The council’s discussion on the National Grid project was extensive, centering on the installation of a new 115 kV transmission line along Copicut Road and Quinag Road. Attorney Joshua Lee Smith and engineer Jamie Durand presented the project details, highlighting that the transmission lines would be installed overhead, with a minimum height of 23 feet. The decision to opt for overhead lines rather than underground ones sparked debate among council members, with questions about the potential risks of storm damage and the impact on local roads. The representatives from New England Power Company explained that underground installation would be more expensive and complex due to existing infrastructure and environmental considerations, such as bio reserves and the need for easements.

Concerns about the condition of roads that would be used for construction were also raised. The company assured the council that they would be responsible for road improvements, including surface grading and stone additions, to manage wear from heavy equipment. Residents expressed worries that improved roads might lead to increased illegal dumping and other activities, prompting the company to propose installing monitoring cameras to enhance public safety.

Environmental impacts were another focal point, with discussions about tree and vegetation clearing along the proposed transmission line route. Approximately 60 feet in width would be cleared throughout Fall River, and while there were commitments for habitat mitigation, there was no requirement for replanting trees. A council member strongly argued for tree replanting, emphasizing the importance of restoring the forested area affected by the project. National Grid representatives acknowledged the feedback but clarified that their focus was on securing grants for street crossings and not broader environmental issues, though they expressed a willingness to continue dialogues regarding replanting and community concerns.

The meeting also addressed the organizational restructuring within the EMS department. A proposal for a new Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services position was discussed, aimed at overseeing budget, compliance, and operational aspects. The city administrator highlighted the remarkable growth of the EMS over recent years, with an increase in call volume from 24,000 to nearly 40,000 annually. This growth necessitated the introduction of a dedicated position to manage the expanded responsibilities, particularly in light of the new mobile integrated health (MIH) initiative providing community health services.

Council members debated the need for this position, with some questioning whether existing staff could manage the workload. The city administrator compared the structure to that of fire departments, which have multiple layers of command to ensure effective oversight.

Additional topics at the meeting included a sixth-grade class’s initiative to address traffic safety concerns near the South Coast Marketplace, a donation to the public library, and various citations recognizing community members’ contributions.