Fall River City Council meetings to reopen to the public, with restrictions

FALL RIVER, MA – City Council President Cliff Ponte has announced that after consulting with Tess Curran, Director of Health and Human Services, and Chris Gallagher, Director of the Department of Facilities Maintenance, City Council meetings will be reopened to the public following current local, state and federal regulations.

Ponte issued the follow guidelines.

-A limited number of attendees may attend City Council Meetings and be seated in the Council Chamber. In addition to the members of the City Council and City Council meeting staff, thirty six attendees may be seated in the Council Chamber. This number includes Department Heads, Police Officer(s) and members of the public.

-Overflow beyond that capacity will be located in the Atrium with live viewing of the meeting via a televised monitor.

-Attendees will use the Third Street or Sullivan Drive entrances to enter Government Center and will be guided by staff for proper placement within the Council Chamber or the Atrium to ensure social distancing measurers are followed.

-All attendees will be required to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire and sign in/out for entrance and departure.

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-Attendees will be required to provide their own face coverings, which must be worn at all times.

-Hand sanitizer will be required upon entering the building.

-Attendees located in the Council Chamber will use the North Main Street door to exit the building and those located in the Atrium will use the Sullivan Drive door to exit the building.

According to Ponte, a deep sanitizing of the utilized areas will be performed by custodial staff once all attendees vacate the building.

The public is still encouraged to continue viewing City Council Meetings remotely, but those looking to physically attend, must adhere to the guidelines.

Citizen input should be submitted by email to city clerks@fallriverma.org by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the City Council Meeting.