Fall River City Council passes audit resolution after report on former DCM head released

As a result of a recent Fall River Reporter article, two Fall River city councilors filed a resolution concerning a possible audit of a city department which passed Tuesday at Fall River’s City Council meeting.

Cliff Ponte Jr. announced earlier this month that he and fellow councilor Shawn Cadime would file the following resolution to introduce to the City Council after a report revealed a series of deeply troubling allegations involving former DCM department head John Perry.

“WHEREAS, a comprehensive investigation conducted by private investigator Daniel Lowney revealed serious allegations of misconduct, misuse of city resources, environmental hazards, procurement violations, theft, favoritism, and systemic issues within the Fall River Department of Community Maintenance (DCM)

“WHEREAS, these allegations raise concerns about the integrity, oversight, and accountability of city operations, as well as the city’s handling of internal investigations and transparency with the public; and

“WHEREAS, it is essential to ensure that public funds are being managed properly, that environmental and safety standards are upheld, and that appropriate accountability measures are in place to prevent future misconduct; and

“WHEREAS, the Massachusetts State Auditor has the authority and responsibility to conduct audits of municipal departments to ensure proper management, compliance with laws, and fiscal accountability;

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Fall River hereby formally requests that the Massachusetts State Auditor:

“Initiate a comprehensive, independent audit of the Fall River Department of Community Maintenance (DCM), including but not limited to:

a. Review of procurement practices and contracts

b. Use and management of city resources and equipment

c. Environmental compliance and hazardous materials handling

d. Employee conduct and workplace environment

e. Internal controls, oversight, and accountability mechanisms

“Investigate the circumstances surrounding the investigation process and the city’s handling of the related reports and documents, including compliance with public records laws and transparency obligations.

“Provide a public report of findings and recommendations to the City Council and the residents of Fall River to ensure transparency and accountability.

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office.”

In addition to the contents of the report, Cadime expressed concern stating that he heard Mayor Paul Coogan state that he had given a copy of the report involving Perry to the Fall River Police Department and that then Police Chief Paul Gauvin disputes that.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the resolution was amended that in addition to the State Auditor, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Massachusetts Inspector General, U.S. District Attorney, Bristol County District Attorney, and Fall River Police Department will also be included.

The resolution passed unanimously with a date for the agencies to respond back to the City Council by August 15th. If the Council does not hear back from the agencies or they do not want to move forward with an investigation, the Council may hire someone to conduct their own investigation in the future.

The Council also has plans to go into executive session after the budget meetings with members of the Administration and corporation counsel to discuss the report.