MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2016–2017 Council · Meeting night
3 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 →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.
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
recorded with audio or video and transmitted through any medium and that the purpose of the hearing was to hear all persons interested and wishing to be heard on the following: | Street Discontinuance
That the hearing be opened
“On a motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Steven A. Camara)
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To close the hearing
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long, it was ' unanimously voted to close the hearing.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Long)
To adjourn at 5754 p.m
“On a further motion made by Councilor Linda M, Pereira and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 5754 p.m.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)
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
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
2 Communication — Retirement Board Fiscal Year 2018 Budget
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
“A motion was made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell to table the matter but received no second, On a further motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, —.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)
To adjourn at 6:25 p.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Revised agenda · City meeting page
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
41 recorded votes, 16 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 waive the rules to allow members of the School Committee to speak
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Long
“A motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira to waive the rules to allow members of the School Committee to speak carried, with Councilor Stephen R. Long opposed.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
1b Mayor and Chief of Police Employment Agreement for Albert F. Dupere (tabled 10-24-17)
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet
To lift the item from the table
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to lift the item from the table.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
To waive the rules and Chief Albert F. Dupere to the table
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, PonteNo: Joseph D. Camara, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. Camara
“A further motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, failed to carry 4 yeas, 5 nays to waive the rules and Chief Albert F. Dupere to the table, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Cliff Ponte and Council President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the affirmative.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Cabeceiras)
To move the question
“A further motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara to move the question carried unanimously.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Steven A. Camara)
To adopt the order
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
“On a yet a further 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)
1 Mayor and order to accept gift of a baby grand piano from Judge Joseph I. Macy in memory of Bentley G. Macy
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order and send a thank you letter to the Macy family for their generous gift
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order and send a thank you letter to the Macy family for their generous gift.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
2 Board of Election Commissions — Official results of Municipal Election held on Nov. 7, 2017
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To accept and place on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras, it was unanimously voted to accept and place on file.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Cabeceiras)
3 School Department Building Committee consider public hearing to discuss alternatives to Elsbree Street location for Durfee High School
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet
To grant the resolution leave to withdraw
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Mitchell, PereiraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
“A motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira to grant the resolution leave to withdraw failed to carry 3 yeas, 6 nays, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Raymond A. Mitchell, and Linda M. Pereira voting in the affirmative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To move the question
Yes: Long, Mitchell, PereiraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Ponte, Steven A. Camara
“A further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira to move the question failed to carry, 3 yeas, 6 nays, with Councilors Stephen R. Long, Raymond A. Mitchell and Linda M. Pereira voting in the affirmative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To reconsider the failed motion to grant the resolution leave to withdraw
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Steven A. Camara
“A further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell to reconsider the failed motion to grant the resolution leave to withdraw carried, 8 yeas, 1 nay, with Councilor Steven A. Camara voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
4 HUD conduct audit of funds that were appropriated to the Fall River Office of Economic Development
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To grant the resolution leave to withdraw
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Ponte
“Councilor Steven A. Camara made a point of parliamentary inquiry to determine if a motion was on the floor and since there wasn't one, he moved to grant the resolution leave to withdraw, which was seconded by.Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and the motion carried 5 yeas, 4 nays, to grant the resolution leave to withdraw, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara, Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Stephen R. Long, and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.”
To take item 11 out of order
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to take item 11 out of order.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Mitchell)
11 A portion of Davol Street, along its easterly layout line, extending northerly from its intersection with the north line of Turner Street Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Stephen R. Long and Raymond A. Mitchell abstained and exited the Counci
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet
To accept and place on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Linda M. Pereira and seconded by Councilor Cliff Ponte, it was unanimously voted to accept and place on file, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Stephen R. Long and Raymond A. Mitchell absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)
To take item 20 out of order
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take item 20 out of order, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Stephen R. Long and Raymond A. Mitchell absent and not voting.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
To amend the final report by striking "This council did thereupon and does hereby adjudicate and decree that common convenience and necessity require that the portion of said street or public way called Davol Street, as described in the Discontinuance Description, be discontinued as a street or public way." and insert "This Council did thereupon and does hereby adjudicate and decree that common convenience and necessity require that such a portion of Davo! Street as shown on the Application Exhibit Plan be and the same is hereby discontinued as a street or public way and authorizes the City to deed the portion thereof shown on the Application Exhibit Plan to the abutting property owner, BCBBK, LLC, subject however to a utility easement in favor of the City of Fall River
“On a motion made by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau and seconded by Councilor Joseph D. Camara, it was unanimously voted to amend the final report by striking "This council did thereupon and does hereby adjudicate and decree that common convenience and necessity require that the portion of said street or public way called Davol Street, as described in the Discontinuance Description, be discontinued as a street or public way." and insert "This Council did thereupon and does hereby adjudicate and decree that common convenience and necessity require that such a portion of Davo! Street as shown on the Application Exhibit Plan be and the same is hereby discontinued as a street or public way and authorizes the City to deed the portion thereof shown on the Application Exhibit Plan to the abutting property owner, BCBBK, LLC, subject however to a utility easement in favor of the City of Fall River." On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Joseph D,. Camara, it was voted 6 yeas to adopt, as amended, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Stephen R. Long and Raymond A. Mitchell absent and not voting.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Joseph D. Camara)
5 Place lien on Fall River Housing Authority properties for any unpaid fees or taxes Councilor Stephen R. Long, the sponsor of the resolution, stated that the Fall River Housing Authority issued a Request for Proposals for properties located
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet
To strike "or taxes
“A further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell to strike "or taxes" carried unanimously.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Mitchell)
To insert "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council Committee on Human Services, Housing, Youth and Elder Affairs convene with City Administration and Fall River Housing Authority representatives to discuss this issue
“On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau it was unanimously voted to insert "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council Committee on Human Services, Housing, Youth and Elder Affairs convene with City Administration and Fall River Housing Authority representatives to discuss this issue." On yet a further motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Laliberte)
6 Sidewalks with handicapped accessibility and crosswalks be installed at the SouthCoast Marketplace
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To adopt the resolution
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To adopt and refer the resolution to the City Council Committee on Public Safety
“On a further motion made by Councilor Stephen R. Long and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt and refer the resolution to the City Council Committee on Public Safety.” (Motion: Long, second: Pereira)
7 Committee on Public Works and Transportation convene to discuss plans for an alternate access road in the area of the Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To table
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraAbstained: Joseph D. Camara
“The motion to table carried with Councilor Joseph D. Camara abstaining.” The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
8 Mayor and City Council appoint committee to ensure all aspects of new Charter are followed
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To grant the resolution leave to withdraw
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Mitchell
“On a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Joseph D. Camara, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay to grant the resolution leave to withdraw, with Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell voting in the negative.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Joseph D. Camara)
9 Committee on Real Estate discuss submission of proposals to businesses interested in purchasing large amounts of water
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet
To amend the resolution by inserting "BE 1T FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administration discusses plans to create a department that bottles water and distributes it for sale coast to coast and worldwide
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Joseph D. Camara, Mitchell
“A further motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara to amend the resolution by inserting "BE 1T FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administration discusses plans to create a department that bottles water and distributes it for sale coast to coast and worldwide." carried, 7 yeas, 2 nays, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Raymond A. Mitchell voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Steven A. Camara)
To adopt
Yes: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Long, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Joseph D. Camara, Mitchell
“The motion to adopt being on the floor, the motion to adopt the resolution as amended carried 7 yeas, 2 nays, with Councilors Joseph D. Camara and Raymond A. Mitchell voting in the negative.”
10 City Council file home rule petition to rename the Veterans' Memorial Bridge the Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. and Ensign Jesse L: Brown Bridge or the Hudner-Brown Bridge
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To table
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras
“Councilor Steven A. Camara seconded tabling the resolution and the motion to table carried 8 yeas, 1 nay, with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras voting in the negative.”
12 Order amending dates for December City Council meetings
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
“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)
13 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Drivers — 2017: Tania L. Dillingham Taxicab Drivers — 2018
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To adopt the order
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was voted unanimously to adopt the order.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
14 Claims
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To refer to Corporation Counsel
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
15 Fall River Children's Holiday Parade Committee, Inc. requesting permission to place banners on the Government Center railing from December 1, 2017 to December 3, 2017
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet
To approve the request
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve the request.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
To take items 16 through 19 together
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take items 16 through 19 together.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
19 City Council Meeting — April 25, 2017
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet
To approve items 16 through 19
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve items 16 through 19.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
To take items 21 through 26 together
“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 26 together.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
1a Mayor and veto of order requesting that the 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 8 · Agenda packet
To lay the veto on the table in accordance with the Charter
“On a motion made by Councilor Richard Cabeceiras and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was unanimously voted to lay the veto on the table in accordance with the Charter.” (Motion: Cabeceiras, second: Laliberte)
2a Historical Commission regarding gift of 80-84 North Main Street and parking lots
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet
That the order be amended to include a thank you letter be sent to Mr. Monte Ferris for the donations
“Councilor Linda M. Pereira stated that the building is a gift to the City by Monte Ferris and the receipts from this property will revert back to Historical Preservation and moved that the order be amended to include a thank you letter be sent to Mr. Monte Ferris for the donations, which was seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and carried unanimously.”
To adopt the order as amended
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Linda M. Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order as amended.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Pereira)
10a Committee on Finance convene to discuss plan for paying for Fail River's portion of the new Durfee High School's debt service
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet
To table the resolution
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime
“A further motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Stephen R. Long to table the resolution carried, 7 yeas, 2 nays, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras and Council President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Long)
10b Committee on Finance convene to discuss building management plans
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet
To fable the resolution
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Laliberte, Ponte
“On a motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays to fable the resolution, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Cliff Ponte and Council President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Mitchell)
To table MATTERS:
1c Transfers and appropriations (Tabled 11-14-17)
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet
To lift the two transfers and appropriations from the table
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Ponte, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras
“On a motion made by Councilor Joseph D. Camara and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte- Lebeau, it was voted to lift the two transfers and appropriations from the table, with Councilor Richard Cabeceiras voting in the negative.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Laliberte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
To amend the $188,000 by striking $38,000 intended for the purchase of an above ground tank
Yes: Cadime, Mitchell, Pereira, PonteNo: Cabeceiras, Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Steven A. Camara
“A further motion made by Councilor Cliff Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell to amend the $188,000 by striking $38,000 intended for the purchase of an above ground tank failed to carry, 4 yeas, 5 nays, with Councilors Raymond A. Mitchell, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff Ponte and Council President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the affirmative.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Mitchell)
To adopt the orders as presented
Yes: Joseph D. Camara, Laliberte, Long, Mitchell, Pereira, Steven A. CamaraNo: Cabeceiras, Cadime, Ponte
“On yet a further motion made by Councilor Steven A. Camara and seconded by Councilor Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, the motion to adopt the orders as presented carried, 6 yeas, 3 nays, with Councilors Richard Cabeceiras, Cliff Ponte and Council President Shawn E. Cadime voting in the negative.” (Motion: Steven A. Camara, second: Laliberte)
To adjourn at 9:43 p.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Raymond A. Mitchell and seconded by Councilor Steven A. Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:43 p.m.” (Motion: Mitchell, second: Steven A. Camara)
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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