MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Meeting night
February 23, 2021
3 meetings this evening, 27 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
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 130 · 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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 9 yeas that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Kilby)
1 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan The President asked the City Clerk if any proponents or opponents submitted testimony and the City
Minutes, page 130 · 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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 130 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 6:00 p.m
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 adjourn at 6:00 p.m.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
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
3 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Citizens' Input —- Judi Bednarz, 101 Read Sireet — Public Art Policy David J, Dennis, Esq., 132 Highland Avenue — Public Art Policy Tim Ferreira-Bedard, 126 Liberty Street — Liberty Street trash collection CJ Ferry, 300 Buffinton Street - School Department issues
Minutes, page 100 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to the full council for action
Yes: Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to refer the matter to the full council for action, with Councilors Cadime, Michelle Dionne and Cliff Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
3 Five Year Financial Forecast The Director of Financial Services provided a brief overview of the Five Year Financial Forecast She stated that a document such as this is always changing and being updated. She also mentioned that the CARES Act relief funds were greater than anticipated. Mary Sahady then
Minutes, page 100 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the , matter te the full council for action
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 te the full council for action.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 101 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:46 p.m
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 adjourn at 7:46 p.m.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · 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
21 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Communications
3 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 1 · 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 Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
Ordinances
4 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
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 that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
5 Proposed Ordinance EMS — Administrative Assistant
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
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 that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
Resolutions
6 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene to discuss a Public Art Policy
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pelletier)
7 City Council support vote of no confidence against Matthew H. Malone, Superintendent of Schoois
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteAbstained: Kilby
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Kilby voting present.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Cadime)
To forward a letter to the Superintendent of Schools requesting his resignation (copy of said letter is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes)
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteAbstained: Kilby
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas to forward a letter to the Superintendent of Schools requesting his resignation (copy of said letter is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes), with Councilor Kilby voting present.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
To forward a letter to the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee and Attorney Bruce Assad requesting the release of the $25,000.00 investigative report regarding the Superintendent of Schools (copy of said letters are attached hereto and made a part of these minutes)
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteAbstained: Kilby
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by President Ponte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 8 yeas to forward a letter to the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee and Attorney Bruce Assad requesting the release of the $25,000.00 investigative report regarding the Superintendent of Schools (copy of said letters are attached hereto and made a part of these minutes), with Councilor Kilby voting present.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Dionne)
Orders: Miscellaneous
8 Police Chief's report on licenses: 2021 Taxicab Driver: Michael Souza
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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
9 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals: Jose M. Beirao, Beirao's Auto Repair Co., Inc., located at 830 Globe Street Kirk Carrier, Kirk's Transmission, Inc., located at 461 Globe Street
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 Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the order.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
10 Claims
Minutes, page 3 · 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 Cadime, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Cadime)
11 Regular Meeting of the City Council — February 9, 2021
Minutes, page 3 · 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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
12 Assistant Corporation Counsel's response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins re: City Council Committee on Ordinances and Legislation on February 2, 2021
Minutes, page 3 · 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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 9 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
13 Attorney General's Office response to Asst. Corporation Counsel re: Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin Dias regarding the City Council Meeting of July 14, 2020
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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
14 Notice of Casualty and Loss at 551 Rock Street
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 Peckham and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Pelletier)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 3a Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the Capital improvement Plan
Yes: Kilby, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pelletier and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays to adopt the Capital improvement Plan, with Councilors Kilby and Linda Pereira voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Pelletier, second: Peckham)
To refer the matter to the Committee on Finance
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to refer the matter to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
Late 3b Five Year Financial Forecast
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the Five Year Financial Forecast 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 Pelletier, it was voted 9 yeas that the Five Year Financial Forecast be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Pelletier)
Late 3c Street opening request for pavement less than five years — 140 Manchester Street
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the request
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 approve the request with the conditions listed by the City Engineer.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:57 p.m
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 adjourn at 8:57 p.m.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
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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