City Council

City of<Taunton 9'1.unicipaCCouncil:Meeting :Minutes City 1faCC, 15 Summer Street, <Taunton, ~ :Minutes, }fugust 30, 2022 at 7:43 O'cfoc~CP.:M.. ~gufar Meeting Mayor Shaunna£. 0 'Conne{(presiding <Prayer was offerea 6y tli.e Mayor )f moment of silence was offereafor tli.e passing of [pau{ Monti, a proucC qoCtf Star fattier of Metfa{ of Jfonor recipient VS. )frmy, Sgt. Pirst CCass Jarea Monti wlio was Rj{(ec{ in action in 2006 wliife serving witli tli.e 1Otli Mountain (])ivision in )fjghanistan. [pau{ Monti spent liis Cife lionoring liis son Jarea ancCfouna Operation P{ags for 'Vets wliicli was a successful effort to change tli.e Law to aD:ow flags at tli.e grave siglits of'Veterans at tlie :Nationa{Cemetery in <Bourne. <tlieir tliouglit ancCprayers remain witli tlie Montifami{y at tliis time. <Present at ro{( ca{(were: Councifor (J)ooner, (J)uarte, <Borges, McCau~ <Pottier, SancCers, Q!linta{ancC(poste{( Councifor Coute was a6sent. Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted. Motion was made to go out of the regular order of business to Communications from the Mayor. So voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor 0' Connell said they have a special presentation this evening. She asked the Corr family to join her at the podium. Mayor O'Connell said tonight they have the privilege and the honor of remembering the extraordinary life of Peter Corr. If you knew Peter Corr, which most people do, you know he spent his lifetime in service to his Country and his community. Peter's family wanted to do something special for their dad in his memory so they organized Peter Corr Day. Peter Corr Jr. spoke about this day. Sherry Costa-Hanlon contacted him after his father passed last year and mentioned to him that she wanted to do something special for his father. They decided that since his birthday is September 3rct, and his father was very fond of being on the School Committee working with the children and had a love for ice cream, they would do an Ice Cream Social for the children. When the children go back to school they will be handed a card that gives them the opportunity to go to Kev's Ice Cream or Tom & Jimmy's Ice Cream, which both graciously donated ice creams for the children. They went out and got sponsors who donated money to pay for the ice cream. Kev's Ice Cream is donating all the ice cream for all of the elementary students at East Taunton Elementary and the kids out in East Taunton. Mr. Corr thanked the Mayor and the Council for doing this and honoring his father. He thanked Sherry Costa-Hanlon for the Committee she put together to go out and raise the money and take time to do this to honor his father. He is very proud and very  2 honored that this being done for his father. He thanked everybody. He introduced his family who was present at the podium. The coupons are going to be delivered to the Leddy Preschool and all the elementary schools in Taunton. The kids have form September 3rd to September 10th to bring the coupon to either Kev's or Tom & Jimmy's Ice Cream shops. They will receive a free ice cream cone. Mayor O'Connell presented the family a proclamation claiming Peter Corr Day as September 3rd, 2022 in the City of Taunton. She took a moment to read the proclamation. Senator Pacheco and State Representative Doherty presented a citation and a resolution to Peter Corr's family. Motion was made to take a two-minute recess. So voted. Motion was made to come out of recess. So voted. Mayor O'Connell said there are a lot of local groups and businesses that are helping to support Peter Corr Day. They thanked Sherry Costa-Hanlon for helping to organize the family of Peter Corr, Tom & Jimmy's Ice Cream, Kev's Ice Cream, TSG Group DD, Taunton Democratic City Committee, Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, Taunton Kiwanis Club, Taunton Education Association, Taunton Police Patrol Officers Union, Taunton Police Supervisors' Union and Lima's Tae Kwon-Do. Mayor O'Connell thanked everyone for a great Summer Celebration Night on Sunday. It was a fantastic night and everyone had such a good time. Many thanks to the Park & Recreation Department, the Summer Celebration Committee, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the Park & Recreation Commissioners, so many staff members from here in the City to help volunteer and many organizations. The Taunton Opiate Task Force is holding an International Overdose Ceremony on Wednesday, August 31 8\ from 5 :00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. at Liberty and Union Park. It's really a meaningful ceremony and very educational. There will also be support services there. She encourages all of you to join them. As a reminder, early voting continues this week. This will be this Wednesday & Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 2nd from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Election Day is September 6th at your regular poling location. If you have any questions you can call the Elections Department at #508-821-1044. Our 9/11 tribute will be on Sunday, September 11th at the War Memorial Park. The service will begin at 11 :00 a.m. so they suggest to get there a little early. They do expect a pretty large crowd. They will have special guest, Sgt. Daniel Clark, the singing trooper who was with us last year and made it a special ceremony. The entire public is invited. A moment of silence was offered for the passing of Donald Paquette who was a 30-year employee in the Building Department here in the City of Taunton. He served proudly for many years. Motion was made to revert back to the regular order of business. So voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. There was nobody present to speak at public input. Hearings: Upon the petition of Robert Bastis, 2440 Maple Swamp Rd., North Dighton, MA 02764 for the issuance of a Special Permit to allow: An 11-unit group home with incidental 150 sq. ft. office at 38 Winthrop Street located in the Office District. Motion was made to open the public hearing and invite the interested parties into the enclosure. So voted. Com. from the City Planner submitting comments with a copy of the ZBA Case #3671.  3 Com. from the Water Superintendent submitting comments. Com. from the Conservation Agent submitting comments. Motion was made to make all communications a part of the record. So voted. Owner Robert Bastis, Jr. of 38 Winthrop Street, John DeSousa from Northcounty Group, Ellen Bruder-Moore Abramowitz, Vice President at Community Counseling of Bristol County, Inc. and State Representative Carol Doherty who was invited by her colleagues in Housing as it is her role as State Representative to help support such projects all introduced themselves. Mr. DeSousa said they have received the Planning Board approval for the conversion of the previous church and a one-family unit that resided up on the second floor and two eleven units with an office space on the walkout basement on the backside. The parking, they received relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow for the one space that is basically required for the office use on the property. The Conservation Commission has approved the project as well since they are going to be looking to clean up the back of the yard and will be maintaining what was previously utilized as a yard area and also to control some of the vegetative overgrowth that is out there. They are proposing a total of 11-units on the property. The first floor has 5-units. His explanation of the layout continued. On the second floor front portion of the building, there will be 4-units. Units 10 & 11 will have its own hallway and staircase. He showed before and after images of the location. This zone is in the Office Zone. There was a misconception that it was in the downtown, which it is not. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz gave some details on the mission to end homelessness. In this case, this is to support individuals. She also gave some details of the management for this property. Mayor O'Connell asked if it's a single room with shared facilities. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz stated everyone has their own bathroom and their own kitchen. They all have their own space, it's like tiny homes. Mayor O'Connell asked if they rent it themselves. Representative Doherty said some time ago when 15 Winthrop Street was opened, she had an opportunity to visit the location when people were just starting to move in and she thinks the satisfaction on the faces of the tenants there that she met were without comparison. She had the opportunity today to visit 38 Winthrop Street and not only does it beatify that area in both instances but as Ellen pointed out, it really provides an opportunity for these folks. She said she is there to support this anyway she can. Councilor Pottier recognized Captain Bastis for the fine work he has been doing. His explanation continued. Councilor McCaul said to Captain Bastis that he is excited to see this being worked on. His explanation continued. Councilor McCaul asked what the size of these units are. Mr. DeSousa said they actually range from the smallest unit at 153 sq. ft. to 238 sq. ft. Councilor McCaul asked ifthere will be a person that is security or a manager on-site. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz said no there is not someone at 15 Winthrop Street 24/7 and there will be nobody here 24/7. The folks who live there, are individual tenants just like any other building. She has to say they watch out for each other and they have their phone numbers if needed. If anything comes up, Angie Clark is in charge of the building with about 15-staffthat work at their supportive housing. Her explanation continued. Councilor McCaul explained the Matthew Mission was something that was very close to his heart and this is great to see. Councilor Borges thanked Representative Doherty for her leadership and Ellen, Angie, Janet and Andy from CCBC. A special thank you to Captain Bastis in his investment in trying to end homelessness. The project on 15 Winthrop Street is an incredible project. She has been involved with this type of thing for so many years and she is just delighted to see another project like this that is going to take people who need this type of housing of the streets. Councilor Dooner thanked all of them for being there. She thinks this project is phenomenal. The transformation is amazing. Councilor Dooner asked if  4 anybody can apply to be in one of these, is it open for everyone. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz said the way it works is that they have coordinated entry. The way HUD works, is a person who gets a subsidy from HUD, has to meet certain criteria. Her explanation continued. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz added they also did the cold weather shelter this year with the support of the City and they couldn't have done it without the City's support and Our Daily Bread resource center. Councilor Postell thanked them all for being there. He said to Mr. Bastis that they applaud him on the previous project and his efforts. Councilor Postell asked what type of lease program are the tenants on. Ms. Bruder-Moore Abramowitz said each person signs a joint lease with Captain Bastis and the individual. CCBC is the on the lease. So they pay the rent but the individuals name is on their too so they have rights. The lease is like any other lease that you'll see but they have an agreement. For this they have a 15-year agreement with Captain Bastis to keep this as housing for this type of population. Her explanation continued. Councilor Postell asked how their organization helps them become better tenants. She explained how they help with this. Councilor Sanders said he appreciates all the work that they are doing and expressed how they would have his support. Councilor Sanders asked if he saw heat pumps on the side of the building. Mr. Bastis said yes you did. Councilor Sanders expressed how the heat pumps are a great idea. Councilor Duarte said he did have the opportunity to work closely with CCBC and GBCATCH when he worked with Red Doherty and visited 15 Winthrop Street. It certainly is a model that works and is serving a much needed population in the community. So he will be supporting the project and thanked them for their work. Councilor Borges asked if they all were okay with all the recommendations given by all the Boards. They replied yes. Mayor O'Connell said it looks like everyone is grateful for them providing solutions to a problem that is in every community. They are very glad to work with their community partners to provide funding for temporary and emergency shelter but to have long term permanent shelter or housing to help people become self-sufficient and get to the place that they need to be, is essential. Motion was made to open public input. So voted. Nobody was present to speak at public input. Motion was made to close public input and grant the Special Permit with the Councils thanks. So voted. Appointments: Appointment of four (4) permanent full-time Firefighters: • Matthew P. Daly • Jonathan Dumont •Gage Hull • William H. Walsh The City Clerk read the four names into the record. Motion was made to approve the list as read on a roll call vote. So voted. Councilor Pottier said we typically bring them in to be sworn in at the same time as the appointment but the Fire Chief felt it would be best if we do it this way. They will go to the Academy on Tuesday, September 6th and then bring them back to be sworn in after they graduate. That's why they are not present this evening. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Coute was absent. So voted. Motion passed. Councilor McCaul said we have four applicants on the list they just voted on, to be a part of the Safer Grant, they need to have five to maintain this grant. He asked that they make a motion to open the process again for the next list of applicants for the Fire Department. Mayor O'Connell asked if the Fire Chief requested this. Councilor McCaul said yes, he did speak to him. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Fire & Wires to  5 open the process again for the next list of applicants for the Fire Department. So voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier said he doesn't dispute what Councilor McCaul said but he hasn't heard this from the Fire Chief specifically. Councilor McCaul said for a point of information, under the Safer Act, when he was the Fires & Wires Chairperson, they had to make sure they maintained the level were supposed to be at. Since we only hired four, he knows there was originally five but one withdrew, so the bottom line is that we are still missing one. He wants to open the list so they can have the next group come in so they can interview them. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Board of Assessors requesting to schedule a Classification Hearing to determine the percentage of the Local Tax Levy to be borne by each class of real and personal property. They originally requesting the date to be Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. but asked for it to be postponed until Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk for scheduling. So voted. Com. from the Tax Possession Custodian requesting for approval to hold public auctions for the following tax possession properties: Parcel 66-457 (15 Harrison Ave.) 0.39 acre lot, Parcel 130-20 (Kingman St.) 6.25 acres and Parcel 46-196 (5 Chester Court) 2- Family home on 0.17 acre lot. Also, requesting approval to dispose of the following properties through the Abutter's Lot Program: Parcel 77-516 (Dale St.) 0.12 acre lot, Parcel 105-25 (Somerset Ave.) 0.42 acre lot, Parcel 31-396 (Montclair Ave.) 0.19 acre lot, Parcel 92-248 (Berkley St.) 0.07 acre lot and Parcel 44-110 (355 Norton Ave.) 0.56 acre lot. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So voted. Com. from the City Solicitor in regards to their legal opinion concerning change in the Council Appointment Process for the City Clerk Position that was voted on July 5, 2022 as requested by the Council. In advance of the vacancy in the City Clerk's position, the Council voted to adopt an appointment process for positions that are Council appointments. Said process was initiated as to the City Clerk position. The process includes a Hiring Committee which serves the function of narrowing the applicant pool to at least two applicants for consideration by the Council. On July 5, 2022 the Committee of the Council as a Whole met concerning an agenda item listed as "meet to discuss Municipal Council Hiring Process as it relates to the City Clerk Position". The outcome of July 5, 2022 meeting was the following motion carried: "Any applicant that is in that department or particularly an applicant who is the second in command in said department, not just for this position, be automatically put before the Council as a courtesy and also to show that people in City Hall at least have the opportunity to be considered by their hiring authority for those roles". The motion that was voted on July 5, 2022 resulted in the Council considering Jennifer Leger as an applicant from the department who applied for the position, in addition to other applicants recommended by the Hiring Committee. The question presented is whether the Council vote on July 5, 2022, which effectively modified the appointment procedure previously adopted by the Council, constitutes a "suspension" of a Council Rule or Order requiring a 2/3 vote pursuant to Council Rule A501-16. The vote on July 5, 2022 was not a vote to suspend. Suspension of rules occurs when a deliberative body does not follow a rule procedure that has applicant to the meeting that is in progress. Suspension of rules allows the body to take action despite a procedural rule that ordinarily would govern the meeting that is in progress. The vote on July 5, 2022 does not have that character and does not constitute a  6 suspension of a Council Rule of Order. His explanation continued. For the explained reasons, the vote on July 5, 2022 was a valid amendment of the Council's previously adopted procedure for Council appointments and as such did not require a 2/3 vote under the Council Rules. Motion was made to receive and place on file with the Councils thanks to the City Solicitor for his opinion. So voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Virginia Richardson of 193 Tremont St. #99, Taunton and her sister in regards to a donation of land for the parcel of land on Glebe Street. It's approximately 1.350 acres and is recognized by the Assessors as Parcel ID 73-123. It's a land-locked piece of property. They have no interest in owning or selling it. Motion was made to refer to the Law Department and the Committee on Public property. So voted. Petitions: Livery License - NEW 1. White Gloves Limousine Service by Silvino Dos Santos Varela to be located at 30 Highland St. Apt. 4C, Taunton (1 Limo). Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So voted. Hours of Operation - RENEWAL 1. Speedway LLC -dba- Speedway #2432 located at 943 County St., Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So voted. Old Gold, Second Hand Article and Pawn Broker Licenses - NEW 1. Fall River Financial MA, LLC -dba- Fall River Pawn Brokers located at 48 Taunton Green, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So voted. Claim Claim submitted by Antonio Chitas, 225 Erin Rd., East Taunton seeking reimbursement for damages to his automobile due to hitting a pothole at the beginning of Erin Road. (Already referred to the Law Department and DPW) Committee Reports: Motion was made for Committee reports to be read by title and approved. So Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in committee reports. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Order for a first reading to be passed to a second reading Ordered That, The City of Taunton appropriates the sum of $4,800,000 for the purpose of paying costs associated with the following major projects to be undertaken by the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant Commission:  7 Project 1195 Gas Turbine Controls Upgrade $1,500,000 Project 1198 Substation #18 Upgrade $1,600,000 Project XXX ERP Implementation Phase 2 $1,700,000 including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto; and to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under G.L. c. 44, §8(8) or any other enabling authority; provided that the amount to be borrowed shall be reduced by the amount of any grants, reimbursements and/or any other funds available to pay costs of the forgoing projects received by the City prior to the issuance of such bonds or notes. The Mayor is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this Project. Motion was made to be moved to a second reading. So voted. New Business: Councilor McCaul said over the weekend he received a phone call from a constituent that had his well dry up and there is no way he can fix that well. Councilor McCaul reached out to Tony Abreau, the Commissioner from the DPW and Michael Arruda from the Water Department to see how they can help this person out. What they did was go check out the area and found out that the only way they can help this person out since it's an emergency situation (the Health Department also sees this as a health issue), is take a vote this evening to open the road. Motion was made to take a vote to open the road so this person can get water into his home. So voted. Mayor O'Connell said she did speak with Mr. Arruda on this earlier in the evening and he did say this was the only option they had. He does agree that he would like the Council to vote to give them permission to open the road and do a tie-in at this location. Councilor Borges added to the motion that because we are under a 5-year moratorium which this is the reason why this vote is being taken this evening. Councilor McCaul added to the motion that the location is at 723 Richmond Street. Councilor Pottier referred this to the City Solicitor as to his opinion as far as to what they need to do to get this done. The City Solicitor stated, under the Open Meeting Law, for matters to be discussed at the meeting, they have to be posted 48-hours in advance of the meeting unless the situation constitutes an emergency. The standard for that is something that couldn't have been reasonably foreseen far enough in advance to be added to the agenda. From the circumstances, this sounds like it arose today and it's basically an emergency that this property is dealing with. Unless there is a motion by the Council to defer this, which would be totally reasonable because it's not on the agenda, he would agree with the position. As far as the posting requirements go, because the agenda closed Friday, this apparently took place over the weekend and up until today after the agenda was already posted, for these purposes, it would be an emergency that the Council could deliberate on tonight. Councilor Pottier asked if the maker of the motion could add that the DPW can also reach out to any other residences in the area only because if one well is challenged perhaps some other wells are in the area. Councilor Postell said he would support this motion. Councilor Postell asked to add to the motion to have the Board of Health and the DPW send a communication sighting that this is in fact a public health emergency or a public health matter so they can have this on file to cover this discussion. Mayor O'Connell said as the Chair, she does deem this as an unseen circumstance and they may deliberate and vote on the matter. Councilor Pottier asked to do this vote on a roll vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Coute was absent. So voted. Motion passed.  8 Councilor Pottier made a motion to call for a list for Lieutenant and Captain Exams as requested by the Fire Chief. So voted. Councilor Pottier said a resident contacted him this evening saying that Bassett Street, which is off of Bay Street, which is a now a public cut through particularly because of Fore Kicks, there is increasing trash truck traffic. He believes their not necessarily supposed to be going that route to the center and also that speeding is an issue. Motion was made to refer the trash truck traffic to the DPW and the speeding issue to the Safety Officer. So voted. Councilor Pottier made a motion that the Council express their appreciation to the Chief of Staff, Ed Correira who is moving on for his service to not just the Administration, but to the Community. So voted. Mayor O'Connell said they are happy for Ed but he will definitely be missed. He has done a lot in the past 3-years and stayed longer than he probably planned on. They are very grateful for that. Councilor Borges said on March 29th the Council of the Whole met to vote on a Legislative Act on a Home Rule petition for increasing the age on Police Officers and they haven't yet received an update. Motion was made to receive an update and invite the Police Chief to the Committee on Police and License to give them an update on where that Home Rule Petition stands at this point. So voted. Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the Committee on Public Property a discussion on the new Public Safety Building and invite the Mayor, the CFO and both Chiefs once the City has hired a Project Manager. So voted. Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the Committee on Solid Waste a discussion on trash and recycling contracts and trash bag sales. So voted. Councilor Borges made a motion to invite the CFO and the Budget Director back to have a presentation in the Finance & Salaries Committee on the debt exclusion and options on the Bristol Plymouth High School Project. So voted. Councilor Duarte made a motion to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole to have a discussion on the Municipal Council hiring Standard Operating Procedure. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M. A true copy: JLL/KLD Attest: Jerk~¥  9 CITY OF TAUNTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~ :'~ AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON POLICE AND LICENSE \\ _, rn -o ~-, .,-. C! , \ ,,.. I -~~~~ THE MEETING WAS HELD AT TAUNTON CITY HALL, 15 SUMMER STREET, TAU~ON1 ,MA,ro2780·; < IN THE CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS. -< :- }> :;~S ~ -; 0 -:1) pi •. (} PRESENT WERE: COUNCILOR JEFFREY POSTELL, CHAIRMAN AND COUNCl!l?RS SAN~S ,,.. AND BORGES. ALSO PRESENT WERE DETECTIVE WILLIAM RUTHERFORD AND ATTORNEY WILLIAM ROUNDS. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:45 P.M. 1. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF A LIVERY LICENSE FOR TAUNTON MOTORIZED CARRIAGE COMPANY, INC. 295 BROADWAY. 2. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENSES FOR TAUNTON CARTAGE CO. LTD, DBA CHECKER CAB AND TAUNTON CARTAGE CO. LTD, DBA COZY CAB 295 BROADWAY. Attorney Rounds, who represents Taunton Motorized Carriage Company, Inc., Taunton Cartage Co. Ltd, dba Checker Dab, and Taunton Cartage Co., Ltd, OBA Cozy Cab of 295 Broadway explained that his clients' meeting with the Planning Board had been postponed until Thursday of this week so they have not acted on the site plan. Detective Rutherford indicated that they had followed the process and that they are on the Planning Board agenda of 9/1. MOTION: EXTEND THESE LICENSES FOR ONE MONTH AND TABLE UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE PLANNING BOARD BUSINESS IS COMPLETE. THE APPLICANT SHOULD RETURN TO THE COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2022. SO VOTED. 3. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF HOURS OF OPERATION LICENSE FOR BOBBY'S PLACE, 60 WEIR STREET TO STAY OPEN SUNDAY-THURSDAY, 5PM-1AM AND FRIDAY- SATURDAY 5PM - 2AM. Detective Rutherford indicated that this really was only a petition to be open from 1-2AM on Friday and Saturday nights since the other hours are allowed. He gave a positive recommendation. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED.  10 PAGE TWO AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON POLICE AND LICENSE - CONTINUED 4. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF HOURS OF OPERATION LICENSE FOR CREATIVE FITNESS SOLUTIONS, INC., 225 CAPE HIGHWAY TO STAY OPEN 24 HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK. Detective Rutherford gave a positive recommendation. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED. 5. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF HOURS OF OPERATION LICENSE FOR MPG CORPORATION DBA RAPID REFILL #105, 231 BROADWAY TO STAY OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK. Detective Rutherford indicated that he has no issues with this item. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED. 6. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF HOURS OF OPERATION LICENSE FOR CVS PHARMACY, INC. OBA CVS PHARMACY #41, 284 WINTHROP STREET TO STAY OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Detective Rutherford indicated that he has no issues with this item. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED. 7. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF A BILLIARD TABLE LICENSE FOR P.A.C.C., 175 SCHOOL ST. Detective Rutherford indicated that he has no issues with this item. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED.  11 PAGE THREE AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON POLICE AND LICENSE - CONTINUED 8. MEET WITH POLICE CHIEF AND DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD ON A PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF A JUNK DEALER'S LICENSE FOR BURNHAM'S CONVERTER AND SCRAP METALS, 12 RAILROAD AVE. Detective Rutherford indicated that he has no issues with this item. MOTION: TO APPROVE. SO VOTED. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:52 P.M. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON /) /lt{~~0,t" . (:fa 'lice__. AUG 3 0 2022 ·~)!_) Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees  12 CITY OF TAUNTON I ,......, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ,..._, = AUGUST 30, 2022 I :r, ,..._, ,..,.., v"> ...._,.,_ _... ;;.~ I (--.., . ) .. (:· ' CJ -r~; .,,C> I THE COMMITIEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES N -< ---- - ••e:: ~' THE MEETING WAS HELD AT TAUNTON CITY HALL, 15 SUMMER STREET, TA~TO~ M~278B~'8 IN THE CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS. ~ 9 :;; C) c't1 ...0 PRESENT WERE: COUNCILOR PHILLIP DUARTE, CHAIRMAN AND COUNCILORS POTIIER AND MCCAUL. ALSO PRESENT WERE PATRICK DELLO RUSSO, CFO AND BUDGET DIRECTOR GILL ENOS. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:54 P.M. 1. MEET TO REVIEW THE WEEKLY VOUCHERS & PAYROLLS FOR CITY DEPARTMENTS MOTION: MOVE APPROVAL OF THE PAYROLL WARRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,167,326.31. SO VOTED. MOTION: MOVE APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,183,773.81. SO VOTED. 2. MEET TO REVIEW REQUESTS FOR FUNDING/TRANSFERS. 3. MEET WITH THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FOR A PRESENTATION ON THE CITY'S FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL FORECAST. Patrick Della Russo, CFO, gave a presentation which he expects to be the first of many five year financial forecasts. Forecasting is a tool to offer guidance and bring attention to future pressure points. This is necessary to identify what has to occur in order to maintain a balanced budget. This forecast identifies challenges to be overcome together and the intent is to help chart a course. He indicating that forecasting is a management tool but in addition to that, the rating agencies think highly of this approach. His presentation outlined several different eventualities to be aware of. These were the Bristol-Plymouth School construction project, solid waste and recycling costs, construction of a new public safety facility, changes to state aid and net school spending, and health insurance obligations. Since it has not been looked at since 2004, Mr. Della Russo hopes to work with the School department to review the net school spending agreement. He also indicated that his department is currently drafting an RFP to look at different options for health insurance. Mr. Della Russo indicated that revenue analysis considers historical trends and performance, economic outlook, both our socio-economic portfolio and outside indicators, and new revenue streams.  13 PAGE TWO AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES - CONTINUED The presentation indicated that forecasted revenues increase 3.4% on average year over year or 17% over 5 years. New growth was forecasted as steady at $2 Million annually. State aid is set at 5% for this presentation. It was noteworthy that the Taunton High School project debt exclusion was coming off the books. Mr. Della Russo described forecasted expenses as a good faith estimate based on current realities and knowledge. The presentation indicated that forecasted expenses increased 4.65% annually on average. Mr. Delio Russo highlighted several areas of the financial forecast. The SAFER grant will be ending which currently funds 7 full time fire personnel. For education, the Bristol-Plymouth School project is a factor. Public Works is driven by trash contract increases and necessary manpower. Debt service will increase with the construction of a Public Safety facility should an exclusion not be passed. Finally, the cost of employee benefits is a key driver but Mr. Delio Russo is looking at options to present to the bargaining groups. General government is projected to see a 2.5% average annual increase. Public safety is estimated at an 8% increase over 5 years. Mr. Delio Russo is concerned about the impact of retirement payouts and he's currently working to setup a compensated absence trust fund to help address that concern as well as to help maintain consistency. FY25 numbers include 4 additional police officers. Mr. Delio Russo believes that the forecast for education shows that the Mayor is committed to funding the education of the City's children. Mr. Delio Russo is hoping to work with the Superintendent of Schools and look at the net school spending agreement. The net school spending agreement hasn't been changed since 2004. The Department of Public Works is forecasted to see an average yearly increase of 3.5%. There is an attempt to increase staffing levels here. Trash and recycling is a concern because this area has been operating at a 50% loss and these shortfalls need to be addressed. This will continue to go in the red if nothing is done. The enterprise funds see the sewer improvement projects hitting the books and a rate study is in the process of being completed. Health and Human Services and Culture and Recreation currently receives some funding from ARPA and the mayor plans to address that when ARPA is done. The forecast shows veteran services remaining fully funded and the library appropriately funded. Cemeteries and Public Grounds are projected to receive annual increases and there are many capital projects in the works. Mr. Delio Russo indicated that the Mayor is the first mayor to increase funding for Head Start in many years. Fixed costs see debt service in FY24 and FY25 tied to the CIP. FY26 and FY27 show an increase due to the first installment of short term interest on a Public Safety facility if there is no debt exclusion. FY28 shows another increase due to realizing the full amount of the  14 PAGE THREE AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES - CONTINUED payment on Public Safety building construction. Mr. Della Russo also mentioned that if there are no changes to health insurance, the City will be faced with a reduction in services. Mr. Della Russo believes that sick and vacation time buyouts need to be limited and that overtime at the current level of increases is not sustainable. He believes that the creation of the stabilization account will help with these issues. Departments will be unable to use sick, personal, or vacation buyback dollars to cover overages in overtime. Departments will need to come to the Council to explain their overage and ask for an increase. He pointed out that, yearly, it is almost a one to one five year average of overtime being offset by unused accrued time being passed in the budget. Mr. Della Russo indicated that without a debt exclusion there will likely need to be a reduction in services since projected expenses increase at a greater rate than forecasted revenues. Further, he said that the model will be adjusted frequently as new information is available. He thanked Mayor O'Connell for her support and guidance and thanked the Council. MOTION: PRESENTATION TO BE PART OF THE RECORD. SO VOTED. Councilor Pottier expressed his concern that inflation could impact the forecast and that is out of our control. Also out of our control is some of the cherry sheet data. He questioned if the Taunton Public Schools 5% number is realistic and Mr. Enos indicated that the schools receive all of the Chapter 70 monies. Mr. Pottier questioned at what rate the pensions are funded and Mr. Enos indicated that pensions are currently funded at 80% and are expected to be fully funded by around 2030. Mr. Pottier indicated that this was a success story. On fixed costs, Mr. Pottier questioned if there is a debt exclusion coming off the books. Mr. Enos said that it is around $1 Million. Mr. Della Russo indicated that debt had been managed down to about 2% of the operating budget. Councilor Pottier questioned how much of the increase in overtime in FY21 and FY22 was due to COVID. Mr. Della Russo emphasized how there is almost a direct correlation between overtime and buyouts. He is planning to bring the new compensated balances trust fund before the Council and with this there will be a change to the budget structure. Mr. Pottier emphasized that any changes to buy backs will need to be negotiated with the unions. Mr. Pottier suggested that if people took the sick, vacation, or personal time, you would had have to have filled that absence with overtime and, therefore, would have seen the spike in overtime in those years. Further, he suspects some of the increase in overtime year over year is due to COVID. He questioned the free cash/stabilization position of the City and Mr.  15 PAGE FOUR AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES - CONTINUED Enos indicated there was approximately $31 Million. Mr. Enos emphasized that using this would be one time. Mr. Delio Russo believes that the health insurance 75/25 coverage needs to be looked at. Mr. Pottier questioned if any marijuana revenue was included in the forecast and Mr. Enos said that no new money was included in the projections. Mr. Pottier gave credit to the administration and her office for doing this fine work. Councilor Duarte questioned the goals of renegotiating the net school spending agreement. Mr. Delio Russo indicated that it hasn't been looked at in many years, since 2004, and that his intention is to look at everything in partnership with the schools and see what our real expenses are. Mr. Duarte questioned if the administration is considering recommending a debt exclusion for the Bristol-Plymouth School project. Mr. Delio Russo indicated that this forecast has assumed there is no debt exclusion. Mr. Duarte asked if the administration will evaluate this and Mr. Delio Russo indicated that he will evaluate and provide the numbers to the Council, including how much it would cost the taxpayers and how it would benefit the budget, but that the Council would approve the ballot question and the debt exclusion value. Mr. Duarte indicated that the council needs these numbers in order to evaluate. Mr. Delio Russo said that for the Bristol-Plymouth School project, he can easily obtain the numbers but that the school assessment changes based on the enrollment. His numbers for the impact of a debt exclusion for the school project will be based on today's number. Councilor Duarte questioned the timeline and Mr. Enos indicated that FY24 sees a small portion ($800,000) but that the real impact will be recognized in FY25 and FY26. Councilor Mccaul asked how much this debt exclusion would impact people. Mr. Delio Russo estimates $200 for a $400,000 home. Councilor Pottier indicated that the Mayor would need to propose a debt exclusion vote, the Council approves the vote, but the ultimate arbiter is the voter. Councilor Sanders questioned adjusting net school spending and if there would be changes to indirect costs with adjustments to services paid for by the City. Mr. Delio Russo emphasized it is all the City of Taunton. Mr. Sanders said that the real question is if there is more money for the schools or less money. Mr. Delio Russo emphasized that the document hasn't been changed since 2004. Mr. Sanders wondered if reducing buyouts may increase the use of sick time and other leave and indicated that this all has to be handled at the bargaining table. Mr. Delio Russo stressed that creating this unused compensated balances account is a best practice and a transparent practice because if a department overspends an appropriation they will need to come before the Council. Further, this new account will grow interest. Mr. Sanders talked about the balance between paying buyouts and hiring  16 PAGE FIVE AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES - CONTINUED more people and/or paying overtime to cover absences. Mr. Sanders questioned the possibility of a Bristol-Plymouth debt exclusion and what would happen if voters do approve such a measure. Mr. Della Russo replied that expenses in FY26 and FY27 would be reduced by $4.2 Million so there would be more capacity to invest in other areas of the budget. He stressed that this forecast is the picture if we do nothing. This model includes no exclusions and no changes to health insurance. Mr. Sanders questioned if any recreational marijuana revenue is included and Mr. Della Russo confirmed that it is not. Mr. Sanders indicated that the administration should make a recommendation on a debt exclusion as well as a recommendation on a solution to the trash and recycling issue. Mr. Enos indicated that trash bag sales and landfill fees were not covering the expenses of the trash program and that this is running in a deficit. He said that this has been discussed for many years. Mr. Sanders said that the model they rely on is that the Mayor proposes and the Council votes to approve. Councilor Borges expressed her appreciation for the comprehensive presentation and as a Bristol-Plymouth School Committee member, she expressed her thoughts on the importance of vocational education. She indicated the assessment for Bristol-Plymouth school will vary based on the number of Taunton students attending. She questioned if there have been any discussions with the Chief Procurement officer and the school system to combine procurement to save money and Mr. Della Russo said that they are in the early stages of such talks. Ms. Borges questioned the Head Start budget and Mr. Della Russo indicated that it hadn't been increased in a very long time and there is a moderate increase in this forecast. Councilor Borges questioned who is on the Public Safety Building Committee and when there would be a presentation to the Council on the new Public Safety Building project and Mr. Della Russo indicated that there isn't a committee yet. Ms. Borges also indicated that on the topic of a debt exclusion, the Council approves but the Mayor should make a recommendation. Mr. Enos stressed that the finance team will provide the facts including costs and the effect on tax bills. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON AUG 3 0 2022 )U,11Yr'- [ Clti ~A-L- Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. ~ ',( rJ, ///A - fJTY c!A:RK ' 7- -  17 CITY OF TAUNTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE lI -~ :~: : .: THE MEETING WAS HELD AT TAUNTON CITY HALL, 15 SUMMER STREET, TAJ~TO~, M~278~~~ IN THE CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ::; -< > . N :";< '. . t ' PRESENT WERE: COUNCIL PRESIDENT PHILLIP DUARTE AND COUNCILO~ DdbNE~ ~3,g BORGES, MCCAUL, POTTIER, SANDERS, QUINTAL, AN~OSTELL. ~ ~~ COUNCILOR COUTE WAS ABSENT. ALSO PRESENT WAS ATTORN~ PHILIP NESSRALLA. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:14 P.M. 1. MEET TO DISCUSS RENEWAL OF A HOST COMMUNITY AGREEMENT FOR HERBAL LOGIC, 284R WINTHROP STREET- MARIJUANA RETAILER ESTABLISHMENT. Attorney Nessralla gave an update on his project at 284R Winthrop Street. He believes that this is a good location and he has signed a 10 year lease with options to renew. He's hired a consulting firm, an architectural firm, and structural firm. Since signing the lease he has discovered issues with the roof and other structural issue as well as realizing there were some environmental concerns to be resolved. He has brought in civil engineers and a landscaping company. He believes he will be operational in 6-8 months. The project has proved to be more expensive than he anticipated but he's expecting this to be an aesthetically pleasing facility that is professionally operated. Councilor Pottier questioned if Mr. Nessralla has a license and if he is looking to convey his HCA to someone else. Mr. Nessralla indicated that he did not intend to convey his HCA to anyone other than himself. Councilor Postell emphasized that Mr. Nessralla does not have a license and is just looking to renew his HCA. Councilor Sanders questioned if Mr. Nessralla had obtained a provisional license with the state. Mr. Nessralla indicated that it has been applied for. Mr. Sanders further questioned if he had obtained a license with the city. Mr. Nessralla indicated that he has not. Mr. Sanders questioned when construction would start and Mr. Nessralla said that he expected construction to begin in the fall. Councilor Borges questioned if there had been any discussions on transferring the HCA and Mr. Nessralla said that there had not. She further questioned the construction progress and Mr. Nessralla said that he had been working on the roof and environmental issues.  18 PAGE TWO AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE - CONTINUED Councilor Postell emphasized that there are currently only eight retail licenses with maybe 1 or 2 potentially available and questioned if Mr. Nessralla was putting the cart before the horse in some ways since there is no certainty of a retail license. Mr. Nessralla said he has to do this work before applying for the license. He said that he is giving it all he can and expects that if he does things properly he should get to the finish line and receive a license. Mr. Postell expressed his belief that 6-8 months to commence operations is optimistic. MOTION: APPROVE THE HCA EXTENSION FOR ONE YEAR. Councilor Borges questioned if they might consider a 6 month extension instead of one year. Councilor Mccaul asked Mr. Nessralla his thoughts on this and Mr. Nessralla indicated that this would be a very tight timeline for a project like this. He further indicated that supply costs have increased four times but that he is committed to this project. Councilor Dooner clarified that the purpose of extending just 6 months would be to have Mr. Nessralla come back to discuss his progress at that time. Councilor Borges indicated that the Council is trying to hold people to progress on these projects. Councilor Duarte pointed out that this HCA was originally granted on 8/19/21 so this project was much later on the scene than some of the other applicants. Councilor Sanders expressed his thought that this was very early in the process for this applicant and he doesn't think they will see anything remarkable in 6 months. Hopefully there will be more substantial progress in a year. He believes that 6-8 months is extremely optimistic. Councilor Pottier said that other applicants had HCAs for years so he is going to leave his motion at one year. SO VOTED. 2. MEET TO DISCUSS INCREASING THE NUMBER OF RETAIL MARIJUANA LICENSES FROM 8 TO 9. Councilor Pottier indicated that the full Council was not present. He made the following motion to allow this item to be discussed with a full Council. MOTION: TABLE THIS DISCUSSION UNTIL SUCH TIME AS IT CAN BE RESCHEDULED. SO VOTED.  19 PAGE THREE AUGUST 30, 2022 THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE - CONTINUED ADJOURNED AT 7:36 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON . Jik~[ U&M Lu_ AUG 3 0 2022 Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.