortune, given this 27th day of October 2025 by Councillor Burgo, um President Naomi Carney, Councilor at Large, Councillor First Vice President Linda Morrit, Council at Large Brian Gomes, and the entire council body.

Thank you so much for what you've done.

I'd like to thank everybody, Linda Morritt, especially Brian Grohns, Shane.

Thank you all.

Okay, we missed that.

She's gonna take a picture.

Do you want to join us, Brian and Linda?

Please wait a minute.

Okay.

You're done.

Linda?

Yeah.

Okay.

No.

Item four.

Citation, Councillor Gomes honoring Diane Martin, D's hot dogs, in recognition of their forty years of serving the community, American tradition, and becoming a New Bedford favorite.

Move adoption.

Motion to adopt made by Council Morad.

Seconded by Councillor Giesa.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

Did you bring hot dogs?

Thank you for being here this evening.

Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever had a D's hot dogs?

Raise your hand.

If you haven't had one, have one.

Located on the corner in Talkin Hill in Belleville.

Dee has been in business for 40 years.

It's her family business.

I've had the opportunity to be in the company of her business several times.

And one thing about them is uh always the same.

It's a mom and pop kind of approach, if you know what I mean.

It's almost like they don't they didn't know your name, they knew your face.

They knew what you liked.

Dee actually teases me because I used to walk and go up there and ask for the two hot dogs, uh the special and with the works and celery salt.

And then I decided what D.

I wasn't using celery salt.

So she would ask me what I wanted, I said two with the work.

She goes, No solar resolve.

And that's what I mean about knowing your customers and doing which they have done for she has done for nearly 40 years.

We're sorry that I couldn't be with you in your celebration.

That was a beautiful celebration that you brought to the entire city, the area where you serve, and that was uh just a great afternoon and congratulations to you.

You're standing there, and I know very nervous about being here, but don't be nervous.

This is the people's house, and this is all the people.

This is the people's house.

Give yourselves a round of applause.

Anyway, for 40 years, you have served the community, and that's a that's a long time.

And I want to wish you another 40 years and keep doing what you're doing.

It's a fantastic thing that you do over there, and it's an American tradition.

It's American tradition for us to have a hot dog with a bag of chips or fries or whatever, and Dee provides that, and besides some other good stuff up there, so you've got to check out the menu.

But it's an American tradition that we all like to experience.

And for me, I'm a little um philosophical when I thought about doing this when I knew it was her anniversary.

You kind of stand around in a business and you kind of watch people, and you see the joy of the kids sitting there, having a hot dog with grandma or with their parents or whatever.

It's a joy.

You see couples sitting there having that American tradition, uh a hot dog and a bag of chips in a soda.

There's nothing more American than that, and you have served that kind of America to our city of New Bedford and the surrounding area, and congratulations to you and look forward to another 40 years because I think everybody enjoys what you have to serve.

And I like you to say a couple of words before I read this.

Well, I'm gonna read this first, okay?

New Bedford City Council official resolution, be it hereby known to all that the City Council of New Bedford, Massachusetts hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Dean Martin, Dee's hot dogs, in recognition of your 40 years of serving the community, an American tradition, and becoming a New Bedford favorite.

The entire Cinecy extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses its hope for continued good fortune given this 27th day of October 25th, which was your um I think anniversary date, signed by the City Council President Shane Burgle, Brian Gomes, City Councillor at large, and confirmed by the entire city council.

Congratulations to you.

Thank you.

We really appreciate this.

It's uh overwhelming.

I everybody who comes for hot dogs knows I like the chit chat.

I'll keep this brief.

We would like to thank everybody for all the love, support, and generosity from the community for the last 40 years.

And I look forward to the next 40 years.

Sure.

Thank you, Chris.

Another nice round of applause.

Item five, citation, Councillor Gomes honoring Jackie Santos in recognition of his throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox versus the Pittsburgh Pirates game at Fenway Park on August 30th, 2025.

Deck it.

Motion to adopt made by Councillor Pereira, seconded by Councillor Carney.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

The picture guy.

The picture man.

Come here.

No, no, not you.

Oh, yeah, if the family wants to get close enough for a video, you can.

Bring your son up.

Come on, Junior.

Let's go.

You know, I was teased earlier this evening, ladies and gentlemen, that this was uh you just heard my colleague say to me, don't even sit down, stand there.

This is a Brian Gomes show tonight.

But it's really not a Brian Gomes show.

I just decided to recognize a lot of people throughout the city that have contributed has had a contribution to something that is very special.

This gentleman standing to the right of me.

What are you scared of me tonight?

Come over here.

Any other time you stand real close to me.

Come on, Sherry, Jackie.

Um Jackie Santos is um a well-known drummer, as many of you will know.

One of the best in the world in the country, and I'm very proud to say come from the city of New Bedford, playing with bands like Tavaz.

Um John Caffy, a Beaver Brown band.

It goes on and on.

He has traveled the world.

Jackie got the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park.

And that was like what?

When he said, I'm gonna be throwing out the first pitch during the Cape Verdean recognition uh day over at um Fenway Park, and he was just flabbergasted about it.

We laughed about it in the gas station, right?

We couldn't stop talking about it.

He couldn't stop talking.

He says, I've been through, I've done a lot of things, but this was really special.

And it was special.

Jackie threw out the first pitch, and um gonna let him tell you a little more about the story about this recognition that he's uh not only receiving here tonight, that he received from Fenway Park, which he received uh from the Cape Verdean community.

It goes on and on.

He actually a drum set that was made, especially for Jackie Santos with his signature and everything on it.

It's amazing.

I'm gonna let him tell you about it, but I'm gonna read the resolution first.

New Bedford City Council official resolution, be it hereby known to all that the City Council of New Bedford, Massachusetts offers its sincere congratulations to Jackie Santos, Cabo Verdo, musician, in recognition of you throwing out the ceremony first pitch at Boston Red Sox versus the Pittsburgh Pirates game at Fenway Park on August 30th, 2025.

The entire Cynesix sends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses its hope for continued good fortune given this 27th day of October 25th, signed by the City Council President Shane Burgle, myself, City Council uh Brian Gomes, Derek Baptiste, Ward 4 Councillor, Naomi Carney, and the remaining members of the City Council confirm this.

Congratulations to you, Jackie.

You've had one heck of a career that has spanned a wide range of um musicians that you have met.

Not only and we still I want the city to know that we still are trying to bring Berkeley here.

That is something that he wanted to bring here and an annex of Berkeley School.

And I jumped at the chance when he talked about it, and that we ran into some roadblocks and some people put up some roadblocks, but his fight continues.

And let me tell you something.

To have something uh like that, an annex of Berkeley School in our city would be phenomenal.

You know what it is to drive by Berkeley and Boston and see those musicians out there playing.

Imagine seeing our young people on the streets of New Bedford playing because they attend an annexed school right here in the city of New Bedford, which is Jackie Santos's dream.

Congratulations to you, Jackie.

Thank you so very much.

Listen, I'm honored to you know come from New Bedford, represent New Bedford and the Cape Riding community.

I know about this honoring like last year.

I know I was going to be honored on the park.

But I didn't know until the Wednesday before the game that I got a call from the organization saying, listen, we want you to throw out the first pitch.

And I went, whoa, what?

So I grabbed some tennis balls and I was throwing it up against the fence.

So when I so when I got to the field, they let me warm up.

It took maybe like 10 pitches or something.

But I went up and I put my glasses on and said, I don't want to ball to Vere off to the left of you off to the right.

It's gonna go straight down the pike.

So and and I'll tell you, you don't know how far it is, 66 feet away from home plate, but I threw a strike.

So the catcher comes up to me, goes, man, that was that was a damn good pitch.

I said, Well, that's the way it goes.

This is maybe help you guys out sometime.

But um, I'll tell you it's an honor.

And um, you know, to commemorate this event, my drum company, which I endorsed, Dixon Drums, contacted me, and they said, Listen, we want to make a jumps drum set for you, signature drum set.

How do you want it to look?

I said, like the Cape Verdean flag.

It took six months, and did it they made it like the Cape Radian flag.

So I'm flying out to Indianapolis on November 13th through the 16th.

It's the largest drum show in the world, it's called PASIC.

They're gonna present it to me then after the show.

And then they're gonna they're gonna send it to uh Berkeley, and I'm gonna house it in my office for a semester, and then I'll bring it home, and then I'll be playing.

Hopefully, the right gig comes up, I'll be showcasing the drum set.

But you know what it is is I thank God.

Don't make me I'm sorry, I get emotional.

But I thank God for everything he's given me.

And like I tell my students, you have to give back to God what he's given you.

Which means you have you have to practice, you have to be true to yourself and be the best version of yourself every day.

That's what I try to do.

And I still practice every day.

I get up in the morning, my wife can attest to this.

I get up three, I get up three o'clock in the morning, I leave for uh Berkeley at around quarter to four, but I've been lately I've been getting like 2:30 and leave and I get to school and I practice a couple of hours, I take a little nap and I stop my day and I teach an eight-hour day, drive back home, I do the same thing the following day, and I go on Saturdays and I go, and I um and I uh hope kids that want to go to Berkeley.

I I you know uh I I give them the best of myself, you know.

I mean, I I give a thousand percent of my abilities to every student because I want to accomplish everything that I have.

And I tell them all the time, listen, you can have much more than me.

And as much as you're getting from me, I'm getting more from you.

That's how I look at it, because I learn every day of my life.

And thank you very much for everything.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Item six, citation, Councillor Gomes honoring Keith and Deborah Vivaris, Society Coffee Bar, in recognition of the opening of their third unique coffee bar and their commitment and dedication to making New Bedford work again.

Move adoption.

Motion to adopt, made by Council Morat, seconded by Council Pereira.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

Are they here?

Yes.

Come on up.

I haven't officially got to meet you, but I got to have your um yum yum, is it?

Uh the coffee.

The Quinny.

What my daughter says it's yum yum dad.

My daughter was seventh in line on your opening day.

Love your place.

She used to travel with her mom up to uh Seacon or Swansea, where it was Somerset.

I'm close enough.

Um, and she told me about this place, and when she said you were coming down, um, she said this is going to be special, and you are special.

I've seen what you have done, and it's fantastic to have you in the city.

And as I've said many times when we recognize uh entrepreneurs such as yourself, is thank you for making New Bedford work again.

And as I've said many times when we recognize uh entrepreneurs such as yourself is thank you for making New Bedford work again, because not only did you bring a successful business, you brought employees.

You had to hire help.

And that is very important to the city of New Bedford.

And you've got something really special going on down there.

And we have a citation for you in recognition of be it hereby known to all that the New Bedford City Council hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Keith and Deborah Vireris, owners of Society Coffee Bar, in recognition of your opening of your third coffee bar and your commitment and dedication to making New Bedford work again.

The entire Cynesi extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses its hope for continued good fortune given this 27th day, October 25, signed by the City Council president and myself, City Councilor Brian Gomes, confirmed by the entire city council.

That is uh again a fantastic shop you have.

Love your lighting, your sign and everything.

Just brought uh real richness to everything else that's going on down there.

Thank you very much.

Hello, yeah, I didn't expect to say any words today, so uh it's quite difficult following up the the three businesses that were here, and I'm extremely grateful that I came down today because I would have never known any of that history now or any of these fantastic businesses I heard about.

So um I almost feel like we don't deserve to be up here, but I I appreciate the kind words with the bottom of my heart, but you guys are fantastic.

And I uh I just am honored to be here right now.

Um honored to be a part of this.

Um we're extremely grateful to be part of the New Bedford community at this point, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community and when uh extend ourselves.

And if anybody ever needs any help or um if anything, please come down and see us.

And I'm just very grateful and thankful.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll summon multiply.

Very little.

Citation seven counselor Gomes honoring Wendy Morrill and Tracy Wallace, South Coast Neighbors United, and recognition of their commitment and dedication and their stand against parallel products, South slash South Coast Renewables, and in seeking justice for all.

Motion to adopt made by Councillor Morad.

Second, seconded by Councillor Choquette.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

Um councillor Shikette and also Linda Morad.

Ladies and gentlemen, these two ladies standing to the right of me, uh, Wendy and Tracy, I met several years ago when a issue arised up in Ward 1 where Parallel Products was be uh again in the process of putting a um dump, as far as I'm concerned, which was somewhat misleading to some of us here in the council, even when it came before us, we thought it was a recycling type of thing.

They were just expanding.

Something that I didn't really believe after knowing about it should be belong in the the New Bedford Business Park.

The business park was for 21st century businesses, and it turns into this.

Well, I remember getting a call one morning from a neighbor uh resident in the area, Mike, and he was telling him about it.

So I immediately took the action that I had uh uh at least the power that we had through the power of the city council to begin the process of letting everybody in the city know that this was going on.

And then I was invited to a like a standout rally in the morning, and I meet Wendy and Tracy.

And they're running back and forth, and they've got everything cooking there just tough thanks for being here.

Thanks for being here.

And I said, okay, who are these ladies, you know, or whatever, to find out that they were gonna be the tigers of this issue.

Phenomenal.

Phenomenal, both of them.

I learned more about this whole thing with parallel products through their study and their commitment, their dedication.

They don't even live in the area, but they were committed to making that area know what was in store for them.

And that you should be commended for, and I really mean that.

That that it was phenomenal.

And you never you never quit.

And the residents of that area, and I believe my two colleagues will second this.

Um they believed because of you.

You were their action.

You were the ones bringing the issue to their front door, telling them, look, we gotta do this.

We gotta we're all in this together.

And then you even stretch it even farther, letting the whole city know that this is going to affect all of us, not only that portion of the north end, which is one of the prestigious areas of the city.

Um, and not the any other part of the city isn't, because it's all prestige, the city in New Bedford, but this is a very um unique residential area, very close to this situation, and you ladies hesitated at nothing to make this issue, which you did.

And I believe that that vote with the Board of Health you're responsible for, you're responsible for, and a lot of other actions that were taken.

Um I can say more.

I'll give you the opportunity, my two colleagues to say more, but I want to commend you, and that's why you were brought in tonight was um not for the pat on the back.

The thank you.

The thank you on behalf of the thousands of people that we represent that you decided to represent and put the fight on.

We appreciate that.

And from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.

Job well done.

Ladies, kick butt.

Okay.

Thank you, counselor.

Um, I just wanted to say it's been an honor to get to know these two citizen activists.

Um I've said it many times, if not for their efforts and the efforts of the South Coast Neighbors United, but they are kind of like the keystones that held everything together.

We would have lost.

We would have lost that battle.

Um these are two heroes right here who helped save this city.

I can't say it enough.

Thank you for your efforts, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

And you truly are both heroes to me.

Thank you.

Yeah.

You know, this whole meeting tonight is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the city of New Bedford.

And the people that we've honored already, the people that will honor after these two ladies, but particularly these two ladies who took it upon themselves.

They're not paid by anybody.

Uh I'm sure they took expenses out of their pocket to make this happen, uh, pulled a bunch of people together and energized a neighborhood in a community against a conglomerate, and they won.

And this isn't the first time that these two ladies have taken on a mission in our local area, and I'm sure it's not the last.

But again, um, it's been a pleasure to uh watch them to work with them and to you know to stand beside them as they led forward the fight against this obnoxious company and what it was what what it wants to do uh to the residents of the far north end of New Bedford.

So uh to both of you, Wendy and Tracy, thank you.

And I'm you know, from the bottom of my heart, as I said before, you're just extraordinary people doing extraordinary things in the city of New Bedford.

I appreciate your efforts, and I look forward to continuing to work with you.

Because for some reason I think this battle's not over yet, but that's okay.

Congratulations.

It's an official resolution, be it here boy known to all, that the City Council of New Bedford, Massachusetts, hereby office its sincerest congratulations to Wendy Morrill and Tracy Wallace, South Coast Neighbors United, in recognition of your commitment and dedication in your stand against parallel products, South Coast Renewables, and seeking environmental justice for all.

The entire citizenry extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the good hope for continued good fortune given this 27th day of October in the year 2025, signed by the council president Shane Burgo, my colleague uh Councillor Brian Gomes, my colleague Leo Chocat, and all the city councils, because all of us were united, all of us in this room were united against this effort.

Congratulations and best wishes.

I just wanted to say a couple of things.

Um I I want to thank the city counselors for for supporting us for coming to the meetings, the the Mass D EP, um virtual meetings that they had all during COVID to lend their support, to talk, um, to really show that that this industry was not not needed here in New Bedford, um, for allowing us to come in and and bring um specialists to speak to them to get them educated about what the waste crisis is, what zero waste is, what good policies would be for implementing a good waste strategy.

Um and I did just want to say that I think it's all of our obligation to prevent this city from being further marginalized and exploited.

The city has a history of being marginalized and exploited.

Um I think it's our responsibility to not let bad actors in and to really protect the city and not just think about quick easy money or easy industry.

So thank you.

Uh so New Bedford has has reached its uh saturation point a long time ago with regards to exploitation, contamination, pollution, marginalization, oppression, uh environmental injustices, social injustices.

I could keep going.

Um and South Coast Neighbors United was formed in 2015 to fight an LNG project that was proposed for Cushnet, which would have impacted the North End of New Bedford as well.

Um we can only do what we know about.

So if there are other parts of the community that are fighting something or facing something, please let us know.

We're here for the entire city and the South Coast.

That's why we're called South Coast Neighbors United, not just the North End.

So we work on what we're made aware of.

Tracy's the one that made us aware of this to begin with in 2019.

Um, and this wouldn't have been possible without her letting us know this, and also with all of the citizens that were against the parallel products project that are here tonight, and some that couldn't make it tonight, but um they deserve recognition as well.

So Betty, Christine, Mike, Dorid, Olga, Vinny, I want you all to stand up, please.

Those were our foot soldiers.

We may have done the organizing, we may have done the brainstorming, we might have come up with documentation and done the research and read through 1800 pages of projects because she's crazy.

Um, but we couldn't have done it by ourselves.

We couldn't have done it without the dedication, the faith, and all of the hard work and commitment that these folks put into it.

So they deserve as much recognition as we do.

Thank you.

Yes.

Would you please join us for a picture?

All those that were involved, please.

Come on, you stood up, please join us.

Again, this is the people's house.

This is your house.

All right.

You're not gonna take a good picture.

Yes, sir.

Councilor Golmes, would you like me to read uh the next three all together?

Eight, nine together.

Okay.

Yep.

I'm gonna wear eight, nine, and ten.

Yes.

Okay.

So without objection, I'm gonna read a uh items eight, nine, and ten together.

Uh for those that have joined us from the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee.

Um, if you hear your name, just start making your way up to the podium um when you hear your name called.

And some you might hear your name twice.

So just go with that.

So back and forth.

Item eight citation, uh Councilor Gomes honoring the 2025 Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, Board of Directors, Ivan Britto, President, uh Merilyn Gonzalez, Vice President, Mary Ann Rogers, Treasurer, Danine Wiley, Secretary, and members Diane Gomes, Dr.

Bruce Rose, Miles Dias, Eldric Abreu, Joseph Almida, Britney Gennetto, Joanna Gonzales, uh Quinn Harris, Renee Ledbetter, Serge Bonese, and Kelly Rivero Oliveira, in recognition of their dedication to our Cape Verdean heritage and in celebration of Cape Verde and Recognition Week.

In recognition of their dedication to our Cape Verdean heritage and in celebration of Cape Verde and Recognition Week.

Item nine, citations, Councillor Gomes honoring the 2025 Cape Verdean Scholarship Committee.

Dr.

Bruce Rose and Miles Dias, co uh co-chairmans, members Marilyn Gonzales, Brittany Gannetto, Joseph Almita, some repeats here.

Jonathan Silva Jones, Corday Silva, Carl Cruz, and Carol Spencer Montero, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the 2025 Cape Verde and Recognition Scholarship Committee.

And Item 10, Citations, Counselor Gomes honoring the 2025 Cape Verde and Recognition Parade Committee members, Diane Gomes, Chairperson, Joanna Gonzalez, Coteira Festa chairperson, Eldric Abreu, Janet Almeida, Jenny Antunes, Joyce Antunes Barboza, Monique Brito, Joe Dias, Ronnie Duart, Renee Ledbetter, Maria Mendies, Jose Montero, Marianne Rogers, and Denine Wiley, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the 2025 Cape Verde and Recognition Parade.

And Councillor Shane Bergon.

Motion to adopt made by Councillor Pereira.

Second.

Seconded by Councillor Carney.

Anyone on the question?

All those in favor say aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

I'm gonna ask for some assistance from my colleagues.

Derek, would you come to the podium, Naomi?

And Mr.

President, would you let somebody hold that chair for you?

My second question.

Many, many of um the participants tonight uh not here, and um we'll make sure that they get their citations.

But from the scholarship committee to the parade committee to the board of directors, thank you.

Thank you, thank you for another successful year, not only with the parade, not only with the amounts of money that have been given out to the scholarship, but for the board and everyone together that keeps this all going together as it continues to be one of the biggest events that the city of New Bedford sees.

There's a lot of hard work that goes into this.

I realize that.

I know that through um messages that we get because we're invited to meetings and see we can't make them all the time because we're here or we're somewhere else.

But I know that this committee and these people never stop, and they deserve a recognition like um no other this evening because there was one heck of a parade this year, one heck of a recognition, and the board of directors, everything that you have done, it stands out not only in the Cape Verdean community and being recognized by the Cape Bear, it's recognized by this entire city because we have a city that's made up of a lot of different cultures of people, and them cultures of people have been a beautiful thing in the city, and uh Cape Verdeans have contributed so much to not only the history, just as many others, but to the future, and continue to do that.

And to all of you, I can't go through all the names.

I'm not gonna go through all the citations.

I'm gonna hand them to like Diane and Dolstead in charge and hope that all the citations will get to everyone.

We want to just uh I want to say from the bottom of my heart, Diane, and to all of you, thank you very much.

Keep doing what you're doing because you make us very proud.

You make the culture very proud, and you make the city very proud.

And you can see the smiles on the faces from the kids as you're walking through the parade, right down to everything else that's going on, the showcase that that day um brings, not only to the city, but to the neighborhood itself, where the Cape Verdean community opens its doors to this entire city to come and enjoy the music and food and laughter and everything that we have to offer.

I'm gonna turn this over to my colleagues for a minute, and they I'm sure they have some words to say about this entire situation.

Thank you.

Um just echoing my colleague here.

Um, the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee is a milestone in uh in our community.

They are phenomenal.

Without them, we wouldn't have that beautiful parade.

The scholarship committee gives out so much money to our students to let them get a foothold into their education.

We can't thank these this group enough for what they do for the city of New Bedford, and thank you so much.

Keep the traditions going on and keep that parade coming.

Thank you.

I want to I want to first thanks these people.

I want to thank them for allowing me to party for like a couple of weeks, a month now.

I don't know how many times when that parade's going on, Diane says, Derek, get out the way.

Um it's it's all good.

And um, you know, just just just growing up and and being a part of of this community.

Um it means a lot to me to um see people that I grew up around and looking up to um continue to traditions that was before them.

Um I know that the year starts right after the parade ends, probably while the parade's going on, you'll probably start and everything going on.

Um scholarship committee, you have to get everybody together, you have to round up the money and you know, and you know, get these kids you know on the right path.

I think that's that that's so that's so dope that you look out for so many young people in in this community for over I don't know how many years it's been, but you know, uh with that being said, you know, you have led the forefront of of what our cave verde and culture is in our community for some time now, and I want to just tell all you guys up here thank you for doing what you do.

Thank you for continuously um leading the way and being good role models to people like myself because if it wasn't for people like you, guy like me wouldn't be up here.

So I thank you.

Thank you.

Uh yeah, so I just uh I wanted to mention uh obviously I'm proud to have served on the uh Cape Verdean Recognition Committee uh before I was in elected office, but having been an elected official, especially this year as council president, it's been a busy year, and uh I'm sad to say I haven't been to as many meetings.

Um, but I'm always glad that Diane especially has always kept me in the loop.

Um and what was funny is uh Councilor Gomes, I want to thank him for making sure this committee got recognized.

Uh, but it was funny because the office called me because Diane submitted my name to get a citation.

Um, and as you know, my name I also signed these citations, so it would have been kind of funny to receive one with my signature on it.

Um, but really all the things goes uh to people that are standing behind me and some that obviously couldn't make it tonight.

Um I always like to mention that Cape Verdean recognition uh predates uh Cape Verdean independence.

And I I think that's lost on a lot of people that here in New Bedford is where it all started uh for our our culture and our heritage, and it's a really long-lasting uh legacy that I'm so proud that we have continued to pass on from generation to generation, and I'm so proud to be a part of that legacy.

So I want to thank again my colleagues who have put forward this recognition, and to all the people that continue that proud legacy.

Yeah, it's okay.

I just want to thank the city councils, um, the entire city council for this recognition, which I think the count the committee so richly deserves.

We've worked very, very hard since 2004 to raise money for scholarships.

We've given out over $800,000, I believe.

And each year it gets bigger and bigger with the support of the community and all our friends.

And I have to commend Diane Gomes for the wonderful job that she does each year for the parade.

And this past year was very significant, and we're proud of her.

And we just want to thank everyone for this citation.

Thank you.

All right, hello everyone.

My name is Miles Dias.

I am the co-chair of the scholarship committee.

I'm actually a former recipient myself.

And when I was coming out of college, my ego might have been a little inflated.

So I said, how do I give back to the community?

And Bruce, who could not be here today, uh beat me to the punch and asked me to join the committee.

Um so from a former recipient myself, thank you very much to our community, not even just the committee, the community.

Year after year, as Marilyn said, our budgets grow.

That's both the scholarship and a parade committee.

So uh, you know, it's very humbling to see year after year after year, we can give back.

And I'll end it there because we don't like making things about ourselves, it's about our community.

So thank you.

And I'll turn it over to K Bird's biggest cheerleader, as I always call her.

It's Diane Gomes.

Good evening.

Hello.

Can you guys hear me?

Yeah.

Um, I just like to thank the counselors, all of them, for this recognition.

Um, I always say the parade committee is the hardest working committee in New Bedford.

I think we have the the hardest job going forward, although raising money is not very easy these days either.

So I don't want to lessen what the scholarship committee has accomplished this year.

They gave out 80,000 dollars.

I think Maryland just mentioned that.

But the parade is a lot of work, and on this end, I think is the parade committee, these three Renee.

And Shane, although he says he can't sign his own citation, is very deserving of this citation.

And that's why I included his name because I told him I don't care if you are the president, you're still going to be on the pre committee.

And Shane shows up.

He's he's not at every meeting, obviously, but he responds to the text, he shows up for our events, he supports our events.

And on parade day, not only does he walk representing the city council, but he comes back and he helps us with the rest of the rest of the day that goes on.

So he is very deserving of this citation as well.

No matter what position he is, he's right there with us.

And like Miles just said, this is for the community.

So as Brian said, all the seeing all the smiles on the faces of from the little ones all the way to the elderly ones, it's what we do this for and what we continue to do this for.

We want everyone to share in our Cape Verde and Culture.

And this being the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence, it was the 53rd parade that we've done, and we hope to continue bringing smiles to the faces of all the communities in New Bedford.

Thank you.

Sometimes I wish Diane wouldn't have that serious look on her face, but she does.

She's always serious.

I don't care whether I run into her in the supermarket, whatever, even if she said, I want to talk to you.

It's a serious look.

Okay, Diane, I'm coming right now.

With that said, since this um since Diane uh called our office and as the 12th counselor, and I said the chain should receive a citation.

We'll put that into a motion.

Madam President, first vice uh first vice president Naomi Kani.

Would you sign a citation that is made out to Shane Burgo in recognition of your contributions to the 2025 Cape Verde and Recognition Day in the City of New Bedford?

With that said, I'm not going to read all these citations.

I'm going to hand them off and they'll make sure they get to the right people.

We thank you very much.

We look forward to seeing you again.

And even if I'm not here or some of us are not here, um, thank you for what you have done.

It's a fantastic job.

Continue to do the job because the people of the city love it and they look forward to it.

It's part of our Fourth of July celebration in this city.

Thank you very much.

Gather around everybody for a photo.

You have to give it to you.

You guys gotta squish in and we need a side view.

There we go, you're doing good.

Right, you go in the back over there.

There you go.

What a nice picture.

Thank you so much.

Nope.

No, you are not your uh item 11 citation, Counselor Gomes honoring Susan Rogers and recognition of the success of her new book, Other Side of the Rainbow.

Motion to adopt made by Council Morad, seconded by Councillor Pereira.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

It goes to show you, you know, as we recognize as my colleague Linda said to earlier, the people of the city that contribute or uh provide something that maybe even changes your lives.

Um I'm proud to stand here with a lady that I worked with for many years.

We did not directly work together, but we were in the same building together.

I've known her husband and her husband's dad, who supported me early on when uh not many people would.

Um, and I appreciate that very much.

But with that said, Sue wrote a very special book, and I'm gonna let her to explain that to you in a couple of minutes.

But um I am proud whenever anyone of this city achieves a goal or something that they have worked very hard at, and that we have seen many come through this building during a celebration meeting meeting.

Everything from our youth contributing on a national scale, whether it's in sports, whether it's um uh education, and it goes on and on.

The contributions by the businesses of the city in New Bedford that continue to work hard and serve the people of the city.

Sue took it upon herself to write a book.

And um, I'm very proud to know her, and I'm very proud of the book that she wrote.

And I'm gonna let her explain that all to you, but I'm gonna read the citation, and then she'll get her a couple of minutes.

And if your husband would like to join us, he's welcome.

Um they love the city of New Bedford, they love the people of the city of New Bedford.

Um, every time I run into these people, uh, as long as I can remember, it's always hi.

How are you?

How's everything?

Everything good.

God bless you.

God bless you, God bless our city, God bless the country that we live in.

They have a special love for uh city and its people, and them are the kind of people that I love because I've got a special love for each and every one that's in this building, and love is uh a big word, but it's all in different phrases, it can come in different phrases and different meanings.

And um, I'm gonna read the citation.

I just love these two people because of their their approach all the time.

It's always a smile, and and they can lift you up.

Let's just put it that way.

If I'm having a bad day, I run into Sue downtown.

Um, I'm having a good day because she'll pick you up.

And with that said, New Bedford City Council official resolution, be it hereby known to all that the City Council of New Bedford, Massachusetts, hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Sue Rogers in recognition of your success of your new book, The Other Side of the Rainbow.

The entire citizenry of the extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses hope for continued good fortune given the 22nd day of October.

This was supposed to be actually presented in 2024, but due to some mix-ups and and and things that happened, Sue was unable to be here, and then there was another time when I was unable to get in touch with Sue to make sure that she was here, but she's here tonight.

Um we did it.

And this um was signed at that time by City Council President Naomi County, your friend Brian K.

Gomes, and confirmed by the entire city council.

And I would like you to take a couple of minutes to just tell everyone what book you wrote and what it means to us in the city of New Bedford.

Thank you so much.

I just want to thank Brian and thank you so much, every councilman here.

And I just am so grateful to and honored that I just give God all the glory.

I wrote this book.

Um I was working at St.

Hospital, and they let me call after 35 years with the vaccine.

I didn't take it, so God put this on my heart, and I have the story that it's a little leprechaun that comes from the other side of the rainbow, and it's to give God the Lord glory about the rainbow and that the true meaning of the rainbow about that.

He came to give the covenant and the promise that he'll never flood the earth again.

And that this little leprechaun comes from this other side of the rainbow in a land called Wabnia.

And he came over to this side and he meets three people.

He meets a farmer man and a little old man, and they get three wishes.

And he thinks you know they're gonna get one of his wishes to go back.

And then the other wish, the other person he meets is you.

So you can put there's a place for your child to put their picture, and it's personal, and they get them over to the other side of the rainbow.

And he they have three wishes, and the wishes what happens is the you when the person that's reading it, the child their wishes turns into prayers, and it's loaded with scripture.

There's so much scripture in this, it's like so much of the Bible that goes along with this.

It's amazing that God gave me this, and I'm just so grateful that it's out there and that kids can you know read this and know and to give God that's what I want.

Recognition most of all for my Christ Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, and to give God all the glory.

I thank you all.

And it's on Amazon, and you can go to Bonds and Noble and get it, but it's like um to order.

You have to get it to order.

You can't just um, you know, it's purchased.

It's not on the shelves yet.

So do you want this one?

You're gonna have it, and I can order it for you.

I'm gonna leave this for my entire colleagues to share with my entire colleagues.

Yes, thank you, sir.

Thank you very much, Sue, and congratulations to you.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Very nice.

Item twelve.

Citations, Counselor Baptiste honoring Dennis uh Leonard, Gina Leonard, Joelle Baptista, Jenny Baptista, Tracy Antonio, Michelle Laporte, Mark Odd, Ronda Odd, Nicole Gibney, and Tim Gibney in recognition of their important work on behalf of the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation and promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in our community.

Move adoption.

Motion to adopt made by Council Morad, seconded by Councillor Giesta.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

Um thank you, guys.

Today.

Um I wanna introduce you to some board members.

Dennis Lennon, Jenna Leonard, Joel Baptista, Jenny Baptista, Tracy Antonio, Michelle Laporte, if I got it right, I'm sorry.

Mark Audet, Ronda, uh, Nicole Gitt, uh Gibney and Tib Gibney.

Um, they are the other board of the Tyler Joseph Lennonist Leonard uh Memorial Foundation.

And you know, as I I think this is pretty dear to me as somebody who's dealt with um mental health issues and dealt with depression and anxiety and different things that happen in the course of your life.

Um I understand how hard the struggle is of on a daily basis.

I I've understood how hard the struggle is by the grace of God.

Um and and a good foundation behind me, like you know, it would it was it was tough, but um not knowing what this young man went through, but understanding what he could have been going through is very daring to me.

And um I've known Joel for some times now, his family.

I look at them like my family.

Um seeing his hurt going over this, understanding what somebody could be going through is very major.

Um, you know, they turn their loss and to a message for other people for their gain.

Um you know, I I don't know how it is to lose a son.

I don't know how it I know how it is to lose family members, but um to to go through what you guys went through and turn your pain and into a mission is is very deep for me personally.

And um I just want you guys to talk about your story because I can sit up here, you know, because we all have a story to tell, we all have something to say, but um use other guys behind everything going on, use other strength behind everything.

So I want to give you the the floor to speak.

Good evening.

Uh thank you, Councillor Baptiste and the rest of the city council members for this recognition.

Excuse me.

Uh Tyler is my nephew.

Um, and uh died by suicide in 2018.

Um it's a loss that you never get over, you just make room for.

And we knew we wanted to turn this tragedy into a positive for the community uh that Tyler was part of.

So in 2022, my brother-in-law Dennis and my sister Gina established the foundation.

And our mission is to generate awareness regarding mental health and suicide prevention, and we knew we just wanted to help one person with what we were doing.

And I'm proud to say that since then we've been able to touch over 5,000 students in the South Coast area uh through a collaboration with Caleb Joseph and the self-help tour and his speaking engagements at local high schools.

We've been able to provide close to 20 scholarships to South Coast seniors who mirror the same traits that Tyler had.

We've been able to collaborate with Child and Family Services, Dennison Memorial, the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford, to name a few.

And I think Tyler would be smiling down on us today.

Knowing the good that we've done in the community.

And I think you know, if if there's one message that we could give is that you can't spell the word community without unity, and we're all in this together to break the stigma of mental health.

So thank you.

Thank you, sir.

I'm not gonna read everybody's name.

You know, Brian sat up here, know his Naomi.

I sat up here and read everybody's name off.

I can't do it.

Sorry.

Sorry, New Bethesda City Council official official resolution, be it hereby known to all that the city council of New Beth for Massachusetts here by his office.

It's sincerest congratulations to everybody in recognition of your important work on behalf of the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in our community.

The entire citizen citizensry extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued good fortune given this day, the 27th day of October 2025 by Shane Burgle, myself, Counselor Derek Baptiste, and the rest of the city council.

Thank you so much.

Councilor Baptiste.

Is we're televised.

Is there a way for people to get in touch with these folks?

If they our website is the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation.org on social media.

You can find us on Facebook, the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation, as well as Instagram at TJL Memorial.

Thank you.

Item 13 resolution, Counselor Baptiste honoring John W.

Bullet Bulger on the celebration of his 100th birthday.

Move adoption.

Motion to adopt made by Councilor Morad, seconded by Councilor Giesta.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

He was partying watching his Browns lose yesterday, so he's taking a long time getting up here.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

It's my main man.

Good sweetheart.

Have a seat.

100 years don't stop him.

Um I just want to talk about Bullet for a second.

He just had his hundredth birthday party um not too long ago.

Um and he partied.

When I say he parted like it wasn't like he went and went home.

Um he partyed.

And um, and that's that's that's what the that's what the rebel is.

That's what the rebel does.

Um I've I've known this man all my life.

I look at him like like a grandfather to me.

Um I hang with his his grandkids, and I've been around his family forever.

And um I I'll tell you this, there's no hundred-year-old person stronger than him right now.

I don't uh because he he's still he's still got it.

And um, you know, and he's lived through a lot, and he's seen a lot of things, a lot of ups, a lot of having a great family, and you know, having and seeing the community come around him, and a lot of downs.

Like I said, he's a Browns fan, so I always have to throw it on him.

Um but no matter what, um, you ain't gonna find somebody with a bigger heart, more love, more compassion.

Um we'll give you the shirt off his back, we'll help you do anything that you want, and um just always be there for you and Bullit's just always been somebody special in my life for as long as I can remember.

So um we did his party, and um counselor president Burgle is a part of this resolution as well as everybody else here.

But um we did his party, but you know, we wanted him to get celebrated in front of the city council and show what a what a what a veteran looks like at a hundred years old, um still standing and still being a proud man.

Um the resolution honoring John W.

Um John W.

Bullett Bulger on this uh occasion of his hundredth birthday.

I'm gonna try to read the the teary eyes in the contacts, it just don't work together.

Sorry, guys.

John W.

Bull uh Bull Bulger was born on September 1st, 1925 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the third youngest of seven children of John and Catherine Bulger.

And whereas after growing up in New Bedford's West End, attending Hathaway School in New Bedford Vocational, he answered his call to serve his country during World War II enlisting in the United States Coast Guard, and whereas Mr.

Bolger trained at Curtis Bay, Maryland, and several and served first as a cook on a uh boy tender in Miami before joining the USS Thenon, aka um 63, which took part in the assault on Okinawa shuttle supplies through the Pacific and was anchored only hundreds of yards from USS Missouri at the signing of the Japanese uh instrument of surrender on September 2nd, 1945.

Just imagine that.

Um, whereas after his honorable discharge in 1946, Mr.

Bolger returned home to New Bett, where he worked at Atlantic Soda Fountain Company, Pirene Corporations, and Billy 19, contributing to the major projects such as Mansfield and Taunton High School, uh the Massachusetts Turnpike Route 24, the New Belfort Hurricane Barrier, and the pool at New Bedford High School.

And whereas he raised his family with seven children, along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a great great grandchild, building a uh proud legacy, rooted in love, perseverance, and community.

And whereas he has remained active throughout his life from fishing and community involvement, including serving on the board of directors of the Cape Verde and Recognition Parade to cheering on his many accomplished family members and athlete at athletics and education.

And whereas Mr.

Bolger, now reaching the milestone, age of 100, continues to inspire his family, neighbors, and the people of New Bedford with his resilience, representing a generation whose service and sacrifice secured the freedom we enjoy today.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city of New Bedford, that the New Bedford City Council on behalf of the residents of the great city hereby recognize and honor John W.

Bullett Bulger on this occasion of his 100th birthday and extends his deepest gratitude for his service to our nation and contributions to our community offered by Derek Baptiste of Ward 4, City Council President, Shane Burgle, and the rest of the City Council.

Thank you.

Oh, this recognition that would I never ever expected.

And I thank God for being here and have friends like me.

So thank you all again.

I don't drink, but blackberry brandy is the fountain of youth.

Item 14 resolution, Council President Burgo and Councillor Morad honoring Cheryl McCormick and recognition of her sixty years as the owner of the Cheryl McCormick dance studio.

Move adoption.

Move adopt uh motion to adopt made by Council Morad.

Seconded by Councilor Carney.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

Mr.

President, unfortunately, the dancing queen couldn't join us tonight, but we'll present this at a later date.

Thank you.

Item fifteen resolution, Council President.

Oh, I'll read items 15 and 16 together.

All right.

Items uh 15 resolution, Council President Burgo, Counselors Carney and Morad honoring Ashley Clark, Miss New Beford 2025, and item sixteen resolution, Council President Burgo, and Counselor Morad honoring Bree Marie Lefaver, Miss New Bedford Team 2025.

Move adoption.

Motion to adopt made by Councilor Morad, seconded by Councillor Carney.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed, the ayes have it.

Mr.

President, as you know and my colleagues know, we've presented these items already to Ashley and Bree.

We thank them for their service in 2025, representing the city of New Bedford, and uh we wish them continued success.

Wonderful.

Yes.

With no further business before us, motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn made by uh Councilor Ferrara, seconded by Councilor Giesta.

Anyone on the question of adjournment?

And just for fun, I would like to do a roll call.

Counselor Baptiste.

Wait, you missed the name.

Councillor Avrew.

Counselor Baptiste.

Yes.

Councilor Burgo.

Yes.

Counselor Carney.

Yes.

Councilor Choquette.

Councilor Giesta.

Yes.

Yes.

Counselor Gomes.

I like the company.

Let's order some pizza.

How about some hot dogs?

Yes.

Yes.

Councillor Lopes.

Counselor Morad.

Yes.

Councillor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Pereira.

No.

Oh, okay.

Fun.

Mr.

President, can we get some coffee with that too?

That is seven yeses and one no.

We are adjourned at eight eighteen PM.

Thank you, everyone.

I'm the official photographer.

Someone's gonna stop practicing saying no.