Fall River public meetings in 2022
26 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will consider an amended loan order of $2,700,000 to fund the construction and renovation of buildings for the Emergency Medical Services department. The council will also discuss rescinding Bristol County ARPA funding for the 'For Youth Initiative' to use local ARPA funds instead. Additionally, a public hearing is scheduled regarding a billiards room at 30 Front Street.
- $2,700,000 loan order amendment for EMS building construction and renovation
- Request to rescind Bristol County ARPA funding for the 'For Youth Initiative'
- Public hearing for a 24-table billiards room at 30 Front Street
- Traffic ordinance amendments for new handicapped parking locations
- Auto repair shop license renewals and transfers
City Council
The City Council and Finance Committee will discuss a $4,675,000 loan for Phase 22 Lead Service Removal Water Systems Improvements. The agenda also includes proposals to allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for IT improvements and traffic equipment. Additionally, the council will consider appointments to the Housing Authority and Zoning Board of Appeals.
- $4,675,000 loan order for Phase 22 Lead Service Removal Water Systems Improvements
- $1,034,604 ARPA funding proposal for IT Department Capital Improvements
- $3,000,000 ARPA funding allocation for Water Division lead service removal
- $10,000,000 U.S. EPA grant to replace public and private lead pipes
- Reappointment of Jason Burns to the Housing Authority
City Council
The City Council will consider a $4,675,000 loan order for Phase 22 Lead Service Removal Water Systems Improvements and a Section 108 loan application for fire apparatus replacement. The agenda also includes public hearings for utility work on Davol Street and several municipal appointments.
- $4,675,000 loan order for Phase 22 Lead Service Removal Water Systems Improvements
- $1,025,539.00 loan order for Central Fire Station and Fall River Fire Museum
- Public hearing for Verizon New England, Inc. underground conduit on Davol Street
- Confirmation of Kristen Cantara Oliveira to the Community Preservation Committee
- Amendments to traffic ordinances regarding intersections and parking prohibitions
City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss several financial transfers and committee appointments. The agenda includes moving funds to the school appropriation and law expenses. The council will also hold public hearings regarding utility pole relocations on Bedford Street.
- Transfer of $1,370,000 from the Tax Levy to the School Appropriation
- Transfer of $180,000 from the FY2022 Stabilization Fund to Law Expenses
- Confirmation of appointments to the Special Charter Review Committee
- Public hearing on utility pole relocations at Bedford and Seabury Streets
- Acceptance of a $267,842 grant for the purchase of part of Adirondack Farm
Revised)
The City Council will consider transferring $14,953.28 to cover ballot printing costs for the November 8 special election. Members will also vote on confirming five appointments to the Special Charter Review Committee. Additionally, the council will discuss a land conveyance involving the Fall River Housing Authority and SouthCoast Hospital Group.
- Transfer of $14,953.28 from General Fund Reserve for election expenses
- Confirmation of five appointments to the Special Charter Review Committee
- Acceptance of a $57,114.00 gift for Fire Department chemical detectors
- Public hearing for curb removal at 323 William S. Canning Blvd
- Discussion on using ARPA funds for cameras in city parks and playgrounds
City Council
The City Council will vote on transferring $55,800 for cemetery upgrades and $98,900 for EMS expenses. The agenda also includes ordinances to abolish the Boards of Fire Commissioners and Police. Additionally, the council will review salary changes for city officials and traffic ordinance amendments.
- Transfer of $55,800 from Sale of Burial Lots Fund to Cemetery Upgrades
- Transfer of $98,900 from EMS Stabilization Fund to EMS Expenses
- Ordinance to abolish the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Board of Police
- Salary increase for Director of Fall River Emergency Management Agency
- Amendments to traffic ordinances regarding parking and one-way streets
City Council
This special meeting includes an emergency preamble regarding the election of the Council President. The council will consider an order to elect a City Council President for the rest of 2022.
- Election of City Council President for the remainder of 2022
City Council
The Fall River City Council will review several grant acceptances, including funds for the Quequechan River Rail Trail and lead pipe inventory. The agenda also includes proposals for ARPA funding for fitness courts and pedestrian signs, alongside various traffic and parking ordinance changes.
- $11,000,000 Bristol County ARPA funding recommendation for water and sewer infrastructure
- $268,132 grant to extend the Quequechan River Rail Trail
- $164,350 ARPA funding proposal for a Fitness Court initiative
- $100,000 EPA grant for lead pipe inventory and public engagement
- Proposed ordinances regarding traffic and handicapped parking changes
City Council
The City Council will review proposals for Bristol County ARPA funding, including $1,365,000 for the Bioreserve Discovery Center and $2,000,000 for a youth initiative. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding National Grid underground conduit installations and a fuel storage license. Additionally, the council will consider various grants for local infrastructure and environmental projects.
- Approval of $1,365,000 in ARPA funding for the Bioreserve Discovery Center
- Proposal for $2,000,000 in ARPA funding for a youth initiative
- Acceptance of grants for Quequechan River Rail Trail and Sawdy Pond Dam repairs
- Public hearing on National Grid underground conduit installations
- Allocation of $325,000 for an ice skating rink at Kennedy Park
Revised)
The City Council will review several transfers from FY21 surplus revenue, including funds for legal expenses and a large transfer to the Stabilization Fund. The agenda also includes a public hearing for an auto repair shop license and a resolution regarding noise complaints at a car wash.
- Transfer of $1,300,000 from FY21 Surplus Revenue to the Stabilization Fund
- Transfer of $180,000 for a legal settlement with Amaral Bus Co., Inc.
- Transfer of $97,392.50 to Law Expenses
- Public hearing for an auto repair shop license at 67 Kay Street
- Resolution regarding noise complaints at the Fall River Coin Operated Car Wash
City Council
The City Council will review seven proposals for Bristol County ARPA funding and schedule a special election regarding the MBTA South Coast Rail district. The agenda also includes appointments to the new Historical Commission and the Sewer Commission. Additionally, the council will consider zoning amendments for the Waterfront Downtown HD Zone.
- Approval of seven proposals for Bristol County ARPA funding
- Scheduling a Nov. 8 Special Municipal Election regarding MBTA South Coast Rail
- Zoning amendment request from Sanford Spinning Mills LLC for Globe Mills Avenue
- Establishment of a $200,000 CVTE Revolving Fund for BMC Durfee High School
- Transfer of $50,000 from Fire Salaries to Fire Expenses
City Council
The Committee on Finance and City Council will continue discussing the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget. The agenda includes reviews of public safety departments, including Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. Orders for the General Fund and Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund are also listed.
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget
- Public Safety budget review (Police, Fire, EMA, EMS)
- General Fund budget orders
- Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund budget orders
City Council
The Council will review requests from the Mayor to accept various grants, including $220,770 for Route 6 improvements and $30,000 for firefighter equipment. Members will also continue discussions on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget. Additionally, public hearings are scheduled regarding utility installations and curb removal requests.
- Acceptance of grants including $220,770 for Route 6 improvements and $121,750 for water supply protection
- Acquisition of property at 2450 Indian Town Road via a drinking water supply protection grant
- Approval of Memorandums of Agreement for several collective bargaining units including AFSCME and Police Superior Officers
- Public hearings regarding Massachusetts Electric Company conduit on Highland Avenue and new poles on Graham Road
- Discussion of the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget
Special Meeting (Revised)
The Fall River City Council is meeting to review orders from the Committee on Finance regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 municipal budget. This includes items related to the General Fund and the Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund.
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget: General Fund
- Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget: Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund
City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss the allowable use of $16,035,844.70 in Bristol County ARPA funds. The agenda also includes confirming appointments for the Chief of Police and the Board of Election Commissioners chair. Additionally, the council will consider ordinances regarding water rates, sewer rates, and traffic changes.
- Confirmation of Paul F. Gauvin as Chief of Police
- Discussion on $16,035,844.70 in Bristol County ARPA funds
- Proposed ordinances for water and sewer rates
- Amendments to traffic ordinances for various street parking and intersections
- Proposed Residential Compost Recycling Program ordinance
Revised)
The Fall River City Council will consider several appointments and fund appropriations, including $2,511,737 from Community Preservation Act funds. Public hearings are scheduled for a new second-hand store and multiple curb removal requests. The Finance Committee will also discuss implementing body cameras for the police department.
- Appropriation of $2,511,737 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY2023 projects
- Resolution regarding the use of body cameras by the Fall River Police Department
- Transfer of $850,000 from State and County Assessments to the School Appropriation
- Public hearing for Black Brick Market at 575 Globe Street
- Proposed ordinances for water/sewer rates and residential compost recycling
Revised)
The City Council will discuss proposed FY23 budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions. The agenda also includes a request from the Mayor to confirm Ashley Pires as City Auditor. Public hearings are scheduled regarding an auto repair shop license and a new utility pole on Essex Street.
- Proposed FY23 budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions
- Confirmation of Ashley Pires as City Auditor
- New utility pole installation on Essex Street
- Support for the Fair Share Amendment in the November 2022 election
- Auto repair shop license for 1030 Dwelly Street
City Council
The City Council will review a resolution for the Community Development Agency's Year Three Annual Action Plan involving federal funding. The agenda also includes an order to transfer $1,427,230 from insurance funds to the school appropriation. Public hearings are scheduled regarding utility work on Airport Road and curb removal on Oak Grove Avenue.
- Appropriation of $1,427,230 from Insurance to School Appropriation
- Resolution for Community Development Agency Year Three Annual Action Plan
- Ordinances regarding salary schedules for contract personnel and executive officers
- Public hearing for National Grid poles and conduit on Airport Road
- Public hearing for curb removal at 452 Oak Grove Avenue
Joint Meeting
The City Council and School Committee will review the city's fiscal and financial condition. This includes reviewing revenue and expense forecasts in preparation for the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
- Review of the city's fiscal and financial condition
- Revenue and expense forecasts for FY 2023 budget preparation
- Citizens input session
City Council
The City Council will address Mayor Paul E. Coogan's veto regarding funding for the new Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. The Mayor is requesting a special election to allow voters to ratify the project, citing that costs exceed $5,000,000. The agenda also includes proposed FY2023 budgets for water and sewer divisions and several municipal appointments.
- Mayor's veto regarding Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School construction
- Proposed FY2023 budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions
- Comcast Cable Corporation request for three new poles on Hancock Street
- Confirmation of appointments to the Conservation Commission, Sewer Commission, and Watuppa Water Board
- Proposed ordinances for FY2023 water and sewer rates
Joint Meeting
The joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee features the Mayor's annual address regarding the city's status. The speech outlines updates on waterfront development, infrastructure projects, and park renovations. It also discusses the implementation of federal grants for public safety and community health.
- Route 79 project expected to bring over $1 billion in investment
- $8 million Water Department project for water main and lead service replacement
- $60,000 allocation for the Kennedy Park Renovation Project
- $44,000 allocation for skate park renovations at Lafayette, Abbot Court, and North Park
- $2 million SAMSHA grant for mental health and addiction outreach
City Council
The City Council and School Committee will discuss the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. The Finance Committee will review requests for school repairs at Wiley School and Resiliency Preparatory Academy. The Council will also consider appointments and an EMS fund transfer.
- $685,000 transfer from EMS Stabilization Fund to EMS Fund Capital
- Repair requests for Wiley School (roof, boilers, windows)
- Window and door replacement request for Resiliency Preparatory Academy
- Appointments to the Conservation Commission and Sewer Commission
- New traffic ordinances regarding parking and weather conditions
City Council
The City Council will address Mayor Coogan's veto regarding the construction of a new Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. The agenda includes orders to schedule a special election for April 11, 2022, and to designate polling places. A ballot question regarding a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the project will also be considered.
- Mayor's veto of the February 22, 2022, vote on Diman High School construction
- Scheduling of a special election for April 11, 2022
- Designation of polling places for the upcoming election
- Ballot question regarding Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the $293,479,760 project
Revised)
The City Council will consider appointments for Fire Chief and Human Resources Director. The council will also review requests to submit repair program statements of interest for two local schools. Additionally, the Finance Committee will hear a presentation regarding the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School project.
- Appointment of Roger St. Martin as Fire Chief ($165,000 salary)
- Appointment of Nicholas A. Macolini as Human Resources Director ($85,000 salary)
- $293,479,760 Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School project
- Statement of Interest for Stone Therapeutic Day School at Westall
- Statement of Interest for Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy
Revised)
The City Council will consider the appointment of Seth Thomas Aitken as City Administrator and an appropriation of $105,408 for school transportation. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the five-year capital improvement plan and the Fiscal Year 2022 second quarter budget report.
- Appointment of Seth Thomas Aitken as City Administrator at a $130,000 annual salary
- Appropriation of $105,408 from General Fund Free Cash to School Transportation
- Review of the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Consideration of implementing body cameras for the Police Department
- Renewal of various auto body and auto repair shop licenses
Organization of Government
This meeting organizes the government following the inauguration of municipal officers. The City Council will hold elections for a President and Vice President for the year 2022.
- Election of City Council President for 2022
- Election of City Council Vice President for 2022