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Fall River, MA

Fall River public meetings in 2020

25 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 15, 2020

Multiple Revisions (See "

City Council to consider $483,388 loan for park renovations

The Fall River City Council will consider a $483,388 loan order for the Cathy Assad Tot Lot and Playground renovation. The meeting also includes discussions on uncompleted subdivisions and several proposed ordinances regarding traffic and utility fees.

parksbudgettrafficstreetsordinances
✓ Decided: Council adopts $483,388 loan order for Cathy Assad Tot Lot renovation

The Fall River City Council approved a resolution and $483,388 loan order for the renovation of the Cathy Assad Tot Lot and Playground, funded partly by a PARC grant. The council also confirmed Michael J. Coughlin to the Board of Health, passed several traffic ordinances, and adopted licenses for taxicab drivers and vehicles. A proposed floodplain ordinance was withdrawn pending FEMA approval.

Tue Dec 1, 2020

City Council

City Council to discuss transferring Bank Street Armory ownership to Redevelopment Authority

The City Council will consider a proposal to transfer the Bank Street Armory from the City to the Fall River Redevelopment Authority for future development. The agenda also includes confirming an appointment to the Licensing Board and discussing a grant for playground renovations. Additionally, several public hearings regarding curb removal requests are scheduled.

redevelopmentpublic-hearingslicensingparkstraffic
Tue Nov 17, 2020

Revised)

Fall River City Council considers budget amendments and board abolishments

The City Council will review several budget changes, including a $1,000,000 reduction in school transportation funding. The meeting also includes proposals to appropriate over $1.1 million for state assessments and insurance, as well as a $250,000 transfer for new police vehicles.

budgetpoliceeducationtaxationpublic-hearing
Tue Oct 27, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to consider appointing David J. Marciello as City Administrator

The Finance Committee will discuss 2019 audit findings and a proposed soils management project. The City Council will also consider several appointments and the transfer of the Bank Street Armory to the Redevelopment Authority.

appointmentsfinanceinfrastructureutilitiesgovernment
Tue Oct 13, 2020

City Council

City Council to consider new parking meter zones and increased traffic fees

The City Council will consider proposed increases to traffic fees and fines alongside new parking meter zones. Members will also vote on appointments to the Sewer Commission and a $17,000 appropriation for local projects. Additionally, committees will discuss using city-owned assets for advertising.

trafficbudgetappointmentspublic-worksinfrastructure
Tue Sep 22, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to review tax incentives and a $40 million budget rescission

The City Council will consider several requests from the Mayor, including tax incentive agreements for industrial and residential projects. The council will also vote on rescinding a $40,441,630 appropriation for September. Other agenda items include board appointments and curb removal requests.

tax-incentivesbudgethousingeconomic-developmentappointments
✓ Decided: Council approves TIF agreements for Seafox and Hutchens, denies none

The Fall River City Council approved three tax incentive agreements and one amendment: a TIF amendment for Demoulas Super Markets (unanimous), a TIF for Seafox Holdings LLC (7-2), a TIF for Hutchens Holding III LLC (7-2), and a TIE for JNK Realty LLC (6-2-1). Councilors Dionne and Peckham voted against the TIF/TIE agreements, and President Ponte abstained on the JNK Realty TIE. The council also approved a wooden platform outdoor dining structure for Thyme Blossom Coffee & Tea on Purchase Street, confirmed several appointments, and passed a traffic ordinance.

Tue Sep 8, 2020

City Council

City Council to consider $312,689,650.00 budget for Fiscal Year 2021

The Fall River City Council will review the Mayor's proposed $312,689,650.00 budget for Fiscal Year 2021. The agenda includes public hearings for several curb removal requests and a new utility pole location on Pleasant Street. The Council will also consider various ordinances regarding traffic and solid waste.

budgetzoningtrafficpublic-hearingutilitiesordinances
✓ Decided: Fall River City Council adopts $312.7M FY2021 budget in 5-4 vote

The City Council adopted the $312,689,650 Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Budget by a 5-4 vote, with Council President Ponte and Councilors Cadime, Dionne, and Lee voting against. The Council also unanimously approved renewing the independent audit contract with Roselli, Clark and Associates, and adopted an order renaming the Veteran's Center at 755 Pine Street in honor of Kenneth Joseph Boyer. Several other items were tabled or referred to committees.

Mon Aug 31, 2020

City Council

City Council to review FY2021 municipal budget and rescind July/August appropriations

The Fall River City Council will consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Budget. The council will also address a request from the Mayor to rescind the continuing appropriation budgets for July and August of Fiscal Year 2021.

budgetfinancemunicipal-budgetfall-river
✓ Decided: City Council rejects FY2021 budget, adopts September continuing appropriation

The Fall River City Council voted 4-5 against approving the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Budget, then voted 5-4 to reject it and direct the Administration to prepare a September Continuing Appropriation Budget with level services for Police and Fire. The Council later adopted the September Continuing Appropriation Budget for FY2021 in the amount of $40,441,360 by a 6-3 vote. The Council also unanimously adopted spending limits for FY2021 Revolving Funds and tabled the Mayor's order to rescind July and August continuing appropriation budgets.

Thu Aug 27, 2020

CANCELLED

The August 27, 2020, Fall River City Council special meeting was cancelled.

The scheduled special meeting of the Fall River City Council was cancelled. The agenda included the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Budget and a request from the Mayor to rescind July and August continuing appropriation budgets.

budgetfinancemunicipal-government
Wed Aug 26, 2020

CANCELLED

The August 26, 2020, Fall River City Council special meeting was cancelled.

The scheduled special meeting of the Fall River City Council for August 26, 2020, was cancelled. The agenda included the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Budget and a request to rescind July and August appropriation budgets.

budgetfinancemunicipal-government
Tue Aug 11, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to review proposed $280.8 million FY21 municipal budget

The City Council will consider the Mayor's proposed $280.8 million general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2021. The agenda also includes discussions on school bus transportation contracts and community preservation funds. Additionally, a public hearing is scheduled regarding an auto repair shop license.

budgetmunicipal-financepublic-hearingzoningappointments
✓ Decided: Council approves sale of former police station for $10,000

The City Council unanimously approved the sale of the former police station at 158 Bedford Street to Wethersfield, LLC for $10,000, with Councilor Peckham absent. The council also approved a five-year school bus transportation contract with Whaling City Transit, Inc. totaling $2,603,982 for the first year, amended to include annual CPI increases. Water and sewer rate increases were passed with a 5-3 vote after a failed initial motion and subsequent reconsideration.

Tue Jul 14, 2020

Revised)

Fall River City Council to consider $986,150 for community preservation projects

The City Council will vote on several financial orders, including a large appropriation for Community Preservation Act projects and year-end budget obligations. The agenda also includes discussions regarding water and sewer rates and a five-year school bus transportation contract. Public hearings are scheduled to address utility pole relocations and curb removals.

budgethousingtransportationutilitiespublic-works
Tue Jun 23, 2020

City Council

Fall River Council to consider $2,745,847 appropriation for FY20 year-end obligations

The Fall River City Council will review a $2,745,847 appropriation for fiscal year 2020 year-end obligations. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding new utility pole locations and the consideration of several mayoral appointments.

budgetutilityappointmentspublic-hearingrecyclingfire-department
✓ Decided: Council adopts $24.75M July budget, water/sewer rate hikes

The City Council adopted a $24,750,167 one-twelfth (July) continuing appropriation budget for FY21, citing COVID-19 uncertainty. It also approved the revised FY21 Water and Sewer Division budgets, which include rate increases: 16 cents per CCF for water, 7 cents for sewer, and $2 for stormwater fees. The council confirmed several mayoral appointments, including Ann Elizabeth Keane to the Redevelopment Authority and Nelia Raposo as City Assessor.

Tue Jun 9, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to consider water system loan and school bus contracts

The Fall River City Council will review a $4,858,085.00 loan order for Phase 20 Water System Improvements and several five-year school bus transportation contracts. The agenda also includes public hearings for AT&T telecommunications pole attachments and the appointment of Jeffrey Cardoza as Chief of Police.

budgetinfrastructurepolicetransportationutilitieszoning
✓ Decided: Council appoints Jeffrey Cardoza as Fall River Police Chief

The City Council voted 9-0 to appoint Jeffrey Cardoza as Chief of Police. The Council also approved five-year school bus transportation contracts totaling $4,278,785.30, a $4,858,085 loan order for Phase 20 Water System Improvements, and tabled a resolution to amend the Waterfront/Downtown HD Zone to include the Adams House pending a legal opinion on spot zoning. Water and Sewer rate increase ordinances were withdrawn by a 5-4 vote.

Tue May 19, 2020

City Council

City Council considers $4,858,085 loan for water system improvements

The City Council will review a $4,858,085 loan order for Phase 20 Water Systems Improvements and the proposed FY21 Water and Sewer budgets. The agenda also includes public hearings for curb removal requests and updates from the Mayor regarding COVID-19.

budgetwaterinfrastructurezoningcovid-19
✓ Decided: Council approves $4.86M water system loan order

The Fall River City Council voted 9-0 to authorize a $4,858,085 loan order for Phase 20 Water Systems Improvements, referring it to the Committee on Finance. The council also passed an emergency ordinance for handicapped parking, approved first readings of traffic and floodplain ordinances, and adopted several curb removal orders. The FY21 Water and Sewer budget was referred to the mayor with a request to add $100,000 to each stabilization account, in a 7-2 vote.

Tue May 5, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council considers $1.2 million school appropriation and new treasurer

The City Council will review several priority matters, including a $1.2 million appropriation for schools and the appointment of Ian Schachne as Treasurer-Collector. The meeting also includes public hearings regarding curb removals and underground fuel storage licenses. Additionally, the council will consider utility easements and tax deadline extensions.

budgetschoolsappointmentsutilitieszoningpublic-hearings
Tue Apr 14, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to consider FY21 water, sewer, and emergency management budgets

The City Council will discuss proposed FY21 budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions and the Emergency Management Division. The agenda includes discussions on COVID-19 related financial relief and several municipal appointments. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, citizen input must be submitted via email.

budgetwatersewerappointmentszoningcovid-19
Mon Mar 16, 2020

CANCELLED

The March 16, 2020, joint meeting was cancelled

The joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee scheduled for March 16, 2020, was cancelled. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Mayor to deliver the State of the City Address.

city-councilschool-committeestate-of-the-city
Tue Mar 10, 2020

Joint Meeting

Board of Assessors to provide real property assessment overview

The City Council and Board of Assessors will hold a joint meeting. The purpose is for the Board of Assessors to provide an overview of the assessment of real property in Fall River.

assessorsreal-propertycity-council
✓ Decided: Joint meeting reviews property assessments, tax bills

The City Council and Board of Assessors held a joint informational meeting on real property assessment. No formal decisions were made; the session was for education and discussion. Topics included the assessment process, tax bill increases, abatements, and exemptions.

Tue Mar 10, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council considers $1,870,294 appropriation from Stabilization Fund

The City Council will consider a request to transfer $1,870,294 from the General Fund Stabilization Fund to the Employer Trust Fund and School Appropriation. The agenda also includes discussions regarding an EMS/Fire Department merger and a five-year transportation contract with Tremblay’s Bus Company, LLC.

budgetschoolstransportationpublic-safetyappointmentszoning
✓ Decided: Council approves $1.87M transfer and 5-year bus contract

The City Council unanimously confirmed John Ferreira to the Community Preservation Committee, approved a $1,870,294 transfer from the General Fund Stabilization Fund to the Employer Trust Fund and School Appropriation, and authorized the School Committee to enter a five-year transportation contract with Tremblay's Bus Company, LLC. Street acceptance items for Lynwood and Granite Streets were tabled pending legal opinion and traffic review, while Small Street was accepted as amended and Tone Street's order was withdrawn. Traffic ordinance amendments were referred to committee, and various license renewals were approved.

Tue Feb 25, 2020

Revised)

Fall River City Council to hold public hearing on five-year capital improvement plan

The City Council will conduct a public hearing for the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and review the Five Year Financial Forecast. The agenda also includes mayoral appointments to various boards and discussions regarding police detail costs at Northeast Alternatives.

budgetpublic-safetyappointmentswaste-managementfinance
✓ Decided: Council confirms Fire Chief Lynch contract and appointments

The Fall River City Council confirmed the appointment of John D. Lynch as Fire Chief with a two-year employment agreement, and confirmed several other mayoral appointments including Tammy Moutinho as Purchasing Agent (8-1). The council also adopted the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and referred a solid waste ordinance to committee.

Tue Feb 11, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council to consider $4.3 million in loan orders for infrastructure

The City Council will review the Mayor's five-year Capital Improvement Plan and financial forecast. The agenda also includes funding requests for park improvements and various city appointments.

budgetroadsparksfinanceappointmentsinfrastructure
Tue Jan 28, 2020

City Council

Fall River City Council considers $2.1 million for snow removal and $2.2 million for street repair

The City Council will review the Fiscal Year 2020 second quarter budget report and discuss completed streetscape projects. The agenda includes loan orders for snow removal equipment and street repairs. The council will also consider appointments to the Redevelopment Authority.

budgetinfrastructureappointmentszoningpublic-works
Tue Jan 14, 2020

City Council

Mayor provides update on the City’s Capital Improvement Plan

The City Council will consider accepting foreclosed properties on Newhall, Spencer, and Dickinson Streets and review several municipal appointments. The Mayor will also provide an update on the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan submission. Additionally, the Finance Committee will address resident concerns regarding traffic and pollution near 999 William S. Canning Boulevard.

budgetappointmentstrafficzoningpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council confirms Alan Rumsey as Corporation Counsel in 5-3 vote

The Fall River City Council confirmed Alan J. Rumsey as Corporation Counsel by a 5-3 vote, with Councilors Cadime, Lee, and Ponte opposed. The council also approved deeds in lieu of foreclosure for three vacant parcels, confirmed appointments to the Planning Board and Board of Health, and adopted several resolutions and license renewals.

Mon Jan 6, 2020

Organization of Government

Fall River City Council to elect President and Vice President for 2020

The Fall River City Council will meet to organize the government for the year 2020. The meeting includes the election of a City Council President and Vice President. This session is held in conjunction with the inauguration of municipal officers.

governmentelectioncity-council