MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Meeting night
November 14, 2017
2 meetings this evening, 41 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 →5:30 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, Steven A. Camara, Pamela S. Laliberte, Stephen R. Long, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira
Absent: Joseph D. Camara, Cliff A. Ponte
During the meeting:
- Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau arrived
- Councilor Richard Cabeceiras arrived
4 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
2 Robert Mellion, President and CEO, Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc., -200 Pocasset Street oS
To adopt a tax factor of 1.70
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, LongNo: Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, it was voted 4 yeas, 3 nays to adopt a tax factor of 1.70 with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Laliberte)
To adopt the following percentages for Fiscal Year 2018
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, LongNo: Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was voted 4 yeas, 3 nays to adopt the following percentages for Fiscal Year 2018 with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Long, second: Laliberte)
To close the hearing
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing. ,.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To adjourn at 6:22 p.m
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda » M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:22 p.m. —.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
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, Steven A. Camara, Pamela S. Laliberte, Stephen R. Long, Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira
Absent: Joseph D. Camara, Cliff A. Ponte
37 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Transfers. and appropriations
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To table the order
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Laliberte, LongAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was voted 5 yeas, 2 nays to table the order with Councilors Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and Stephen R. Long voting in the negative and Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Steven A. Camara)
1b Transfers. and appropriations — That the sum of $300,000 be, and the same is, hereby appropriated to the EMS
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To table the order
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Laliberte, LongAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was voted 5 yeas, 2 nays to table the order with Councilors Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and Stephen R. Long voting in the negative and Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Steven A. Camara)
2 Mayor and order for Fire Department to accept gift of concrete (valued at $500) from Fall River Redi-Mix, LLC
Minutes, page 1 · 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 Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To send a thank you letter to Fall River Redi-Mix, LLC
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to send a thank you letter to Fall River Redi-Mix, LLC, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Steven A. Camara)
Priority Communications
3 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
4 Fall River Retirement Board — 2018 Budget
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To refer the matter to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Finance with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
Committee Reports
5 Resolution — State delegation file legislation requiring physicals and drug testing for public Employees
Recommended by the Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
6 Resolution — Administration transfer Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail to the Board of Park Commissioners
Recommended by the Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
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 resolution with Councilors Joseph D, Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
Ordinances
7 Proposed Ordinance — Zoning, King Philip Mills Overlay District
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer questions, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Long)
To pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment
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 pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
Resolutions
8 Committee on Public Safety convene to prepare evacuation plan for Matthew J. Kuss Middle School
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To amend the resolution be deleting the last paragraph
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to amend the resolution be deleting the last paragraph with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Steven A. Camara)
To adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
9 Rename portion of Wall Street in honor of Ralph M. Small
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To refer the resolution to the Planning Board
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 resolution to the Planning Board with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Pereira)
10 School Department Building Committee consider public hearing to discuss alternatives to Elsbree Street location for Durfee High School
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To waive the rules and allow Kenneth Pacheco to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Kenneth Pacheco to answer questions with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
To move the question
Yes: Cadime, Long, Mitchell, PereiraNo: Cabeceiras, Laliberte, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted 4 yeas, 3 nays to move the question with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Steven A. Camara and Pam Laliberte-Lebeau voting in the negative and Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Long, second: Mitchell)
To take item #14 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take item #14 out of order with Councilor Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Mitchell)
Orders: Hearings
14 John Mendoca, 45 Dover Street — total of 20 feet at 45 Dover 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 Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
11 City Council recommend Zoning Board of Appeals vote to withdraw recent requests for Special Permits for billboards and hold public hearing for further discussion
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Steven A. Camara)
Citations
12 Andrew Kosinski — Eagle Scout
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citation
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 citation with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
13 Tracy Wright — Retirement
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the citation
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 citation with Councilors Joseph D, Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
To take items #15 through #17 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to take items #15 through #17 together with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Cabeceiras)
Orders: Hearings
17 Mark Veloza, 350 Eldridge Street — total of 28 feet at 350 Eldridge Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt items #15 through #17
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 items #15 through #17 with Councilors Joseph D, Camara and © Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
18 Stafford Road One (1) jointly owned pole location
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
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 order with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
Orders: Miscellaneous .
19 Administration instruct Corporation Counsel to petition the Court to nullify the approved easement that crosses the Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
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 order with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
20 Order — Fiscal Year 2018 Tax Factor
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To adopt an order for a tax factor of 1.70
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, LongNo: Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, it was voted 4 yeas, 3 nays to adopt an order for a tax factor of 1.70 with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative and Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Laliberte)
21 Order — Fiscal Year 2018 Tax Levy
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt an order for a tax levy as follows
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, LongNo: Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraAbsent: Joseph D. Camara, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was voted 4 yeas, 3 nays to adopt an order for a tax levy as follows, with Councilors Steven A. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the negative with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Long, second: Laliberte)
22 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 Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
23 Auto Repair Shop license renewals: John H. Knight, Knight's Quality Service Station, Inc. at 260 Linden Street Robert P. Fortier d/b/a Fortier's Auto Sales and Service, Inc. at 605 Globe Street John Medeiros, Medeiros Auto Body & Sales, Inc
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
24 Auto Body Shop license renewals: Jan M. Pankowski d/b/a Classic Auto at 270 Shove Street Joseph Jennings d/b/a Jennings Garage at 64 Judson Street John V. Pacheco & Michael V. Pacheco d/b/a Celebrity Auto at 2220 Pleasant Street David Saber
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To take items #25 through #29 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take items #25 through #29 together with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Mitchell)
29 Fernando DaSilva to store 20,000 gallons of diesel oil, 20,000 gallons of gasoline, 5,000 gallons of #2 fuel oi] and 1,000 gallons grain alcohol for gasohol underground and to store 6 motor vehicles at the N.W. corner of Peckham and Barrett
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adopt items #25 through #29
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Stephen R. Long, it was unanimously voted to adopt items #25 through #29 with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
30 Claims
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To take items #31 through #34 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. / Camara, it was unanimously voted to take items #31 through #34 together with Councilors Joseph ' D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
34 City Council Meeting — April 11, 2017
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To approve items #31 through #34
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve items #31 through #34 with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Pereira)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
35 Dept. of Public Utilities Public Hearing - November 29, 2017, One So
Minutes, page 6 · 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 Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Cliff Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
Items Filed After The Agenda Was Prepared
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2017 Proposed Ordinance — Zoning, King Philip Mills Overlay District
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Steven A. Camara)
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet
To adjourn at 10:12 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 10:12 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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