Just came out of it.

Okay, well let you know already.

Yeah, just one second.

Councillors want you find your seats, please.

Counselors, 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 Wheeling 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 will you will each have your assigned seats in the two 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.

This meeting of January 5th, 2026, the City Council Organizational Meeting is here by a call to order.

I would like at this time to invite 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 counselors, 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 Beth.

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 Councillor Shane Virgo 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.

Welcome everyone.

Congratulations on your elections.

Welcome tonight.

Councillors before us is actually before I get to that.

Notifying of the organizational meeting of City Council to be held on Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 6 p.m.

in the City Council Chambers for the following purpose.

Temporary organization of the city council and election of the city council president pro tem.

The election of the president of the city council for 26, drawing for seats if necessary, appointments of assistant assistant city solicitors for 2026, appointment of attorney David J.

Garatowski as legislative counsel to the city council for 2026, and the appointment of wares of merchandise for 2026.

There'll be a motion to receive and place on file of 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.

Mr.

Clark?

Yes.

I'd like to nominate Councillor Elect Shane Burgo for President Pro Tem.

The nomination has been made for Councillor 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.

Counselor Abrew.

Yes.

Council Baptiste.

Yes.

Council Burgo.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Carney.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Shouquett.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Gomes.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Lopes.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Motion passes 11 to 0.

Council Burgo.

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 two.

Easiest thing you'll do all year, Mr.

President.

Item two, Mr.

President is a 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 Councillor Loebs.

Anyone on the question?

Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The ayes have it.

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

Into recess.

All right.

Stretch out legs a little.

I don't think Garrett comes from it.

I need to get a call.

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 p.m.

And we are reconvening on letter D for the organization of City Council for the year 2026, our Lord and Savior.

Um we're under item one, 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 Councillor Kearney.

Yes, thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I'd like to nominate Ryan Pereira for City Council President.

Thank you.

Nomination made by Councillor Carney for Councillor Pereira.

Is there a second?

Second.

Second made by Councillor Roy.

Any other nominations?

Motion to close the nominations at this time.

Made by Councillor Gomez, 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 the Oh, sorry.

I apologize.

Anyone speak on the question of the Chair Reconnez's Counselor Oliver on his 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 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 Council Pereira's approach to government.

Council 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 Council Pereira doesn't limit his focus to just south of Rivett 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'll keep the conversation productive, even when the issues are tough.

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

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

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 Councillor 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 alright, just to lend an ear.

And to see if you're feeling well.

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 Councillor 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 Six City Councillor 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, Councillor 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 councillor Pereira.

Counselor Abrew.

From one wood sixer to another, yes.

Yes, Council Baptiste.

Yes, Council Burgo.

Yes.

Yes, Council Carney.

Yes.

Yes, Councillor Shoket.

Yes.

Yes, Councilor Gongs.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Lopes.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Passes eleven to zero.

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

At this time, I would like to ask Councillors Abreu and Carney to escort our twenty twenty-six City Council President Ryan Ferrara to the dais.

Thank you, Councillors Kearney and Abrew for uh walking me up to the dais.

Uh before we beg 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 I s 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 two hundred and fifty 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 two hundred and fiftieth 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 neighborhoods.

To my colleagues and my fellow residents, we are not just heirs of this two hundred and fifty year legacy.

We are the authors of its next great chapter.

My fellow counselors, 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 stand 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.

To my vous, 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.

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 eleven 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.

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, Counselors 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 them any time.

Clerk Farius 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.

It could have been made up in my head.

Two hundred and fifty 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 generation will be proud to inherit.

Thank you.

God bless you, and may God bless the city of New Bedford.

Let's get to work.

Any of the returning councillors.

Okay.

Nope.

The two new counselors, are you guys happy where you are, or would you like to?

Okay.

Very good.

I can't believe it.

All right.

Now move on to number three.

Three and four.

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

Mr.

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

And item four is a communication from the mayor submitting the reappointment of attorney Michael J.

Harrington of Little Compton, Rhode Island as an assistant city solicitor for a one-year term expiring December 31, 2026.

Motion confirmed screening and confirm the reappointment.

Motion to wave screening.

Waive Rule 40 and confirm, made by Councillor Gomes, seconded by Councillor Abreu.

Any discussion on that item?

Roll call vote.

Councilor Abrew.

Yes.

Yes, Council Baptiste.

Yes.

Council Burgo.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Carney.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Schocket.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Gomes?

Yes.

Yes.

Council Lopes.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Passes eleven to zero.

Mr.

Item passes eleven to zero.

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

Aye, speech full names.

Aye.

Hi, Michael Harante.

You solemnly swear.

Solemnly swear.

That I will faithfully and impartially and impartially perform my duties as assistant city solicitors.

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.

And of course, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

So I'm not sure if you're not going to be out of that.

I'm thinking that we're done.

At this time, I'll ask the clerk to read item number five.

Mr.

President, item five is written motion.

2025 City Council President Shane Burgo submitting to the full council the reappointment of attorney David J.

Garitowski of New Bedford, Massachusetts as legislative counsel to the council for a one-year term expiring December 31st of 2026.

Same course of action.

Motion to waive screening, Rule 40 and confirm, made by Council Burgo, seconded by Council.

Second.

Seconded by Councillor Carney.

Any discussion on the item?

I will ask the clerk to call the roll.

Council Abraham.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Baptiste.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Burgo.

Yes.

Yes.

Counselor Carney.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilor Shoket.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Gomes.

Yes.

Yes.

Counselor Lopes.

Yes.

Counselor Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Counselor Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Passes eleven to zero.

Item passes eleven to zero.

Attorney Garatowski.

You would go to the podium and be sworn in.

Do we have to stand in the clap again?

Full name?

I David Goratowski.

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 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Charter and Ordinances of the City of New Bedford, whatever those are.

Alright, so help me so whatever those are.

Thank you very much.

Yes, sir.

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

Mr.

President, item six is a communication from the mayor submitting the reappointment of wares of merchandise for a one-year term expiring December 31, 2026 from LS Industries Incorporated, Ian McNaught of Lakeville, Massachusetts, and Zachary DeRocco of Wareham, Massachusetts.

Same course of action.

Same course of action, made to reappoint and wave rule forty, made by Councillor Burgo.

Seconded by Councillor Baptiste.

Any discussion?

I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.

Councilor Abreu.

Yes, Council Baptiste.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Burgo?

Yes.

Yes.

Council Carney?

Yes.

Yes.

Counter Schulkett.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Gomes.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Lopes.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Oliver.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pemberton.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Pereira.

Yes.

Yes.

Council Roy.

Yes.

Yes.

Passes 11 to 0, Mr.

President.

Item passes 11 to 0.

Motion to adjourn.

Seven.

Motion to adjourn, made by Councillor Burgo.

Seconded by Councillor Oliver.

Any debate on adjournment?

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

The ayes have it.

And we are adjourned at 7.47 p.m.