Fall River public meetings in 2021

City Council

The City Council will consider a $20,000 transfer from Financial Services salaries to expenses. The agenda includes public hearings for an auto repair shop license and several underground conduit projects by National Grid. Additionally, the council will review proposed amendments to traffic ordinances regarding new handicapped parking locations.

• $20,000 appropriation from Financial Services salaries to expenses
• Auto repair shop license for R & C Auto Sales at 2291 South Main Street
• National Grid underground conduit installations on Bradford Avenue, Morgan Street, and Plymouth Avenue
• Traffic ordinance amendments for new handicapped parking locations on Belmont, Cash, and Montaup Streets

The Fall River City Council unanimously approved a $20,000 transfer from Financial Services Salaries to Expenses, and adopted multiple license orders including auto repair, taxi, and body shop licenses. Three National Grid underground conduit petitions were referred to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation after questions about trench width and paving. A second-hand store license was withdrawn after the applicant failed to address prior conditions.

• Approved $20,000 transfer from Financial Services Salaries to Expenses (unanimous)
• Adopted auto repair shop license for R & C Auto Sales at 2291 South Main Street (unanimous)
• Referred 3 National Grid underground conduit petitions to Committee on Public Works (unanimous)
• Adopted Police Chief's license report for 2022 taxi/livery drivers and vehicles (unanimous)
• Adopted Town Taxi new taxicab vehicle application pending Police Chief's approval (unanimous)
• Adopted auto body and auto repair shop license renewals for 3 businesses (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of auto body license no. 122 to Wayne Pereira (unanimous)
• Approved KP Law invoice 8-1, Councilor Pereira voting no

Revised)

The City Council will review Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements for a $19 million development at 140 Ace Street and an assignment of a TIF agreement for Millstone Medical Outsourcing, LLC. The agenda also includes public hearings for curb removals and proposed ordinances regarding city personnel positions.

• $19,000,000 investment for The Residences at North River, LLC at 140 Ace Street
• Assignment of Millstone Medical Outsourcing, LLC TIF agreement to Arlington Capital Partners
• Public hearings for curb removals on Tremont Street, Eastern Avenue, and Locust Street
• Proposed ordinances regarding the Director of Human Resources and Deputy Police Chief
• Amendments to traffic ordinances and the updated Redistricting Map

The Fall River City Council rejected a proposed salary amendment ordinance by an 8-1 vote after debate over the size of increases and the city's ability to pay. The council also passed water and sewer rate ordinances by 5-4 votes, with the Administrator of Community Utilities confirming no retroactive bills will be issued. Two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements were approved unanimously, and a redistricting map was approved.

• Rejected proposed salary amendment ordinance (8-1)
• Passed water and sewer rate ordinances (5-4 each)
• Approved TIF agreement for The Residences at North River, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved assignment of TIF agreement for Millstone Medical Outsourcing to Arlington Capital Partners (unanimous)
• Approved updated redistricting map (unanimous)
• Referred proposed ordinances on HR Director, Cemeteries/Trees Director, and Deputy Police Chief to committee (unanimous)
• Tabled second-hand store license for One Stop Thrift Shop (unanimous)
• Approved auto repair shop license for Tacach Auto Repair (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider appropriating $190,000 from the General Fund to Insurance and discuss the Fiscal Year 2022 Durfee High School Debt Exclusion. The agenda includes public hearings for new business licenses and the certification of November 2, 2021, election results. Additionally, the Finance Committee will discuss a proposal for a trash collection Cart Program.

• Appropriation of $190,000 from General Fund Free Cash to Insurance
• Public hearing for a second-hand article store at 1649 South Main Street
• Public hearing for an auto repair shop at 192 Eighteenth Street
• Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 Durfee High School Debt Exclusion
• Certification of November 2, 2021, election results by the Board of Election Commissioners

City Council

The City Council will review several grant acceptances, including a $2.5 million Mass Works Infrastructure Program grant. The meeting also includes discussions on tax levy classifications for Fiscal Year 2022 and various fund transfers for education, claims, and employee benefits. Additionally, the council will hear public requests regarding curb removals at several residential and business locations.

• Acceptance of $2,500,000 Mass Works Infrastructure Program grant
• Appropriation of $1,167,613 from General Fund Free Cash to School Appropriation
• Proposed ordinance to increase cemetery fees
• Public hearings for curb removals on Charlotte, King, Newhall, and Kilburn Streets
• Reappointment of Debbie Pacheco to the Commission on Disability

The Fall River City Council unanimously approved accepting five grants totaling $2,672,853, including a $2.5 million MassWorks infrastructure grant for sewer and water pump station construction. The council also approved several appropriations from free cash, including $609,959 to the OPEB Trust Fund, $501,274 to EMS stabilization, $400,000 to claims and damages, $260,453 to education, and $1,167,613 to school appropriation. A $2,814,395 order to reduce receipts was amended to $1,140,386 and approved, while a $550,000 sewer/water retained earnings transfer passed 7-1 with Council President Ponte voting no.

• Approved $2.5M MassWorks infrastructure grant (unanimous)
• Approved $609,959 to OPEB Trust Fund from free cash (unanimous)
• Approved $501,274 to EMS Fund Stabilization (unanimous)
• Approved $400,000 to Claims and Damages (unanimous)
• Approved $260,453 to Education — All Other (unanimous)
• Approved $1,167,613 to School Appropriation (unanimous)
• Approved $1,140,386 to reduce receipts, amended from $2,814,395 (unanimous)
• Approved $550,000 from sewer/water retained earnings (7-1, Ponte no)

Revised)

The City Council will vote on large appropriations using ARPA funds and the General Fund Stabilization Fund to cover budget deficits and school expenses. A public hearing is scheduled regarding new utility pole locations on Martine Street and Father DeValles Boulevard. The meeting also includes discussions regarding Kennedy Park renovations and traffic ordinance amendments.

• $1,299,433 appropriation for FY21 budget and snow/ice deficits
• $1,965,338 appropriation from ARPA funds for schools and financial services
• Kennedy Park renovation project including tennis and pickleball courts
• New utility pole locations on Martine Street and Father DeValles Boulevard
• Amendments to traffic ordinances and curb removal orders

The Fall River City Council rejected two major appropriations: a $1,299,433 transfer from the General Fund Stabilization Fund to cover FY21 deficits (3-6) and a $1,965,338 appropriation from ARPA and local receipts for financial services and schools (3-6, then rejected unanimously). The council also rejected the mayor's appointment of Keith Ellis as Director of Facilities Maintenance (3-6) and voted to reject the appointment (6-3). Several other items were approved, including reappointments to the Library Board of Trustees, a handicapped parking ordinance, curb removals, and license renewals.

• Rejected $1,299,433 transfer from General Fund Stabilization Fund for FY21 deficits (3-6)
• Rejected $1,965,338 ARPA and local receipts appropriation for financial services and schools (3-6, then rejected unanimously)
• Rejected Keith Ellis appointment as Director of Facilities Maintenance (3-6, then rejected 6-3)
• Confirmed Fran Rachlin and Kathryn Clarkin reappointments to Library Board of Trustees (unanimous)
• Passed handicapped parking ordinance with emergency preamble (9-0)
• Granted leave to withdraw IT Technical Support Specialist ordinance (8-1)
• Adopted curb removal orders at 471 Center Street and 53 California Street (unanimous)
• Approved $664,064 loan order for Kennedy Park capital repairs (unanimous)

City Council

The Fall River City Council is holding a special meeting to address citizen input. The council will also review the city's current finances and a five-year budget forecast.

• Citizen Input
• Five year budget forecast and City’s current finances

The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution inviting administration officials to discuss the Fall River Cannabis Review Commission and cannabis licensing, and another resolution directing the mayor's attention to alleged non-compliance with City Charter sections on access to information and communications. The council also discussed the five-year budget forecast and current finances, noting a structural deficit and the mayor's refusal to allow the CFO to attend.

• Adopted resolution to invite administration and KP Law to Committee on Finance to discuss cannabis commission (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution directing mayor's attention to failure to comply with Charter Sections 2-7 and 3-6 (unanimous)
• Waived rules to allow citizen comments (unanimous, twice)
• Adjourned at 8:23 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several grant requests, including $563,130 for COVID-19 response and $400,000 for Kennedy Park tennis court improvements. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding a joint pole relocation on Martine Street.

• $563,130 grant for COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing
• $400,000 grant for Kennedy Park tennis court improvements
• $664,064 loan order for City Parks Capital Repairs
• Public hearing for a joint pole relocation on Martine Street
• Appointments to the Community Preservation Committee and Cultural Council

The City Council unanimously confirmed two Cultural Council reappointments and accepted the mayor's notice of a Housing Authority appointment to the Community Preservation Committee. A resolution to have the administration present an updated five-year budget forecast was amended to include B.M.C. Durfee High School construction payments, but was tabled after objections from Councilor Pereira. The council also adopted several resolutions, including daily website updates for road closures and a sixth tier for police details, and approved multiple grants and license renewals.

• Confirmed David Cabral and Cheryl Clarke Furze to Cultural Council (unanimous)
• Tabled five-year budget forecast resolution after amendment (objected by Pereira)
• Adopted resolution for daily road closure updates on city website (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to add sixth tier for police details (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for ARPA funding questions at Finance Committee (unanimous)
• Approved $664,064 loan order for Kennedy Park repairs, referred to Finance (unanimous)
• Adopted grants: COVID-19 $563,130, Naloxone $7,155.13, Disease control $200,000 (8-0-1), Kennedy Park tennis $400,000, Meeting space $50,000 (unanimous)
• Approved taxicab, auto body, and auto repair license renewals (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider appropriating $1,677,400 from the General Fund Stabilization Fund for capital improvements in police, fire, and maintenance departments. The meeting also includes discussions on federal court orders regarding sewer overflows and the acceptance of several grants.

• Appropriation of $1,677,400 for capital maintenance, police, and fire services
• Acceptance of grants including $563,130 for COVID-19 investigations and $400,000 for Kennedy Park tennis courts
• Discussion regarding amendments to the Combined Sewer Overflow Federal Court Order
• Confirmation of Sharon L. Quinn to the Board of Library Trustees
• Public hearing for a new pole location on Martine Street

The Fall River City Council approved a $1,677,400 appropriation from the General Fund Stabilization Fund for capital projects across Facilities Maintenance, Community Maintenance, Police, and Fire & Emergency Services, with Councilor Cadime opposed. The Council also confirmed Sharon L. Quinn to the Board of Library Trustees, tabled the confirmation of Keith Ellis as Director of Facilities Maintenance, and adopted orders related to the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) court orders and various license renewals.

• Approved $1,677,400 capital appropriation from stabilization fund (8-1, Cadime opposed)
• Confirmed Sharon L. Quinn to Board of Library Trustees (unanimous)
• Tabled confirmation of Keith Ellis as Director of Facilities Maintenance (unanimous)
• Referred 5 grant acceptances totaling $1,220,285.13 to Committee on Finance (9-0)
• Adopted order to execute CSO Administrative Order of Consent with EPA (unanimous)
• Adopted order to execute CSO Federal Court Order amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted Police Chief's report on taxicab driver licenses (unanimous)
• Adopted auto body and auto repair shop license renewals (unanimous)

Multiple Revisions (See "

The Fall River City Council will hold public hearings on curb removals and business licenses. The Committee on Finance will discuss accepting several grants, including $1,056,000 for sewer expansion. The full council will also consider CPA fund appropriations and committee appointments.

• $1,056,000 grant for Mothers Brook and Innovation Way sewer expansion
• $250,000 MassCALL3 grant for youth substance misuse prevention
• Curb removal requests at 471 Center Street and 53 California Street
• New utility pole installation on West Street
• Appointment of Richard Calderon to the Community Preservation Committee

The Fall River City Council unanimously approved a $1,984,809 grant from the First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act, along with several other orders including a $2,500 CPA fund appropriation for deed restrictions, the appointment of Richard Calderon to the Community Preservation Committee, and a traffic ordinance. The council also approved a letter requesting a feasibility study for the Central Fire Station renovation and adopted multiple resolutions to address issues like road damage, water quality, motorized street bike safety, parking, speeding, flooding, and stormwater billing.

• Approved $1,984,809 First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act grant (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 CPA fund appropriation for deed restrictions (unanimous)
• Confirmed Richard Calderon to Community Preservation Committee (unanimous)
• Passed traffic ordinance through second reading and enrollment (unanimous)
• Approved letter for Central Fire Station feasibility study (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for motorized street bike safety plan, amended to include executive session (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to discuss flooding on Anderson Street (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to discuss stormwater billing for properties east of North Watuppa Pond (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss several large-scale funding requests, including over $1.6 million for capital maintenance and police/fire services. The agenda also includes public hearings on curb removals and joint pole installations, as well as the acceptance of various state grants.

• Appropriation of $1,677,400 from General Fund Stabilization for capital projects
• Appropriation of $360,000 from ARPA funds to Financial Services
• Appointment of Micaila R. Britto as Veterans’ Agent
• Acceptance of grants including MassCALL3 ($250,000) and Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance ($1,056,000)
• Public hearings for curb removals on Hancock Street and Walter Street

The Fall River City Council voted 3-5 to reject a $1,677,400 appropriation from the General Fund Stabilization Fund for capital projects in facilities, community maintenance, police, and fire. Councilors expressed concerns about using one-time funds for recurring expenses and long-term budget sustainability. The council also approved several other items, including TIE agreements, a Veterans' Agent appointment, and various licenses and orders.

• Rejected $1,677,400 stabilization fund transfer for capital projects (3-5)
• Approved TIE agreements for 529 Eastern Avenue LLC, 66 Troy Street LLC, and Downtown Development LLC
• Confirmed Micaila R. Britto as Veterans' Agent
• Approved $389,200 stabilization fund transfer for police and community maintenance salaries (7-1)
• Rejected $360,000 ARPA fund transfer for financial services (4-4)
• Approved $50,000 transfer for demo lien and vacant lot programs
• Approved MassCALL3 grant of $250,000; referred other grants to Finance Committee
• Approved termination of Mackenzie Silvia as Constable

Revised)

The meeting includes several appropriations, including over $1.6 million for capital improvements and $360,000 from ARPA funds. The Council will also discuss a plan for allocating $70 million in federal stimulus money and review curb removal requests.

• Appropriation of $1,288,887 for FY 2021 expenses including snow removal and fire/emergency salaries
• Appropriation of $1,677,400 from the General Fund Stabilization Fund for police, fire, and maintenance capital
• Presentation of a plan for using $70 million from the federal stimulus plan
• Curb removal requests for properties on Adams Street, Herman Street, Pelham Street, and North Main Street
• Confirmation of appointments to the Port Authority

The Fall River City Council deadlocked 4-4 on confirming Merrill M. Cordeiro and John Medeiros to the Port Authority, with the president abstaining; a motion to reject also failed 4-4. Per the City Charter, both appointments take effect automatically (Cordeiro on August 16, 2021; Medeiros on July 19, 2021). The council also rejected a $1,288,887 year-end transfer (5-4), tabled several appropriations, and confirmed Jeffrey Silvia to the Board of Park Commissioners.

• Port Authority appointments for Cordeiro and Medeiros failed to confirm (4-4, president abstaining); appointments take effect automatically
• Rejected $1,288,887 FY2021 year-end transfers (5-4)
• Tabled $1,677,400 General Fund Stabilization Fund appropriation
• Tabled $50,000 Facilities Maintenance to Community Services appropriation
• Tabled $360,000 ARPA appropriation for Financial Services
• Confirmed Jeffrey Silvia to Board of Park Commissioners (unanimous)
• Adopted City Council Attorney policy as amended (unanimous)
• Passed traffic ordinance to second reading and enrollment (unanimous)

Special Meeting (Revised)

The Committee on Finance and City Council will continue discussions regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Budget. This includes the General Fund, Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund, Sewer Enterprise Fund, and Water Enterprise Fund. The agenda also includes an order to establish spending limits for Fiscal Year 2021 Revolving Funds.

• Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Budget (General, EMS, Sewer, and Water funds)
• Order establishing spending limits for FY 2021 Revolving Funds

The City Council held a special meeting on June 29, 2021, but took no action on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Budget. No committee reports were received, and no citizen input was submitted. The council unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. A letter from the mayor, read into the record, states that because the council rejected the entire budget without specific line-item reductions, the proposed budget automatically takes effect on July 1, 2021, per state law and the city charter.

• Adjourned the special meeting at 8:32 p.m. by unanimous vote
• Took no action on the proposed FY2022 Municipal Budget
• Received no committee reports from the Committee on Finance
• Received no citizen input for the meeting

Revised)

The City Council will review a request to move $100,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund to the Water Stabilization Fund. The agenda also includes confirming Joseph Pereira to the Board of Appeals and discussing traffic safety near Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School.

• $100,000 appropriation to the Water Stabilization Fund
• Confirmation of Joseph Pereira to the Board of Appeals
• Easement request for 81 Greenleaf Street
• Second reading of ordinances regarding traffic and floodplains
• Street acceptances for Bell, Granite, and Small Streets

The Fall River City Council confirmed Joseph Pereira's appointment to the Board of Appeals and approved a $100,000 transfer from the Water Enterprise Fund to the Water Stabilization Fund. Three ordinances were passed to be ordained: Traffic (miscellaneous), Floodplains District, and Structures on/over public way permit. The council also referred an easement at 81 Greenleaf Street to committee, tabled a Park Board special employee order, and adopted resolutions on traffic safety and ADA improvements.

• Confirmed Joseph Pereira to Board of Appeals (unanimous, Kilby absent)
• Approved $100,000 transfer to Water Stabilization Fund (unanimous, Kilby absent)
• Referred 81 Greenleaf Street easement to Committee on Real Estate (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Tabled order on Park Board special municipal employees
• Passed Traffic (miscellaneous) ordinance to be ordained (unanimous)
• Passed Floodplains District ordinance as amended to be ordained (unanimous)
• Passed Structures on/over public way permit ordinance as amended to be ordained (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for traffic safety discussion near Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2022 municipal and school budgets. The agenda also includes requests to confirm two appointments to the Port Authority and the acceptance of various state and federal grants.

• Acceptance of $34,799,571 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
• Appropriation of $1,809,616 from Community Preservation Act funds for community projects
• Confirmation of Dawn Saurette and Patrick Norton to the Port Authority
• Acceptance of a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• Public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2022 municipal budget

The Fall River City Council unanimously accepted $34,799,571 in American Rescue Plan Act funds and approved $1,809,616 in Community Preservation Act funds for FY22 projects. Two Port Authority appointments were tabled, including one after debate over qualifications. Several ordinances, grants, and curb/pole permits were approved.

• Accepted $34,799,571 ARPA funds (unanimous)
• Approved $1,809,616 Community Preservation Act FY22 projects (unanimous)
• Tabled Dawn Saurette Port Authority appointment (7-2)
• Tabled Patrick Norton Port Authority appointment (9-0)
• Adopted FY22 revolving fund spending limits (unanimous)
• Accepted $50,000 Public Safety grant for Police Cadet Program (unanimous)
• Passed Traffic and Solid Waste ordinances to be ordained (unanimous)
• Approved 6 curb removals and 2 pole locations (unanimous)

Revised)

The Fall River City Council will meet to discuss proposed FY22 budgets for the Water and Sewer Divisions. The agenda also includes a memorandum of agreement with building custodians and an audit report for the Police Department. Additionally, the council will consider appointments to the Conservation Commission and Licensing Board.

• Proposed FY22 budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions
• Memorandum of Agreement with Labor Advantage for Workers Local 124
• Police Department Audit Report from The Edward Davis Co.
• Public hearing for a joint pole location on Stafford Road
• Proposed ordinance for a Compost Recycling Program

The Fall River City Council approved a $250,000 transfer to the Police Department budget to support an immediate strategic use of manpower, following discussion of recent shootings and gang activity. The council also adopted a resolution to convene with the Chief of Police and administration to discuss policing strategy, and adopted a resolution to discuss high-risk youth. Several appointments were confirmed, and a memorandum of agreement with the building custodians' union was approved.

• Approved $250,000 transfer to Police Department budget (9-0)
• Adopted resolution to convene with police and administration on policing strategy (9-0)
• Adopted resolution for committee to discuss high-risk youth (9-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with Labor Advantage for Workers Local 124 (unanimous)
• Confirmed Christopher Boyle to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed Melanie C. Cordeiro to Licensing Board (unanimous)
• Passed ordinance on handicapped parking through final reading (unanimous)
• Granted leave to withdraw resolution on selling drainage parcels (7-1)

Revised)

The City Council will vote on a $1,809,616 appropriation from Community Preservation Act funds for various community projects. The agenda also includes confirming appointments to the Conservation Commission and Commission on Disability. Additionally, committees will discuss improvements to city parks and baseball fields.

• $1,809,616 appropriation for FY22 Community Preservation Act projects
• Confirmation of James Cusick to the Conservation Commission
• Reappointment of Lisa Silva to the Commission on Disability
• Public hearings regarding curb removals at 37 Chicago Street and 539 President Avenue
• Discussion of trash collection and a proposed Cart Program

The Fall River City Council confirmed James Cusick to the Conservation Commission and Lisa Silva to the Commission on Disability, both unanimously. A $1,809,616 Community Preservation Act appropriation for FY22 projects was referred to the Committee on Finance. The Council adopted a resolution to audit snow removal expenses, amended to include forwarding salary and expense records for the last four years. Several other items were referred to committees or approved, including curb removals, licenses, and banner applications.

• Confirmed James Cusick to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed Lisa Silva to Commission on Disability (unanimous)
• Referred $1,809,616 CPA FY22 appropriation to Finance Committee (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for outside audit of snow removal expenses, as amended (unanimous)
• Adopted curb removal order for 539 President Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved taxicab driver licenses for Carlos Cosme and Liz Marie Lugo Morales (unanimous)
• Approved auto body shop license renewal for Brougham Motors (unanimous)
• Approved banner application for Steppingstone, Inc. at 111 Durfee Street (8-0-1)

Revised)

The Fall River City Council will consider several large loan orders, including $4,875,000 for water system improvements and nearly $5 million for Samuel Watson Elementary School repairs. The meeting also includes discussions on the fiscal year 2021 budget report and various curb removal requests.

• $4,875,000 loan order for Phase 21 Water System Improvements Project
• $4,911,047 loan order for Phase II repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School
• $2,400,000 loan order for a synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School
• Permission for Rack 'Em Up Billiards to maintain 19 tables at 129 Griffin Street
• Curb removal requests for Alden Street, Mott Street, and Durfee Street

The Fall River City Council approved several loan orders, including $4,875,000 for water system improvements, $4,911,047 for repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School, and $2,400,000 for a synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School. The council also adopted a Memorandum of Agreement with the firefighters' union, passed two ordinances, and approved various licenses and permits.

• Approved $2,400,000 loan for synthetic turf baseball field at Durfee High School (7-2)
• Approved $4,875,000 loan for Phase 21 Water System Improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $4,911,047 loan for Phase II repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School (unanimous)
• Adopted firefighters' Memorandum of Agreement (7-2)
• Passed ordinance on traffic, miscellaneous (unanimous)
• Passed ordinance on Abutters Lots Program, as amended (unanimous)
• Approved billiards license for Rack 'Em Up Billiards at 129 Griffin Street (unanimous)
• Approved ShotSpotter reinstatement request, amended to include District Attorney's Office (unanimous)

City Council

The Fall River City Council is reviewing a request for a $4,875,000 loan order for Phase 21 Water Main Improvements. The council will also consider appropriations totaling $1,738,680 to the School Appropriation from health insurance and state/county assessments. Additional items include discussions on water quality grants and proposed FY2022 budgets for water and sewer divisions.

• $4,875,000 loan order for Phase 21 Water Main Improvements Project
• $1,738,680 appropriation to the School Appropriation from health insurance and state/county assessments
• $100,000 grant communication from BayCoast Bank regarding water quality data collection
• Memorandum of Agreement between Local 1314 International Association of Firefighters and City
• Proposed FY2022 budgets for Water and Sewer Divisions

The Fall River City Council voted unanimously to table the Memorandum of Agreement with Local 1314 firefighters until a legal opinion is received from KP Law, P.C. regarding the terms 'credible service' and 'any governmental unit' in the collective bargaining agreement. The council also approved a $1,738,680 transfer to the School Appropriation, a $4,875,000 loan order for Phase 21 Water Main Improvements (referred to Finance), and accepted a $100,000 BayCoast Bank grant for water quality study.

• Tabled the firefighters' Memorandum of Agreement pending legal opinion on 'credible service' language
• Approved $1,738,680 transfer to School Appropriation from Health Insurance and State/County Assessments
• Referred $4,875,000 loan order for Phase 21 Water Main Improvements to Committee on Finance
• Accepted $100,000 BayCoast Bank grant for water quality study and sent letter of thanks
• Referred FY2022 Water and Sewer budgets to Finance Committee
• Referred FY2022 water and sewer rate ordinances to Ordinances and Legislation Committee
• Adopted resolution to establish capital plan for fire station buildings
• Adopted resolution to discuss speeding on North Main Street

City Council

The City Council will review several large loan orders for improvements to city buildings, fire headquarters construction, and departmental equipment. The agenda also includes a proposal to appropriate $1,738,680 to the school appropriation from various funds. Additionally, the council will consider street acceptances and utility pole locations.

• $2,100,000 loan order for improvements to city buildings including police station, library, and fire departments
• $2,700,000 loan order for constructing a building at Fire Headquarters
• $390,000 loan order for an excavator and a police department bucket truck
• Appropriation of $1,738,680 to the school appropriation from the Employer Trust Fund and State/County Assessments
• Street acceptance for Lynwood Street and Way Street

The Fall River City Council approved three loan orders totaling $5.3 million for city building improvements, an excavator and bucket truck, and a new EMS building at Fire Headquarters. It also adopted a confirmatory taking for Kuss Middle School, a police union MOU, and several other items. A $1.74 million school appropriation was referred back to the mayor to change the funding source.

• Approved $2.1M loan for city building improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $500K loan for excavator and bucket truck, as amended (unanimous)
• Approved $2.7M loan for EMS building at Fire Headquarters (unanimous)
• Adopted confirmatory taking of Parcel H20-0021 for Kuss Middle School (unanimous)
• Adopted police union MOU with MassCOP Local 1854 (unanimous)
• Referred $1,738,680 school appropriation back to mayor to change funding source (7-1)
• Adopted resolution to include Notre Dame Rectory in Central HD Zone (unanimous)
• Approved street acceptance for Lynwood Street and Way Street (unanimous)

Joint Meeting

The City Council and School Committee will meet for the Mayor to deliver the State of the City Address. Due to COVID-19 Essential Services Advisories, this meeting is closed to the public.

• State of the City Address by the Mayor

The City Council and School Committee held a joint meeting solely to receive Mayor Paul Coogan's State of the City address. No substantive decisions were made; the only actions were motions to adjourn each body. The address reviewed pandemic response, public safety, education, infrastructure, and finances, and outlined priorities for the coming year.

• School Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 5:56 p.m.
• City Council unanimously voted to adjourn at 5:57 p.m.

City Council

The meeting includes Mayor Paul E. Coogan’s State of the City Address and several proposed loan orders for city infrastructure. The council will review funding requests for elementary school repairs, a high school baseball field, and fire headquarters construction. The agenda also covers budget transfers to school funds and municipal appointments.

• $4,911,047 loan order for Phase II repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School
• $1,800,000 loan order for a synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School
• $2,100,000 loan order for improvements to several City buildings
• $2,700,000 loan order for a building at Fire Headquarters
• $390,000 loan order for an excavator and a police bucket truck

The City Council voted to advance several loan orders, including $4,911,047 for Phase II repairs to the Samuel Watson Elementary School and $1,800,000 for a synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School, both referred to the Committee on Finance. The turf field loan passed 7-2 with Councilors Dionne and Lee voting no. The Council also referred a $2,100,000 loan for city building improvements, a $390,000 loan for an excavator and bucket truck, and a $2,700,000 loan for a Fire Headquarters building to the Finance Committee. A school appropriation order was tabled, and the Council confirmed several mayoral appointments and reappointments.

• Lifted from table and referred to Finance: $4,911,047 loan order for Phase II repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School.
• Lifted from table and referred to Finance (7-2): $1,800,000 loan order for synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School.
• Tabled: order appropriating $1,282,529 from Employer Trust Fund and $456,151 from State and County Assessments to the School Appropriation.
• Referred to Finance: $2,100,000 loan order for improvements to several City buildings.
• Referred to Finance: $390,000 loan order for an excavator and a bucket truck with lift.
• Referred to Finance: $2,700,000 loan order for constructing a building at Fire Headquarters to house Rescue-7.
• Confirmed appointments: Aja Andrea Grice (Library Trustees), James V. Terrio Jr. (Watuppa Water Board), Danielle J. Pixley (Community Preservation Committee), Thomas J. Faris Jr. (Traffic Commission).
• Confirmed reappointments: Ronald Caplain (Library Trustees), Attorney David Assad (Board of Appeals), Reverend James Hornsby (Conservation Commission).

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and review financial forecasts. The agenda includes major loan orders for elementary school repairs and a new high school baseball field. The council also faces a resolution for a vote of no confidence against the Superintendent of Schools.

• $4,911,047 loan order for Samuel Watson Elementary School repairs
• $1,800,000 loan order for B.M.C. Durfee High School baseball field
• Vote of no confidence against Superintendent Matthew H. Malone
• Public hearing on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Proposed ordinances regarding traffic and EMS staff

The Fall River City Council voted 8-0 (with one abstention) to adopt a resolution of no confidence in Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone and to request his immediate resignation. The council also voted 8-0 to request the release of a $25,000 investigative report on Malone from the superintendent, the School Committee, and Attorney Bruce Assad. Two proposed loan orders — $4,911,047 for Phase II repairs to Samuel Watson Elementary School and $1,800,000 for a synthetic turf baseball field at B.M.C. Durfee High School — were laid on the table after objections. The council also passed two ordinances (Traffic Miscellaneous and EMS Administrative Assistant) and referred the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan back to the Committee on Finance after it failed to pass.

• Adopted resolution of no confidence in Superintendent Matthew H. Malone (8 yeas, 1 present)
• Voted to request Malone's immediate resignation (8 yeas, 1 present)
• Voted to request release of $25,000 investigative report on Malone (8 yeas, 1 present)
• Laid on table loan order for $4,911,047 for Samuel Watson Elementary School repairs
• Laid on table loan order for $1,800,000 for Durfee High School synthetic turf field
• Passed Traffic Miscellaneous ordinance through second reading and ordained it (9 yeas)
• Passed EMS Administrative Assistant ordinance through second reading and ordained it (9 yeas)
• Referred Five Year Capital Improvement Plan back to Committee on Finance (9 yeas)

Revised)

The Fall River City Council will meet to discuss legal counsel selection and several financial appropriations. This includes transferring surplus revenue to stabilization funds and funding the OPEB Trust Fund. The agenda also features zoning changes for 629 Eastern Avenue and school transportation agreements.

• Appropriation of $226,737.00 for the OPEB Trust Fund
• Transfer of $1,731,352.00 to the General Fund Stabilization Fund
• Rezoning 629 Eastern Avenue into the Central HD Zone
• Review of legal service proposals from Arthur D. Frank, Jr. and KP Law
• Proposed ordinance for the Abutters Lots Program

The Fall River City Council voted unanimously to appropriate $226,737 to the OPEB Trust Fund and $2.158 million to stabilization funds. It also engaged KP Law as legal counsel for the City Council (8-0-1) and approved several license transfers and appointments. Several items were referred to committees for further review.

• Appropriated $226,737 to OPEB Trust Fund (9-0)
• Appropriated $1,731,352 to General Fund Stabilization Fund (9-0)
• Appropriated $426,925 to EMS Stabilization Fund (9-0)
• Engaged KP Law as City Council legal counsel (8-0-1)
• Appointed Caroline H. Aubin and Alexander Silva to Community Preservation Committee (9-0)
• Approved transfer of auto repair license no. 346 to Easy Auto Repair, LLC (8-0)
• Approved transfer of auto body shop license no. 37 to Khoury Enterprise LLC (9-0)
• Approved transfer of auto body shop license no. 149 to Eddie Feliciano (9-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet to consider an order authorizing the dismissal of a lawsuit against Jasiel F. Correia, II. The agenda also includes reviews of the Mayor's five-year Capital Improvement Plan and the Fiscal Year 2021 second-quarter budget report. Additionally, public hearings are scheduled regarding curb removals for commercial developments.

• Order authorizing dismissal of Fall River City Council v. Jasiel F. Correia, II
• Review of the Mayor's Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2021 — Quarter 2 Budget Report
• TIF amendments for Hutchens Holding III, LLC and Seafox Holdings LLC
• Public hearings for curb removals at 165 Flanders Road and 465 Rock Street

City Council

This special meeting of the City Council is held to elect the council's President and Vice President for the year 2021. The agenda also includes a process for citizen input submitted via email.

• Election of President for 2021
• Election of Vice President for 2021

The Fall River City Council held a special virtual meeting on January 5, 2021, and unanimously elected Cliff Ponte as Council President and Pam Laliberte-Lebeau as Vice President for 2021, each by a 9-0 roll call vote. The council also heard two citizen communications, one about salary ordinances and restaurant license renewals, and another about transparency regarding Superintendent Matthew Malone. Councilor Linda Pereira asked that the latter be forwarded to the School Committee. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

• Elected Cliff Ponte as Council President for 2021 (9-0)
• Elected Pam Laliberte-Lebeau as Council Vice President for 2021 (9-0)
• Approved forwarding Collin Dias' communication to the School Committee
• Adjourned at 6:19 p.m. (9-0)