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Fall River City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Meeting night

December 14, 2021

3 meetings this evening, 43 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.

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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

During the meeting:

  • President Ponte arrived at 6:02 p.m

7 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

Before the numbered agenda items

Minutes, page 18 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Ponte absent)

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, with President Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

1 Briniz Corporation, 188 Tremont Street, for the removal of curbing as follows: Existing Proposed Existing To Be Total Driveway Driveway Replaced Driveway , Access Access 1311 County Street 22.5 18 0' 40.5' The petitioner has an existing 22.5 foot driveway and is requesting the removal of another 18 feet of

Minutes, page 18 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Ponte absent)

That the hearing be closed

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be closed, with President Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Ponte absent)

That the hearing be opened

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened, with President Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

2 People Incorporated, 1040 Eastern Avenue, for the removal of curbing as follows: Existing Proposed Existing To Be Total Driveway Driveway -Replaced Driveway Access Access 1040 Eastern Avenue 26' 16° 0' , 42' (McGowan Street side)

Minutes, page 19 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the hearing be closed

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the hearing be opened

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be opened.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

3 Gerry Ayers, 457 Locust Street, for the removal of curbing as follows: Existing Proposed Existing To Be Total Driveway Driveway Replaced Driveway Access Access 457 Locust Street 11.9 8.7' 0' 20.6' The petitioner has an existing 11.9 foot driveway and is requesting the removal of an additional 8.7 feet

Minutes, page 19 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the hearing be closed

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the hearing be closed.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

Adjournment

Minutes, page 19 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adjourn at 6:05 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:05 p.m.” (Motion: Lee, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

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 21 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adjourn at 6:34 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:34 p.m.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 21 (PDF)

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

35 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

Priority Matters

1 Mayor requesting the reappointment of Richard Calderon to the Community Preservation Committee

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Laliberte absent)

To confirm the appointment

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Laliberte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

2a Mayor and TIF Agreements for:: The Residences at North River, LLC — 140 Ace Street

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the resolution

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

2b Mayor and TIF Agreements for:: Millstone Medical Outsourcing, LLC — 633 Commerce Drive

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the resolution

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

3 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: Director of Human Resources

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

4 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: Commissioner of Cemeteries and Trees ‘Director of Cemeteries/Trees .

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legistation.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

5 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: Deputy Police Chief

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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 Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Priority Communications

6 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to traffic ordinances

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

7 Board of Election Commissioners re: Updated Redistricting Map of Fall River

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To approve the map

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to approve the map.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Committee Reports

8 Order — Second Hand Article Store License for Robert Bagley d/b/a One Stop Thrift Shop located at 1649 South Main Street

Recommended by the Committee on Regulations

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Table (set aside)Passed · Unanimous, 9 present

To table the matter

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Lee and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to table the matter.” (Motion: Lee, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

9 Order — Auto Repair Shop License for Rodrigo Tacach d/b/a Tacach Auto Repair, Inc., located at 192 Eighteenth Street

Recommended by the Committee on Regulations

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Lee, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Lee)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

10 Proposed Ordinance — Salary Amendments

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

RejectPassed · 8–1

To reject the proposed ordinance

Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteNo: Kilby

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay to reject the proposed ordinance, with Councilor Kilby voting in the negative.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Cadime)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Ordinances

11 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: second readingPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To pass the proposed ordinance through ordination

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Pelletier and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through ordination.” (Motion: Pelletier, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

12 Proposed Ordinance — Cemetery Fees

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: second readingPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to pass the proposed ordinance through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · 8–1

To pass the proposed ordinance through ordination

Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Kilby, Laliberte, Peckham, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteNo: Lee

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira, and seconded by Councilor Laliberte, it was voted to pass the proposed ordinance through ordination, with Councilor Lee opposed.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Laliberte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

13 Proposed Ordinances — Water and Sewer Rates

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Community Utilities to answer questions

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Community Utilities to answer questions.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · 5–4

To pass the proposed water ordinance through ordination

Yes: Cadime, Kilby, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteNo: Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays, to pass the proposed water ordinance through ordination, with Councilors Dionne, Pam Laliberte, Trott Lee and Christopher Peckham voting in the negative.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

ApprovePassed · 5–4

To pass the proposed sewer ordinance through ordination

Yes: Cadime, Kilby, Pelletier, Pereira, PonteNo: Dionne, Laliberte, Lee, Peckham

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime, and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays, to pass the proposed sewer ordinance through ordination, with Councilors Dionne, Pam Laliberte, Trott Lee and Christopher Peckham voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Kilby)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Resolutions

14 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation meet to discuss the potential benefits of returning the process of hiring the Chief of Police through civil service standards

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the resolution to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

15 Administrator of Committee Utilities investigate the possibility of harvesting energy from specially designed in-pipe turbines ,

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the resolution

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Citations

16 Carl Sawejko — 2021 Roger Valcourt Memorial Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the citation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Laliberte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Laliberte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Orders: Hearings

17 Briniz Corporation, 188 Tremont Street ~ 18 feet at 1311 County Street

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer to matter to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to refer to matter to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

18 People incorporated, 1040 Eastern Avenue — 16 feet at 1040 Eastern Avenue

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer to matter to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby, and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to refer to matter to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

19 Gerry Ayers, 457 Locust Street ~ 8.7 feet at 457 Locust Street

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Orders: Miscellaneous ,

20 Dispatch and Communication Center located in the Fall River Police Station be named in memory of Joseph "Joe" Torres

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the order to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the order to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

21 Police Chief's report on licenses 2022 Taxicab Drivers: Thomas Andrade Gerald Costa Dennis A. Ferreira Jr.

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

22 Auto Body Shop License Renewal: Michael R. Bernier d/b/a Bernier's Quality Body Works located at 800 Eastern Avenue

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To approve the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Laliberte, it was unanimously voted to approve the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Laliberte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

23 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal: Michael R. Bernier d/b/a Bernier's Quality Body Works located at 800 Eastern Avenue

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To approve the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Communications: Invitations: Petitions

24 Claims

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

25 Planning Board Minutes — October 13, 2021

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To accept the minutes and place them on file

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to accept the minutes and place them on file.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

26 Communication from resident re: Citizens Input

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To accept the communication and place it on file

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to accept the communication and place it on file.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To take items #27 through #31 together

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to take items #27 through #31 together.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Cadime)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

31 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes — November 30, 2021

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To approve the minutes

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Pelletier, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Pelletier)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Communications: Invitations: Petitions (filed late)

Late 31a Communication from resident re: incident at Matthew J. Kuss Middle School

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the communication to the Committee on Public Safety and send a copy to the School Committee

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Laliberte, and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to refer the communication to the Committee on Public Safety and send a copy to the School Committee.” (Motion: Laliberte, second: Peckham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Adjournment

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adjourn at 8:37 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

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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