Fall River public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing for a Verizon underground conduit at Lyon and Third Streets, then convene a Committee on Finance meeting, followed by a regular meeting. The council will consider a resubmitted Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Local 3177 requiring funding approval, confirm five Library Board of Trustees appointments, and accept a $10,000 donation for the Fire Department's K-9 program.

• Public hearing for Verizon New England Inc. to install 26 feet of underground conduit at Lyon Street and Third Street
• Resubmitted Memorandum of Agreement between the City and AFSCME Council 93, Local 3177, with request for appropriation to fund cost items
• $10,000 gift from Firehouse Dogs to the Fall River Fire Department for its K-9 program
• Confirmation of Paula Costa Cullen and reappointment of Ann Rocket Sperling, Ronald Caplain, Sharon L. Quinn, and Fran Rachlin to the Library Board of Trustees
• Mayor and Library Director request to rename the Children's Room at the Fall River Public Library the 'David Mello Children's Room'

City Council

The Fall River City Council will hold a regular meeting on December 9, 2025, preceded by committee meetings. The council is set to consider two loan orders totaling $8,900,000 for Phases 23 and 24 of Water Systems Improvements, and an intermunicipal agreement for drinking water services with the Town of Westport. Other items include traffic ordinance amendments, curb removals, and appointments to city boards.

• Loan orders: Phase 23 Water Systems Improvements $4,200,000 and Phase 24 Water Systems Improvements $4,700,000
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Drinking Water Services with the Town of Westport
• Proposed traffic ordinance amendments for Lindsey Street (one-way, loading zones, handicapped parking)
• Curb removal hearings at 34-36 California Street and 202 Cambridge Street
• Appointment of Christopher Parayno to the Historical Commission

The City Council rejected the appointment of Christopher Parayno as Director of Community Maintenance (7‑0). It confirmed Jonathan Lima's reappointment to the Historical Commission unanimously. The council adopted several resolutions, including one requiring council approval for contract renewals (6‑1) and a home‑rule petition to change to a Plan E government (unanimous). Additional actions included striking §2-131 of the City Code and approving a street opening at 917 Dwelly Street.

• Rejected appointment of Christopher Parayno as Director of Community Maintenance (7 yeas)
• Confirmed reappointment of Jonathan Lima to the Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution requiring council approval for contract renewals (6 yeas, 1 nay)
• Adopted resolution to request home‑rule petition for Plan E government (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to strike out §2-131 of the City Code (6 yeas, 1 nay)
• Adopted resolution congratulating Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School football team (unanimous)
• Approved street opening request at 917 Dwelly Street (unanimous)
• Approved curb removal order for 202 Cambridge Street (passed despite one opposition)

City Council

The City Council will consider a special charter review committee report and transfers/appropriations during the 6 p.m. finance committee meeting. At the regular 7 p.m. meeting, priority matters include confirming appointments for director of financial services (previously objected to), community maintenance director, and city auditor; authorizing the sale of the former Davol School; approving an intermunicipal water agreement with Westport; voting on $8.9 million in water system improvement loans; and ratifying an AFSCME labor agreement. The council will also hold second readings on traffic ordinance changes and consider several resolutions for committee studies.

• Loan orders for Phase 23 ($4,200,000) and Phase 24 ($4,700,000) water system improvements
• Confirmation of Emily Arpke as Director of Financial Services (objected to on 11-12-25)
• Solicitation proposal for sale of former Davol School at 112 Flint Street
• Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 93, Local 3177
• Traffic ordinance amendments: one-way street on Maple Street, parking restrictions on Dwelly Street and Bank Street

The Council unanimously amended the loan orders for Phase 23 ($4.2 M) and Phase 24 ($4.7 M) water‑system improvement projects. Councilors also confirmed Christopher Murphy as City Auditor and reappointed Kristen Cantara Oliveira to the Community Preservation Committee. Several appointment proposals were rejected or tabled, including the Director of Financial Services and Director of Community Maintenance positions. Two items were referred to committees: the sale of the former Davol School to the Real Estate Committee and the drinking‑water intermunicipal agreement to the Finance Committee.

• Amended Phase 23 water‑systems loan order ($4.2 M) – unanimous vote
• Amended Phase 24 water‑systems loan order ($4.7 M) – unanimous vote
• Confirmed Christopher Murphy as City Auditor – 9 yeas
• Reappointed Kristen Cantara Oliveira to Community Preservation Committee – 9 yeas
• Referred sale of former Davol School (RFP #26‑03) to Committee on Real Estate – unanimous vote
• Referred intermunicipal drinking‑water agreement with Westport to Committee on Finance – unanimous vote
• Failed to add council‑approval stipulation to Emily Arpke appointment – 5 yeas, 4 nays
• Failed to confirm Emily Arpke appointment with stipulation – 6 yeas, 3 nays

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY2026 tax classification to adopt a split tax rate, followed by a regular meeting. Key actions include confirming Emily Arpke as Director of Financial Services at $142,000, accepting a deed in lieu of foreclosure at 43 Lowell Street, and voting on traffic ordinance changes. A FY2026 Q1 budget report and a Verizon underground conduit request on Innovation Way are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing to adopt FY2026 property tax classification and factor (split tax rate up to 1.75)
• Mayor's appointment of Emily Arpke as Director of Financial Services at $142,000 annual salary
• Deed in lieu of foreclosure for 43 Lowell Street (Parcel ID 119-0003) to become tax possession
• Verizon New England Inc. request for 140 ft underground conduit on Innovation Way
• Second readings of ordinances changing parking restrictions (one-hour, handicapped, one-way streets) at multiple locations

The council approved a $100,000 United Way grant to purchase firefighter safety equipment, adopted a deed in lieu of foreclosure for 43 Lowell Street, set the FY 2026 tax factor and levy at 1.75, and passed several ordinances including salary adjustments for city officials and multiple traffic changes. All motions were unanimous except the one‑way street ordinance, which passed 7‑1.

• Approved $100,000 United Way grant for firefighter safety (unanimous)
• Adopted deed in lieu of foreclosure for 43 Lowell Street (7 yeas, President abstained)
• Set Fiscal Year 2026 tax factor and levy at 1.75 (unanimous)
• Passed salary amendment ordinance for Emergency Management Director, Veterans’ Grave Officer and Senior Aide (unanimous)
• Approved traffic ordinance adding one‑hour parking on Pleasant Street (unanimous)
• Approved one‑way street ordinance for June Street (7 yeas, 1 nay)
• Adopted order for Verizon New England underground conduit on Innovation Way (unanimous)
• Adopted curb removal order for Ryan Wordell, 312 Mohawk Drive (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold committee sessions and a regular meeting. Key items include taking up the Special Charter Review Committee report tabled in October 2024, confirming several mayoral appointments to boards and commissions, and voting on a $148,000 Community Preservation Act appropriation for historic preservation. The council will also discuss a resolution to study reuse of the Kenneth J. Boyer Veterans’ Building and consider traffic ordinance amendments.

• Special Charter Review Committee Report (tabled 10-8-2024)
• Confirmation of Jo Ann Bentley to Fall River Housing Authority
• Appointment of Darren Medeiros as Commissioner of Recreational Facilities ($87,000 salary)
• $148,000 in CPA funds: $18,000 for Corky Row Club roof repair and $130,000 for Little Theatre
• Proposed traffic ordinance changes including one-way streets, one-hour parking, and handicapped parking adjustments

The council unanimously confirmed several appointments, including Jo Ann Bentley to the Housing Authority and others. They adopted a gift order for SERVPRO cleaning of two fire apparatus valued at $295 each. They waived rules to allow CPC members to discuss the $148,000 Community Preservation Act appropriation for the Corky Row Club and Little Theatre historic projects. They adopted an emergency preamble and passed the first reading of a traffic ordinance amendment (8 yeas).

• Confirmed reappointment of Jo Ann Bentley to Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Confirmed reappointment of Nadilio Aimeida to Sewer Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Darren Medeiros as Commissioner/Director of Recreational Facilities (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Joshua Teixeira to Watuppa Water Board (unanimous)
• Adopted SERVPRO donation order for two fire apparatus ($295 each) (unanimous)
• Waived rules to allow CPC members to answer questions on $148,000 CPA historic preservation appropriation (unanimous)
• Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Adopted emergency preamble for traffic ordinance (8 yeas)

City Council

The council will hold public hearings on curb removals at 439 Pine Street and 312 Mohawk Drive. It will consider multiple joint pole location and relocation petitions from Massachusetts Electric Company (National Grid) and Verizon New England on Currant Road, Riggenbach Road, Whipple Street, Stewart Street, Brayton Avenue, Seventh Street, Bedford Street, and Eighth Street. The council will vote on the mayor’s request to confirm Bruce Oliveira as Harbormaster and to appoint Caroline H. Aubin and Ryan Andrew Klein to the Historical Commission. Additional items include a proposed ordinance to amend salaries for the Emergency Management Agency director and a resolution setting library revolving‑fund spending limits for FY 2026.

• Curb removal: Lincoln Development LLC, 60 Garside St., Unit 6 – increase curb opening at 439 Pine St. from 16 ft to 32 ft
• Curb removal: Ryan Wordell – increase curb opening at 312 Mohawk Dr. from 24 ft to 58 ft
• Joint pole locations: new jointly owned poles on Currant Road (Petitions A & B), Riggenbach Road (Petition C), Whipple Street, Stewart Street, and Brayton Avenue
• Joint pole relocations: relocate poles on Seventh Street, Bedford Street, and Eighth Street
• Mayor’s appointment confirmations: Bruce Oliveira as Harbormaster; Caroline H. Aubin and Ryan Andrew Klein to the Historical Commission

The council confirmed Bruce Oliveira as Harbormaster and appointed two members to the Historical Commission. It adopted a gift order for a limited‑edition Captain Hudner print and referred a salary‑amendment ordinance to the Ordinances Committee. A traffic ordinance removing certain handicapped parking spaces was passed on second reading, and a resolution to study housing‑development restrictions was adopted. The council also voted 7‑2 to enter Executive Session.

• Confirmed Bruce Oliveira as Harbormaster (unanimous)
• Confirmed Caroline H. Aubin to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed Ryan Andrew Klein to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted gift order for limited‑edition Captain Hudner print donation (unanimous)
• Referred proposed salary‑amendment ordinance to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Passed traffic ordinance removing handicapped parking spaces on County, Fielden and Slade Streets (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to convene Finance and Ordinances committees to discuss housing‑development restrictions (unanimous)
• Voted 7 yeas, 2 nays to enter Executive Session (Kilby motion, Camara and Dionne nays)

Executive Session

The City Council will hold public hearings on curb removals and utility pole installations, followed by a finance committee meeting and a regular meeting. Items include confirming the harbormaster and historical commission appointments, discussing proposed salary amendments for emergency management and veterans officials, and considering a resolution to convene with administration to discuss restrictions on housing developments. The council will also act on a warrant for the November 4, 2025 municipal election.

• Public hearing on curb removal at 439 Pine Street (16-foot addition) and 312 Mohawk Drive (34-foot addition)
• Public hearing on multiple new utility pole locations on Currant Road, Riggenbach Road, Whipple Street, Stewart Street, and Brayton Avenue
• Confirmation of Bruce Oliveira as Harbormaster and appointments of Caroline H. Aubin and Ryan Andrew Klein to the Historical Commission
• Proposed ordinance for salary amendments for Director of Fall River Emergency Management Agency, Veterans' Grave Officer, and Senior Aide
• Resolution to discuss potential restrictions on housing developments with the Administration, City Engineer/Planner, and Corporation Counsel

The City Council voted 9 yeas to approve the executive‑session minutes from July 2020 and June 2021. The same vote approved referring those minutes to Corporation Counsel for redaction of security‑related content. The council then adjourned the executive‑session portion and immediately returned the meeting to open session.

• Approved executive‑session minutes (9 yeas)
• Referred minutes to Corporation Counsel for redaction (9 yeas)
• Adjourned executive‑session portion of the meeting (9 yeas)
• Returned meeting to open session (9 yeas)

City Council

The City Council will vote on a resolution requesting the mayor to cease the EMS enterprise fund and establish a special revenue account for ambulance receipts. Other items include confirming Trevor Coelho as Purchasing Agent ($92,500) and Kaylyn Furtado to the Cultural Council, amending traffic ordinances, and discussing illegal dumping enforcement. Several traffic and parking changes are proposed, including new one-way streets and handicapped parking additions and removals.

• Resolution to cease EMS enterprise fund and create special revenue account for ambulance receipts
• Appointment of Trevor Coelho as Purchasing Agent at $92,500 annual salary
• Appointment of Kaylyn Furtado to the Cultural Council (term expires Sept 17, 2028)
• Traffic ordinance amendments: one-way streets on Niagara Street, June Street, Maple Street; handicapped parking changes on multiple streets
• Committee to convene with Police Chief, Director of City Operations, and Corporation Counsel on illegal dumping enforcement and fines

The council confirmed the appointments of Trevor Coelho as Purchasing Agent and Kaylyn Furtado to the Cultural Council. It passed several traffic and parking ordinances, including a three‑hour parking limit and handicapped‑parking changes. A resolution was adopted to study illegal dumping enforcement, and a light‑order amendment transferred responsibility to the Police Department.

• Waived rules to allow 3‑minute public comments (unanimous)
• Confirmed Trevor Coelho as Purchasing Agent (unanimous)
• Confirmed Kaylyn Furtado to the Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Adopted Veterans’ Benefit Agent salary amendment (unanimous)
• Passed traffic and handicapped‑parking ordinance with emergency preamble (8 yeas)
• Approved traffic, miscellaneous ordinance establishing a three‑hour parking limit (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to convene committee on illegal dumping enforcement (unanimous)
• Amended light order to assign street‑light work to the Fall River Police Department (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on three National Grid underground conduit projects, then the Finance Committee will discuss a resolution on providing community utility services to nearby municipalities. At the regular meeting, the Council will consider an appropriation of $271,667 for EMS salaries from the EMS Enterprise Fund and a memorandum of agreement with AFSCME Local 1202. Also on the agenda are multiple proposed traffic ordinance amendments, including handicapped parking changes and a new three-hour parking restriction, as well as ordinances to create a Supervisor of School Crossing Guards and a Library Programs Revolving Fund.

• Appropriation of $271,667.53 from EMS Enterprise Fund to EMS Salaries
• Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 93, Local 1202 for EMS unit
• Public hearings for three National Grid underground conduit locations on Innovation Way and Currant Road
• Proposed traffic ordinance changes including handicapped parking additions/removals and new three-hour parking on Brayton Avenue
• Proposed ordinance to create Supervisor of School Crossing Guards and adjust crossing guard salaries

The council unanimously adopted a resolution asking the mayor to propose revoking the EMS enterprise fund and creating a special revenue account. It also unanimously waived rules to let the administration answer questions about the EMS license agreement funding. An EMS salary appropriation order failed on a 4‑yea, 4‑nay vote, and the AFSCME memorandum was referred to the Finance Committee after a 2‑yea, 6‑nay vote to table it. Several ordinances on traffic, school crossing‑guard supervision, veterans services, and a library fund were approved.

• Adopted Resolution 10 to request mayor propose revoking EMS enterprise fund and create special revenue account (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 11 waiving rules to allow administration to answer funding questions on EMS license agreement (unanimous)
• Failed to adopt EMS salary appropriation of $271,667.53 (4 yeas, 4 nays)
• Motion to table AFSCME Memorandum of Agreement failed (2 yeas, 6 nays); order referred to Committee on Finance
• Traffic Commission recommendations referred to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• OPEB Declaration communication accepted and placed on file (unanimous)
• Adopted emergency preamble and passed first and second readings of Traffic and Handicapped Parking ordinance (8 yeas)
• Amended and passed ordinance creating Supervisor of School Crossing Guards, changing effective date to 8‑27‑2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The Fall River City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 12, 2025, after committee meetings and a public hearing on a curb removal at 363 Miller Street. Priority decisions include confirming Inés da Silva Paulino Leite as City Clerk at a $105,456.17 salary and approving a $243,000 transfer from EMS Revenues to EMS Expenses. The council will also consider proposed ordinances for a Library Programs Revolving Fund, a new Supervisor of School Crossing Guards position, and adjustments to crossing guard salaries. A resolution to develop a comprehensive funding strategy for roadway improvements, addressing an estimated $180 million backlog, will also be discussed.

• Confirmation of Catherine Gibney to the Board of Election Commissioners
• Confirmation of Inés da Silva Paulino Leite as City Clerk at $105,456.17 annual salary
• Order appropriating $243,000 from EMS Revenues to EMS Expenses
• Proposed ordinance establishing Library Programs Revolving Fund (anticipated $12,000 from passport fees)
• Resolution to develop funding strategy for roadway improvements to address $180 million backlog

The City Council confirmed Catherine Gibney to the Board of Election Commissioners and Inés da Silva Paulino Leite as City Clerk by unanimous vote. A motion to appropriate $243,000 from EMS revenues to EMS expenses was defeated 4‑4. Several items were referred to committees or adopted, including a resolution for stricter assisted‑living facility inspections and an emergency preamble for a traffic handicapped‑parking ordinance.

• Confirmed Catherine Gibney to Board of Election Commissioners (unanimous)
• Confirmed Inés da Silva Paulino Leite as City Clerk (unanimous)
• Failed to adopt $243,000 EMS appropriation (4 yeas, 4 nays)
• Adopted resolution to study stricter safety requirements for assisted‑living facilities (unanimous)
• Adopted emergency preamble for traffic handicapped‑parking ordinance (8 yeas)
• Approved curb removal order for 363 Miller Street (unanimous)
• Approved auto‑repair shop license renewals for JR’s Superlube Inc. locations (unanimous)
• Approved permits for Election Day/VOTE banners on South Main, Bedford, and Pleasant Streets (unanimous)

City Council

This special meeting will begin with citizen input and then consider a committee report from the Committee on Real Estate. The committee recommends selling the former Silvia School and Silvia Annex at 138 Hartwell Street to Thomas Alva Edison Building, LLC for $205,000. The council may also act on other potential matters if any are received.

• Sale of former Silvia School and Silvia Annex at 138 Hartwell Street to Thomas Alva Edison Building, LLC for $205,000

The council voted 7 yeas to adopt an order selling the former Silvia School and Silvia Annex site at 138 Hartwell Street to Thomas Alva Edison Building, LLC for $205,000. Councilors Michelle M. Dionne and Cliff Ponte were absent and did not vote. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

• Approved sale of former Silvia School and Annex at 138 Hartwell Street to Thomas Alva Edison Building, LLC for $205,000 (7 yeas, 2 absent)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (7 yeas, 2 absent)

City Council

The City Council will hold a meeting featuring a Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs session and public hearings. The hearings focus on requests for curb removal for new duplexes and extensive aerial and underground fiber optic cable installations by Intrepid Fiber Networks.

• Curb removal requests for duplex construction at 110-118 Stowe Street and 120-122 Stowe Street
• Aerial fiber optic installations on Walnut, Locust, Chaloner, and Gifford Streets
• Underground fiber optic conduit installation on Walnut and Locust Streets
• Underground fiber optic conduit installation on Cherry, High, Rock, and Chaloner Streets
• Underground fiber optic conduit installation on June Street

The council unanimously confirmed Beth Faunce as Chief of Emergency Medical Services. It adopted a $1.5 million transfer from the General Fund Stabilization to Solid Waste expenses by a 7‑yea, 2‑nay vote. Several other items, including a TIE agreement for Cook Pond Realty Trust and a gift order for K‑9 supplies, were also approved unanimously.

• Confirmed appointment of Beth Faunce as Chief of Emergency Medical Services (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for TIE Agreement for Cook Pond Realty Trust at 2492 South Main Street (unanimous)
• Adopted gift order for Pelican case and K‑9 first aid supplies (unanimous)
• Referred sale order for former Silvia School site to Committee on Real Estate (9 yeas)
• Referred FY2025 Q4 Budget Report to Committee on Finance (unanimous)
• Approved $1,500,000 transfer from General Fund Stabilization to Solid Waste Expenses (7 yeas, 2 nays)
• Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances (unanimous)
• Accepted Development Proposal bid for former Silvia School site (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on June 24, 2025, for a curb removal at 166 Wilson Road and multiple fiber optic cable installation requests by BIF IV Intrepid Opco LLC (Intrepid Fiber Networks) along various streets. The hearings follow the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation meeting.

• Curb removal at 166 Wilson Road (expand opening from 17 to 33 feet)
• Fiber optic cable installations on Prospect, Woodbine, Hillside, Maple, Walnut, Locust, Robeson, Pear, Hanover, Linden, Grove, Highland, Winter, Cherry, Pine, Franklin, Bank, Seabury, O'Grady, North Seventh, Oak, and High Streets
• Installations involve attaching aerial cable to existing National Grid utility poles
• Each installation includes detailed route descriptions and pole numbers

The City Council unanimously confirmed two commission reappointments and adopted an order declaring fire department property surplus. It approved a $3,000,000 transfer from FY24 surplus revenue to the General Fund Stabilization Fund and adopted a resolution to study downtown South Main Street traffic and parking. The council also passed an emergency preamble and a traffic ordinance, and approved fiber‑optic cable installation orders for multiple streets.

• Confirmed reappointment of Jason Bouchard‑Nawrocki to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed reappointment of Richard Mancini to Community Preservation Committee (unanimous)
• Adopted order declaring Fire Department property surplus (unanimous)
• Approved $3,000,000 transfer from FY24 surplus to General Fund Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 transfer from City Council expenses to City Council salaries (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to pursue downtown South Main Street traffic and parking study (unanimous)
• Adopted emergency preamble (8 yeas) and passed proposed traffic ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted fiber‑optic cable installation orders for streets 13‑38 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council Committee on Finance will discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget. A special meeting of the full City Council is scheduled immediately following the committee meeting to act on the budget if needed.

• Discussion of proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget
• Committee on Finance recommending action on the budget
• Potential special meeting of the City Council to act on the budget

The council unanimously accepted the amended appropriation order for the FY26 municipal budget. It also approved line item A1 (Mayor salaries) and line item A2 (Mayor expenses). A motion to combine line items A1 through A10 for General Government was adopted and then immediately reconsidered.

• Accepted amended FY26 municipal budget appropriation order (unanimous)
• Approved line item A1 – Mayor salaries (unanimous)
• Approved line item A2 – Mayor expenses (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to take line items A1‑A10 together for General Government (unanimous)
• Reconsidered the motion on line items A1‑A10 (unanimous)

City Council

The Fall River City Council will meet to discuss and decide on several items, including a request for a state audit of the Department of Community Maintenance following allegations of misconduct and misuse of city resources. The council will also consider multiple budget transfers totaling $1.75 million from FY24 surplus revenue to the OPEB fund and solid waste expenses, as well as reallocations among other city accounts. Additionally, a public hearing is scheduled for a second-hand store license at 1791 South Main Street, and the council will discuss safety concerns at the Pearl Street and Third Street parking garages.

• Resolution requesting Massachusetts State Auditor to audit Department of Community Maintenance over misconduct allegations
• Transfer of $1,000,000 from FY24 Surplus Revenue to Solid Waste Expenses
• Transfer of $750,000 from FY24 Surplus Revenue to OPEB Fund
• Public hearing for second-hand article store at 1791 South Main Street (Laura's Vintage Attic)
• Resolution to convene with officials to discuss safety at Pearl Street and Third Street parking garages

The council unanimously adopted citations honoring fire department members. It rejected two proposed budget transfers and approved several others, including a $750,000 move to the OPEB Fund. The council adopted a resolution requesting a state auditor to investigate the Department of Community Maintenance and to send the Lowney Report to multiple state and federal agencies. It also referred traffic commission recommendations and passed traffic and police chief ordinances.

• Adopt fire department citations (unanimous)
• Reject $200,000 transfer from Facilities to Solid Waste (5 yeas, 4 nays)
• Approve $250,000 transfer from Fire Salaries to Fire Expenses (unanimous)
• Approve $200,000 transfer from Judgement & Claims to Law Expenses (unanimous)
• Approve $750,000 transfer from FY24 Surplus to OPEB Fund (unanimous)
• Reject $1,000,000 transfer from FY24 Surplus to Solid Waste (5 yeas, 4 nays)
• Adopt audit resolution for Department of Community Maintenance, send report to agencies (9 yeas)
• Pass Traffic Miscellaneous Ordinance (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council's Committee on Finance will continue its review of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget, focusing on Public Safety departments including Police and Harbor Master. Following the committee, a special City Council meeting will consider a committee report recommending action on the budget.

• Continued discussion of FY2026 Municipal Budget, carrying over from May 29 meeting
• Review of Public Safety departments: Police and Harbor Master
• Committee on Finance report recommending action on the proposed budget
• Potential City Council vote on the FY2026 budget

Councilors voted on a motion to reject the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget. The motion passed with six yeas and three nays. The council then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.

• Rejected FY 2026 municipal budget (6 yeas, 3 nays)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget, followed by a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the budget including school department and other expenditures. At the regular meeting, the council will consider a $55,000 appropriation from CPA funds for a Bank Street Armory feasibility study, a second reading of a zoning ordinance amendment for the Apartment District (A-2), and a proposed ordinance to amend parking restrictions on several streets. The council will also discuss an unfunded mandate petition regarding school transportation and a resolution to advocate for EMS recognition as a core public safety department.

• Public hearing and discussion of FY2026 Municipal Budget totaling over $16 million for EMS alone
• Appropriation of $55,000 from CPA fund for historic preservation feasibility study at Bank Street Armory
• Second-hand article store license for ecoATM LLC at 866 Pleasant Street (inside PriceRite)
• Second reading of proposed Zoning Ordinance for Apartment District (A-2)
• Committee discussion on funding to improve downtown North Main Street and redevelopment of Flint Neighborhood

The council unanimously approved a $55,000 appropriation for a feasibility study of the Bank Street Armory and adopted the FY2026 Emergency Medical Services budget. It passed a traffic ordinance restricting parking and removing certain handicapped spaces, and approved the Apartment District (A-2) zoning ordinance by a 6‑yea, 3‑nay vote. A resolution congratulating the EMS Department and advocating its designation as a core public safety department was also adopted.

• Approved $55,000 appropriation for Bank Street Armory study (unanimous)
• Adopted FY2026 Emergency Medical Services budget (unanimous)
• Passed traffic ordinance with parking prohibitions and handicapped parking removals (unanimous)
• Approved Apartment District (A-2) zoning ordinance (6 yeas, 3 nays)
• Adopted resolution recognizing EMS and advocating core public safety status (unanimous)
• Adopted downtown South Main Street revitalization resolution (unanimous after amendment)
• Approved one‑day bingo license for Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River (unanimous)
• Approved lemonade‑stand structure on Warren & Pulaski Streets (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Medical Services budget and the appointment of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief. The meeting includes a public hearing on a new utility pole installation and discussions on student transportation funding mandates.

• Proposed FY2026 Emergency Medical Services budget of $16,267,000
• Confirmation of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief and approval of contract
• Transfer of $2,500,000 from FY24 Surplus Revenue to Employer Health Trust Fund
• Public hearing for one new jointly owned pole on Riggenbach Road
• Proposed ordinance amendment regarding Animal Control Officer salary

The council voted 5 yeas to 4 nays to confirm Kelly Furtado as the city’s Police Chief and to adopt a one‑year contract for the position. It also approved a $2.5 million transfer to the Employer Health Trust Fund and adopted a conservation restriction for a half‑acre wetland parcel. Additional actions included confirming a Library Board appointment and referring several ordinances to committee review.

• Confirmed appointment of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief (5 yeas, 4 nays)
• Adopted one‑year contract for Police Chief (5 yeas, 4 nays)
• Transferred $2,500,000 from FY24 surplus to Employer Health Trust Fund (unanimous)
• Adopted order approving conservation restriction for half‑acre wetlands (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Edward Guimont, Ph.D., to Library Board of Trustees (unanimous)
• Referred proposed ordinance amendment on Animal Control Officer salary to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Referred Traffic Commission recommendations to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to convene Committee on Public Safety with MBTA and other parties (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss and vote on the Community Development Agency's Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Year One Annual Action Plan, which authorizes submission of applications for federal CDBG, ESG, and HOME grants. Also on the agenda are confirmation of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief, approval of a contract, the FY2026 Emergency Medical Services budget of $16.27 million, and a $4.6 million transfer to the new Diman Stabilization Fund. Several ordinances and resolutions will be considered, including handicapped parking removals and fiber optic cable installation fees.

• Resolution authorizing submission of HUD Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Year One Action Plan for CDBG ($2.58M), ESG ($231k), and HOME ($1.1M) grants
• Mayor's request for confirmation of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief and approval of contract
• Establishment of Diman Stabilization Fund and transfer of $4.6 million from FY24 surplus revenue
• FY2026 Enterprise Fund Budget for Emergency Medical Services totaling $16,267,000
• Second reading of ordinance on right-of-way fees for fiber optic cable installations

The council adopted a TIE Agreement for MassCan Capital LLC and approved the Community Development Agency’s five‑year consolidated plan. It created the Diman Stabilization Fund and transferred $4.6 million from the FY24 surplus into it. Several ordinances, including handicapped‑parking removals and fiber‑optic right‑of‑way fees, were passed by second reading and enrollment. A motion to confirm the interim police chief was laid on the table after objections.

• Adopted TIE Agreement for MassCan Capital LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted Community Development Agency five‑year plan resolution (8 yeas, 1 abstention)
• Established Diman Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Transferred $4.6 M from FY24 surplus to Diman Stabilization Fund (unanimous)
• Passed handicapped‑parking removal ordinance (unanimous)
• Passed fiber‑optic right‑of‑way fee ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to convene Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Motion to confirm interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado was laid on the table after objections

City Council

The City Council will consider the Committee on Finance’s recommendation to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 enterprise fund budgets for the Water and Sewer divisions. A first reading of proposed ordinances setting FY26 water and sewer rates will also be taken. The meeting includes a citizen‑input period and reports from the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation.

• FY 2026 Water Enterprise budget: $16,859,529 appropriated (salaries $3,503,087; expenses $3,153,310; capital $350,000; transfers $100,000; debt $6,727,894; indirect costs $3,025,238)
• FY 2026 Sewer Enterprise budget: $32,991,128 appropriated (salaries $858,391; expenses $14,878,095; capital $350,000; transfers $100,000; debt $15,124,642; indirect costs $1,680,000)
• First reading of proposed ordinances to set FY26 water rates
• First reading of proposed ordinances to set FY26 sewer rates
• Citizen input period at the start of the meeting

The City Council voted to grant leave to withdraw the proposed ordinances that would raise FY26 water and sewer rates. It rejected a motion to cut the Water Enterprise Fund Revenue by $527,000. The council then adopted the FY26 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets, including salary, expense, capital, debt, and reduced transfers and indirect‑cost allocations for both divisions. All budget adoption votes passed with overwhelming majorities.

• Granted leave to withdraw FY26 water & sewer rate increase ordinances (9 yeas)
• Rejected reduction of Water Enterprise Fund Revenue by $527,000 (4 yeas, 5 nays)
• Adopted Water Division budget for Salaries (8 yeas, 1 nay)
• Adopted Water Division budget for Expenses (9 yeas)
• Adopted Water Division budget for Capital (9 yeas)
• Adopted Water Division budget reducing Transfers & Indirect Costs by $527,000 (9 yeas)
• Adopted Sewer Division budget for Salaries (9 yeas)
• Adopted Sewer Division budget reducing Transfers & Indirect Costs by $832,000 (9 yeas)

Joint Meeting

The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint meeting to review the city's fiscal and financial condition. The body will discuss revenue and expense forecasts to prepare for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

• Review of revenue and expense forecasts for Fiscal Year 2026 budget

The City Council unanimously approved a letter to the Fall River Delegation, the Massachusetts Speaker, the Governor and other Gateway Cities urging adjustment of funding for mandatory unfunded requirements. The School Committee also unanimously voted to co‑sponsor that same letter, though one member later withdrew her name from it. A motion to disapprove the FY26 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets failed because it received no second. Both bodies adjourned their meetings at 7:09 p.m.

• City Council unanimously voted to send a letter to state officials requesting funding adjustments for mandatory unfunded requirements
• School Committee unanimously voted to co‑sponsor the same letter to state officials
• School Committee member Shelli Pereira rescinded permission for her name to appear on the letter
• School Committee motion to disapprove FY26 Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets failed (no second)
• School Committee unanimously adjourned its meeting at 7:09 p.m.
• City Council unanimously adjourned its meeting at 7:09 p.m.

City Council

The City Council will hold a joint meeting with the School Committee and a public hearing on Apartment District (A-2) zoning. The regular session includes votes on EMS appropriations, the appointment of a Police Chief, and retirement benefit increases.

• Appropriations for EMS: $400,000 for salaries, $714,769.66 for capital, and $472,117 for stabilization
• Confirmation of Kelly Furtado as Police Chief and approval of contract
• Proposed increase of retiree COLA Base from $12,000 to $14,000
• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment for Apartment District (A-2)
• Order to declare six vehicles as surplus property for auction

The council voted 4 yeas to 5 nays on a motion to confirm interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado and approve her contract, so the motion failed. A subsequent motion to reject the appointment and withdraw the contract order passed 5 yeas to 4 nays. The council then approved, by a vote of 9 yeas, a letter requesting the creation of a formal search committee to interview candidates for the permanent Police Chief position. The council also unanimously adopted several budget transfers, an auto‑repair shop license revocation, and other routine orders.

• Confirm appointment of interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado – motion failed (4 yeas, 5 nays)
• Reject appointment and withdraw Chief's contract order – passed (5 yeas, 4 nays)
• Send letter requesting creation of formal Police Chief search committee – passed (9 yeas)
• Transfer $185,000 from CPA Fund to CPA Historic Resources Preservation – adopted (unanimous)
• Revoke auto‑repair shop license for Steven Nasiff d/b/a Rodman Repair, Inc. – adopted (unanimous)
• Transfer $400,000 from EMS Revenues to EMS Salaries – adopted (unanimous)
• Transfer $714,769.66 from EMS Retained Earnings to EMS Capital – adopted (unanimous)
• Transfer $472,117 from EMS Retained Earnings to EMS Stabilization – adopted (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously confirmed Melissa Panchley's reappointment to the Library Board. It adopted a TIE Agreement for 295 Bedford Street, LLC, despite Councilor Dionne's opposition. Unanimous orders were passed to accept elderly and veterans tax exemptions and to increase the exemption by 50%. The council also approved a traffic ordinance and a processing archivist ordinance, and adopted disposition orders for two former school properties.

• Confirmed Melissa Panchley appointment to Library Board (unanimous)
• Approved TIE Agreement for 295 Bedford Street, LLC (adopted, Dionne opposed)
• Adopted Elderly tax exemption order (unanimous)
• Adopted Veterans tax exemption order (unanimous)
• Adopted 50% increase tax exemption order (unanimous)
• Passed traffic ordinance (second reading and enrollment, unanimous)
• Passed processing archivist ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted disposition of 112 Flint Street property (adopted, Raposo opposed)

City Council

The City Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting for Mayor Paul E. Coogan’s State of the City Address. The Council will consider FY2026 Enterprise Fund budgets and rate ordinances for Water and Sewer Divisions, as well as several parking and traffic ordinances.

• Proposed FY2026 Sewer rate increase from $8.11 to $8.51
• Appropriation of $1,816,444 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY2026 projects
• Appropriation of $357,175.00 from Fire Salaries "Retirement Buyout" to Fire Various Expenses
• Proposed ordinance to create a Processing Archivist position at the Fall River Public Library
• Public hearings for curb removals at 220 and 232 Stevens Street

Joint Meeting

The Fall River City Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting on March 11, 2025, for the sole purpose of hearing the Mayor deliver the State of the City Address. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Mayor's State of the City Address

City Council

The Fall River City Council will consider a $1,816,444 appropriation from Community Preservation Act funds for FY26 community projects, and vote on confirming Drew Carline to the Conservation Commission. Committee meetings will discuss tax exemptions for veterans under the HERO Act, property tax relief for seniors, illegal dumping fines, tax title properties, and a full accounting of ARPA funding.

• Appropriation of $1,816,444 from CPA funds for FY26 community projects
• Confirmation of Drew Carline to the Conservation Commission
• Discussion of HERO Act tax exemptions for veterans
• Discussion of tax exemptions and property abatements for senior citizens
• Request for full accounting of ARPA funds allocation and project status

City Council

The council will consider several mayor‑initiated orders, including confirming two Zoning Board of Appeals appointments, declaring two former school properties surplus for sale, approving a donation of up to $25,000 to the public library, and appropriating $1,816,444 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY 2026 community projects. They will also review a proposed amendment to the Apartment District (A‑2) zoning and consider creating two new library staff positions. Earlier in the evening public hearings will be held on curb removals and an auto body shop license.

• Appropriation of $1,816,444 from Community Preservation Act funds for FY 2026 projects
• Declaration of 112 Flint Street (former Davol School) and 138 Hartwell Street (former Silvia School) as surplus municipal property for disposition
• Acceptance of a donation not to exceed $25,000 annually from Deborah and Richard Danner to the Fall River Public Library
• Confirmation of Ben Feitelberg and reappointment of Joseph Pereira to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Proposed amendment to the Apartment District (A‑2) zoning

City Council

The Fall River City Council holds a regular meeting following committee sessions. The council will consider a $2.5 million transfer from FY24 surplus to the Employer Health Trust Fund, a proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals, and confirmation of mayoral appointments. Other items include a five-year financial forecast, orders for the 2025 municipal elections, and resolutions on parking garage safety and veterans tax exemptions.

• Transfer $2,500,000 from FY24 Surplus Revenue to Employer Health Trust Fund
• Proposed ordinance regulating short-term rentals
• Proposed ordinance creating Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services
• Orders authorizing September 16 preliminary and November 4 municipal elections
• Five-year financial forecast for FY2026 budget

City Council

The Fall River City Council is deciding on accepting five grant awards totaling $2,221,811.25 for police and fire staffing, youth gang prevention, recycling, and a mercury collection shed. They will also consider a five-year financial forecast, confirm appointments to the Redevelopment Authority and Commission on Disability, and vote on a traffic ordinance designating stop intersections, one-way streets, and parking changes. A resolution calls for a committee meeting to discuss safety at Bay Street and Mount Hope Avenue.

• $710,838 EOPSS grant for police staffing shortfalls
• $900,000 EOPSS grant for fire department staffing
• $653,973.25 Shannon Community Safety Initiative for youth gang prevention
• Second reading of traffic ordinance adding stop at Emerson & North Underwood, one-way on Eddy Street, and parking changes on Pleasant, Blackstone, London, Pokross, South, Tripp, and Wellington streets
• Resolutions for public safety discussions on Bay/Mount Hope intersection and vehicular vandalism on President Avenue and Madison Street