MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Meeting night
November 8, 2016
3 meetings this evening, 37 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Fall River ballot: 16 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →5:45 p.m. · Public Hearings
Sources: Minutes (PDF, in the agenda packet where the council approved them)
Public hearings let residents speak for or against petitions such as curb cuts, pole locations and licenses. The full council decides them at its regular meeting.
Attendance
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
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Nelson Antunes, 985 Ray Street, requests the removal of 17.5 feet of curbing with an existing 11.7 foot driveway for a total of 29.2 feet at 985 Ray Street to allow for additional vehicles to have on
That the hearing be opened
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
To close the hearing
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
To adjourn at 5:47 p.m
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 5:47 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
6:00 p.m. · Committee on Finance
Sources: Minutes (PDF, in the agenda packet where the council approved them)
Committee on Finance: committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
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
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
3 Resolution — Administration consider reinstating position of switchboard operator full time
To recommend the resolution be granted leave fo withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to recommend the resolution be granted leave fo withdraw.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To adjourn at 6:12 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:12 p.m. -.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Ponte)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Richard Cabeceiras, Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara, Stephen R. Long, Pamela S. Laliberte, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: None
32 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
followed by a salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and transmitted through any medium.
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To allow two citizens to speak, as they arrived too late to speak at Citizen Input and they wanted to speak about a resolution that is on tonight's agenda
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell it was unanimously voted to allow two citizens to speak, as they arrived too late to speak at Citizen Input and they wanted to speak about a resolution that is on tonight's agenda.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
To waive the rules to allow the following non Fall River residents to speak about item number 5 on the agenda
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the following non Fall River residents to speak about item number 5 on the agenda.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
Priority Matters
1a Transfers and appropriations — $1,229,753 to the EMS Stabilization Fund from the EMS Enterprise Fund Fiscal
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 Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
1b Transfers and appropriations — $94,000 to the EMS Capital Outlay Account from the EMS Stabilization Fund
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 Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
1c Transfers and appropriations — $175,000 to the Reserve Account from Municipal Receipts
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras
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 to adopt the order with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
1d Transfers and appropriations — $20,175.25 to the Veteran's Services Salary Account from the Veteran's Services
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
2 Mayor and order confirming appointment and approving employment agreement of John D. Lynch to the position of Fire Chief
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Ponte)
Priority Communications
3 Planning Board recommending naming of bridge at the junction of Jefferson, Quarry Quequechan Streets in honor of the late Edmond J. Desmarais
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
4 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the communication to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
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 communication to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
Resolutions
5 City Council acknowledges that freedom from domestic violence is a fundamental human right
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
6 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene with Corporation Counsel to discuss possibility of separating cemeteries from the Board of Park Commissioners
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
Citations
7 Jason M. Rua — 2016 Roger Valcourt Memorial Outstanding Citizen of the Year
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Orders: Hearings
8 Nelson Antunes, 985 Ray Street — 29.2 feet at 985 Ray Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
9 Fall River News Co., 138-144 Robeson Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
Orders: Miscellaneous
10 Police Chief's report on licenses
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
11 Auto Repair Shop license renewal — Paul Faria d/b/a A and R Auto at 1741 Stafford Road
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
12 Claims
Minutes, page 3 · 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 Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
13 Drainlayer license — Joseph Boiti Co, Inc.
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To approve the drainlayer license
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer license.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
To take items #14 through #16 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to take items #14 through #16 together.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
16 Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins regarding City Council members not filing receipt of Open Meeting Law Materials
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To refer items #14 through #16 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 items #14 through #16 to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
17 Fall River Contributory Retirement Board's 2017 Budget
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
18 PERAC regarding appropriation for Fiscal Year 2018
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the communication 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 communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
19 Fall River Taxi Service requesting five additional taxi medallions
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To refer the communication to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation
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 communication to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
20 The Children's Holiday Parade requesting permission to place banners on the Government Center railing from December 2, 2016 to December 4, 2016
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To approve the request
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to approve the request.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
To take items #21 through #25 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take items #21 through #25 together.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
25 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes —- September 15, 2016
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To approve items #21 through #25
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to approve items #21 through #25.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
To take items #26 through #36 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take items #26 through #36 together.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
36 City Council Meeting — October 25, 2016
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To approve items #26 through #36
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to approve items #26 through #36.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
37 Notice of Casualty and Loss at 54 Gardiner Avenue
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the notice 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 notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Committee Reports
Referral to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation: Communication and order — Establishment of revolving fund for maintenance of moorings
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To refer the communication and order to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
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 communication and order to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Grant leave to withdraw: Resolution — Reinstatement of switchboard operator position at Government Center
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To grant the resolution leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to grant the resolution leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
To adjourn at 7:27 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:27 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
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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