New Bedford City Council Meeting – August 20, 2026

The New Bedford City Council convened at 7:02 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, a successful veto override of the paid family leave ordinance, multiple appropriations and appointments, and a contentious debate over Flock Safety cameras that led to an early adjournment at 7:53 PM due to lack of decorum.

Consent Calendar

• Citations honoring Joseph W. Hebert (100th birthday, WWII Navy veteran), newly appointed police officers, the United House of Prayer for All People (100th convocation), and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (30th annual feast) were adopted and ordered presented later.
• Street closing requests for various events (block party, AHA! New Bedford, community health fair, back-to-school night, scallop festival, reggae concert, bike show, Hispanic Heritage Month block party, and a barbershop event) were ratified as provisionally granted by the City Council President.
• A petition for a projecting sign at 116B Tarkiln Hill Road was provisionally granted.
• Routine communications regarding ordinance notifications, meeting minutes from various boards, and numerous street obstruction, disturbance, and dumpster permits were received and placed on file or ratified.
• Eversource energy conduit petitions were received and hearings ordered for September 10, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No member of the public provided formal testimony during the meeting. However, audience disruptions occurred during debate on Flock Safety camera motions, prompting a recess and eventual adjournment.

Discussion Items

• Veto Override – Paid Family Leave Ordinance (M1): Councillor Burgo led debate on overriding the mayor's veto of an ordinance amending Chapter 19 to provide paid family leave for city employees (Unit C). Burgo argued the veto was bad faith, that the ordinance did not violate state/federal law, and that it would not create a new budget line item because salaries are already appropriated. The council voted 11-0 to override the veto, ordaining the ordinance.
• Appropriation for Hillman/Purchase Intersection (M2): An order to appropriate $39,303.75 from the HousingWorks grant for layout and taking damages for a signalized intersection was adopted 11-0.
• Lease Assignment (M3): An order approving a lease assignment between Friend Street Realty LLC and Comcast LLC was adopted.
• Sewer Abatements (M4–M6): Abatements for Tarkiln Hill Realty Corp ($26,574.44), Tamara Ramsay ($1,607.07), and Shavoryia McElroy ($235.00) were granted 11-0.
• Conservation Commission Reappointments (M7–M8): Scott Grant and Rebeca Linhart were reappointed to the Conservation Commission, terms expiring June 2029, by an 11-0 vote.
• Election Commission Appointment (M9): The appointment of Brian J. Sousa to the Election Commission was referred to the Committee on Appointments & Briefings. Councillors Burgo and Oliver criticized the mayor's office for submitting the name late (the night of a state primary week) despite receiving recommendations months earlier, emphasizing the need for a proper screening.
• Constable Reappointment (M10): Joseph Latimer was reappointed as constable by an 11-0 vote.
• Flock Safety Cameras and Surveillance Technology (Items 14–17): These items were taken out of order. Councillor Gomes moved to refer his motion (Item 14) to the Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods to meet with police, the mayor's office, and Flock Safety to enhance policies and community trust. Items 15 and 16 (from Councillors Burgo, Lopes, Abreu) called for broader review of surveillance technologies and possible abolition or standards. Item 17 (Councillor Choquette) demanded immediate cessation of Flock cameras until legislation is enacted. During debate, Councillor Lopes argued for removal of cameras, citing misuse. Councillor Roy supported hearings and review but questioned Flock's suitability. Councillor Gomes supported cameras with proper safeguards but criticized the administration's lack of public notice. Audience disruptions led to a short recess. After reconvening, further outbursts caused the council president to table the items and adjourn at 7:53 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Veto overridden: Paid family leave ordinance ordained (11-0).
• Appropriations approved: $39,303.75 for intersection improvements; sewer abatements totaling $28,416.51.
• Appointments confirmed: Scott Grant, Rebeca Linhart (Conservation Commission), Joseph Latimer (Constable). Brian Sousa's appointment referred to committee.
• Flock camera motions tabled: Items 14–17 were tabled due to the unscheduled adjournment caused by lack of decorum; no action taken. Further committee review expected.
• All consent calendar items were ratified or received as listed.