MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
March 11, 2025
3 meetings this evening, 28 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 →5:30 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Joint 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
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Adjournment
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:25 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:25 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
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: 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
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 129 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearings
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 130 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings at 6:36 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:36 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
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
25 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Enterprise Fund budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions and proposed ordinances for Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer rates
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Enterprise Fund budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions 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 proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Enterprise Fund budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
To refer the proposed ordinances for the Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer Rates to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinances for the Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer Rates to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
2 Mayor and gift order for a donation of 348 memorial flags from the Remember to Remember September 11 organization, to be used during the City's annual ceremony at Battleship Cove in remembrance of September 11, 2001
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
3 Mayor and appropriation of $357,175.00 from Fire, Salaries "Retirement Buyout," to Fire, Various Expenses
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
4 Mayor and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit prepared by Roselli, Clark & Associates
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to refer the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
5 Mayor and order declaring fourteen (14) police vehicles as surplus property
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Priority Communications
6 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · 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 Sampson, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Committee Reports
7 Order — Appropriating $1,816,444 from Community Preservation Act funds for Fiscal Year 2026 community projects
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
8 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking * Albion Street, East, 81 feet north of Downing Street * Bedford Street, North, 105 feet west of Eddy Street * Bradford Street, North, 47 feet east of Fountain Street * Foster Street, East, 33 feet south of Buffinton Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
9 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 Fifteen-minute parking (removal) * George Street, South side, 48 feet east of Lindsey Street, Monday — Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
10 Proposed Ordinance — Fall River Public Library new position of Processing Archivist of Public Library Services
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · 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 Cadime, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
11 Resolution - The Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene with the City Administrator, the Director of City Operations and Corporation Counsel to discuss potential fine amendments relating to illegal dumping of solid waste
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be referred to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be referred to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Resolutions
12 Committee on Public Safety convene with a representative from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority and any other interested parties to discuss potential solutions to reduce noise pollution in the Weaver's Cove Layover area
Minutes, page 4 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Orders: Hearings
13 Mario Botelho, 220 Stevens Street — Removal of 4 foot, 6 inches for a total opening of 17 feet, 6 inches, at 220 Stevens 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
14 Robert Messier, Jr., 232 Stevens Street — Removal of 6 feet, 6 inches for a total opening of 23 feet, 6 inches, at 232 Stevens 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
15 Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid — Albion Street — One (1) new pole
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Orders: Miscellaneous
16 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers Robert Day Michael Diniz Melissa Medeiros
Minutes, page 5 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
17 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals ; Michael Carvalho d/b/a County Street Collision and Customizing - 946 County Street Robert Luongo d/b/a Bob's Auto Sales — 643 Brayton Avenue Justin Pacheco d/b/a Mill City Diesels, LLC ~ 1139 Slade Street
Minutes, page 5 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
19 Claims
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
20 Letter from Melissa Furtado, 272 Anthony Street, in support of additional property tax abatements for 100% disabled veterans
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the letter 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 letter be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
21 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes — January 16, 2025
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
22 Committee on Finance ~ February 25, 2025
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 Sampson, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be approved.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
23 Regular Meeting of the City Council ~ February 25, 2025
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
24 Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Public Hearing to be held on March 11, 2025 re: conduit tax-exempt bond financing for a project being undertaken by Lifespan of Massachusetts, Inc. d/b/a Brown University Health of Massachusetts
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the public hearing notice 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 public hearing notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:24 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:24 p.m.” (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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