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

November 12, 2025

3 meetings this evening, 33 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: Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo, Ricky T. Tith

Absent: Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Bradford L. Kilby

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

Opening the hearings

Minutes, page 239 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To open the hearings

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings, with President Camara and Councilors Cadime and Kilby absent and not voting.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)

Read it in the official minutes, page 239 (PDF)

Closing the hearings

Minutes, page 241 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To close the hearings at 6:29 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:29 p.m., with President Camara and Councilors Cadime and Kilby absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 241 (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, Ricky T. Tith

Absent: Shawn E. Cadime

During the meeting:

  • Councilor Kilby arrived at 6:32 p.m
  • President Camara arrived at 6:46 p.m

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

Before the numbered agenda items

Minutes, page 242 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak, with President Camara and Councilors Cadime and Kilby absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

Read it in the official minutes, page 242 (PDF)

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To waive the rules and allow Ms

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Ms.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 242 (PDF)

1 Citizen Input Tracy Silva Barbosa, 120 Sycamore Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 — Fail River Arts and Culture Coalition David and Sandy Dennis, 132 Highland Avenue — Fall River Waterfront Cultural District

Minutes, page 242 · Agenda packet · Video

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

To waive the rules and allow Mr. and Mrs, Dennis to speak for an additional three minutes

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow Mr. and Mrs, Dennis to speak for an additional three minutes, with President Camara and Councilors Cadime and Kilby absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

Read it in the official minutes, page 242 (PDF)

Adjournment

Minutes, page 245 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adjourn at 7:44 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:44 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 245 (PDF)

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: 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: Shawn E. Cadime

27 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page

Priority Matters

2 Mayor and order for Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure at 43 Lowell Street (Parcel ID 119-0003)

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · 7–0

To adopt the order

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, TithAbstained: Joseph D. CamaraAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was voted 7 yeas to adopt the order, with President Camara abstaining and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Priority Communications

3 Board of Assessors re: establishment of Fiscal Year 2026 tax factor and tax levy

Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To set the Fiscal Year 2026 tax factor and levy at the rate of 1.75, and to adopt the order establishing the levy

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to set the Fiscal Year 2026 tax factor and levy at the rate of 1.75, and to adopt the order establishing the levy, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Pereira)

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

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adopt the order determining the percentages to be borne by each class of real property and personal property

From the minutes

“On a further motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order determining the percentages to be borne by each class of real property and personal property, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

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

Ordinances

4 Proposed Ordinance — Salary amendments for the Director of Fall River Emergency Management Agency, Veterans' Grave Officer and Senior Aide

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: second readingPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Ordinance: final passagePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

5 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 4 One-hour parking (insert) * Pleasant Street, North, 20 feet west of Thomas Street 9:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., Monday through Friday Section 2 Handicapped parking removals

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

AmendPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Ordinance: final passagePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

6 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, One-way streets « June Street, Southerly, from Prospect Street to Maple Street

Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video

AmendPassed · 7–1

That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Raposo, TithNo: PonteAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was voted 7 yeas, 1 nay that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment, as amended, with Councilor Ponte voting in the negative and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)

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

Ordinance: final passagePassed · 7–1

That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, as amended

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Raposo, TithNo: PonteAbsent: Cadime

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 Ponte opposed and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.

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

Orders: Hearings

7 Verizon New England, Inc. — 140 feet of underground conduit on Innovation Way

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adopt the order

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

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

Orders: Miscellaneous

8 Auto Body Shop License Renewal Paulo A. Carvalho d/b/a Carvalho's Tire & Auto Center, Inc., 400 Second Street

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

9 Police Chief's Report on Licenses .

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Communications: Invitations: Petitions

10 Claims

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Send to committee or departmentPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To refer the claims 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 claims to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

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

11 Application for Structures on or over a public way for the Greater Fall River Re-Creation's Annual Children's Holiday Parade to hang two banners (24" x 30') on Bedford Street at the Central Fire Station and South Main Street at Center Place

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

12 Committee on Finance — October 28, 2025

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To approve the minutes

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

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

13 Regular Meeting of the City Council — October 28, 2025

Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video

Approve minutesPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To approve the minutes

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)

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

Priority Matters (filed late)

Late 2a Mayor and grant order from the United Way of Greater Fall River in the amount of 100,000 to enhance firefighter safety and improve emergency preparedness through equipment acquisition

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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 Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Committee Reports (filed late)

Late 3a Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking * Lindsey Street, West, 123 feet north of President Avenue Stipulation MassDOT perform necessary modifications at the Brightman Street and Lindsey Street intersection prior to the proposed ordinance going into effect

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: emergency preamblePassed · 8–0

To adopt the emergency preamble

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, TithAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Kilby)

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

Table (set aside)Passed · 7–1

To table the proposed ordinance

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, Raposo, TithNo: PereiraAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted 7 yeas, 1 nay to table the proposed ordinance, with Vice President Pereira voting in the negative and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Dionne)

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

Late 3b Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking - Grant Street, West, 20 feet north of Hope Street - Grinnell Street, South, 75 feet east of Stafford Road - Wilcox Street, East, 165 feet north of Slade Street

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: emergency preamblePassed · 8–0

To adopt the emergency preamble

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo, TithAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

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

Ordinance: all readings and final passagePassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained, as amended

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 first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

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

Late 3c Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 Parking prohibited at all times (strike out) - Dwelly Street, North, 58 feet west of Scott Street Section 2 Parking prohibited during certain hours - Dwelly Street, North, 58 feet west of Scott Street,

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

AmendPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Late 3d Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 14 Loading zones Lindsey Street, West, 38 feet north of President Avenue, 8:00 A.M. — 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday Section 2 Handicapped parking removals - Lindsey Street, West, 20 feet north of President Avenue

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Table (set aside)Passed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To table the proposed ordinance

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to table the proposed ordinance, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Late 3e Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, One-way streets Maple Street, Westerly, from June Street to North Main Street

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video

Ordinance: first readingPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

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, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Late 3 Traffic be allowed to enter Lindsey Street heading northerly from President Avenue from both easterly and westerly directions

Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

Table (set aside)Passed · 7–1

That the proposed ordinance be tabled

Yes: Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Ponte, Raposo, TithNo: PereiraAbsent: Cadime

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was voted that the proposed ordinance be tabled, with Vice President Pereira opposed and Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Late 3g Order — Curb removal, Ryan Wordell, 312 Mohawk Drive, Westport, MA, 02720 Restriction Subject to site plan approval (approval of City Engineer/Planner) to ensure all Engineering and Planning requirements are followed.

Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

That the order be adopted, as amended

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Ponte and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the order be adopted, as amended, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Ponte, second: Raposo)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Adjournment

Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation

Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 8 present (Cadime absent)

To adjourn at 8:05 p.m

From the minutes

“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:05 p.m., with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Ponte)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (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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