Fall River, Massachusetts
Recent Fall River City Council topics include budget & taxes, public safety, roads & infrastructure, planning & zoning, resolutions & ordinances, contracts & procurement.
Topics found in recent meetings
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Municipal budget
Total revenue$502.5M (FY2023)
Total spending$475.9M (FY2023)
Taxes$142.5M (FY2023)
Debt outstanding$373.2M (FY2023)
Spending per resident$5,069 (FY2023)
Development activity
202558 housing units ($6.7M)
Recent meetings
Tue Jul 14, 2026
City Council
City Council considers $6.88 million loan for Third Street Parking Garage repairs
The City Council will discuss several high-value appropriations, including fire department salaries and parking garage maintenance. The meeting also includes public hearings for curb removals and a second-hand store permit.
- Loan order of $6,883,400 for repairs and maintenance of the Third Street Parking Garage
- Appropriation of $1,400,000 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Fire Salaries
- Appropriation of $586,600 for PEG Access and Cable Related Fund (FREDTV and FRCMedia)
- Appropriation of $331,636.27 from Opioid Stabilization Fund to Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
- Public hearing for Decked Out Trading Cards LLC to operate a second hand store at 1665 South Main Street
budgetinfrastructurepublic-safetyzoningparking
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
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City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
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INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
Ciry CLERK
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
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MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
JULY 14, 2026
AGENDA
5:30 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION MEETING
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
Curb Removals
4. Timothy R. Long, 1343 Newhall Street, for the removal of curbing as follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening _ to be to be Proposed After
Removed Added Alteration
677 Meridian Street 15’ 9 1” 0 24' 1"
The existing parcel was previously served by a 15-foot curb opening/driveway. The
applicant requests permission to extend the existing opening by an addition 9 feet, 1 inch.
The total opening for the location will be 24 feet, 1 inch. This is an after-the-fact
submission. The work was performed without the required permitting.
2. Glenn J. Hathaway, 46 Bowen Street, for the removal of curbing as follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening to be to be Proposed After
Removed Added Alteration
46 Bowen Street 25’ 11” 18° 0’ 44° 11°
The existing parcel was previously served by a 25-foot, 11-inch, curb opening/driveway.
The applicant requests permission to create an additional 16-foot curb opening/driveway.
The total opening for the location will be 41 feet, 11 inches.
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Jun 30, 2026
Special Meeting CANCELLED
Special City Council meeting cancelled
The City Council's special meeting scheduled for June 30, 2026, was cancelled. The agenda included a proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget and citizen input.
- Meeting cancelled
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
- General Fund Appropriation Order
councilbudgetcancelledgeneral-fund
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
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INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CITY CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 30, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
AGENDA
1. Citizen Input
OTHER POTENTIAL MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON (if received):
PRIORITY MATTERS
2. Mayor and revised Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
* General Fund Appropriation Order
ADA Coordinator:
Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center e Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 ¢ FAX 508-324-2211 «EMAIL
[email protected]
sees eres CHELSEA PACHECO
RIVER, PA ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
Tue Jun 30, 2026
Special Meeting (SECOND POSTING)
City Council to approve FY2027 $483.3M General Fund budget
The council will act on the revised Fiscal Year 2027 municipal budget, adopting a General Fund appropriation of $483,305,786, a 4.8% increase over FY2026. The meeting also includes a citizen‑input segment.
- Revised FY2027 General Fund appropriation order – total $483,305,786
- Police budget: salaries $24,767,158; expenses $2,130,062
- EMS Enterprise Fund appropriation $16,894,935
- Sewer and Water Enterprise Funds combined appropriation $48,559,989
- Funding sources include $4,000,000 from Diman Stabilization Fund and $150,000 surplus revenue
budgetfinancegeneral-fundpublic-safetyemergency-serviceswater-sewertax-levy
✓ Decided: Council discussed FY27 budget but took no formal action
City Council reviewed the revised Fiscal Year 2027 municipal budget and heard updates on funding for outside legal counsel, school transportation costs, and police retirement buyouts. Councilors raised concerns about a nearly $1 million discrepancy in school transportation figures and the need for additional information before voting. Discussions also covered the solid‑waste collection contract, debt service for new school projects, and available stabilization fund resources. No vote or formal approval was recorded during the meeting.
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL_ RIVER
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City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
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INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 30, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
AGENDA
1. Citizen Input
OTHER POTENTIAL MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON:
PRIORITY MATTERS
2. *Mayor and revised Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
* General Fund Appropriation Order
City Clerk
ADA Coordinator:
Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center e Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 e FAX 508-324-2211 e EMAIL
[email protected]
City of Fall River
Massachusetts
Office of the Mayor
Pau E. Coocan tb WH 2b P 2 11
Mayor
tls ——
June 26, 2026
Inés da Silva Paulino Leite
City Clerk
One Government Center
Fall River, MA 02722
Madam Clerk:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 3-6 of the City Charter and Chapter 2
Section 55 of the City Code, I hereby request that a Special Meeting of the City Council
be scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber,
Government Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to act on the revised General Fund appropriation order for
the Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget, which has been revised to address the Council’s
concerns.
Councilors who cannot physically attend will be allowed to attend remotely consistent
with the Massachusetts State Remote Participation Policy (M.G.L. c. 30A and 940 CMR
29.10).
Veil
Paul E
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CiTy CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: June 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
INATTENDANCE: Mayor Paul E. Coogan
Ann O'Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff
Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services
Kenneth C. Pacheco, Chief Operation Officer, Fall River Public Schools
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
1. Citizen Input Time
Collin Dias, 560 Ray Street — School Transportation and CFO
Mayor Paul E. Coogan, 90 Williamson Street — Budget
Vice President Dionne and Mayor Coogan discussed previous meetings between the City
Councilors and members of the Administration regarding the location of funds for the City
Council's outside legal counsel as well as upcoming discussions related to School
Transportation costs. Mayor Coogan explained that there will be an introductory meeting on July
1, 2026, with the new Chief Financial Officer of the Fall River Public Schools and that School
Transport
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Jun 23, 2026
City Council
Council to consider revised FY2027 budget of $484 million
The City Council will hold a regular meeting following committee sessions. Major actions include considering the revised Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget (General Fund $484,255,787, EMS $17,944,936), approving tax increment exemption agreements for Jefferson Realty and Second Street Trust, and several appropriations including $1,400,000 for Fire Department salaries. The council will also confirm John Sylvia to the Community Preservation Committee and discuss a state law extending liquor hours.
- Revised FY2027 Municipal Budget: General Fund $484,255,787, EMS $17,944,936
- Tax Increment Exemption Agreements: Jefferson Realty LLC at 37 Park Street, Second Street Trust at 377 Second Street
- Appropriation of $1,400,000 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Fire, Salaries
- End-of-year appropriations totaling $475,750 for various departments including Police Salaries ($450,000)
- Proposed amendment to expand Waterfront/Downtown Housing Development Zone
budgetzoninghousingpolicefirefinancetax-increment
✓ Decided: City Council adopts FY2027 budget with $16.9M total after multiple line‑item rejections
The council confirmed John Sylvia as the Park Commissioners representative on the Community Preservation Committee and accepted a communication on Massachusetts House Bill H.5482 extending liquor‑license hours. It approved the Emergency Medical Services budget line items and adopted a revised total of $16,894,935, while reducing EMS transfers by $1,050,007. Several General Fund line items, including the Mayor's salary and various administrative, financial, and public safety allocations, were rejected.
- Confirmed John Sylvia as Board of Park Commissioners rep on Community Preservation Committee (unanimous)
- Accepted communication on MA House Bill H.5482 extending liquor‑license hours (6 yeas, 3 nays)
- Approved EMS line items A1‑A5 and adopted revised budget total $16,894,935 (unanimous)
- Reduced EMS Transfers (Indirect Costs) by $1,050,007 (9 yeas)
- Rejected Mayor salary line item A1 (unanimous)
- Rejected General Fund line items A2‑A10 (6 yeas, 3 nays)
- Rejected Administrative Services line items B1‑B3 (7 yeas, 2 nays)
- Rejected Police, Harbor Master, and Fire & Emergency Services line items H1‑H8 (7 yeas, 2 nays)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
(FALL RIVER’
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
City CLerK
S
Es
pao City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the oy Clerk
EE
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
JUNE 23, 2026
AGENDA
5:00 P.M. COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON
ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
1.
Jointly Owned Pole Location
Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Eastern Avenue One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new jointly owned 55-foot class H1 pole (P50-50),
approximately 100 feet south of the centerline of the intersection of Barnes Street and
between Pole 50 and Pole 52 on Eastern Avenue. in accordance with Plan No.
31285764.
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING IF IT RUNS PAST 6:00 P.M.)
Presentation of Citations ~ None
1.
2.
3.
Citizen Input
*Resolution ~ Convene with the Chair of the Board of Elections, the
Administration, and a representative of the Fall River Commission on Disability to
discuss election cycle trends within new polling facilities (adopted 11-25-2025)
Transfers and appropriations
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 7:00 P.M.)
PRIO
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
Infis DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CHELSEA PACHECO
Ciry CLERK ASSISTANT CiTY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: June 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel, |
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., |
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo :
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: Ann O’Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
Councilor Peckham exited the Chamber at 7:16 p.m.
PRIORITY MATTERS
1. Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of John Sylvia, Chair, Board of
Park Commissioners, as the Board of Park Commissioners representative on the
Community Preservation Committee
On a motion made by Councilor Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously
voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Peckham absent and not voting.
Councilor Peckham returned to the Chamber at 7:18 p.m.
2. Mayor and communication to City Council for Massachusetts House Bill (H.5482) re:
extending operating hours for liquor licenses and public alcohol consumption
Vice President Dionne and Councilors Camara and Canuel expressed
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
confirm the appointment of John Sylvia, Chair, Board of Park Commissioners, as the Board of Park Commissioners representative on the Community Preservation Committee
1 absent
Christopher M. Peckham, Sr. absent
accept and place on file communication to City Council for Massachusetts House Bill (H.5482) re: extending operating hours for liquor licenses and public alcohol consumption
3 nay
Michelle M. Dionne nay · Michael G. Canuel nay · Christopher M. Peckham, Sr. nay
reject line items A2 through A10, Mayor, Expenses; City Council, Salaries; City Council, Expenses; City Clerk, Salaries; City Clerk, Expenses; Elections, Salaries; Elections, Expenses; Veterans’…
3 nay
Joseph D. Camara nay · Paul B. Hart nay · Andrew J. Raposo nay
Tue Jun 9, 2026
City Council
City Council considers $29.8M loan for former Bishop Connolly High School
The City Council will consider a $29,800,000 loan to purchase the former Bishop Connolly High School property at 373 Elsbree Street. The meeting also includes public hearings on auto repair shop licenses, curb removals, and utility pole installations, along with the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 financial audit.
- Loan order of $29,8M for Bishop Connolly High School property
- Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Audit presentation
- Auto Repair Shop License for Firestone Complete Auto Care
- Curb removals for 28 McDonald Street, 23-25 Salisbury Street, and 87 Aetna Street
- New utility pole locations on Bay, County, Eclipse, and Jefferson Streets
city-councilfinanceloanhigh-schoolzoningpublic-hearingutilitiesinfrastructure
✓ Decided: Council overrides Mayor's veto on outside legal counsel ordinance
The City Council voted to pass an ordinance for hiring outside legal counsel despite a mayoral veto. Other actions included confirming a Cultural Council appointment and adopting various orders regarding medical equipment, labor agreements, and curb removals.
- Passed ordinance to hire outside legal counsel notwithstanding Mayor's veto (6-3)
- Confirmed appointment of Nathaniel Roberts to the Cultural Council (unanimous)
- Adopted $10,000 grant from South_coast Health for EMS training manikin (unanimous)
- Adopted Labor Advantage for Workers, Local 124 order (unanimous)
- Referred police chief appointment ordinance to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
- Referred salary schedule ordinances to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
- Referred solid waste ordinance to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
- Passed traffic ordinance through second reading and enrollment (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CITy CLERK
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
page gs
renee
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED .
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
JUNE 9, 2026
AGENDA
5:55 P.M, PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Auto Repair Shop License
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC., 200 4" Avenue S, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37201 d/b/a
Firestone Complete Auto Care for a license to operate an auto repair shop at 748 Pleasant
Street, on Lot M-10-82 Assessors Plan.
’ Curb Removals
28 McDonald Street Realty LLC, 317 Lindsey Street, for the removal of curbing as
follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening to be to be Proposed After
Removed Added Alteration
28 McDonald Street 0 20’ 0 20°
The existing parcel currently has no curb opening or driveway. The applicant proposes to
create a new 20-foot curb opening/driveway. The total opening for the location will be 20
feet.
Steven T. Gomes Living Trust, 721 Oak Grove Avenue, for the removal of curbing as
follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening to be to be Proposed After
Removed _ Added Alteration
23-25 Salisbury Street 0 32’ 0’ 32’
The applicant proposes to create two (2) new 16-foot curb opening/driveway on Salisbury
Street to provide access and parking. The total opening for the location will be 32 feet.
This project has received Site Plan Review Approval.
ADA Coordinator: Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
rj
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNGIL
MEETING: June 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ;
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 8:47 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Camara, it was unanimously
voted to lift item 1 from the table.
PRIORITY MATTERS
4. Mayor and veto of the proposed ordinance authorizing the City Council to hire outside
legal counsel
On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was voted 6
yeas, 3 nays, that the proposed ordinance be passed to be ordained,as amended, notwithstanding
the veto of the Mayor, with Councilors Camara, Hart and Pereira voting in the negative.
2. Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Nathaniel Roberts to the Cultural
Council
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Pereira, it was unanimously
voted to confirm the appointment.
3. Mayor and g
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
proposed ordinance authorizing the City Council to hire outside legal counsel be passed to be ordained, as amended, notwithstanding the veto of the Mayor
3 nay
Joseph D. Camara nay · Paul B. Hart nay · Linda M. Pereira nay
Wed Jun 3, 2026
City Council
Council to vote on FY2027 budget appropriations
The City Council will hold a Committee on Finance meeting to continue discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget, including the School Department budget. Immediately following, a Special Meeting of the City Council will consider two appropriation orders: the FY2027 Municipal Budget and the FY2027 EMS Enterprise Fund.
- Continued discussion of FY2027 Municipal Budget
- School Budget Presentation
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget Appropriation Order
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 EMS Enterprise Fund Appropriation Order
budgetfinanceschoolsemsfall-rivercity-council
✓ Decided: City Council rejects proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
The City Council voted to reject several major line items of the proposed FY27 budget, including administrative services, facilities, and public safety. The Council also passed multiple motions recommending specific budget reductions for salaries and expenses.
- Rejected Mayor Salaries (6-3)
- Rejected Mayor, City Council, City Clerk, Elections, and Veterans' Benefits items (7-2)
- Rejected Administrative Services line items (8-1)
- Rejected Financial Services Salaries (9-0)
- Rejected Financial Services Expenses (9-0)
- Rejected Facilities line items (unanimous)
- Rejected Community Maintenance line items (unanimous)
- Rejected Community Services line items (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
sap, om 248 f
os
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JUNE 3, 2026
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
6:00 P.M. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
AGENDA
1. Citizen Input
2. Continue discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget as follows:
« Departments carried over from the June 2, 2026, Committee on Finance agenda,
if needed
¢ School Budget Presentation
¢ Education
School Department; School Transportation; Vocational School Assessments
6:05 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
(OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
MEETING IF THAT MEETING RUNS PAST 6:05 P.M.
IF COUNCIL IS PREPARED TO VOTE)
AGENDA
1. Citizen Input
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee on Finance recommending action:
2. Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget Appropriation Order
3. Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 EMS Enterprise Fund Appropriation Order
City Clerk
Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center « Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 ¢ FAX 508-324-2211 « EMAIL
[email protected]📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
L FALL RIVER |
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT City CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: June 3, 2026, at 6:05 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
INATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
1, Citizen Input Time — None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee on Finance recommending action:
2. Order — Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget
President Ponte explained that he and the Mayor have discussed the possibility of including
$40,000 in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget to be used for outside counsel services for the
City Council. President Ponte stated that the Mayor offered to appropriate these funds, but that
they must be allocated to an account within the Law Department.
Vice President Dionne made remarks regarding her discussion with the Administration
regarding this matter and emphasized that the funding needs to be placed in a City Council
expense account to avoid conflict of interest with Corporation Counsel. Vice President Dionne
also state
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
reject line item A1 for Mayor, Salaries
3 nay
Joseph D. Camara nay · Paul B. Hart nay · Linda M. Pereira nay
reject line items A2 through A10, Mayor, Expenses, City Council, Salaries; City Council, Expenses; City Clerk, Salaries; City Clerk, Expenses; Elections, Salaries; Elections, Expenses; Veterans’…
2 nay
Joseph D. Camara nay · Paul B. Hart nay
reject line items B1 through B3, Administrative Services, Salaries; Administrative Services, Expenses; and Judgements and Claims, respectively
1 nay
Paul B. Hart nay
Tue May 26, 2026
City Council
Mayor requests $29.8M loan to buy former Bishop Connolly High School site
The City Council will consider a loan order of $29,800,000 to purchase the former Bishop Connolly High School property at 373 Elsbree Street. Council members will also vote on reappointing three members to the Council on Aging and on appointing Ken Schadegg to the Historical Commission and Orlando Rodrigues to the Planning Board. Additional items include approval of three new jointly owned utility poles on King Philip Street, Meridian Street, and New Boston Road, and discussion of the FY2027 municipal budget.
- Loan order of $29,800,000 for the former Bishop Connolly High School property at 373 Elsbree Street
- Reappointment confirmations for Barbara Jean, Susana Ribeiro, and Lorraine Sherry to the Council on Aging
- Appointment of Ken Schadegg to the Historical Commission
- Appointment of Orlando Rodrigues to the Planning Board
- Three new jointly owned utility poles: King Philip St, Meridian St, and New Boston Rd
financereal-estateappointmentsinfrastructurebudgettraffic
✓ Decided: Council approves $501,300 for Fall River Preservation Society project
The City Council approved funding for the purchase and renovation of 604 Rock Street. Other actions included confirming several appointments and approving various surplus revenue appropriations.
- Approved $501,300 for Fall River Preservation Society (8-0)
- Confirmed reappointment of Barbara Jean to Council on Aging (unanimous)
- Confirmed reappointment of Susana Ribeiro to Council on Aging (unanimous)
- Confirmed reappointment of Lorraine Sherry to Council on Aging (unanimous)
- Confirmed appointment of Ken Schadegg to Historical Commission (unanimous)
- Confirmed appointment of Orlando Rodrigues to Planning Board (unanimous)
- Accepted POST Commission communication into file (unanimous)
- Referred $29.8M Bishop Connolly High School loan order to Finance Committee (7-1)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
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FALL RIVER
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INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
Crry CLERK
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
MAY 26, 2026
AGENDA
4:30 P.M. COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON
ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
Jointly Owned Pole Locations
1. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
King Philip Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new jointly owned 45-foot class H1 pole (P16-50) on
King Philip Street approximately 250 feet easterly of the centerline of the intersection of
King Philip Street and King Street between existing Pole 16 and Pole 17. In accordance
with Plan No. 31293970.
2. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Meridian Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new jointly owned NE midspan pole (P3-50) on
Meridian Street approximately 100 feet southerly of the centerline of the intersection of
Meridian Street and Aldea Street. In accordance with Plan No. 31303691.
3. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
New Boston Road One (
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
Inés DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: May 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: — Ann O'Neil-Souza, Chief of Staff/Interim City Administrator
Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services
James Souza, Vice President, Board of Directors,
Fall River Preservation Society, 263 Pine Street
Steven Long, Fall River Preservation Society, 263 Pine Street
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 10:59 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by
a salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was
unanimously voted to take item 8a out of order.
ITEMS FILED AFTER THE AGENDA DEADLINE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: MAY 26, 2026
PRIORITY MATTERS
8a. Mayor and order appropriating $501,300 from Community Preservation Act, FY27
Funding, Community Housing funds to the Fall River Preservation Society
A motion was made by Councilor Camara and seconded by Councilor Raposo to hold a recess
to allow for the review of documentation provided by the
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
adopt the order appropriating $501,300 from Community Preservation Act, FY27 Funding, Community Housing funds to the Fall River Preservation Society
1 abstain
President Ponte abstain
loan order of $29,800,000 for the purchase of the former Bishop Connolly High School property located at 373 Elsbree Street
1 nay · 1 abstain
Peckham nay · Raposo abstain
adopt the order $2,000,000 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Employer Health Care Trust Fund
2 nay
Vice President Dionne nay · Peckham nay
Tue May 19, 2026
City Council
Council to consider confirming Christopher Hathaway as maintenance director
The City Council will vote on Mayor Paul Coogan's appointment of Christopher Hathaway as Director of Community Maintenance with a $140,000 annual salary, effective June 1, 2026. The council will also consider a resolution to seek a judge's ruling on its authority to confirm reappointments, investigate city departments, and hire outside legal help. Both items were previously objected to on May 12, 2026. The meeting includes a period for citizen input.
- Mayor's request to confirm Christopher Hathaway as Director of Community Maintenance at $140,000/year, effective June 1, 2026 (objected to 5-12-2026)
- Committee recommendation to adopt a resolution seeking a legal determination on the City Council's authority to confirm reappointments
- Resolution also asks for a judge's ruling on the Council's jurisdiction to investigate city departments
- Resolution further requests clarity on the Council's authority to hire outside agencies for investigations
- Citizen input period at the start of the meeting
appointmentsdirector-of-community-maintenancecity-council-authoritylegal-actionresolutionsfall-river
✓ Decided: City Council confirms Christopher Hathaway as Director of Community Maintenance
The council unanimously confirmed Christopher Hathaway as Director of Community Maintenance. Councilors also unanimously lifted items 2 and 3 from the table and waived rules to let Corporation Counsel answer questions. The resolution to seek judicial review of council authority was tabled until the May 26 regular meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
- Confirmed Christopher Hathaway as Director of Community Maintenance (unanimous)
- Lifted item 2 from the table (unanimous)
- Lifted item 3 from the table (unanimous)
- Waived rules to allow Corporation Counsel to answer questions (unanimous)
- Tabled resolution to obtain judicial review until May 26, 2026 (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:34 p.m. (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
CARES)
ESHTSN City of Fall River Massachusetts
}
<a
Office of the City Clerk
MMs HAY 1S AW 24
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE secu pa CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK Gilt ALL RIVER, aA ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 19, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
AGENDA
1. Citizen Input
PRIORITY MATTERS
2. *Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Hathaway
as the Director of Community Maintenance (objected to 5-12-2026)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee on Ordinances and Legislation recommending:
Adoption:
3. *Resolution — City Council pursues legal action to get a legal determination from
a judge on the City Council's authority to confirm reappointments, the City
Council’s jurisdiction to investigate City departments and the City Council's
authority to hire outside agencies to assist with investigations
(objected to 5-12-2026)
Inés da Silva Paulino Leite
City Clerk
ADA Coordinator: Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center « Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 « FAX 508-324-2211 «EMAIL
[email protected]
City of Fall River
Massachusetts
Office of the Mayor
Pau E. COOGAN
Mayor
May 5, 2026
Honorable Members of the City Council
City of Fall River
One Government Center
Fall River, MA 02722
Honorable Members of the City Council:
I hereby request the confirmation by the City Council for the following appointment:
Name: Christopher Hathaway
Address: 259 High Hill Rd.
Swan
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Inés DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
{FALL RIVER
rs) wT
ZGOABSH) >
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
CITY CLERK
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: May 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira
and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Vice President Michelle M. Dionne
IN ATTENDANCE: Alan J. Rumsey, Esq., Corporation Counsel
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
1. Citizen Input — None
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was
unanimously voted to lift item 2 from the table, with Vice President Dionne absent and not
voting.
PRIORITY MATTERS
2. Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Hathaway
as the Director of Community Maintenance
On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was
unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Vice President Dionne absent and not
voting.
On a motion made by Councilor Cadime and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was
unanimously voted fo lift item 3 from the table, with Vice President Dionne absent and not
voting.
One Government Center « Fall River, MA 02722
TE
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
lift item 2 from the table
1 absent
Michelle M. Dionne absent
confirm the appointment of Christopher Hathaway as the Director of Community Maintenance
1 absent
Michelle M. Dionne absent
lift item 3 from the table
1 absent
Michelle M. Dionne absent
waive the rules to allow Alan J. Rumsey, Esq., Corporation Counsel, to answer questions
1 absent
Michelle M. Dionne absent
Tue May 12, 2026
City Council
City Council to consider $3 million health fund transfer and waste collection contract
The City Council will discuss the appropriation of $3 million from FY 25 surplus revenue to the Employer Health Trust Fund and a waste collection contract with Capitol Waste Services, Inc. The meeting includes public hearings on curb removals and utility pole installations, as well as proposed reorganizations of city maintenance departments.
- Appropriation of $3,000,000.00 from FY 25 Surplus Revenue to Employer Health Trust Fund
- Two-year contract (with one-year option) for waste and recycling collection with Capitol Waste Services, Inc.
- Proposed ordinance to reorganize City Operations Department into Department of Community Maintenance and Department of Facilities Maintenance
- Curb removal requests for 909 High Street and 940 South Main Street/279 Osborn Street
- Installation of five new jointly owned utility poles on County, King, Mount Hope, Rodman, and Tripp Streets
budgetwaste-managementzoningpublic-workscity-government
✓ Decided: City Council adopts emergency traffic ordinance and confirms park commissioner appointments
The Council adopted an emergency preamble and passed a traffic and handicapped‑parking ordinance with strong support. It confirmed John Sylvia to the Board of Park Commissioners and reappointed Victor Farias and Helen Rego to the same board. A resolution authorizing the Community Development Agency’s Year Two Action Plan was approved. The proposed reorganization of City Operations and the Traffic Commission recommendations were each referred to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.
- Adopted emergency preamble for traffic and handicapped parking ordinance (9 yeas)
- Passed traffic and handicapped parking ordinance through readings and enrollment (unanimous)
- Confirmed appointment of John Sylvia to Board of Park Commissioners (unanimous)
- Reappointed Victor Farias to Board of Park Commissioners (9 yeas)
- Reappointed Helen Rego to Board of Park Commissioners (9 yeas)
- Authorized Community Development Agency Year Two Action Plan (8 yeas, President abstained)
- Referred proposed reorganization ordinance of City Operations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
- Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
Inés DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE .
City CLERK GP y ud
ZSeASHTEN
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
Pack Hivah, PA
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
MAY 12, 2026
AGENDA
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Curb Removals
Robert Kfoury, 909 High Street Investment Trust, PO Box 4266, for the removal of curbing
as follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening to be to be Proposed After
Removed Added Alteration
909 High Street 14 18 0 32’
The existing parcel is served by a 14-foot curb opening and driveway. The applicant proposes
to create a new 18-foot curb opening/driveway to provide access to additional housing units
and parking. The total opening for the location will be 32 feet. The Site Plan Review has been
successfully completed.
Dylans Estates LLC, 1175 State Road, Westport, MA, 02790 for the removal of curbing
as follows:
Existing Curbing Curbing Combined Opening
Opening to be to be Proposed After
Removed Added Alteration
940 South Main Street 20’ 8” 0 o 20’ 8”
279 Osborn Street 0 16 0 18°
Total: 36’ 8”
The existing parcel is served by a 20-foot, 8-inch curb opening and driveway on South
Main Street. The applicant proposes to create a new 16-foot curb opening/driveway on
Osborn Street to provide access and parking. The total opening for the location will be 36
feet, 8 inches.
ADA Coordinator: Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center « Fall
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
3 z
DESH D>
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: May 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: Ann O’Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff
Nicholas A. Macolini, Director of Human Resources
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 8:35 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRIORITY NATTERS
1. Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Hathaway as the
Director of Community Maintenance
Vice President Dionne expressed concern that this appointment for the Director of Community
Maintenance position was being submitted to the City Council prior to the Committee on
Ordinances and Legislations’ discussion of item 5 on the agenda, the proposed ordinance to
reorganize the Department of Community Maintenance (DCM) and the Department of City
Operations. Vice President Dionne provided examples of contradictory language such as the
City Engineer providing engineering advice “as requested and approved by the
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
move the question regarding the appointment of Christopher Hathaway as the Director of Community Maintenance
2 nay
President Ponte nay · Raposo nay
Tue Apr 28, 2026
Multiple revisions - see "
Fall River City Council to consider $4.46 million in CPA funding and surplus appropriations
The City Council will review several mayoral requests for funding, including Community Preservation Act projects and surplus revenue allocations. The body will also consider a contract for curbside waste collection and various traffic and parking ordinances.
- Appropriation of $4,459,575.32 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY2027 projects
- Surplus revenue appropriations totaling $5,122,500 for Police, Fire, Facilities, Community Maintenance, and the Employer Health Trust Fund
- Two-year contract award for Municipal Solid Waste and Single Stream Recyclable Curbside Collection to Capitol Waste Services, Inc.
- Proposed order to establish a 25-mph speed limit in thickly settled or business districts
- Proposed expansion and amendment of the Waterfront/Downtown Housing Development (HD) Zone
budgetzoningwaste-managementtrafficpublic-safetyhousing
✓ Decided: City Council adopts 25‑mph speed limit in dense districts
The council unanimously adopted a mayoral order establishing a 25‑mph speed limit in densely settled or business districts. It also adopted a donation order for a trained search‑and‑rescue dog and accepted the Community Development Agency Year Two Action Plan. Several FY‑25 surplus‑revenue appropriations totaling $5,517,500 were approved, while the Community Preservation Act appropriation was tabled. Multiple items, including a solid‑waste contract and a traffic‑commission recommendation, were referred to the Finance and Ordinances committees.
- Adopt 25‑mph speed limit order (unanimous)
- Adopt donation dog order (unanimous)
- Accept Community Development Agency Year Two Action Plan (unanimous)
- Approve FY25 surplus appropriations: $225,000 Facilities, $250,000 Police, $397,500 Fire, $245,000 Community Maintenance, $1,600,000 Demolition Revolving Fund (unanimous)
- Table Community Preservation Act $4,459,575.32 appropriation (unanimous, one opposition)
- Refer two‑year solid waste contract to Finance Committee (unanimous)
- Refer FY25 financial audit to Finance Committee (unanimous)
- Refer Traffic Commission recommendations to Ordinances Committee (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
hae SP LAE tee Lt
(froueaes)
APA 2 Pie 13
‘ib f
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
City CLERK
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
\
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
APRIL 28, 2026
AGENDA
5:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION MEETING IF IT RUNS
PAST 6:00 P.M.) :
Presentation of Citations — None
1.
2.
Citizen Input
*Resolution ~ Convene with Director of Engineering and Planning and Administration to
develop a comprehensive funding strategy to match or supplement the City’s annual
Chapter 90 allocation to increase investment in roadway improvements (tabled 1-27-2026)
*Resolution — Committee on Finance and the Community Preservation Committee hold a
joint meeting with the Administration to discuss upcoming priorities for Community
Preservation Act funding categories and potential projects (adopted 3-10-2026)
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 7:00 P.M.)
PRIORITY MATTERS
1. *Mayor and order to accept M.G.L. Ch. 90, Sec. 17C, which relates to
Establishment of 25-miles-per-hour speed limit in thickly settled or business district in city
or town; violation (objected to 4-14-2026)
2, *Mayor and gift order to accept a donation for services of a profession
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALC RIVER,
FS) ly”
Za MARSHT ms
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
CITY CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: April 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr. and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Councilors Paul B. Hart and Linda M. Pereira
INATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRESENTATION OF CITATIONS — None
Councilor Cadime requested an update regarding the Fall River Police Department
investigation. President Ponte stated that he, the Mayor and the Interim Police Chief had come
to an agreement that the investigation documents will be submitted to the Massachusetts Peace
Officer and Standards Training (POST) Commission and stated that he looks forward to moving
forward collaboratively with the Administration and Police Department in relation to this matter.
The Council President also stated that the City Council will not be pursuing outside legal
counsel at this time and a press release regarding this matter has been placed on the desks of
all City Councilors. Councilor Camara asked if this will end t
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
table item 4
2 absent · 1 nay
Michael G. Canuel nay · Paul B. Hart absent · Linda M. Pereira absent
Tue Apr 14, 2026
City Council
Council to appropriate $4.46M from CPA and $5.7M from surplus
The City Council will hold public hearings on six new jointly owned utility poles (National Grid/Verizon). At the regular meeting, it will vote on a $4.46 million Community Preservation Act appropriation for FY26 projects, $5.7 million in surplus revenue transfers (including $1.6M for demolition and $3M for the health trust fund), and a proposed 25 mph speed limit ordinance for thickly settled or business districts. The council will also discuss FY27 Water/Sewer budgets (no rate increase) and a gift of a comfort/search-and-rescue dog for EMS.
- Appropriation of $4,459,575.32 from Community Preservation Act for FY26 projects
- Transfer of $3,000,000 from FY25 surplus to Employer Health Trust Fund and $1,600,000 to Demolition Revolving Fund
- Proposed ordinance to adopt M.G.L. Ch. 90, Sec. 17C establishing a 25 mph speed limit in certain districts
- Acceptance of a donation of a professionally trained comfort and search-and-rescue dog for the Emergency Medical Services Division
- Public hearings and orders for six new jointly owned pole locations on Arizona, Bedford, East Main, Locust, Northeastern Avenue, and Peckham streets
city-councilappropriationsbudgetspeed-limitcommunity-preservationpublic-safetyutilitiestraffic
✓ Decided: Council approves resolution to study hiring outside counsel (6-3)
The council voted 6‑yeas to 3‑nays to adopt a resolution directing the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation to draft an ordinance permitting the city to hire outside counsel and to create a budget account for future appropriations. The motion to adopt the resolution passed after a brief debate. Several procedural motions to waive rules for testimony and to discuss speed‑limit enforcement were unanimously approved, while other agenda items were tabled after Councilor Cadime objected.
- Adopt resolution to allow Committee to draft ordinance for hiring outside counsel and create budget account (6 yeas, 3 nays)
- Unanimously waive rules to let Corporation Counsel Alan J. Rumsey answer questions
- Unanimously waive rules to let Director of Human Resources Nicholas A. Macolini answer questions
- Unanimously waive rules to let Director of Traffic and Parking Stephanie MacArthur answer questions on speed‑limit enforcement
- Unanimously waive rules to let Corporation Counsel answer questions on speed‑limit enforcement
- Motion to adopt order on 25‑mph speed limit discussion laid on the table after Cadime objection
- Motion to adopt order for donation of a search‑and‑rescue dog laid on the table after Cadime objection
- Motion to refer Community Development Agency Year Two Action Plan to Finance Committee laid on the table after Cadime objection
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Inés DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
City CLERK EEy
FALL RIVER.
a
ZS MESH
if
lp
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
RIVERA
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
APRIL 14, 2026
AGENDA
5:00 P.M. JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE JOINT MEETING OF
THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
1.
Jointly Qwned Pole Location
Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Arizona Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new, jointly owned midspan pole (P1-50), between
Pole 1 and Pole 2, and approximately 130 feet southeast of the centerline of the
intersection of Eastern Avenue and County Street. In accordance with Plan No. 31285348
Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Bedford Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new, Jointly owned, 55-foot Class H1 midspan pole
(P64-50) approximately 143 feet westerly of the centerline of the intersection of Eastern
Avenue and Bedford Street between existing poles P64 and P65. In accordance with Plan
No, 31284377
Restriction:
Must not impede existing driveway.
Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
{ FALL RIVER
y me
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: April 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M.
Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: Alan J. Rumsey, Corporation Counsel
Nicholas A. Macolini, Director of Human Resources
Stephanie MacArthur, Director of Traffic and Parking
President Ponte cailed the meeting to order at 9:41 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRESENTATION OF CITATIONS — None
Councilor Cadime requested an update regarding the status of the City Council's request for the
Administration to perform an investigation regarding police matters that was discussed at the
previous Regular Meeting of the City Council on March 24, 2026.
President Ponte stated that he, Vice President Dionne and Councilor Peckham have been
working to hire a third-party firm to perform this investigation on behalf of the City Council.
Councilor Cadime asked if the Administration would be working with the City Council for this
investigation as this will affect how he votes on matters on the agend
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Apr 14, 2026
Joint Meeting
Council and School Committee to review FY2027 budget outlook
The City Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting to review Fall River's fiscal condition, revenue and expense forecasts, and other data in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Citizens input will be taken at the start of the meeting. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is informational.
- Review of fiscal and financial condition, revenue and expense forecasts for FY2027 budget preparation
budgetcity-councilschool-committeefiscal-year-2027joint-meeting
✓ Decided: No formal decisions were made at the joint council and school committee meeting
The meeting consisted of presentations and extensive discussions on budgeting, school funding, bus services, health insurance costs, and a potential purchase of the former Bishop Connolly High School. No motions were voted on, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. Councilor Raposo recused himself from the Bishop Connolly High School discussion and left the chamber.
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River
Massachusetts
Office of the Mayor _
Hd KAR -3 A 8 &
Paur E. CooGan
Mayor
CITY CLEP: ce
FALL RIVER MA
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
APRIL 14, 2026 AT 5:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL. CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
AGENDA
1. Citizens Input
2. Review of the fiscal and financial condition of the city, revenue
and expense forecasts, and other relevant information in
preparation for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
Coll bree
Paul he ogan
r
ADA Coordinator: Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center * Fall River, MA 02722
TEL (508) 324-2600 * FAX (508) 324-2626 * EMAIL
[email protected]📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
=) 7
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Cry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MEETING: April 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
INATTENDANCE: _ Elizabeth Legault, Interim Deputy Superintendent,
Fall River Public Schools
Kevin Almeida, Chief Financial Officer, Fall River Public Schools
Kenneth C. Pacheco, Chief Operating Officer, Fall River Public Schools
Ann O'Neil-Souza, Interim City Administrator/Chief of Staff
Emily Arpke, Director of Financial Services
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. and announced that the meeting may
be recorded with audio or video and transmitted through any medium.
The following School Committee Members were present at the meeting:
PRESENT: Mayor Paul E. Coogan, Kevin Aguiar, Collin Dias, Thomas Khoury,
Emanuel Moniz, Ana Riley, Shanell Stuwart
ABSENT: None
1. Citizen's Input Time
On a motion made by Councilor Peckham and seconded by Councilor Canuel, it was
unanimously voted to waive the rules to allow a non-Fall River resident to speak.
Keith Michon, Jr., 77 Tryon Avenue, East Providence, RI — Fall River Public Schools Budget
Councilor Camara and
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Mar 24, 2026
City Council
Fall River City Council to review FY2027 Enterprise Fund budgets
The City Council will discuss proposed FY2027 Enterprise Fund budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions. The meeting includes public hearings on utility pole installations and curb removals, as well as a vote on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan.
- Proposed FY2027 Enterprise Fund budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions
- Approval of the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Request to conduct a public online auction for surplus property from Fire, Police, and other departments
- Curb removal requests for 160 Franklin Street, 215-219 Earle Street, and 25 Rhode Island Avenue
- Proposed parking prohibitions and handicapped parking removals on Lindsey, George, Grove, Oliver, and Pitman Streets
budgetinfrastructurezoningutilitiespublic-works
✓ Decided: Council unanimously adopts traffic parking ordinance and salary amendment
The Fall River City Council referred the FY 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets to the Committee on Finance and the Traffic Commission’s ordinance recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation. It then approved two ordinances—one imposing parking restrictions on Lindsey Street and another adjusting salaries for municipal building officials—after second reading and enrollment. The council also adopted utility pole orders, curb‑removal orders, and confirmed the reappointment of Amber Burns to the Board of Park Commissioners.
- Referred FY 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets to Committee on Finance (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Approved traffic parking ordinance restricting Lindsey Street (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Approved salary amendment ordinance for municipal building officials (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Adopted orders for four jointly owned utility pole locations and an underground conduit (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Adopted curb removal order for 150 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Referred two curb removal orders (215‑219 Earle Street and 25 Rhode Island Avenue) to Committee on Regulations (unanimous, Hart absent)
- Confirmed reappointment of Amber Burns to the Board of Park Commissioners (unanimous, Hart absent)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER.
es wy
ZUARSHY >
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
cane
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL, CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
MARCH 24, 2026
AGENDA
§:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Jointly Owned Pole Location
1. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc, for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Alden Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new, jointly owned 45-foot, Class 2 pole (P1) on
Alden Street, beginning at a point approximately 85 feet southeast of the centerline of the
intersection of Quequechan Street and Alden Street. In accordance with Plan No.
31135482
Restriction:
Pole shall be set at back of walk to ensure adequate Americans with Disabilities Act path
width.
2. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National! Grid and Verizon New England, Inc, for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Alden Street One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new, jointly owned 45-foot H1 pole (P25-50) at 434
Alden Street, beginning at a point approximately 137 feet north of the centerline of the
intersection of Alden Street and Merino Street and continuing approximately 12 feet in the
easterly direction. In accordance with Plan No. 31243528
Restriction:
Pole shail not impede existing driveways. Note: Many utilities in this area
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
iz
ry
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: March 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center /
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira and
Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Councilor Paul B. Hart
IN ATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:54 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
. salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
‘ transmitted through any medium.
PRESENTATION OF CITATIONS
+ Brian Bishop — Donating electrical services, materials and community outreach
Councilor Pereira made remarks commending the services that Mr. Bishop has provided to the
City of Fall River over the years. Mr. Bishop thanked the City Council for their recognition and
stated that his family has always worked hard to give back to their community.
* 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:
a. Fall River Fire Department
b. Fall River Emergency Medical Services Department
c. Fall River Police Department
d. Fall River Emergency Management Agency
e. 911 Emergency Dispatchers, AFSCME Co
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🗳️ How they voted (11 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
refer the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Enterprise Fund budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions to the Committee on Finance
1 absent
Hart absent
refer the Traffic Commission recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
1 absent
Hart absent
pass proposed ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous through second reading and enrollment
1 absent
Hart absent
pass proposed ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous to be ordained
1 absent
Hart absent
pass proposed ordinance — Salary amendments for the Commissioner of Municipal Buildings and Code Enforcement/Inspector of Buildings through second reading and enrollment, as amended
1 absent
Hart absent
pass proposed ordinance — Salary amendments for the Commissioner of Municipal Buildings and Code Enforcement/Inspector of Buildings to be ordained, as amended
1 absent
Hart absent
adopt resolution for Committee on Finance to convene with Director of Financial Services, the Director of City Operations and the interim Director of Community Maintenance to provide updates on the…
1 absent
Hart absent
refer Capital Improvement Plan resolution to the Committee on Finance
1 present · 1 absent
Pereira present · Hart absent
take items 7 through 12 together
1 absent
Hart absent
adopt orders for items 7 through 12 (jointly owned pole locations and underground conduit)
1 absent
Hart absent
adopt order for curb removal at 160 Franklin Street
1 absent
Hart absent
Tue Mar 10, 2026
City Council
Council to appropriate $750,000 from Opioid Fund and consider key appointments
The City Council will hold a joint meeting with the School Committee for Mayor Paul Coogan’s State of the City address, followed by a Finance Committee meeting to review the five‑year financial forecast and an order to move $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund. The regular council session will consider several mayor‑requested confirmations, including reappointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Council on Aging, as well as a salary amendment for the Director of Health and Human Services. Additional items include a grant award for a community stroke‑risk project and a request to hold an online auction of surplus property.
- Appropriation of $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund (Finance Committee)
- Reappointment of Ricky P. Sahady to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Mayor request)
- Appointment of Sharon Jussaume to the Council on Aging (Mayor request)
- Proposed ordinance to amend salary for the Director of Health and Human Services (Mayor request)
- Grant order of $5,910.00 from Borderland Partners, LLC for a community stroke risk awareness project
financeopioidappointmentssalarygrantbudget
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALE RIVER
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City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
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Wb hik-b At 2y
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE ap
City CLERK
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ASSISTANT CiTy CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
MARCH 10, 2026
AGENDA
5:30 P.M. JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mayor Paul E. Coogan’s State of the City Address
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE IF IT
RUNS PAST 6:00 P.M.)
1. Citizen Input
2. *Five Year Financial Forecast (referred 2-10-2026)
3. *Order — Appropriating $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the
Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund (referred 2-10-2026)
4. Transfer and appropriation
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 7:00 P.M.)
PRESENTATION OF CITATIONS
* Family of the late Kathleen (Beaulieu) Castro — Honoring her commitment to improve the
Greater Fall River area (adopted 1-13-2026)
* Mike Labossierre ~ Your dedication to the Fall River community for over 40 years
and services that have improved the quality of life for all (adopted 1-13-2026)
PRIORITY MATTERS
1. *Mayor and request for confirmation of the reappointment of Ricky P. Sahady to the
Zoning Board of Appeals
2. *Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Sharon Jussaume to the
Council on Aging
3. *Mayor and r
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
7
a
OUR City of Fall River Massachusetts
“IVE Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT City CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: March 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
INATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRESENTATION OF CITATIONS
* Mike Labossierre —- Your dedication to the Fall River community for over 40 years
and services that have improved the quality of life for all (adopted 1-13-2026)
Councilor Pereira made brief remarks regarding Mr. Labossiere’s contributions to the City of Falf
River over the past forty years and wished him well in retirement. Sara Riley also commended
Mr. Labossiere’s work within the Copicut neighborhood and throughout the City. Mr. Labossiere
thanked the City Council for their support in various environmental matters over the years and
asked them to continue supporting projects that will benefit the City of Fall River's ecosystems.
* Family of the late Kathleen (Beaulieu) Castro —- Honoring her commitment to improve the
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Mar 10, 2026
Joint Meeting
Mayor to deliver State of the City Address
The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint meeting. The purpose of the session is for the Mayor to deliver the State of the City Address.
- State of the City Address
city-administrationmayorstate-of-the-city
✓ Decided: City Council and School Committee adjourned March 10 meeting
The joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee was held on March 10, 2026. Councilor Andrew J. Raposo moved, and Councilor Michael G. Canuel seconded, to adjourn the City Council session, which passed unanimously at 6:06 p.m. School Committee Member Collin Dias moved, and Member Ana Riley seconded, to adjourn the School Committee session, also passing unanimously at 6:06 p.m. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.
- Adjourn City Council meeting (unanimous, 6:06 p.m.)
- Adjourn School Committee meeting (unanimous, 6:06 p.m.)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE bin by yak A oe CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MARCH 10, 2026 AT 5:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
AGENDA
The purpose of the meeting is to allow the Mayor to deliver the
State of the City Address
A
Inés da Silva Paulino Leite
City Clerk
ADA Coordinator: Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center « Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 » FAX 508-324-2211 « EMAIL
[email protected]📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MEETING: March 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
INATTENDANCE: Mayor Paul E. Coogan
State Representative Carole A. Fiola, 6" Bristol District
State Representative Alan Silvia, 7 Bristol District
State Representative Steven J. Ouellette, 8" Bristol District
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and announced that the meeting may
be recorded with audio or video and transmitted through any medium.
Vice President Kevin Aguiar, School Committee, called their meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
The following School Committee Members were present at the meeting:
PRESENT: Mayor Paul E. Coogan, Kevin Aguiar, Collin Dias, Emanuel Moniz,
Ana Riley, Shanel! Stuwart
ABSENT: Thomas Khoury
President Ponte stated that the purpose of this meeting was for the Mayor's State of the City
address.
President Ponte then introduced the Mayor of Fail River for the annual State of the City
Address, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.
Prior to the conclusion of the State of the City Address, Mayor Paul E. Coogan,
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Feb 24, 2026
CANCELLED
Fall River City Council meeting cancelled for February 24, 2026
The meeting scheduled for February 24, 2026, was cancelled. The original agenda included discussions on a five-year financial forecast, a capital improvement plan, and various city appointments.
- Proposed appropriation of $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
- Proposed appropriation of $221,413.22 from EMS Retained Earnings to EMS Salaries
- Grant order of $5,910.00 from Borderland Partners, LLC for a community stroke risk factor project
- Public hearings for street acceptances of Brookfield Terrace, Fieldstone Lane, and Stonybrook Circle
- Proposed new jointly owned pole location on Rhode Island Avenue by National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc
budgetfinancezoningpublic-safetyinfrastructure
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
ERED ED EE ry
i ene
i FER 20 Pb 20
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CITY CLERK
BN secstsec cee were CHELSEA PACHECO
RIVER, HA ASSISTANT City CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
FEBRUARY 24, 2026
AGENDA
4:30 P.M. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
Jointly Owned Pole Location
1. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc, for
one new jointly owned pole location as follows:
Rhode Island Avenue One (1) new jointly owned pole location
This petition is proposing to install one new, jointly owned Pole P9-50 on Rhode Island
Avenue at a point approximately 70 feet southerly of the centerline of the intersection of
Orswell Street and Rhode Island Avenue and continuing approximately 17 feet in the
easterly direction. In accordance with Plan No. 31243520
Street Acceptances
2. Brookfield Terrace extending from the southerly side of Fieldstone Lane westerly to its’
terminus
3. Fieldstone Lane extending from the southerly terminus of Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
4. Stonybrook Circle extending from the westerly side of Fieldstone Lane westerly to its’
terminus
Capital Improvement Plan
5. Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARINGS IF THEY RUN PAST 6:00 P.
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Feb 10, 2026
City Council
Council to consider 5-year financial forecast and $750K opioid appropriation
The City Council will first meet as the Committee on Finance to discuss the Q2 budget report and transfers. At the regular meeting, priority matters include a 5-year financial forecast, an ordinance to amend salaries for the Director of Municipal Buildings, a request to deficit spend the snow and ice account, and an appropriation of $750,000 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund. Also on the agenda are reappointments to the Commission on Disability, a letter on Central Fire Station asbestos testing, and a resolution on snow removal protocols.
- Reappointments to Commission on Disability (Ann O'Neil-Souza, Dennis Polselli, Daniel Robillard)
- 5-Year Financial Forecast for FY2027-2031
- Order to deficit spend snow and ice account
- Appropriation of $750,000 from Opioid Stabilization Fund to Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
- Transfer of $1,230,000 to Fire and $656,000 to Police capital from FY25 surplus revenue
city-councilbudgetfinancial-forecastopioid-fundpublic-safetyappointmentssnow-removal
✓ Decided: Council approved $2.236M in surplus revenue transfers to fire, police, and admin services
The City Council unanimously confirmed three reappointments to the Commission on Disability. It adopted three surplus‑revenue transfers totaling $2,236,000 for fire, police, and administrative services. A proposed ordinance amending committee titles passed second reading and enrollment. Several items, including an opioid‑fund appropriation and a salary‑amendment ordinance, were referred to the Finance and Ordinances committees respectively.
- Confirmed reappointment of Ann O’Neil‑Souza (unanimous)
- Confirmed reappointment of Dennis Polselli (unanimous)
- Confirmed reappointment of Daniel Robillard (unanimous)
- Adopted $1,230,000 transfer to Fire and Emergency Services, Capital (unanimous)
- Adopted $656,000 transfer to Police, Capital (unanimous)
- Adopted $350,000 transfer to Administrative Services, Expenses (unanimous)
- Referred $750,000 opioid fund appropriation to Committee on Finance (Councilor Camara opposed)
- Passed proposed ordinance amending committee titles through second reading and enrollment (unanimous)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
RECEIVED
Mb FEB-b Pb 4g
Ins DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE oH Y Geek - CHELSEA PACHECO
Cry CLERK FALL RIVER, HA ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
AGENDA
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARINGS IF THEY RUN PAST 6:00 P.M.)
1. Citizen Input
2. “Fiscal Year 2026 Quarter 2 Budget Report (referred 1-27-2026)
3. Transfers and appropriations
7:00 P.M, REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 7:00 P.M.)
PRIORITY MATTERS
4. *Mayor and requests for confirmation of reappointments to the Commission on Disability:
a. Ann O’Neil-Souza
b. Dennis Polselli
c. Daniel Robillard
2. *Mayor and Five Year Financial Forecast
3. *Mayor and proposed ordinance re: salary amendments for the Director of Municipal
Buildings and Code Enforcement/Inspector of Buildings
4. *Mayor and order requesting approval to deficit spend the snow and ice account
5. *Mayor and order appropriating $750,000.00 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the
Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
6. *Mayor and the following transfers and appropriations:
a. $1,230,000.00 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Fire and Emergency Services, Capital
b. $656,000.00 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Police, Capital
c. $350,000.00 from FY25 Surplus Revenue to Administrative Services, Expens
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT City CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: February 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Councilor Linda M. Pereira
INATTENDANCE: None
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRIORITY MATTERS
41. Mayor and requests for confirmation of reappointments to the Commission on Disability:
a, Ann O’Neil-Souza
Vice President Dionne stated that the term start date for the three reappointments are listed with
term start dates earlier in the month, and that those dates should be amended to match the date
that the City Council confirms the appointments. On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and
seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment with a
February 10, 2026, effective date, with Councilor Pereira absent and not voting.
b. Dennis Polselli
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was
unanimously voted to confirm the reappointment with a February 10, 2026, effective da
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Jan 27, 2026
City Council
City Council to consider sale of former Davol School for $150,000
The City Council will review the sale of the former Davol School and discuss budget reports and infrastructure funding. The meeting includes public hearings on National Grid utility installations and a review of an internal personnel investigation summary.
- Proposed sale of former Davol School at 112 Flint Street to Contractor's Landing, LLC for $150,000
- Public hearings for National Grid to install a new pole on Miller Street and underground conduit on Pleasant Street
- Resolution to develop a funding strategy to address a $180 million roadway repair backlog
- Request for a cost analysis of moving residential solid waste and recycling collection in-house
- Discussion of a plan to repair the Pearl Street and Third Street parking garages
real-estateinfrastructurebudgetutilitiespublic-works
✓ Decided: City Council approved sale of former Davol School for $150,000
The council unanimously referred the FY2026 Q2 budget report to the Committee on Finance and accepted several communications for the record. It waived rules to let the Director of City Operations answer questions and referred the Central Fire Station inspection to the Committee on Real Estate. The council approved the sale of the former Davol School to Contractor's Landing, LLC for $150,000. A resolution directing a cost analysis of in‑house waste and recycling services was rejected (1‑7).
- Referred FY2026 Q2 budget report to Committee on Finance (unanimous)
- Accepted President's letters to Corp Counsel, HR, and Mayor and placed on file (unanimous)
- Accepted Director of Engineering communication and placed on file (unanimous)
- Waived rules to allow Director of City Operations to answer questions (unanimous)
- Referred Central Fire Station inspection to Committee on Real Estate (unanimous)
- Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
- Approved sale of former Davol School at 112 Flint Street to Contractor's Landing, LLC for $150,000 (8 yeas)
- Rejected resolution for in‑house waste/recycling cost analysis (1 yea, 7 nays)
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE . CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK :
VER ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
JANUARY 27, 2026
AGENDA
!
u cA
5:00 P.M. COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION
5:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE ON
ORDINANCES AND LEGISLATION MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 5:55 P.M.)
Pole Location
1. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid for one new pole location as follows:
Miller Street One (1) new pole
This petition is proposing to install one new, solely owned, Pole 3-20 between existing Pole
3, located on Whitman Street, and existing Pole 3-30, located on Miller Street. Proposed
Pole 3-20 will be located approximately 70 feet southeast of Pole 3 and will be set against
curbing in the sidewalk. In accordance with Plan No. 31222619.
Underground Conduit
2. Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid for an underground conduit location
as follows:
Pleasant Street
National Grid is proposing to install underground facilities on Pleasant Street. National Grid
will be installing a new switchgear manhole and PME 9 switchgear in parking lot 277 on
Pleasant Street. National Grid will also be installing 4-5 inches of concrete encased
conduits from Manhole (MH) 5-1 to Manhole (MH) 6-1 to new switchgear. In accordance
with Plan No. 31134152.
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING (OR IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
Inés DA SYLVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING: January 27, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding;
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Councilor Linda M. Pereira
IN ATTENDANCE: _ AI Oliveira, Director of City Operations
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRIORITY MATTERS
1. Fiscal Year 2026 Quarter 2 Budget Report
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously
voted to refer the matter to the Committee on Finance, with Councilor Pereira absent and not
voting.
PRIORITY COMMUNICATIONS
2. City Council President’s letter to Corporation Counsel and the Director of
Human Resources re: entering the executive summary of a recent internal personnel
investigation into the public record and related reply from Corporation Counsel
On a motion made by Vice President Dionne and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was
unanimously voted that the communication be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor
Pereira absent and not voting.
3. City Council
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue Jan 13, 2026
City Council
City Council to discuss fire station repairs and broadband fees in parks
The City Council will hold a Finance Committee meeting and a regular session to address infrastructure and administrative matters. Key discussions include the restoration of the Central Fire Station and the creation of a fee schedule for broadband infrastructure in city parks.
- Proposed removal of handicapped parking at Eastern Avenue, Maple Street, Montaup Street, President Avenue, and South Oxford Street
- Planning Board recommendation to accept Fieldstone Lane, Brookfield Terrace, and Stonybrook Circle
- Discussion of $1 million CPA funding and $2.5 million in bonding for Central Fire Station renovations
- Request for a fee schedule for broadband infrastructure in Kennedy, Columbus, and Chew Parks
- Proposed amendments to City Code Sections 2-130, 2-131, 2-132 and 2-134 regarding loan order authorizations
infrastructurezoningpublic-safetybroadbandfinanceparking
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
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City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
Py ev gs
his he
4 i
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE
CiTy CLERK
CHELSEA PACHECO
ASSISTANT CiTY CLERK
MEETINGS SCHEDULED
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ONE GOVERNMENT CENTER
JANUARY 13, 2026
AGENDA
6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING
1. Citizen Input
2. *Resolution ~- Convene with Director of City Operations and a member of the Administration
to discuss plans to repair the Central Fire Station (adopted 7-15-2025)
3. *Resolution — Convene with Corporation Counsel and a member of the Administration to
discuss the existing City ordinances related to the Civil Service List and potential hybrid
list (adopted 12-23-2025)
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL (OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE MEETING IF IT RUNS PAST 7:00 P.M.)
PRIORITY MATTERS — None
PRIORITY COMMUNICATIONS
4. *Planning Board recommendation to approve the acceptance of the following
streets:
a, Fieldstone Lane extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
b. Brookfield Terrace extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
c. Stonybrook Circle extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
2. *Board of Park Commissioners requesting the City Council assist with the creation of a fee
schedule related to the placement of broadband infrastructure within the parks
3. *Director of Human Resources notifying the City Council of the completion of the external
investigation related to the employment conc
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
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we City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INEs DA SYLVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
Crry CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNGIL
MEETING: January 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, One Government Center
PRESENT: President Cliff A. Ponte, presiding:
Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr.,
Linda M. Pereira and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: Kenneth C. Pacheco, Chief Operating Officer, Fall River Public Schools
President Ponte called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by a
salute to the flag and announced that the meeting may be recorded with audio or video and
transmitted through any medium.
PRIORITY MATTERS — None
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Peckham, it was
unanimously voted to take items 1a through 1c together.
PRIORITY COMMUNICATIONS :
1. Planning Board recommendation to approve the acceptance of the following
streets:
a. Fieldstone Lane extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
b. Brookfield Terrace extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
c. Stonybrook Circle extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Dionne, it was
unanimously voted that the Planning Board recommendation be accepted and placed on file
and that the orders be adopted.
2. Board of P
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Jan 5, 2026
Organization of Government
Fall River City Council to elect president and vice president for 2026
The Fall River City Council will hold an organization of government meeting on January 5, 2026, to elect a City Council President and Vice President for the year. The meeting also includes the inauguration of municipal officers. No other business is listed.
- Election of City Council President for 2026
- Election of City Council Vice President for 2026
- Inauguration of municipal officers
city-councilorganizationinaugurationleadershipfall-river
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INES DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
CY CL ee
Meeting of the City Council
and
Organization of Government
The organization of government, in conjunction with the inauguration of municipal
officers will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the Robert J.
Nagle Auditorium at Durfee High School, 460 Elsbree Street.
The purpose of the meeting will be to elect a City Council President and Vice
President for the year 2026.
City Clerk
ADA Coordinator:
Gary P. Howayeck, Esq. 508-324-2650
One Government Center e Fall River, MA 02722
TEL 508-324-2220 e FAX 508-324-2211 e EMAIL
[email protected]📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
FALL RIVER
w a
ZGhBSHiys
City of Fall River Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
INEs DA SILVA PAULINO LEITE CHELSEA PACHECO
City CLERK ASSISTANT City CLERK
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AND ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT
MEETING: January 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
B.M.C. Durfee High School, Robert J. Nagle Auditorium
460 Elsbree Street
PRESENT: Councilors Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michael G. Canuel,
Michelle M. Dionne, Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., Linda M. Pereira,
Cliff A. Ponte and Andrew J. Raposo
ABSENT: Councilor Paul B. Hart
City Clerk Inés da Silva Paulino Leite called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. There was a
presentation of the colors by the Fall River Police Department and Fall River Fire Department
Honor Guards.
The purpose of the meeting was to elect a President and Vice-President of the City Council for
the year 2026.
ORDERED, that we now proceed, by a vive-voce vote, to elect a President of the City Council
for the year 2026.
On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Ponte, it was unanimously
voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Hart absent and not voting. Councilor Cliff A. Ponte
received 8 votes and was declared President of the City Council for the year 2026, with
Councilor Hart absent and not voting. Councilor Ponte was then sworn into his duties by the City
Clerk.
Council President Ponte delivered remarks, then permitted the City Clerk to proceed with the
order of business.
ORDERED, that we now proceed, by a vive-
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
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