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

October 22, 2024

3 meetings this evening, 31 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.

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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: 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

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

Opening the hearings

Minutes, page 60 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To open the hearing

From the minutes

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

Read it in the official minutes, page 60 (PDF)

Closing the hearings

Minutes, page 60 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To close the hearing at 5:59 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing at 5:59 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo)

Read it in the official minutes, page 60 (PDF)

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To close the hearings at 6:13.p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:13.p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 61 (PDF)

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

2 Quitclaim deed conveying 112 Flint Street (former Davol Street Elementary School, . Assessors Lot K-14-0011) from the Flint Neighborhood Association Corp.to the City of Fall River

Minutes, page 64 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To refer the matter to the full Council for action

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the full Council for action, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 64 (PDF)

Adjournment

Minutes, page 65 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adjourn at 8:38 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:38 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

Read it in the official minutes, page 65 (PDF)

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

26 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

Priority Matters

1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of BJ McDonald to the Community Preservation Committee (Board of Park Commissioners representative)

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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

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

2 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Richard A. Manuels, Jr., to the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

3 Mayor and proposed transfer of 78 Thomas Street (Assessor's Parcel ID #K-14-0061) from the City of Fall River to the Community Development Agency for rehabilitation and sale through the First Time Homebuyer Program

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

4 Fiscal Year 2025 Quarter 1 Budget Report

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To refer the report to the Committee on Finance

From the minutes

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

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

5a Mayor and the following orders related to the Opioid Settlement Fund accounts:: The appropriation of $983,500 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

5b Mayor and the following orders related to the Opioid Settlement Fund accounts:: Approval of a 6-year subscription for the GoodHeart-Wilcox curriculum for the Fall River Public Schools from the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adopt the order related to increasing the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund spending limits to $150,000

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order related to increasing the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund spending limits to $150,000, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

6 Mayor and appropriation of $650,000 from EMS, Revenues to EMS, Expenses and EMS, Capital

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

7 Mayor and request to increase an existing Loan Order in the amount of $2,700,000 by 500,000 (total amount of $3,200,000) for renovations and repairs to the Central Fire Station and construction of an EMS Storage Facility

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

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

That the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)

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

Priority Communications

8 Board of Assessors re: establishment of Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and tax levy

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To refer the matter to the Committee on Finance

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

9 Planning Board Report re proposed second amendment to expand the Housing Development Zone (HD) entitled Fall River Waterfront/Downtown Market Rate Incentive Zone and Plan

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To approve the proposal

From the minutes

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

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

Committee Reports

10 Proposed Ordinance - Traffic, Handicapped parking * County Street, North, 50 feet west of Goss Street ¢ Manton Street, North, 306 feet west of Plymouth Avenue ¢ Montgomery Street, South, 111 feet east of Robeson Street ¢ Washington Street, West, 172 feet south of Columbia Street

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: emergency preamblePassed · 8–0

To adopt the emergency preamble

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

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

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

Ordinance: all readings and final passagePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime 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 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, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

11 Proposed Ordinance - Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1.

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

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

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

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

12 Proposed Ordinance — Amendment to Sec. 50-302, Salary schedules for contract personnel re Board of Elections Commissioners/Director — Office of Elections, Chairperson

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: first readingPassed · 5–3

That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading

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

From the minutes

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

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

Ordinances

13 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Operation of heavy commercial vehicles restricted on certain streets ¢ Wilson Road, from North Main Street to Riggenbach Road — At all times

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

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

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 Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Orders: Miscellaneous

14 Police Chief's report on licenses: Taxicab Drivers Erica Collins Henri Menard Zacchaeus Phoenix

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Communications: Invitations: Petitions

15 Claims

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime 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 Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

16 Letter from anonymous resident re: taxi companies

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

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

That the letter be accepted and placed on file

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the letter be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

17 Drainlayer Licenses: Hydro Tech Inc.

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

18 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes: March 21, 2024 April 18, 2024 May 16, 2024 June 20, 2024 July 18, 2024 August 15, 2024

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

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

That the minutes 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 minutes be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To take items 19 through 21 together

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to take items 19 through 21 together, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

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

21 Regular Meeting of the City Council — October 8, 2024

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

Committee Reports (filed late)

Late 12a Quitclaim deed conveying 112 Flint Street (former Davol Street Elementary School, Assessors Lot K-14-0011) from the Flint Neighborhood Association Corp.to the City of Fall River

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · 6–2

To adopt the order

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

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 6 yeas, 2 nays, to adopt the order, with Councilors Dionne and Raposo voting in the negative and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Hart)

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

Resolutions (filed late)

Late 13a The Committee on Public Safety convene with concerned business owners and a representative of the Fall River Police Department to discuss safety concerns in the Executive Plaza parking lot

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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)

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

Adjournment

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adjourn at 8:57 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:57 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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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