MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Meeting night
December 13, 2016
2 meetings this evening, 46 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, Stephen R. Long, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: Pamela S. Laliberte
During the meeting:
- Councilor Steven A. Camara arrived
11 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
4 Jeff Cabral, 68 Foote Street, requests the removal of 7.10 feet of curbing with an existing 16.9 foot driveway for a total of 24 feet at 68 Foote Street-to allow for improved vehicle access fo the on-site parking.
That the hearing be opened
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Cotincilor 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)
2 Blandina.Flores, 673 Second Street, requests the removal of 6.3 feet of curbing with an existing 15 foot driveway for.a total of 21.3 feet at 673 Second Street to allow for improved vehicle access to the on-site parking.
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)
3 Alex Samanica, 21 Odd Street, requests the removal of 16 feet of curbing with an existing 15 foot driveway for a total of 31 feet at 21 Odd Street to allow access to multiple off-street parking spaces.
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)
3 Alex Samanica, 21 Odd Street, requests the removal of 16 feet of curbing with an existing 15 foot driveway for a total of 31 feet at 21 Odd Street to allow access to multiple off-street parking spaces. Joint Pole Relocation ; A, Petition of
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)
5 Fall River News Co., 138-144 Robeson Street, Fall River, MA, to store 12,000 gallons of gasoline underground and 12 vehicles with gasoline in tanks thereof, an increase of 40,000 gallons at 138-144 Robeson Street
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 5:55 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 5:55 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, 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, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: Pamela S. Laliberte
35 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1a Mayor and loan orders — Integrated Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan Improvements — Phase One
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To refer the loan order to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to refer the loan order to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
1b Mayor and loan orders — Integrated Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan Improvements — Phase Two
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To refer the loan order to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to refer the loan order to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
2 Collective bargaining agreement for AFSCME-EMS Unit
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
3 Mayor and order for purchase of property at 38 Third Street for Employee Health Clinic
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To table the matter
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Long, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Laliberte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 3 yeas, 5 nays to table the matter with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff Ponte and President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative and Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Long)
To refer the item to the Committee on Real Estate
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Joseph D. Camara, Long, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Laliberte
From the minutes
“Roll call was taken on the previous motion and it was voted 5 yeas, 3 nays to refer the item to the Committee on Real Estate, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara and Stephen R. Long voting in the negative and Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.”
Priority Communications
4 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the communication to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation
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 Ordinances and Legistation, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
5 Board of Election Commissioners re: official results of State Election held on November 8, 2016
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Committee Reports
6 Order — $30,000 be transferred from Mayor's Office Salaries to Mayor's Office Expenditures for branding initiative
Recommended by the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the order to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to refer the order to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Cabeceiras)
7 Proposed ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
8 Proposed ordinance — Mooring Fees Revolving Account
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
9 Proposed ordinance — Traffic, handicapped parking
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt an emergency preamble
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Laliberte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted, 8 yeas to adopt an emergency preamble, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Ponte)
10 Order — Pierre Maxime — 1 taxicab medallion application
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
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 Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
11 Order — Fall River Taxi Service — 5 taxicab medallion applications
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
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, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
12 Resolution — Administration consider advertising on city owned assets
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
Ordinances
13 Proposed ordinance — Taxicab rates
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To pass the ordinance through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, the ordinance was passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
To pass the ordinance to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, the ordinance was passed to be ordained, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Citations
14 Agnes "Robin" Connor - 90" Birthday
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
Orders: Hearings
Curb removal
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To take items #15 through #17 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take items #15 through #17 together, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
17 Alex Samanica, 21 Odd Street — total of 31 feet at 21 Odd Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To adopt items #15 through #17
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt items #15 through #17, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
18 Blossom Road — one (1) pole relocation
Minutes, page 4 · 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, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
19 Fall River News Co., 138-144 Robeson Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
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 order, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Orders: Miscellaneous
20 Police Chief's report on licenses
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
21 Auto Repair Shop license renewal — Dave's Tire and Auto Service, Inc., 325 Bedford Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
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, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
22 Ciaims
Minutes, page 4 · 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, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
23 Open Meeting Law complaint from Patrick Higgins regarding November 22, 2016 City Council Meeting
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To refer the matter 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 matter to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
24 Street opening request for pavement less than 5 years old —- 714 Weetamoe Street '
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To refer the item to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell to refer the item to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, it was voted 4 yeas, 4 nays with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Steven A. Camara, Stephen R. Long and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
To approve the request
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Long, Mitchell, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, CadimeAbsent: Laliberte, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Joseph D. Camara, it was voted 5 yeas, 2 nays to approve the request with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative and Councilors Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and Linda M. Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Joseph D. Camara)
25e Communications from Attorney General regarding OML complaints of — September 7, 2016 Real Estate Committee
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
That the communications 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 communications be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
To take item #26 through #29 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 item #26 through #29 together, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
29 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism — November 29, 2016
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To approve items #26 through #29
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve items #26 through #29, with Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
30 Notice of Casualty and Loss at 1907 Rodman Street
Minutes, page 5 · 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 Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
31 Notice of Casualty and Loss at 495 Snell Street
Minutes, page 5 · 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, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Committee Reports
Action: Order — Intermunicipal agreements for Wastewater Treatment and Drinking Water Services with the Town of Freetown
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adopt the orders
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 orders, with Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adjourn at 8:54 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 8:54 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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