MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Regular meeting
May 24, 2016
45 recorded votes, 12 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · City meeting page
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Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Richard Cabeceiras, Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara, Pamela S. Laliberte, Stephen R. Long, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Priority Matters
1a Transfers and appropriations — $1,000,000 from the General Fund to Education — School Appropriation
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
1b Transfers and appropriations — $82,000 from Administrative Services Salaries to Administrative Services Expenditures
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Steven A. CamaraNo: Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchel, it was voted 7 yeas, 2 nays to adopt the order, with Councilors Linda M. Pereira and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
2 Mayor and Highlands Local Historic District Commission Appointments
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To table the matter regarding the City Council appointees
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to table the matter regarding the City Council appointees.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
To confirm the Mayoral appointees (Kristin Oliveira, Richard Mancini, Maria Connie Soule and Michael Keane)
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, it was unanimously voted to confirm the Mayoral appointees (Kristin Oliveira, Richard Mancini, Maria Connie Soule and Michael Keane).” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Laliberte)
3 Mayor and order re: Sergeant Gilbert Carvalho Memorial
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer. questions regarding this matter
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer. questions regarding this matter.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Mitchell)
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
Priority Communications
4 Planning Board recommending amendment of Apartment [A-2] District
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
5 City of Fall River GASB45 Valuation Report rel. to post-retirement benefits
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
That the report be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted that the report be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Committee Reports
6 Communication and order — Elimination of Sanitation Enterprise Fund
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the Director of Financial Services to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Director of Financial Services to answer questions.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Cabeceiras)
To adopt the order
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven'A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to adopt the order, with President Shawn E. Cadime and Councilors Richard Cabeceiras and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Ponte)
7 Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds — Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Budgets
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
That the proposed budgets be accepted and placed on file
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, PonteNo: Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, it was voted that the proposed budgets be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Steven A. Camara opposed and Councilor Linda M. Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Long, second: Laliberte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
8 Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund — Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Budget
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
That the proposed budget be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted that the proposed budget be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
To take items 9 and 10 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 9 and 10 together.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Ponte)
To take items 9 and 10 seperately
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take items 9 and 10 seperately.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
9 Communication — Administration regarding outdoor advertising
Recommended by the Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the communication be granted leave to withdraw
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted 9 yeas that the communication be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
10 Resolution — Administration consider purchasing former St. Vincent's Farm
Recommended by the Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Pereira, PonteNo: Mitchell, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 7 yeas, 2 nays that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilors Steven A. Camara and Raymond A. Mitchell voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Long)
11 Resolution — Review Traffic Division fees
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
12 Proposed ordinance — Traffic, handicapped parking
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
13 Proposed ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
14 Proposed ordinance — Cemetery fees
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilor Steven A. Camara opposed.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
15 Proposed ordinance — Water rate increase
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance bé passed through first reading
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was voted that the proposed ordinance bé passed through first reading, with Councilor Steven A. Camara opposed.” (Motion: Long, second: Laliberte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
16 Proposed ordinance — Eliminate annual fee for collection/disposal of household trash
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the Director of Financial Services to provide additional information
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Director of Financial Services to provide additional information.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Ponte)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended, with President Shawn E. Cadime and Councilors Richard Cabeceiras and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
17 Proposed ordinance — Sewer rate and Stormwater increase
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Public Utilities to provide information
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Public Utilities to provide information.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended, with Councilor Steven A. Camara voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
18 Proposed ordinance — Director of Community Maintenance Salary
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer questions.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Ponte)
That the proposed ordinance be amended to strike out "not to exceed $98,000.00 per annum" and insert "3,053.44 biweekly
Yes: Mitchell, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted 3 yeas, 6 nays that the proposed ordinance be amended to strike out "not to exceed $98,000.00 per annum" and insert "3,053.44 biweekly," with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Cliff Ponte voting in the affirmative and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, MitchellNo: Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara, Linda M. Pereira and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, as amended
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, MitchellNo: Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, as amended, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara, Linda M. Pereira and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Long)
19 Resolution — Reduce pay-as-you-throw fine from $100 to $30
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
20 Resolution — Review fees related to parking
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
21 Communication — Board of Park Commissioners re: Cemetery fees
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
Ordinances
22 Proposed ordinance — Treasurer
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To table the proposed ordinance
Yes: Cadime, Laliberte, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Joseph D. Camara, Long, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays to table the proposed ordinance, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Joseph D. Camara, Stephen R. Long and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
Resolutions
23 Administration provide an accounting of all insurance accounts, including health insurance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To amend the resolution by inserting, " and be it further resolved that the Administration shall furnish the City Council with any audits pertaining to health insurance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to amend the resolution by inserting, " and be it further resolved that the Administration shall furnish the City Council with any audits pertaining to health insurance." On a further motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be adopted, as amended.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
Citations
24 Fall River Young Marines — 2016 National Unit of the Year
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
25 Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School — Outstanding student awards
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
Orders: Miscellaneous
26 Police Chief's report on licenses
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
27 Claims
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
28 Drainlayer licenses
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To approve the licenses
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve the licenses.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
29 City resident regarding abandoned property on Weetamoe Street
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To refer the communication to the Committee on Public Safety
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to refer the communication to the Committee on Public Safety.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
30 CJ Ferry and OML Complaint re: meeting of Committee on Ordinances and Legislation held on May 17, 2016
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To refer the complaint to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to refer the complaint to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
To take items 31 through 36 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take items 31 through 36 together.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
35 Regulations — May 10, 2016
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Ponte)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adjourn at 10:32 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:32 p.m.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Cabeceiras)
From the official minutes kept by the Fall River City Clerk (agendas and minutes). The minutes are scanned documents; we read them with text recognition, check every vote count against the councilors named, and quote the exact sentence for each vote. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councilor photos: the nine 2026–2027 councilors from the City of Fall River's official councilor photos (Contact the Council page, fallriverma.gov); earlier councilors cropped from the 2024–2025 council group photo and the 2022–2023 council group photo (as published by Fall River Reporter, September 2022). Trott Lee: from his campaign Facebook page (facebook.com/trottlee4cc). Ricky Tith: from Fall River Reporter (April 2025). 2018–2019 councilors (Steven A. Camara, Stephen R. Long, Derek R. Viveiros) and the 2018–2019 group photo: from the City of Fall River’s FY2019 budget book. Richard Cabeceiras, Raymond A. Mitchell and the 2016–2017 group photo: Herald News photo by Jack Foley (January 2016), provided by the Fall River City Clerk. The 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 group photos: provided by the Fall River City Clerk.
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