MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
April 9, 2024
4 meetings this evening, 40 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 →5:30 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Joint meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Andrew J. Raposo
During the meeting:
- Councilor Cadime arrived at 5:34 p.m
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Adjournment
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:54 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:54 p.m., with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Sampson)
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, Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Andrew J. Raposo
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 81 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearings
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)
2 Zoning Map Amendments (Joint Hearing with Planning Board) .
Minutes, page 84 · Agenda packet · Video
To request that the Planning Board provide a report regarding the WTOD Zoning Map Amendment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to request that the Planning Board provide a report regarding the WTOD Zoning Map Amendment, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Hart)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 84 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings at 8:07 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 8:07 p.m. with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Dionne, 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, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Andrew J. Raposo
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
2 Fiscal Year 2025 Enterprise Fund Budget - Emergency Medical Services
Minutes, page 86 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed EMS Enterprise Fund budget to the full Council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed EMS Enterprise Fund budget to the full Council for action, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 86 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:27 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:27 p.m. with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Hart)
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, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Councilor Raposo arrived at 9:07 p.m
34 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Reverend James Hornsby to the Community Preservation Committee
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)
2 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Marlene Santos to the Election Commission
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, SampsonNo: DionneAbsent: Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Dionne opposed and Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Hart, second: Sampson) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
3 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment of Timothy S. Campos to the Election Commission
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Hart, second: Sampson)
4 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment-of James C. Calkins to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Sampson)
5a Mayor and orders appropriating:: $135,773.43 from FY23 Free Cash to FEMA COVID Fund
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
5b Mayor and orders appropriating:: $2,662,076.00 from EMS Fund Free Cash to FEMA COVID Fund
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
6 Mayor and grant order of $8,613 from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) for the Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Events Grant Program
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Pereira)
7 Mayor and Community Development Agency Year Five Annual Action Plan
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the item be referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the item be referred to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
8 Mayor and Memorandum of Understanding between Local 1314 International : Association of Firefighters and City of Fall River
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the Memorandum of Understanding
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
9 Mayor and recommendations from the City Assessor and Board of Assessors re M.G.L. Ch. 59 §5 clause forty-first C re elderly exemptions
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Kilby)
10 Mayor and communication re Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Audit prepared by Roselli, Clark & Associates
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the communication to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to refer the communication to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Sampson)
Priority Communications
11 Traffic Commission recommending amendments 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 Ponte and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Hart)
Committee Reports
12 City Council send letter to the Administration and various departments regarding potential actions to improve tourism and support local groups and the community at-large. .
Recommended by the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the sending of the proposed letter
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the sending of the proposed letter, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Hart)
To take items 15 and 16 out of order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to take items 15 and 16 out of order, with Councilor Raposo absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Dionne)
To waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Community Utilities to answer . questions for items 15 and 16
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Administrator of Community Utilities to answer . questions for items 15 and 16.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Cadime)
15 Proposed Ordinance — FY 2025 Sewer Rates A lengthy discussion was held between Councilor Dionne and Paul Ferland, Administrator of Community Utilities, regarding the large increase of the Sewer Rates for Fiscal Year 2025. Mr.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Raposo, SampsonNo: Dionne, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Hart, second: Cadime)
16 Proposed Ordinance — FY 2025 Water Rates
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, as amended
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Raposo, SampsonNo: Dionne, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays, to pass the proposed ordinance through first reading, as amended, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Cadime)
13 Fiscal Year 2025 Enterprise Fund budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the Water Division Budget, as amended, and the Sewer Division budget
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Raposo, SampsonNo: Dionne, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to adopt the Water Division Budget, as amended, and the Sewer Division budget, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
14 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous Handicapped parking removals * Birch Street, North, 291 feet east of King Street « Cory Street, North, 106 feet east of Oregon Street * Holden Street, North, 170 feet west of Fielden Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading
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 first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
17 Resolution - Discuss establishment of an ordinance to require ratification of constable applications by the City Council
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To take items 18 through 20 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 18 through 20 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
20 Resolution — Establishment of "Veterans Advisory Board"
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolutions be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the resolutions be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Raposo)
Ordinances
21 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous Section 1.
Minutes, page 6 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Resolutions
22 The Administration and Corporation Counsel prepare a report within thirty (30) days to ; include information regarding disbursement of funds in relation to ongoing litigation involving the City of Fall River
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Citations
23 Maria Pontes, Fall River Public Schools Superintendent — Retirement after 39 years of working as an educator in Fall River (1985-2024)
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Raposo)
Orders: Hearings
24 Brandyn Demelo, 64 Division Street — removal of 16 feet at 64 and 66 Division Street
Minutes, page 6 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Orders: Miscellanequs
25 Police Chief's report on license: Taxicab Drivers Derek Leite Maurice Mack Maritza Rodriguez Carrero Second Hand License Renewal TVI, Inc. d/b/a Savers Thrift Store — 109 Mariano Bishop Boulevard
Minutes, page 6 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
26 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal: William Sanchez, ABG Holdings, LLC d/b/a Lambert Auto Body & Auto Sales — 103 Chavenson Street
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the application to the Committee on Regulations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to refer the application to the Committee on Regulations.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
27 Auto Repair Shop License Transfer: Auto Repair Shop License No. 338 located at 182 Stafford Road from Jessica M.
Minutes, page 7 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
28 Auto Body Shop License Renewal: : Antonio F. Pinto d/b/a Pinto's Auto Repair and Sales, Inc. - 2447 South Main Street William Sanchez, ABG Holdings, LLC d/b/a Lambert Auto Body & Auto Sales — 103 Chavenson Street . The City Clerk notified the City Councilors that the second applicant was denied by the Police
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
That the application for renewal of an auto body shop — license for 2447 South Main Street be adopted
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the application for renewal of an auto body shop — license for 2447 South Main Street be adopted.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Sampson)
That the application for renewal of an auto body shop license for 103 Chavenson Street be referred to the Committee on Regulations
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the application for renewal of an auto body shop license for 103 Chavenson Street be referred to the Committee on Regulations.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
29 Claims
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
30 Drainlayer Licenses: , Albert Moreira and Son Alexandre's Excavating, Inc.
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer licenses
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer licenses.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:33 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:33 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
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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