5.24.2022 Fall River City Council

The Fall River City Council meeting on May 24, 2022, featured extensive discussion on the allocation of Bristol County ARPA funds and several citizen input items. City Administrator Tony Aiken presented a summary of ARPA rules and various proposals for the $16 million in county funds, emphasizing the Mayor's intent for the Council to direct their use. Key proposals included $1.522 million for police body-worn cameras and tasers, $950,000 for street sweepers, and funds for pothole repair and graffiti removal. Councilors expressed concerns about ARPA fund categories, potential audits, and the need to prioritize water and sewer infrastructure, with Director of Community Utilities Michael Furland explaining how street sweepers could reduce contamination and costs.

In other business, the Council unanimously confirmed Paul Gauvin as the City's Police Chief and Ryan Lyons as the Chairperson of the Board of Election Commissioners, despite citizen concerns about Lyons' past political involvement. They also reappointed John Brandt and James Cusick to the Conservation Commission. Several ordinances passed through second reading and were ordained, including miscellaneous traffic ordinances, the residential compost recycling program, and the historical preservation ordinance. Water and sewer rates were also ordained, with Councilors Dion and Lee opposing both. The Council adopted a resolution to discuss Durfee High School athletic field funding during upcoming FY23 budget deliberations and voted to send a letter to the Governor's office and MassDOT expressing disappointment over not being invited to the Braga Bridge lighting ceremony.

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