New Bedford City Council Meeting - December 11, 2025

The New Bedford City Council convened for its final meeting of the year, held in a reflective yet celebratory atmosphere. The session featured the continuation and withdrawal of technical public hearings regarding utility infrastructure, the approval of loan orders for school repairs, and the adoption of a multi-hazard mitigation plan. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring outgoing Councilors Linda Morad (20 years of service) and Maria Giesta (8 years), with numerous colleagues expressing their deep respect, affection, and support for their service. The Council also engaged in new business proposals concerning urban policy on tree planting and legal amendments related to vehicular obstruction.

Consent Calendar

• Verizon Conduit Hearing (Item 1): The public hearing was continued and subsequently withdrawn by the petitioner (Verizon). The Council voted for no further action.
• Appointments:
  • Motion to place Christobal Jose Escobar's appointment to the Veterans Advisory Board on file and refer to Committee on Appointments and Briefings (Approved 9-0).
  • Motion to grant reappointments for constables Gonzalo Medeiros Coelho and Amancio Sozez Ribeiro (Approved 9-0).
  • Motion to place Jeffrey David Foisey's appointment as constable on file and refer to Committee on Appointments and Briefings (Approved 9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilor Oliver (Support): Expressing full support for the motion to refer tree planting policies to the Committee on City Property. He stated the city should be planting trees but emphasized the need for a "smart and educated way" rather than planting indiscriminately, noting that residents often bear the maintenance burden (picking up leaves) and that not all residents desire trees in front of their properties.
• Councilor Gomes (Support): Voice full support for the tree planting motion. He highlighted specific concerns from constituents, including trees blocking streetlights and growing against houses, causing root issues for pipes. He advocated that residents should have the right to say "no" if they do not want a tree in front of their home, despite his personal support for greening the city.
• Councilor Gomes (Support for Constituent Request): Expressed strong support for the motion to add safeguards against hazardous waste businesses in the Business Park, noting this is a direct response to constituent Wendy Morrill's advocacy.
• Councilor Morad (Support for Motion): Expressed support for the motion regarding the Business Park, noting that such language existed in the bylaws under previous management and questioning if current leadership would reinstate it.
• Councilor Gomes (Praise for Bruce Oliveira): Expressed deep personal support and emotional tribute for Bruce Oliveira, describing him as a "kind, gentle giant" and a tireless advocate for students. He emphasized the need for the School Committee to honor Oliveira's contributions.
• Councilor Oliver (Praise for Bruce Oliveira): Stated he stands 100% in support of naming a school or facility after Bruce Oliveira. While supporting the motion for the Condon DeValis Oliveira school, he argued that the new Culinary and Nutrition Center is a "better suited venue" because Oliveira was a strong advocate for the central kitchen and the building serves the entire city.

Discussion Items

• Infrastructure Hearing (Item 2 - Verizon/Mid-Span Pole): Lila from Network Building Consulting presented the proposal to install one 150-foot mid-span pole and one 1.5-meter cable attachment on Phillips Road near 2284 Phillips Road. The goal is to support existing lines and increase cable height due to sagging and tree interference. Councilor Morad questioned the location and duration; the representative confirmed the work is in the grass right of way and would likely take less than one to two days. A condition requiring a detail (flaggers) was added.
• Tree Planting Policy (Item 10): Refered to the Committee on City Property to review current policies. Councilors Gomes and Oliver discussed the need for a coordinated planting plan versus ad-hoc placement, citing issues with light blockage, pipe damage, and resident maintenance burdens.
• Business Park Hazardous Waste (Item 11): Referred to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings. The motion, driven by constituent Wendy Morrill, proposes amending Business Park governing rules to prohibit businesses handling hazardous waste materials to protect the park's integrity. Councilor Morad noted the historical presence of such protections.
• Vehicular Obstruction Legislation (Item 12): The Council voted unanimously to send a letter to State Representatives Christopher Markey and Stephen Zeros. Councillors Gomes and Oliver advocated for amending Bill H.4736 to include a five-year driver's license suspension and a five-year ban on obtaining a new license for reckless driving violations. They argued "teeth" are required to deter dangerous behavior that damages roads and obstructs traffic.
• School Naming (Item 13 & Related): Councillor Gomes moved to refer a letter to the School Committee to consider naming the new South End elementary school after Bruce Oliveira. An amendment was made to also request consideration for the Ashley Swift school. A related motion by Councillor Oliver was passed, requesting the School Committee consider naming the new Culinary and Nutrition Center after Bruce Oliveira and displaying his portrait in the Whaler Cafe.
• Retirement Board COLA (Item 14): Commended by the chair and referred to the Committee on Finance to review the FY27 cost of living adjustment for retirees.

Key Outcomes

• Loan Orders (Items 3, 4, 6): Adopted 9-0. Appropriations granted for:
  • $21,865,465 for accelerated repairs between Sergeant William Carney at Memorial Academy, Hayden McFadden, and Casimir Pelaski Elementary Schools.
  • $7,911,603 for accelerated repairs at Elwyn G. Campbell, Ellen R. Hathaway, and Carlos Pachico Elementary Schools.
  • $200,000 for the schematic design and feasibility study for Trinity Day Academy repairs.
• Tree Planting Policy: Motion to refer review of tree planting policies to the Committee on City Property passed 9-0.
• Business Park Safeguards: Motion to refer the addition of hazardous waste restrictions to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings passed 9-0.
• Legislative Action: Motion to send a letter requesting stricter penalties (5-year license suspension) for vehicular obstruction passed 9-0.
• Commemoration: Motion to refer the recommendation of naming a new elementary school (and/or the Ashley Swift school) and the new Culinary/Nutrition Center after Bruce Oliveira passed.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. Council President Shane Burgo delivered a final address thanking colleagues and specifically honoring the departures of Councilors Morad and Giesta, expressing gratitude for their 20 and 8 years of service respectively.