7.30.2026 City Council - Committee on Public Safety

Meeting summary The Fall River City Council's Committee on Public Safety met on July 30, 2026, to discuss fire department resources, commuter rail issues, and severe flooding problems. The meeting began with citizen input from Michael O'Regan, who spoke about the fire department's understaffing and aging equipment. He cited a recent fire on Hick Street as an example where increased manpower made a difference but stressed that the department is still overwhelmed, underfunded, and operating with unreliable vehicles. Following his comments, the committee unanimously voted to send a letter to the administration requesting updates on fire apparatus orders, plans for fire protection for the Route 79 waterfront development, the status of turnover gear, and communications with the state about a potential developer-built fire station. The committee then addressed resident complaints about the MBTA commuter rail, including noise from trains idling early in the morning and a reported sewer smell near the layover station. Ann O'Neil-Souza from the mayor's office noted that they forward complaints to state representatives and Keolis, and mentioned a noise mitigation program for which some residents had not applied. The item was ultimately tabled for further discussion. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed presentation by Paul Furlan, Administrator of Community Utilities, on the chronic flooding at Stafford Square. Furlan outlined the history of the problem, dating back to the early 1900s, and presented a comprehensive engineering plan estimated to cost nearly $37 million. He discussed the extensive efforts to secure federal and state grant funding, noting the city might still need to contribute around $8 million in a best-case scenario. After a lengthy discussion about the project's timeline, cost, and potential interim safety measures, this item was also tabled. Topics discussed Fire Department Staffing and EquipmentMichael O'Regan discussed the fire department's inadequate staffing, aging and unreliable apparatus, gaps in city-wide coverage according to GIS studies, and the need for a new fire station to serve the upcoming Route 79 development. Request for Fire Department UpdatesThe committee voted to send a formal letter to the administration requesting updates on the status of fire apparatus orders, plans for fire protection for the Route 79 development, the status of new turnover gear, and any dialogue with the state about a new fire station. A motion was made to send a letter to the administration and fire chief for an update on fire apparatus ordering and status, plans for fire protection for the Route 79 development, the status of turnover gear orders, and to show communication with the state regarding a new fire station. — passedA motion was made to send a letter to the administration and fire chief for an update on fire apparatus ordering and status, plans for fire protection for the Route 79 development, the status of turnover gear orders, and to show communication with the state regarding a new fire station. Approval of Meeting MinutesThe committee approved the minutes from the meetings on June 16th and June 26th. Motion to approve the minutes from June 16th and June 26th. — passedMotion to approve the minutes from June 16th and June 26th. Motion to table the discussion on MBTA commuter rail safety and noise concerns. — tabledMotion to table the discussion on MBTA commuter rail safety and noise concerns. Motion to lift item 3, regarding MBTA commuter rail issues, from the table. — approvedMotion to lift item 3, regarding MBTA commuter rail issues, from the table. MBTA Commuter Rail IssuesDiscussion of resident complaints regarding noise from idling trains in the early morning, a sewer smell near the Weaver's Cove layover station, and the status of a noise mitigation program for affected residents. Motion to table the discussion on Stafford Square flooding issues. — tabledMotion to table the discussion on Stafford Square flooding issues. Stafford Square FloodingPaul Furlan from Community Utilities gave a detailed presentation on the chronic flooding at Stafford Square, outlining the history, engineering studies, a proposed $37 million solution, and the complex funding strategy involving federal and state grants. Interim Solutions for Stafford Square FloodingCouncilors and city officials discussed potential interim measures to improve safety during flooding events at Stafford Square, such as improved warning signage and proactive road closures, while acknowledging the difficulty of preventing drivers from entering the flooded intersection. Motion to adjourn the meeting. — passedMotion to adjourn the meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting