Listen to the full meeting
The Fall River City Council Committee on Ordinances and Legislation met on October 6, 2026, to address a heavy agenda of municipal code revisions, resolutions, and operational updates. During citizen input, resident and Marine Corps veteran Mallory Klonowski raised urgent concerns regarding the deteriorated and unmaintained condition of Judge Street and Greenleaf Street. The committee then addressed legal constraints on the city’s Abutters Lots Program with Special Counsel Matthew Thomas, noting that recent state statutory changes regarding tax titles (Chapter 60) and zoning have frustrated the program’s purpose for tax-possession parcels, prompting councilors to explore special legislation or a home rule petition.
The committee also reviewed potential updates to the city’s noise ordinance with Police Chief J.T. Hoar and Assistant Corporation Counsel Kenneth Fredette, focusing on issues like persistent ice cream truck noise, and voted to send a letter requesting the city purchase decibel readers for enforcement. City Engineer Daniel Aguiar discussed heavy vehicle restrictions on Wilson Road, as well as stiffer fines and loss-of-license penalties for unauthorized street curb cuts. Additionally, Human Resources Director Nicholas Macolini provided updates on an upcoming comprehensive municipal salary and compensation study and the reorganization of City Operations into distinct Community Maintenance and Facilities departments. Finally, the committee discussed outside billboards and digital signage along Route 79 and citywide, expressing a consensus to restrict future billboard installations and require City Council public hearings.
Topics discussed
- 0:27 · Judge Street and Greenleaf Street Road Maintenance
Mallory Klonowski described dangerous road conditions resembling bombed roads, tree hazards, lack of city services, and emergency vehicle access concerns. - 5:02 · Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 8 (Resolution regarding Abutters Lots Program amendments) — approved
Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 8 (Resolution regarding Abutters Lots Program amendments) - 5:10 · Abutters Lots Program Legal Changes
Special Counsel Matthew Thomas outlined legal restrictions under amended M.G.L. Chapter 60 and zoning variance law that prevent selling foreclosed parcels at nominal rates. - 36:06 · Noise Ordinance Revision and Decibel Enforcement
Discussion regarding stationary commercial vehicle noise, Springfield and Dartmouth noise models, quiet hours, landlord accountability, and acquiring decibel meters. - 54:21 · Motion to send a letter to the Administration, Corporation Counsel, and Chief of Police requesting the purchase of decibel readers — passed
Motion to send a letter to the Administration, Corporation Counsel, and Chief of Police requesting the purchase of decibel readers - 54:43 · Motion to table Item 2 (Proposed ordinance restricting heavy vehicles on Wilson Road) — tabled
Motion to table Item 2 (Proposed ordinance restricting heavy vehicles on Wilson Road) - 54:46 · Wilson Road Heavy Vehicle Restrictions
Review of industrial park commercial truck traffic on Wilson Road, GPS route alterations via Waze/Apple Maps, road damage, and speed tables. - 1:06:41 · Motion to table Item 3 (Proposed ordinance and resolution regarding fines for after-the-fact curb removal applications) — tabled
Motion to table Item 3 (Proposed ordinance and resolution regarding fines for after-the-fact curb removal applications) - 1:10:15 · After-the-Fact Curb Cut Penalties and Street Openings
Discussion of fines up to $500–$1,000, 30-day drain layer license suspensions, restoration orders, and expanding enforcement powers to the City Engineer. - 1:32:46 · Municipal Salary and Compensation Survey
HR Director Nicholas Macolini presented on awarding a salary study bid to benchmark non-union, management, and AFSCME positions across comparable communities. - 1:37:13 · Motion to table Item 5 (Proposed ordinance on reorganization of City Operations Department) — tabled
Motion to table Item 5 (Proposed ordinance on reorganization of City Operations Department) - 1:39:41 · City Operations Department Reorganization
Proposal to split City Operations into Capital Projects/Facilities Maintenance and Community Maintenance, and debate over whether Parks should be an independent department. - 2:02:23 · Broadcast and Recording of Public Meetings
Fred TV and FRG-TV coverage of municipal and school committee meetings via cable channels 96/97, Facebook Live, and YouTube. - 2:03:57 · Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 7 (Resolution regarding public meeting recording requirement) — approved
Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 7 (Resolution regarding public meeting recording requirement) - 2:04:17 · Motion to table Item 6 (Resolution regarding noise ordinance amendments) — tabled
Motion to table Item 6 (Resolution regarding noise ordinance amendments) - 2:04:17 · Motion to table Item 4 (Resolution regarding the HR compensation study) — tabled
Motion to table Item 4 (Resolution regarding the HR compensation study) - 2:04:17 · Motion to table Item 9 (Resolution regarding outside billboards and advertising signs) — tabled
Motion to table Item 9 (Resolution regarding outside billboards and advertising signs) - 2:15:29 · Billboard and Outdoor Advertising Regulations
Discussion on restricting digital billboards, requiring City Council public hearing approval rather than solely Zoning Board permits, and light brightness limits. - 2:35:20 · Public Property and Facility Naming Ordinance
Review of municipal code provisions for naming public facilities and potential background check requirements. - 2:37:14 · Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 10 (Resolution regarding naming of public facilities) — approved
Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 10 (Resolution regarding naming of public facilities) - 2:37:32 · City Council Standing Committee Structure
Discussion regarding potential restructuring, consolidation, or addition of standing subcommittees such as technology. - 2:39:01 · Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 11 (Resolution regarding City Council standing committees) — approved
Motion to grant leave to withdraw on Item 11 (Resolution regarding City Council standing committees)