The New Bedford City Council met on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, presided over by Council President Ryan Pereira. The meeting included a prayer, moment of silence, and pledge of allegiance. Key actions included adoption of several budget transfers, approval of a recall ordinance for elected officials (9-1), referral of a health insurance opt-out proposal, and a hearing on Eversource conduit installation.
Health Insurance Opt-Out Program (New Business Item 4): Councillor Joseph Lopes introduced a motion requesting the administration to establish a voluntary municipal employee health insurance opt-out program. Lopes argued this would save the city significant money (citing potential savings of $13,000–$20,000 per employee per year) and prevent closures like fire stations, noting that other communities (Somerset, Seekonk) offer such programs. He criticized the administration for refusing to study the idea. The motion was referred to the Mitchell administration and the Committee on Ordinances by voice vote.
Recall of Elected Officers (Tabled Items 528-26): The council debated a proposed home rule petition to establish a recall process for elected officials (mayor, council, school committee). Councillor James Roy opposed the current version, arguing the signature threshold (1,800 affidavit signatures) and required turnout (15% of registered voters) were unreasonably high, making the process nearly impossible. He moved to amend the numbers (to 600 signatures and 10% turnout), but the amendments failed (each 1-9). Councillor Shane Burgo defended the ordinance, stating it protects against frivolous recalls and that input was available during committee work. Council President Pereira urged adoption as a first step, noting the recall process can be amended later. After debate, the motion to adopt the order and act was passed 9-1 (Roy opposed).
Historical Significance of United House of Prayer Area (New Business Items 10 & 11): Councillor Burgo submitted letters to the Historical Commission and Planning Board requesting review of potential historic significance of property near the United House of Prayer. He and Councillor Baptiste criticized the developer for not engaging the community and highlighted the historical significance of neighborhoods in Ward 4 (South End/West End) that were historically redlined. The items were received and placed on file.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today is Thursday, June 11th, 2026. 7 p.m. in the New Belfort City Council Chambers. Tonight we are led in prayer by Deacon S. Donna Brito of In the Name of Jesus Church. Good evening. Thanks for inviting me. Happy to be here. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus, Holy Spirit. As we come upon the beginning of summer, we thank you for the warmth, light, and energy this season brings. We are grateful for the beauty of our community, its parks, its waterfronts, its neighborhoods, and for the people who make it vibrant and strong. Bless this city council with wisdom, patience, and unity as they make decisions that shape the lives of our neighbors. May their discussions be guided by fairness, compassion, and a shared vision for the common good. We ask for safety and joy for all who live, work, and visit here during these summer months. Protect our children at play, our workers in the heat, and our first responders who serve tirelessly. Let this season be one of growth, not only in nature, but in understanding, cooperation, and hope. May the city council's work here today plant seeds that will bear fruit for years to come. And we ask this in Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Amen. Thank you. A colleague of ours lost uh their grandmother, so if we could have a moment of silence for Maria Saoud Ben Quart, please. Thank you. We are led in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight by Councillor at Large James Roy. Under God, indivisible and justice. Thank you, Mr. President. Absolutely, Councillor. I am joined in the City Council Chambers by my colleagues, Councillor at Large, Ian Abrew, Councillor of Ward 2, Scott Pemberton, Councillor of Ward 1, Leo Schoquet, Councillor of Ward 5, Joseph Lopes, Councillor at Large, James Roy, Councillor at Large, Naomi Carney, Councillor of Ward 3, Sean Oliver, Councillor at Large and First Vice President Shane Burgo, Councillor of Ward 4, Derek Baptiste, and myself, Ward 6th, City Councillor and President Ryan Pereira. I would like to note that this meeting is being live streamed and recorded. City Council and Committee meetings can be viewed on the City of New Befort's homepage under quick links, then meetings. Second. Motion received in place on file made by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Roy. Anyone on the question? All those in favor say aye. Oppose the ayes have it. We'll begin with hearings. Without objection, I will ask the clerk to read items one and two together. Mr. President, item one is a hearing from NSTAR Legend Company doing business as Ever Source Energy for the location of approximately 208 feet of conduit in William Street. This work is necessary to provide to improve the infrastructure of William Street. One A is the order. And two is a hearing from N Star Electric Company doing business as ever source energy for the location of approximately 18 feet of conduit to proposed handhole and sidewalk area for 152 William Street. This work is necessary to provide service for that address. 2A is the order. Motion receive and place on file and open the public hearing for items 1, 1A, 2, and 2A. Motion to open the public hearing made by Councilor Burgo. For items 1 through 2A made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.