12.9.2025 Fall River City Council

My over

hey.

City Council public hearing will come to order. Clerk will call the role.

Council Scadin here.

Dion here.

Hart here.

Kilby.

Carrera here.

Ponti Raposo here.

Tith President Chimera here. Council Kilby unfortunately won't be able to attend tonight's meeting.

Council Ponti is running a little late and councelor Tiff is also running a little late. Just to bring people up to speed.

Pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public hearing or may transmit this meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unpersceived by those present and not deemed acknowledged and permissible.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Motion to open the public hearing has been made and seconded. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries. Item number one on the public hearing is Jessica Ortigga 53 Adam Street Newick, New Jersey 07105 for the removal of curbing as follows.

At 34-36 California Street, the existing opening is 12 feet. Curb to be removed is 19 ft.

There is no curb to be added. Combined opening proposed after alteration is 31 ft. The existing parcel of service by a 12t curb opening. The applicant proposes to extend the existing opening by an additional 19 ft. The total opening for the location will be 31 ft. Are there any proponents to this public hearing?

Any proponents, please come down and speak into the microphone and give your name and what company you're with for the records on the company or where wherever your address is.

Yes, that's Are you from Forever?

Yes, I am.

Okay.

All right.

How you doing?

Hi.

Uh, just give your name.

Yep. Nick Cecilio, uh, 44 California Street.

Okay.

Um, so this is someone from outside of uh Fall River that's building a house and the house is up and it's built and all that good stuff, but um, there's been a lot of negligence by the contractors that work at that house. Um, as far as like things coming into my family's yard from the construction they're doing as far as shingles, nails, insulation, trash, all kinds of stuff.

They're right They're right next door to you Nick.

Yeah, they're So you're you're not a proponent. You're an opponent.

Yes, I am. So, you're not in favor of this.

I thought you said opponent.

I said proponent.

Oh, I'm sorry.

No, you're good.

You can just sit there for a second then. Are there any proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents right here? Sorry about that.

My my apologies.

We just wanted to make sure we got it clear.

First time, time.

You're good.

That's fine.

But, um, I I I need to see some kind of proposal because the lot is very small and 31 ft seems a little exaggerated.

Um, I'd like to see a proposal. I I I asked the question, is the city going to inspect it after the curbs removed?

Because if you remember a couple years ago, uh Liberty Gas came in and basically changed out all the gas lines and repaved the uh the curbing on that side of the road that they're looking to remove the the curb from. So, I'm I don't want it to affect the new pavement that's there. You know what I'm saying?

I just I just need to see some kind of like some kind of sketch, some kind of something what they're proposing because it could affect basically the street, you know, that we drive up and down in to get to our house.

Okay, not a problem.

So, that's why I'm opposed. I mean, I can give other reasons if need be, but I would just like to see a plan and I'd like to see like is the city going to be involved once it's removed to see make sure the paving is not compromised from what they did from the curb removal.

Okay. What we'll probably do if the council is willing to is someone will probably refer to a committee on regulations invite you in invite the people who are doing this attend or representation from them and explain all of your answers.

Yeah. And then also too I I know they're from out of state and I know there's a city ordinance as far as like when noise and construction can start and end. Um that's been broken several times during this project is meaning they can't start before 7 a.m. They're out there at 6:00 in the morning.

Gotcha.

Uh on Sundays it's it's 8:00. They're out there at 7 in the morning. So, I just there's a lot of concerns here.

So, I'm I'm pretty sure the council will refer this. I'm not sure. And hopefully we'll Yeah, I'm not trying to like I understand they they build a house. They have every right to do that and stuff. I just I just want to make sure it's not just going to inconvenience me any more than it has. You know, I've I've replaced it'll definitely get referred to like I've I've patched two tires because of

just nails being left out in the street.

There's just a lot of negligence going on at the site and I understand they're from out of town so they can't be there and basically monitor everything but they need to because it's affecting you know it's becoming an issue and I'm right on the side of them but I'm pretty sure other people are having issues with it too. They just they come forward.

Yep. No, absolutely. And it's affecting also too like your yard. There's debris going in the yard.

I have a dog that goes outside and the other day I picked up 60 nails cuz a nail box fell into my yard. There's a retaining wall between my property and their property and it seems like everything they leave outside the wind blows it down into my yard. It stays in there because I have a retaining wall and a fence. Okay. The yard's all fenced in. So, just bunch of debris and stuff

and I that's, you know, that's other things, but I'm just my big concern is just making sure that the the road does not get compromised.

Like I said, we'll have a meeting and you can attend the meeting and explain.

Yeah, that's great.

All right. Thank you very much.

Awesome. Thank you.

Thank you.

Are there any other opponents to this public hearing? Any other opponents?

Seeing none, we move on to item number two. Michael and Elizabeth Lemouth, 202 Cambridge Street for the removal of curbing as follows. The existing curbing is 18 ft. Curb to be removed is 14 feet.

There's no curb to be added. Combined opening proposed after alteration is 32 ft. The existing pass served by an 18t curb opening on M Street. The applicant proposes to construct a second 14t opening on Cambridge Street. The total opening for the location will be 32 feet. Are there any proponents to this public hearing? Any proponents?

You're in favor of it?

Okay. You want to come down and just [clears throat and cough] again just give your name and address for the record. Tell us why you're a proponent.

Name your address, please.

And the microphone anywhere.

My name is Michael Amath. I live up to I own the residence at 202 Cambridge Street. And we propose to put a driveway in. Uh the 14T cut isn't going to compromise any parking spots on the street because the area involved is from M Street to a the next door neighbor's driveway and uh my driveway will be up against his driveway. It it's not even going to take up a vehicle's length parking area. It's

actually going to help the area with the parking because I can put two cars in the driveway.

Perfect. Thank you very much.

Are there any other proponents to this public hearing? Any other proponents?

Seeing none, are there any opponents to this public hearing? Any opponents?

Motion to close the public hearing.

Motion to close the public hearing. Has a made and seconded. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

[clears throat] Guys want to roll invite to the regular meeting.

City Council Committee finance will come to order. Clerk will call the role.

Council Scadin here.

Dion here.

Hart here.

Kilby Pereira here. Ponty proposal [clears throat] here.

Tiff President Camaro here.

Pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit this meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unpersceived by those present and not deemed acknowledged and permissible.

We have a num couple of individuals signed up for assistant input time.

First we have Jordan Silva. Subject matter homeless.

He not here.

Thought he was here.

All right. To the second the next interview. I'll have him come back. Next we have Sarah Cavalo. Subject matter homeless.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Um, I'm here to talk about the homeless.

Um I feel that the number of homeless people that we would that was told us I think we do have a lot more homeless people in this city and I feel are we a gateway city because a lot of these homeless people are coming from other cities to our cities. I mean, with these people, can't we are they keeping track of these people that are coming from other cities

to our city? I mean, we have to deal with our people that live here. Now, we're dealing with people that coming from other cities. I mean, I feel bad.

Um, being homeless does not discriminate.

Um, and there needs to be a lot needs to be done. I understand that some of these people don't want help, but some of them do need help. They do. And like I said, a lot of them, they're out there because they can't afford afford rents. I've spoken to a couple of homeless people.

They cannot afford the rent. So, they're living, you know, in the woods. It just breaks my heart my heart. And another thing is um another thing is uh um I don't know we should do better.

We should help these people.

I know Stein Stone opened up part of their facility for the cold nights that Okay. What I don't understand is the facility opens at 4:00 in the afternoon and they got to be out by 8:00 in the morning. Where are these people going to go? It's cold. Why not let them stay there in the warmth? If they want to stay, I I don't I I don't understand that. You got the place. People don't want to go.

They want to stay in the warmth. Let them stay. No. come in at 4, then you got to be out of there by 8 o'clock in the morning. And they're just I don't know. It doesn't make any sense. But like I said, um the homeless, we do have a lot of work to do and helping these people.

Um [clears throat] they're humans and being homeless does not discriminate anybody.

So, with that said, I don't know.

I was thinking about wrap it up. Three minutes have gone by.

Excuse me.

Can you try to wrap it up, please?

You're beyond your three minutes.

I can't [clears throat] talk that fast.

Um, I was thinking about the What type of heights?

All right. Excuse me. We're We're going to wrap it up. You're beyond your three minutes.

Really?

Can I finish saying what I need to say, please? All

right. Nobody wants to hear what I have to say the rest.

Three minutes.

Okay.

Well, next we have Jordan Silva. Subject matter homeless.

Don't worry everybody, it's a Lego pistol.

Um, Jordan Sylvia, what's up everybody?

um came down here, wasn't upset, got upset.

Um been asking people to come to the meeting. I my ego was bruised cuz I brought free pizza and there's probably one pizza for every person who showed up tonight. So maybe my food sucks. Um but it comes down to um I understand like Sarah's frustration. Kelly Buchanan comes down here all the time. uh last time she was here, attorney Kilby basically said, you know, we're just part-time people. He's

been an attorney for decades, too. And it's like, we're just part-time people.

At some point, you know, that whole saying like a Chip Camaro would say, like, you get the government, we deserve um at some point it's, you know, maybe maybe people should stop. I think [clears throat] people have stopped caring. You know what I'm saying? No one's here, right? Nobody's here from the city. people like Sarah, myself, or Kelly, the handful, maybe five people that come down here and talk. Uh, no one

cares what we have to say. No, nothing's acted upon. And this other thing is like this idea that this is like some super hard problem to solve and like the the mayor tries to say that it's like really not a big problem because they're so good at it. It's only 100 people, which is the first lie. And then secondly, that it's only 100 people, but it's an impossible problem to solve. like both

of those things don't jive. Um, but it really comes down honestly like coming here right now parked right outside over here with my my 5-year-old Flanigan was stabbed a couple blocks away. You know what I mean? Like at some point reality hit you in the face and the city is getting worse. That I guess that's kind of the the the debate. And all these people that will cry and complain on Facebook, right? and they'll

trash me and they don't do a damn thing for anybody. They get mad when I just post videos of people sleeping on not in the in the woods, sleeping on like Rodman Street, sleeping on Plymouth A, you know. So, um, again, I know really I'm not trying to be offensive, but like nobody really cares. It's not being acted upon. And I was it dawned on me too like if any of us saw like a 5-year-old

coincidence I brought my son here but if you saw like a four-year-old kid laying on the street at 3:00 in the morning in a 10 degree weather I'm sure I would hope we would all stop you know what I mean call 911 and be like oh my god this is ter and like I guess there's an age where you age out of that and people just don't give up you know what I mean

so that's what we're kind of faced with is like people don't care you know and I've been saying that like for holding accountable like whether it's you guys, whatever. Try to pass an ordinance. We can't find homeless people, right? I get it. People are trying to do something.

Same thing she keeps saying. It's like I said this today on my video. It's like if I recycle improperly, Sam Solder and Jay are going to write write me up a citation. You can like do drugs all day, prostitute all day, have you know, defecate in public. You know what I mean? So, it's it's kind of a I appreciate you for for nodding your head because I know you care, Michelle. I

know. But like the problem can be solved is the frustrating thing, you know? So, I know you guys ain't the administration. I love to drag them down here and and ask them why they're allow because all I keep hearing is it's drugs and mental illness, right? Which I agree with. Like, but that's so we just allow that. You know what I mean? It's crazy to me. I'll tell you, everyone I talk to

who has the option is considering leaving forever. Like, people who've been coming down here yelling for 10 years, like at some point after 10 years, you're like, "Screw these people.

I'm moving out. I'm move." You know, Josh Silva has a six-month baby. like do I want to live here anymore? And this guy's been fighting for like 20 years to you know what I mean? One last thing I'll leave you with this thought that this question that is it like you know everyone's just trying their best and we just can't figure it out for 10 20 30 100 years and forever it's just get it's getting progressively

worse. It's getting worse. people like I've talked to people 80 years old twice my age saying hey if you ever remember people just living out out in on the you know main thoroughways like sleeping outside doing all this stuff it's getting worse and that's honestly going to be the legacy of you guys in office but us as people in fall river too because we don't hold anybody accountable you know what I mean but as

a city it's it's sick to say we spend more and more money and we get less and less services and everybody wants to point and point fingers and whatnot I guess you could say I'm doing here. But at least I give my time up to come down here. You know what I mean? Because I actually do care. I Dude, I find it like sickening that we all can walk by these

people. And And again, you'll see I have people messaging me videos. 3:00 a.m.

Rodman Street at 10 degrees out and all this stuff. And I say all this to say, and again, I always say this. I know you're a smart kid. I know you care.

Paul, you know, I don't know enough about you, Linda. You've been here for so long and it's gotten way worse on your watch. It's just that's the reality. I'm not blaming you. You know what I'm saying? But that is the reality. We got to wrap it up. You've been here.

This gentleman too. You're right. You gave me actually more time, Joe. I appreciate it. But same thing like the guys who have been here 30 years, bro.

And your legacy is everyone. And this goes out to Carol Fiola, Mike Rodri, all these people. Bro, the city is is a a disaster. You know what I'm saying? That is how it is, Sean. I mean, obviously you do well in your life. I'm not like worried about my gas bill and whatnot, but like I know mad homeless people, people addicted to drugs, they're all connected. everyone's anxietyridden and

struggling and that we're voting in communists now like the mom donnies that's that's around the corner.

Can you try to wrap it up please?

Yeah, I'll wrap it right now joke but like honestly I'm just kind of like sounding the alarm like enough of the gaslighting. It's terrible you know.

It's terrible and I'm just hoping for somebody to do something to fix it.

That's it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. [clears throat and cough] Item number two, order [snorts] an intermunicipal agreement for drinking water services with the town of Westport. Want to come down, please?

You have any questions?

Does anyone have questions?

He just came out of the hallway in the hallway.

Could

you come down to the table, please?

Just please introduce yourselves and what department you're with. And so for the people at home watching will know who we're talking to.

Uh so the administrator of community utilities, Paul Ferland, Jim Terio, president with Tupper Water Board. [snorts] Thank you too, Council D.

Actually, I think you were.

Yeah.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Um I have a couple of questions about this agreement. Um, I'm looking at 20 million gallons per fiscal year at a rate of 658 for Westport for C uh per C.

Yeah CCF sorry.

Correct.

Okay. Um, once they exceed that number of gallons, the rate goes down by 50%.

Goes from 55% above ours to 5%.

Correct. Um I have a little difficulty with that. So one of the reasons being it came to light that the fact that in Fall River we don't use as much water as we used to that's driven the cost up.

So when when we reach a certain gallon gallonage would that be a proper word in the city the rates don't go down for the people in Fall River.

And I can't imagine that that quantity of water brings the necessary gallons over the top. So why would they get a 50% reduction after they reach a certain point?

Yeah. So this inter intermunicipal agreement has been structured the way that uh all the other ones that we have in place with other communities uh are structured. So, uh, North Tivot and Fire District, uh, as well as Freetown Water Department, they have the same clauses within there. What this clause is and how it's structured like this is to promote them to sell more water. So, they're going to be able to um, you

know, they're still paying more than what a fall of a residential customer pays. Uh, so up to that certain amount, they're paying the 55% above what our residential customers make. um if they tie in more customers, they expand their system, if they put an investment into their uh into their facilities and are able to grow their system, sell more water, buy more from us, um then they're

able to tap into that lower 5% rate. So, that's how this is structured. That's how all the past intermunicipal agreements have been structured.

Okay? And I understand that they pay more per CCF, but they also do not pay a base meter fee. They do not pay a $50 per quarter runoff fee that I'm sure will be going up over the next few years. Um, so that needs to be calculated into the percentages, I would think.

So they do pay a quarterly base meter fee based on the meter that's at the town line.

So the town does or per customer like like Fall River does?

The town does because the town is our customer. So that's the only meter that that we're responsible for. Well, we're not responsible for that's the only one that we read. is the one at the town line. The town's responsible for all their meters and all their customers within their community. Um so they do pay that base meter fee. Uh as it goes with the storm water fee. Uh the storm

water fee again that's part of the uh sewer rate structure. Uh it's it's not included within the water rate structure. Uh and you know those are for uh runoffs. And again, there is areas of Westport that does run off into South Top Pond or other areas that we have structures uh but we're not able to cross that jurisdiction of Boundary to be able to charge them that storm water fee. If there was something like a dam

improvement uh district or something like that, that would fall underneath state regulations that could allow a dam district to charge across municipality lines. uh in you know a betterment fee to the people that are in that district uh something like that would be able to be charged but as it stands with the storm water fee we're not able to.

So how do you know how many businesses in Westport um get water from us at [clears throat] this point?

Uh so as it stands right now pretty much most of the Route Six corridor uh gets water. So, you have, you know, the big ones are the hotel whites, uh, right up front there, but then it continues all the way down past the Cozy Nook restaurant. Uh, and then they just installed a new loop that goes down Gford Road in, uh, um, ties, you know, they just expanded their system over

this past summer. They just installed a new additional water man. uh they have a school that's tied in now off of that water system as well as a number of public other other public water supplies that are tied in over there.

Because what I'm wondering is so this is a 10-year contract over the course of 10 years. It's potentially possible that a significant number of businesses or even new homes could come on board w within Westport. Yes, it is expected that um they will um emerging contaminants that are coming out uh IEP FAS being the most recent one. Um that's why Westport had to make a make a major improvement investment into the new

water line that they ran up by the MCumber school because a number of those public water supplies were impacted. I believe they already have or they're working on grant funding for additional water manes uh to uh tap into different additional areas uh within their community uh to expand out their system.

So I guess my concern and my question is not knowing the number that potentially could come on board over the next 10 years. Uh how much is that going to raise how how close are they going to come to this cap? because once they exceed it, anybody coming on board is only paying 5% above what the residents in Fall River pay. And to me, that's just that's an inequity to me.

Well, yeah. So, you can't look at it as that just their individual residents are paying that 5%. It takes the whole entire calculation. So, you know, now rather than them paying a total of 55% uh over maybe they're paying, you know, 40 54% or 53% depending on how many additional customers come on. And again, the way that that helps us is by that growth. That growth, and we've talked

about it many of times down here, that growth, that additional water sale, uh is what's going to uh going to do it for us. You know, you got to think about it, too. The one thing um you know where Westport ties in there's uh you know is on route six um you know they're using limited portions of our distribution system. It's not that they're going through the whole entire city. So again

that's another thing that needs to take into consideration uh you know when when all this is looked at limited distribution limited storage size and stuff like that. So again and being consistent with the other intermunicipal agreements that were put in place um in the you know I believe 2013 was uh 2013 was North Tivids 2015 was um was West uh excuse me Freetowns.

Uh this was proposed to Westport back in 2017.

Uh so you know that proposal back in 2017 um they didn't act on it then so they've been paying uh you know a higher rate ever since then till now.

So I mean obviously we need municipal agreements. There's no doubt we need to sell water to other communities. There's no doubt. I guess my concern is as it always is, at what point are we servicing enough communities and are they contributing enough to offset and help the people in Fall River who they're getting the water from?

Without a doubt. Yep. I know. I I agree.

And you know, again, you know, we've talked about it with the expansion. You know, one other thing, you know, with the expansion that Westport did, uh, that puts them very close to, uh, North Dartmouth. Um, you know, so they're pretty close to there. Uh, which can be a good thing and a bad thing because it does two things. Dartmouth, um, you know, they buy from New Bedford. They

can't supply all their own water within their district. Uh, but then potentially it also gives Westport another option.

So, there's goods and bads to that.

Okay, I'll yield. Thank you.

Thank you. Councelor Z1 C.

Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, first of all, our water tastes a lot better than Bethford's water. So, that's just Thank you.

That's a fact, not an opinion. Um, so I I did have the uh same line of questioning as as my colleague. Um, so in what you're saying is is that the current intermunicipal agreements with other communities are drafted similarly.

So 55% anything over 20,000 is is going to be the 5% or is that new language?

No. So the actual 20 million gallons that's based on kind of a little bit over what the community is currently using. Um so it was different for that.

The gallonage was different for the for the other communities. Um this is where uh Westport fell. So we put it just a little bit higher than what they're currently at. Um again to want them to expand up to that and then beyond that.

And I [clears throat] and I apologize you probably said this was so what is Westport currently at? Westport is currently at 70% above what our residential rate is.

No. No. How many gallons?

Uh

one second.

I want to say they're about 18 and a half million or so. So just under that.

That's why it was structured at 20 million.

And so just just trying to understand how many gallons. So so what's the do you know at the hotel like what are they using or what what's white use? Um so based in here based on the allocations uh we have the whites of restaurant at 25,000 gallons per day. Uh Hampton in at 10,000 gallons per day. Uh other town uses at 165,000 gallons per day.

And then uh can you explain So I'm on page four. Do you have the agreement in front of you?

Well, sorry.

Oh, I'm sorry. So section seven. So part A explains the 55% part B Y is the 5%.

Correct.

I'm struggling to understand [clears throat] C. So said 20,000 I mean 20 million gallons per fiscal year shall be cumulative over the fiscal year and not mandated on a monthly basis. What do you mean by that?

Yeah. So again, so you know that's what they're allotted to be able to use over over the year. It's not going to be broken down into a monthly basis that they have to use x amount per month.

Oh, so you're not going to you're not going to prorrate it per month. So there's no cap. So they could Right. They could use all of it in the summer, none of it in the winter, but that's not normally how it works. It's typically a little bit higher in the summer than the winter, but there is no cap per month.

Then I guess my final question more of so question statement. Um, so did corporation council review this agreement?

Uh, this was sent up to corporation counsel. He did review it as the form and manner and did not have a no no recommended changes in terms of language or anything like that. So my my only concern is is I know we've had some issues with regard to the payment. So just looking at page five uh so 7-1-8.

So I just have a concern with the way it's it's written because I I think it it still is a little bit ambiguous if we run into a situation with the billing in particular. So it says if a charge or a credit is disputed, a minimum payment of the average of the past 12 months must be made in the allotted time. The town must notify the city within 30 days in writing explaining what the dispute is

and the relation uh to any and possible resolution. So I I agree with that. So this last sentence is kind of ambiguous from my standpoint. If this is not done, then payment in full will be demanded.

So my cons my concern is is that it it just states that we will demand that they pay the the bill in full, not that they will pay the bill in full. Right.

So I I I guess I would only my only recommendation would I guess to have corporation council rewrite it um in a way that it would say payment in full as build is due and shall not be further contested. And so that there's a guarantee when you sign this that you've got 30 days to contest any bill that's before us. uh if you don't do that then it's you're mandated to pay not that we

will try or attempt to collect payment because I think that's where we kind of ran into an issue then you get a mediation and all that other good stuff. So if we can just clean up that language you know I I would I would support that.

Okay. Uh yeah I have no objection to that if if you know when if the council takes a vote if they want to add that.

Um uh the other thing that's not shown in here in relation to past bills, we're also going to be doing updates with the waterboard at every one of their meetings on uh any payments to make sure that they're aware of what's going on, make sure that they're staying on top of it as well as other SOPs and checks that we've implemented within our own department.

I said that was my [clears throat] final question. And I guess one more question just in terms of I know 55% above the uh actual rate that forward rateayers are paying is is pretty significant. Uh but the question just needs to be asked is there any additional cost that we're not aware of um that we have to provide for providing the water to to Westport that we wouldn't otherwise have to encumber.

So if we if we you know the connection ended or looped back into Far River uh by opening it up to to Westport, have we created additional maintenance?

Uh that is I guess would not be covered under the 55%.

Yeah. No, you know standard maintenance of our system. There's nothing particular that we're required to do um to provide to Westport. You know, we've provided to to them for a number of years. um you know if there is a service interruption on the main that feeds them they understand that there will be interruption uh as with any deadend main off off of ours until uh a repairs made um but additional cost specifically

related to them without normal maintenance of our system though and then what about regulations in terms of water quality going to if there's any downgrade in water quality so that's clearly laid out within here that the responsible Westport is responsible they're their own public water system. They need to manage and maintain their system uh within the guidelines of the intermunicipal

agreement or amendments i.e. the flushing amendment that's in there uh or any other uh state regulations they need to maintain their own system.

Perfect. Thank you. I yield.

Thank you, councelor. What about the meters? We have to check those meters regularly in Westport or I know we had an issue with them last time. every three years the meter at the town line. Uh so the one meter that we do read is the one at the town line. Uh the other ones that provide a credit for the flushing uh of waterfall water quality uh within the town, those are ultrasonics um that the

town is responsible for. Uh we do periodic checking on them. They're responsible for maintaining them. If there's anything that's seen that's abnormal when they provide their credits to us, we would require them to uh to [snorts] you know have those tested.

Thank you. Council seat 7. Council Pos.

Yeah. Just a question. Excuse me. On page seven on the separate agreements that 1212, is that [clears throat] just the pass through agreement essentially to allow if we if we were to expand through Westport to somewhere else?

Yes, correct. So uh 121 and 122 talks more about the water wheel pass through if we wanted to tie into Dartmouth or uh or other communities beyond I thank you seat six go to Thank you Mr. President. So on my colleague in seat 1's comments on page 5, section 7.18, um while I agree with the language being added, what what are the consequences for whether it's this municipality or others that you have an intermunicipal

agreement for non-payment again? So that it would that would end up being a breach of contract which relates I think it's section 12.

I read that but it's 14 which go ahead. No. And and again, you know, we we've went through this. Um you know, what we've learned from the past is that we would take more swift, more um more drastic actions uh with that termination clause uh as well as any legal actions needed if there's outstanding bills.

So, what have you changed from this intermunicipal agreement to the last one that adds a little bit more teeth to it?

So, right. So again with with the termination policy the way that that's done uh the dispute resolution 71.8 on page five which the recommendation from seat one definitely uh adds additional teeth to that pretty much saying if they don't give us a reason for dispute of the bill then they're going to be responsible for the whole thing. Uh again from there it's more of an internal policy of uh you know legal

actions that need to be taken internal policy amongst the city or the why why wouldn't we have verbiage in the intermunicipal agreement that clearly articulates if a dispute were to arise as a result of non-payment or whatnot.

We would clearly break down that ramification and reasoning for it other than just stronger termination language.

Well, again, it goes into the dispute resolution language and then [clears throat] the termination language.

Can you direct me to dispute termination language?

Well, and where what has Jim changed since the last one that created the issue that we all we had before?

Yeah. So, the 718 what page? 718. That's what councelor Kadim just referenced, right? Correct. That was that was what he he references which I called dispute resolution uh language.

Yeah. So if if this if this is not done then payment will be made will be uh payment in full will be demanded.

What what does that even mean?

So again demanded I would take that as that would be us taking legal action against them. So filing against them. So why wouldn't we have that in the intermunicipal agreement that had a section that clearly says demanded as a result of I mean we can add that sentence or two to my colleague in seat one great but why wouldn't you have a whole section based on what happened previously that clearly outlines and

articulates so there's no question or matter of fact between the town of Westport and the city of Fall River so you're not in that same predicament again. Um again this is you know what what we saw and we felt was needed what I felt again beyond that.

So is this 7.18 was this something that you added because I don't have the old intermunicipal agreement that was signed. Yes, this is the only thing that you added the corporation council added, not you.

There was some other again corporation council looked at this um and he looked at it as manner and um fact. That's that's what he responded um to me with.

Um and again the termination uh I would have to go line by line but I believe I spoke a little bit more in the ter termination and broke out the uh guidance between when a breach occurs what needs to happen with the steps and how to move forward. again, you know, I didn't feel that we want to put in, you know, it's going to be XYZ because at that point that's if there's a breach of

the contract, I would feel that that's when you go to legal counsel and they make the determination on what legal action needs to be taken. Is it do you start out with demand notices based on legal action? Do you start out with a lawsuit? Again, I'm not a lawyer. I can't answer those questions.

I want to be as um delicate as possible.

We inherited this problem. I know. And as you're aware, one of the things that Paul and I talked about, to put it [snorts] in in plain terms, is I I don't ever want to see us get caught with our pants down like this again. And that was one of the things we talked extensively about. Um, and I feel very confident that the waterboard will review any any divergence from this agreement and

action will be taken swiftly. It will not wait five years.

So, have they paid us out of curiosity?

So the whole portion of the agreement with that was when the intermunicipal agreement was settled that payment will be made.

So when we sign this then they're going to pay us from the old intermunicipal agreement from the old past two bills. Yes.

So now is the time that we clarify the verbiage and have a little bit more stronger words or words. We could say words all we want to your point. I I agree. But I don't you feel that the council and the administration and the corporation council should equip the water board with clear articulate language in your intermunicipal agreement so there's not a question of words because if demanded I could sit

here and and spin that around 45 different times and tell you if demanded if demanded by who?

Well the power invested in the city council is given to the water board. So in fact we are your agent right? So we will do what you want.

Just point of clarification. Just a point of clarification. Demand letter is the common practice to get money from someone.

Oh no, no. I I recognize that.

So when when all they're saying is if demanded, if we have to send you a demand letter, we're going to pursue our money. And like as Paul said, what an angle we use later on to get it is to determine what the situation is.

I I get that. I guess I'm I was just looking for a little bit more strength.

Yeah. So, so just a couple in the in the contract that they're holding you're against who's holding who hostage for their the payment. I guess it's Westport.

So, yeah, just just another couple other things that have been learned through this process. Um, you know, it was expressed to me um that uh you know, we never leaned other municipalities. We do have the ability to lean other municipalities. So, that did come out.

So that's another avenue that we have that puts a lean against the municipality and that's in this agreement.

That's just standard that's standard state law from my understanding. I was not aware of that. I was I was made aware of that you know when this was looked at. Um so that's one thing that if there was any pass through bills that would be uh an option that that we would that we would be doing anyways on any pass through bills that that's our standard practice that we do with

everything. Uh so so you know we would be doing that process as well which is another way to recoup uh recoup cost. Um another Mr. Mr. Fman if I may just curious I know when you lean a house they sell the house you get the lean back. Do we have to wait for someone to sell Westport before we can demand the lean on that? I mean again when do we get the money when you put a

lean on a on I am not a lawyer. I I can't tell you exactly how the how the state occur again. Um so that but that is another protection that we have just through regular mass general law. Um the other thing you know that came up in those previous discussions was the ability for penalties and interest which that I didn't mention that but in this agreement says right in there we have

the abilities to charge penalties in and that wasn't in there before.

No. Okay.

We have the ability to charge penalties and interest just as we do any of our own customers. H okay. Look, I I I I can agree with my colleague in seat one's I guess that's a motion eventually at some point to add that making it subject to the council approval to add that additional teeth to to it. I was looking for a tad bit more based on what happened, but I I don't prepare

contracts and neither do we. But I would hope I would be hopeful that corporation council would fine-tune what our colleague is mentioning and add a little bit more strength to have us bargain in the waterboard bargain from a position of strength versus unclear words that might be run on sentences that might not go to a complete fact pattern.

So, well, you've always got the the Darth Vader approach. I mean, we control the water supply going into the town.

I mean, I I I wouldn't go to a draconian move like that without But the truth of the matter is that it's just with the board receiving a monthly report on this, I don't think there's going to be a problem going [clears throat and snorts] forward.

That makes me feel better with you there. But you you might not be on the waterboard forever. So we might not have your eyes, your ears, your experience, and your and your and your accountability. Right. So this this this intermunicipal agreement is going to last how long?

10 years.

10 years. I mean, I'd love for you to be on the waterboard for 10 years, but you they might not have your focus. That's all I'm trying to say. So I yield. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Council T3. Councelor Hunt.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I just wanted to say guys that you guys have a very difficult job and you do a very you're very good at it. The water board is fantastic and just piggybacking what councelor and C2 said about offsetting the the water rates um with more of these in these agreements 10-year agreements are great. Um I don't know how the other one across the river is going. I'm sure it's going okay

in progress.

Yep. But um those are the only ways today that we can do that because like I've said before, years past when you had Terry Sullivan and Joe Rigo, they had Pioneer Finishing, they had Dura, they had Quaker Fabric, they had Swan Finishing, they had the big uh water usage companies that we don't have anymore. And it was the same thing in LOL and New Bedford and the big uh u you know those types of cities across

Massachusetts. And it's going to be more difficult to do that today. But I think you do you're on the right track of doing it. It's just it's gonna happen.

It's not going to happen overnight and it's not going to happen when you don't have those kinds of companies anymore. I don't know if you wanted to expand on that.

Yeah. You know, again, like you said, and it's not going to happen in Fall River. I think we're going to have to look for the other communities or or or you bring in more companies that are heavy uh water users. And yeah, I don't know if those companies are around anymore.

Yeah, that's the tough thing. You know the big thing right now is, you know, along with energy and other conservations, water conservation is always one thing that's looked at. The less that you use, the less you got to treat on the wastewater side, the less that uh everything down the line. So, you know, all companies are looking to cut that back. Uh I see that expansion out into other communities is the future

of expansion for our utilities. And then the good part about our city is the um the biggest asset is our water that we have. So we've got that behind us. It's just a matter of making those more of those agreements happen. So I yield. Thank you.

Thank you. Council Council C2.

Yeah. Three more questions. Um when did the other uh agreements expire or have we renewed them recently?

Uh or how recently?

Uh North Tividan expired uh last year.

So we're on a year to the year with them right now. U in Tivotan there are two different water districts. There's Stonebridge Fire District and there's North Tividan Fire District. Um [clears throat] Stonebridge has its own plant which sells to uh North Tividan as well. Um North Tividan's [clears throat] trying to figure out what to do with their water in their own town. So I'll just leave it at that for right now.

um you know, but we do supply to them and we have enough to supply both fire uh North Tibetan Fire and Stonebridge and they don't need a plant. So, I'll leave it at that. Um so, that one expired last year. We're waiting to see where they pan out to [clears throat] to look at it, talk to them about a new new agreement. Uh I want to say um Freetown Freetown might have had a longer term I

believe when that one was negotiated.

that may that may have been a 20-year term on the Freetown one. Um, and I believe that one was completed was uh executed in 2015.

So, and I think that one, don't hold me to that, but I believe that one had a longer term because when I reviewed them this year, they were it wasn't up this year. So, okay. And if I remember correctly, part of the problem um this the last time was the fact that the they were using the wrong size meter and so you weren't getting the proper volume, the measurement or recording

whatever the case may be. So do we now have the proper meters A and B? Are we going to be monitoring the usage as well as them or are we going to leave it up to them to tell us again?

Nope. So again, so it was all on the flushing meters. They were they were burning right out. They were the same type that's in a residential house, but when you're flowing water constant throughly through them, they burn out real quick. Uh they've switched to new ultrasonic ones, so there's no moving parts, nothing. It's an ultrasonic wave.

Um they they read them. They provided to us on a monthly basis the reading. Uh we do [clears throat] periodic spot spot checks, you know, every three months or so. We go out make sure that their readings match up to what they're sending us.

Yeah. Because there was a discrepancy last time. Um I guess and lastly so over obviously over the next 10 years obviously the rates are going to go up for us as well at some point.

Um but their rates will go up at the same rate that ours do.

Yeah. So how their rate is calculated their rate starts with our base residential rate and then they have the 55 or the five above that base residential rate. so far as goes up. Um, you know, so you know, we're at uh 424 right now at our base rate times 0.55 is what their, you know, 1.55 is what their rate is. So if we go up and I'm not saying we are, but just for round number

whatever ours goes up to, it'll be multiplied by 1.5.

So theirs will increase as well.

Yeah. Simple terms, if we if we charge a dollar, they're going to get a$150. Yep.

55 dollar 55, right?

Yeah.

Okay. Very good. Thank you. With that, I yield.

Thank you, Mr. F. I have a question.

Contract is year to year right now.

Yes.

How many years will that go on for? Is it in the contract of the state? How many years that can continue?

It'll go on year to year until a new contract is uh is goes into place.

So, it's unlimited.

Yes.

So, it can go 30 years.

I it won't I don't expect that it will go on year to year for 30 years. Uh again, yeah, this just came up and they're trying to figure out in town what they're going to be using and what their volumes might be. So, that's kind of what we're waiting for.

I I understand the contracts are going to terminate at some point. You might have to go to year to year, but I think you should have at least a three-year maximum year-to-year deal before you sign a new contract because if they do prolong it, then city prolongs it. It can go on seven, eight, 10 years with the same contract. I mean, we probably want to put something in the Westport.

There's a Westport agreement when it terminates. Does it just go on and for year to year for indefinitely or Yeah, that's that's how it is. It's in there that it goes on year to year. You might want to have the attorney look at that as well and maybe put a fiveyear cap on it or whatever you agree with.

three year, five year. I don't think it should go on indefinitely, forever.

Okay. Yep. I will um before we negotiate a new contract find that section.

All right. I will definitely make a note of that and I will review that to see whether the law department wants to make a change if that's within what's recommended by the council. Council T1 counc a followup I [clears throat] guess do you plan on do you want to come back with a new agreement or if if it's a if it's those two minor changes if they if the council wanted to amend uh as

um we'll have okay and then have corporation council review it and then if there's any changes then we can make it if if the changes are not acceptable then they would come back down [clears throat] to the council and then I guess just not to nitpick um this is going to be a little bit of a nitpick picking situation but 7.1.8 8. So the the first sentence um if a charge or a credit is disputed, a

minimum payment of the average of the past 12 months must be made in the allotted time. Can we just change must to shall? Shall has a very specific legal definition. So if you go to a mediator or an arbitrator, you know, shall have just more of substance in terms of that they will have to pay that. So yep, I know that a mediator might take must, but Shall has that.

Yep. Nope. Definitely. I appreciate that. So, uh just to review the three changes that that were discussed uh discussed here. Um so, section four is where it talks about the 10 years. So, putting uh potentially a three or fiveyear cap on that yeartoyear um extension um on 7.1.8 eight second line, first word word, change it from must to shall.

Uh and then also rather than uh at the end of that paragraph, then payment will be uh payment in full will be demanded.

Um take that out and put shall not be further contested.

Yeah, payment in full as build is due and shall not be further contested.

something along those lines. But I think as build should be Yep.

should be highlighted in that as build and then then not contested so that we obviously resolve the situation.

Yep. As build shall be made. Yeah. Shall be made and shall not be contested.

Further contested.

Thank you. I yield.

Thank you. Council motion to refer to full counsel with those suggested changes.

Second. Motion to refer to full counsel with suggested change be made and seconded. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

Item number three, loan order, phase 23, water system improvements in the amount of $4,200,000 and phase 24, water system improvements in the amount of $4,700,000.

It was referred on November 25th, 2025.

Hold discussion and refer to full council for action. Could you two vote please just give your name and what department you with for the record so the people home know who we're talking to please?

Ian Shaky treasur collector.

[clears throat] Emily RP director of finance.

Questions.

If you want me to go over just a brief summary too if you could.

Yeah. Uh so phase 23. So, it's been it's been a little while since I've we've been in in front of the council here with uh loan authorizations. Uh as you know, [clears throat] uh the council administration and uh everybody else has been very supportive over the years of making improvements um in our water and sewer system as needed.

Um you know, the last one that we came in front of you with phase 22 two and a half years ago uh was for lead service replacement. Um, we were then blessed uh with the ARPA funding as well as a lot of grant funding that we've been able to use for additional lead service replacement uh replacement of over 20,000 ft of water mane uh as well as sidewalks and paved streets within the

city. Um so we haven't had to come back to the council for authorizations. These are two that that that have been there for a little bit. Um and one of them I've talked about um to the council a number of times. uh which is the phase 23 loan authorization. So the phase 23 loan authorization uh is in the amount of uh $4.2 million. Uh that authorization is requesting uh that loan

funding to be able to move forward to uh replace the roof on the on the water treatment plant. Water treatment plant was built roughly 50 years ago. Um, one section of the roof over the main office uh and the control room pump room was replaced in 2004.

Um, the other sections of the roof being uh the chemical room as well as the filter rooms in the back uh and uh some of the uh small abovement walls uh haven't been replaced since the building was originally constructed. Uh so this would be replacement of those roofs. a couple of paraph sealing of a couple of parapit walls that have leaks that come into it. Uh the other portion of this

loan order would be a replacement of what's called the PLC, the program programmable logic controller, uh which is really kind of uh what I call the brain of the of the treatment plan. The brain is really our operators, but this is the computer brain of the treatment plan. Uh so this is uh really a computer that t that translates between the operator interface and all the uh all the functions within the plant. Turn

stuff on, turn stuff off. Um this was last updated uh in 2005 at the last uh water treatment plant upgrades, major upgrades that we did in that facility.

Uh it's what's called the slick 505 made by Alan Bradley. Uh Alan Bradley has absoluted this whole entire product line a number of years ago. Um it's really a computer that runs 365 days a year. Uh never shuts off uh since 2005. So I think if you had a home computer like that uh but um this would be upgrading that to a newer technology that's supported and we're able to uh to move

forward doing it. you know, um, with this system, some of the stuff that we're purchasing, pots and replacement pots and stuff like that, we need to get off eBay or other sites because they're not available from the manufacturer. So, this is a real crucial uh, crucial piece in the plan that really needs to be updated.

Thank you. Continue.

Thank you. Um, capital improvement plan within your department.

Yes.

Do you run a separate one than the city?

Yeah. So, so typically water and sewer, we do run our uh separate capital improvement plans. We have a uh water system improvement plan. Uh last updated in uh 2015, we're currently updating that now. Um that was a 20-year plan that was constructed. Uh so it was done uh a little bit over 10 years ago. Uh and we're currently working uh and upgrading that whole entire um that plan right now. How does this I mean I first

of all I mean I'm not no roofing contractor but and I understand prevailing wage and all this other stuff but my god I'm in the wrong business.

$2.5 million for a roof. What is wrong with this thing? Can we build a new building?

What kind of roof is this? Roof log uh this is a uh this is a membrane roof.

Um, again, when you get into the the roofing system that's there, the ventilation [clears throat] that's in some of those in in some of the areas. So, all the roof fence and stuff need to be redone. Again, you're talking about everything on this roof is over 50 years old. Uh, lightning protection system on the building uh is is inept, needs to be updated. Um, some of again some of the parapit walls and

that type of stuff. It's a concrete building. It's been there. There's some repairs and stuff that need to be made um to, you know, seal that part of the roofing.

Mr. F, if I may, what's the square footage?

Just a ballpark.

I would hate to throw a number out there that that that isn't correct.

What's the dimensions of the building?

[snorts] I apologize. I don't 100 by 100. more than that. One one room. Yeah. One room would probably 140 by by 100 on the uh chemical room filter room. You're probably two something by 150.

Yeah. Okay.

You're talking a lot of square footage on this roof.

It's also more than like shingles. It's the equipment and the protections and it's all of it's not just replacing, right? It's insulation. I get it.

Yeah. Exactly. It's it's full. Um, you know, the roof the the other thing that we're looking at is this roof and all everything that's integrated with it will be fully prepped and ready for solar panel installation. Uh, again, that's something that you do regularly on on buildings nowadays anyways. But, you know, that's a nice roof that we feel we'll be able to get benefits in the future from solar installation.

So, how much does this impact the rate payers? Uh so as it stands right now uh and if you look to the last page that was provided uh so the effect on the water rate once the full loan goes into effect uh 27 um would be the star and then into fiscal year 28 about 12 cents uh on the rate would be the full uh amotization for that uh for that.

Mr. Furland, how how is it? Remind me. I remember we had a huge uh debate, a long debate at the budget uh uh cycle uh when it came to your indirects. You pay your own debt through your own enterprise account?

Yes.

Yes.

All aspects of your debt?

Yes.

Okay. How much do you have in reserves?

Uh so in reserves in our stabilization right now, I believe we have 700,000 in change. Uh I haven't seen what's been certified in precash.

Yeah. So I'm not sure what's in retained earnings.

So question, uh inactive capital projects, I know we've talked about that in the past. Do you have I mean you have a quite a bit of sewer um capital projects, which I know is a lot of underground work, not roofs on buildings. Um is there any of your current projects that are about ready to go idle that we could use some of that money instead of bond for? No, his his

only inactive project that's on the list has not been the debt hasn't been issued. It's just an authorization that exists, but we haven't taken out any debt on it. So, it's not My question is that is not that though.

My question is of the current active capital projects, are there any of those current capital projects that are about ready to go idle that you could use some of that money instead of bonding for all of this for a roof?

So, you know, sewer and water, as you know, we can't mix.

sewer. We really don't um look at that.

We would have to look at just idle water projects. Um we don't really why if it's a if it's a like project that's going to go for the extended period and it will have its same end use. Why why why wouldn't you co-mingle the two?

It it wouldn't be the same end use. If it's water versus a sewer, then it it would likely not be Did you do any capital projects within sewer in the last five years? like capital projects on on buildings uh in sewer. Yes. So we we we're just finishing up the contract to um of the wa improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, but we're talking about two separate enterprise funds.

I understand. Yeah. So there's also no funds left in that.

Yeah. Yeah. So sewer I'm not trying to I'm not trying to confuse it. Here's my point. I'm trying to see if there is any other like projects that the city's currently doing. And I know this is an enterprise account and it's done a little differently, but to me it's it's four $4.5 million and we're doing roofs. And my next follow-up question, which you I guess I just asked the rhetorical

question because I know you can't co-mingle the two, but what is going to be our follow-up plan as we go forward to make sure that we preserve this? And I know the city council has it through the ordinance committee to have the real estate committee also focus on facilities going into the future. But look, what is the plan going to be for these buildings that we continuously put

money in at at at the rate payers mercy?

And what is our contingency what are our contingency plans? what is our maintenance schedule? How are we preserving these things?

Yeah. So, I I can talk a little bit to to that. Um, you know, again, this roof was originally installed with the original construction of the building 50 years ago. So, this building was constructed when the original Dery was the previous Dery was constructed.

So, the roof that's there, we've we've maintained that. We've gotten a fair life out of that roof. uh the current roof, the one that was done in 2004, uh upgraded on top of the uh on top of the uh offices in the control room. Uh that area uh we have a yearly inspection that comes in typically a drone from the manufacturer. They they fly the roof um identify if there is any issues uh and

make any repairs. So that's typically held within the warranty period. I know on that one, I believe we were a 25 year warranty. I would and with annual inspections uh and any needed maintenance uh within the new ones, I would expect that would be right around the same vintage of that.

All right?

You know, so and again, so one other thing that I that I want to talk about just a little bit is um the water and the water debt. Um you know, some of the things that we've had uh some of the projects that we've done 20 years ago, 25 years ago, that debt starting to fall off. So again, I know within my authorization schedule, you know, within my authorization that I provided to the

council, it says how much per penny that this particular authorization is going to put on. That doesn't specifically mean that all of that that that's going to raise the rate by that much. You know, you look at uh just in um you know, coming up in 28, uh there's a total of about $300,000 per year of debt service that's going to be falling off.

$300,000 of debt service payments or debt ser payments for the year.

Payments, annual payments for the year. Yeah. So again, and so we're kind of structuring it and looking at it at a point now where um you know, for the past 20 years, we've been adding on adding on all new debt service. Are we going to be increasing? Yes, because construction costs increase, material cost increase and stuff like that. But are we going to be climbing at the same rate that we

have been for 20 years? I don't expect that we will moving forward. Is there still going to be a climb? Yeah, because you can't do as much work as you used to be able to for the same amount of money.

Um, but it's going to be Is this the most dire project right now?

Yeah, for for us, you know, again, a PLC, a computer that runs every day. Um, you know, every day for the past 20 years. Uh, and we're buying our parts on eBay, any spare parts. Uh, so that that's a crucial thing. And again, the roof on that treatment plant, you know, we don't want to get into a issue where it's causing structural damage, uh, having water leaking in from the [clears throat] roof into our wet wells

or our filters or anything like that.

That could be potentially a health issue.

I just wanted to mention the other thing with it is that like he's saying, we can structure the debt. We have a lot more control than I think a lot of people realize when we are issuing the debt to make sure that we can schedule it in a way that doesn't increase the annual payments that are being made from this budget line. So, as much as there technically is a rate that you could

assign to it, when other stuff is dropping off, we can make sure that it's level and that there's no rate increase on the annual basis just from this debt being added on. The other thing too is once we authorize this loan, say for the 4.5 or the 4.7, it doesn't mean that we actually have to go out and bond all of that. If there are other funds that become available, other grants, other,

you know, stabilization funding that we have, we're able to kind of switch forward that then we just need the authorization to essentially take on this project of this size and this amount. But we throughout the time make sure that we're best utilizing the funds whether we take out debt or not to make sure that we're covering the projects properly and best.

I yield. [snorts] Thank you, Council Council. Council Poto, [clears throat] my only question is in regards to the the one pager that says um in other water system related work, is there anything particular about that sentence there other than obviously the the program logic board in the roof? Is there anything particular or is just like the kind of catch all the other things that just to wrap it up?

Uh is this is this the memo from me?

Yes, sir.

You're speaking of Yeah. So that's something in, you know, not that we're going to take and, you know, do something weird with it, but in case there's little modifications that need to be made in the projects to fit, you know, we don't want to corner ourself with with the loan authorization where we're not able to complete the project because this specific task wasn't included like contingency.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's fine. That's why I just want to clarify. I yield. Thank you.

Thank you. Council content five. vice president.

I just have a question. Is it me? Um, did you put out an RFP for this roof?

No. So, so this this funding and this borrowing will be the one that will allow us to put out the RFP for a design.

So, it could be less depending on who bids 100%. You know, this is a total bid project. Um, and you know, just a little bit back to the overall cost. Um, you know, over the past three years, I've done a number of building projects. um you know down at the wastewater plant uh as well as some smaller ones within the water water department. Um the roof cost I've been dumbfounded by uh on some of these

projects and I think that's just the market um the uh availability of people to be able to do the work and stuff like that. So hopefully we come in a lot lower than what's estimated here. the only question I had that it's not necessarily that you would use all this money because it still has to go out to bed. Correct. Correct. With that, I yield.

Thank you, Council. Council C1, Council Kim.

Thank you. Um, you know, I I suppose support both projects. I do have a resolution that's uh going to be before us about eliminating uh an ordinance that um prohibits us from going out and borrowing a little bit more. So, the ordinance currently reads that anything over $5 million requires a ballot vote.

any any cumulative bonding for the year of over $20 million also requires it. Um to me it's very prohibitive. I think it takes away the authority from the city council. Um you know we're still obvious obviously obligated if we're going to do any type of debt exclusion to have uh to go to the ballot for an override if it's going to increase taxes. I I think a lot of the discussions that we have here

especially today I mean you go back to to 2010 we've been I mean we've been tuned 20 years of of these uh road improvement uh projects. So, I mean, the water main projects, we're not getting as much uh bang for our dollar that we were getting even back in 2010, right?

Correct.

I know that we're constantly seeing 4.5 $4.7 million year-over-year for these different phases.

And if we just go back to 2010 at a $4.5 million, we're we're close to it would cost us $7 million today to do that project. So, we're doing a lot less. Um, and I think part of that too is is that um, obviously the ordinance that's before us is prohibiting you from coming back before us because then there's additional cost and and timing and having ballot questions and things of

that nature. So, one, I think I just want to advocate uh, while my colleagues are here to try to remove that ordinance. But two, try to get an understanding from you in terms of mileage uh, for the water main. How much less are we doing than we were doing about 10 years ago? Do you have that?

you know, again, so you look at uh we were probably water manes 150 bucks a foot or so, you know, maybe 200 bucks a foot if we were doing a lot of sidewalks and a lot of the pavement on the street. Uh now we're probably over 500 bucks a foot. And that's talking small diameter, you know, an 8 inch, a 6 in upping it to an 8 inch. uh once you get

into some of the and we've done a lot of the smaller ones. When you get it into some of the bigger ones, 12 in, 16, 20 inch, you know, that that number just uh just goes up astronomically from there, [clears throat] you know, and and then, you know, one of the other things is we work with the city again. So, you look at loan authorization 24 that's in here, which is for uh a water main replacement

project. The streets in rough shape there, the sidewalks are in rough shape.

us more money to to keep those level funded payments, right? We're paying more in the in the later years. So, you know, those types of conversations I think need to take place on for the [clears throat] at least from the rateayer. Let's minimize the total cost even if if we're looking at higher years initially up front as opposed to adding you know5 million of additional interest for a project, right? So trying to

leverage that. So I just want to throw that out there as as well because you know I would be supportive of that. Um and I know when we start talking about uh water and sewer projects I I I know you know people don't necessarily see it because every time they open up the tap they're getting the clean water. Um so I I still want to continue to advocate that. But again we need to be reasonable

and understand that there is an affordability issue uh that we're dealing with and it's we've been trying to deal with it for for quite some time.

Uh I know my my colleagues [clears throat] have tried to advocate for more ARPA money uh to to minimize some of the impacts to the to the rateayers for your uh your department's [snorts] water and sewer. Uh we'll continue to advocate that, but we we also need to make sure from a public safety standpoint, a public health standpoint uh that we're working on these infrastructure projects. So um ask

my colleagues to to support my resolution to eliminate that ordinance uh when we when we get there. But I I think when we start talking about the costs uh for these projects, it just costs us a lot more money. Uh and we we need to continue to improve the roadways and and the infrastructure and the uh roadways. With that, I yield.

Thank you, Council. I know you said we eliminate the audience. I think you just want to increase the amount in No, I want to eliminate it. There's there's no other community that has any type of limitations on debt.

That was I don't know why I don't know what city council put it in. I don't know why they put it in. And I think it was probably it was it was in way before I came into office.

No, I don't I don't No, no, I'm just not going to give you the history. And then what happened was it was so low that every time you turned around, you couldn't do anything because the voters had to pay for it. So, we increased a certain amount. I don't want to have And then I was city administrator when we added the 20 million. So, uh Yeah. So, I don't want to have the

public at some point have their input into how much we are able to spend.

No, no, abs. Absolutely. I think the public would But I think to your point, $5 million does not go [clears throat] as far as it did a few years back. So, I think we have to find a happy medium as what we could support without sending out to the public. Yet, what at what dollar amount do we want them to take a vote action on it? I don't want to eliminate the

audience that eliminates it from the city people taking action on it.

Well, I I guess I guess you and I disagree on that because one, I I would tell you that there's the input is still there from the public. They they elect the city council. We would be vetting all the projects.

Two, there's additional costs to from a planning standpoint where what we're doing is hamstringing the administration from running day-to-day operations, right? And I I think it was more political than anything. Right. So when we start So but if there's going to be a tax increase, if we're looking to go above two and a half%, you're required to put it on the ballot. So we would we're not circumventing that. What

we're saying is is that you we've got projects. If we've got $30 million, $40 million. I mean, you start looking at the cost of all these projects. The city council should, this is what we're elected to do, right? You're coming down for a bond authorization. The city can't bond without the council approval. So we should be as nine counselors who are elected to represent the body to say yes

I agree with this project that's before us I understand the financial impacts associated with it and as long as it's going to be covered within the general operating budgets whether it's the enterprise funds or the general funds then I think this body should be able to take votes on regardless of what the dollar amount is and we're limited there there's there's there's safety nets in place we can't go above our bond

authorization at a state level the do reviews that so if there's no impact especially when we're starting going to leverage and talk about capital improvement. We want to be able to leverage the dollars that we're talking about. So, if we want to buy 20 vehicles, let's do lease payments. Let's go out to borrow and let's throw 20 and let's buy 20 police vehicles now and and and manage as as uh Miss Arkkey was

talking about uh and and Mr. Furland is as the debt starts to roll down, we know what that number is and we just budget it in. Sometimes we could take on $30 million of new debt in a given year and still maintain that level debt payment um because it's coming off.

Right. Yeah. So that gives us No, I get I get the whole point. My point is when we when we we raised it last time we came force because it was it was a lot lower. And when we tried to build the new schools, we couldn't do it because the amounts are so much higher than what we were authorized to do. So that's when we raised it so that we

would have to have the public vote on every single school building. Um that's the last time I think it was raised.

Yeah, I think there's language in there.

As long as there's uh any like 50% state funding, you can correct. It overrides the ordinance, but I I just think the the ordinance doesn't make any sense. I I think the authorization comes with us.

We have the ability to say yes or no on any project. So, as long as it's not a debt exclusion and it's not going to increase the taxpayers's uh dollar amount, I I think that's within our purview from from a budgeting standpoint, especially when we start talking about if we're going to really start holding the the administration accountable for capital improvements and and other building projects and

infrastructure projects and um equipment that's needed. I I think we need to have more flexibility to leverage. I mean, you just look at you you show me a business that is not leveraging borrowing, right? You'll never see that.

You can go go on the stock market, find me a a company that's publicly traded that is not leveraging debt. We need to do a better job of how we leverage debt and and provide services. We hear it all the time. Um people are paying more in taxes and we're not providing the services that that are needed. So we need to be a little bit more smarter financially. Um and part of that is is

leveraging uh the resources. We haven't borrowed from the general fund in I don't know how many years, five, six, seven years.

It's been at least four.

Right. And to me, that's just it it's it's money that has been lost in terms of improving infrastructure and getting resources to departments that need it because I we could maintain it within our our operating budget. It's just it's financial management. That's I I think that's the important part. And I think this council has the real ability to to make a difference moving forward and and

still holding people accountable. And if the residents don't like our decisions or the votes that we've taken, you know, every two years we get voted out if that was the case. So, um, but if it's really going to impact their tax bill, if they're going to see a higher tax rate as a result of it, it's required to go to the to the ballot. So, we're not circumvent circumventing that. That's

that's state law. So, with that, I yield.

Thank you, Counc.

Mr. Furlin, just a clarification, how many phases are there exactly? Or is it just does it just continue as things are needed? And is is there a necessary cap as far as phases are concerned?

No, this is the system that was set up 25 years ago. started the phases and it roll. Yeah, I was just curious. Thank you. I yield.

I wish it was only one phase.

Agreed.

Council Toro, just a point of information when um my colleague is he number one was talking about the resolution. Jack Maderas put that in many many years ago because during that time I believe it was with Ed Lambert they were spending money all the time taking borrowing borrowing and he said Jack Madas didn't serve with Lambert. He was well who was he with?

He was with Carlton and then uh Mitchell John Mitchell the last mayor.

John Mitchell but he thought that they were spending a lot and he's the one I remember he's the one that put it in.

He is and Lambert did raise it to your point because of the schools.

Yep.

That I give.

Thank you councel.

Motion defer to full counsel.

Second.

There be no further questions. Thank you for coming down gentlemen. Appreciate it and and thank you so much.

Motion defer to full counsel has been made and second. All in favor. Any opposed?

Nope.

Motion carries.

Motion to adjurnn finance.

Motion to adjurnn. Committee on finance has a remaining second. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? City counced.

And we'll take a one minute break.

No. Let's go.

Okay.

We'll take a break. The court has

Heat.

Heat.

City council, please come to order. The clerk will call the role.

Council here.

Dion here.

Hart here.

Kilby.

Here President Chimera here. We got it. Will everyone in the council chair please rise for a moment of silent prayer?

Please remain standing for salut and to the republic for it stands nationy and justice for all.

Pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video [clears throat and snorts] recording of this public hearing or may transmit this meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised such transmissions or recordings are being made whether perceived or unpersceived by those and not deemed acknowledged and permissible. And clerk, Mr. President, the first item before you

is a request from the mayor for the confirmation of the appointment of Christopher Pino to the position of the director of community maintenance. The item was objected to at the last meeting held on November 25th.

Motion to reject.

Motion to lift from the table.

From the table. Second.

Motion to lift from the table and seconded. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed?

Motion car on the motion. Council seat five cup. I I have to say that I was very disappointed at the last council meeting. You know, to say that Mr.

Pirano worked as chief of staff under Jel, then he went to the cemeteries by all intent and purposes. I thought he did a wonderful job there. And then [snorts] he worked in planning, but he wasn't going to get the planner position so he could get more money and went to Swansea. Now a position opens up that he did cemeteries, he's done construction to come back and work for the city

because he cares about the city. There was something else going on here. What it was, I don't know, but it wasn't right. He called me the next day and said, "I just want to thank you."

Because I complimented the work he did in the cemeteries. Said, "Thank you for doing that. I really wanted to go back to the city because I love the city. He has a daughter, he said. But I don't know why it was objected. I mean, I worked well when I was here. There were certain people maybe I didn't see eye to eye with, but doesn't that happen everywhere? I mean, we have members on

this council who have worked in different positions, worked in different communities. you do changes in jobs because maybe it's the money, maybe it's transportation, but it's it's up to each individual. And he is back in Swansea.

They're giving him the same rate of pay that Fall River was going to give them.

[snorts] But I feel bad and I hope it doesn't snow because if it snows, I don't know who's going to handle that. I my heart just broke for him because he really was vested in coming back to the city and doing the job. And I I just feel bad. We're not going to get people to stay in the city or to come to the city. Um voted on the from the table question that way

and to not feel welcomed. But with that, I yield. I just had to say my piece because I I didn't like what I saw to reject. Well, we didn't vote on the lift to the table, did we?

We did.

Oh, we did.

We No, we didn't. We made a motion and we seconded it. So, we're having discussion.

That's why I'm I'm confused by But if we're going to vote on lift from the table now.

My fault.

What's that?

We lifted from Did I say I'm in favor? Oh, so we did vote on We did lift from the table.

Motion to reject.

Second.

So, I was right. We covered council in case someone decides to file an open meeting law violation.

Motion to reject has been made and seconded. on the motion count too.

Yeah, I just want to explain um so at this point Mr. [snorts] Pano has withdrawn his application anyways because he has gone back to Swansea um a vote because this what was before us was the appointment and it was prior to knowing he was going to withdraw his application. So we have to vote on the um on the original question which was the appointment. Um but seeing he has accepted a position back in Swansea um I

think the appropriate thing at this point is the motion to reject.

Yeah. Or you leave to withdraw as well.

Yeah.

We can reject it.

Yeah. In the charter it's accept or reject. So I just wanted to stay in conf in uh confirmation with the um charter.

Council seat. Do you yield counselor?

Yes. I'm sorry.

Council seat one. counc I don't want to rehash uh what we discussed at the last meeting but you know for for my colleague to say that there's more than more going on than than meets the eye or whatever the exact quote was is is absolutely ridiculous because I had a conversation everything that I laid out was was there and quite frankly I made a motion to reject prior to so we didn't

have to have this public discussion it failed so the requirement was there so the statement of hopefully it doesn't snow who's going to do the snow when Ken Pachica was in charge DCM. Did we not think that Kempigo was in charge of snow removal as well? Alivera is in charge of DCM. So, I would assume that he would be in charge of snow removal. The fact that that statement was made is the reason

why we should be rejecting this cuz if it snows, the question is who's going to take care of the snow? And that's the question I've had from day one. And so, we don't know who's going to take care of the snow. and we're going to allow individuals who don't know how to remove snow or take care of snow removal to train people on how to handle that operation. That is the issue that I have

in terms of members on this uh council who have applied or gone on to different positions. Yes, absolutely. I've applied to other communities, but I've never applied to a community when I was given an opportunity within a couple of months, right, and then reapply back to that job after I've already been off at a position. Haven't done it. I don't know that anybody else on this committee

has done. That was the point. And there was a commitment that was made that was told by the mayor to me. I stand by the statement that was made. The commitment was only for two to three years. I asked the question of the of the department head whether that was acceptable and the statement was no. So WSAR can go say whatever they want to say. My colleagues can go say whatever they want to say.

There is nothing more to it than what's right in front of us.

That's the reality of the situation.

Yeah. I think we And and I don't want to go down and and have a further conversation about the department. I think we I think everybody if we would if we were being honest with ourselves would say it how it is and we all know what the issue is. So with that I yield.

Thank you. Council council C5 council.

I really don't know what the issue is. I thought that there must be an issue that I'm not aware of. Somebody wanted to be given an opportunity to do a good job. I thought he did an excellent job at the cemeteries. The the workers at the cemetery were very satisfied with him.

if they didn't want to vote for it, they don't vote for it. Vote yes or vote no.

[snorts] I I don't know. I just felt really bad because he wanted to come in and do good things. There's some people in this city that have positions that they're not even they've got issues that we're still paying other people to come and do things. And I'll talk to the mayor about that before I say it on the floor. But that I just I felt really bad. And if you want to have people come

to the city and work for the city the way sometimes we talk to people we really need to focus on that you know and yeah when Mr. Pico was here if he had to do snow but Mr. Pico had a John Perry Mr. Pico had a Chris M a Chris Gallagher he had those people you had Nancy and Pox you had people and if you expect that you know Mr. Aloe vera is

going to be able to do all of that. He needs to get these people into these positions. It's killing us that we don't have people in all of these positions to help out. That is very frustrating for me. You know, will he do snow? I'm sure he will. I'm sure people will.

And it is going to snow, of course. I mean, Ronnie Rio did a great job when he did snow. Mapped the whole city out. He He did a great job.

But I just maybe it's just personal but I feel bad understand because he did a good job and I feel bad and he said you I'm going to go back to Swansea. I have a child you know and let's face it most of us here do have kids and you sometimes make decisions based on providing for your family. With that I yield.

Thank you. Council motion council C1 council. All right. Um, so again, you know, in terms of the way we talk to individuals, I am sorry that when it comes down to the city council, we have an administration that refuses to hold people accountable. So then it becomes our responsibility to hold people accountable. So when we have individuals before us who need to be held accountable, the minute we hold

somebody accountable, it's we don't talk to them. Well, I am sorry, but the reality of the situation if we want to continue to go down this road is that we have a department head and I don't want to have these conversations publicly, but we have a department head who is not being held accountable. Right? So, this whole situation transpired because there is no accountability coming from the

administration and that's the reality of the situation.

With that, I yield.

Thank you, Council. I thought it was going to be an easy vote.

Me, too.

Move the question.

Sorry, I just had to get it off my chest. Sorry.

Motion to reject has been made and seconded. All in favor.

Any opposed?

Roll call.

Roll call. We'll do roll call on rejecting the appointment. Councelor Scadin, yes.

Dion, yes.

Hart, yes.

Kilby. Pereira.

Yes.

Auntie, yes.

Raposo, yes.

Tith, [snorts] President Camaro, yes.

Motion carries clerk.

[snorts] The next item is a request from the mayor for the confirmation of the appointment of Paula Costa Cullen to the library board of trust.

Motion to confirm.

Motion to confirm has been made and seconded on the motion. Council C1, Council Kadim.

Uh thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to object to this uh item before us. I I received a telephone call today that I am a little concerned about. So I do want to have a conversation with the mayor before I I vote. So I haven't had the opportunity to have the conversation with him. So I'm just going to be objective. I just want my colleagues to know why. Move the order of business.

Can we do the roll call first?

He objected.

Would you like a roll call, Mr.

President, for the objection? He hasn't objected yet.

Roll call [snorts] on confirming the appointment for Paul Costa Cullen. Councelor Scadine.

Object [snorts] m.

The next item is a request from the mayor for the confirmation of the reappoint of Jonathan Lima to the historical commission. Motion to confirm.

Second.

Motion to confirm has remained seconded.

Do you guys want a roll call? We can go.

All in favor?

No. All in favor?

All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries.

[clears throat] Item four is a number of recommendations from the traffic commission.

Refer to the committee ordinances.

Motion defer to committee on ordinance and legislation as made. Is there a second?

Second.

Second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries. [snorts] [clears throat] Whereas clear policy guidance is necessary to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuity of essential municipal services when contracted employees reach the end of their current contracts. And whereas the city charter and city ordinances do not currently include a requirement for city council approval or review prior to the

renewal or extension of contracts for contracted employees.

And whereas it is in the best interest of the city of Fall River and its residents to establish city council oversight of all contractual employment agreements that involve city funds or operations. Now therefore, be it resolved that the committee on ordinances and legislation convene to draft a proposed ordinance requiring that any contract renewed or extended by the mayor for contracted department

heads or division managers shall also require formal city council approval before such renewal or extension becomes effective.

and be a further resolved that the committee on ordinances and legislation shall include within the proposed ordinance. All currently contracted employees and all department heads or division managers under contract to ensure the requirement of city council confirmation for any renewal or extension of such contracts.

Motion to adopt.

Second.

Motion to adopt has made second on the motion council six council.

Thank you, Mr. President. So, uh, the purpose of me filing this resolution, um, it clearly feel, uh, is is my opinion, uh, differs slightly or greatly rather, uh, than that of our corporation council. I I do believe that if the city council has the ability to appoint a contracted person that at the term of that person's employment being completely over, which is the term of their contract ending, uh a new contract

will need to be uh essentially reddrafted and a new appointment, I believe, is what is in the best interest of the city to have the city council do its role. I believe I also disagree with the corporation council respectfully when he says the the job is of the city council is just to approve the appointment and then that's it. Um I I disagree. Um judging by the ability to have the city council um work with these

department heads, not in an executive level, but from an accountability perspective um is is important for us.

And and when you give somebody a a contract or you approve an appointment of a person, uh once that contract is up and we don't feel or the mayor doesn't feel that that person may or may not be doing the job to that person's ability, then the city council might have another bite at the apple. if this gets through the ordinance committee. Um so u that was the purpose of this resolution. I

hope that the ordinance committee will meet uh whether it's uh with this current council or the new council coming in um to have this debate and have this discussion and see where it goes after it comes out of committee. I yield.

There's a motion to adopt.

There is I'm just taking my time so the council can come back.

Second.

[snorts] We have a colleague that just stepped out for a second.

You want me to keep talking?

No.

Is this uh to go to ordinance?

No. Yes.

Council C3. Council hot.

Sorry. Is this to go to ordinance?

Yes. They recommendations they want to send it to the audience committee to draft a new contract policy.

I mean, we can vote on it. That's fine.

Go ahead.

Motion has been made and seconded on the motion. Roll call on adopting the resolution. Councelor Scadm.

Yes.

[snorts] Perfect timing.

Yes.

Hart.

Yes.

Kilby Pereira.

Yes.

Ponty.

Yes.

Raposo.

Yes.

Tith. President Chimera.

No.

[snorts] Whereas section 2-131 of the city code currently states that quote, "No order authorizing the issuance of bonds, notes, or certificates of indebtedness in the amount of $5 million or to exceed $20 million within a fiscal year or in excess thereof for any purpose shall become effective until and unless the order is submitted to vote of the registered voters of the city for

adoption or rejection at a general or special city election. End quote. And whereas this provision restricts the city council's lawful jurisdiction to authorize borrowing that is funded within existing operating budgets and that does not require an override or tax increase through a debt exclusion.

And whereas requiring a city-wide referendum for borrowing that does not impose a debt exclusion places unnecessary procedural constraints on the city's ability to effectively conduct fiscal planning, manage capital projects, and respond promptly to operational and infrastructure needs.

And whereas the mandatory election requirement creates avoidable delays in implementing time-sensitive capital improvements adversely affecting public safety, public works, education, and other essential municipal functions.

And whereas special elections required solely for the purpose of approving bond authorizations generate additional unbudgeted municipal expenses and administrative burdens, divert staff capacity, and delay critical investments in city services. And whereas the city council is already subject to public meeting laws, appropriation procedures, public hearings, and fiscal oversight requirements that ensure transparency,

public input, and financial accountability in the borrowing process.

And whereas the removal of section 2-131 will not diminish voters rights to participate in budgetary oversight through the annual budget process, charter requirements, or ballot initiatives. provided on the state law.

And whereas eliminating this provision will modernize the city's financial practices, align borrowing procedures with standard municipal governance across the Commonwealth, and enhance the city's ability to manage operations effectively and responsibly. Now therefore be it resolved that the committee on ordinances and legislation convene to dis to discuss striking out section 2-131 in its entirety to allow

all future bond authorizations to follow the procedures established by the city charter in Massachusetts [clears throat] general laws without the additional referendum requirement currently imposed by section 2-131.

Motion to adopt. Second.

Motion to adopt has been made and seconded. Roll call on the adoption of the resolution.

Councelor Scadin, yes.

Dion, yes.

Hart, yes.

Kilby Pereira, yes.

Ponti, yes.

Raposo, yes.

Tith, President Chimera, no.

[snorts] Whereas the Diamond Regional Vocational Technical High School Bengals football team won the Massachusetts Vocational Large School Super Bowl, defeating their opponent by the remarkable score of 31-6 on December 3rd, 2025, marking the first championship victory in the school's history. And whereas this outstanding accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and teamwork

of the players, coaches, and support staff who have brought pride to the greater Fall River community with this championship season. And whereas this impre impressive victory of the Diamond Regional Vocational Technical High School Bengals football team has inspired students, families, alumni, and residents of Fall River as it demonstrates the positive outcome of perseverance and sportsmanship.

Now therefore be a resolve that the forever city council hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Diamond Regional Vocational Technical High School Bengals football team and staff for their remarkable victory in historic first ever Super Bowl championship and be a further resolved that December 3rd be officially named by the city of Fall River as the Diamond Vocational

Technical High School Bengals Super Bowl Championship A motion to adopt.

Second.

Seconded.

Motion to adopt as made and second on the motion. Council Z3 sponsor resolution council.

Yeah. I I just wanted to say a couple things and they'll be in here at the next meeting and handing out the citations.

All 75 of them.

I don't know. We'll we'll talk about that. Um but I I just you know my son Matthew plays on the team too. Um [clears throat] but also I just wanted to like reflect about what this team did for just for not just for this year for the past three years. They they're gypsies. They didn't have a home field.

They didn't uh they didn't never play it on their on their on the campus at Diamond. Uh they practiced at Henry Lord, which is a good spot, but it's not the best uh practice for a high school team and a competitive team. So, the things that they did for the past three years, I just really I have to hand tip my hat to them, the players, but also to the coaching staff. They're fantastic

coaching staff there. The team gets a lot of support from the school. Um but especially for this year uh what they did was um on the road against a lot of tough uh teams all like Greater Lawrence and um uh Whit Whittier uh regional vocational school in the Northshore.

They just played very very well. They came from behind on a lot of the games.

Uh not this past not their final game, but they just dominated the final game.

And I'm just very impressed with how they uh came about with this season and winning the uh uh vocational uh Super Bowl. So, my hats off to them. I can't wait till they come in here next uh next meeting and uh they'll all be very very happy. And there's there's also a lot of community support out there. They're going to be having a banquet, I believe, at McGovern's. Um so, I know that's

online. Uh but but I'm just very [snorts] very uh happy for the team, for my son. [clears throat] Um but also more importantly for them as a team and the school itself. So, thank you. I Thank you, counselor. Motion to adopt has remained second. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Motion carries. [snorts] Whereas section 2-151 of the city code, which relates to standing committees established, has not been recently reviewed or revised. And whereas the duties and responsibilities of the city council committees must reflect the needs of the city of Fall River and appropriate updates and changes may be necessary from time to time. And whereas the goal of the city council is to

include residents, business owners, and city employees in various discussions that will affect the well-being of the city of Fall River and title clarity of the standing committees will assist with communicating their roles and duties.

Now therefore, be a resolved that the committee on ordinances and legislation convene with corporation council to discuss potential adjustments to the titles and number of required committee members listed within section 2-151 and a draft and draft a related proposed ordinance if necessary to make any required amendments.

Adopt.

Motion to adopt has been made and seconded.

All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries. [snorts] Whereas the mayor with collaboration from the city council may through a home rule petition request that the general court approve a question be placed on the November 2026 ballot asking the voters of Fall River if they wish to change to a plan E form of government with a city manager. [clears throat] Yet whereas such an initiative cannot take effect without voter approval. Now

therefore, be it resolved that the city council send a letter to the mayor to submit an order for approval to the council to move forward with the aforementioned home rule petition.

Motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt. Has a seconded on the motion. Council C2 sponsor resolution. Council Dian.

Aren't you glad my resolution was short?

Yes.

Yes. Thank you very much.

Um yeah, I just think this is important.

Um, you know, it it's called democracy.

This last election and this last year, we've seen that a lot of people are very discontent. Um, and I just think that, you know, people want change. Well, there's multiple ways to have change.

We're not going to make the change, but I think the voters and the people who live in the city of Fall River, uh, should be able to determine whether they want to stay with the form of government we have or try a new form of government with a city manager. [snorts] um and you know just put it on a ballot and let them decide and once the decision is made then we move forward and and go

with whatever it is that they want. With that I yield.

Thank you councelor. Motion has been made and seconded to adopt. All in favor?

I I any opposed?

Council see one abstained. Council president opposed.

I'm click.

The next item is the number of citations for the Diamond Regional Vocation Technical High School Bengals varsity football team, the 2025 champions of the Massachusetts Vocational Large School Super Bowl.

Motion to adopt.

Second.

Second.

Motion to adopt as a second. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries. I thought we were going to read the names.

I was going to say that council hot's going to read the names next week.

No, no, we'll read them. We'll read them.

Have to take turns on that one.

It's going to be up to council in seat three to do.

It's going to be like a diamond graduation.

Yeah, pretty much right.

Thank you for sparing me tonight.

Hope they don't win any more Super Bowls.

Madam clerk, the next item is a citation for citizens for citizens for their 60th anniversary of service.

Motion to adopt.

Second. Second.

Motion to adopt as made second. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

[snorts] The next item is an an order for a curb removal of 19 ft for a total opening of 31 ft at 34 to 36 California Street.

This is the item that there was an opponent during motion refer to public works and transportation.

No regulations, isn't it?

Normally the curb cuts go to public public works second.

Motion refer to public works and transportation as made and seconded. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries.

[snorts] The next item is also a curb removal order for the removal of 14 ft for a total opening of 32 [clears throat] ft at 202 Cambridge.

Motion to motion to motion to refer it to public works and transportation.

Is there a reason council? There's there is a reason because the in front of this house it's all hedges. Why the the 32 feet?

He said it's going to help additional parking. He said he's going to improve parking taking two roads off the street.

What?

He said he's going to take two vehicles off the street to improve parking on M Street.

Yeah, I don't think there's any other parking available there. Just vote for it if you want to make a motion to adopt. I'm voting against motions already made.

Council see two council.

Yeah, I believe there's an opening on Cambridge and he wants an opening on M.

So, it's not going to be 32 straight feet of Kirby. Um I think that's the situation.

Okay. if that makes a difference.

Yeah, it's just that I know parking for so many I've gotten calls from so many people with oneways and this and that going on that the parking is so tight.

So to make it where you're taking cars off the street onto a lot, not to just drive through from one to another. That was my concern.

But motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt has made and seconded.

All in favor?

Any opposed?

See five opposed. Council president, vice president oppose.

The next item is an an order for the renewal of an out of body shop license for David Saber 11th Street Association Inc. DBA Saber Outer Body Inc. located at 231 Bedford Street.

Motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt as made and seconded.

All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

This is a long one.

The next item is also an order for the renewal of auto repair shop licenses [snorts] for Adam Ginuario AMG Enterprises LLC DBA Midas of Fall River at 1439 Plymouth Avenue. Justinto Silva DBA Tech Service Center Inc. at 70 William Street. Joseph M. Zako DBA Sullivan Tire Company Inc.

at 456 Rodman Street. Marco Venicio Hoaz Fernandez, DBA Haz Auto Sales, 2291 South Main Street, and Paul J. Moralo, DBA, Ray Auto Sales, Inc. at 707 Brighton Avenue.

Motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt has a meeting. Second.

All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

Item 17 is a request from the city engineer for a fiveyear street opening request.

Item 16.

16. My apologies. Item 16 is the police chief's report on licenses.

Motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt has remained seconded.

All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

Item 17 is a fiveyear street opening request from the city engineer for 917 Dwelli Street.

Motion to approve.

Motion to approve as a made and second.

All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries.

We have minutes from the zoning board of appeals for October 16, 2025. Motion accept, place on file.

Second.

Motion to accept and place on file. Has been made and second. All in favor? I.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Item 19 are minutes for the committee on finance November held on November 25th, 2025.

Motion to approve. Second.

Motion to approve as made second. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carries.

And item 20 are regular meeting minutes of the city council for November 25th, 2025.

Motion to approve.

Motion to approve as made and second.

All in favor? I any opposed? Motion carries.

[snorts] Mr. President, is this the lift the item from the table?

So moved. Second.

Motion to lift item 21 from the table has remained in second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

[snorts] Item 20. Uh the the the committee on ordinances and legislation at a meeting held on November 12th, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend the accompanying proposed ordinance accompanied by an emergency preamble.

Passed through first reading, second reading pass to be enrolled and passed to be ordained with council Kadim and her absent and no voting. This is a proposed traffic ordinance for Lindsay Street. The emergency preamble was adopted at the November 12th meeting. Um the vote would be required um for the only for the ordinance.

Motion to adopt the ordinance.

Seconded as amended.

Yeah. As amended. We have to. Yes.

Please. With the removal of the stipulation please.

Motion to amend by striking out the stipulation.

Second.

Motion to amend by striking out the stipulation as made. And second. All in favor?

Any opposed?

Motion to pass through all readings as amended.

Second. Motion to pass to all readings as amended has been made and seconded.

All in favor?

I opposed.

Council see opposed. Council Dian opposed.

Item 22 would also need motion to lift from the table.

Motion to lift item 22 from the table.

Has been made and seconded. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

The committee on ordinances and legislation at a meeting held on November 12th, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend that the accompanying proposed ordinance be passed through first reading with councils Kadim and her absent and not voting. This is a proposed traffic ordinance for Lindsay Street. Um it was the traffic um department's request that this also be passed through an emergency preamble

as it relates to the street.

I'm sorry. Motion to amend by striking out the stipulation.

Second.

Motion to amend by striking out the stipulation as a made and seconded. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Motion for emergency preamble as amended.

Second.

Motion for emergency preamble as amended has been made and seconded. All in favor?

I roll call.

Roll call.

This is on the emergency preamble as amended.

Counselor Scadm.

Yes.

Dion. [snorts] Yes.

Hart.

Yes. Kilby Carrera.

Yes.

Ponti.

Yes.

Raposo.

Yes.

Tith. President Chimera.

Yes.

Motion to pass through all readings as amended.

Motion to pass through all readings as amended. Has made second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

Motion to lift item 23 from the table.

Second.

Motion to lift item 23 from the table has made and seconded. All in favor?

Any opposed?

Motion.

See two opposed to lift it from the table. Oh no, sorry.

[clears throat] Item 23.

Motion carries. Madam clerk, item 23 is the committee on ordinances and legislation at a meeting held on November 12th, 2025. Voted unanimously to recommend the accompanying proposed ordinance be passed through first reading as amended with council Kadim and her absent not voting. This is also a proposed traffic ordinance for Lindsay Street as a one-way also with a request to remove the stipulation. Please.

Motion to amend by striking out stipulations.

Motion to amend by striking out stipulation as a second.

Second.

Second. All in favor?

I.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Motion for emergency preamble as amended.

Second.

Motion for the emergency preamble as amended has been made. Roll call on [snorts] the emergency preamble as amended. Councelor Scadine.

Yes. Dion, no.

Hart, yes.

Kilby.

Here, yes. [snorts] Ponty, no.

Reposo, yes.

Tith, President Chimera, yes.

Is there a motion to pass all readings as amended?

So made.

Second.

Motion to pass all readings as amended.

Has been made and seconded.

All in favor?

Any opposed?

Council seat two and council seat six opposed.

Deian Kazapanti opposed.

Motion carries.

[clears throat] The Committee on Ordinances and Legislation at a meeting held on November 9th, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend the accompanying proposed ordinance accompanied by an emergency preamble be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained with councelor TIFF absent and no voting.

This is a proposed uh miscellaneous traffic ordinance regarding Breman Street.

Motion for emergency preamble. Second preamble has made and seconded.

Ro on the emergency preamble. Council scadm yes.

Dion yes.

Hart yes.

Kilby Pereira yes.

Ponty no.

Raposo.

Yes.

Tith.

President Chimera.

Yes.

Motion pass through all readings.

Seconded. Motion to pass all readings as amended. One doesn't have to be amended.

Okay. Motion pass all readings.

Is there a motion?

Made.

Is there a second?

Yep.

All in favor?

I I Any opposed? Cy six party opposed.

Not anymore.

Not anymore.

The committee on finance at a meeting held on December 9th, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend that the accompanying [snorts] order and agreement be referred to full council for action with recommended agreement changes with councils Kilby and absent and not voting. This is for the intermunicipal agreement for the drinking water services with the town of Westport.

Motion to adopt as amended.

Second.

Motion to adopt as amended has been made and seconded. Call Council Kadim, yes.

Dion, yes.

Hart, yes.

Kilby Carrera, one second. She's almost back.

Council, we're voting on the Westport drinking water services intermunicipal agreement.

Yes.

Yes.

Ponty.

Yes.

Raposo.

Yes.

Tiff.

President Camra.

Yes.

Andrew and I are like not feeling good. Right.

The Committee on Finance at a meeting held on December 9th, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend that the accompanying loan orders be referred to the full council for action with councils Kilby and Tiff absent. Now voting these are the loan orders for phases 23 and 24 for water systems improvements.

Motion to adopt.

Are we taking A to B together or are we doing just A?

We can do them together. Is there a motion to take items A and B together has been made and seconded? All in favor?

Any opposed?

Motion to adopt.

Motion to adopt A and B has been made and seconded. All call on the adoption of both loan orders.

Council Scadm, yes.

Dion, yes.

Hart, yes.

Kilby [snorts] Pereira, yes.

Ponty, yes.

Raposo, yes.

Tiff, President Chimera, yes.

That's all we have, Mr. President.

Motion to adjourn is remain seconded.

All in favor? Any opposed? City Council is now joined. Good night, everybody.

Good job.

Good night.

You don't have any ordinance?

Hey hey hey.

Hey, hey hey.