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Fall River Now

Fall River Now

By: Fall River Now
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News & Information about Fall River, Ma. AI assisted content with human editors.2026 Matt Report Media LLC Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 10.29.2026 City Council - Ad Hoc School Transportation Committee

    10.29.2026 City Council - Ad Hoc School Transportation Committee
    1 Nov 2026
    Meeting summary The Ad Hoc School Transportation Committee held its inaugural meeting on October 29, 2026, electing School Committee Member Kevin Aguiar as chair following a viva voce vote. During citizen input, residents from Judge Street, along with a written statement from another homeowner, addressed urgent infrastructure and safety issues on Arruda's Lane. They explained that severe erosion and rutting on the private way threaten school bus and emergency vehicle access into their neighborhood. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey contact the affected residents with feedback and potential options by the following day. School department officials, including Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith, Deputy Superintendent Tracy Legault, CFO Aldo Petronio, and Transportation Director Deb Carvalho, presented a detailed breakdown of the district's school transportation operations. The FY27 transportation budget is projected at approximately $17.06 million, driven significantly by special education transportation costs ($9.08 million) and McKinney-Vento homeless transportation costs ($3.57 million). The committee discussed the 50/50 salary split for district couriers, the financial impact of out-of-district and homeless placements, and a 12% contractual price hike per bus. The committee also closely examined charter school transportation requirements, noting that Argosy Collegiate students receive yellow bus transportation while Fall River high school students use SRTA public buses. Committee members called on the administration to explore route tiering and busing equity with Argosy to potentially capture an estimated $300,000 in savings. Additionally, officials touched upon the redistricting impact, school zone traffic congestion around Durfee High School and the Fonseca School, and the status of crossing guards. The committee voted to amend its schedule to hold its next meeting on December 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Topics discussed Election of Kevin Aguiar as Chair of the Ad Hoc School Transportation Committee — approvedElection of Kevin Aguiar as Chair of the Ad Hoc School Transportation CommitteeMotion to waive the rules to grant speaker additional time during citizen input — passedMotion to waive the rules to grant speaker additional time during citizen inputArruda's Lane Access and Safety ConcernsResidents Mallory Klonowski and Janet Riley, along with a written statement from Eugene Raymond, raised serious concerns about hazardous road conditions on Arruda's Lane in Tiverton, the sole access point to Fall River's Judge and Greenleaf Street neighborhoods.Legal Recommendation Regarding Arruda's LaneThe committee voted to recommend that Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey reach out to Judge Street residents with feedback on road access options by the following day.Recommendation requesting Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey contact Judge Street residents regarding Arruda's Lane feedback by the end of the next day — approvedRecommendation requesting Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey contact Judge Street residents regarding Arruda's Lane feedback by the end of the next daySchool Transportation Overview and FY27 Budget ProjectionsSchool administration presented the $17.06 million transportation budget, fleet logistics with three vendors (Amaral, Tremblay, Whaling City), and student rider counts.McKinney-Vento Homeless and Special Education PlacementsThe committee reviewed the growing costs and state unfunded mandate requirements associated with transporting 114 McKinney-Vento students and out-of-district special education placements.Fall River Public Schools Courier Cost AllocationOfficials discussed four full-time couriers whose salaries are split 50/50 between non-net transportation spending and net school spending based on their daily duties.Argosy Collegiate Charter School Busing and TieringMembers discussed whether Argosy Collegiate could adjust its bell times to tier routes or transition secondary students to SRTA public transit to save an estimated $300,000.Impact of Elementary Redistricting on TransportationOfficials addressed the transportation savings at Viveiros School versus added busing costs from relocating the dual-language program to the Greene School.Long-Term Cost Escalations and Fleet RequirementsCFO Aldo Petronio discussed post-COVID inflation, fuel increases, and state and federal pushes toward newer and electric vehicles driving contract costs up.Tiverton Agreement on Sawdy PondCommittee discussed the inter-municipal agreement with Tiverton regarding Sawdy Pond students and the potential impact of Tiverton terminating the contract.Traffic Congestion, Crossing Guards, and Public Safety Around SchoolsCouncilors and school officials discussed traffic management around Durfee High School and Fonseca School, signal timing, OptiCom emergency light preemption, and oversight of crossing guards.Motion to amend the meeting schedule to hold the next ...
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    1 hr and 45 min
  • Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending October 30, 2026

    Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending October 30, 2026
    30 Oct 2026
    Transcript Welcome to Fall River Now. This is our weekly recap for the week ending October 30, 2026, where we cover the most significant local government news. Topping the news, the Fall River City Council met Tuesday to approve major municipal grants and address a snow removal deficit transfer. During the session, multiple residents from Grinnell Street spoke out during public input, warning that decades of localized flooding continue to ruin personal property. Also on Tuesday, state and local leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Route 79 urban boulevard project. Mayor Paul E. Coogan opened the event, joined by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll to mark the finished roadway. At the committee level Tuesday, the City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs tabled a plan to restore grocery transportation services for local veterans and seniors. Committee Chair Michael G. Canuel and Councilor Linda M. Pereira were among those reviewing the proposal. On Wednesday, Mayor Paul E. Coogan presided over a meeting of the Tax Increment Financing Board. The board voted to refer an Open Meeting Law complaint to legal counsel following a letter submitted by School Committee Member Collin R. Dias, who raised concerns regarding the structure and fairness of local tax financing agreements. The Fall River Licensing Board also met on Wednesday, approving several alcohol permits and new business licenses. With Chairman Gregory Brilhante, Esq. absent, Commissioner Melanie C. Cordeiro chaired the session alongside Commissioner Michael Perreira. In Fall River public schools, the School Committee Facilities and Operations Subcommittee met to review ongoing district work. School Committee Member Collin R. Dias questioned a ten thousand dollar expenditure for tree removal. On the neighborhood front, resident reports to the city were quiet this week, with a single complaint logged regarding a streetlight that has been flickering continuously for several weeks in a Stevens Street cul-de-sac. Looking ahead to community events this weekend, the city opens a new waterfront parking lot at 45 Anawan Street. On Saturday, October 31st, Fall River will host Halloween on Pleasant Street from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a Greater Fall River RE-CREATION Halloween party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 45 Rock Street. City officials also announced that upcoming tuberculosis skin testing clinics scheduled for mid-November at Government Center have been cancelled. Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information. In this episode Fall River School Committee Approves Union Contracts and Budget Transfers on July 19, 2021Fall River Licensing Board Approves New Alcohol and Business Licenses on January 16, 2020Fall River City Council Approves Budget Transfers and Interim Funding on July 14, 2020Fall River City Council Rejects Fiscal 2021 Budget on August 31, 2020Fall River Board of Health Rescinds Marijuana Regulation at June 5, 2019 MeetingFall River Licensing Board Approves South Main Street Restaurant License on September 9, 2019Fall River Community Preservation Committee Advances Multiple Projects on September 22, 2021Fall River Planning Board Advances Evelyn's Way Petition on September 5, 2019Fall River School Committee Debates Reopening Plan and Staffing on July 20, 2020Fall River City Council Approves SecZetta TIF Agreement on December 3, 2019Fall River City Council Reviews Budget and School Funding on April 13, 2021Fall River Housing Authority Approves Pest Contract and Upgrades on February 8, 2021Fall River City Council Committee Advances Veterans Oversight and Flood Plain Rules on May 12, 2020Fall River Zoning Board Approves 16-Unit Townhouse Project on February 20, 2020Fall River Historical Commission Approves Three Roofing Projects on May 17, 2021Fall River Board of Assessors Approves Statutory Exemptions on January 21, 2021Fall River Zoning Board Approves Substation Variance, Denies Watershed Subdivision on June 25, 2020Fall River Planning Board Approves Housing Zone Amendment for Adams House Project on May 27, 2020Fall River City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Factor and Levy on November 19, 2019Fall River City Council Committee Backs Sale of Former Police Station on July 29, 2020Fall River Board of Health Reviews Youth Vaping Trends on November 20, 2019Fall River Commission on Disability Approves Funding and Scholarships on February 10, 2021Fall River Housing Authority Approves Property Sales and Contracts on June 26, 2019Fall River Housing Authority Renews Director Contract and Advances Upgrades on June 26, 2019Fall River Board o...
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    2 min
  • 10.28.2026 Licensing Board

    10.28.2026 Licensing Board
    29 Oct 2026
    Meeting summary The Fall River Licensing Board held a meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, chaired by Commissioner Melanie C. Cordeiro alongside Commissioner Michael Perreira, with Chairman Gregory Brilhante absent. Because only two members were present, applicants were notified that petitions required unanimous consent, or else could be tabled to the next meeting. Several one-day alcohol permits were reviewed and approved, including requests from the Fall River Rotary Club for November 1, 2026; Boston Boxing Promotions for a professional boxing event on November 25, 2026; the Fall River Boys and Girls Club for their annual gala on November 14, 2026; and Espírito Santo Church for a slate of parish events spanning late 2026 through June 2027. Topics discussed Public InputThe board announced the public comment policy, noting that no citizens had signed up to speak.Boston Boxing Promotions One-Day PermitDiscussion and approval of an indoor beer and wine permit for a professional boxing event on November 25, 2026.Grant one-day beer and wine permit to Boston Boxing Promotions for November 25, 2026 — approvedGrant one-day beer and wine permit to Boston Boxing Promotions for November 25, 2026Espírito Santo Church One-Day PermitsDiscussion and approval of eight separate dates for church dinners, cattle auction, and the annual feast.Grant one-day permits to Espírito Santo Church for eight specified event dates — approvedGrant one-day permits to Espírito Santo Church for eight specified event datesThe Best Morning Coffee Common Victualler LicenseReview of common victualler application to add eight seats; approved pending applicant obtaining a Massachusetts driver's license.Grant common victualler license to The Best Morning Coffee pending submission of a Massachusetts driver's license to the police department — approvedGrant common victualler license to The Best Morning Coffee pending submission of a Massachusetts driver's license to the police departmentFall River Boys and Girls Club One-Day PermitApproval of an all-alcohol license for the annual gala on November 14, 2026.Fall River Rotary Club One-Day PermitDiscussion and approval of an all-alcohol one-day permit for November 1, 2026.Grant one-day all-alcohol permit to Fall River Rotary Club for November 1, 2026 — approvedGrant one-day all-alcohol permit to Fall River Rotary Club for November 1, 2026Grant one-day all-alcohol permit to Fall River Boys and Girls Club for November 14, 2026 — approvedGrant one-day all-alcohol permit to Fall River Boys and Girls Club for November 14, 2026Approve change of manager for St. John's Athletic Club to Thomas Correa — approvedApprove change of manager for St. John's Athletic Club to Thomas CorreaSt. John's Athletic Club Change of ManagerApproval of Thomas Correa as new manager, along with club president Raymond Kubiak reporting that the previous bar manager removed the physical liquor license.The Tatty Restaurant Inc. Beer and Wine LicenseApproval of a beer and wine license application to be forwarded to the ABCC following verified abutter notification.Approve beer and wine license for The Tatty Restaurant Inc. at 1236 Pleasant Street for submission to the ABCC — approvedApprove beer and wine license for The Tatty Restaurant Inc. at 1236 Pleasant Street for submission to the ABCCMeeting Minutes ApprovalApproval of board meeting minutes from September 28, 2026, and October 7, 2026.Approve minutes of the September 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 Licensing Board meetings — approvedApprove minutes of the September 28, 2026 and October 7, 2026 Licensing Board meetings Links Read the meeting summaryWatch the full meeting
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    27 min
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