New Bedford City Council 2026 Organizational Meeting - Jan 5, 2026
New Bedford City Council 2026 Organizational Meeting - Jan 5, 2026
The New Bedford City Council convened on January 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to organize the body for the year 2026. The meeting began with a prayer by Pastor Leona Fisher and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councillor Shane Virgo. Following an initial recess for a visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the council reconvened at 7:23 p.m. to complete the organization of the council, including the election of officers and the swearing-in of appointed legal counsel and merchants.
Consent Calendar
- Communication from the Election Commission reporting the election of municipal officials for 2026 was received and placed on file (MOTION PASSED 11-0).
- Approval of the organizational meeting agenda items regarding temporary organization and elections was unanimous.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments or testimony from external members of the public were recorded in the transcript.
Discussion Items
- Nominations and Election of President Pro Tem: Councillor Clark nominated Councillor Shane Burgo for President Pro Tem, with a second provided by Councillor Baptiste. Councillor Burgo spoke briefly after his election, acknowledging the process as "easy."
- Election of City Council President: Councillor Carney nominated Councillor Ryan Pereira for City Council President, seconded by Councillor Roy. Nominations were closed via motion by Councillor Gomez.
- Position of Councillor Oliver (Ward Six): Councillor Oliver expressed full support for Councillor Pereira. He argued that Pereira demonstrates a work ethic marked by preparation, understanding of details, and a commitment to the entire city rather than just a specific ward. Oliver emphasized Pereira's ability to build consensus, listen with intent, and maintain dignity in disagreement. Furthermore, Oliver expressed strong personal support for Pereira's character, describing him as a genuine friend who checks in on colleagues without city business, asserting that such relationships "help bridge the divides to get the work done."
- Position of Other Councillors: All other councillors present (Abrew, Baptiste, Burgo, Carney, Shouquett, Gomes, Lopes, Oliver, Pemberton, Pereira, Roy) voted in favor of Pereira's election.
Key Outcomes
- Election of President Pro Tem: Councillor Shane Burgo was elected President Pro Tem of the City Council for 2026. Vote tally: 11-0.
- Election of City Council President: Councillor Ryan Pereira was elected as the President of the New Bedford City Council for 2026. Vote tally: 11-0.
- Inaugural Address: Councillor Pereira delivered an inaugural address emphasizing functional leadership, the 250th anniversary of the nation, and the council's role in building a future for New Bedford's residents.
- Appointment of Assistant City Solicitors: The council waived screening (Rule 40) and confirmed the reappointment of:
- Attorney Owen Murphy of Dartmouth, Massachusetts (one-year term expiring Dec 31, 2026).
- Attorney Michael J. Harrington of Little Compton, Rhode Island (one-year term expiring Dec 31, 2026). Vote tally: 11-0. Both attorneys were sworn in.
- Appointment of Legislative Counsel: The council waived screening (Rule 40) and confirmed the reappointment of Attorney David J. Garatowski as legislative counsel to the council (one-year term expiring Dec 31, 2026). Vote tally: 11-0. Attorney Garatowski was sworn in.
- Appointment of Wares of Merchandise: The council waived screening (Rule 40) and confirmed the reappointment of:
- LS Industries Incorporated.
- Ian McNaught of Lakeville, Massachusetts.
- Zachary DeRocco of Wareham, Massachusetts. Vote tally: 11-0.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. motion by Councillor Burgo, seconded by Councillor Oliver.
- Welcome to New Members: Councillor Pereira extended welcome and support to new councillors (Pemberton and Roy) and offered advice to utilize the excellent staff, including Attorney Garatowski, Clerk Farius, Clerk Lawrence, and Office Staff under Susan's leadership.
Meeting Transcript
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.
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