Fall River Now

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.

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Meeting summary

The Fall River School Committee's Facilities and Operations Subcommittee met to review several ongoing capital and operational projects. The meeting began with discussions regarding previous cleanout operations at the Wiley School, where committee members expressed concern over the discovery and shredding of old human resources and payroll files containing Social Security numbers, as well as disposed hardware. The subcommittee then delved into a lengthy discussion regarding the Central Office Windows Project funded by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. After earlier bids came in significantly over budget and an architectural firm (RGB) issued bid specs outside the proper state procurement channels, the district planned to re-solicit bids on October 26, 2026, with bids due November 12, 2026. The committee debated whether to handle installation in-house using district tradespeople or seek additional funding from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and the City Council.

The subcommittee also discussed short- and long-term facilities master planning, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive capital improvement plan across both school and municipal buildings. District officials noted recruitment challenges for specialized maintenance positions, including a carpenter/painter and a refrigeration technician, citing municipal salary disparities compared to the private sector. Updates were sought on the pending purchase and sale agreement for the Bishop Connolly property, with members urging the administration to clarify any restrictive stipulations or ongoing occupancy agreements. Finally, the subcommittee voted to table updates on the Brightly work-order software transition to Incident IQ and the Tighe & Bond school traffic and access study after expressing dissatisfaction that the $67,000 traffic study focused heavily on sidewalks rather than vehicular traffic patterns and lacked required coordination with city traffic officials.

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Meeting summary

The Fall River Commission on Disability met on October 21, 2026, and approved the previous meeting minutes from September 9, 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was reconsidering a funding request from Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for an evacuation chair (Stryker chair). The item had been tabled at the previous meeting pending a legal opinion from Corporation Counsel regarding whether commission funds could be allocated to regional entities where not all students reside in Fall River. The legal opinion confirmed the expenditure was permissible under state law and city ordinances.

Superintendent Brian Bentley addressed the commission, explaining that Diman needed a fourth evacuation chair to ensure all stairwells and exits are covered during an emergency, noting that over 27 students required mobility assistance. In response to questions from Commissioner Dan Robillard, Bentley confirmed Diman's annual operating budget is approximately $35.6 million, with Fall River contributing roughly $4 million for operations and $1.7 million for transportation. Robillard stated that while he supported Diman, the purchase should come from the school's operating budget. The commission voted 3-1 to approve funding between $3,000 and $6,500 for the chair, with Robillard dissenting.

In other business, the commission discussed an ADA improvement grant application for a sensory park to benefit individuals with autism, finalized the date for the 7th annual scholarship brunch on May 15, 2027, and reviewed website hosting security issues being addressed by Diman students and IT staff. Commissioners also shared updates regarding free SRTA bus service through June 2027 and ongoing efforts to relocate voting precincts out of Fall River Housing Authority complexes into fully accessible public locations.

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Meeting summary

The Fall River Traffic Board met on October 21, 2026, to address a variety of traffic, parking, and school safety matters across the city. The board approved a 72-foot curb cut for a vacant parcel at 11 Dyer Street following confirmation from the engineering department that there were no objections. They also approved the installation of a four-way stop at Ray Street and Weetamoe Street near B.M.C. Durfee High School following a resident's petition citing high traffic volume and recent accidents.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed traffic and parking coordination with Fall River Public Schools, attended by Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco and Deputy Superintendent Elizabeth Legault. In response to a petition from resident Caitlin Perry regarding Dwelly Street behind the Viveiros Elementary School, the board voted to rescind all-day parking prohibitions and enact a restricted parking window solely between 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM on the north side, opening up residential parking while accommodating afternoon school vans. The board also discussed student drop-off issues on London Street near the school and tabled a proposal to convert London Street to a one-way heading east so that abutters could be properly notified.

In other business, the board approved one-hour timed parking for a business at 1749 North Main Street and voted to table a request regarding Carver Street due to the applicant's absence. The board denied a request for a four-way stop at Robeson and Maple streets based on police crash data showing only two crashes in five years, opting instead to install solar flashing warning signage. A resident request to return Eddy Street to two-way traffic was denied to preserve safety and emergency vehicle access. Finally, the board approved handicap parking spaces on Hartwell Street (for 303 Rodman Street) and 75 Boutwell Street, denied an unneeded application for 1852 South Main Street, and voted to rescind a list of obsolete handicap parking spaces across the city.

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The Fall River Historical Commission met on October 20, 2026, to consider several historic preservation matters and requests for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding support. The Commission approved adding 403 Anawan Street, the former Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) building currently home to Bernardo's Boxing and Fitness, to the Fall River Register of Significant Structures, followed by approving a letter of support for the owners' CPA application to replace the building's roof.

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Meeting summary

The Fall River Community Preservation Committee met on October 19, 2026, to review project eligibility determinations, discuss marketing outreach, and plan for FY28 funding evaluations. The committee voted unanimously to approve the September 21, 2026 meeting minutes and addressed determinations for three specific applications following guidance from state Community Preservation Act officials. The committee confirmed the eligibility of the Academica elevator project under the community housing category for up to 20% of elevator costs, matching its proportion of affordable units, contingent on a 30-year deed restriction and verifying the absence of existing affordable housing restrictions. For the 101 Rock Street elevator project, members determined the application remains eligible under historical preservation without requiring a new vote, while acknowledging an existing perpetual deed restriction held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

The committee voted unanimously to rescind the eligibility of the Marion Institute's application for a school community garden, determining that the project constitutes school programming on School Department property that should be funded by the school department rather than CPA funds. Members also discussed grassroots marketing efforts for November 2026, including neighborhood association presentations, potential presentations to the Historical Commission and Planning Board, and the possibility of creating an independent committee website.

During the FY28 funding discussion, members examined strategies for handling an increasing number of church and historic preservation requests, emphasizing project sustainability, applicant cost-sharing, and multi-year maintenance plans. Project updates were shared regarding completed gutter work at the Children's Museum, progress on the Columbia Street Parklet design phase, the Father Kelly park improvements, and masonry and slate roofing restorations at the First Congregational Church and Christ the Rock Church.

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Meeting summary

The Fall River Board of Health held a virtual meeting on October 19, 2026, chaired by Thomas Cory, with board members Michael J. Coughlin and Stephen Gagliardi, MD, and Health and Human Services Director Tess Curran present. The board promptly approved the minutes from the August 31, 2026 meeting before reviewing and unanimously approving two tattoo apprenticeship applications: one for Kendra Salmonson at Up in Flames Tattoo (228 South Main Street) and another for Cameron O'Shaughnessy at Flaming Balls Tattoo / Skin Pins Piercing (1120 Stafford Road).

The board then conducted two public hearings regarding second-offense tobacco control violations for selling to minors. For the first hearing concerning International Smoke Shop at 1572 Pleasant Street, store owner Najd Khalil acknowledged that an employee failed to verify identification during a September 9 compliance check. The board voted unanimously to impose a three-day tobacco sales suspension and noted the mandatory $2,000 fine, agreeing to discuss Khalil's request for a payment extension offline. In the second hearing, the board addressed Stop and Save at 345 Robeson Street, where a clerk sold Backwoods cigars to an underage buyer who verbally stated she was 19. Noting that the store had already paid the mandatory $2,000 fine and had a previous underage sale violation within the past year, the board voted unanimously to issue a maximum seven-day suspension to owner Imran Hassan.

During the Director's Report, Director Tess Curran briefed the board on ongoing community and municipal employee flu clinics, the rollout of a new Request for Proposals process for Shannon Grant funding managed by coordinator Crystal Stone, and an upcoming presentation by HHS epidemiologist Hannah at the MHOA conference. Curran also noted that beaver deceivers installed by the water department had been functioning effectively and agreed to follow up with water officials regarding municipal fluoridation. The board then agreed to schedule its next meeting for December 14, 2026, before adjourning.

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Meeting summary

On October 16, 2026, the Fall River Fire Department held an awards ceremony to honor the department members who responded to the catastrophic Gabriel House fire that occurred on July 13, 2025. Brockton Fire Chief and President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts Brian Nardelli served as master of ceremonies. The opening and closing prayers were offered by Father Michael Racine, and attendees observed a moment of silence for the 10 residents who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Key remarks were delivered by Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, Mayor Paul E. Coogan, and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. Governor Healey commended the firefighters for rescuing 53 residents under extreme conditions—including 27 rescues conducted over ground ladders—and highlighted statewide safety actions taken in the fire's aftermath, including mandatory annual inspections and quarterly drills at assisted living facilities, statewide fire code updates targeting recalled sprinkler heads, free cancer screenings for firefighters, and PFAS safety legislation.

Chief Bacon presented departmental honors, including the Medal of Valor to Firefighter Nathaniel Anderson, who evacuated residents without protective gear and returned to the scene to assist after being treated at the hospital. Numerous firefighters and officers received the Medal of Courage, Lifesaving Medal of Honor, and Medal of Meritorious Service across multiple apparatus companies. In addition, 28 firefighters who answered general recalls, the fire investigation team led by Deputy Chief Neil Furtado, and fire prevention inspectors who discovered and remediated recalled sprinkler heads across six high-risk city facilities were formally recognized.

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Transcript

Welcome to Fall River Now. Here's your look at the week ahead in Fall River city government.

On Monday afternoon at three thirty, the Board of Health meets to hold hearings on alleged second tobacco violations under the Act to Modernize Tobacco Control. The board will examine cases involving the International Smoker Shop on Pleasant Street and Stop N Save on Robeson Street. Members will also review tattoo apprenticeship applications for Kendra Salomonsen at Up In Flames Tattoo and Cameron O'Shaughnessey at Flaming Balls Tattoo and SkinPins Piercing, followed by a report from Health and Human Services Director Tess Curran.

Monday evening at six o'clock, the Community Preservation Committee convenes to make project determinations on elevator proposals for the Academica and Rock Street sites, along with a gardens project from the Marion Institute. The committee will also take up discussions on funding for Fiscal Year 2028 and review current project updates.

Tuesday morning at twelve thirty, the Bristol County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Executive Committee reviews Budget Period 3 deliverables and its crisis communication standard operating procedure, as well as the transition of retiring members. The full regional coalition follows at one thirty to discuss emergency preparations and public health emergencies across member communities.

Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock, the Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization meets. The board will consider releasing an amendment to the 2027 through 2031 Transportation Improvement Program for public comment, along with an amendment to the Unified Planning Work Program. The agenda also features MassDOT presentations on federal funding and the Cape Cod Bridges, plus an update on the Fall River Pleasant Street Corridor Study.

Tuesday evening at six o'clock, the Fall River Historical Commission reviews several requests for Community Preservation Act letters of support. Those include funding requests for walkway replacements at Kennedy Park, elevator work at the Family Services Association on Rock Street, and building repairs for the Little Theatre, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Christ the Rock Church, and First Congregational Church. The commission will also consider adding 403 Anawan Street to the city's significant structures list.

Wednesday morning at eight thirty, the Fall River Contributory Retirement Board reviews private equity investments for 2027 during its annual PRIM presentation with Laura Strickland. The board will handle election updates, EMS calculations, and superannuation applications, followed by an executive session for a disability retirement application.

Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, the Southcoast Public Health Coalition gathers to review performance standards survey data and hear community updates.

Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock, the Fall River Commission on Disability holds a conference call. Commissioners will consider funding an evacuation chair for Diman Regional Vocational High School and review monthly financial and policy reports.

Wednesday afternoon at four o'clock, the Traffic Board takes up neighborhood street requests. Items include four-way stop proposals at Ray and Weetamoe streets and Robeson and Maple streets, a request to make Carver Street one-way or restrict parking, school-hour parking limits on Dwelly and London streets, and a Traffic Department request to remove eleven vacant handicap parking spaces across the city.

Wednesday evening at five o'clock, the Licensing Board considers one-day permit requests for the Fall River Rotary Club, the Fall River Boys and Girls Club, and Boston Boxing Promotions at 403 Anawan Street, as well as a common victualler license application for The Best Morning Coffee on Columbia Street.

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In this episode

Transcript

Welcome to Fall River Now. This is our weekly recap for the week ending October 16, 2026, where we cover the most significant local government news.

Topping the news this week, the Fall River City Council took action on housing and community health. During Tuesday's meeting, the council approved housing tax exemptions following a public hearing and a Committee on Finance session. Councilors also examined the distribution of harm reduction kits, addressing concerns raised during citizen input by local business owner Todd Salpetro and attorney Seth Aiken.

Municipal building projects also faced scrutiny at City Hall this week. The City Council Committee on Real Estate, Facilities and Housing convened Tuesday to review long delays surrounding city infrastructure repairs. During public comment, School Committee Member Kevin Aguiar criticized officials over the pace and management of ongoing work across municipal facilities.

In development and land use, the Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 15th under Chair Joseph Pereira, Vice Chair John Frank III, and Clerk James C. Calkins. The board approved several property variances but voted to deny a special permit application for a garage accessory dwelling unit.

The Fall River Planning Board met on Wednesday to handle subdivision plans and roadway improvements. Members endorsed four plans where approval was not required, while voting unanimously to table a roadway reconstruction plan carried over from old business.

Also on Wednesday, the city marked Imagine a Day Without Water at Norton Middle School. Administrator of Community Utilities Paul Furlan joined a public forum and screening of the documentary Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong to discuss municipal wastewater operations.

At the Fall River Public Library, the Board of Library Trustees held its regular meeting Wednesday. Trustees voted to lower fees for VHS tapes following an administrative update from Library Director Fellisha Desmarais, who reported on library operations across August and September.

Looking ahead to city meetings next week, the Board of Health meets remotely on Monday at 3:30 in the afternoon, followed by the Community Preservation Committee at 6:00 p.m. at Government Center. On Wednesday, the Fall River Contributory Retirement Board convenes at 8:30 in the morning at 21 Father DeValles Boulevard, and the Fall River Traffic Board meets at 4:00 p.m. at Government Center.

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In this episode