Fall River public meetings in 2024
26 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Fall River City Council will hold a regular meeting on December 17, 2024, following committee sessions on ordinances, regulations, public hearings, and finance. Key items include an update on the Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project, which was tabled in July, and a proposed ordinance to create a Deputy Chief of EMS – Budget and Compliance position.
- Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project update (tabled 7-16-2024)
- Mayor's request to establish a Deputy Chief of EMS – Budget and Compliance position
- Public hearings on New England Power Company transmission lines on Copicut Road, Quanipaug Road, North Main Street, Highland Avenue, and Wilson Road
- Acceptance of a $1,000 donation from Mary Ann Dillon to the Fall River Public Library Children's Section
- Proposed traffic ordinance changes, including new stop signs, one-way streets, and handicapped parking adjustments
City Council
The City Council meeting includes public hearings on utility pole installations by National Grid on High Street and curb removals at 160 Linden Street and 118 Primrose Street. The Committee on Finance will discuss quarterly funding updates for the Bank Street Armory renovation. The Council will vote on confirming Nicholas S. Silva as Chief of Emergency Medical Services, reappointing three Library Board trustees, and accepting a $70,000 donation from the Josephine M. Turner Trust for Oak Grove Cemetery maintenance. Additional items include the Traffic Commission’s proposed ordinance amendments and a resolution urging approval of a variance request for 2 Ferry, LLC at 52 Ferry Street.
- Installation of two new solely owned poles and one anchor on High Street between Franklin Street and Pine Street (Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid).
- Removal of 2.4‑foot curb opening on Seabury Street and creation of a 22‑foot opening on Pine Street at 160 Linden Street (Sacred Heart Lofts, LLC).
- Extension of curb opening by 7 feet to a total of 26 feet at 118 Primrose Street (Jeffrey Furtado).
- Confirmation of Nicholas S. Silva as Chief of Emergency Medical Services (Mayor’s request).
- Acceptance of approximately $70,000 from the Josephine M. Turner Trust for general maintenance at Oak Grove Cemetery (Mayor’s request).
City Council
The City Council will hold committee meetings and a regular session. Discussions include the online real estate tax payment program and options for the vacant Watuppa Heights property. The council will vote on confirming a Library Administrator ($88,000 salary) and a Vocational School District Committee appointment. Traffic ordinance amendments for handicapped parking and heavy truck restrictions are also on the agenda.
- Resolution to discuss potential use of vacant Watuppa Heights property for affordable housing
- Resolution to discuss streamlining the online real estate tax payment program
- Confirmation of Fellisha Desmarais as Library Administrator (salary $88,000)
- Traffic Commission amendments for handicapped parking on several streets and heavy truck restriction on Wilson Road
- License renewals for taxicab drivers, private livery, and auto repair shops
City Council
The City Council will consider a $3.2 million loan order to increase funding for renovations at the Central Fire Station and construction of an EMS storage facility. The body will also vote on appropriating $78,062 from Community Preservation Act funds to remove the facade of the Maritime Museum.
- Increase to existing loan order for renovations and repairs to the Central Fire Station and construction of an EMS Storage Facility (total amount of $3,200,000)
- Appropriation of $78,062 from Community Preservation Act funds for the Maritime Museum facade removal
- Proposed Ordinance - Traffic, Miscellaneous (parking and handicapped parking removals)
- Curb removals for 170 Last Street, 552 Bowen Street & Hicks Street, and 116 Gagnon Street
- Former Frank M. Silvia Elementary School at 138 Hartwell Street bid proposals
City Council
The City Council and Committee on Finance will discuss the establishment of the Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and tax levy. This includes reviewing a potential split tax rate where a factor up to 1.75 can be used to decrease residential rates while increasing commercial, industrial, and personal property rates.
- Establishment of Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and tax levy
- Review of residential property value increase of 7.6% for FY 2025
- Review of personal property value increase of 19.0% for FY 2025
- Discussion of tax factor options ranging from 1.00 to 1.75
- Analysis of FY 2024 tax rates: Residential 11.49 and Commercial 23.94
City Council
The City Council will adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 tax levy percentages and confirm two mayoral appointments. The body will also discuss opioid settlement funds, a $3.2 million loan for fire station repairs, and a proposed ordinance to restrict heavy commercial vehicles.
- Adoption of FY 2025 tax levy percentages
- Confirmation of BJ McDonald to Community Preservation Committee
- Appropriation of $983,500 from Opioid Settlement Fund
- Request for $3.2 million loan for Central Fire Station renovations
- Proposed ordinance restricting heavy commercial vehicles on Wilson Road
City Council
The City Council will confirm the appointment of Tim McCoy and the reappointment of Christopher Boyle to the Conservation Commission, and discuss options to help the Flint Neighborhood Association with water service payments and property use.
- Confirmation of Tim McCoy to Conservation Commission
- Confirmation of Christopher Boyle to Conservation Commission
- Discussion on Flint Neighborhood water service payments
- Discussion on Flint Neighborhood property use
- Public hearing on curb removal at 2492 South Main Street
City Council
The Fall River City Council will discuss proposed ordinances regarding unauthorized camping on public property and various traffic and parking amendments. The body will also consider appointments to the Cultural Council and hold a finance committee meeting regarding utility pole relocation.
- Proposed ordinance regarding unauthorized camping on public property
- Proposed ordinance regarding Trolley Fees
- Confirmation of David Mello and Christine Nicole Pelletier Southgate to the Cultural Council
- Traffic ordinance amendments for stop signs at Detroit Street/Omaha Street and Pond Street/Anawan Street
- Proposed handicapped parking additions on Third, Ninth, Alden, Cherry, Eastern Avenue, Oak Grove Avenue, and Tuttle streets
City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss an amended warrant for the State Primary Election scheduled for September 3, 2024. The amendment specifically addresses the offices for which registered voters will cast ballots.
- Amended Warrant for State Primary Election on September 3, 2024
- Authorization for the Election Commission to provide rooms, fixtures, and supplies for the election
City Council
The City Council will discuss several funding requests, including a $1,633,882 ARPA proposal for water main replacement and the purchase of an artmobile vehicle. The meeting also includes public hearings on curb removals, utility pole installations, and an auto repair shop license.
- Proposed $1,633,882 Bristol County ARPA funding for the Water Main Replacement Project
- Transfer of $313,646.01 in unexpended bond proceeds for Pearl Street and Third Street Garage repairs
- Acceptance of a $25,000 donation for the Fall River Public Library from the Estate of Joseph H. Feitelberg
- Public hearings for curb removals at 363 Hyacinth Street, 71 Ash Street, and 680 Bay Street
- Proposed ordinance for a one-year demolition delay for City-owned property
Revised)
The Fall River City Council will meet to vote on several financial transfers and appointments. Key items include moving $6.4 million to the city's stabilization fund and establishing a new revolving fund for opioid settlement payments. The council will also consider utility pole installations on Robin Street.
- Transfer of $6,400,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to the Stabilization Fund
- Establishment of a $500,000 revolving fund for opioid settlement payments
- Appointment of Talos Farris as Veterans’ Agent with a $70,000 annual salary
- Public hearing on new National Grid and Verizon utility poles on Robin Street
- Transfer of $100,000 from the Opioid Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Revolving Fund
Revised)
The City Council will continue discussions on the Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Budget. The agenda includes a request to reduce Veterans Assistance ARPA funds from $250,000 to $20,000. Public hearings are also scheduled for curb removals and street acceptances.
- Reduction of 'Veterans Assistance Program' ARPA funds from $250,000 to $20,000
- Proposed 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for city retirees
- Public hearings for curb removals at 401 Hyacinth Street and 164 Elm Street
- Authorization of RFP for the sale of Hicks Street lot
- Proposed ordinances for Engineering Department permit fees
Revised)
The City Council will review a ten-year contract with Inframark LLC for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems. The meeting also includes discussions on revolving fund spending limits, various ordinance amendments, and traffic regulations.
- Ten-year contract with Inframark LLC for wastewater treatment and management totaling $88,153,549.00
- Establishment of spending limits for Fiscal Year 2025 Revolving Funds
- Appointment of Andrew Howayeck to the Sewer Commission
- Ordinance amendments regarding traffic, handicapped parking, and engineering department permit fees
- Zoning Map Amendment for the Waterfront Transit-Oriented Development District (WTOD)
Revised)
The Fall River City Council will consider a proposal to use $700,000 in Bristol County ARPA funds for the Lafayette Skatepark Rehabilitation. The agenda also includes several appointments to the Board of Park Commissioners and the Council on Aging. Additionally, the council will review proposed changes to Engineering Department permit fees and wastewater management contracts.
- Proposal for $700,000 in Bristol County ARPA funding for Lafayette Skatepark Rehabilitation
- Appointments to the Board of Park Commissioners and Council on Aging
- Transfer of $189,371.74 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to the Capital Project Fund
- Proposed ordinance regarding Engineering Department permit fees
- Ten-year contract for Wastewater Treatment Facilities operation and management
City Council
The City Council will consider a $1,771,482 appropriation for fiscal year 2025 community projects. The meeting also includes discussions on the Community Development Agency's Year Five Annual Action Plan and the Fiscal Year 2023 financial audit.
- Appropriation of $1,771,482 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY 2025 projects
- Community Development Agency Year Five Annual Action Plan
- Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Audit by Roselli, Clark & Associates
- Appointment of Jose Barbosa as Harbormaster
- Proposed amendments to traffic ordinances and zoning map
Joint Meeting
The Fall River City Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the city's fiscal and financial condition. They will review revenue and expense forecasts as part of the preparation for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. This process establishes the financial framework that guides funding for municipal services and public schools in the coming year.
- Citizens Input period for resident comments
- Review of city fiscal and financial condition
- Analysis of revenue and expense forecasts
- Preparation steps for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget
City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund budget. The agenda also includes public hearings for curb removal and zoning map amendments, as well as several appointments and municipal ordinances.
- FY 2025 Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund budget of $13,735,000
- Zoning Map Amendment for the Waterfront and Transit-Oriented Development District
- Curb removal proposal for 64 and 66 Division Street
- Appropriation of $135,773.43 from FY23 Free Cash to FEMA COVID Fund
- Appropriation of $2,662,076.00 from EMS Fund Free Cash to FEMA COVID Fund
City Council
The City Council will consider a proposal to transfer $1,100,000 from the FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation. The agenda also includes reviews of the FY25 Water and Sewer Division budgets and proposed changes to traffic ordinances. Additionally, the council will discuss firearm violence mitigation and request updated crime data from the Police Chief.
- Transfer of $1,100,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation
- FY25 Water and Sewer Division budgets
- Proposed amendments to traffic and handicapped parking ordinances
- Acceptance of a donation of 14 cameras
- Appointment of Nicholas L. Christ to the Retirement Board
Joint Meeting
The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint meeting. The sole purpose of this meeting is for the Mayor to deliver the State of the City Address.
- State of the City Address by Mayor Paul Coogan
City Council
The City Council will review the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and several priority matters. The agenda includes public hearings for curb removal at Kilburn Place and discussions regarding ARPA funding and water/sewer budgets.
- Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
- Curb removal at 379 Kilburn Street/King Philip Street
- $10,000 Bristol County ARPA funding proposal for veteran behavioral health
- $149,000 transfer from EMS Stabilization Fund to EMS Expenses
- FY 2025 Water and Sewer Division budgets and rate ordinances
Revised)
The Fall River City Council will discuss a mayor-requested zoning map amendment to expand the Waterfront and Transit-Oriented Development District along Davol Street and Walnut Street, which would allow higher-density housing and commercial use near the new transit station. Members will also review funding for an Affordable Housing Trust, updates on youth program spending using Bristol County ARPA funds, and a resolution proposing court-ordered memorial repair work for vandalism convictions. The agenda includes utility pole approvals, curb modifications at 1975 Pleasant Street, and routine license renewals.
- Zoning Map Amendment to expand the Waterfront and Transit-Oriented Development District (WTOD) along Davol Street and Walnut Street
- Committee on Finance discussion on funding an Affordable Housing Trust adopted February 15, 2024
- Updates on Bristol County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the "For Youth Initiative"
- Public hearings for joint utility pole locations/relocations by Massachusetts Electric Company and Verizon New England, Inc. on Fifth Street, Spring Street, and Pearce Street
- Curb removal request at 1975 Pleasant Street/Fielden Street to expand a driveway opening to 28 feet
City Council
The Fall River City Council will review transfers of $2,500,000 each from FY23 surplus revenue to the Stabilization Fund and School Appropriation. The agenda also includes consideration of grants for fire safety equipment and ADA improvements at the Veterans Center and Government Center. Additionally, the council will address proposed changes to traffic ordinances and salary schedules.
- Transfer of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to Stabilization Fund
- Transfer of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation
- TIE Agreement for Sacred Heart Lofts, LLC at 160 Linden Street
- $76,000 grant for ADA improvements at the Veterans Center
- Amendments to traffic ordinances regarding intersections and one-way streets
Revised) CANCELLED
This meeting was scheduled to include discussions on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, budget reports, and various city ordinances. However, the agenda indicates that the meeting was cancelled.
- Transfer of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to Stabilization Fund
- Transfer of $2,500,000 from FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation
- $34,890 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant
- $30,000 Municipal ADA Improvement Grant for Government Center
- $76,000 Municipal ADA Improvement Grant for Veterans Center
Revised)
The City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2024 Quarter 2 Budget Report and a five-year financial forecast. The agenda also includes a request to confirm Jeffrey Bacon as Fire Chief and a request for the Mayor to deliver the State of the City address.
- Confirmation of Jeffrey Bacon as Fire Chief ($180,000 annual salary)
- Fiscal Year 2024 Quarter 2 Budget Report
- Five Year Financial Forecast
- Request for 'State of the City' address on March 12, 2024
- Request for Proposals for Real Estate Brokerage Services
City Council
The City Council will vote on several appointments and the acceptance of grants totaling over $2 million for public safety and community initiatives. The agenda also includes proposals to use ARPA funds for police equipment and student financial aid at Bristol Community College.
- Acceptance of a $1,342,365 grant for municipal public safety staffing
- Proposal for $699,500 in ARPA funding for police vehicles and traffic lights
- Appointment of Stephanie MacArthur as Parking Clerk/Director of Traffic and Parking
- Acceptance of a $25,000 grant for an Asphalt Art Initiative
- Proposal for $16,000 in ARPA funding for the Bristol Community College CARE Fund
Organization of Government
The City Council will meet for the organization of government alongside the inauguration of municipal officers. The primary purpose of this meeting is to elect a City Council President and Vice President for the year 2024.
- Election of City Council President
- Election of City Council Vice President