6.10.2020 Park Board

The Fall River Board of Park Commissioners met via Zoom on June 10, 2020. The board addressed multiple administrative items regarding COVID-19 protocols, park permitting, cemetery expansions, and board jurisdiction under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 45. In response to state reopening phases, the board formally accepted the state's reopening guidelines for park activities, approved COVID-19 social distancing and regulations signage, and voted that any sports leagues or organizations requesting park permits must resubmit applications accompanied by an explicit COVID-19 safety and enforcement plan to be considered.

The board also awarded two significant contracts related to Oak Grove Cemetery expansions. The Maple Rock area ledge removal and site grading contract was awarded to Century, the lowest bidder. Additionally, the board approved a $74,000 landscape architecture and engineering proposal from the BSC Group for a larger expansion on the cemetery's north side near New Boston Road. The commissioners also approved a tree removal on Powell Street, accepted a donated red maple tree planting at Oak Grove Cemetery, and voted to lift and approve the removal of old benches and concrete trash containers at Bicentennial Park.

A contentious discussion occurred regarding the Park Board's statutory authority and jurisdiction over city parks and cemetery spaces under MGL Chapter 45 versus City Council ordinances. Expressing frustration over delays since January, the board voted to send an urgent letter to Corporation Counsel requesting a formal legal opinion within seven days, with the condition that an outside legal opinion would be sought if the city counsel failed to respond.

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