The special city council meeting for New Bedford took place on July 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM, with Council President Shane Burgo presiding. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette, and was attended by several council members, including Ian Abreu, Brian Gomes, and Naomi Carney.

The council acknowledged the absence of three members: Joseph P. Lopes, Linda Morad, and Maria Giesta, who submitted letters explaining their prior commitments. A motion was made to receive and place these communications on file, which passed unanimously.

The first significant agenda item involved the appointment of Thomas Carrero as the new district fire chief. This was presented in a communication from Mayor Mitchell, alongside a motion regarding the financial and operating expenses of the Zieterian Theater. The council voted to waive rules 38 and 40 to expedite Carrero's appointment, which was approved with an 8-0 vote.

Following the vote, Thomas Carrero was sworn in as district fire chief, where he expressed gratitude to the council and emphasized his commitment to serving the city and its residents. His mother also shared her pride in his new role.

The final agenda item was a motion from Councilors Perera and Carney, requesting representatives of the Zieterian Theater to report on its financial and operating expenses to the finance committee. This motion was referred to the committee without opposition.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was also passed unanimously at 6:44 PM. Overall, the meeting focused on significant personnel changes and financial oversight, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to governance and community service.