Fall River Now

Fall River Now

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News & Information about Fall River, Ma. AI assisted content with human editors.

14h ago

Fall River Now — Week Ahead, November 2, 2026

Transcript Welcome to Fall River Now. Here's your look at the week ahead in Fall River city government. The Fall River Redevelopment Authority takes center stage Wednesday evening at 5:00. The board will vote on approving the November warrant for expenses and payments, and review the Pleasant Street and Flint Neighborhood Urban Renewal Plan with Innes Land Strategies for potential board approval. Board members will also receive a 2025 audit update, an update on the North Main Downtown Historic District, and review site improvements, mooring fields, and a dinghy dock planned for 600 Davol Street at Northfield Point. Behind closed doors in executive session, the Authority will discuss real estate strategies for 427 Plymouth Avenue, a parcel on the southern Davol Street corridor, and the National Grid Wharf parcel. Also on Wednesday evening at 5:30, the Board of Park Commissioners meets with a busy slate of local requests. Greater Fall River Recreation representative Grace Gerling is seeking permission to use Kennedy Park on December 5th for the forty-second annual Children's Christmas Parade. Susan Hunt is requesting permission to film at Oak Grove Cemetery regarding the Lizzie Borden gravesite. The Brick Committee wants approval to place bricks in a new section behind the Iwo Jima monument at Veterans Park. On Purchase Street, Jerry Donovan is asking to remove five trees that are encroaching on his abutting parking lot and damaging the asphalt, while John Silvia has requested a discussion on the city ordinance concerning compensation for removed trees. First up tonight, the Conservation Commission meets Monday evening at 5:30. The commission will take up several deferred matters, including adopting a fee structure, reviewing an update on Bell Rock Road, and reviewing outstanding enforcement orders. Several waterfront and utility projects are on the table as well. McAllister Towing and Transportation Company is seeking approval for bulkhead, pier, and revetment repairs, basin dredging, site elevation, and shore power upgrades on Shaw Street. National Grid is proposing to separate transmission lines onto paired monopoles between the Sykes Road Substation and the Taunton River, Liberty Utilities wants to install over two hundred twenty-two feet of gas carrier pipe along Jefferson Street, and Weaver's Cove Industrial Park is proposing after-the-fact restoration of cleared vegetation on New Street. Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information. In this episode Conservation Commission @5:30 p.m. Fall River Redevelopment Authority @ 5:00 p.m. Board of Park Commissioners @ 5:30AM
1d ago · Bonus

10.29.2026 City Council - Ad Hoc School Transportation Committee

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 Committee Motion to waive the rules to grant speaker additional time during citizen input — passedMotion to waive the rules to grant speaker additional time during citizen input Arruda'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 day School 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 meeting on December 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM — passedMotion to amend the meeting schedule to hold the next meeting on December 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM Motion to accept the meeting schedule as amended — approvedMotion to accept the meeting schedule as amended Motion to adjourn the meeting — passedMotion to adjourn the meeting Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting
3d ago

Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending October 30, 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, 2021 Fall River Licensing Board Approves New Alcohol and Business Licenses on January 16, 2020 Fall River City Council Approves Budget Transfers and Interim Funding on July 14, 2020 Fall River City Council Rejects Fiscal 2021 Budget on August 31, 2020 Fall River Board of Health Rescinds Marijuana Regulation at June 5, 2019 Meeting Fall River Licensing Board Approves South Main Street Restaurant License on September 9, 2019 Fall River Community Preservation Committee Advances Multiple Projects on September 22, 2021 Fall River Planning Board Advances Evelyn's Way Petition on September 5, 2019 Fall River School Committee Debates Reopening Plan and Staffing on July 20, 2020 Fall River City Council Approves SecZetta TIF Agreement on December 3, 2019 Fall River City Council Reviews Budget and School Funding on April 13, 2021 Fall River Housing Authority Approves Pest Contract and Upgrades on February 8, 2021 Fall River City Council Committee Advances Veterans Oversight and Flood Plain Rules on May 12, 2020 Fall River Zoning Board Approves 16-Unit Townhouse Project on February 20, 2020 Fall River Historical Commission Approves Three Roofing Projects on May 17, 2021 Fall River Board of Assessors Approves Statutory Exemptions on January 21, 2021 Fall River Zoning Board Approves Substation Variance, Denies Watershed Subdivision on June 25, 2020 Fall River Planning Board Approves Housing Zone Amendment for Adams House Project on May 27, 2020 Fall River City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Factor and Levy on November 19, 2019 Fall River City Council Committee Backs Sale of Former Police Station on July 29, 2020 Fall River Board of Health Reviews Youth Vaping Trends on November 20, 2019 Fall River Commission on Disability Approves Funding and Scholarships on February 10, 2021 Fall River Housing Authority Approves Property Sales and Contracts on June 26, 2019 Fall River Housing Authority Renews Director Contract and Advances Upgrades on June 26, 2019 Fall River Board o...
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10.28.2026 Licensing Board

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, 2026 Espírito 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 dates The 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 department Fall 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, 2026 Grant 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, 2026 Approve change of manager for St. John's Athletic Club to Thomas Correa — approvedApprove change of manager for St. John's Athletic Club to Thomas Correa St. 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 ABCC Meeting 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 summary Watch the full meeting
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Rt 79 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10 28 26

Meeting summary State, federal, and local officials gathered in Fall River for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Route 79 urban boulevard project. Mayor Paul E. Coogan opened the event, introducing Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Speakers celebrated the completion of the $115 million infrastructure project, which replaced an aging elevated expressway with an at-grade boulevard, reconnecting the city's neighborhoods to the Taunton River waterfront and unlocking approximately 20 acres of land for mixed-use redevelopment and housing. Remarks were delivered by U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss, State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, State Representative Carole Fiola, and Southeastern Massachusetts Building Trades President Jim Pimentel. Gulliver highlighted that the project was completed nearly a year ahead of schedule and on budget by joint-venture contractors D.W. White and SPS New England, earning honors including the New England Project of the Year from the American Society of Highway Engineers and an America's Transportation Award from AASHTO. Speakers also celebrated the synergy with other major regional infrastructure achievements, including South Coast Rail, Braga Bridge rehabilitation, and the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Following remarks emphasizing the vital role of union labor and advocating for local union jobs on future private waterfront developments, Governor Healey addressed media questions regarding incoming developer bids for the newly opened 20-acre corridor. The ceremony concluded with officials gathering to cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the project's official opening. Topics discussed Labor and Union Workforce ContributionsJim Pimentel, President of the Southeastern Massachusetts Building Trades Council, praised the union workforce that delivered the project ahead of schedule and advocated for union construction on future waterfront developments. Welcome and Overview of the Route 79 TransformationMayor Paul E. Coogan and Governor Maura Healey welcomed attendees and celebrated the completion of the $115 million Route 79 urban boulevard, opening up 20 acres of waterfront property for housing and commercial development. Federal and State Partnership RemarksCongressman Jake Auchincloss praised the collaboration between federal, state, and local leadership, commending Mayor Coogan's municipal administration and the ongoing growth across Fall River. MassDOT Project Milestones and Contractor RecognitionState Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver reviewed project achievements, noting it finished nearly a year ahead of schedule and earned national engineering awards, while thanking MassDOT staff and contractors D.W. White and SPS New England. Historical Context and Regional Waterfront VisionState Senator Michael J. Rodrigues and State Representative Carole Fiola reflected on over two decades of planning to reconnect Fall River's urban core to the Taunton River waterfront alongside South Coast Rail and bridge improvements. Press Q&A and Ribbon-CuttingGovernor Healey answered questions about competitive developer bids for the 20-acre corridor, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting
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10.28.2026 Tax Increment Financing Board

Meeting summary The Fall River Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Board met on October 28, 2026, presided over by Mayor Paul E. Coogan. During citizens input, a written letter from resident Collin R. Dias was read into the record. Dias raised concerns regarding the structure and fairness of the TIF Board, specifically criticizing the formal board seat held by Jobs for Fall River (now operating as Bristol County Economic Development Consultants) and questioning why meetings are scheduled at 8:00 AM. The board approved the meeting minutes from its October 6, 2026 meeting. The primary business before the board was an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin R. Dias alleging that Mayor Coogan's transmittal letter sending three recommended TIF agreements to City Council President Cliff A. Ponte violated the Open Meeting Law. Board staff explained that the transmittal letter was an executive city function following a properly held public meeting and did not constitute a violation. The board voted unanimously to refer the complaint to the Law Department and Corporation Counsel for a formal response before adjourning. Topics discussed Citizens Input regarding Jobs for Fall River and TIF Board ReformResident Collin R. Dias submitted written testimony questioning whether Jobs for Fall River (BCEDC) having a statutory seat on the TIF Board constitutes a conflict of interest, and raised concern about early morning meeting times. Approval of October 6th Meeting MinutesMotion made and approved to accept the minutes from the October 6th meeting. Approval of the October 6th meeting minutes — approvedApproval of the October 6th meeting minutes Motion to adjourn the meeting — passedMotion to adjourn the meeting Open Meeting Law Complaint Referral to Corporation CounselThe board discussed an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin R. Dias regarding the transmittal of three TIF agreements to the City Council and voted to refer it to the Law Department for response. Referral of Collin R. Dias's Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel for response — referredReferral of Collin R. Dias's Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel for response Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting
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10.27.2026 Fall River City Council

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.
5d ago · Bonus

10.27.2026 City Council - Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs

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

News & Information about Fall River, Ma. AI assisted content with human editors.

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