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

December 3, 2024

3 meetings this evening, 28 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: None

During the meeting:

  • Councilor Sampson arrived at 5:59 p.m

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

Opening the hearings

Minutes, page 17 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 6 present (Joseph D. Camara, Sampson absent)

To open the hearing

From the minutes

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

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Closing the hearings

Minutes, page 19 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present

To close the hearings at 6:07 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 6:07 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (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: None

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

2 Resolution ~ Convene quarterly with the Administration and a representative from the Historical Commission regarding funding plans for the renovation of the Bank Street Armory ; a, Seth Thomas Aitken, City Administrator, provided a brief overview of a potential bid to purchase

Minutes, page 22 · Agenda packet · Video

Table (set aside)Passed · Unanimous, 8 present

To table the resolution

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to table the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 22 (PDF)

Adjournment

Minutes, page 22 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present

To adjourn at 6:58 p.m

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:58 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 22 (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, Laura-Jean Sampson

Absent: None

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

Priority Matters

1 Mayor and confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas S. Silva to Chief of Emergency Medical Services

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

2a Mayor and the confirmation of the following re-appointments to the Library Board of Trustees: Kathryn Clarkin

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

2b Mayor and the confirmation of the following re-appointments to the Library Board of Trustees: Sharon L. Quinn

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

2c Mayor and the confirmation of the following re-appointments to the Library Board of Trustees: Fran E. Rachlin

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

3 Mayor and order accepting a donation in the amount of $70,000 from the Josephine M.

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Priority Communications

4 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

Resolutions

5 The City Council urges the approval of the 310 CMR 9.21 Variance request sought by 52 Ferry, LLC, from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and endorses the utilization of 52 Ferry Street as the proposed variance satisfies

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

Citations

6 Elsie Audette — 100" Birthday

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the citation

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Orders: Hearings

7 Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid Installation of two (2) new solely owned poles and one (1) anchor on High Street

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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)

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

8 Sacred Heart Lofts, LLC, 30 Adams Street, Milton MA ~ Removal of 2.4 feet on Seabury Street and removal of 22 feet on Pine Street for a total opening of 44 feet at 160 Linden Street (corner lot)

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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)

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

9 Jeffrey Furtado, 118 Primrose Street - Removal of 7 feet for a total opening of 26 feet at 118 Primrose Street ,

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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)

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

Orders: Miscellaneous

10 Police Chief's report on licenses 2025 Taxicab Drivers Dustin J. Cabeceiras Darril Carisen Robert R. DiGuiseppe David R. LaFrance Judy Palani Natasha Smith Ronald J. Souza

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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)

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

11 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal Luis Pimentel d/b/a L and S Auto, Inc., 1138 Pleasant Street

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To refer the matter to the Committee on Regulations

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Regulations.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Communications: Invitations: Petitions

12 Claims

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

13 Communication regarding lack of emergency exit easement at 239 Bedford Street

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

WithdrawPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the communication 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 communication be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)

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

14 Drainlayer License Dixon Inc.

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To approve the-drainlayer application

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the-drainlayer application.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)

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

15 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes .

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Accept and place on filePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the minutes be accepted and placed on file

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

16 Committee on Finance — November 19, 2024

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

17 Regular Meeting of the City Council - November 19, 2024

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices

18 Department of Environmental Protection — Notice of responsibility of diesel fuel release, Win Waste Innovations of Northern New England, in the vicinity of 14 Rodman Street on November 11, 2024

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Accept and place on filePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the notice 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 notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

19 GE] Consultants, Inc., on behalf of Liberty Utilities (New England Natural Gas Company) Corp. d/b/a Liberty — Notice of a Release Abatement Measure Plan for 120 Charles Street, a former manufactured gas plant site

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Accept and place on filePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the notice be accepted and placed on file

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

That the order be adopted

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the order be adopted.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)

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

Resolutions (filed late)

Late 5a The Administration proceed with the issuance of a Request for Proposals regarding the sale of the Bank Street Armory if the currently anticipated bid for the property does not occur.

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt resolutionPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adopt the resolution

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

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

Adjournment

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

To adjourn at 7:11 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:11 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (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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