Fall River Now

Meeting summary The Fall River City Council held a public hearing, Committee on Finance meeting, and regular City Council meeting on October 27, 2026. During public input, multiple residents from Grinnell Street described decades of severe localized flooding destroying personal property, and a resident of New Boston Road reported an unexplained 50% drop in municipal water pressure. Acting Police Chief J.T. Hoar received official citations for the Fall River Police Department and Massachusetts State Police recognizing Operation Restoring the Row, a multi-agency sweep in Corky Row on August 12, 2026, resulting in 40 arrests. The administration delivered an in-depth presentation analyzing the condition and future of the Pearl Street Parking Garage, detailing an estimated $5.175 million to $6.2 million repair need against an existing lease through 2043 and an RFP purchase offer of $1.05 million from First Bristol; the council referred the presentation to the Committee on Real Estate for further vetting. The council also reviewed harm reduction bags distributed by community organizations such as STAR and Seven Hills Foundation, tabling the matter in committee to request direct attendance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the service providers. Chief Financial Officer Emily Arpke presented an appropriation of $3,107,675.80 from the General Stabilization Fund to erase a fiscal year snow removal deficit, outlining why paying the deficit immediately from stabilization was preferable to a three-year tax amortization. In the regular council session, councilors approved four major grant acceptances: $5,000,000 from the state for Alden Street reconstruction, $1,300,000 in federal HUD funds for Columbia Street streetscape work, $1,092,000 from the EPA for lead service line replacements, and $4,500 from the District Attorney for EMS comfort dog training. The council also approved a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 251, appropriated the $3.1 million stabilization transfer for snow deficit relief, referred an ordinance on the Mayor's Chief of Staff salary structure to committee, adopted a resolution to reorganize senior grocery transit from Veterans' Services to Health and Human Services, and adopted an amended resolution addressing litter and public safety at the SRTA bus terminal. Topics discussed Motion to close the public hearing regarding Pawtucket Pawnbrokers 2 Inc. — passedMotion to close the public hearing regarding Pawtucket Pawnbrokers 2 Inc. Motion to adjourn the public hearing. — passedMotion to adjourn the public hearing. Grinnell Street Flooding ConcernsNeighborhood residents and councilors discussed repeated flooding, property damage, and catch basin failures caused by upstream residential developments. New Boston Road Water Pressure LossA property owner described a sudden 50% loss of municipal water pressure at 157 New Boston Road and requested city investigation of water main valves and nearby commercial developments. Commendation: Operation Restoring the RowCouncil recognized Fall River Police and Massachusetts State Police for an August 12, 2026 multi-agency enforcement operation in Corky Row yielding 40 arrests. Acceptance and filing of Items 9A and 9B, official citations for Operation Restoring the Row. — approvedAcceptance and filing of Items 9A and 9B, official citations for Operation Restoring the Row. Pearl Street Parking Garage Options and ValuationSpecial Counsel Matthew Thomas presented legal history, structural repair needs ($5.1M-$6.2M), appraisal estimates, and a $1.05M purchase bid from First Bristol under RFP 2702. Motion to table the resolution regarding harm reduction bags and recovery services until DPH, Seven Hills, and STAR representatives can attend. — tabledMotion to table the resolution regarding harm reduction bags and recovery services until DPH, Seven Hills, and STAR representatives can attend. Harm Reduction Supplies and Provider AccountabilityCouncil examined supply distribution practices by STAR and Seven Hills Foundation, questioning kit contents and voting to table pending attendance by DPH and provider representatives. Snow Removal Deficit FinancingCFO Emily Arpke explained the mechanics of transferring $3,107,675.80 from stabilization to eliminate the snow deficit rather than amortizing over three tax years. Adoption of Item 4, order appropriating $3,107,675.80 from the General Stabilization Fund to the snow removal expense deficit. — adoptedAdoption of Item 4, order appropriating $3,107,675.80 from the General Stabilization Fund to the snow removal expense deficit. Alden Street Reconstruction GrantAcceptance of $5,000,000 Housing Works Infrastructure Program funding from EOHLC for roadway reconstruction. Adoption of Item 1A, a $5,000,000 grant order from EOHLC for Alden Street reconstruction. — adoptedAdoption of Item 1A, a $5,000,000 grant order from EOHLC for Alden Street reconstruction. Adoption of Item 1B, a $4,500 grant order from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office for EMS comfort dog training. — adoptedAdoption of Item 1B, a $4,500 grant order from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office for EMS comfort dog training. Lead Service Line Replacement GrantAcceptance of a $1,092,000 grant from the EPA for residential lead pipe replacements. Adoption of Item 1C, a $1,092,000 grant order from the U.S. EPA for lead service line replacement. — adoptedAdoption of Item 1C, a $1,092,000 grant order from the U.S. EPA for lead service line replacement. Columbia Street Rehabilitation GrantAcceptance of $1,300,000 in federal HUD funding to rehabilitate streets, sidewalks, and a parklet on Columbia Street. Adoption of Item 1D, a $1,300,000 grant order from U.S. HUD for Columbia Street rehabilitation. — adoptedAdoption of Item 1D, a $1,300,000 grant order from U.S. HUD for Columbia Street rehabilitation. Acceptance and filing of Item 2, Mayor's request for a joint meeting with the School Committee on December 8, 2026.

Meeting summary The Fall River City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs met on October 27, 2026, to discuss the restoration of grocery transportation services for local veterans and seniors. Committee members Chair Michael G. Canuel and Councilor Linda M. Pereira were joined by Councilor Christopher M. Peckham, Sr., who arrived shortly after the start of the meeting. City Administrator Ann O'Neil-Souza and Health and Human Services Director Tess Curran explained that an unexpected driver departure caused a two-week pause in grocery shopping rides in late September, though medical transportation remained uninterrupted throughout. The grocery program temporarily resumed in mid-October using existing staff, while the Human Resources Department conducts background checks to hire permanent and backup drivers. Councilor Pereira expressed concern regarding scheduling consistency, vehicle availability, and whether veterans were encountering challenges securing rides to medical facilities in Providence and Brockton. She also noted that a former driver who had taken medical leave for heart surgery was interested in returning to work. Officials clarified that the Council on Aging plans to resume direct oversight of senior rides starting December 1, while the Veterans' Services Department will focus on veterans' transit. Councilor Peckham requested that the Veterans' Services Officer provide documentation showing whether any medical appointments were missed, and the committee voted unanimously to table the matter until Veterans' Services Director Talos Farris could be present. Topics discussed Citizen InputThe committee called for citizen input, but none was offered. Minutes ApprovalCouncilors voted to approve the minutes from the September 24, 2026 meeting. Approve the minutes of the September 24, 2026 meeting — approvedApprove the minutes of the September 24, 2026 meeting Table the resolution regarding grocery transportation services for veterans and seniors until the Veterans' Services Officer can attend — tabledTable the resolution regarding grocery transportation services for veterans and seniors until the Veterans' Services Officer can attend Senior and Veteran Transportation ServicesDiscussion on driver staffing shortages, vehicle fleet condition, temporary transit arrangements via United Way and Lyft, and splitting route oversight between the Council on Aging and Veterans' Services. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting

Meeting summary The Fall River School Committee Facilities and Operations Subcommittee met on October 22, 2026, to address building projects, operational workflows, and facility planning. Under an amended order of business, member Collin R. Dias questioned a $10,000 expenditure for tree removal at the Wiley School, a vacant property the School Committee voted to return to the city over a year prior. Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco explained the cleanup was necessary to prevent damage, eliminate hazards, and prepare the historic building for prospective apartment redevelopment. The discussion also addressed the discovery and shredding of old financial and human resources files left in the building, alongside concerns about the City Council's delay in formally processing the real estate transfer. The committee then reviewed the Central Office window replacement project funded by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The project faced prolonged delays after initial installation bids exceeded available funding by roughly $600,000, and a subsequent window procurement attempt prepared by project architect Robinson Green Beretta (RGB) failed to comply with Massachusetts Chapter 30B procurement requirements. Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith and Ken Pacheco reported that a revised procurement was scheduled to be advertised on October 26, 2026, with bids due November 12, 2026. City Councilor Shawn E. Cadime urged the district to seek additional CPA or city funding to hire specialized historic contractors rather than attempting in-house installation with school maintenance staff. The subcommittee also discussed long-term facilities master planning, the ongoing review of the draft purchase and sales agreement for Bishop Stang/Bishop Connolly, and the persistent challenge of hiring skilled tradespeople—specifically carpenter-painters and refrigeration technicians—under existing municipal wage structures. Before adjourning, the committee voted to table updates on Brightly maintenance software and the $67,000 Tighe & Bond traffic and pedestrian access study, directing the administration to gather missing documentation and ensure consultants fulfill contractual requirements. Topics discussed Move new business to the top of the agenda — approvedMove new business to the top of the agenda Wiley School tree removal and building cleanupCollin R. Dias inquired why $10,000 of school funds was spent on tree removal at the Wiley School after it was voted to be turned over to the city; Ken Pacheco explained the maintenance was needed to prevent building damage and prepare it for redevelopment. Central Office window procurement and CPC fundingSuperintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith and Ken Pacheco reviewed the history of CPC funding for the Central Office windows, past bids that exceeded budgets, an invalid procurement process handled by RGB, and the upcoming re-bid. Adjourn the Facilities and Operations Subcommittee meeting — passedAdjourn the Facilities and Operations Subcommittee meeting Trade staff recruitment and compensationKen Pacheco and committee members addressed difficulties in filling in-house maintenance positions, such as carpenter-painters and HVAC/refrigeration technicians, due to uncompetitive municipal wage rates compared to the private sector. Bishop Connolly purchase and sales agreement reviewCollin R. Dias requested that school administration review the draft purchase and sales agreement for Bishop Connolly to identify any restrictions on building usage or tenants. Brightly versus Incident IQ maintenance software transitionKevin Aguiar and Collin R. Dias questioned costs associated with switching from Brightly to Incident IQ for maintenance work orders. Table the Brightly software update to the next meeting — tabledTable the Brightly software update to the next meeting Capital improvement planning and joint municipal facilities studyThe committee and Councilor Shawn E. Cadime discussed the necessity of hiring an engineering or architectural firm to create a district-wide building condition assessment and capital improvement plan. Tighe & Bond school traffic and pedestrian access studyThe committee reviewed a $67,000 access study by Tighe & Bond, criticizing its lack of vehicular traffic data and failure to coordinate with the city engineer and traffic board. Table the Tighe & Bond access study update to allow administration to seek revisions and consultations — tabledTable the Tighe & Bond access study update to allow administration to seek revisions and consultations Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting

Transcript Welcome to Fall River Now. Here's your look at the week ahead in Fall River city government. The City Council heads into a packed Tuesday evening with major financial decisions on the table. Starting at 5:55 p.m., councilors take up four grant orders submitted by Mayor Paul E. Coogan totaling over seven point four million dollars. That includes five million dollars for the reconstruction of Alden Street, one point three million dollars for street, sidewalk, and parklet rehabilitation, and just over one million dollars for lead service line replacements. Councilors will also consider transferring more than three point one million dollars from the General Stabilization Fund to cover a deficit in snow removal expenses, alongside a new memorandum of agreement with Fall River Teamsters Local 251. Also on Tuesday's full council docket is a proposed ordinance to move the Mayor's Chief of Staff position from the contract personnel salary code to the salary schedule for political appointments. During the Committee on Finance meeting earlier that same evening, the administration is scheduled to give a presentation on the Pearl Street parking garage. The committee will also discuss harm reduction bags supplied by SSTAR and the Seven Hills Foundation, and will present citations to the Fall River Police Department and Massachusetts State Police for their work on Operation: Restore the Row back in August. A public hearing is also scheduled on a request from Pawtucket Pawnbrokers Too, Incorporated to operate a pawn shop and secondhand store at 255 South Main Street. Before the full council convenes, the City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs meets Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. Members will review a resolution to discuss restoring grocery transportation services for local veterans and seniors. On Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m., the Tax Increment Financing Board convenes. The board will review an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin R. Dias. Wednesday afternoon brings the Licensing Board together at 5:00 p.m. The board will review several one-day permit requests, including events for the Fall River Rotary Club, the Fall River Boys and Girls Club, Boston Boxing Promotions, and Espirito Santos Church. They will also consider a common victualler license application for The Best Morning Coffee on Columbia Street and a change of manager application for the St. Johns Athletic Club on Rodman Street. At 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Atlantis Charter School Board of Trustees meets. The board will receive operational and student data updates, hear David Hutchinson present September financial statements, and hear community input from Michael G. Canuel. The week wraps up on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. when the City Council Ad-Hoc School Transportation Committee holds its meeting. Members will elect a committee chairperson, set future meeting dates for early 2027, and discuss district transportation topics, including spending for fiscal year 2026, budget projections for fiscal year 2027, and district enrollment and route updates. Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information. In this episode City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs @ 5:15 p.m. City Council Meetings @ 5:55 p.m. Tax Increment Financing Board @ 8:00 a.m. Licensing Board @ 5:00 p.m. Atlantis Charter School Board of Trustees @ 5:15p.m. City Council Ad-Hoc School Transportation Committee @ 5:00 p.m.

Transcript Welcome to Fall River Now. This is our weekly recap for the week ending October 23, 2026, where we cover the most significant local government news. Topping the news this week, public health officials took enforcement action against local businesses. The Fall River Board of Health voted during a virtual meeting on Monday to suspend tobacco sales at two city stores. Board members Thomas Cory, Michael J. Coughlin, and Stephen Gagliardi, MD, joined Health and Human Services Director Tess Curran to handle the disciplinary hearings and review routine administrative business. School safety was also front and center across multiple boards. On Wednesday, the Fall River Commission on Disability voted to fund an evacuation chair for Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, approving the school's request to assist individuals with mobility needs during emergencies. Meanwhile, the Fall River School Committee's Facilities and Operations Subcommittee met Thursday to review several major capital projects. Subcommittee members addressed ongoing operational concerns, including past cleanout efforts at the Riley School, and discussed future plans for school records disposal and building upkeep. On the roadways, the Fall River Traffic Board approved several neighborhood changes on Wednesday. Members voted in favor of installing new stop signs on Ray Street and shifted school-area parking regulations. The board also granted a seventy-two-foot curb cut for a vacant property located at 11 Dyer Street after city engineering officials reviewed the site. In preservation news, the Fall River Historical Commission voted Tuesday to officially add 403 Anawan Street, the former Catholic Youth Organization building, to the city's historic register. That decision followed a Monday session by the Community Preservation Committee, which reviewed project eligibility determinations and began planning its evaluations for fiscal year twenty-twenty-eight funding. Also this week, downtown Fall River welcomed a familiar organization to a new location. The United Way of Greater Fall River celebrated the opening of its new office at 141 North Main Street on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the One SouthCoast Chamber. In neighborhood concerns, city services logged routine reports this week, including a maintenance request for a malfunctioning, blinking light pole near Fifth Street. Looking ahead to next week, local government has a full calendar. The City Council meets Tuesday evening at Government Center, starting with a Health and Environmental Affairs committee session at five-fifteen, followed by the regular council meeting at five-fifty-five. On Wednesday, the Tax Increment Financing Board convenes at eight in the morning, the Licensing Board meets at five in the afternoon, and the Atlantis Charter School Board of Trustees gathers at five-fifteen on Jefferson Street. Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information. In this episode Fall River School Subcommittee Reviews Capital Projects and Records Disposal on October 22, 2026 Fall River Commission on Disability Approves Evacuation Chair Funds for Diman on October 21, 2026 United Way Opens New Fall River Office at Ribbon Cutting on October 22, 2026 Fall River Traffic Board Approves Ray Street Stop Signs and School Parking Shifts on October 21, 2026 Fall River Historical Commission Adds CYO Building to Historic Register on October 20, 2026 Fall River Community Preservation Committee Weighs Project Eligibility at October 19, 2026 Meeting Fall River Board of Health Suspends Tobacco Sales at Two Stores on October 19, 2026 Fall River Fire Department Honors Gabriel House Responders at Awards Ceremony on October 16, 2026 Blinking Light Pole Reported Near Fifth Street