Fall River, MA

City Council

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to consider several priority matters, including a third revised FY2027 General Fund budget of $483,583,582 and a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mayor establishing a $40,000 annual fund for outside legal counsel for the Council. A second reading of a salary amendment for the Director of Health and Human Services (which previously failed 4-4) and an ordinance on outside legal counsel policy are also on the agenda.

• Third revised FY2027 General Fund budget: $483,583,582 (3.3% increase from FY2026)
• Memorandum of Agreement between Mayor and Council for $40,000 annual appropriation for outside legal counsel
• Ordinance establishing policy on use of outside legal counsel (Council President)
• Second reading of salary amendments for Director of Health and Human Services (failed 4-4 on July 14, 2026)
• Second revised July Continuing Appropriation Order for FY2027

The City Council approved the revised FY2027 General Fund budget of $483,583,582 (8-1), after adjusting the Reserve Fund by $450,000 to fully fund School Transportation at $17,000,000. The Council also adopted a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mayor for outside legal counsel (8-1), rejected the July continuing appropriation order, and passed a salary ordinance for the Director of Health and Human Services.

• Approved revised FY2027 General Fund budget of $483,583,582 (8-1)
• Adopted Memorandum of Agreement with Mayor for outside legal counsel (8-1)
• Rejected FY2027 July continuing appropriation order (unanimous)
• Passed salary ordinance for Director of Health and Human Services to $110,000 (unanimous)
• Accepted and placed on file policy on use of outside legal counsel (unanimous)

City Council

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

The City Council rejected the original July Continuing Appropriation Budget for FY 2027 due to errors, then voted 6-2 to reject the revised version and adopt it as amended to $0, leaving the city without a monthly budget. The Council also approved a $1.4 million transfer to Fire Salaries, confirmed two Historical Commission reappointments, and adopted several ordinances and resolutions.

• Rejected original July FY2027 appropriation order (unanimous)
• Rejected revised July FY2027 appropriation order (6-2)
• Adopted July FY2027 appropriation order as amended to $0 (6-2)
• Approved $1.4M transfer to Fire Salaries (unanimous)
• Confirmed Joyce Rodrigues and Maria Connie Soule to Historical Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted revolving fund spending limits for FY2027 (unanimous)
• Adopted $331,636.27 opioid settlement fund transfer (unanimous)
• Referred $6.88M Third Street Parking Garage loan to Finance Committee (unanimous)

Special 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

Special Meeting (SECOND POSTING)

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

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.

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

Multiple revisions - see "

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

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)

Joint Meeting

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

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.

City Council

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

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

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

Joint Meeting

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

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.)

CANCELLED

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

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

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)

City Council

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

The City Council passed an ordinance amending City Code sections on loan order authorizations, removing the $5 million voter approval threshold and related sections, despite a failed attempt to raise the limit to $10 million/$30 million. The council also accepted three new streets, referred a broadband fee schedule to committee, and adopted several resolutions for committee discussions on fire services, city property, code enforcement, and homelessness data.

• Passed ordinance amending loan order authorization sections 2-130, 2-131, 2-132, 2-134 (8-1)
• Rejected amendment to raise loan order limits to $10M/$30M (1-8)
• Accepted Fieldstone Lane, Brookfield Terrace, Stonybrook Circle as city streets (unanimous)
• Referred broadband infrastructure fee schedule to Committee on Ordinances and Legislation (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to discuss fire station near Route 79/Davol Street Corridor (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to review code enforcement practices (5-3)
• Adopted resolution to review shelter demand and capacity data (8-0)
• Withdrew resolution on police traffic enforcement practices (unanimous)

Organization of Government

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

The Fall River City Council met on January 5, 2026, solely to elect its leadership for the year. Councilor Cliff A. Ponte was unanimously elected President and Councilor Michelle M. Dionne was unanimously elected Vice President, each receiving 8 votes with Councilor Hart absent. Both were sworn in by the City Clerk, and the meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.

• Elected Cliff A. Ponte as City Council President for 2026 (8-0, Hart absent)
• Elected Michelle M. Dionne as City Council Vice President for 2026 (8-0, Hart absent)