MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Meeting night
September 22, 2026
2 meetings this evening, 31 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 →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
6 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
1 Citizen Input
Minutes, page 109 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Dionne
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak, with Vice President Dionne opposed.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo) The minutes name who voted no but give no count; the count shown is from those names.
2 Loan order of $10,000,000 for the construction and/or improvement of City Streets
Minutes, page 111 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the loan order to the full Council for action
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the loan order to the full Council for action.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
3 Resolution — Convene to develop a comprehensive plan for an accurate financial ; analysis of the cost and distribution of solid waste and recycling carts
Minutes, page 114 · Agenda packet · Video
To table the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to table the resolution.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
5 City Council President communication and revised policy to City Council re: outside legal counsel
Minutes, page 118 · Agenda packet · Video
To strike out all sections of the policy other than the text in Section 12 . and to strike out, in the following: "If the request is denied," and to strike out "two-thirds," and insert, in its place, "majority;" and to insert the following: "The total cost of outside legal counsel shall not exceed the authorized budgeted amount during the respective fiscal year," and to insert the following: "This policy shall be effective on September 23, 2026, "
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Peckham, Pereira, PonteNo: Raposo
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay, to strike out all sections of the policy other than the text in Section 12 . and to strike out, in the following: "If the request is denied," and to strike out "two-thirds," and insert, in its place, "majority;" and to insert the following: "The total cost of outside legal counsel shall not exceed the authorized budgeted amount during the respective fiscal year," and to insert the following: "This policy shall be effective on September 23, 2026, " with Councilor Raposo voting in the negative.” (Motion: Dionne, second: Peckham)
To recommend that the policy order be adopted, as amended
The minutes say this was “unanimously voted … with Councilor Raposo opposed,” which contradicts itself, so no count or individual votes are shown. We will ask the City Clerk to confirm.
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was unanimously voted to recommend that the policy order be adopted, as amended, with Councilor Raposo opposed.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Dionne)
Adjournment
Minutes, page 118 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:52 p.m
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:52 p.m.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Note on these minutes: The City Clerk has not yet posted these minutes on the city’s minutes list. This record is taken from the attested copy in the October 13, 2026 agenda packet (pages 119–123).
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 Cadime exited the Council Chamber at 8:54 p.m
- Councilor Cadime returned to the Council Chamber at 8:56 p.m
- Councilor Pereira exited the Council Chamber at 9:00 p.m
- Councilor Pereira returned to the Council Chamber at 9:02 p.m
25 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Communications : Oo
1 Board of Election Commissioners and warrant for the State Election to be held on November 3, 2026
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
Resolutions
2 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene to discuss potential amendments to the nuisance properties ordinance
Minutes, page 1 · 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, with Councilor Cadime absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
3-5 Citations: Vanson Leathers, Inc.; Gregory Molinar, Community Engagement Director, Vanson Leathers, Inc.; Brigadier General Lisa Ahaesy, Commander, Massachusetts Air National Guard
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To take items 3 through 5 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 3 through 5 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Citations
3-5 Citations: Vanson Leathers, Inc.; Gregory Molinar, Community Engagement Director, Vanson Leathers, Inc.; Brigadier General Lisa Ahaesy, Commander, Massachusetts Air National Guard
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
That the citations 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 citations be accepted and placed on file.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
Orders: Miscellaneous -
6 Police Chief's Report on Licenses Private Livery Vehicle
Minutes, page 2 · 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 ,
7 Claims
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel.” (Motion: Peckham, second: Raposo)
8 Communication from MassDOT re: Route 79/Davol Street Procurement
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)
9 Roselli, Clark and Associates invoice for the Completion of 2025 audit per agreement with City of Fall River—City FY 2026
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the payment of the invoice
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously voted to approve the payment of the invoice.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
10 Documents from Ryan Duarte re: Traffic and Parking Department
Minutes, page 2 · 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)
11 Application for structures on or over a public way for Elections Department to hang Election Day/VOTE banners from October 19 to November 3 at the following locations: Pleasant Street (25' x 3') ©
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the application
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to approve the application.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
12 Planning Board Minutes — August 12, 2026
Minutes, page 3 · 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)
13-18 City Council minutes: Public Hearings (Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, 2026), Committee on Finance (Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, 2026), City Council (“August 17, 2026” as printed, and Sept. 8, 2026)
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To take items 13 through 18 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to take items 13 through 18 together.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
To approve the minutes
The agenda line reads “City Council — August 17, 2026,” but the council met on Aug. 11, 2026; this looks like a typo. We will ask the City Clerk to confirm.
From 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)
Tabled Matters
19 City Council ~ September 8, 2026
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift item 19 from the table
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to lift item 19 from the table, with Councilor Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Priority Matters
19 Mayor and the Appropriation of the following funds to and from the PEG Access and Cable Related Fund, totaling $586,600 330,000 for FREDTV, Operating Salaries & Expenses
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To waive the rules to allow Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions
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 Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services, to answer questions, with Councilor Pereira absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
To adopt the order
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Ponte, RaposoNo: PeckhamAbsent: Pereira
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Peckham opposed and Councilor Pereira 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.
Tabled Matters
Proposed Ordinance — Amending §62-2(C), Solid waste — collection and disposal, Generally (second reading and enrollment)
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To lift the proposed ordinance related to Amending §62-2(C), Solid waste — collection and disposal, Generally, from the table
Yes: Peckham, RaposoNo: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was voted 2 , yeas, 7 nays, to lift the proposed ordinance related to Amending §62-2(C), Solid waste — collection and disposal, Generally, from the table, with Councilors Peckham and Raposo voting in the affirmative, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Peckham)
Items filed late
Late 1a Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped. Parking
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 4 · 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 Canuel and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 9 yeas to . adopt the emergency preamble.” (Motion: Canuel, second: Hart)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor 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.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 1b Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Loading zones
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 Pereira, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Late 1c Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking removals
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · 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 Canuel, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Canuel)
Late 1d Proposed Ordinance — Amending §2-401, Chief of Police — Appointment; powers and duties; term
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 5 · 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)
Late 1e Loan order — $10,000,000 for the construction and/or improvement of City Streets
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the loan order
Yes: Cadime, Canuel, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Pereira, Ponte, RaposoNo: Peckham
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 nay, to adopt the loan order, with Councilor Peckham voting in the negative.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Late 1f Order re Revised policy to City Council re: outside legal counsel
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order, as amended
The minutes say this was “unanimously voted … with Councilor Raposo opposed,” which contradicts itself, so no count or individual votes are shown. We will ask the City Clerk to confirm.
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, as amended, with Councilor Raposo opposed.” (Motion: Cadime, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Finance
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 9:11 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Canuel and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:11 p.m.” (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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