6.16.2026 Fall River City Council - Public Safety

The Fall River City Council Public Safety Committee meeting on June 16, 2026, focused primarily on addressing safety concerns related to motorized bikes and e-bikes, including enforcement challenges and ordinance clarifications. The Police Chief detailed ongoing enforcement efforts, training needs, and the complexities of regulating modified e-bikes that exceed speed limits. Council members discussed potential ordinance amendments to strengthen enforcement and fines. Additionally, the Fire Department and Emergency Services provided updates on staffing, equipment status, and grant-funded purchases, including a $35,000 EMPG grant for radio replacements and a pending FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant application for PFAS-free gear. The committee also discussed plans to upgrade the Emergency Operations Center and improve public safety presence at community events. Motions were passed to send a letter to the administration requesting updates on capital improvement plan modifications related to firefighter gear funding and to table further ordinance discussions pending additional review.