Father Kelly Park lighting project completed; board notes potential waterline issue and contractor final payment

The Fall River City Park Board of Commissioners received a status update Jan. 21 that the Father Kelly Park lighting project is complete and the city is preparing a final payment to the contractor.

Parks staff said the project manager (Rodney, referenced from Stark) had signed off as ready for final payment. The board reviewed a letter from a Mr. Hackett asking whether underspent funds could be repurposed for a new scoreboard and other items. Board members cautioned that decisions about leftover CPC or grant funds are for CPC to decide and that eligibility for CPC funding depends on the committee's scoring and rules.

During the discussion Mr. Hackett's letter also mentioned a possible damaged water pipe or line encountered during work. Parks staff and board members said they had not received a report from the architect indicating contractor-caused damage. The board noted two possibilities: the contractor could be responsible under the contract if the damage occurred during construction, or the issue could involve stormwater or the city water department (one board member noted heavy rainfall and site runoff as a possible cause of localized pooling).

Staff said they would raise the waterline question with the architect and, if needed, coordinate with the water department. The board also noted that contract provisions allow withholding some payment if outstanding issues remain; staff said they would confirm whether any holdback or punch-list items were appropriate before finalizing payment.

The board voted to place the project update and the letter on file.