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Fall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night

April 23, 2024

2 meetings this evening, 34 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.

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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, Andrew J. Raposo

Absent: Laura-Jean Sampson

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

Adjournment

Minutes, page 129 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adjourn at 6:12 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:12 p.m. with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 129 (PDF)

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

Absent: Laura-Jean Sampson

33 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

Priority Matters

1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Officer Jose Barbosa to the position of Harbormaster

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To confirm the appointment

From the minutes

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

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

2 Mayor and order appropriating $1,771,482 from Community Preservation Act funds for Fiscal Year 2025 community projects

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo)

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

3 Mayor and resolution authorizing submission of the Community Development Agency's Year Five Annual Action Plan ,

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · 7–0

To adopt the resolution

Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, RaposoAbstained: PonteAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 7 yeas to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Ponte abstaining and Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

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

4 Fiscal Year 2024 Quarter 3 Budget Report

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the report to the Committee on Finance

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the report to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)

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

Priority Communications

5 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinance 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 Ordinance and Legislation, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

6 Planning Board report re Proposed Zoning Map Amendment (Waterfront Transit- Oriented Development District) and proposed ordinance amendment.

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinance and Legislation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinance and Legislation, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

Committee Reports

7 Fiscal Year 2025 Enterprise Fund budget for Emergency Medical Services Division

Recommended by the Committee on Finance

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

8 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, handicapped parking * Broadway, East, 126 feet south of Griffin Street « Foster Street, West, 51 feet south of Warren Street * Harrison Street, West, 484 feet north of Alden Street « Pine Street, North 122 feet east of Rock Street

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: emergency preamblePassed · 8–0

To adopt the emergency preamble

Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

Ordinance: all readings and final passagePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

9 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous Parking prohibited at all times Grinnell Street, North, 132 feet west of Jefferson Street

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: first readingPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

10 Resolution — Discuss amending the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Armory Commission from the Board of Park Commissioners to the Historical Commission and the Preservation Society to assist in future remediations for the Bank Street Armory

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel, and to request a response within thirty days of referral

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel, and to request a response within thirty days of referral, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

11 Resolution — Convene with Corporation Counsel, the City Administrator and representatives of Historical Commission and Preservation Society to discuss possible ordinance amendments.

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel, and to request a response within thirty days of referral

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the resolution to Corporation Counsel, and to request a response within thirty days of referral, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

WithdrawPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Ordinances

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

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: second readingPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

15 Proposed Ordinance — FY 2025 Sewer Rates

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: second readingPassed · 5–3

That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment

Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, RaposoNo: Dionne, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was voted 5 yeas, 3 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

ApprovePassed · 5–3

That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination

Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, RaposoNo: Dionne, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 5 yeas, 3 nays, that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

16 Proposed Ordinance — FY 2025 Water Rates

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

AmendPassed · 5–3

That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended

Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, RaposoNo: Dionne, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 5 yeas, 3 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

AmendPassed · 5–3

That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, as amended

Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, RaposoNo: Dionne, Pereira, PonteAbsent: Sampson

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 5 yeas, 3 nays, that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, as amended, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

Citations

17 Fall River Lion's Club Peace Portrait Winners High School Sophie Baker ReynalizLugo Rebecca De Moraes Middle School Cole Rebello —_ Lennix Sullivan Alychia Almeida Elementary School Abigail Foster GwenHetzler Aubry Ferreira

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adopt the citations

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

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

18 Fall River Police Officers Guy Furtado and Garrett Nelson — Heroic actions which helped to save the life of a fellow skier

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adopt the citations

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

Orders: Miscellaneous

19 Police Chief's report on license: Taxicab Drivers Jamie Lee DeTerra Steven Little Second Hand License Renewal Laura Pacheco d/b/a Laura's Vintage Attic — 1800 South Main Street

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)

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

20 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal: Geoffrey Brisbon d/b/a Brisbon Diesel Service Inc — 2524 North Main Street Sameh Saleb, Keyrlos, Inc. d/b/a South End Benzina — 2322 South Main Street Carlos Jaquez, Jaquez Auto Sales, LLC d/b/a

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To separate the order for the auto repair shop license renewals, leaving the applications for Geoffrey Brisbon and Sameh Saleb for consideration

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to separate the order for the auto repair shop license renewals, leaving the applications for Geoffrey Brisbon and Sameh Saleb for consideration.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Raposo)

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

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adopt the order for the auto repair shop license renewals of Geoffrey Brisbon d/b/a Brisbon Diesel Service Inc., located at 2524 North Main Street, and Sameh Saleb, Keyrlos, Ine. d/b/a South End Benzina, located at 2322 South Main Street

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order for the auto repair shop license renewals of Geoffrey Brisbon d/b/a Brisbon Diesel Service Inc., located at 2524 North Main Street, and Sameh Saleb, Keyrlos, Ine. d/b/a South End Benzina, located at 2322 South Main Street, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

That the remaining order for the auto repair shop license renewal of Carlos Jaquez, Jaquez Auto Sales, LLC, d/b/a Jaquez Auto and Repair, located at 182 Stafford Street, be referred to the Committee on Regulations

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the remaining order for the auto repair shop license renewal of Carlos Jaquez, Jaquez Auto Sales, LLC, d/b/a Jaquez Auto and Repair, located at 182 Stafford Street, be referred to the Committee on Regulations, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

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

21 Revocation of permit for the storage of inflammables (removal of tanks): City of Fall River - Wastewater Treatment, 1979 Bay Street

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Communications: Invitations: Petitions

22 Claims

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To refer the claims 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 claims to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

23 Attorney General Response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins re: February 15, 2024 alleged violation by City Council Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Accept and place on filePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

24 Drainlayer Licenses: Bartlett Consolidated DE, LLC Biszko Contracting Corp.

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

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, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To take items 25 through 30 together

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 25 through 30 together, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

30 City Council — April 9, 2024

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To approve the minutes

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

Adjournment

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Sampson absent)

To adjourn at 7:24 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:24 p.m., with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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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