City Council

1 City ojfJ'aunton :M.unicipa{Council:M.eetin9 :M.inutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, fJ'aunton, 5l(ft :M.inutes, Septem6er 27, 2022 at 7:02 O'cfoc~/P.:M.. ~gufar ;Meeting ;Mayor Shaunna£. 0 'Conne{[presid'ing (J'rayer was offtrea 6y tne :Mayor (J'resent at ro{[ ca{[were: Counciwrs <Poste{(, Sanders, Coute, Cl'ottier ;M.cCau~ (]Jorges, (J)uarte ant! (J)ooner Counciwr Quinta{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 City Officers. So voted. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the City Clerk regarding the appointment of Timothy P. O'Leary as a Full- time Fire Lieutenant who was the first one on the list. Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Com. from the City Clerk regarding the appointment of Brian J. Silveira as a permanent Full-time Fire Captain who was the highest rated by percentage points. Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Com. from City Clerk regarding the appointment of Jason Boiros as a permanent full- time Deputy Fire Chief who was the first one on the list. Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Motion was made to invite all three (3) new hires into the enclosure to be sworn in. So voted. The City Clerk then swore in Jason Boiros as Deputy Chief, Brian J. Silveira as Fire Captain and Timothy P. O'Leary as Fire Lieutenant. The City Council took a five-minute recess. Motion was made to revert back to the regular order of business. So voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Jean Fountain, 288 Highland Street, Ward 7, Precinct A, registered Republican voter, addressed a few concerns as a resident, a voter and as a constituent. She was told it was not worth coming, nothing will change, that this happens all the time and be careful  2 you'll be a target for harassment. She spoke about her previous approaches with contacting public officials and how she stays true to her political party. She stated on September 22, she had the unfortunate introduction to a City Council member and it was quit unforgettable. A Council member was acting as a Councilman during their exchange and while this Council member did invite her to his home and business, and since her interest wasn't in his home or planning a funeral, she decided to meet this Council member on the floor. She gave some details on how she feels she was bullied and harassed on social media by two Councilor members. Her explanation continued. Hearings: On the joint petition submitted by Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant and Verizon New England, Inc. proposing to place one new jointly owned stub pole, #121S at 1404 Cohannet Street approximately 49' from existing pole #121 in the City of Taunton. A map of the location was included. Motion was made to open the public hearing and invite the parties into the enclosure. So voted. James Delturrondo representing Verizon New England, introduced himself. He said this petition is to place pole #121S to stub pole across the street from pole #121 to replace an existing stub pole that was removed. It is to guide the existing pole to maintain existing Verizon facilities. This pole was staked in the presence of TMLP and the customer and all parties agreed to the new location. Councilor Pottier asked if it's ADA accessible in this area. Mr. Delturrondo said there is no sidewalk in this area. 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 approve the petition. So voted. Communications from the Mayor: A presentation of the FY23 Supplemental Budget was given by the Finance Department which included the CFO, Patrick Dello Russo and the Budget Director, Gil Enos. Mr. Dello Russo said they provided the Supplemental Budget presentation to the Council in advance, as well as the letter of the recommended votes and the items being requested for funding. A big piece of this is 1.988-million dollars will be the amount that will need to be funded pursuant to the votes. They are very proud to inform the Mayor and the Council that this is a .67% increase over the supplemental budget passed by the Council in May. Mr. Enos said there is two votes that will need to be taken. The City Clerk read the first communication stating that the final fiscal year 2023 appropriations for the City of Taunton is: General Fund $244,660,926.90, Water Enterprise $9,473,870.76, Sewer Enterprise $11,710,130.39, Golf Enterprise $40,000.00, Totaling $265,884,928.05. This vote is required by the Department of Revenue/Division of Local Services. Motion was made to approve as read on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. The City Clerk read the second communication stating that as a part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Final Budget, the following votes need to be taken when the budget is approved is: from TMLP in Lieu of taxes to reduce tax rate $2,995,000.00, from Title V to off Debt & Interest - Sewer Enterprise $96,000.92, from Premiums-Bond to GF (THS/Parker) $6,395.13,from Cable TV Education to offset Library Budget $13,690.00, from Cable TV to offset Municipal Access Budget $28,000.00, from Wetlands Protection to offset Planning/Conservation Budget $25,000.00, from State Election Aid Account to offset Elections Budget $20,000.00, from Airport Revolving Fund to offset Airport Budget $138,674.00, from Parking Garage to offset Parking Commission Budget & Bond $492,318.30 and from Stabilization for various City Departments $3,128,761.01. Motion  3 was made to approve the list as read as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Final Budget on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. A special presentation was given regarding Greening the Gateway Cities. Motion was made to invite the interested parties into the enclosure. So voted. The Mayor said the Greening the Gateway programs goal is to increase the number of trees in urban residential areas. The City of Taunton, thanks to AI Marshall and TJ Torres, received a $60,000.00 grant. She also thanked the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) for promoting Urban Forest Street. DCR will plant 2,500 trees over the next few years in the City of Taunton with a concentration on environmental justice neighborhoods. Park & Rec will coordinate with DCR with planting of the trees. AJ Marshall from Park & Rec, who is also a certified Massachusetts Tree Warden, introduced Doug Hutcheson the forester for DCR, Nathan Nuby the forester that DCR has hired to work solely with the City of Taunton, TJ Torres the grant writer for the City of Taunton and Kevin Clark the Maintenance Supervisor at Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds, who is also a Massachusetts certified Tree Warden. Mr. Clark is going to be the City of Taunton's liaison with DCR. Mr. Hutcheson and Mr. Nuby gave a presentation called "Greening the Gateway Cities Program". Mayor O'Connell asked how residents apply. Mr. Marshall gave a briefing on how this is done and offered a website to visit for more information at www.maurbancanopy.org. This link will also be listed on the City of Taunton website. Mr. Marshall also spoke about the different varieties of trees they can select for each location. DCR has agreed to re-plant any trees that have been lost in the sidewalks at zero cost. They are going to be re-planting all the trees on Main Street that have existing wells. He gave further details on the benefits for Taunton. He also gave details on what Taunton's responsibilities will be. Mr. Marshall spoke about the process they went through for receiving the $60,000.00 grant funded by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. This grant allowed them to get a 500-gallon truck mounter spray tank which is $20,000.00, new tree well locations and preparations which is $25,000.00, additional trees outside the planting zone which is $10,000.00 and tree supplies (water bags) which is $5,000.00. Councilor Duarte spoke about how he is very excited about this program and how it will be very impactful. He gave his thanks and appreciation. Councilor McCaul congratulated them for doing a great job and getting the grant money for our City. Councilor McCaul asked what type of tree they will be planting on Winthrop Street & Weir Street. Mr. Marshall said they will be working with Mr. Nuby on developing which trees they will be using. It may even be a variety of trees depending on the different areas. Councilor McCaul asked when they will be planting. Mr. Marshall said its looking more and more like Spring of next year because of the drought and already getting later into the year. They want to plant the trees at the right time for the best survival. Councilor McCaul asked when residence can start applying. Mr. Marshall stated they can start applying now, it's already live, up and going. Mr. Nuby explained he has already been doing some outreach to residents. Councilor McCaul asked if he will be doing the planting himself or will he be reaching out to the community. Mr. Marshall explained at this time the plan is to just have DCR plant but in the future they can definitely talk more about having a community day. Councilor Borges asked how long Greening the Gateway has been in existence. They replied 2014, starting with Holyoke, Fall River and Chelsea. Councilor Borges asked how many gateway cities have gone through the program. Mr. Hutcheson replied stating 18. Councilor Borges asked how long they think it would take for the City of Taunton to get the 2,500 trees in the ground  4 if they were to start in the Spring. Mr. Marshall replied explaining they are looking at a 3- year planting cycle. Mr. Hutcheson said he'd like to say 3-5 years. Ideally, 3-years but, likely longer than 3-years. Councilor Borges asked if there is any commitment on the homeowner's part as far as if they were to sell their home, is there any commitment on their part with getting free trees. Mr. Nuby explained when they do set the trees with the property owner, there is a permission form they sign. One signature is that they allow them to go back to the property to put the trees in the ground and the second signature is saying they agree to watering and taking care of the trees for the first 1 to 2-years that the trees are in the ground. If they were to move there is no penalties. The tree will stay with the property with hopes the next homeowner will come in and take care of the tree. When they put the trees in the ground, the first 1 to 2-years are crucial in terms of them getting watered. After that, nature kind of takes its course and the natural rain water they get is substantial enough for them to keep growing. Councilor Borges asked Mr. Marshall how many trees they plan on planting within an acre. Mr. Marshall explained they haven't got that far yet. His team is going to focus on foresting parking lots, islands, the former Maxim School, the permitting center, the Housing Authority's and the schools. Then they will work their way out. They will also be putting trees in the downtown in the Spring. Councilor Borges mentioned maybe them looking into sponsoring trees. Mr. Marshall stated they are looking into the Adopt a Tree Program. Councilor Borges gave her thanks. Mayor O'Connell asked if they will be having a phased plan. Mr. Marshall explained some of this will be a progress report. They are going to work with DCR over the Winter to develop a plan and again in the Summer. He said if the Council wishes they can come back in a year or two to let the Council know how they are doing. Councilor Pottier gave his thanks. He asked about tying this into the Completed Streets Program. Mr. Torres explained they received a complete street program grant funding in the amount of $400,000.00 in the most recent round. They are getting ready to go to bid for design for this and this is Weir Street. Construction will be some time in 2023. Weir Street is like Winthrop Street, the boulevard that has the width necessary for street trees and in an area with a lot of foot traffic and walkable area, AJ and himself both agreed that it was a perfect place for street trees and should be incorporated into the design which is what they are doing now as part of the Compete Streets program. Councilor Sanders gave his thanks. Councilor Sanders asked about the tree wells/pits, that these are typically hard to maintain with things such as plowing, salt, debris, foot traffic and vandalism, how do they get a tree to survive in an area like this. Mr. Marshall explained, like everything else, with technology, they are now breeding special trees for the urban canopy. It really goes back to the right tree being in the right location. His explanation continued. Councilor McCaul asked if any fruit trees will be planted. They replied no. Councilor McCaul asked what the target tree they are looking for. Mr. Marshall said they are targeting 1 Yz inch to 3 inch caliper diameter trees to start. Discussion continued. Councilor McCaul spoke about the opportunity of having some type of education workshop for folks who are completely happy to put their own trees in but need something more than a YouTube video to make it actually happy. Mr. Marshall said that's a great suggestion and as Tree Wardens, that's something they can work on later on. Councilor Postell gave his thanks. He asked what type of risk management process is in place. They explained the tree becomes property of the homeowner. So, they assume the risk. Mr. Marshall explained the City will take responsibility for trees planted on public property as they currently do now. Mayor O'Connell gave her thanks. Motion was made to excuse the party with the Councils thanks. So voted.  5 Appointments: NONE Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement notifying of the retirement for Superannuation Richard Ames, an employee of the Taunton Building Department. He will be retiring on January 3, 2023 with 12-years of creditable service. Motion was made to approve and send the appropriate scroll with the Councils' appreciation. So voted. Com. from the Fire Chief providing an update on three cisterns fire protection. The cistern of Debra Drive has a pump that is currently not operational. The Fire Department and with help of a tanker from Berkley Fire, they will top off the cistern. They will be regularly checking the water levels and in the meantime, the Water Department will look into the cost of repairing the cistern's pump. The cisterns on Fiddler's Way and Cheshire Drive, hydrants have been extended down Staples Street since these cisterns were created. There are currently within 1000-feet, the amount of supply hose carried on a standard fire department engine, at both of these neighborhoods. If water supply is needed, it is more efficient to use the hydrants than rely on the cisterns in these locations. The City Water Department is also exploring capital improvements that would extend water lines down these streets. There is a cistern by Doornoch Road and Heritage Way off Prospect Hill Street on the Raynham side of Route 495. The Water Department has plans to contact Raynham to see if it would be possible to extend the closest Raynham water lines to these areas. The City Law Office is also looking into the existence of the Homeowners Association for these properties to see if they have an agreement for the upkeep of these cisterns. The City has scheduled a meeting in early October between the City Law Department, the Taunton Fire Department and Taunton Water Department to update everyone on the progress regarding these resolutions. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Fires and Wires and have the Chairman schedule a meeting with the Fire Chief to come in and talk more about this after they meet with the DPW. So voted. Com. from the City Planner regarding the new MBTA zoning requirements required under Ch. 40A section 3. The City must put new regulations into effect that comply with these requirements in order to remain eligible for numerous grant programs. He attached a set of proposed zoning changes designed to bring the City into compliance. He is looking to obtain a vote of the Municipal Council to refer the changes to the public hearing process for consideration at a future public hearing. The initial vote is simply to start the consideration process. Motion was made to refer to the Chairman of the Zoning Committee to schedule this presentation with the City Planner before the public hearing. Councilor Dooner and McCaul were opposed. So voted. Motion passed. On discussion, Councilor Coute said it's asking us to schedule a public hearing on this process which would be in full Council. Mayor 0' Connell said this is the actual plan. She doesn't believe they have to have this document yet. Motion was made to refer to the public hearing process. Councilor Borges was opposed. So voted. Motion passed. Com. from the Assistant City Solicitor regarding the Town of Berkley's Water Line Inter-Municipal Agreement with Waste Management. Attached was the IMA agreement  6 with the Town of Berkley, the Addendum to the IMA and the agreement with Waste Management. The Council is required to approve the agreements on the basis that it pertains to the further expansion of water lines into the Town of Berkley. As previously noted, the City currently has water lines and customers in the Town of Berkley dating back well into the early 1900's without an IMA in place. It is required that the City have an IMA in place as we are operating a utility in another municipality. This agreement enables the City to improve its water network by closing dead-end sections of its water lines which will help improve water quality and promote efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the IMA allows the City to enforce payment upon customers in Berkley now and in the future and expand its network in efforts to improve the overall water network. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted. Com. from the Building Commissioner responding to the request to investigate a complaint of excessive noise at 144 West Britannia Street. It appears the disturbance is coming from a manufacturing facility located within a building on the southwest portion of the complex. A newly installed dust collection system which is forcing material through ductwork on the exterior of the building is the cause of the noise. Decibel readings taken from Barton Street in the range of 69.1 to 70.7db while the equipment was running. Although the noise was only slightly over levels allowed by the noise ordinance, the City Zoning Ordinance is more restrictive and modifications to the equipment will be required. Both the property owner and the tenant have been made aware of the issue. Motion was made to receive and place on file and have the Building Commissioner keep the Council appraised of the situation going forward. So voted. Councilor McCaul said he did have a discussion with the Building Commissioner and he wanted to say thank you for reaching out and taking care of the constituent with his needs on this. Com. from Mayor 0' Connell informing the Council that she has appointed Ligia Madeira as Chief of Staff for the City of Taunton. Ligia moves into this role following her appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff in January 2022. Motion was made to receive and place on file with the Councils' congratulations. So voted. Com. from the City Solicitor requesting to meet in Executive Session to Review and approve the agreement with the Public Employee's Local Union 1144A for Successor CBA. The City has successfully negotiated a successor agreement for Public Employees Local Union 1144A covering the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. The agreement calls for salary increases to take effect October 1, 2022. Therefore, they are requesting that the Council meet in Executive Session on September 27, 2022 to review and approve the financial provisions of the Agreement. Motion was made to refer this to the end of the meeting after new business. So voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Joanne Baker, 10 Mullein Hill Dr., Lakeville, MA who has Power of Attorney for Margaret Baker in regards to donation ofland. Margaret was a resident of Taunton for 67-years until 2018 when she sold her home due to illness. She now resides in an Assisted Living Facility and at the age of 99, she is still competent and sound in her decision making. She has been paying taxes on a small piece of land on Edwards Avenue for 72-years and the size of the lot makes it very difficult. On Margaret's behalf, Joanne is requesting that the City Council to accept this small piece of land as a gift to the City.  7 Motion was made to refer to the Law Department and the Committee on Public Property. So voted. Petitions: NONE 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: Ordered That, At a Committee to the Council as a Whole meeting of the Municipal Council, held on September 20, 2022, the Municipal Council voted to accept Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41 - Officers and Employees of Cities, Towns and Districts, Section 108P - Additional Compensation for Collectors or Treasurers. Motion was made to move on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Ordinance (Or a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE REVISING CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR LICENSE APPLICANTS Chapter298 LICENSES AND PERMITS Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 298 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding a new subsection J to Article II, as follows:-- § 298-9 Submission of applicants to fingerprinting. Any applicant for a license to engage in any of the following occupational activities within the City of Taunton shall submit a full set of fingerprints taken by the Taunton Police Department within 10 days of the date of the application for said license, for the purpose of conducting a state and national criminal record background check to determine the suitability of the applicant for the license: A. Hawker and peddler. B. Liquor licensee. C.  8 Manager or alternate manager of a liquor licensee. D. Solicitors and canvassers. E. Dealers in junk, secondhand articles and antiques. F. Secondhand motor vehicle dealer. G. Hackney carriage operator. H. Ice cream truck vendor. I. Door-to-door solicitors. J. Bodywork practitioners and bodywork establishment operators This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to be passed to a third reading. So voted. Ordinance for a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE CHAPTER405 ARTICLE V. SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS Section 405-94. Designation of stop intersections Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-94 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton be amended as follows: Insert the following ten lines in the appropriate alphabetical order under the respective column headings as indicated: Stop Sign on Direction of Travel At Intersection of Puffin Way Westerly Blackbird Lane Hummingbird Lane Easterly Mockingbird Way Hummingbird Lane Westerly Mockingbird Way Bluejay Lane Westerly Mockingbird Way Bluejay Lane Easterly Mockingbird Way  9 Wren Street Northerly Cardinal Circle and Mockingbird Way Wren Street Southerly Cardinal Circle and Mockingbird Way Sherbome Street Northerly Fairbanks Ave. Sherbome Street Southerly Fairbanks Ave. Kilmer Ave. Easterly Oak Street All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to be passed to a third reading. So voted. Ordinance for a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE ARTICLE III. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING Sec 405-53. Prohibited parking places. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-53 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by adding thereto the following: Washburn Street, the South Side starting at the Curb-cut in front of 43 Washburn Street, East approximately 64 feet to the next curb-cut. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage Motion was made to be passed to a third reading. So voted. Ordinance for a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE ARTICLE V. SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS Section 405-95-C Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows:  10 That Section 405-95-C of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by adding thereto the following: (7) Located on the Corner of Highland Street at the property identified as 220 Highland Street, facing eastbound drivers onto Highland Street at intersection with Highland Ave and Smith Ave. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to be passed to a third reading. So voted. Ordinance for a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO LICENSING RECREATIONAL (NON-MEDICINAL) MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS Part II: General Legislation Chapter222 Recreational (Non-Medicinal) Marijuana Establishments Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: Chapter 222 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by striking and replacing Section entitled §222-l(E) as follows:-- §222-1 (E) Number of Recreational Marijuana Retailers The total number of marijuana retailer licenses which may be issued pursuant to this chapter shall be nine (9). All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to be passed to a second reading. Councilor Duarte voted as present. Councilor Dooner and McCaul were opposed. So voted. Motion passed. New Business: Councilor Borges made a motion to refer the replacement of the flashing light at the intersection of Cohannet Street and Warner Boulevard to the Safety Officer and the DPW. So voted. Councilor Borges made a motion for the Committee of Solid Waste and the DPW Commissioner to be present at the discussion on the rolling trash bins (similar to our recycling bins). So voted.  11 Councilor Borges made a motion to meet with the City Solicitor, the Mayor and the HR Director in regards to the City Clerk's non-union contract in Executive Session next week and inviting the employee to attend the meeting if they wish. So voted. On discussion, Councilor Coute questioned if the Mayor should be present at this meeting. Councilor Borges replied saying that the Mayor is the one who negotiates the contracts for the non-union employees and this is one of them. In her conversation with the HR Director, she informed Councilor Borges that the City Solicitor, the Mayor and the HR Director were all involved in this process. Looking at the reasoning's for having an Executive Session, this qualifies for an Executive Session meeting in discussion with a non-union contract. If this employee wishes to be present, she's sure they can be. Councilor Coute stated he is not comfortable with the Mayor being present because the Mayor doesn't answer to the Council. He supports the Executive Session just not the Mayor being present. Councilor Borges said but this is a non-union contract so she knows that they appoint. Mayor O'Connell stated they will give an answer to this. The City Solicitor reminded the Council that this matter is not on the agenda tonight, so deliberation in the form that it is presently occurring, is not allowed under the Open Meeting Law. The only thing that can happen under New Business is if it's not listed, is that a matter can be raised and referred for a future meeting. It can't be discussed and deliberated. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, five (5) Councilors voted in favor (Councilors Duarte, Borges, Pottier, Sanders and Postell), three (3) Councilors were opposed (Councilors Dooner, McCaul and Coute). Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Motion passed. Motion was made to go into Executive Session on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, six (6) Councilors (Councilors Postell, Coute, Pottier, McCaul, Duarte and Dooner) voted in favor, two (2) Councilors (Councilors Sanders and Borges) were in opposition. Councilor Quintal was absent. So voted. Motion passed. Executive Session started at 8:43p.m. Executive Session ended at 9: 10 p.m. Councilor Duarte stated in Executive Session a vote was taken to approve the Successor Bargaining Union Agreement for the Public Employees Local Union 1144A. The vote was unanimous. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9: 13 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/KLD  12 City of Taunton Municipal Council September 27, 2022 )·~ (/.) . ~/:i~ c C;j ···F"i The Committee on Finance and Salaries Q N ...,_-., ··,··:1 -i ':-;. ....0 ··':··> The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,~~P.278~ th~.:~ 1~j Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ ):... ...o ~ ·~ "5lf •• n .~ +:" r.i; Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Pottier and McCa-a?. The meeting was called to order at 5 :3 5 P .M. 1. Meet to review the weekly voucher and payrolls for City departments. MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount of $1,423,099.95. So voted. MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $1,859,567.01. So voted. 2. Meet to review requests for funding/transfers. The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 P.M. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, SEP 2 7 2022 ,~ tCttvJ'--'-- IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie-E. Clarke /·I REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ITYC ERK~  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council The Committee on the Department of Public Works September 27, 2022 II ;Fo• C' -· G'") n-t -0 .. ·t.' .. ,.,·~1 ;i;,'; The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA~27$0 in~ .. ··~: Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. p ;_ l> -1~~~ Present were Councilor John McCaul, Chairman and Councilors Coute, Durui, and Pos'l:01. ~~ s· Also present were Fred Cornaglia, Department of Public Works Commissioner, Antho~ 14") Abreau, Department of Public Works Assistant Commissioner, Attorney Thomas Gay, and Jack Hamm. Councilor Quintal was absent. The meeting was called to order at 5:38 P.M. 1. Meet to discuss the proposed agreement for further extension of the water line into the Town of Berkley. Attorney Thomas Gay explained that approving the Intermunicipal Agreement and addendum with the Town of Berkley would correct a problem where there are existing customers in Berkley and no agreement is currently in place. The agreement with Waste Management establishes a cost sharing arrangement, addresses poisoned wells, and closes the loop on County Street. Councilor Coute confirmed that what is needed is a motion to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Berkley, the addendum establishing cost sharing, and the agreement with Waste Management. MOTION: Approve the agreements. Councilor Sanders questioned why the City is picking up some of the cost to bring water into Berkley. Attorney Gay explained that closing the loop is a betterment to the entire water system. Mr. Cornaglia explained that the City is trying to expand the system as more water customers will increase revenue as well as close the loop, therefore reaping both engineering and financial benefits. Mr. Abreau indicated that the City has never assessed betterment fees for water, only sewer. Councilor Postell indicated that he is not opposed to the expansion or to the agreements but wants to ensure that Taunton is taken care of. He is concerned with the capacity for · expansion and commercial growth in Taunton. Mr. Hamm explained that there is significant capacity on the water side and that the water quality will be improved by closing the loop as dead end pipes present water quality issues.  14 Page Two September 27, 2022 The Committee on The Department of Public Works - Continued Councilor Pottier expressed his thought that locking down water rights is important and appreciates the effort to secure water rights. Mr. Pottier suggested that the water capacity issue be revisited at a future meeting. Councilor Coute restated his motion: Approve the three items: the intermunicipal agreement, the addendum to the IMA, and the Waste Management agreement. So Voted. The meeting was adjourned at 5:51 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON //titt~c, C. SEP 2 7 2022 Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED . ...,.~RK Kr-  15 City of Taunton Municipal Council September 27, 2022 ···1·• V? rr'1 c·-··1'}": -0 ·-· r'-"".i The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills -~ ,_ r-v J:) -·, ' , • 1 -1 r .,.." The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA in~ W78Q .. ,., ·,.J Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ J -P. ~ .i=- Present were Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman and Councilors Dooner and McCaul. ~o present was Safety Officer Arsenio Chaves. The meeting was called to order at 5:53 P.M. 1. Meet with the Safety Officer regarding No Parking on one side of Lakeview Avenue. Officer Chaves explained that the "No Parking" signs should be placed on the side of Lakeview Avenue where there is housing, across from the club. Councilor Pottier confirmed that the no parking is on the side opposite the club and requested that DPW is asked when the permanent signs can be installed. Councilor McCaul questioned if this was to be ''No Parking" or ifresident parking would be allowed: Officer Chaves indicated that "No Event Parking" would make sense. MOTION: Install ''No Event Parking" signs on the west side of Lakeview Avenue, across from the Lafayette Club, and notify the DPW to install the permanent signs as quickly as possible. Councilor Pottier shared the concern of some residents that parking on both sides limits access for public safety apparatus. Officer Chaves suggested keeping the sign as ''No Parking" to mitigate that concern. Councilor McCaul amended his motion. AMENDED MOTION: Install "No Parking" signs on the west side of Lakeview Avenue across from the Lafayette Club on the residents' side of the road and notify the DPW to install the signs as quickly as possible. So Voted. The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 PM. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, SEP 2 7 2022 ~~ f {/tvUcA_ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees ~¥-RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.  16 CITY OF TAUNTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~ SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 j THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE I --- ~ The meeting was held at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,~ oi;80 i~he ·;~,~i Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. § ~; ~ .~'.: Present were Council President Phillip Duarte and Councilors Dooner, Borges,~,foG~ul, &ttier, :·: ZJ Coute, Sanders, and Postell. Also present was Attorney Peter Winters. Counc{i>r Quinta~as 0 absent. w . il· The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM. 1. Meet in executive session to discuss the pending litigation of Greater Good, LLC vs. City of Taunton Municipal Council. Councilor Duarte indicated that he would be recusing himself from this meeting and turned the chair to Councilor Pottier. MOTION: Enter into executive session. So voted on a roll call vote. Councilors Dooner, Borges, McCaul, Pottier, Coute, Sanders, and Postell voted yes. MOTION: RETURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION. So voted on a roll call vote. Councilor Dooner, Borges, McCaul, Pottier, Coute, Sanders, and Postell voted yes. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON SEP 2 7 2022 JM-c?fi~ { (,/,uc /-J-- Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Ju:Ull.AA-'~ERKC/'/-ef-