MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
May 27, 2025
3 meetings this evening, 39 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 →5:45 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, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Ricky T. Tith
Absent: Bradford L. Kilby
1 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 41 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearing at 5:50 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing at 5:50 p.m., with Councilor Kilby absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
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, Ricky T. Tith
Absent: None
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
2 Discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget as follows: e Municipal Budget Presentation .
Minutes, page 47 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the proposed FY26 Municipal Budget
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to table the proposed FY26 Municipal Budget.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 48 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:49 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Kilby and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:49 p.m.” (Motion: Kilby, second: Raposo)
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, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Ricky T. Tith
Absent: None
36 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and order appropriating $55,000.00 from CPA Fund's Undesignated fund balance to CPA Historic Resources Preservation Projects for a feasibility study/assessment of the Bank Street Armory
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To accept the communication and place it on file and adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to accept the communication and place it on file and adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Priority Communications
2 School Committee and action taken during their April 29, 2025, meeting to rescind their vote for a letter re: school transportation at the April 8, 2025, Joint Meeting of the City Council and School Committee
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication 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 communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)
Committee Reports
3 Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Medical Services Budget
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 Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
4 Communication — Mayor and School Committee request to initiate and file an unfunded mandate petition with the State Auditor's office relative to the City's obligation to fund student transportation
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer {he communication to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to refer {he communication to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Ordinances
5 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 Parking prohibited at all times (insert) * County Street, North, 98 feet west of Covel Street Section 2 Parking prohibited at all times (strike out) * County Street, North, 118 feet west of Covel Street
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
6 Proposed Zoning Ordinance — Apartment District (A-2)
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended
Yes: Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Dionne, Hart, Tith
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with Councilors Hart and Tith voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, TithNo: Dionne
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended, with Councilor Dionne opposed.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
Resolutions
7 City Council advocate for the recognition of the Emergency Medical Services Department as a core public safety department and the exemplary work of all staff
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
To take item 11 out of order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take item 11 out of order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Citations
11 Fall River Emergency Medical Services — 50" Anniversary of organization
Minutes, page 3 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Resolutions
8 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convene to discuss funding to improve downtown North Main Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the resolution by striking out, in all sections of the resolution, "North Main Street," and inserting in its place, "South Main Street." On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to amend the resolution by striking out, in all sections of the resolution, "North Main Street," and inserting in its place, "South Main Street." On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Ponte)
9 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convene to discuss the ongoing redevelopment of the Flint Neighborhood
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
10 Committee on Finance convene to discuss the anticipated timeline of the land ownership transfer and planned real estate distribution process within the Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project 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
12 ecoATM, LLC, 10121 Barnes Canyon Road, San Diego, CA, located at 866 Pleasant Street (inside PriceRite 0332)
Minutes, page 4 · 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
Orders: Miscellaneous
13 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers Deena Feldman Wayne Delisle Private Livery Vehicle Princess Limousine, LLC Second Hand and Pawnbroker Renewals Fall River Financial MA LLC d/b/a Fall River Pawnbrokers 1435 Pleasant 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 Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
14 Auto Body Shop License Renewal Michael Carvalho d/b/a County Street Collision and Customizing, 958 County 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 Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
15 Claims
Minutes, page 4 · 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)
To take items 16a through 16c together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 16a through 16c together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
16c Assistant Corporation Counsel Responses to Open Meeting Law complaints filed by the following individuals re: April 8, 2025 alleged violation by the City Council: Rene Brown
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communications 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 communications be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
17b Communications from Justin P. Teixeira, President of the Professional Paramedics of Fall River (AFSCME Local 1202) re: Professional Paramedics of Fall River re: Emergency Medical Services Week and advocation for EMS support
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communications be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted that the communications be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Kilby)
18 City resident requesting to purchase parcels of city owned land on Stafford Heights Rd.
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 Application for a License to Conduct One Day Bingo on September 18, 2025 from The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River. Event to be held at 20 Star Street.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the application.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
20 Structure on or over a public way application from Sawyer Melo for a lemonade stand (wooden crates with a tabletop and overhead curtain 1' x 4' x 5') at the corner of Warren Street and Pulaski Street every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve the application.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
To take items 21a through 21c together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 21a through 21c together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
21c Structure on or over a public way applications from St. Anthony of the Desert Church for street banners advertising the Lebanese Mahrajan Food Festival to be held August 8, 2025 to August 10, 2025 at : Pleasant Street near the Fall River Police Department
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the applications
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to approve the applications.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
22 Drainlayer Licenses JB Lanagan & Company, Inc.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer licenses
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer licenses.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
24 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes — April 17, 2025 .
Minutes, page 6 · 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)
To take items 25 through 27 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to take items 25 through 27 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
27 Regular Meeting of the City Council —- May 13, 2025
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
To accept and place on file the Mayor's communication and adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to accept and place on file the Mayor's communication and adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 4a Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking * Harriman Street, South, 24 feet west of Raymond Street * Hunter Street, East, 126 feet south of Hope Street * Merchant Street, North, 40 feet west of Seventeenth Street ‘
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, Tith
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)
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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)
Late 4b Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 Parking Prohibited at all times (insert) * Blossom Road, East, 20 feet north of Blossom Road, for a distance of 775 feet northerly * Indian Town Road, North, 20 feet east of Blossom Road,
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 7 · 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)
Late 4c Proposed Ordinance — Appointment of Chief of Police
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 7 · 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 Dionne, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:29 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:29 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
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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