MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
March 25, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 36 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 →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: 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
5 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
2 Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Audit prepared by Roselli, Clark & Associates .
Minutes, page 50 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift item 3 from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to lift item 3 from the table.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Ponte)
3 Resolution — Convene with the City Administrator, Corporation Counsel, the Director of Financial Services, the Chairperson of the Board of Assessors and the Veterans' Services Officer to discuss potential tax exemptions for veterans, related to the HERO
Minutes, page 50 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift item 4 from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to lift item 4 from the table.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
9 5, Clause 41C, abatement will be increased from $500 to $750. Councilor Raposo asked why this abatement was only increased by fifty percent. Ms. Arpke stated that the City received 323 applications for this abatement last year, and that the number may grow in FY26, so the
Minutes, page 51 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift ifem 5 from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to lift ifem 5 from the table.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
6 Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Enterprise Fund budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions .
Minutes, page 54 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Water and Sewer Division Budgets to the full Council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Water and Sewer Division Budgets to the full Council for action.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Ponte)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 55 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:27 p.m
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Hart)
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
31 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and request for confirmation of the re-appointment of Melissa Panchley to the Library Board
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
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)
2 Mayor and resolution for approval of a TIE Agreement for 295 Bedford Street, LLC at 295 Bedford Street
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, SampsonNo: Dionne
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Dionne opposed.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
3a Mayor and orders as follows:: M.G.L. Ch. 59, §5, Clause 17F— Accept Elderly exemption
Minutes, page 1 · 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)
3b Mayor and orders as follows:: M.G.L. Ch. 59, §5, Cause 22J — Accept Veterans' exemption
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)
3c Mayor and orders as follows:: M.G.L. Ch. 59, §5, Clause 41C — Increase exemption by 50%
Minutes, page 2 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
4 Mayor and correspondence to establish right-of-way fees for fiber optic cable Installations
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the correspondence 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 correspondence to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
5 Mayor and order for Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure at 158 Bedford Street (Parcel ID N04-0042)
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Ponte)
6 Mayor and request to hold the Annual Budget Joint Meeting with the City Council and School Committee on April 8, 2025
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication 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 communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
7 Mayor and order declaring twenty-one (21) 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
8 Planning Board report re: Proposed Zoning Amendment — Apartment District (A-2)
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the report be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the report be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
To refer the proposed ordinance 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 ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
9a Planning Board recommendations to not approve the acceptance of the following streets: Burt Street extending from New Boston Road southerly to terminus
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the report 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 report be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To that the orders be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to that the orders be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
9b Planning Board recommendations to not approve the acceptance of the following streets: May Street extending from Pine Street to Cherry Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the report 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 report be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To that the orders be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to that the orders be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Committee Reports
10 Resolution ~ 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
Recommended by the Committee on Public Safety
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Ordinances
11 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.
Minutes, page 4 · 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 to be ordained
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 to be ordained.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
12 Proposed Ordinance — Processing Archivist of Public Library Services
Minutes, page 4 · 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 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 to be ordained.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Resolutions
13 Committee on Public Works and Transportation convene with the Administration and a representative of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to discuss maintenance of the Interstate 195 underpass beneath Government Center and request
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
14 Committee on Public Safety convene with the Director of Traffic and Parking and a representative of the Fall River Police Department to discuss traffic safety concerns, including speeding and the need for additional ADA-compliant crosswalks, on Stafford
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
Orders: Miscellaneous
15 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers Robert F. Allen Jeremias Cabral Cheryl Kohane
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)
16 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal Kirk Carrier d/b/a Kirk's Transmissions, Inc., 461 Globe 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
18 City resident requesting to purchase a parcel of city owned land on Sion Street (Parcel D-07-0021)
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the communication to the Committee on Real Estate
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer the communication to the Committee on Real Estate.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
19 Drainlayer Licenses A. DiFazio Construction, Inc.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer applications
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer applications.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To take items 20 through 23 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 20 through 23 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
23 Regular Meeting of the City Council — March 11, 2025
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes. i BULLETINS — NEWSLETTERS — NOTICES ~— None 10a
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes. i BULLETINS — NEWSLETTERS — NOTICES ~— None 10a.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Sampson)
Committee Reports
23a Regular Meeting of the City Council — March 11, 2025: 112 Flint Street (former Davol School) (Parcel ID K-14-001 1) i
Recommended by the Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, SampsonNo: Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Sampson, it was voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Raposo opposed.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Sampson) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
23b Regular Meeting of the City Council — March 11, 2025: 138 Hartwell Street (former Silvia School) (Parcel ID N-21-0001)
Recommended by the Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 5 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:47 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Sampson and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:47 p.m.” (Motion: Sampson, second: Joseph D. Camara)
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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