MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Meeting night
September 8, 2026
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 →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: 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:
- Councilor Hart exited the Council Chamber at 6:21 p.m
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 60 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearings
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to open the hearings.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 64 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearings
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to close the hearings, with Councilor Hart absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
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
During the meeting:
- Councilor Hart entered the Council Chamber at 6:29 p.m
3 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Before the numbered agenda items
Minutes, page 70 · Agenda packet · Video
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 Peckham, it was unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
2 Resolution — Review inactive Parks Capital Projects to determine if $50,000 is available to support Mae's Playground
Minutes, page 72 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to table the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 72 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 7:06 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 7:06 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
During the meeting:
- Councilor Camara exited the Council Chamber at 7:12 p.m
- Councilor Camara returned to the Council Chamber at 7:19 p.m
- Councilor Peckham exited the Council Chamber at 8:12 p.m
47 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1a Mayor and request for confirmation of the following reappointments to the Cultural Council: Christopher Antao
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
1b Mayor and request for confirmation of the following reappointments to the Cultural Council: Vania Marie Noverca-Viveiros
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
2 Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of Ken Schadegg to the Historical Commission
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
3 Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of Richard R. Mancini to the Historical Commission
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the reappointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Canuel)
4 Fiscal Year 2026 Quarterly Budget Report
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the report to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the report to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
5 Mayor and loan order of $10,000,000 for the construction and/or improvement of City Streets
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the loan order be authorized to be published and referred to the Committee on Finance.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Raposo)
6 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 approve the request
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to approve the request.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Priority Communications
7 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
8 City Council President communication and revised policy to City Council re: outside legal council
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to the Committee on Finance
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Camara absent and not voting.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Canuel)
9 Corporation Counsel request to strike out §2-33 in City code, which relates to — Authority to retain outside legal counsel
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Camara , absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To take item 14 out of order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to take item 14 out of order.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Raposo)
Resolutions
14 Committee on Finance convene with the City Administrator, Director of City Operations, Director of Community Maintenance, Director of Financial Services and Attorney Matthew J. Thomas, Esq., to develop a comprehensive plan for
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Committee Reports
10 Second Reading and Enrollment: Proposed Ordinance — Amending §62-2(C), Solid waste — collection and disposal, generally
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be granted leave to withdraw
Yes: Canuel, PereiraNo: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 2 yeas, 7 nays, that the proposed ordinance be granted leave to withdraw, with Councilors Canuel and Pereira voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Pereira)
To table the proposed ordinance
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to table the proposed ordinance.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Hart)
Ordinances
11 Second Reading and Enrollment: Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Handicapped parking removals * Third Street, West, 155 feet south of Branch Street * Hunter Street, East, 126 feet south of Hope Street * Mason Street, East, 328 feet south of Pleasant Street
Minutes, page 5 · 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 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
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained, with Councilor Peckham absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Resolutions
12 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene with the City Engineer and Corporation Counsel to draft an ordinance establishing a fee or fine, over $250, for after-the-fact curb removal applications.
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
13 Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convene with the City Administrator, © Director of City Operations, and Chair of the Historical Commission to review renovations at Oak Grove Cemetery to ensure the preservation of historic features and
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
15 Committee on Finance convene with the City Administrator, Director of Financial Services and Director of Management Information Systems to discuss developing a public portal providing access to the City's financial systems and data.
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Raposo)
16 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene with the Director of Human Resources to discuss the planned Compensation Study, use of the data for future financial decisions, and its potential impact on ordinances amending existing salary totals.
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
17 Committee on Public Safety convene with the Chief of Police and Director Traffic and Parking to discuss speeding enforcement practices and procedures.
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To amend the resolution by striking out the entire third paragraph and "enforcement practices and - procedures to improve" within the fourth paragraph
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, Raposo
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 9 yeas to amend the resolution by striking out the entire third paragraph and "enforcement practices and - procedures to improve" within the fourth paragraph.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Hart)
To adopt the resolution, as amended
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, as amended.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
That the citation be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the citation be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
To take item 19c out of order
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take item 19c out of order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Orders: Hearings
19c Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., One (1) new jointly owned pole location on each of the following streets: Bedford Street
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
That the order be referred to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted that the order be referred to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
To take items 19a, b, d, e and f together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to take items 19a, b, d, e and f together.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
19f Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., One (1) new jointly owned pole location on each of the following streets: Stafford Road
Minutes, page 7 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the orders
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to adopt the orders.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
To take items 20 through 22 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to take items 20 through 22 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
22 TVI Inc. d/b/a Savers, 11400 SE 6" Street, Suite 125, Bellevue, WA, 98004, for permission to operate and maintain a second hand article store located at 133 Mariano Bishop Boulevard (retail sale of used goods to be sold)
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the orders
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the orders.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Orders: Miscellaneous
23 Auto Repair Shop License Renewal(s) Jody Oliveira d/b/a Ground Earth Inc., 1741 Stafford Road Marco Tavares d/b/a Auto Stop, 325 Oman Street
Minutes, page 8 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
24 Auto Repair Shop License Transfer License no. 21 located at 605 Globe Street from Robert P. Fortier d/b/a Fortier's Auto Sales & Service Inc. to Justin R. Fortier d/b/a Fortier's Auto Sales & Service, Inc.
Minutes, page 8 · 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)
25 Police Chief's Report on Licenses Taxicab Drivers Shawn Pinto Private Livery Drivers Danilson Claudio Moreira Tavares
Minutes, page 8 · 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)
26a Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Zayo Group, LLC, for the installation of permanent aerial fiber attachments on existing National Grid utility poles: Bedford Street — 737 linear across 9 existing poles
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Periera, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo)
26b Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Zayo Group, LLC, for the installation of permanent aerial fiber attachments on existing National Grid utility poles: Locust Street — 903 linear feet across 8 existing poles
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Periera, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo)
26c Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Zayo Group, LLC, for the installation of permanent aerial fiber attachments on existing National Grid utility poles: Stonehaven Road — 1,731 linear feet across 12 existing poles
Minutes, page 9 · 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)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
27 Claims
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
28 Assistant Corporation Counsel response to Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin Dias re: July 28, 2026, Special Meeting of the City Council
Minutes, page 9 · 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)
29 Communication from city resident re: bus stop location near 102 Laurel Street
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted that the communication be referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
30 Drainlayer License ; JPB Construction Co., Inc.
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer application.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
31 Planning Board Minutes ~ July 8, 2026
Minutes, page 9 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Hart)
32 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes — July 16, 2026
Minutes, page 9 · 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 Hart, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
33a Notices of Casualty and Loss: 34 Friendship Street
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
That the notice be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
33b Notices of Casualty and Loss: 484 Highland Avenue .
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
That the notice 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 notice be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
To lift item 6a from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to lift item 6a from the table.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Pereira)
To table the matter
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Joseph D. Camara
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay, to table the matter, with Councilor Camara voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 10a Order — Timothy R. Long, 1343 Newhall Street - Removal of 9 feet, 1 inch of curbing for an opening total of 24 feet, 1 inch, at 677 Meridian Street
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 10 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order, as amended
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation
Minutes, page 11 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:13 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:13 p.m., with Councilor Peckham absent and not voting.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Raposo)
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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