The Ripple Fiber proposal involves a monthly lease payment of $600 per location and offers free Wi-Fi, a much-anticipated service for Fall River’s parks. The company representatives presented the lease terms, which had already been vetted by the city’s attorney, and emphasized their commitment to being a community partner by offering a $2,500 sponsorship for park events. These sponsorships would require that Ripple Fiber be credited in event promotions.

A primary concern raised during the meeting was how the lease payments would be allocated, specifically whether they would directly benefit the parks or be absorbed into the city’s general fund. Ripple Fiber acknowledged these concerns and suggested that arrangements could be made to ensure that the parks do not bear any financial burden due to the new installations. They assured the board that the installations would not alter the current park aesthetics and that they would cover costs for installation and electricity with separate metering to prevent any impact on the parks’ utility expenses.

Security and maintenance of the installations were also focal points of the discussion. Ripple Fiber representatives confirmed that they would implement security measures to protect the equipment and ensure seamless operation of park facilities. They also highlighted the need for 24-hour access to the installations for maintenance purposes, which would be coordinated with the city’s maintenance personnel.

The proposal was well-received for its potential advantages to the community, particularly the approximately 30,000 residents who would gain access to free Wi-Fi in the parks. Board members remarked on the cost savings for residents, as Ripple Fiber offers more affordable internet services, including options for low-income households. One board member endorsed the proposal, stating it was a positive development for the community.

After thorough discussion, a motion was made to approve Ripple Fiber’s installations at the two parks, which was seconded and passed without opposition.

In other business, the board considered various requests for park use. Ivonne Dorsenval from VIPAC sought approval to host a Haitian flag celebration at Kennedy Park on May 17, which was unanimously accepted after confirming food safety arrangements with the health department.

Another notable request from Bruce Aldridge involved the installation of a bronze war dog and plaque at Bicentennial Park, with funding provided by the requester. The board approved this initiative, acknowledging its contribution to the park’s historical and cultural offerings.

Additionally, the board addressed a request from Joshua Blae for the use of Chu Park by the Fall River Independent Baseball League from May 11 to September 30. The league’s longstanding use of the park, along with their financial contributions for lighting, facilitated a smooth approval process.

The meeting also included approval of several annual events, such as the Juneteenth celebration by the Bristol Black Coalition and a Memorial Day parade presented by the Department of Veteran Services. The board maintained a focus on ensuring these events were well-coordinated and in line with park policies.