MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
May 14, 2024
2 meetings this evening, 46 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, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Cliff A. Ponte
During the meeting:
- Councilor Hart exited the Council Chamber at 6:14 p.m
- Councilor Hart returned to the Council Chamber at 6:75 p.m
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Adjournment
Minutes, page 98 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at' 6:27 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at' 6:27 p.m., with Councilor Ponte 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 · Revised agenda · 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, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Cliff A. Ponte
During the meeting:
- Councilor Kilby exited the Council Chamber at 7:54 p.m
- Councilor Kilby returned to the Council Chamber at 7:55 p.m
- Vice President Pereira exited the Council Chamber at 8:03 p.m
- Vice President Pereira returned to the Council Chamber at 8:05p.m
45 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To take item 24a out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to take item 24a out of order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cecilio to the Board of Park Commissioners
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)
2 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment of Natercia Pereira to the Council on Aging
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
3 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment of Victor Farias to the Board of Park Commissioners
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
4 Mayor and confirmation of the reappointment of Bernard J. McDonald to the Board of Park Commissioners
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
5 Mayor and request to rescind the Bristol County ARPA proposal regarding "Public Service and Safety Equipment," adopted on January 9, 2024.
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To rescind the approval of the Bristol County ARPA proposal
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to rescind the approval of the Bristol County ARPA proposal, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
6 Mayor and proposal for Bristof County ARPA funding in the amount of $700,000 to purchase equipment to increase public service, safety programs and capacity (Lafayette Skatepark Rehabilitation)
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow Kara Humm, American Rescue Plan Act Director, 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 Kara Humm, American Rescue Plan Act Director, to answer questions.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
To approve the application
Yes: Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Raposo, SampsonNo: Cadime, DionneAbsent: Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted to approve the application, with Councilors Cadime and Dionne opposed and Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
7 Mayor and proposed ordinance re Engineering Department permit fees ,
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 Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
8 Mayor and proposed ordinance re Minimum Housing and the municipal organizational Structure
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 Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
9 Mayor and request to transfer of three (3) parcels of vacant land currently held as Tax Possessions to the Watuppa Water Board.
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the item to the Committee on Real Estate
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the item to the Committee on Real Estate, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
10 Mayor and approval of TIE Agreement for InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Madison FR Properties, Inc.
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the agreement
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Raposo, SampsonNo: DionneAbsent: Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was voted to approve the agreement, with Councilor Dionne opposed and Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
11a Mayor and the following transfers and appropriations:: $189,371.74 from the FY23 Surplus Revenue to the Capital Project Fund
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 Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
11b Mayor and the following transfers and appropriations:: $636,878.38 from the FY23 Surplus Revenue to the OPEB Fund
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 Councilors Kilby and Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
11c Mayor and the following transfers and appropriations:: $179,588.00 from Sewer Stabilization Fund to the Sewer FY 24 Operational Budget
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 Councilors Kilby and Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
12 Mayor and quitclaim deed conveying Assessors Lot I-06-0022 (vacant lot at the corner of Columbia Street and Canal Street) as a gift to the City of Fall River
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Raposo abstaining and Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
13 Mayor and order requesting approval of a ten-year contract for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Wastewater Treatment Facilities and Collection Systems
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the order to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to refer the order to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Kilby)
Priority Communications
14 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 4 · 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 Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Committee Reports
15 Resolution — Convene to discuss construction on Stonehaven Road
Recommended by the Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
16 Resolution — Convene with member of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Committee and representative from Kaestle Boos, for an update re geothermal energy
Recommended by the Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
17 Auto Body Shop License Renewal Order — William Sanchez, ABG Holdings, LL.C d/b/a Lambert Auto Body and Sales, 103 Chavenson Street
Recommended by the Committee on Regulations
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
18 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal Order — William Sanchez, ABG Holdings, LLC d/b/a Lambert Auto Body and Sales, 103 Chavenson Street
Recommended by the Committee on Regulations
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
19 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal Order ~ Carlos Jaquez, Jaquez Auto Sales, LLC d/b/a Jaquez Auto and Repair, 182 Stafford Road Restrictions: Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Recommended by the Committee on Regulations
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
20 Resolution — Establish a Capital Pian for fire station buildings
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
21 Resolution — Convene to discuss fire hydrant testing
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
Ordinances
23 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous Parking prohibited at all times Grinnell Street, North, 132 feet west of Jefferson Street
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enroliment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enroliment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Resolutions
24 The City Council dedicate May 19-25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week in honor of EMS workers that serve our community with vital health services.
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, with Vice President Pereira and Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Orders: Miscellaneous
25 Police Chief's report on license: Taxicab Drivers Austin Braga Jeremias Cabral Paula Medeiros Melissa Pives Secondhand Licenses Joey Pacheco d/b/a Pacheco's Furniture — 255 South Main Street Paul Bryand d/b/a Fall River Pawnbrokers — 364 South Main 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 Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
26 Auto Body Shop License Renewal: Daniel Aguiar d/b/a Advanced Collision Center and Sales — 39 Eleventh 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 Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
27 Auto Body Shop License Transfer: Auto Repair Shop License No. 4 located at 753 Pleasant Street from Ronald Pedro d/b/a ABC Auto Body & Sales to Santos Custom Coatings, LLC
Minutes, page 7 · 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 Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
28 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal: John Manelas, Auto Care Pius, LLC d/b/a Bayside Automotive — 1904 Bay 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 Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
29 City Engineer prepare plans for the acceptance of Draper Street from Globe Mills Avenue to Atlantic Boulevard
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the order to the Planning Board
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the order to the Planning Board, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
30 Claims
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
32 Structure on or over a public way application for Fall River Masonic Associates, Inc. to hang 24'x36" metal/reflective road signs on telephone pole at the corner of Columbus Drive and Meridian Street to advertise Masonic Lodge and clothing shed program
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the application, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
33 City Engineer — Street opening less than 5 years on Pine Street and Purchase Street.
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the request
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve the request, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
34 Drainlayer Licenses: W.C. Smith & Son, 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 Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer licenses, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
35b Planning Board Minutes :: March 13, 2024
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
That the Planning Board minutes be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the Planning Board minutes be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
To take items 36 and 37 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to take items 36 and 37 together, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
37 City Council — April 23, 2024
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
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 Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 22a Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, miscellaneous Handicapped parking removals * Bedford Street, North, 338 feet west of Covel Street * Fountain Street, East, 249 feet north of Columbia Street.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 9 · 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 Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 22b Proposed Ordinance — Zoning Map Amendment re Waterfront Transit-Oriented Development District
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 9 · 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 Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Late 22c Resolution - Convene with the Police Chief to discuss existing commercial vehicle parking ordinance
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:11 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:11 p.m., with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
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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