The Fall River Redevelopment Authority on Nov. 20 approved Amendment No. 5 to retain Beta for up to $4,500 to complete two submissions to MassDEP seeking a Chapter 91 amendment that would permit private events at City Pier.

Karen Martin, the Authority's project manager, said the event application in the board packet is "pretty close to a final" and includes rental rates and insurance requirements. She told the board, "Beta just gave us a proposal for $4,500 to finish the two submissions that we need to do to MassDEP for the chapter 91 amendment to our agreement for events at City Pier."

Board members debated how many private events to request from MassDEP and how the Authority should internally limit use. "I don't really think we should have more than maybe 1 to 2 big events a month in the peak season," Martin said, citing concerns about wear and tear and maintenance costs. Another board member recommended requesting flexibility from MassDEP — for example, asking for a higher cap and then restricting events internally if necessary.

The board also discussed fee structure for South Coast's proposed use; staff noted the South Coast submission reflects a $2,000-per-day application fee and that South Coast requested four days for setup and use, which could total $8,000. Board members questioned whether setup days should be charged at the same rate as event days and whether security costs should be separately assessed.

A motion to approve Amendment No. 5 (cost not to exceed $4,500) and to authorize the chair to sign the amendment was moved, seconded and approved in open session. Karen Martin said staff will send corrected fee line items to Beta (the narrative listed $5,500 while task line items summed to $4,500) and will process final materials once MassDEP returns the license conditions.

The Authority emphasized that public, city-sponsored events (fireworks, kite night) remain separate from private-event approvals; private applicants will be responsible for cleanup, insurance and security and the public walkway must remain open in accordance with MassDEP requirements. Staff said the permit language and any MassDEP conditions will determine the Authority's final internal policy on allowed events and seasonal limits.

The board did not set a final permanent cap at the meeting; staff recommended tracking usage in the first year and adjusting internal limits if the pier sustains excessive wear.