NOTE: THIS MEETING IS BEING LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED. CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD’S HOMEPAGE UNDER QUICK LINKS, THEN MEETINGS.
1. CITIZEN’S INPUT TIME – Not to exceed the first thirty (30) minutes of the meeting.
1a. Joyce Rowley, 58 Mott Street, New Bedford, 02744, speaking on “Buttonwood Park Zoo and Emily the Elephant’s Retirement”. (Referred – October 28, 2025.)
1b. Allen Ganeto, 415 County Street, New Bedford, Apt. 105, New Bedford, 02740, speaking om “Keep Our City Streets Clean”. (Referred – October 29, 2025)
INVITEES: Joyce Rowley; Allen Ganeto
2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of CONNOR WORDEN, New Bedford, MA to the CONSERVATION COMMISSION, Mr. Worden will be replacing Dennis Audette, who has resigned: this term will expire June 2027. (Matter ID #1553) (Referred – September 25, 2025.) (October 23, 2025 – tabled)
INVITEES: Connor Worden
3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of CHERYL ANN VIVEIROS, New Bedford, MA to the TRAFFIC COMMISSION, replacing Angela Johnston, whose term expired in December 2024; this term will expire in December 2027. (Matter ID #1702) (Referred – October 23, 2025.)
INVITEES: Cheryl Ann Viveiros
4. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of Duria Arsanios, d/b/a NEW BEDFORD TRANSPORTATION, LLC, 11 Franklin Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submitting a copy of the Application requesting a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (License will expire June 30, 2026.) (Matter ID# 1502) (Referred – September 11, 2025.) (October 23, 2025 – tabled.)
INVITEES: Duria Arsanios
5. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Jailene M. Guzman Carrero, d/b/a DJ TRANSPORTATION, 458B Maxfield Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to expire – June 30, 2026.) (Matter ID #1624) (Referred – October 9, 2025.)
INVITEES: Jailene M. Guzman Carrero
6. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Dulfeu Amado, d/b/a GRACE TRANSPORTATION, 837 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford, MA. (License to Expire – June 30, 2026.) (Matter ID #1625) (Referred – October 9, 2025.)
INVITEES: Dulfeu Amado
7. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, submitting an Application for a NEW PRIVATE LIVERY LICENSE, on behalf of Joao M. Pires, d/b/a BLUE LINE TRANSPORTATION, 62 Upton Street, New Bedford, MA. (License to expire – June 30, 2026.) (Matter ID #1626) (Referred – October 9, 2025.)
INVITEES: Joao M. Pires
8. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu, Choquette, and Pereira, requesting, that HR Director, Jose Gouveia, and CFO, Bob Ekstrom, appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the City's current Prescription Drug Plan and possible savings options available. (Matter ID #1501) (Referred – September 11, 2025.)
INVITEES: Robert Ekstrom, Chief Financial Officer; José Gouveia, Director, Personnel Department
9. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu, Carney, Choquette and Pereira, requesting, that HR Director, Jose Gouveia, appear before the Committee on Appointments & Briefings to discuss the City's current voluntary benefit package, benefits that are paid for solely by the employee. (Matter ID #1500) (Referred – September 11, 2025.)
INVITEES: José Gouveia, Director, Personnel Department; Representative from Aflac
10. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Gomes, submitting a Host Community Agreement Proposal Application on behalf of Shamar James, Founder/CEO of THConnect, LLC, dba Houz of Diesel, seeking to operate a co-located adult-use marijuana retail and product manufacturing establishment at 301 Herman Melville Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02740. (Matter ID #0116) (Referred – January 23, 2025.) (February 18, 2025 – tabled)
INVITEES: Atty. Eric Jaikes, City Solicitor; Shamar James, Founder/CEO of THConnect, LLC, dba Houz of Diesel; Representative, Mayor’s Office
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if any accommodations are needed, please contact the City Council Office at 508-979-1455. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.