MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Meeting night
September 26, 2017
3 meetings this evening, 51 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
During the meeting:
- Councilor Cliff Ponte arrived
- Councilor Richard Cabeceiras arrived
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Acceptance of Frederick Street, from Whitefield Street to Mariano Bishop Boulevard
That the hearing be opened
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 hearing be opened.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
1 Christopher C. Sirr of 29 Frederick Street came forth and stated that the street is in great need of paving, due to flooding issues and potholes
To close the hearing
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
To adjourn at 5:57 p.m
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 5:57 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
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
During the meeting:
- Councilor Stephen R. Long arrived
8 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Eric Andrade, 41 Barnes Street - Quequechan River Rail Trail Amy Blanchette, 724 Second Street - Quequechan Rail Trail Brian Pearson, 4234 North Main Street — Rail Trail
To waive the rules and allow Mr. Pearson to exceed 3 minutes to finish his statement
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Mr. Pearson to exceed 3 minutes to finish his statement.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Laliberte)
To waive the rules to allow a non-Falf River resident to speak
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Falf River resident to speak,.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
To waive the rules and allow Ms. Kelly to exceed 3 minutes to finish her statement
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Ms. Kelly to exceed 3 minutes to finish her statement.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
To waive the rules and allow Attorney Souza to exceed 3 minutes to finish his statement
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Attorney Souza to exceed 3 minutes to finish his statement.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
1 Loan order: $250,000 for feasibility study of Tansey/Watson School proposed projects
To refer the maiter to the full council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to refer the maiter to the full council for action.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
2 Mayor and Corporation Counsel regarding Charter Commission ballot question and summary to be placed on the Municipal Election Ballot, November 7, 2017
To lift the matter from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to lift the matter from the table.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To refer the matter fo the full council for action
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter fo the full council for action.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
To adjourn at 7:38 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:38 p.m.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Revised agenda · City meeting page
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
40 recorded votes, 6 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 take item #19 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take item #19 out of order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
19 Committee on Finance convene to discuss status of repairs to Veterans' Center located at 755 Pine Street
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
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 resolution.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
To take item #3 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to take item #3 out of order.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Cabeceiras)
Priority Matters
3 Mayor requesting review of Clover Leaf Mills, LLC easement and Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail with all interested parties
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow Corporation Counsel to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M Pereira, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow Corporation Counsel to answer questions.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
To refer the matter to the Committee on Public Safety
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, LongNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays to refer the matter to the Committee on Public Safety with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Steven A. Camara, Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cin. Ponte and President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Long)
To allow Brian Pearson to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to allow Brian Pearson to answer questions.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Steven A. Camara)
To refer the matter back to the Administration and Corporation Counsel for the scheduling of a public hearing within 21 days for a discussion on the elimination of the proposed roadway and crossover of the bicycle path
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras
From the minutes
“On yet a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay to refer the matter back to the Administration and Corporation Counsel for the scheduling of a public hearing within 21 days for a discussion on the elimination of the proposed roadway and crossover of the bicycle path, with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras voting in the negative.”
To take the ballot question out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take the ballot question out of order.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
Priority Communications
Charter Commission regarding amended ballot question to be placed on the Municipal Election Ballot, November 7, 2017
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the ballot question, as amended
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 Richard Cabeceiras, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the ballot question, as amended.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and order for land acquisition of vacant lot on Hyacinth Street (Lot number L-18-103) as a component of the Hyacinth Street South drainage project
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To refer the matter fo the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter fo the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and Cliff Ponte abstaining.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
2c Mayor and proposed ordinances as follows — Sewer Commission, membership modifications
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Cabeceiras)
Priority Communications
4 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To refer the matter 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 matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
5 Board of Election Commissioners re: official results of Municipal Preliminary Election held on September 12, 2017
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 Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
Committee Reports
6 Proposed Ordinance — Establishment of Revolving Funds
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 Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
7 Proposed Ordinance — Taxicab drivers; recommendation received by Police Chief
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading
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 Cliff Ponte, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
8 Proposed Ordinance — Establishment of Municipal Hearings Officer
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, PonteNo: Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Long, second: Ponte)
9 Order — accept provisions of Chapter 40U of the Massachusetts General Laws
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
That the order be adopted
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Mitchell, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays that the order be adopted, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Long, second: Ponte)
10 Resolution — Ensure compliance regarding demolition of buildings on historical register
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · 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 Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
11 Resolution — Fall River institute plans to ensure code compliance of all occupancies
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · 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.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
Ordinances
12 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
13 Proposed Ordinance — Personnel, City Council Principal Clerk
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
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 ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
14 Proposed Ordinance — Personnel, Chairperson, board of election commissioners/ director of office of elections
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
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 ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Resolutions
15 Committee on Finance convene to discuss maintenance of areas related to the Route 79/Braga Bridge Improvements Project
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be adopted
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be adopted.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Ponte)
16 Administration provide update of the status of the King Philip Mill property
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be adopted
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 adopted.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
17 Administration provide advance notice to residents of Pay-As-You-Throw Amnesty program
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be adopted
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 resolution be adopted.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
18 Administration provide details of proposed plan to end the Pay-As-You-Throw program
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be adopted
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 resolution be adopted.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
Citations
20 Philip T. Silvia Jr. - commitment and service to the Fall River Historical Society
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
That the citation be adopted
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted that the citation be adopted.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Long)
21 Constance Mendes — commitment and service to the Fall River Historical Society
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
That the citation be adopted
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the citation be adopted.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
Orders: Hearings
22 Frederick Street, from Whitefield Street to Mariano Bishop Boulevard
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Laliberte)
Orders: Miscellaneous
23 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers
Minutes, page 5 · 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)
24 Auto Repair Shop license renewals: Roger W. Piva d/b/a Piva's Garage at 252 Crescent St.
Minutes, page 5 · 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)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
25 Claims
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
That the claims be referred to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted that the claims be referred to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
26 Anonymous letter regarding taxicab service
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.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Ponte)
27 Committee on Budget Preparation, Revenue and Audits — May 24, 2017
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
28 Final Report — Frederick Street from Whitefield Street to Mariano Bishop Boulevard
Minutes, page 5 · 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.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
Other Potential Matters To Be Acted Upon
Loan order: $250,000 for feasibility study of Tansey/Watson School proposed projects
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
That the order be adopted
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 Richard Cabeceiras, it was voted 9 yeas, that the order be adopted.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Items Filed After The Agenda Was Prepared
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
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 ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
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 ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
To adjourn at 11:16 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 11:16 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, 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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