Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Park commissioners equalize Riverfront Park fees to comply with State PARC grant guidance
Summary
The Fitchburg Board of Park Commissioners voted 3‑0 to make Riverfront Park fees uniform after a city clerk noted State PARC grant rules prohibit different fee schedules for different users. The change preserves grant compliance and affects resident, nonresident and nonprofit rates.
The Fitchburg Board of Park Commissioners voted 3‑0 on Feb. 3 to make Riverfront Park fees the same for all users after the City Clerk relayed guidance tied to State PARC grant requirements. The motion was made by Commissioner Jim McGrath and seconded by Commissioner Mary Cringan.
The change responds to a clerk’s briefing that facilities receiving State PARC grants cannot charge different fees for different categories of users. Under the previous approved fee structure, rates varied for residents versus nonresidents and for profit versus nonprofit users; the board’s vote equalizes those categories to preserve compliance with the grant guidance.
Director of Parks and Recreation James Bunnell and department staff provided supporting information noted in the record. The board did not record any abstentions or opposing votes; the motion passed 3‑0.
The decision is procedural and aimed at maintaining eligibility for State PARC grant funds; the minutes do not record any immediate fee schedule amounts or an implementation date beyond the board’s approval. The department indicated it had provided a letter of support for a related Community Development land conservation grant for Riverfront Park amenities, including completion of a stage.
