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  • Fall River Now — Week Ahead, September 7, 2026

    Fall River Now — Week Ahead, September 7, 2026
    2026/09/07

    Transcript

    Welcome to Fall River Now. Here's your look at the week ahead in Fall River city government.

    Tuesday evening at 5:55, the City Council takes up a heavy agenda headlined by big-money proposals and local business hearings. Mayor Paul E. Coogan has submitted a ten-million-dollar loan order for street construction and improvements across the city. Councilors will also review a proposal to allocate fifty thousand dollars in inactive parks capital funds to support Mae's Playground, and consider a tabled request for five hundred eighty-six thousand six hundred dollars from the cable access fund for FREDTV and FRCMedia. In addition, the council will hold public hearings for an auto repair shop license at 830 Globe Street and a secondhand store license for Savers on Mariano Bishop Boulevard, alongside several utility pole petitions and mayoral reappointments to the Cultural Council and Historical Commission.

    Before the full council convenes, the Committee on Public Works and Transportation meets Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Committee members, the City Engineer, and legal counsel will sit down with local residents to address concerns about poor road conditions near Greenleaf Street and Judge Street.

    On Wednesday afternoon at 2:00, the SRPEDD Joint Transportation Planning Group meets to discuss regional transit updates and review an administrative modification to the regional transportation improvement program for GATRA support equipment and bus capital items. The group will also talk about forming a Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and hear a presentation on an age-friendly mobility plan.

    At 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, two city boards meet simultaneously. The Fall River Commission on Disability convenes to hold officer elections for chair, vice chair, and secretary, while receiving updates on ADA matters, finances, and outreach. At the exact same time, the Board of Library Trustees meets to review the Library Director's annual report, discuss updates on building repairs, and consider two educational reimbursement requests.

    Wednesday wraps up at 5:30 p.m. with the Fall River Planning Board. The board will review roadway reconstruction plans for Spring Street as well as vacant wooded lots off Bark, Norwood, and Monarch streets. Board members will also consider requests to release lots in the King Philip Estates subdivision and release posted surety for the Highland Woods subdivision.

    Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information.

    In this episode

    • City Council Committee on Public Works and Transportation @ 5:00 p.m.
    • City Council Meetings @ 5:55 P.M.
    • SRPEDD Joint Transportation Planning Group @ 2PM
    • Fall River Commission on Disability @3:00 PM
    • Board of Library Trustees @3:00 PM
    • Fall River Planning Board @ 5:30PM
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    2 分
  • Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending September 4, 2026

    Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending September 4, 2026
    2026/09/04

    Transcript

    Welcome to Fall River Now. This is our weekly recap for the week ending September 4, 2026, where we cover the most significant local government news.

    Topping the news this week, the Fall River Park Board met on Wednesday, September second, taking action on several municipal park matters. The board approved park usage permits and reviewed capital project submissions, along with requests regarding cemetery alterations and tree removals. The board also heard citizen input during the session, including a proposal from Westport resident Alex regarding an upcoming charity food drive planned for October tenth.

    Also this week, the Fall River Board of Health held a virtual meeting on Monday, August thirty-first. The board denied an appeal related to a housing inspection and approved several licensing items, including a tattoo establishment application for Christina Fazzina Aesthetics at Biomed Spa on Rhode Island Avenue.

    In civic milestones, the city held a ceremony on August thirty-first marking the twentieth anniversary of the Portas da Cidade monument dedication on Ponte Delgada Boulevard. The event celebrated the Gates of the City landmark alongside other major historical milestones.

    Looking ahead to next week's public meetings, the Fall River City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September eighth, at five fifty-five in the evening in the Council Chamber at Government Center.

    On Wednesday, September ninth, three separate boards are set to convene. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District Joint Transportation Planning Group will hold a hybrid meeting starting at two in the afternoon. At three o'clock, the Fall River Board of Library Trustees will meet at the Fall River Public Library on North Main Street, while the Fall River Commission on Disability holds a remote meeting by phone at the same time.

    Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information.

    In this episode

    • Fall River Park Board Approves Park Projects and Permits on September 2, 2026
    • Fall River Board of Health Denies Housing Inspection Appeal, Approves Licenses on August 31, 2026
    • Fall River Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Portas da Cidade on August 31, 2026
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    2 分
  • 9.2.2026 Park Board

    9.2.2026 Park Board
    2026/09/03
    Meeting summary The Fall River Park Board met on September 2, 2026, to address permit requests for park usage, capital project submissions, cemetery alterations, and tree removal requests. During citizen input, Westport resident Alex presented a proposal for an October 10th charity food drive and car show at Kennedy Park, receiving guidance on department coordination with the city's events coordinator, traffic division, and emergency services before formally submitting paperwork for the October board meeting. The board approved several permit requests, including an annual procession from Kennedy Park to St. Mary's by the Diocese of Fall River on October 12th, an outdoor rosary service by Holy Name Church at Lafayette Park on October 10th, and fall adult soccer permits for Jeremy Messier at Britland and Travassos parks with a condition to ensure fields are cleaned after games. Additionally, the board approved two Community Preservation Act (CPA) project applications submitted by Parks Director Darren Medeiros for new lighting and improvements at Maplewood's Gilly Amaral Baseball Field and sidewalk replacements at upper Kennedy Park, as well as a request from Oak Grove Cemetery to convert 30 double grave lots into 60 single graves. In old business, the board addressed a tabled request from the Department of Community Maintenance regarding tree removal in the 300 block of Mount Hope Avenue. Following discussion on sidewalk accessibility and safety hazards near a driveway, the board voted 2-1 to approve the removal of one hazardous tree near the driveway, with Commissioners Victor Farias and Helen Rego voting in favor and Chairman John Sylvia opposed. Topics discussed Approve previous meeting minutes — approvedApprove previous meeting minutesKennedy Park Car Show and Food Drive ProposalAlex presented an event concept for a car show and food drive at Kennedy Park on October 10th. Commissioners discussed logistics, parking locations along Park Drive, and instructed him to coordinate with Sarah Martin and municipal departments.Diocese of Fall River Procession PermitThe board reviewed and approved the Diocese of Fall River's request to use Kennedy Park for a procession to St. Mary's on October 12, 2026.Approve Diocese of Fall River procession request for Kennedy Park on October 12, 2026 — approvedApprove Diocese of Fall River procession request for Kennedy Park on October 12, 2026Lafayette Park Holy Name Church EventSusan Belmore requested permission on behalf of Holy Name Church to hold an outdoor rosary service at Lafayette Park on October 10, 2026.Approve Holy Name Church outdoor rosary permit for Lafayette Park on October 10, 2026 — approvedApprove Holy Name Church outdoor rosary permit for Lafayette Park on October 10, 2026CPA Applications for Maplewood and Kennedy ParksParks Director Darren Medeiros presented two CPA funding requests: one for ball field lighting at the Gilly Amaral Baseball Field at Maplewood Park and another for new sidewalks at upper Kennedy Park.Approve submission of two CPA park project applications for Maplewood Gilly Amaral field lights and upper Kennedy Park sidewalks — approvedApprove submission of two CPA park project applications for Maplewood Gilly Amaral field lights and upper Kennedy Park sidewalksOak Grove Cemetery Layout ConversionDiscussion and approval of converting 30 double grave lots into 60 single grave lots at Oak Grove Cemetery to meet single plot demand.Approve conversion of 30 double grave lots to 60 single graves at Oak Grove Cemetery — approvedApprove conversion of 30 double grave lots to 60 single graves at Oak Grove CemeteryBritland and Travassos Soccer League UsageThe board approved Jeremy Messier's request to hold soccer games on Sundays at Britland Park and Mondays/Wednesdays at Travassos Park, with an agreement that teams clean up after games.Approve Jeremy Messier's soccer permit for Britland Park and Travassos Park conditional on post-game cleanup — approvedApprove Jeremy Messier's soccer permit for Britland Park and Travassos Park conditional on post-game cleanupMount Hope Avenue Tree RemovalThe board deliberated the removal of a tree on Mount Hope Avenue near a driveway deemed a traffic and safety hazard, approving removal by a 2-1 vote.Approve removal of one tree next to the driveway on Mount Hope Avenue — approvedApprove removal of one tree next to the driveway on Mount Hope Avenue Links Read the meeting summaryWatch the full meeting
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    23 分
  • 8.31.2026 Board of Health

    8.31.2026 Board of Health
    2026/09/01
    Meeting summary The Fall River Board of Health met virtually on August 31, 2026, and approved previous meeting minutes as well as multiple licensing applications. The Board approved a tattoo establishment application for Christina Fazzina Aesthetics at Biomed Spa located at 400 Rhode Island Avenue, along with tattoo practitioner licenses for Christina Fazzina and Andrea. Additionally, the Board voted to approve a local upgrade request for 115 Newhall Street upon the recommendation of City Engineer Daniel Aguiar. The Board considered an appeal from Isaac Silva regarding a July 24, 2026 housing inspection report for his apartment at Cardinal Medeiros Towers (1197 Robeson Street). Silva requested that the inspection report finding no code violations regarding roaches be struck or amended due to alleged inaccuracies and structural pest breaches. After hearing testimony from the inspector and housing authority management, the Board explained that ongoing professional extermination meets code compliance requirements and voted unanimously (3-0) to deny the request to strike or alter the public report. During the Director's Report, Director of Health and Human Services Tess Curran updated the Board on the state's recent designation of kratom as a Schedule I substance effective August 28, noting that local health inspectors are preparing guidance and compliance memos for local retailers. Curran also announced an upcoming Massachusetts Department of Public Health statewide community health survey to be promoted locally through Mass in Motion. Topics discussed Approval of Meeting MinutesThe Board voted to approve minutes from May 18, 2026, June 29, 2026, and July 27, 2026.Approval of meeting minutes from May 18, 2026 and June 29, 2026 — approvedApproval of meeting minutes from May 18, 2026 and June 29, 2026Approval of meeting minutes from July 27, 2026 — approvedApproval of meeting minutes from July 27, 2026Tattoo Establishment Application - 400 Rhode Island AvenueBoard considered and approved a tattoo establishment application for Christina Fazzina Aesthetics at Biomed Spa.Approval of tattoo establishment license for Christina Fazzina Aesthetics at Biomed Spa at 400 Rhode Island Avenue — approvedApproval of tattoo establishment license for Christina Fazzina Aesthetics at Biomed Spa at 400 Rhode Island AvenueTattoo Practitioner LicensesBoard approved tattoo practitioner licenses for Christina Fazzina and Andrea.Approval of tattoo practitioner license for Christina Fazzina — approvedApproval of tattoo practitioner license for Christina FazzinaApproval of tattoo practitioner license for Andrea — approvedApproval of tattoo practitioner license for AndreaHousing Inspection Appeal - 1197 Robeson StreetIsaac Silva requested to strike a housing inspection report from the public record concerning roach issues at Cardinal Medeiros Towers, which the Board denied.Denial of Isaac Silva's request to strike or amend the housing inspection report of July 24, 2026 — deniedDenial of Isaac Silva's request to strike or amend the housing inspection report of July 24, 2026Local Upgrade Request - 115 Newhall StreetBoard approved a local upgrade request for 115 Newhall Street recommended by City Engineer Daniel Aguiar.Approval of local upgrade request for 115 Newhall Street — approvedApproval of local upgrade request for 115 Newhall StreetKratom Regulation and DPH Community SurveyDirector Tess Curran discussed local enforcement of the state's Schedule I classification of kratom and promotion of a statewide health survey.Motion to adjourn meeting — passedMotion to adjourn meeting Links Read the meeting summaryWatch the full meeting
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    36 分
  • 8.31.2026 - 20th Anniversary of the Portas da Cidade - Gates of the City

    8.31.2026 - 20th Anniversary of the Portas da Cidade - Gates of the City
    2026/08/31
    Meeting summary On August 31, 2026, the City of Fall River held a ceremonial event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the Portas da Cidade (Gates of the City) monument on Ponta Delgada Boulevard. The celebration aligned with several major milestones, including the 50th anniversary of political autonomy for the Azores and Madeira and the 40th anniversary of the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England. The ceremony featured national anthems and the raising of the flags of the United States, Portugal, Fall River, and Ponta Delgada, accompanied by the Fall River Police Department Honor Guard, as well as a moment of silence for deceased committee members Raul Benevides, Liberal Silva, Alfredo Alves, and Fernando Garcia. Keynote addresses and greetings were delivered by local and international dignitaries, including Fall River Mayor Paul E. Coogan, Ponta Delgada Municipal Council Vice President Dr. Pedro Furtado, Massachusetts State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, former Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, President of the Regional Government of the Azores Dr. José Manuel Bolieiro, and former President of Portugal Professor Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Speakers reflected on the sister-city partnership established in 1978, the 2006 construction of the monument using authentic Azorean basalt stone, and the deep cultural, historic, and economic connections linking Fall River with the Azores and Portugal. The event concluded with formal recognitions of visiting diplomats, state legislators, members of the Portas da Cidade Advisory Committee, and cultural organizations including the Prince Henry Society and Casa dos Açores da Nova Inglaterra. Topics discussed Remarks by Professor Dr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Former President of PortugalFormer President Rebelo de Sousa delivered an address on the symbolic importance of the gates representing openness, historical friendship, and gratitude to the Portuguese-American diaspora.Remarks by Mayor Paul E. CooganMayor Coogan welcomed attendees, celebrated two decades of the Gates of the City landmark, and praised the enduring ties between Fall River and Ponta Delgada.Remarks by Dr. Pedro Furtado, Vice President of the Municipal Council of Ponta DelgadaDr. Furtado discussed the historical sister-city relationship formalized in 1978, the history of the original 1783 gates in Ponta Delgada, and current demographic and economic growth in the Azores.Opening Remarks and Moment of SilenceOpening remarks highlighting the 20th anniversary of the Portas da Cidade, followed by a moment of silence honoring deceased committee members Raul Benevides, Liberal Silva, Alfredo Alves, and Fernando Garcia.National Anthems and Flag Raising CeremonyThe raising of the national and municipal flags of Portugal, Ponta Delgada, the United States, and Fall River accompanied by the Fall River Police Department Honor Guard.Dignitary Recognitions and Closing RemarksFormal recognition of attending diplomats, advisory committee members, state representatives, and cultural organizations, along with concluding remarks.Remarks by State Senator Michael J. RodriguesSenator Rodrigues spoke on behalf of the Massachusetts state legislative delegation, reflecting on the 20-year history of the monument and the bilateral relationship with Portugal and the Azores.Remarks by Dr. José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the AzoresPresident Bolieiro reflected on the cultural identity, immigration history, and deep shared roots linking Azoreans with the United States and Fall River.Historical Perspective by Former Mayor Edward LambertFormer Mayor Lambert recounted the origins of the replica monument project initiated with former Ponta Delgada Mayor Berta Cabral and the construction efforts by local committee leaders. Links Read the meeting summaryWatch the full meeting
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    55 分
  • Fall River Now — Week Ahead, August 31, 2026

    Fall River Now — Week Ahead, August 31, 2026
    2026/08/31

    Transcript

    Welcome to Fall River Now. Here's your look at the week ahead in Fall River city government.

    The Board of Health meets this afternoon, Monday, at 3:30. Board members will consider business and practitioner licenses for Kristina Fazzina Aesthetics at BioMedSpa on Rhode Island Avenue. They will also review a separate practitioner license application for Andreea Furtado at the same location. In addition, the board will hear an appeal from Isaac Silvia regarding a July housing inspection report for an apartment on Robeson Street, and receive a regular report from the department director.

    On Wednesday evening at 5:30, the Board of Park Commissioners takes up several park improvements and event requests. Parks Director Warren Medeiros is seeking approval for two Community Preservation Act projects. Those include new ballfield lighting and improvements at the Maplewood Gilly Amaral baseball field, as well as sidewalk removal and replacement. The board will also hear a request from Oak Grove Cemetery to convert 30 two-grave lots into 60 single-grave lots, and consider a request from the Department of Community Maintenance to remove three trees on Mount Hope Street.

    Also before the park board on Wednesday: permit requests for upcoming community gatherings. The Diocese of Fall River is asking to use Kennedy Park for an October 12 procession to Saint Mary's Cathedral. Holy Name Church is seeking permission to use the upper section of Lafayette Park for an outdoor rosary service on October 10. Jeremy Messier has requested field use at Britland Park on Sundays and Travassos Park on Mondays and Wednesdays for soccer games.

    Fall River Now generates content via AI, like this podcast. Check FallRiverNow.com for more information.

    In this episode

    • Board of Health @3:30p.m.
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    2 分
  • 8.26.2026 Redevelopment Authority

    8.26.2026 Redevelopment Authority
    2026/08/27
    Meeting summary The Fall River Redevelopment Authority meeting began with a unanimous vote to enter an executive session to approve minutes from July 29, 2026, and to discuss real estate strategy for 45 Annawan Street. Upon returning to the open session, the board unanimously approved the open session minutes from July 29, 2026, and the August warrant totaling $230,305.18. Project Manager Karen Martin provided updates on two major projects. The Northfield Point site improvements are progressing, with work set to resume on September 8 and a target for substantial completion by the end of the month, aiming for a Columbus Day weekend opening. The dinghy docks project is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late September, with completion expected in October. The board also discussed the recently acquired property at 45 Annawan Street, which will be opened for temporary public parking soon, pending line striping. They debated signage, agreeing on "no overnight parking" and mentioning the use of security cameras. Executive Director Sarah Page updated the board on several initiatives. The draft Urban Renewal Plan has received comments from the state's Department of Housing (HLC), which are being addressed. A discussion arose regarding HLC's request to prioritize acquisition properties, which the board questioned the necessity of. Page also reported on the successful grand opening of the Night Owl restaurant, the receipt of a $200,000 grant for the Pleasant Street corridor improvement plan, and a schedule of upcoming events for the NOMA district, including "Brick and Brush" in September, a Harvest Market in October, "Thanksmas" in November, and a Christmas event. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn. Topics discussed Executive SessionThe board entered an executive session to approve minutes from July 29, 2026 and to discuss real estate strategy for property at 45 Annawan Street.Motion to enter into executive session. — passedMotion to enter into executive session.Approval of July 29, 2026 MinutesThe board approved the open session minutes from their previous meeting on July 29, 2026.Approval of August WarrantThe board approved the August warrant for payments totaling $230,305.18.Northfield Point Site Improvements UpdateAn update was provided on the Northfield Point project, with work resuming September 8th and a target opening of Columbus Day weekend. Discussion included plantings, change orders for fill removal, and installation of an osprey nest pole.Motion to approve the July 29, 2026 open session minutes. — approvedMotion to approve the July 29, 2026 open session minutes.Motion to approve the August warrant amount of $230,305.18. — approvedMotion to approve the August warrant amount of $230,305.18.Dinghy Docks Project UpdateThe board received an update on the dinghy docks project. Construction is set to begin in mid-to-late September and finish in October, within the window for driving piles.45 Annawan Street Temporary ParkingThe board discussed the plan to open the recently acquired property at 45 Annawan Street for temporary public parking. They decided on signage indicating "no overnight parking" and the use of security cameras.Urban Renewal Plan (URP) UpdateSarah Page reported that the draft URP received comments from the state's Department of Housing (HLC). The board questioned HLC's request to prioritize properties on the acquisition list.Night Owl Restaurant OpeningSarah Page reported on the successful grand opening of the Night Owl restaurant, which was well-attended by officials and the community.Pleasant Street Corridor GrantThe authority received a $200,000 MTTA grant to fund an existing condition survey and pre-construction plans for improvements along the Pleasant Street corridor.NOMA District Events UpdateAn update was given on events in the North of Main (NOMA) district, including a recap of a recent market and a preview of upcoming events: Brick and Brush, a Harvest Market, Thanksmas, and a Christmas event.Motion to adjourn. — passedMotion to adjourn. Links Read the meeting summaryWatch the full meeting
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    28 分
  • 8.26.2026 Fall River School Committee - Policy Subcommittee

    8.26.2026 Fall River School Committee - Policy Subcommittee
    2026/08/27
    Meeting summary The Fall River School Committee's Policy Subcommittee met on August 26, 2026, to review several key district policies. The most significant discussion centered on the student attendance policy. The administration presented data showing a decrease in chronic absenteeism from 37.3% to 25.4% and an increase in daily attendance to 91.6% over three years. A major point of contention was the "D4 buyback" program, which reduces a passing student's grade to a 65 after their fourth unexcused absence. After a lengthy debate about the program's effectiveness and fairness, the subcommittee voted to refer an amended version of the policy to the full committee, removing the punitive D4 section and delegating such consequences to individual school handbooks. The subcommittee also reviewed and advanced other items. They approved referring the Durfee High School Athletic Handbook to the full committee with a recommendation to add specific language about eligibility requirements. An expense reimbursement policy was also referred forward, amended to state that the CFO will issue an annual guide on per diem rates based on federal guidelines. A policy on the destruction of property was advanced with a new provision to track vandalism incidents costing over $500 via the district's maintenance ticket system. A proposed work-from-home policy was tabled for further review of existing staff attendance policies. The meeting concluded with a discussion prompted by community complaints about staff smoking, vaping, and littering near schools, with the administration committing to reinforce existing rules. Topics discussed Attendance Policy and D4 Buyback ProgramA detailed presentation and discussion on the district's attendance policy, focusing on proposed changes and the controversial D4 buyback program, which penalizes students for unexcused absences. The committee decided to remove the D4 section from the policy and leave it to individual school handbooks.To refer the attendance policy to the full committee with the amendment to remove the D4 buyback section (and everything after page 16), with that component to be handled in individual school handbooks. — passedTo refer the attendance policy to the full committee with the amendment to remove the D4 buyback section (and everything after page 16), with that component to be handled in individual school handbooks.To table agenda item 3-2 to the next meeting. — passedTo table agenda item 3-2 to the next meeting.To refer the Durfee High School Athletic Handbook to the full committee with the recommendation to add or link to the specific academic eligibility requirements. — passedTo refer the Durfee High School Athletic Handbook to the full committee with the recommendation to add or link to the specific academic eligibility requirements.Athletic Handbook and EligibilityReview of the Durfee High School Athletic Handbook, with a focus on clarifying academic eligibility rules for student-athletes. A change was made to prevent credit recovery from affecting eligibility in the same term.Expense Reimbursement PolicyDiscussion on updating the expense reimbursement policy to use a standardized per diem rate based on federal guidelines, rather than collecting individual receipts, to simplify the process.MASC Policy Services ContractAn update was provided on the status of the contract with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) for policy review services.To refer the expense reimbursement policy to the full committee with the recommended change to add a sentence stating the CFO will provide an annual guide for reimbursement rates. — passedTo refer the expense reimbursement policy to the full committee with the recommended change to add a sentence stating the CFO will provide an annual guide for reimbursement rates.Destruction of Property PolicyThe committee discussed the policy on vandalism and property destruction, deciding to implement a data collection system for incidents costing over $500 by adding a 'vandalism' tag to the SchoolDude maintenance system.To refer the destruction of property policy as discussed and amended to include data collection for vandalism incidents over $500 via the SchoolDude system. — passedTo refer the destruction of property policy as discussed and amended to include data collection for vandalism incidents over $500 via the SchoolDude system.Work From Home PolicyA debate on whether to create a formal work-from-home policy. The consensus was that staff should be present, with exceptions only under superintendent discretion for special circumstances. The item was tabled.To table the work from home policy for further review. — passedTo table the work from home policy for further review.Hiring and Job DescriptionsA discussion about ensuring new hires meet the required qualifications listed in job descriptions. The administration affirmed its commitment to following hiring protocols, and no policy was deemed ...
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    1 時間 56 分