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Fall River, MA

Fall River public meetings in 2024

28 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 17, 2024

City Council

Council to vote on new Deputy Chief of EMS position and Route 79 update

The City Council will hold public hearings on New England Power Company transmission line crossings on Copicut Road, Quanipaug Road, North Main Street, Highland Avenue, and Wilson Road. The Council will also consider a mayor's request to create a Deputy Chief of EMS – Budget and Compliance position, and the Finance Committee will receive an update on the Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvements Project. Other items include accepting a $1,000 library donation, license renewals, and election of council officers for 2025.

transmission-linesemsbudgetroute-79librarylicensescity-council
✓ Decided: City Council elects Joseph D. Camara as 2025 President

The City Council elected its 2025 leadership and approved several business licenses and traffic ordinances. The Council also accepted a $1,000 donation for the public library and referred a request for a new EMS Deputy Chief position to committee.

Tue Dec 3, 2024

City Council

Council to confirm EMS chief, accept $70K cemetery gift, and approve pole work

The City Council meeting includes public hearings on utility pole installations by National Grid on High Street and curb removals at 160 Linden Street and 118 Primrose Street. The Committee on Finance will discuss quarterly funding updates for the Bank Street Armory renovation. The Council will vote on confirming Nicholas S. Silva as Chief of Emergency Medical Services, reappointing three Library Board trustees, and accepting a $70,000 donation from the Josephine M. Turner Trust for Oak Grove Cemetery maintenance. Additional items include the Traffic Commission’s proposed ordinance amendments and a resolution urging approval of a variance request for 2 Ferry, LLC at 52 Ferry Street.

utilitiesstreetsfinancepublic-safetycemeterieslibrarytrafficzoning
Tue Nov 19, 2024

City Council

Council to discuss online tax payments and Watuppa Heights reuse

The City Council will hold committee meetings on online real estate tax payments and potential use of the vacant Watuppa Heights property for affordable housing. The regular meeting includes confirmation of two mayoral appointments, traffic ordinance amendments, and various license renewals.

city-councilfinancehousingtaxestrafficappointmentslicenses
✓ Decided: City Council approves $3.2M for fire station and EMS facility repairs

The City Council approved a $3.2M loan order for renovations to the Central Fire Station and the construction of an EMS storage facility. The council also confirmed two mayoral appointments and passed an ordinance for new handicapped parking locations.

Tue Nov 5, 2024

City Council

Council to vote on $3.2M EMS station loan, $78K museum facade removal

The City Council will consider increasing a loan order from $2.7M to $3.2M for renovations to Central Fire Station and construction of an EMS storage facility. They will also vote on appropriating $78,062 from Community Preservation Act funds to remove the facade of the Maritime Museum. Additionally, the council will review two bids for the former Frank M. Silvia Elementary School and consider amendments to traffic ordinances.

budgetpublic-safetyhistoric-preservationreal-estatetransportationzoning
✓ Decided: City Council approves $3.2M for fire station and EMS facility

The City Council approved a loan increase for the Central Fire Station and a new EMS Storage Facility. They also authorized funding for the Maritime Museum facade and passed several traffic and salary ordinances.

Wed Oct 30, 2024

City Council

City Council to set FY2025 tax rate, likely keeping maximum shift to businesses

The City Council will hold a special meeting to act on the Board of Assessors' recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and levy. The board proposes a tax factor of 1.75, the maximum allowed, which shifts more of the tax burden onto commercial, industrial, and personal property owners to lower the residential rate. The council previously adopted a 1.75 factor for FY2024.

budgettaxesproperty-taxcity-councilfinance
✓ Decided: City Council sets Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and levy

The City Council unanimously approved the establishment of the Fiscal Year 2025 tax factor and tax levy. The council set the tax factor at a rate of 1.75 and adopted orders to determine the percentages borne by each class of real and personal property.

Tue Oct 22, 2024

City Council

Council to set tax classification, accept former Davol School deed

The City Council will hold a public hearing on tax classification for Fiscal Year 2025, deciding the percentage of the local tax levy each property class will bear. The council will also vote on accepting a quitclaim deed for 112 Flint Street (former Davol Elementary School) from the Flint Neighborhood Association Corp. for $1, settling a reverter dispute. Other items include appointments, a $983,500 opioid settlement fund appropriation, and a $500,000 increase to a loan order for Central Fire Station renovations.

tax-classificationpropertyopioid-settlementfire-stationhousingbudgetappointments
✓ Decided: Fall River City Council approves opioid fund transfers and housing zone expansion

The City Council approved several financial transfers, including $983,500 for opioid settlement grants and $650,000 for EMS. The council also expanded the Waterfront/Downtown Market Rate Incentive Zone and approved the transfer of a property to the Community Development Agency for first-time homebuyers.

Tue Oct 8, 2024

City Council

Council to review proposed new city charter after year-long study

The City Council will receive and discuss the Special Charter Review Committee's proposed new city charter, the result of a year-long review process. The council will also hold a public hearing on a curb removal at 2492 South Main Street and consider several mayoral appointments to city boards. A finance committee meeting will discuss overdue water payments from the Town of Westport.

charter-reviewcity-councilpublic-hearingwater-billsappointmentsproperty-transfercurb-removal
✓ Decided: City Council confirms several board appointments and refers property deed to Finance

The City Council confirmed multiple appointments to the Conservation, Cultural, and Historical commissions. A proposed quitclaim deed for 112 Flint Street was referred to the Committee on Finance, and several resolutions were adopted to discuss homeless shelters, park usage, and the Watuppa Heights property.

Tue Sep 24, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider ordinances on unauthorized camping and traffic changes

The Fall River City Council will discuss proposed ordinances regarding unauthorized camping on public property and various traffic and parking amendments. The body will also consider appointments to the Cultural Council and hold a finance committee meeting regarding utility pole relocation.

zoningtrafficparkingpublic-safetyappointmentsutilities
Tue Sep 10, 2024

City Council

Council to vote on $313,646 transfer for Pearl and Third Street garage repairs

The Fall River City Council will meet to decide on transferring $313,646 in unspent bond funds from three inactive projects to repair structural damage at the Pearl Street and Third Street garages. The council will also discuss proposed amendments to expand a housing incentive zone, increase water main replacement funding, and adopt several ordinances related to traffic, parking, and personnel.

zoninghousinginfrastructurebudgettrafficparkingpersonnelutilities
Thu Aug 22, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider amended warrant for September 3 State Primary Election

The City Council is meeting to discuss an amended warrant for the State Primary Election scheduled for September 3, 2024. The amendment specifically addresses the offices for which registered voters will cast ballots.

electionsvotinggovernment
Tue Aug 13, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider $1.6 million water main project and various ARPA funds

The City Council will discuss several funding requests, including a $1,633,882 ARPA proposal for water main replacement and the purchase of an artmobile vehicle. The meeting also includes public hearings on curb removals, utility pole installations, and an auto repair shop license.

budgetinfrastructurearpazoningpublic-workslibrary
Tue Jul 16, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider ballot question for new Diman Regional Vocational High School

The City Council and Committee on Finance are reviewing a proposed ballot question for the November 5, 2024 election regarding debt for a new regional vocational high school. The body will also consider several mayoral appointments and grant orders for public safety.

educationbudgetpublic-safetyzoninginfrastructure
Tue Jun 25, 2024

Revised)

Fall River Council to consider $6.4 million transfer to stabilization fund

The Fall River City Council will meet to vote on several financial transfers and appointments. Key items include moving $6.4 million to the city's stabilization fund and establishing a new revolving fund for opioid settlement payments. The council will also consider utility pole installations on Robin Street.

budgetpublic-safetyutilitiesappointmentshousing
Tue Jun 11, 2024

Revised)

City Council to discuss FY2025 budget and veterans fund reduction

The City Council will continue discussions on the Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Budget. The agenda includes a request to reduce Veterans Assistance ARPA funds from $250,000 to $20,000. Public hearings are also scheduled for curb removals and street acceptances.

budgetveteransretirementzoningpublic-hearingfinancehousing
Tue May 28, 2024

Revised)

City Council considers $88 million wastewater management contract

The City Council will review a ten-year contract with Inframark LLC for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems. The meeting also includes discussions on revolving fund spending limits, various ordinance amendments, and traffic regulations.

wastewaterbudgetzoningtrafficgovernment-contracts
Tue May 14, 2024

Revised)

Fall River City Council considers $700,000 ARPA funding for Lafayette Skatepark

The Fall River City Council will consider a proposal to use $700,000 in Bristol County ARPA funds for the Lafayette Skatepark Rehabilitation. The agenda also includes several appointments to the Board of Park Commissioners and the Council on Aging. Additionally, the council will review proposed changes to Engineering Department permit fees and wastewater management contracts.

budgetparksappointmentspublic-worksfinance
Tue Apr 23, 2024

City Council

City Council to discuss community projects and financial audits

The City Council will consider a $1,771,482 appropriation for fiscal year 2025 community projects. The meeting also includes discussions on the Community Development Agency's Year Five Annual Action Plan and the Fiscal Year 2023 financial audit.

budgetcommunity-developmentfinancegovernment-administrationzoning
Tue Apr 9, 2024

City Council

City Council considers EMS budget, zoning changes, and various city ordinances

The City Council will meet to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Emergency Medical Services Enterprise Fund budget. The agenda also includes public hearings for curb removal and zoning map amendments, as well as several appointments and municipal ordinances.

budgetemszoningpublic-hearingsordinancesgovernment-appointments
Tue Apr 9, 2024

Joint Meeting

Fall River City Council and School Committee review FY2025 budget forecasts.

The Fall River City Council and School Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the city's fiscal and financial condition. They will review revenue and expense forecasts as part of the preparation for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. This process establishes the financial framework that guides funding for municipal services and public schools in the coming year.

city-councilschool-committeebudgetfiscal-reviewpublic-meeting
Tue Mar 26, 2024

City Council

City Council considers $1.1 million transfer from surplus revenue to schools

The City Council will consider a proposal to transfer $1,100,000 from the FY23 Surplus Revenue to School Appropriation. The agenda also includes reviews of the FY25 Water and Sewer Division budgets and proposed changes to traffic ordinances. Additionally, the council will discuss firearm violence mitigation and request updated crime data from the Police Chief.

budgetschoolswatersewertrafficpoliceappointments
Tue Mar 12, 2024

Joint Meeting

Mayor Paul Coogan to deliver the State of the City Address

The City Council and School Committee are holding a joint meeting. The sole purpose of this meeting is for the Mayor to deliver the State of the City Address.

governmentstate-of-the-city
Tue Mar 12, 2024

City Council

City Council discusses five-year Capital Improvement Plan and various city business

The City Council will review the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and several priority matters. The agenda includes public hearings for curb removal at Kilburn Place and discussions regarding ARPA funding and water/sewer budgets.

budgetinfrastructurepublic-workszoninggovernment
Tue Feb 27, 2024

Revised)

Fall River council considers expanding waterfront zoning for denser housing.

The Fall River City Council will discuss a mayor-requested zoning map amendment to expand the Waterfront and Transit-Oriented Development District along Davol Street and Walnut Street, which would allow higher-density housing and commercial use near the new transit station. Members will also review funding for an Affordable Housing Trust, updates on youth program spending using Bristol County ARPA funds, and a resolution proposing court-ordered memorial repair work for vandalism convictions. The agenda includes utility pole approvals, curb modifications at 1975 Pleasant Street, and routine license renewals.

zoninghousingbudgetinfrastructurepublic-hearingsyouth-programsordinances
Thu Feb 15, 2024

City Council

City Council to consider transferring $5 million in surplus revenue

The Fall River City Council will review transfers of $2,500,000 each from FY23 surplus revenue to the Stabilization Fund and School Appropriation. The agenda also includes consideration of grants for fire safety equipment and ADA improvements at the Veterans Center and Government Center. Additionally, the council will address proposed changes to traffic ordinances and salary schedules.

budgetfinancepublic-safetyinfrastructurezoningappointments
Tue Feb 13, 2024

Revised) CANCELLED

The February 13, 2024, Fall River City Council meeting was cancelled.

This meeting was scheduled to include discussions on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, budget reports, and various city ordinances. However, the agenda indicates that the meeting was cancelled.

budgetgovernment-operationspublic-safetyinfrastructure
Tue Jan 23, 2024

Revised)

Council to confirm new fire chief, review budget and 5-year forecast

The Fall River City Council will hold a finance committee meeting and a regular meeting. They will vote on confirming Jeffrey Bacon as Fire Chief, hear the mayor's request to deliver the State of the City address, and review the FY2024 Q2 budget report and a 5-year financial forecast. The agenda also includes several resolutions and proposed ordinances on traffic and other matters.

appointmentsbudgetfinanceelectionsordinancestrafficpublic-safety
✓ Decided: City Council rejects proposal to sell Bank Street Armory

The City Council voted 6-3 to reject an order authorizing the sale of the Bank Street Armory. Other actions included confirming the new Fire Chief and passing several traffic-related ordinances. The council also approved the creation of a new Finance, Management and Compliance Analyst position.

Tue Jan 9, 2024

City Council

Council to vote on $2M+ in grants, ARPA funds, and appointments

The Fall River City Council will hold public hearings on an auto repair license and two curb removals, then consider several appointments, grant acceptances, and ARPA funding proposals. Key items include accepting over $2 million in state and private grants, approving $754,000 in Bristol County ARPA funds for police vehicles, cameras, traffic lights, a veterans' van, and a student aid fund, and confirming new department heads.

grantspublic-safetyarpa-fundingappointmentslicensescurb-removalpolice
✓ Decided: Fall River City Council approves over $2M in public safety grants and ARPA funds

The City Council approved multiple grants for public safety staffing and youth gang prevention, along with ARPA funding for police equipment and student financial aid. The council also confirmed several mayoral appointments and accepted the deed for 138 Hartwell Street.

Tue Jan 2, 2024

Organization of Government

City Council to elect President and Vice President for 2024

The City Council will meet for the organization of government alongside the inauguration of municipal officers. The primary purpose of this meeting is to elect a City Council President and Vice President for the year 2024.

government-organizationelectionscity-council