MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Meeting night
March 10, 2026
3 meetings this evening, 49 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
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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, Michael G. Canuel, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo
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 6:06 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the City Council meeting at 6:06 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
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, Michael G. Canuel, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo
Absent: None
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Citizen Input Time .
Minutes, page 136 · Agenda packet · Video
To take item 3 out of order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to take item 3 out of order.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 139 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:00 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 7:00 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, 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, Michael G. Canuel, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo
Absent: None
46 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of Ricky P. Sahady to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Hart)
2 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Sharon Jussaume to the Council on Aging
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Hart, second: Peckham)
3 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of James Cusick to the Conservation Commission
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Canuel)
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
5 Mayor and request to deliver State of the City address on March 10, 2026
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
6 Mayor and request for a Joint Meeting of the City Council! and the School Committee on April 14, 2026 re: development of FY2027 budget
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 Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
7 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: Salary amendments for the Director of Health and Human Services
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Raposo)
8 Mayor and request for approval of the termination of Kyle Coletti as Constable
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the request be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the request be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Hart)
9 Mayor and request from Purchasing Agent for City Council approval to conduct a public online auction for surplus property
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the request to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the request to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Pereira)
10 Mayor and grant order from Borderland Partners, LLC, in the amount of $5,910.00 for completion of a community stroke risk factor and symptom awareness project, in collaboration with Brown University Health at Saint Anne's Hospital
Minutes, page 3 · 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, with Councilor Camara abstaining.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
11 Mayor and appropriation of $221,413.23 from EMS, Retained Earnings to EMS, Salaries
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
Priority Communications
12 Administrator of Community Utilities request to postpone the submission date of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund Budgets due to the rescheduling of the Watuppa Water Board and Sewer Commission meetings following
Minutes, page 3 · 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 Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
13 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the recommendations be referred 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 that the recommendations be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Committee Reports
14 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking * Bowen Street, West, 206 feet south of Slade Street * Cory Street, South, 101 feet east of Almy Street , ¢ Locust Street, North, 153 feet east of Linden Street * Montaup Street, West, 103 feet north of Globe Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
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 Camara and seconded by Councilor Raposo, 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: Joseph D. Camara, second: Raposo)
15 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 Parking prohibited at all times (insert) * Lindsey Street, East, from Cory Street to Brightman Street Section 2 4 Parking prohibited at all times (strike out) * Lindsey Street, East, from Ballard Street to Brightman Street
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 Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
16 Proposed Ordinance — Salary amendments for the Commissioner of Municipal Buildings and Code Enforcement/Inspector of Buildings
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
17 Grant Leave to Withdraw Resolution — Convene with Corporation Counsel, the Fire Chief and the Director of Inspectional Services to discuss the creation of an ordinance that would impose stricter safety requirements and more frequent inspections of assisted-living facilities
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the resolution be granted leave to withdraw
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the resolution be granted leave to withdraw.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Peckham)
Resolutions
18 City Council urges Mayor, Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, and the entire Fall River State Legislative Delegation to advance and approve the terms and conditions set forth in House Bill H.4071, enabling the City of Fall River to develop the waterfront
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Hart, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Canuel, Dionne, Joseph D. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was voted 6 yeas, 3 nays to adopt the resolution, with Vice President Dionne and Councilors Camara and Canuel voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
20 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convene with the Administration's Event Resource Coordinator, Fall River Arts and Culture Commission, and Creative Arts Network, Inc., to discuss upcoming 2026 events
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Perira, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara)
21 Committee on Public Safety convene with the Administration, the Director of City Operations and a representative of the Fall River Police Department to discuss improving lighting downtown
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
22 City Council send letter to Mayor requesting proposed ordinance for an "Act Relative to the Appointment of the Police Chief in the City of Fall River" and subsequent appointment of a Chief by September 30, 2026, under new Civil Service regulations
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
23 Committee on Public Safety convene with the Administration, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Chief of Emergency Medical Services, Chief of Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of Community Utilities, the Interim Director of the Department of
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
24 Administration ensure present and future snow and ice removal payments are made within thirty (30) days of proper invoice submission and approval
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the resolution by striking out, in the last paragraph, "within thirty 30) days of proper invoice submission and approval," and inserting, in its place, "a fifteen (15) day payment timeframe
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to amend the resolution by striking out, in the last paragraph, "within thirty 30) days of proper invoice submission and approval," and inserting, in its place, "a fifteen (15) day payment timeframe, with a maximum of thirty (30) days, from the day the services were rendered to the City of Fall River," and to adopt the resolution, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
25 City Council submit a letter of support to the Massachusetts Senate and House of . Representatives to urge the advancement and adoption of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Residences Commission Report to ensure increased safety for assisted living
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
26 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convene with the Administration to discuss the potential financial benefits of increased development within the City of Fall River that would result from the creation of a separate City Planner position
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the resolution by striking out, in the last paragraph, "the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism," and inserting in its place, ‘the Committee on Finance,"
Yes: Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Peckham, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was voted 4 yeas, 5 nays to amend the resolution by striking out, in the last paragraph, "the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism," and inserting in its place, ‘the Committee on Finance," with Councilors Camara, Canuel, Hart and Pereira voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Joseph D. Camara)
To adopt the resolution
No: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 0 yeas, 9 nays to adopt the resolution, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
27 City Council oppose the termination of the Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools without cause, and encourage the School Committee to allow for her continued tenure
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Hart, Joseph D. Camara, PereiraNo: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Peckham, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was voted 3 yeas, 6 nays to adopt the resolution, with Councilors Camara, Hart and Pereira voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Hart, second: Joseph D. Camara)
28 City Council requests a report of expenditures not related to veteran benefits paid through Veterans' Services accounts for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the resolution by striking out, in all related areas of the resolution, 2020 through 2024," and inserting, in its place, "2020 through 2026." On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was unanimously voted to amend the resolution by striking out, in all related areas of the resolution, 2020 through 2024," and inserting, in its place, "2020 through 2026." On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Citations
29d Recognition of the following departments for their steadfast service to the City of Fall River in response to the July 13, 2025, Gabriel House Assisted Living Residences fire: Fall River Emergency Management Agency
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations.” (Motion: Hart, second: Peckham)
30 Matthew J. Kuss Middle School Boys Basketball Team — Winning the 2026 Fall River Boys Middle School Basketball City Championship
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
31 James Madison Morton Middle School Girls Basketball Team — Winning the Fall River Girls Middle School Basketball Championship for the 10" year in a row
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Hart, second: Raposo)
32 Brian Bishop — Donating electrical services, materials and community outreach
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Hart, second: Peckham)
33 Greg's Saturday Kitchen — 40 years of service to the residents of Fall River
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
34 Matt Medeiros ~ Development of the "Plowed?" application during the Blizzard of 2026
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Orders: Hearings
35 Draper Street, extending southerly from Globe Mills Avenue to terminus and northerly from Globe Mills Avenue to terminus
Minutes, page 12 · 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)
Orders: Miscellaneous
36 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals Wilson Frank Elias d/b/a One Stop Auto Center Inc., 697 Pleasant Street - Antonio F. Garcia, A. Garcia, Inc. d/b/a Garcia Automotive, 127 Eastern Avenue . Antonio De Couto d/b/a Tony's Towing and Auto Repair, 69 Napoleon Street
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
37 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers Joseph D. Beauregard Kerry Kyle Johnson Joseph Pereira Betsy Tirado
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Cadime)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
38 Claims
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
39 Assistant Corporation Counsel Response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins regarding January 27, 2026 alleged violation by the City Council and City Council President
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
40 Communication from city resident re: parking ticket appeal process
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be referred 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 that the communication be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
41 Drainlayer License —- Communications Construction Group, LLC
Minutes, page 12 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer license application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer license application.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To take items 42 through 46 together
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 42 through 46 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
46 Regular Meeting of the City Council ~ February 10, 2026
Minutes, page 13 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes for the Community Preservation Committee, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals be accepted and placed on file and the City Council minutes be approved
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the minutes for the Community Preservation Committee, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals be accepted and placed on file and the City Council minutes be approved.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 17a Order — Appropriating $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 13 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 13 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:58 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:58 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
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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