MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Meeting night
October 26, 2021
3 meetings this evening, 43 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
5 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 88 · Agenda packet · Video
That the hearing be opened
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Kilby)
That the hearing be closed
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
That the hearing be opened
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
That the hearing be closed
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Lee)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 89 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 6:04 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:04 p.m.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)
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
8 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Citizens' Input Nelson Vasquez, 210 Sunset Hill — Mayor's resignation Collin Dias, 560 Ray Street — Administration boycotting City Council Meetings Richard Barlow, 50 Anderson Street — True liar Joseph Merkt, 290 Cambridge Street — City Slickers proof
Minutes, page 83 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
To waive the rules to allow Attorney Blake Mensing to complete his comments
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Laliberte and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow Attorney Blake Mensing to complete his comments.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Lee)
To take item #6 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted to take item #6 out of order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Lee)
6 Resolution - Committee on Finance meet with various parties regarding Fall River Cannabis Review Commission and process of approving marijuana licenses.
Minutes, page 84 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the matter
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Laliberte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to table the matter.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Dionne)
2b Discussion re: PARC Grant Program — Kennedy Park Renovation Project:: Loan Order — City Parks Capital Repairs in the amount of $664,064
Minutes, page 85 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer both items #2a and #2b to the full council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted to refer both items #2a and #2b to the full council for action.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Lee)
To take items #4 and #5 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to take items #4 and #5 out of order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
4 Discussion of Fiscal Year 2022 - Quarterly Report The Director of Financial Services provided a brief overview of the Fiscal Year 2022 Quarter One Budget Report. She stated that the City is one quarter into the fiscal year, therefore most items should
Minutes, page 85 · Agenda packet · Video
To . recess at 7:52 p.m. and have the Director of Financial Services print copies of the Draft Five Year Financial Forecast and distribute for discussion
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, PonteAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by President Ponte and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was voted 8 yeas to . recess at 7:52 p.m. and have the Director of Financial Services print copies of the Draft Five Year Financial Forecast and distribute for discussion, with Councilor Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Lee)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 87 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:49 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:49 p.m.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lee)
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
30 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Resolution - Administration present an updated five year budget forecast at Committee on Finance meeting
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift the matter from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to lift the matter from the table.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
To adopt the resolution and refer the matter to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution and refer the matter to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)
3 Mayor requesting the reappointment of Kathryn Clarkin to the Library Board of Trustees
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)
4 Mayor and order appropriating $1,299,433 from the General Fund Stabilization Fund to: FY21 Appropriation Deficit $ 759,721 FY21 Snow & Ice Deficit $ 539,712 1,299,433
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Kilby, Lee, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 3 yeas, 6 nays to adopt the order with Councilors Kilby, Trott Lee and Linda Pereira voting in the affirmative and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
5 Mayor and order appropriating $1,965,338 from the following funding sources: From the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) For Revenue Loss ($1,694,983) For Rehire Positions $2,909,785 From Ordinary Revenue and Municipal Receipts $ 750,536
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Kilby, Lee, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 3 yeas, 6 nays to adopt the order with Councilors Kilby, Trott Lee and Linda Pereira voting in the affirmative and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
To reject the order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to reject the order, with Councilors Kilby and Linda Pereira opposed.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
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
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)
Committee Reports
7 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, handicapped parking
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Dionne)
8 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Dionne)
9 Proposed Ordinance — IT Technical Support Specialist
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be granted leave to withdraw
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, PonteNo: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay that the proposed ordinance be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
10 Order — Curb removal at 471 Center Street
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
11 Order — Curb removal at 53 California Street An amendment was added in the Committee on Public Works and Transportation as follows *Water runoff will not flow towards the property located at 67 California Street. Approval from the
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Cadime)
Citations
12 Fall River Police Department Award Recipients and Retirees Sergeant Brian Cabral Officer Marc Correia Officer Francisco M. Reis Officer Michael J. Silvia Jr. Officer Nicolas M. Hoar Officer Daniel A. Mello Officer Aaron Souza Officer Bruno D. Andrade Sebastian Bjornson
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
Orders: Hearings
13 Martine Street ~ Twenty (20) new pole locations
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Kilby)
14 Father DeValles Boulevard -- One (1) joint pole location
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Dionne)
15 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Drivers Tyler Botelho Devin Costa Veronica Medina Joseph Paiva
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)
16 Auto Body Shop License Renewais: Jan M. Pankowski d/b/a Classic Auto, located at 270 Shove Street Joseph Jennings d/b/a Jennings Garage, located at 64 Judson Street Gabrielle Cabral d/b/a Competitive Auto Body & Sales, located at 1021 Locust Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Pereira)
17 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals: Jan M. Pankowski d/b/a Classic Auto, located at 270 Shove Street John B. Pacheco, The Shine Shop, inc. d/b/a Ray's Auto Sales, located at 707 Brayton Avenue Joseph Jennings d/b/a Jennings Garage,.located at 64 Judson Street ,
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
18 Claims
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
19 Complaint re: Taxi Cab Companies
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
20 Structure over a public way — Banners for the Annual Children's Holiday Parade to be placed on Bedford Street at Central Fire Station, South Main Street at Center Place and Pleasant Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to approve the application.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
21 Planning Board Minutes — September 8, 2021
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
22 Public Hearing Minutes ~ October 12, 2021
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)
Tabled Matters
23 Mayor requesting confirmation of Keith Ellis as the Director of Facilities Maintenance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift the matter from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to lift the matter from the table.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Kilby, Lee, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 3 yeas, 6 nays to confirm the appointment, with Councilors Kilby, Trott Lee and Linda Pereira voting in the affirmative and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
To reject the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, PonteNo: Kilby, Lee, Pereira
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to reject the appointment, with Councilors Kilby, Trott Lee and Linda Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
Committee Reports (filed late)
23a Mayor requesting confirmation of Keith Ellis as the Director of Facilities Maintenance: Resolution — Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pelletier)
23b Mayor requesting confirmation of Keith Ellis as the Director of Facilities Maintenance: Loan Order — City Parks Capital Repairs in the amount of $664,064
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 10:17 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:17 p.m.” (Motion: Pereira, 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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