8.22.2023 Fall River City Council - Committee on Health & Environmental Affairs

Fall River Government TV Aug 22, 2023 YouTube Report Issue

The Fall River City Council Committee on Health & Environmental Affairs convened to address several community concerns. Justin Sylvia, a resident of 417 Albany Street, reported severe and recurring sewer backups in his basement, estimating over 2,000 gallons during a recent storm. Paul Frerich, Administrator of Community Utilities, explained that the area has a combined sewer system prone to overwhelming during heavy rains and recommended homeowners install backflow valves and disconnect downspouts, but stated the city would not fund these private improvements. Frerich agreed to send a supervisor to inspect Sylvia's home. The committee also discussed ongoing complaints regarding 222 Peckham Street, owned by Victor DeSilva. Building Commissioner Glenn Hathaway reported some compliance from DeSilva, such as no longer storing fish product in trucks or running refrigeration units overnight, but noted that the property still had potential for odors and that a recent complaint about noise and stench had been received. DeSilva claimed he no longer operates a fish business from the site and only stores empty lobster crates and repairs equipment. Councilwoman Pereira expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of significant cleanup and the absence of resident input, leading to a decision to table the item until residents could weigh in. Finally, the committee addressed stormwater catch basin maintenance. Paul Frerich and Jason Weatherby from Veolia Water provided data, stating Fall River has 6,197 catch basins, with 1,115 cleaned this year against a contract minimum of 1,600-1,700 annually. Weatherby explained the design of catch basins to trap debris and floatables, which can be misinterpreted as a lack of cleaning. The committee requested copies of cleaning reports and a list of cleaned catch basins, tabling the item for further review.

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