MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Meeting night
November 17, 2020
3 meetings this evening, 36 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 →5:55 p.m. · Public Hearings
Sources: Minutes (PDF, in the agenda packet where the council approved them) · Agenda packet · Meeting video
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, Michelle M. Dionne, Bradford L. Kilby, Pamela S. Laliberte, Trott Lee, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Leo O. Pelletier, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: None
4 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 84 · Agenda packet · Video
That the hearing be opened
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was voted 9 yeas that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Lee)
1 Charbel Sarkis, 2 Fisherman Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719, d/b/a R & M Auto Service, for a license to operate an auto repair shop at 703 Brayton Avenue, on Lot F-7-0013, 14, 28 and 29 Assessors Plan.
Minutes, page 84 · Agenda packet · Video
That the hearing be closed
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
That the hearing be opened
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pelletier and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Pelletier, second: Peckham)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 85 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 6:32 p.m
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to adjourn at 6:32 p.m.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)
6:00 p.m. · Committee on Finance
Sources: Minutes (PDF, in the agenda packet where the council approved them) · Agenda packet · Meeting video
Committee on Finance: committee votes are recommendations to the full council, which takes the final vote. About this committee
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Michelle M. Dionne, Bradford L. Kilby, Pamela S. Laliberte, Trott Lee, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Leo O. Pelletier, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: None
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Adjournment
Minutes, page 92 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:00 p.m
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 9 yeas to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Revised agenda · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Michelle M. Dionne, Bradford L. Kilby, Pamela S. Laliberte, Trott Lee, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Leo O. Pelletier, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte
Absent: None
31 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and order to reduce $1,000,000.00 from the School Transportation Appropriation thereby reducing the Annual Budget for FY 2021
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
2 Mayor and order appropriating $1,194,155.00 from the increase in Cherry Sheet State Aid to the following Education — All Other $ 50,738.00 Insurance $ 63,313.00 State and County Assessments $ 1,080,104.00
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
3 Mayor and order appropriating $250,000.00 from the General Fund FY20 Surplus Revenue (Free Cash) to the Capital Project Fund for police vehicles
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
4b Mayor and orders as follows: ,: An Act relative to the abolishment of the Board of Fire Commissioners
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt both items a. and b. and send a /etter to the Mayor and the Chair of the Public Safety Committee to work on the possible establishment of boards or commissions that would have a different scope of responsibilities to oversee both the Police and Fire Departments (copy of said letter is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes)
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt both items a. and b. and send a /etter to the Mayor and the Chair of the Public Safety Committee to work on the possible establishment of boards or commissions that would have a different scope of responsibilities to oversee both the Police and Fire Departments (copy of said letter is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes).” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)
5 City Assessor and orders for the establishment of the Fiscal Year 2021 tax factor and tax levy.
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order for a tax shift at 1.795
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order for a tax shift at 1.795.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
To waive the reading of the following order for the tax levy
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to waive the reading of the following order for the tax levy.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
To adopt the order for the tax levy
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas, to adopt the order for the tax levy.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
Priority Communications
6 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
7 Communication from Councilor Trott Lee to Governor Charles D. Baker regarding the COVID-19 Order No. 54
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteAbstained: Lee
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Lee abstaining.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
Resolutions ,
8 Committee on Finance convene to determine response to Governor's COVID-19 Order No. 54 advocating for the balance of financial preservation and public safety measures
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Pelletier, PereiraNo: Lee, Peckham, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilors Lee, Christopher Peckham and President Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)
Citations
9 Veterans of Foreign War Post 486 in celebration of their 100" Anniversary
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
Orders: Hearings
10 Charbel Sarkis, 2 Fisherman Road, Fairhaven, MA, d/b/a R & M Auto Service, for a license to operate an auto repair shop at 703 Brayton Avenue
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
Orders: Miscellaneous
11 Police Chief's report on licenses: 2020 Taxicab Drivers: Carol DeMelo Charles R. Phifer 2021 Taxicab Drivers: Thomas Andrade Robert M. Collins Jr. Gilbert W. Correia Caro! DeMelo Charles R. Phifer Delores Socall Walter Woods
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
12 Revocation of permit for the storage of inflammables (removal of tanks): Genlyte Group Incorporated — 631 Airport Road
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
13 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals: Tiago Botelho d/b/a Mill City Diesel Auto Repair and Sales at 1139 Slade Street Manuel Felix d/b/a Felix Auto Collision Center at 1201 Slade Street Luis Pimentel, L and S Auto, Inc.at 1138 Pleasant Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Laliberte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the order, with Councilor Laliberte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
14 Auto Body Shop License Renewals: Steve Melo, Choice Collision Center, Inc. at 645 Brayton Avenue Joseph Silva d/b/a Supreme Auto at 421 Third Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
Conmunications: Invitations: Petitions
15 Claims ‘
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
To approve the drainlayer license
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to approve the drainlayer license.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)
17 October 19, 2020 meeting
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be accepted and placed on file
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was voted 9 yeas that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Lee)
18 Regular Meeting of the City Council —- October 27, 2020
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
19 Communication from Collin Dias re: use of funding at Veterans Association of Bristol County
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
20 Open Meeting Law Complaint from Collin Dias re: alleged violation by City Council Committee on Finance on October 27, 2020
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to Corporation Counsel
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
21 Open Meeting Law Complaint from Patrick Higgins re: alleged violation by City Council
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to Corporation Counsel
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Pereira)
To lift the matter from the table
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 8 yeas to lift the matter from the table, with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 8 yeas to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
Tabled Matters —
21c Open Meeting Law Complaint from Patrick Higgins re: alleged violation by City Council: Estes Lane, extending from Lark Street to (old) Lower Stafford Road
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the orders to read December 15, 2020 and adopt the orders, as amended
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas to amend the orders to read December 15, 2020 and adopt the orders, as amended, with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
Priority Communications (filed late)
Late 7a Planning Board re: request for release of right, title and interest in a portion of the unaccepted paper street known as Center Street extending from South Beacon Street westerly for a distance of 445.48 feet (opposition).
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to Corporation Counsel
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas to refer the matter to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions (filed late)
Late 21a Communication and petitions from city residents requesting denial of request to the Zoning Board of Appeals from JH Holdings Group, LLC for a variance to allow construction of a 63-unit apartment complex on Mariano S. Bishop Boulevard and
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was voted 8 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Lee)
To send a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes, in opposition to the request for a variance to allow construction of a 63-unit apartment complex on Mariano Bishop Boulevard and August Street
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 8 yeas to send a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes, in opposition to the request for a variance to allow construction of a 63-unit apartment complex on Mariano Bishop Boulevard and August Street, with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Kilby)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:26 p.m
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Pelletier
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 8 yeas to adjourn at 8:26 p.m., with Councilor Pelletier absent and not voting.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
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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