MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
January 9, 2024
3 meetings this evening, 35 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
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Start my ballot →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, Joseph D. Camara, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Michelle M. Dionne
During the meeting:
- Councilor Cadime arrived at 5:59 p.m
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 93 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearings
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings, with Councilors Cadime and Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Sampson)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 94 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings at 6:01 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:01 p.m., with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting. oo List of documents:and other exhibits used during the meeting Agenda (attached) DVD of meeting A true copy.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
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, Joseph D. Camara, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Michelle M. Dionne
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Adjournment
Minutes, page 95 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 6:04 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:04 p.m., with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Sampson)
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, Joseph D. Camara, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Michelle M. Dionne
32 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Stephanie MacArthur to Parking Clerk/Director of Traffic and Parking
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonAbsent: Dionne
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was voted 8 yeas to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Sampson)
2 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Stephen R. Long to the Housing Authority
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator, Seth Thomas Aitken, to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the City Administrator, Seth Thomas Aitken, to answer questions.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonNo: Joseph D. CamaraAbsent: DionneThe scanned minutes read "71 nay"; the singular "nay" and the one councilor named voting no show the count is 1.
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 7 yeas, 71 nay, to confirm the appointment, with President Camara voting in the negative and Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
3 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Gregory A. Brilhante, Esq. to the Licensing Board
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonAbsent: Dionne
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was voted 8 yeas to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
4 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment of Victor Farias as Veterans' Grave Officer
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
5a Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $25,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies for an Asphalt Art Initiative
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
5b Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $1,342,365 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for the Municipal Public Safety Staffing Initiative
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
5c Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $653,973.25 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for the Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order , with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
6 Mayor and proposal for Bristol County ARPA funding in the amount of $16,000 to the CARE Fund at Bristol Community College to help off-set short-term financial needs of Fall River students
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the proposal
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the proposal, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Sampson)
7 Mayor and proposal for Bristol County ARPA funding in the amount of $699,500 to purchase police vehicles, crime cameras and traffic lights
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the proposal
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the proposal, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Hart)
8 Mayor and proposal for Bristol County ARPA funding in the amount of $38,500 to purchase a passenger van for the Office of Veterans' Services
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the proposal
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the proposal, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Hart, second: Ponte)
9 Mayor and deed for 138 Hartwell Street (Parcel ID# N21-0001)
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
10 Mayor and proposed ordinance amendments to Sections 50-302 and 50-305 of the Code re: Emergency Medical Services and Corporation Counsel positions
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
11 Mayor and proposed ordinance amendment re: mattress disposal fee
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
12 Mayor and order to declare four (4) damaged police vehicles as surplus property
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Priority Communications
13 Traffic Commission recommending amendment to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
Resolutions
14 Administration maintain the Telephone Operator position in Municipal Budget
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Sampson)
Orders: Hearings
16 Paul J. Amarello d/b/a Ray's Auto Sales, Inc. located at 707 Brayton Avenue
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
17 Charles and Jennifer Lecorn, 125 Ratcliffe Street - Removal of 11 feet at 125 Ratcliffe Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
18 Carlos Abad, 975 Plymouth Avenue, Apt. 1 ~ Removal of 18 feet at 2089 Blossom Road
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
19 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Drivers (2024) Johnny Alvarez Jean Charlot David R. LaFrance Kailey Minor George J. Santos Jr. Jose Vasconcelos Private Livery Drivers (2024) . Jessica Alvarez Teofilo Braga Amanda Desroches-Gross Josue Michel
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
20 Auto Body Shop License Renewals: Paulo A. Carvalho d/b/a.Carvalho's Tire and Auto Center, Inc. - 400 Second Street David Saber, Eleventh St. Assoc., Inc. d/b/a Saber Auto Body, Inc. - 231 Bedford Street David del Rosario d/b/a Deschenes Auto Body Repair, Inc. — 751 Eastern Avenue
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
21 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals: Henry J. Pleiss, Jr. d/b/a Hank's Garage — 55 Murray Street Joseph M. Zuccheo d/b/a Sullivan Tire Co., inc — 456 Rodman Street Steven Nasiff d/b/a Rodman Repair, Inc. - 771 Rodman Street
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Raposo)
22 Auto Repair Shop License Transfer: Auto Repair Shop License No. 281 located at 80 William S. Canning Boulevard from John J.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Raposo)
23 City Council meeting schedule for 2024
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order, as amended
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Hart, second: Sampson)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
25 Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) re: Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo)
26 Assistant Corporation Counsel Response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins re: November 28, 2023 alleged violation by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
27 Assistant Corporation Counsel Response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins re: November 28, 2023 alleged violation by City Council
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
To take items 28 through 30 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 28 through 30 together, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Ponte)
30 Regular Meeting ~ December 12, 2023
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Raposo)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
31 Department of Public Utilities, Notice of filing and request for comments re: Petition of National Grid for Approval of a General Increase in Base Distribution Rates for Electric Service, a Performance-Based Ratemaking Plan, and a Capital Recovery Mechanism
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the notice be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:57 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:57 p.m., with Councilor Dionne absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
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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