MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Meeting night
3 meetings this evening, 52 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 →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.
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Michael G. Canuel, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira, Cliff A. Ponte, Andrew J. Raposo
Absent: Joseph D. Camara
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 103 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearings
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings, with Councilor Camara absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 104 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings at 6:06 p.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings at 6:06 p.m., with Councilor Camara absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
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
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
During the meeting:
7 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
3 Discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget as follows: mo e Municipal Budget Presentation The Council President provided a summary of the Committee's scheduled budget meetings on May 26, May 28, June 1, June 2 and June 3, 2026. President Ponte and Emily Arpke, Director
Minutes, page 115 · Agenda packet · Video
To recommend the City Council reject the proposed FY27 budget and request that the Administration adjust the revenues for the tax levy to 1% instead of 2.5%
Yes: Peckham, PonteNo: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by President Ponte, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays, to recommend the City Council reject the proposed FY27 budget and request that the Administration adjust the revenues for the tax levy to 1% instead of 2.5%, with President Ponte and Councilor Peckham voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Ponte)
To recommend the City Council reject the proposed FY27 budget and request that the Administration adjust the revenues for the tax levy to 2% instead of 2.5%
Yes: Peckham, PonteNo: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by President Ponte, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays, to recommend the City Council reject the proposed FY27 budget and request that the Administration adjust the revenues for the tax levy to 2% instead of 2.5%, with President Ponte and Councilor Peckham voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Ponte)
To waive the rules and allow the discussion to continue until 10:30 p.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Péckham and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules and allow the discussion to continue until 10:30 p.m.” (second: Dionne)
To move the question
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Peckham, PereiraNo: Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Ponte, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays to move the question, with President Ponte and Councilors Camara, Hart, and Raposo voting in the negative.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Pereira)
To recommend that the City Council reduce the Law Department, Expenses, from 700,000 to $0
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Peckham, PonteNo: Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 4 yeas, 5 nays, to recommend that the City Council reduce the Law Department, Expenses, from 700,000 to $0, with President Ponte, Vice President Dionne and Councilors Cadime and , Peckham voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Peckham)
To table the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to table the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 125 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 10:59 p.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:59 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Meeting video · City meeting page
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
43 recorded votes, 9 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To take item 8a out of order
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to take item 8a out of order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 8a Mayor and order appropriating $501,300 from Community Preservation Act, FY27 Funding, Community Housing funds to the Fall River Preservation Society
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow James Souza, Vice President, Board of Directors, Fall River Preservation Society, and Steven Long, Member, Fall River Preservation Society, to answer questions
“On a motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow James Souza, Vice President, Board of Directors, Fall River Preservation Society, and Steven Long, Member, Fall River Preservation Society, to answer questions.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, RaposoAbstained: Ponte
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the order, with President Ponte abstaining.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Peckham)
Late 1a Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of the following to the Council on Aging: Barbara Jean
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Late 1b Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of the following to the Council on Aging: Susana Ribeiro
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Late 1c Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of the following to the Council on Aging: Lorraine Sherry
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
Late 2 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Ken Schadegg to the Historical Commission
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Hart, second: Raposo)
Late 3 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Orlando Rodrigues to the Planning Board
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 4 Mayor and communication to City Council re: POST Commission's Division of Police Standards review of facts and circumstances outlined in documents provided on March 31, 2026 to their Division
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 5 Mayor and loan order of $29,800,000 for the purchase of the former Bishop Connolly High School property located at 373 Elsbree Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
That the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, PonteNo: PeckhamAbstained: Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 7 yeas, 1 nay, that the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Peckham voting in the negative and Councilor Raposo abstaining.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
Late 6 Mayor and veto of the proposed ordinance authorizing the City Council to hire outside legal counsel
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To lay the veto on the table in accordance
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to lay the veto on the table in accordance with the City Charter.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Late 7a Mayor and the following appropriations:: $2,000,000 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Employer Health Care Trust Fund
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Raposo)
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Dionne, Peckham
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 7 yeas, 2 nays, to adopt the order, with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Peckham voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 7b Mayor and the following appropriations:: $1,700,000 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Diman Stabilization Fund
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Peckham
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay, to adopt the order, with Councilor Peckham voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 7c Mayor and the following appropriations:: $2,336,175.90 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to General Fund Stabilization
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 8 Mayor and Treasurer/Collector communication regarding the acquisition of property under tax possession located at 308 South Main Street, Parcel ID #109-0009
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
“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)
Late 9 Traffic Commission recommending amendment to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendation to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 10 Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Section 1 One-hour parking * Pleasant Street, North, 75 feet west of Ninth Street Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through second reading and enrollment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
That the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 11 Committee on Public Safety convene to discuss safety concerns at Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) terminal
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 12 City Council requests forensic audit of Community Maintenance operations related to buiky item sticker revenues and disposal fees from Fiscal Year 2022 to the present
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow Ann O'Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff, to answer questions
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow Ann O'Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff, to answer questions.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
To amend the resolution by striking out the existing three sections that begin
Yes: Canuel, DionneNo: Cadime, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
“On a motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays, to amend the resolution by striking out the existing three sections that begin with "Be it further resolved," and inserting it their place the following, "Be it further resolved that the City Council send a letter to the Massachusetts State Auditor requesting a forensic financial audit of the Department of Community Maintenance," with Vice President Dionne and Councilor Canuel voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Canuel)
To amend the resolution by striking out, in the second-to-last paragraph, the following: "FY 2026 Operating Budget," and inserting in its place the following, "FY 2027 Operating Budget,"
Yes: Cadime, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays, to amend the resolution by striking out, in the second-to-last paragraph, the following: "FY 2026 Operating Budget," and inserting in its place the following, "FY 2027 Operating Budget," with Vice President Dionne and Councilors Camara, Canuel, and Hart voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To adopt the resolution, as amended
Yes: Cadime, Peckham, Ponte, RaposoNo: Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 4 yeas, 5 nays, to adopt the resolution, as amended, with President Ponte and Councilors Cadime, Peckham and Raposo voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 13 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene to amend ordinance for the naming of City buildings, parks, recreational facilities and other public properties
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 9 yeas to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 14 Police Chief Kelly Furtado — 2026 Spirit of Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the citation to be accepted and placed on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the citation to be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Late 15 First Responders — Emergency Medical Services Week.
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the citation to be accepted and placed on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the citation to be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To take items 16 through 18 together
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to take items 16 through 18 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 18 Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., New Boston Road — One (1) new jointly owned pole location
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the orders
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the orders.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To take items 19 through 22 together
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 19 through 22 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 22 Auto Repair Shop License Transfer License no. 359 located at 59 North Quarry Street from James Andrews d/b/a 508 Auto Sales & Repair to Pablo Dayvid Rodrigues Silva d/b/a Brothers Auto Sales & Services, Inc.
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the orders
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the orders.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 23 Claims
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
“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)
Late 24 Assistant Attorney General response to Open Meeting Law complaints filed by Patrick Higgins and Rene Brown re: April 8, 2025 City Council meeting
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be accepted and placed on file
“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)
Late 25 Drainlayer Licenses Daniels Asphalt Services, Inc.
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer applications
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer applications.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Hart)
Late 26 Planning Board Minutes — April 8, 2026
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be accepted and placed on file
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 27 Committee on Finance — April 28, 2026
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Late 28 Regular Meeting of the City Council — April 28, 2026
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Canuel)
To lift item 9a from the table
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to lift item 9a from the table.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
Late 19 2026. Vice President Dionne stated that legal opinions have been submitted in an untimely manner limiting the City Council's opportunity to review the document. Councilor Cadime expressed disapproval of the legal interpretations provided by Corporation Counsel regarding
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the resolution
Yes: Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Peckham, Ponte, Raposo
“On a motion made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 4 yeas, 5 nays, to table the resolution, with Councilors Camara, Canuel, Hart and Pereira voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Joseph D. Camara, second: Pereira)
To adopt the resolution
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Peckham, Ponte, RaposoNo: Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 5 yeas, 4 nays, to adopt the resolution, with Councilors Camara, Canuel, Hart and Pereira voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Late 9b Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Violations and penaities
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, as amended
“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, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 12:09 a.m
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 12:09 a.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
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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