The Fall River Board of Park Commissioners met on November 6, 2019. Chairwoman Joyce opened the meeting with an apology and personal statement regarding conduct at the previous meeting involving youth soccer leagues, expressing frustration over a perceived lack of administrative backing when enforcing rules and ordinances. A notable presentation came during citizen input from 10-year-old resident Olivia Lebec, who advocated for safety repairs, equipment fixes, and additions at Demaris Playground, backed by a pledged $500 donation from Bill Demaris. The board discussed systemic safety hazards across three city playgrounds (Demaris, Father Travassos, and Columbus) and voted to request funding and pursue inspections.
The board also considered project approvals and updates regarding the Aetna Street Playground renovation and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall installation, voting to proceed with the project while requesting an itemized breakdown of long-term city maintenance costs and voting to keep access open near an abutting property. Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding and eligibility protocols were heavily debated alongside Director Chris Gallagher and CPC Chair Jim Souza, clarifying requirements for public hearings, departmental communication, and sign-off authority for park projects.
Additional decisions included the approval of funding from perpetual care for Phase 1 security cameras at Oak Grove Cemetery, granting permission to a London production company filming for the Smithsonian Channel regarding Lizzie Borden at Oak Grove Cemetery, tree removals and prunings, and designating right-side parking along Park Drive on the Bradford Avenue side.
Topics discussed
- 1:02 · Soccer League Controversy and Board Authority — approved
Chairwoman Joyce addressed recent tensions surrounding youth soccer leagues, Nancy, and board rules, expressing dismay over political pushback and lack of administration backing. - 5:35 · Demaris Playground Safety and Renovation
Citizen input regarding uneven floorboards, exposed nails, and broken equipment at Demaris Playground, with an announcement of a $500 matching contribution from Bill Demaris. - 13:18 · Approve the Aetna Street Playground renovation and Vietnam Memorial Wall installation project as presented. — approved
- 13:26 · Aetna Street Playground and Vietnam Memorial Wall
Discussion of the 90 canister lights, electricity bills, vandalism liabilities, tree replacement, and abutter access at 336 Aetna Street. - 25:08 · Request a basic breakdown of equipment and ongoing replacement/maintenance costs for the Vietnam Memorial Wall and lighting. — passed
- 32:02 · CPC Project Procedures and Interdepartmental Coordination — passed
Review of the CPC process, the $10,000 public hearing ordinance threshold, grant agreement signers, and past allocations including cemetery storage and drinking fountains. - 1:28:55 · Oak Grove Cemetery Security Cameras — passed
Proposal and approval to purchase Phase 1 security cameras for Oak Grove Cemetery utilizing perpetual care funds to curb vandalism. - 1:32:36 · Smithsonian Channel Filming Permit — approved
Application from a production company to film Lizzie Borden’s grave at Oak Grove Cemetery for the show ‘The Curious Life and Death of…’ - 1:34:50 · Approve removal of trees at 166 Raynham Street and 252 Freelove Street. — approved
- 1:34:59 · Tree Removals and Trimming Assessments — approved
Evaluation of city trees at 299 Doherty St, 166 Raynham St, 135 Rathgar St, and 252 Freelove St. - 1:36:58 · Trim and monitor trees at 299 Doherty Street and 135 Rathgar Street. — passed
- 1:37:16 · Traffic and Parking Regulations on Park Drive — approved
Discussion and vote on establishing one-way right-hand side parking along Park Drive near Bradford Avenue. - 1:39:05 · Designate parking on Park Drive along Bradford Avenue to be strictly on the right-hand side. — passed
- 1:39:28 · Table parking matter regarding Bradford Avenue and Lafayette Park. — tabled