MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
November 5, 2024
3 meetings this evening, 31 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 →5:55 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, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Linda M. Pereira
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 15 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearing
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to open the hearing, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 16 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings at 6:04 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:04 p.m., with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, 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: Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Linda M. Pereira
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
3 increase to existing loan order for renovations and repairs to the Central Fire Station and construction of an EMS Storage Facility (total amount of $3,200,000) Seth Thomas Aitken, City Administrator, provided information regarding the development of the ,
Minutes, page 20 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the loan order to full Council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the loan order to full Council for action, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 21 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:30 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m., with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
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, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Laura-Jean Sampson
Absent: Linda M. Pereira
27 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To take item 6 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take item 6 out of order, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Citations
6 B.M.C. Durfee High School Marching Band ~ Winners of the A-Group 1 U.S. Bands Massachusetts Championship, October 26, 2024
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, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
To take item 3a out of order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to take item 3a out of order, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
To waive the rules to allow the Superintendent of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School to answer questions
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the Superintendent of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School to answer questions, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
That the notice be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and order appropriating $78,062 from Community Preservation Act funds for the CPA Historic Resources Preservation Projects (for the removal of the facade of the Maritime Museum)
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, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
2 Mayor and submitted bid proposals for the former Frank M. Silvia Elementary School at 138 Hartwell Street
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to speak on the matter
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow the City Administrator to speak on the matter, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
That the matter be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the matter be granted leave to withdraw, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Dionne)
Priority Communications
3 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 President Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Ordinances
4 Proposed Ordinance - Traffic, Miscellaneous ; Section 1.
Minutes, page 3 · 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, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (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 Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
5 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
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, SampsonNo: Dionne, RaposoAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 6 yeas, 2 nays, that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, with Councilors Dionne and Raposo voting in the negative and Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Hart)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, SampsonNo: Dionne, RaposoAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 6 yeas, 2 nays, that the proposed ordinance be passed through ordination, with Councilors Dionne and Raposo voting in the negative and Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Hart)
Citations
7 Maria Conceicao Almas — Celebration of her 92"! Birthday
Minutes, page 4 · 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, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Orders: Hearings
8 Peter Brouns,170 Last Street - Removal of 8 feet at 170 Last Street
Minutes, page 4 · 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 Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
9 Bristol County Homes Inc., 800 Davol Street - Removal of 26 feet at 552 Bowen Street and Hicks Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Raposo, SampsonAbstained: PonteAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 7 yeas to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte abstaining and Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
10 Tyler Carreiro, 116 Gagnon Street ~ Removal of 8 feet at 116 Gagnon Street
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 Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
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 Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Orders: Miscellaneous
12b City Engineer prepare plans for the acceptance of the following streets:: May Street from Pine Street to Cherry Street
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer items 12a and 12b 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 items 12a and 12b to the Planning Board, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To refer the item to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to refer the item to Corporation Counsel, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
Communications - Invitations: Petitions
14 City Engineer — Street opening less than 5 years at 40 Frederick Street
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the request
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the request, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
15 Drainlayer Licenses NP Land Architects Inc.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainiayer license
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainiayer license, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
16 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes — September 19, 2024
Minutes, page 5 · 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 Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
21 Special Meeting of the City Council - October 30, 2024
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be approved
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be approved, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
That the order be adopted
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the order be adopted, with Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
That the order be adopted
Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonNo: CadimeAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was voted that the order be adopted, with Councilor Cadime opposed and Vice President Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Adjournment
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:07 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:07 p.m., with Vice President Pereira 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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