0:04A significant portion of the meeting focused on the unauthorized use of public parks and the adequacy of police presence to enforce existing ordinances. Members of the council, along with representatives from the police department and city administration, engaged in a discussion about the current state of park safety. It was noted that there had been no recent complaints regarding unauthorized park use, attributed largely to seasonal changes. However, the conversation underscored the need for a consistent police presence, especially during off-hours, to deter potential violations. Council members expressed a desire for clearer statistics on police patrols in public parks and highlighted the importance of regular checks to maintain park conditions. The removal of an abandoned trailer from Maplewood Park was cited as a recent success in keeping the parks safe and clean.

Another topic was the quality and management of the city’s water supply. With representatives from the water board present, the council received assurances that the water supply remained robust, with pond levels at favorable statuses. The water filtration plant was reported to be fully staffed, and the morale among employees was high, despite some turnover. Importantly, it was noted that the quality of drinking water in Fall River was exceptionally high, with effective treatment processes and low detection rates of contaminants such as PFAS. The council also reviewed illegal dumping incidents and their minimal impact on water quality, while emphasizing continued vigilance through increased surveillance and community involvement.

34:05The conversation then shifted to waste management and recycling. The council acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly concerning contamination in recycling materials from non-owner occupied properties. Efforts to improve compliance and education were highlighted, including a forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at reducing waste management costs and increasing recycling efficiency. The city had seen a 35% increase in citations issued for recycling violations. Additionally, educational initiatives targeted at students were discussed, aimed at instilling responsible recycling habits from an early age.

The council members also deliberated on the effectiveness of communication strategies, with concerns raised about insufficient notification to residents regarding changes in recycling guidelines. Suggestions were made to enhance transparency and ensure landlords are informed of their responsibilities, particularly in non-owner occupied properties where recycling quality was poor. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring strategies to manage waste and recycling more effectively, with a follow-up scheduled to address these issues further.