9.8.2026 City Council - Public Works & Transportation

Meeting summary The Fall River City Council Committee on Public Works and Transportation met to address curb removal requests and ongoing access and maintenance disputes regarding Arruda's Lane. The committee first approved the meeting minutes from July 2, 2026, and noted that no residents signed up for citizen input. The committee took Item 4 out of order regarding an after-the-fact curb removal application submitted by Timothy R. Long for 677 Meridian Street. The applicant sought approval for the removal of 9 feet 1 inch of curbing to create a total opening of 24 feet 1 inch. Because the work had already been executed prior to receiving city approval, the committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the request subject to a standard penalty of a double permit fee. The remainder of the meeting centered on Item 3, a resolution discussing access and roadway conditions affecting residents on Greenleaf Street and Judd Street. Residents presented a PowerPoint outlining historical road acceptance dating back to 1977 and requested immediate roadway repairs and brush clearing on Arruda's Lane, a private way situated across the state line in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey and Director of Engineering and Planning Daniel Aguiar emphasized legal and jurisdictional boundaries, explaining that Fall River is not legally obligated to maintain a private out-of-state way and cautioning against municipal liability and improper expenditure of public funds. The committee ultimately voted to table the matter for 30 to 45 days to allow city officials to research viable legal options. Topics discussed Citizen Input TimePublic comment period conducted with no registered speakers. July 2, 2026 Committee MinutesVote to accept the committee meeting minutes from July 2, 2026. Acceptance of committee minutes from July 2, 2026 — approvedAcceptance of committee minutes from July 2, 2026 Motion to take Item 4 out of order — passedMotion to take Item 4 out of order After-the-Fact Curb Removal at 677 Meridian StreetTimothy R. Long addressed the committee regarding a 9-foot-1-inch curb cut completed without prior authorization, agreeing to pay an additional permit fee. Recommendation to full City Council to approve curb removal at 677 Meridian Street with stipulation of an additional double permit fee ($250) — approvedRecommendation to full City Council to approve curb removal at 677 Meridian Street with stipulation of an additional double permit fee ($250) Motion to table the resolution regarding Arruda's Lane / Greenleaf Street and Judd Street for further legal and engineering review — tabledMotion to table the resolution regarding Arruda's Lane / Greenleaf Street and Judd Street for further legal and engineering review Arruda's Lane Maintenance and Legal JurisdictionGreenleaf Street and Judd Street residents requested Fall River pave and maintain Arruda's Lane in Tiverton, RI, while city officials detailed legal constraints regarding spending city funds on out-of-state private ways. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting