MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
September 10, 2024
2 meetings this evening, 51 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
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Start my ballot →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, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: None
4 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Citizen input Time Tim Nadeau, No address provided ~ Homelessness Brittany Sylvia, 299 Field Street, Apt. 2 - Encampment ordinance Joseph. Carvalho, 301 Milliken Boulevard - Homelessness David Villari, 239 Broadway, Apt. 3 — Homeless
Minutes, page 94 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak during Citizens Input
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak during Citizens Input.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak during Citizens Input
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 a non-Fall River resident to speak during Citizens Input.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
2 Resolution ~ Convene with Director of City Operations to discuss efficiencies Al Oliveira, Director of City Operations, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding ongoing and completed updates within municipal buildings, parks, and cemeteries, as well as prioritized
Minutes, page 96 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to table the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 97 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:09 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:09 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
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 Kilby returned to the Chamber at 9:12 p.m
47 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To take items 21 through 23 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 21 through 23 out of order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Citations
1 Amber Burns — Organizing and hosting of the Fourth Annual Back-to-School Block Party
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
2 Mary Beaudry — Outstanding support of the We Love Children Fund Organization
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
3 Jo C. Goode — Dedicated service to the Greater Fall River Area as a journalist for The Heraid News
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to the Planning Board
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Planning Board.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To approve the request
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonNo: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was voted to approve the request, with Vice President Pereira opposed.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Priority Matters
3a Jo C. Goode — Dedicated service to the Greater Fall River Area as a journalist for The Heraid News: AFSCME Council 93, Local 3177
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)
3b Jo C. Goode — Dedicated service to the Greater Fall River Area as a journalist for The Heraid News: Labor Advantage for Workers, Local 124
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
4 Mayor and transfer of $66,200.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
5b Mayor and the following appropriations:: $7,784.40 from the Stabilization Fund to Various Departments, Salaries
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
6 Mayor and proposed ordinance related to Personnel, designating the positions of Board of Elections Commissioners/Director — Office of Elections, Chairperson and Veterans' Benefit Agent and Director of Veterans' Services/Director of Veteran' Benefit
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to answer questions regarding this matter
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 City Administrator to answer questions regarding this matter.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
To divide the proposed ordinance into two separate proposed ordinances
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to divide the proposed ordinance into two separate proposed ordinances, with one addressing the proposed amendment for the position of Board of Elections Commissioners/Director — Office of Elections, Chairperson, and one addressing the proposed , "amendment for the position of Veterans' Benefit Agent and Director of Veterans' Services/Director of Veteran' Benefit.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
To refer the two proposed ordinances to the Committee on Ordinances and Legisiation
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the two proposed ordinances to the Committee on Ordinances and Legisiation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Priority Communications
7 Traffic Commission recommending amendments 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 Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Committee Reports
8 Order to amend existing restrictions for Auto Repair Shop License No. 329 — Timothy Pinto, S M Automotive, LLC, d/b/a S M Auto Repair — 193 Oak Grove Avenue
Recommended by the Committee on Regulations
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
9 Order - New Auto Repair Shop License — James Andrews d/b/a 508 Auto Sales and Repair — 59 Quarry Street
Recommended by the Committee on Regulations
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
10 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking 18" Street, West, 238 feet south of Merchant Street * Albion Street, West, 85 feet north of Donnelly Street ¢ Baker Street, East, 24 feet south of Warren Street ¢ Grant Street, East, 72 feet north of William Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, Sampson
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
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 Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
11 Proposed Ordinance — Unauthorized camping on public property
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow the individual to speak to the City Council
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the individual to speak to the City Council.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Dionne)
To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo)
To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Joseph D. Camara, Raposo, SampsonNo: Hart, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays, to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Vice President Pereira and Councilors Kilby and Ponte voting in the negative.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Cadime)
12 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
13 Proposed Ordinance — Membership of the Historical Commission
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · 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)
14 Proposed Ordinance — Trolley Fees
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the proposed ordinance by inserting "Active Military or' immediately before "Veteran ticket" under "Standard trolley route tickets," and by inserting "Active Military or' immediately before "Veteran ticket'.under "Special trolley tour or event tickets." On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to amend the proposed ordinance by inserting "Active Military or' immediately before "Veteran ticket" under "Standard trolley route tickets," and by inserting "Active Military or' immediately before "Veteran ticket'.under "Special trolley tour or event tickets." On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended, with Councilor Raposo abstaining and not voting.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Pereira)
Ordinances
15 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Fifteen-minute parking * Dover Street, North, 84 feet west of Blackstone Street
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)
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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
16 Proposed Ordinance — One year demolition delay for City-owned property
Minutes, page 7 · 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)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination
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 ordination, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
17 Proposed Ordinance — Property Maintenance
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, as amended
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, as amended, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Resolutions
18 The Committee on Finance convene with the Administration, the Director of Financial . Services, and the City Treasurer/Collector to discuss the online real estate tax payment program, resources for taxpayers who use this program and future plans to streamline
Minutes, page 7 · 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 Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
19 The Committee on Finance convene with representatives from various utility companies to provide information to the public regarding the process of installing, removing or relocating utility poles within the City and delays that may affect the
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
20 Red Ribbon Week to be held in the City of Fall River from October 23, 2024, through October 31, 2024, to encourage a safer and healthier drug-free community
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Orders - Miscellaneous
24 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Driver Michael H. Souza Teres A. Menezes
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
25 Auto Repair Shop License Renewais: Fernando P. da Silva d/b/a Brodeur's Service Station — 109 Barrett Street Marco Tavares d/b/a Auto Stop — 325 Oman Street Jody Oliveira d/o/a Ground Earth Inc. — 1741 Stafford Road
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
26 Order — City Council appointment of Christopher M. Benevides to the Community Preservation Committee
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting. at.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
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, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
28b Structure on or over a public way applications for Fallen Offices Memorial Trust (Giunta Road Race) to hang banners (12 feet x 3 feet) from September 6 to October 6, 2024, in the following locations: Pleasant Street at Stafford Square (approximately)
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the applications
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve the applications, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
29 Drainlayer Licenses: Mass Earthworks & Demolition LLC
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the Drainlayer License
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the Drainlayer License, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
30 Planning Board Minutes ~ June 12, 2024
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes 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 minutes be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
31 Planning Board Minutes ~ July 10, 2024
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes 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 minutes be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To take items 32 through 37 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 32 through 37 together, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
37 City Council - August 13, 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 Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
38 Special Meeting of the City Council - August 22, 2024
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the minutes by removing Councilor Ponte from the list of "Present" Councilors, and to approve the minutes, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to amend the minutes by removing Councilor Ponte from the list of "Present" Councilors, and to approve the minutes, as amended, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
39 Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities notice re Petition of Liberty Utilities (New England Natural Gas Company) Corp. d/b/a Liberty for Approval of a Mid-Term Modification to its 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficient Plan, which will occur on
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the notice be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
Committee Reports , (filed late)
Late 14a Order to transfer unexpended bond proceeds, totaling $313,646,01, from the following projects to assist with structural repairs of the Pearl Street and Third Street Garages: , * Government Center Roof Replacement — $139,129.93
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the order by striking out the approval date for Government Center Roof Replacement, listed as "October 1, 2028", and inserting in its place "October 1, 2018,"
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to amend the order by striking out the approval date for Government Center Roof Replacement, listed as "October 1, 2028", and inserting in its place "October 1, 2018," with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To adopt the order, as amended
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended, with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:21 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:21 p.m., with Councilor Sampson absent and not voting.” (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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