MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
February 15, 2024
2 meetings this evening, 41 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 →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: Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Shawn E. Cadime
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Resolution — Convene with Board of Park Commissioners to discuss staffing needs of Parks Division .
Minutes, page 123 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow the Director of Parks to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Director of Parks to answer questions, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 125 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:12 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:12 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Shawn E. Cadime
39 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Michelle Moniz to the Council on Aging
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
2 Mayor and order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. Ch. 203C, which approves the utilization of the prudent investor rule for the investment of funds held in the Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund established by the City Council
Minutes, page 1 · 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
3a Mayor and orders:: Transferring the sum of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to Stabilization Fund (to replenish stabilization fund for fire retro pay)
Minutes, page 1 · 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
3b Mayor and orders:: Transferring the sum of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation (partial payment for obligation re net school spending FY23)
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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
4 Mayor and request for approval of TIE (Tax Increment Exemption) Agreement for Sacred Heart Lofts, LLC — 160 Linden Street
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonNo: DionneAbsent: Cadime
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Dionne opposed and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
5a Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $34,890 — Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security — Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant for firefighter safety equipment, and lithium-ion battery
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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
5b Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $30,000 — Massachusetts Office on Disability - Municipal ADA Improvement Grant for ADA-compliant wheelchair-height service counters in each office in Government
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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
5c Mayor and orders to accept and expend the following grants:: $76,000 — Massachusetts Office on Disability - Municipal ADA Improvement Grant for accessibility improvements to the Veterans Center on Pine Street, including restroom and wheelchair ramp upgrades
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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Priority Communications
6 Traffic Commission recommending amendment to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendations 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 recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To take items 7 through 10 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take items 7 through 10 together, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
Committee Reports
10 Resolution — Discussion of public health concerns re: 222 Peckham Street
Recommended by the Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That items 7-10 be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that items 7-10 be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Ordinances
12 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, All-night parking of commercial vehicles
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
13 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Prohibited parking due to impeding emergency vehicies
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
14 Proposed Ordinance — Amendments to Sec. 50-305, Salary schedules for EMS Local 1202 AFSCME personnel
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
15 Proposed Ordinance — Amendments to Sec. 50-302, Salary schedules for contract personnel in Emergency Medical Services and the Law Department
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
16 Proposed Ordinance ~ Panhandling restrictions
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
17 Proposed Ordinance — Establishing position of Finance Analysis and Compliance Manager
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the proposed ordinance by striking out "FACM" and inserting "FMCA,"
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to amend the proposed ordinance by striking out "FACM" and inserting "FMCA," with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended
Yes: Dionne, Hart, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, SampsonNo: Joseph D. Camara, RaposoAbsent: Cadime
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with President Camara and Councilor Raposo opposed and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Hart)
Resolutions
19 The Committee on Finance to convene with the City Administrator, Corporation Counsel and any other interested parties to discuss the ongoing status of the City of Fall River during the Commonwealth's State of Emergency regarding the Right to Shelter Law
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Hart)
20 The Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene to discuss amending the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Armory Commission from the Board of Park Commissioners to the Historical Commission to assist in future remediations for the
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
21 The Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs convene with the Administration, a representative from the Fall River Police Department, a representative from the Fall River Emergency Medical Services Department and a representative from the Board of
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
22 The Committee on Finance convene to discuss funding an Affordable Housing Trust and the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene to establish a new ordinance to create said trust
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Orders: Miscellaneous
23 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Drivers Carlos Albergaria Kenneth G. Hines Zachary Meunier Michael Migliori Samantha Paakkinen Betsy Tirado Private Livery Drivers Hemson Etienne Rose W. Louis Private Livery Vehicles
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
24 Auto Body Shop License Renewals: Albert Piva d/b/a Piva's Auto Repair & Body Shop — 151 Cove Street Eddie Feliciano d/b/a Eddie & Sons Auto Body & Marine Repair — 115 Maple Street
Minutes, page 7 · 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
25 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals: Rabih Khoury, R&B Inc., d/b/a Warren Auto Repair — 857 Warren Street Albert Piva d/b/a Piva's Auto Repair & Body Shop ~ 151 Cove Street Antonio F. and Renata Garcia, A. Garcia, Inc. d/b/a
Minutes, page 7 · 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
26 Claims
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
That the claims be referred to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the claims be referred to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
That the communication 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 communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
28 Structure on or over a public way application for Board of Elections Department to hang - banners across South Main Street (downtown) and Bedford Street (at Fire Station)
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the application, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Hart)
29 Communication from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation re upcoming replacement of the fender system of the Braga Bridge
Minutes, page 8 · 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 Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
30 Email communication re Pawnbroker fees and auction policies
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be referred to the Committee on Regulations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the communication be referred to the Committee on Regulations, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
31 Email communication re water bill and request for review
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be referred to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the communication be referred to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
To take items 32 through 36 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to take items 32 through 36 together, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
36 Regular Meeting — January 23, 2024
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Items Received After The Agenda Deadline
37 Drainlayer License — T & K Asphalt Services, Inc.
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer license
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer license, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
To refer the communication to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the communication to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Cadime -absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:42 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:42 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
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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