City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · November 15, 2022
Minutes
City of ri'aunton
9.1.unicipa{ Counci{9.1.eeting 9.1.inutes
City Jfa{{, 15 Summer Street, ri'aunton, 9.1.)f
In the Chester~ 9.1.artin 9.1.unicipa{Counci{ Cham6ers
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9.1.inutes, Novem6er 15, 2022 at 7.·03 O'cfock,CP.9.1..
~gufar :Meeting
:Mayor Shaunna L. O'Conne{[presitfing
<Prayer was offerea 6y the :Mayor
<Present at ro{[ ca{[were: Councifors Cl'oste{[, Quinta~ Cl'ottier, :McCau~
<Duarte ana <Dooner
Councifors Sanders, Coute ana (]Jorges was a6sent.
Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public.
THS DECA, 50 Williams Street explained "Miles for MDA" fundraiser. DECA is
sponsoring for MDA. Joseph Kazlauskas, this year's President of the Taunton High
DECA introduced himself. He said last year they raised $18,000.00 for muscular
dystrophy. About six-months ago they hoped to take one last step in gaining an extra
$3,000.00 but came out with $11,000.00 which was a win win. They originally were in
2nd place but kept their foot on the peddle and raised the additional $11,000.00. They
pulled together and leaned on their community to get them over the finish line.
Individuals and small businesses around the City pulled out the stops to help them get to
first place. Their teamwork and dedication was a win for their Chapter, their City and
most importantly for muscle dystrophy. He then introduced the special events team
Giovanna Guarino and Gabe Leskoski. Gabe spoke about the annual "Miles for MDA"
fundraiser event they are hosting this weekend, Sunday, November 201h. This will be on
the Taunton High football field and track. It's open to all Taunton community members.
There will be games and clubs on the turf. Giovanna said there will be a $25.00 donation
to enter. Online donations can be made at https://www.thsdeca.com/ in the amount that is
most convenient for you. Checks can also be made out to Muscular Dystrophy
Association. Mayor O'Connell said this is definitely a fun time for everyone. The DECA
students presented Mayor O'Connell an award for her and the Councils help on behalf of
the Taunton High DECA team.
Hearings:
On the petition submitted by James Zuber, 20 Crystal Lane, Taunton for the issuance of a
Kennel License per City Ordinance Section 3-24 to allow a Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Kennel
License for Personal use/dogs, NOT BUSINESS USE to be located at 20 Crystal Lane,
Taunton. Motion was made to open the public hearing and invite the interested
parties into the enclosure. So voted. The City Clerk read the communications. Com.
from the Animal Control Officer submitting a positive recommendation. Motion was
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made to make communication part of the record. So voted. Com. from Timothy
Donovan, 112 Lothrop Street, Taunton expressing opposition. Motion was made to
make communication part of the record. So voted. A map of location was submitted.
Mr. Zuber explained his interest in having a personal Kennel License. He originally had
three dogs, then adopted a fourth dog not knowing there was a limit on the number of
dogs they were allowed to have. Their dogs are just living like pets. After finding out
they need a Kennel License to have four dogs, they came to the Council to see if they can
keep their fourth dog. The Animal Control Officer did go to their property and gave a
positive recommendation. Councilor Postell asked Mr. Zuber if all the dogs are registered
with the Clerk's Office. Mr. Zuber said yes except the fourth dog because they found out
they needed the Kennel License for the fourth dog. All the dogs are up to date with their
shots and all needed paperwork has been given to the City Clerk. Councilor Pottier asked
if all these dogs are spayed/neutered. Mr. Zuber replied by saying yes. Councilor Pottier
asked if they anticipate doing any breeding on the premises. Mr. Zuber said they have no
desire to breed dogs. Councilor Pottier asked if the property is fenced in. Mr. Zuber said
yes the property is fenced in. Councilor Pottier asked if the dogs are indoor or outdoor
dogs. The petitioners said indoor and they only go out to potty and play. Councilor
Pottier asked if they are outside for long periods of time. Mr. Zuber said no. Motion was
made to open public comment. So voted. Nobody was present to speak. Motion was
made to close public input and grant the Kennel License. So voted. Motion was
made to close the public hearing. So voted.
Communications from the Mayor:
Mayor O'Connell congratulated our Bristol Plymouth cheerleaders. They won the 2022
Fall Game Day State Championship. That means they have now won back to back State
Championships. It's a lot of work, practice and hours on their part. They are very proud
of them. They thanked our local Veterans groups for the wonderful ceremonies they put
on for Veteran's Day and bringing the community together to honor all of those who have
served this great nation. Also, a thanks to the Taunton High School JROTC for
participating as well, along with our Veterans Department here at City Hall. Next
Saturday, November 26th is Small Business Saturday. They urge and encourage everyone
to go out and shop locally. The small businesses here in Taunton do a lot for our
community. It would be wonderful to see everyone patronizing their stores and giving
back to them as well. Lights On is our next big event coming up. This will be the 109th
lighting of the Green. This will be Saturday, December 3rd from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. The
parade will be the next day, Sunday, December 4th beginning at 12:00 p.m. As a reminder,
Christmas parade baskets are on display on the 2nd floor at City Hall. This helps fund the
Christmas parade.
Appointments:
NONE
Communications from City Officers:
Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement notifying of a revised
retirement for Frederick Bolton, III, an employee of the Taunton Police Department. His
new retirement date is now November 16, 2022 with 32-years and 5-months creditable
service. Motion was made to receive and place on file and send the appropriate
scroll with the Council's thanks. So voted.
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Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement notifying of retirement for
Randy DeMello, an employee of the Taunton Police Department. His retirement date will
be on November 25, 2022 with 37-years and IO-months creditable service. Motion was
made to receive and place on file and send the appropriate scroll with the Council's
thanks. So voted.
Com. from the Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department submitting a response about
replacing the flashing light at the intersection of Cohannet Street and Warner Boulevard.
At this time he is happy to report that the flashing light has been replaced. Motion was
made to receive and place on file and extend their appreciation. So voted.
Com. from the City Solicitor submitting an Xfinity correspondence dated October 26,
2022 giving an update that the programming network G4 notified its employees that it is
ceasing operations effective October 17, 2022. It is to their understanding that G4 will
continue transmitting programming until November 14, 2022 and will continue to carry it
until such date. Motion was made receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a meeting and
public hearing for the property at 122 Winter Street and Prop. I.D. 48-49, 48-50, 56-2 for
the construction of a 4-story mixed use building with 36-residential units and one 600 sq.
ft. commercial/office space, submitted by JLJ, LLC. The DIRB will review on Tuesday,
November 22, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. in the Taunton Planning Board Office at 141 Oak Street
and then the Planning Board will review this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30
p.m. at City Hall on 15 Summer Street. Motion was made to receive and place on file.
So voted.
Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a meeting and
public hearing for the property on Joseph I. Quinn Road, Parcel I.D. 9-2-0 to allow a
1,344 free-standing illuminated sign on a vacant lot with 2-gravel parking spaces and a
request for a 50% waiver of landscaping buffers for front, side and rear, submitted by J &
J Outdoor Media, owned by Reva Realty Norton, LLC. The DIRB will review on
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 8:45 a.m. in the Taunton Planning Board Office at 141
Oak Street and then the Planning Board will review this on Thursday, December 1, 2022
at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall on 15 Summer Street. Motion was made to receive and place
on file. So voted.
Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a meeting and
public hearing for the property on Robert W. Boyden Road, parcel I.D. 18-43 for the
construction of a 7,500 sq. ft. building for an innovation custom repair and restoration
company with 10-parking spaces and related site improvements, submitted by Fault Lines
Kustoms, LLC owned by Scott Wessels. The DIRB will review on Tuesday, November
22, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. in the Taunton Planning Board Office at 141 Oak Street and then
the Planning Board will review this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City
Hall on 15 Summer Street. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a meeting and
public hearing for the property at 397 Winthrop Street to modify an existing approval by
adding vehicle transportation service with 28-spaces (4,032 sq. ft.) of outdoor storage
vehicle/equipment storage, a reduction to 66-vehicle display spaces, 8-customer parking
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spaces for an auto sales use, submitted by Astor Transportation LLC, owned by 397
Winthrop Street, LLC. The DIRB will review on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 9:15
a.m. in the Taunton Planning Board Office at 141 Oak Street and then the Planning Board
will review this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall on 15 Summer
Street. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a meeting and
public hearing for the property at 5 Hill Street and a portion of parcel I.D. 66-551 to add
16-parking spaces, dumpster area, 1,500 sq. ft. outdoor storage area, submitted James
Dorsey, Jim Dorsey & Son Inc. The DIRB will review on Tuesday, November 22, 2022
at 9:00 a.m. in the Taunton Planning Board Office at 141 Oak Street and then the
Planning Board will review this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
on 15 Summer Street. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the City Solicitor regarding Section 383-15 of the City Ordinances regarding
snow and ice removal by property owners abutting sidewalks. A copy of the ordinance
was submitted with the letter. Based on details given, the City Ordinance regarding snow
and ice removal should be revised to (1) specify that snow and ice removal is the
responsibility of the owner (and delete references to tenants and occupants); and (2)
specify the width of sidewalks that must be cleared. Another aspect of the Ordinance the
Council may, in its discretion, wish to review is whether to expand the zoning districts
where owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks from the present Business and
Central Business Districts to others, such as Highway Business, Urban Residential, etc.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Ordinances and Enrolled Bills.
So voted.
Com. from Mayor 0' Connell providing an update about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
On October 24, 2022 the Gaming Authority advertised two RFP's for an Owner
Representative and for Construction Management. The statements by the Tribe were
provided. The City is also in communication with legal counsel for the Tribe in
facilitating the payments due to the City under IGA Agreement previously signed. They
will continue to provide updates as needed. Motion was made to receive and place on
file. So voted.
Com. from the City Solicitor requesting to meet in Executive Session on November 15,
2022 to review an investigation/potential litigation with the City Solicitor and the Chief
Financial Officer. The reason for the request to have in Executive Session on November
15, 2022 is that it is a time sensitive matter. Motion was made to refer to the end of
this evenings meeting. So voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE
Petitions:
Special Permit
Petition submitted by Attorney Brianna Correira, Correira Law Office, PLLC, 123
Broadway, Taunton on behalf of her client Astor Transportation, LLC, 170 Gore Road,
Revere, MA 02151 for a Special Permit for a 4,032 sq. ft. Truck Terminal Use in
conjunction with the existing 66 vehicle auto sales use at 397 Winthrop Street located in
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the Highway Business District. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk for
scheduling of the public hearing. So voted.
Host Community Agreement - NEW
Application submitted by Vanessa Jean-Baptiste, Legal Greens, LLC for a NEW Host
Community Agreement for a Marijuana Delivery establishment to be located at 138
Broadway, Taunton. The City Clerk stated they are going to move this to next week's
meeting. The applicant gave them the wrong address for the location so they want to
move it so everyone has the correct information. No motion was taken.
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:
Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote
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 retracting the existing section
pertaining to Lakeview Ave. and adding thereto the following:
Lakeview Ave., the North East Side starting at the intersection with Bay
Street, North to the Split in Lakeview Ave., approximately 450 feet in length.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance
shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Motion was made to ordain on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, six (6) Councilors
were present, six (6) Councilors voted in favor. Councilors Borges, Coute and
Sanders were absent. So voted. Motion passed.
Ordinance for a second reading to be passed to a third reading
AN ORDINANCE REVISING OFF STREET PARKING
CHAPTER405
ARTICLE VI PARKING METERS
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Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section
405-83 through 85 of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by
deleting Section 405-83 through 85 and replacing them as follows.
That Section 405-83 be amended as follow:
Section 405-83 Off Street Parking
A. The City of Taunton Parking Commission shall establish rules for off-street parking
for all municipally owned parking lots and facilities, to include parking passes and hours
of operation.
B. The City of Taunton Parking Commission shall set rates for parking and electric
charging stations at all municipally owned parking lots in the City of Taunton, subject to
approval of the Municipal Council.
C. Vehicles illegally parked in a permitted location within a municipally owned parking
lot or facility will be subject to a fine and towing at the owner's expense.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This
Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Motion was made to pass to a third reading. So voted.
Ordinance for a first reading to be passed to a second reading
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING DEPARTMENTAL
REVOLVING FUNDS
Chapter 40
FINANCE
Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of
the same as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 40 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as
amended, is hereby further amended by adding a new section 5.2 to Article VIII, as
follows:--
5.2 School Department
5.2.1 Fund Name. There shall be a separate fund called the Student Computer
Revolving Fund for the use of the School Department.
5.2.2 Revenues. The City Auditor shall establish the Student Computer Revolving Fund
as a separate account and credit to the fund all monies and fees paid by or on
behalf of students of the Taunton Public Schools for replacement or repair of
student-issued computers and computer accessories. The term "computer" for
purposes of this Ordinance is inclusive of laptops, tablets, and other portable
computing devices.
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5.2.3 Purposes and Expenditures. During each fiscal year, the School Department may
incur liabilities against and spend monies from the Student Computer Revolving
Fund for expenses of acquiring, repairing, replacing, and maintaining of student-
issued computers and computer accessories. Salaries or wages of employees shall
not be paid from the fund.
5.2.4 Reports. Within 10 days of the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, the
Superintendent of Schools, or the Superintendent's designee, must provide the
School Committee and the City Auditor with a report of the revenues and
expenditures of the Student Computer Revolving Fund during the month and
fiscal year to date.
5.2.5 Fiscal Years. The Student Computer Revolving Fund shall operate for fiscal years
that begin on or after July 1, 2022.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance
shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Motion was made to pass to a second reading. So voted.
New Business:
Councilor Pottier made a motion to refer to the Safety Officer speeding concerns on
Granite Street, between Hodges and Tremont for an investigation. So voted.
Information only, Councilor Pottier spoke about Deep Pond Farm and Stables in East
Taunton has an event coming up for a number of weeks through the Christmas season
which also includes selling Christmas Trees and there may be some challenges with
granting a permit. Mayor O'Connell stated this has already been resolved and they are
able to move forward. Councilor Pottier expressed he was happy to hear this and gave a
recommendation to stop by this event sometime around the 25th for their grand opening.
Councilor McCaul made a motion to have the Safety Officer go to Liberty Street to
look at providing speed limit signs (there is currently only one speed limit sign on
Liberty Street) and also look into setting up a radar tracker. He also would like a
Police Officer to post on Liberty Street from the times of 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and
from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to monitor the speeding. So voted.
Motion was made to go into Executive Session and not come back to Open Session
on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, six (6) Councilors were present, six (6)
Councilors voted in favor. Councilors Sanders, Coute and Borges were absent. So
voted. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:31 P.M.
A true copy:
Attest: Cf./,a~
JLL/KLD
Ci Clerk '7-
8
City of Taunton
Municipal Council
November 7, 2022
lGII NO~ - 8 A \(): 5 l
The Committee of the Council as a Whole
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, TauntonrMA &?-\I~~ in the
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. -·-- -·- ~-- ·· 1 1
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Dooner, Borges, McCaul,
Pottier, Coute, Sanders, Quintal, and Postell.
The meeting was called to order at 7:47 AM.
1. Meet to discuss the standard operating procedure for Municipal Council professional
appointments.
Councilor Duarte read a joint communication from the Law and Human Resources Departments
on the revised Standard Operating Procedure for Council Appointments. This communication
advised against automatically advancing internal applicants to finalist positions, recommended
that the Mayor or the Mayor's designee should have a vote on the screening committee, and that
final interviews be held as discreetly as possible.
MOTION: Make the letter part of the record. So voted.
Councilor Pottier indicated that he appreciates the concerns of the Law and Human Resources
Departments around the third item, having the interviews in public. As far as the second item, he
believes that the Council would take the input of the Mayor under advisement. He also believes
that advancing internal candidates would not guarantee that they will be hired but it will be good
for morale in the City.
Councilor Sanders emphasized the importance of consistency and suggested that final interviews
be handled similar to the process used when hiring Police and Fire. This would be part of a
public meeting but in a separate room on a separate night. He further emphasized that Council
appointments be handled from start to finish by the Council. However, any input from the
Mayor or administration would be welcomed.
Councilor Postell emphasized that the final interviews should be held as part of an open, public
meeting but he indicated that he is not concerned with the meeting being televised.
Councilor Coute stated that this process may undermine the goal of hiring the most qualified
candidate. He emphasized that leaving the Mayor out of the candidate selection is a bad process.
Councilor Duarte explained that the intention is to operate within the parameters of the existing
City Charter.
9
Page Two
November 7, 2022
The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued
Councilor Dooner suggested that the Council is only interested in partnership when it is a
mayoral appointment, but not the other way around.
Councilor Sanders pointed out that the letter only said there "may" be negative impact. Further,
he suggested that not everyone might agree that this is a bad process. That will be determined by
the voters when the time comes for a vote.
Councilor Coute asserted that Massachusetts Department of Revenue said it is a bad process and
they are the subject matter experts.
Councilor Borges expressed her support for the policy as it had been presented on November I.
Councilor Postell asserted that this has nothing to do with the current Mayor but is looking
forward to the future. He encouraged Councilors not personalize this as it's not about any one
particular person, but rather, it's about the position and the authority.
Councilor Dooner emphasized that it does not make sense for the Council to be appointing
people who they do not oversee.
Councilor Coute stated that the Massachusetts DOR does not personalize. They are the experts
and have said that this is a bad process.
Councilor McCaul expressed his support for the suggestions from the Law and HR Departments.
He suggested that interviews should be kept quiet for the privacy of the applicant.
Councilor Pottier made the following motion:
MOTION: Adopt the policy with an amendment to item #12 that the Municipal Council
President places the finalists on a special agenda of the Committee of the Council as a Whole for
non-televised interviews by the Municipal Council.
Councilor Postell suggested the Council work to move .the charter forward.
Councilor Coute suggested that the Council fix something right now without waiting for the
charter and have the Mayor as an integral part of the process.
Councilor Duarte pointed out that in these cases, the Mayor may supervise someone but only the
Council can terminate that employee.
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Page Three
November 7, 2022
The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued
A vote was taken on the motion on a roll call: Councilors Borges, Pottier, Sanders, Postell, and
Duarte voted in favor. Councilors Dooner, McCaul, Coute, and Quintal voted against. The
motion passed on a 5-4 vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 AM.
, Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF TAUNTON
NOV· 15 2022 »1"'-'~ z Uet/c1'-'----
Maggie E. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees
tt-p-
RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
'I
11
~ECEl\f El.1
City of Taunton ·...· •... i " • S. i':f Fl G£
Municipal Council
November 15, 2022
rnn NOV I b p 2: 23
The Committee on Finance and Salaries
:nut MA
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 irt'1fer CtfltK
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ··--·--- ·
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Pottier and McCaul. Also
present were CFO Patrick Della Russo and Budget Director Gill Enos.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.
1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payrolls for City departments.
MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount of $4, 199,298.94. So voted.
MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $5,539,142.53. So
voted.
2. Meet to review requests for funding/transfers.
a. Request from the Superintendent of Buildings to fund $25,000 to account 01-493-5100-
5109.
MOTION: Approve the request and transfer $25,000 from the reserve account (01-132-
5200-5784) to Public Buildings (01-493-5100-5109). So voted.
3. Meet with the CFO and Human Resources Director to discuss executive office salaries.
This item was held until next week.
4. Meet with the CFO and Budget Director for quarterly, capital, and ARPA update.
Patrick Dello Russo and Gill Enos gave a presentation to the Committee. This included an
update on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) where it was reported that $8 Million in roads
were completed in the last two years, vehicles were replaced, and the water meter and sewer
main projects are under contract. Councilor Pottier asked if this was over and above Chapter
90 monies and Mr. Della Russo confirmed it was.
The update on ARP A funds showed that there are improvements being made every day
across all allowable expenditures. Councilor Pottier asked if these monies must be spent this
fiscal year or if they can be carried over and Mr. Enos indicated that they can be carried
forward.
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Page Two
November 15, 2022
The Committee on Finance and Salaries - Continued
Mr. Dello Russo and Mr. Enos gave an update on revenues and showed that investment
earnings are doing well. They have begun a program where banks compete for the City's
funds.
They also reviewed expenses and conveyed that General Government has spent or
encumbered 35%. Councilor Pottier asked ifthere were inflationary concerns particularly
around utility costs and Mr. Enos indicated that those concerns had been addressed in the
supplemental budget. Public Safety expenses were falling in line with expectations with
spending at about 24%. Public Works and Buildings expenses were at about 45% with
approximately $3 Million tied up in purchase orders to contractors. Health and Human
Services I Culture and Recreation saw expenses in line with goals at about 29%.
Fixed costs are approximately 21 % spent as of 9/30/22.
Mr. Dello Russo happily reported the City's achievement of a AA+ bond rating and relayed
that Taunton is the first City in the Southeast region to do so. Councilor Pottier requested
that Sand P's analysis be shared with the Council. He indicated that this is a great
accomplishment that will decrease debt service down the road. Councilors McCaul and
Duarte also shared their praise of the achievement of the AA+ bond rating.
The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF .TAUNTON
li~ [ C/A:~(z__
NOV 15 2022
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
13
City of Taunton
Municipal Council
November 15, 2022 lUIZ NOV t b P 2: 23
The Committee of the Council as a Whole
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA Ollfil1~Tt1idSLEN\
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. -·-
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Dooner, McCaul, Pottier,
Quintal, and Postell. Councilors Borges, Coute, and Sanders were absent.
The meeting was called to order at 6: 01 PM.
1. Meet to discuss the proposed Host Community Agreement for Medicine Man Solutions,
LLC for a marijuana retail establishment at 597 Winthrop Street.
Councilor Duarte read a communication from Haskell Kennedy requesting that the meeting
be postponed until November 22.
MOTION: Postpone until November 22. So voted.
2. Meet to discuss public input.
This item was held until next week due to the absence of three Councilors.
The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF TAUNTON
NOV 15 2022
~t: C!Atl--V
Maggie E. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees
REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
14
CITY OF TAUNTON
ORDER#9
FY 2023
~ ~ C~ . . . . . . . . . . .~.?..~.~~-~~-~-~:. ~~::......... 20..............
THE SUM OF TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND ZERO CENTS ($25,0~0.00) BE AND HEREBY
IS TRANSFERRED FROM RESERVE ACCOUNT NO. 01-132-5200-5784
TO: PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACCOUNT NO. 01-493-5100-5109
................................................................. Ck£.
Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
NOVEMBER 15, 2022 - 7:00 PM
INVOCATION City Clerk's Office
ROLL CALL
Notice of Posting
RECORDS
Time: // -'JJ flm
PUBLIC INPUT Date:_llj./Q/;.tk_
• Comments will be received for the record
• Please state your name and address
• Please limit comments to 3 minutes or less
• Supplemental written comments may also be provided
• Comments should be respectful and courteous
• Comments should be addressed to the body as a whole, pertain to the business of
the City, and not be personal in nature
1. THS DECA, 50 Williams Street - Explaining "Miles for MDA" Fundraiser
DECA is sponsoring for MDA
HEARING: On the petition submitted by James Zuber, 20 Crystal Lane,
Taunton for the issuance of a Kennel License per City Ordinance
Section 3-24 to allow a Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Kennel License for
Personal use/dogs, NOT BUSINESS USE to be located at 20
Crystal Lane, Taunton.
• Com. from Animal Control Officer - Submitting a
Recommendation
• Com. from Timothy Donovan, 112 Lothrop Street, Taunton
- Expressing Opposition
• Map of Location
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
• Community Update
APPOINTMENTS - NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from Assistant Executive Director of Retirement-Notifying of a
Revised Retirement
Pg.2 Com. from Assistant Executive Director of Retirement - Notifying of a
Retirement
Pg.3 Com. from Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department - Submitting a
Response
Pg. 4-5 Com. from City Solicitor - Submitting Xfinity Correspondence
Pg.6 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Meeting
and Public Hearing
Pg. 7 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Meeting
and Public Hearing
Pg.8 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Meeting
and Public Hearing
Pg.9 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Meeting
and Public Hearing
Pg. 10 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Meeting
and Public Hearing
Pg. 11-15 Com. from City Solicitor- Section 383-15 of the City Ordinances
regarding Snow and Ice Removal by Property Owners Abutting Sidewalks
Pg. 16 Com. from Mayor O'Connell - Update Regarding Mashpee Wampanoag
Tribe
Pg. 17 Com. from City Solicitor - Requesting to Meet in Executive Session
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Special Permit
Petition submitted by Attorney Brianna Correira, Correira Law Office, PLLC, 123
Broadway, Taunton on behalf of her client Astor Transportation, LLC, 170 Gore Road,
Revere, MA 02151 for a Special Permit for a 4,032 sq. ft. Truck Terminal Use in
conjunction with the existing 66 vehicle auto sales use at 397 Winthrop Street located in
the Highway Business District. (PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED)
Host Community Agreement - NEW
Application submitted by Vanessa Jean-Baptiste, Legal Greens, LLC for a NEW Host
Community Agreement for a Marijuana Delivery establishment to be located at 138
Broadway, Taunton.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote
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 retracting the existing section
pertaining to Lakeview Ave. and adding thereto the following:
Lakeview Ave., the North East Side starting at the intersection with Bay
Street, North to the Split in Lakeview Ave., approximately 450 feet in length.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance
shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Ordinance for a second reading to be passed to a third reading
AN ORDINANCE REVISING OFF STREET PARKING
CHAPTER405
ARTICLE VI PARKING METERS
Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section
405-83 through 85 of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by
deleting Section 405-83 through 85 and replacing them as follows.
That Section 405-83 be amended as follow:
Section 405-83 Off Street Parking
A. The City of Taunton Parking Commission shall establish rules for off-street parking
for all municipally owned parking lots and facilities, to include parking passes and hours
of operation.
B. The City of Taunton Parking Commission shall set rates for parking and electric
charging stations at all municipally owned parking lots in the City of Taunton, subject to
approval of the Municipal Council.
C. Vehicles illegally parked in a permitted location within a municipally owned parking
lot or facility will be subject to a fine and towing at the owner's expense.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This
Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Ordinance (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING DEPARTMENTAL
REVOLVING FUNDS
Chapter 40
FINANCE
Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of
the same as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 40 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as
amended, is hereby further amended by adding a new section 5.2 to Article VIII, as
follows:--
5.2 School Department
5.2.1 Fund Name. There shall be a separate fund called the Student Computer
Revolving Fund for the use of the School Department.
5.2.2 Revenues. The City Auditor shall establish the Student Computer Revolving Fund
as a separate account and credit to the fund all monies and fees paid by or on
behalf of students of the Taunton Public Schools for replacement or repair of
student-issued computers and computer accessories. The term "computer" for
purposes of this Ordinance is inclusive of laptops, tablets, and other portable
computing devices.
5.2.3 Purposes and Expenditures. During each fiscal year, the School Department may
incur liabilities against and spend monies from the Student Computer Revolving
Fund for expenses of acquiring, repairing, replacing, and maintaining of student-
issued computers and computer accessories. Salaries or wages of employees shall
not be paid from the fund.
5.2.4 Reports. Within 10 days of the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, the
Superintendent of Schools, or the Superintendent's designee, must provide the
School Committee and the City Auditor with a report of the revenues and
expenditures of the Student Computer Revolving Fund during the month and
fiscal year to date.
5.2.5 Fiscal Years. The Student Computer Revolving Fund shall operate for fiscal years
that begin on or after July 1, 2022.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This
Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
Respectfully submitted,
ennit L.!r~
City Clerk
/}earillf
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER KENNEL INSPECTION REPORT
City or Town of:
Kennel license number:
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Inspection date: --~'------"""---''----------
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Kennel n a m e : - - - - = = - - - - - - - = = - - - - . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - -
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Kennel veterinarian name and address: $ bQ COQ vf. t 58'2 m(.\.·i 0 sr
Dogs are housed in a humane marmer: Yes~ No
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Dogs are able to stand, lie down and tum around freely: Yes~ N'oCJ
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Kennel is kept at an ambient temperature: Yes c::g/' No c=J
Kennel is maintained in a sanitary.marmer: Yesc=W No CJ
The kennel have adequate lighting: Yes~ No
CJ
Dogs have access to clean, fresh water: Yes~ No CJ
Dogs have adequate exercise space: Yes Ci/ No
CJ
Please explain any NO answers
Approved: Not approved: C:=J Reinspect on or after: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
ACO's name: ~ ~ Report received by:_ _ _--,--____,=-=-----
ACO'• mgn&ure~~. s;g,;_eofrecipient ~· f(f...
F onn #?? White Copy - ACO I Yellow Copy - Kennel owner
From: Timothy Donovan <timothymdonovan@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 11:10 AM
To: Maggie Clarke <mclarke@taunton-ma.gov>
Subject: Kennel license
To who it may concern, I Timothy Donovan of 112 Lothrop Street of Taunton Massachusetts I am
opposed to the grade 1 kennel licenses for 20 Crystal Ln., Taunton mass. I am sending this email
because I am not able to make the November 15, 7 PM meeting. Any questions please feel free to
respond back to this email address or my cell phone. 774-2 26-0811.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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20 CRYSTAL LANE- LOT 9
A~ R~f. Jlap Z1 Lot 76 PREPARED FOR: CLAREWooo HOMES, INC.
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REHOBEiH, MA 02769
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PROJECT NUMBER: P2299 DATE: 2-23-22
CITY OF TAUNTON
Contributory Retirement System
104 Dean St., Suite 203
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
(508) 821-1052
BOARD OF Fax (508) 821-1063
RETIREMENT
CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE
Dennis M. Smith DIRECTOR
Paul J. Slivinski
Thomas A. Bernier
Ian D. Fortes Assistant Director
Gill Enos Karen Medeiros
Barry J. Amaral
November 8, 2022
Mayor and Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Councilors:
Please be advised of the REVISED retirement for Superannuation of Frederick Bolton, III an
employee of the Taunton Police department. His new retirement date is November 16, 2022 under
the provisions set forth in Section #5 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Mr.
Bolton, III will have 32 years and 5 months of creditable service in the retirement system.
Please pay regular compensation and accumulated benefits up to November 15, 2022.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
Assistant Executive Director
cc: F. Bolton, III
E. Walsh
M. Oliveira
Treasurer
Auditor
HR
City Clerk
file
retirement letter
CITY OF TAUNTON
ContJ•lhutory Retirement System
104 Dean St., Suite 203
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
(508) 821-1052
BOARD OF Fax (508) 821"1063
RETIREMENT
CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE
Dennis M. Smith DIRECTOR
Paul J. Slivinski
Thoma$ A Bernier
IanD. Fortes
Gill Enos
Barry J. Amaral
November 9, 2022
Hon. ShaimnaO'Connell
Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer St., City Hall
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Mayor·O'Connelb
Please be advised of the retirement for Superannuation of Randy DeMello, an employee of the
Taunton Police Department on November 25, 2022 under the provisions set forth in. Sectio!l #5 of
Chaptet 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Mr. DeMello will be retiring with 37 years and
10 months ofservice;
Ifyouhave any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
cc: R. DeMello
E. Walsh, Police Chief
Treasu.ter
M. Oliveira
Auditor
HR
City Clerk
file
retirement letter
The City of Taunton
Police Department
SAFETY OFFICE
23 Summer Street
CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER
EDWARD J. WALSH Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 ARSENIO CHAVES
Telephone: (508)821-1471, Ext. 3014
Facsimile: (508) 828-9315
www.achaves@tauntonpd.com
Honorable Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor
and Municipal Council
City Hall
15 Summer St Taunton MA, 02780
11/3/2022
At the September 27th meeting of the Municipal Council, Councilor Borges made a
motion to refer to the Safety Officer and the DPW about rep lacing the flashing light at the
intersection of Cohannet Street and Warner Boulevard.
At this time I am happy to report that the flashing light has been replaced at the
intersection of Cohannet Street and warner Boulevard.
Respectfully Submitted
Arsenio Chaves
City of Taunton
LAW DEPARTMENT
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397
Shaunna O'Connell Peter F. Winters, Esq.
MAYOR FfRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Thomas P. Gay, Jr., Esq.
CITY SOLICITOR SECOND ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
David T. Gay, Esq.
SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
November 2, 2022
Council President Phillip Duarte
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Duarte and Members of the Municipal Council:
Submitted herewith is communication dated October 26, 2022 which
the Law Department has received from Xfinity regarding changes to services.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Matthew J. osta, Esquire
City Solicitor
MJC/tmg
Enclosure
October 26, 2022
City Attorney
City of Taunton
141 Oak Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear City Attorney:
As part of our ongoing commitment to keep you and our customers informed about changes to Xfinity TV
services, we wanted to update you that the programming network G4 notified its employees that it is
ceasing operations effective October 17, 2022. It is our understanding that G4 will continue transmitting
programming until November 14, 2022 and we will continue to carry it until such date.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at patrick_shearns@comcast.com.
Sincerely,
PCJ.XvlclvJ. Shea.rvw
Patrick J. Shearns, Sr. Manager
Government & Regulatory Affairs
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•
, j NOV - 2 2022
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TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-82 1-1051 Fax 508 821-1043
Denise J. Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk ,.._,
dpaiva@taunton-ma.gov =
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor ri
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Members of the Municipal Council ;J:; c.n
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15 Summer St.
Taunton, Ma. 02780
C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Site Plan Review - 122 Winter St. & prop. I.D 48-49, 48-50, 56-2
Dear Mayor O' Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of Site plan Review for property at 122 Winter
St & Prop. I.D 48-49, 48-50, 56-2 - for the construction of a 4-story mixed use building
with 36 residential units and one 600 sq. ft. commercial/office space, submitted by JLJ,
LLC
The DIRB will review this petition on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 9:30 AM in the
Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St., and then the Planning Board will review
this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM at 15 Summer St., City Hall, Taunton,
Ma.
Sincerely,
~~c<Ai{~
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
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TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
1
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051Fax508 821-1043
Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk
dpaiva@taunton-ma.gov
November 7, 2022
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor II =
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Members of the Municipal Council --·
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15 Summer St. I
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RE: Site Plan Review - Joseph I. Quinn Rd., Parcel I.D. 9-2-0 w ~
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Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Site Plan Review for property on Joseph I.
Quinn Rd., Parcel l.D. 9-2 -0 to allow a 1,344 free-standing illuminated sign on a vacant
lot with 2 gravel parking spaces and a request for a 50% waiver of landscaping buffers
for front, side and rear, submitted by J & J Outdoor Media., owned by Reva Realty
Norton, LLC
The DIRB will review this petition on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 8:45 AM in the
Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St., and then the Planning Board will review
this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM at 15 Summer St., City Hall, Taunton,
Ma.
Sincerely,
~~~{/Jj;)
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
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TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051Fax508 821-1043
Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk
dpaiva@taunton-ma.gov
November 2, 2022
Honorable Shaunna L. 0' Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton,Ma.02780
CIO Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Special Permit/Site Plan Review -Robert W. Boyden Rd. 18-43
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Special Permit/ Site Plan Review for
property on Robert W. Boyden Rd. - parcel I.D. 18-43 - for the construction of a 7,500
sq. ft. building for an innovative custom repair & restoration company with 10 parking
spaces and related site improvements., submitted by Fault Lines Kustons, LLC owned by
Scott Wessels.
The next scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 8:30 AM in the
Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St. at which time the application shall be
reviewed by the DIRB and the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday,
December 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM at City Hall, 15 Summer St., Taunton, Ma.
~~(ope)
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
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TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
q
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051Fax508 821-1043
Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk
dpaiva@taunton-ma.gov
November 8, 2022
Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton,Ma.02780
C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Site Plan Review - 397 Winthrop St.
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Site Plan Review for property at 397
Winthrop St - to modify existing approval by adding vehicle transportation service
with 28 spaces (4,032 sq. ft.) of outdoor storage vehicle/equipment storage, a
reduction to 66 vehicle display spaces, 8 customer parking space for an auto sales
use. Submitted by Astor Transportation LLC, owned by 397 Winthrop St., LLC
The DIRB will review this petition on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 9: 15 AM in the
Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St., and then the Planning Board will review
this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM at 15 Summer St., City Hall, Taunton,
Ma.
~lUwaPUPfJ
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
AA/djp
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
ID
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051 Fax 508 821-1043
Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk
@aiva(li)taunton-ma.gov
November 8, 2022
Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton, Ma. 02780
C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Site Plan Review -5 Hill St. & portion of property I.D. 66-551
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Site Plan Review for property at 5 Hill St.
& a portion of parcel l.D. 66-551 - to add 16 parking spaces, dumpster area, 1,500 sq. ft.
outdoor storage area, submitted by James Dorsey, Jim Dorsey & Son Inc.
The DIRB will review this petition on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 9;00 AM in the
Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St., and then the Planning Board will review
this on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM at 15 Summer St., City Hall, Taunton,
Ma.
Sincerely, .
~~c<A{~t)
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
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City of Taunton
J)
LAW DEPARTMENT
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone (508) 821 - 1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397
Shaunna O'Connell Peter F. Winters, Esq.
MAYOR FIRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Thomas P. Gay, Jr., Esq.
CITY SOLICITOR SECOND ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
David T. Gay, Esq.
SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
November 9, 2022
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Council President Phillip Duarte
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Re: Section 383-15 of the City Ordinances regarding snow and ice removal by property
owners abutting sidewalks.
Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council President Duarte and Members of the Municipal
Council:
Section 383-15 of the City Ordinances requires occupants, tenants, or owners of
real estate bordering any sidewalk on any public or private way in the Business District
or Central Business District to remove snow and ice from such sidewalk, and states
certain requirements relative to such removal. A copy of the existing Ordinance is
enclosed with this letter.
On June 7, 2011 the City accepted chapter 40U of the Massachusetts General
Laws. Section 5 of chapter 40U contains requirements for ordinances regulating snow
and ice removal from sidewalks in cities.
There are two aspects of the statute that the City Ordinance does not presently
comply with. First, the statute provides that snow and ice removal must be the
responsibility of the owner under a municipal ordinance but our Ordinance places
responsibilities on tenants and occupants. Second , the ordinance does not clearly
specify "the width of the area to be cleared" as required by the statute.
1
JJ
Based on the above, the City Ordinance regarding snow and ice removal should
be revised to (1) specify that snow and ice removal is the responsibility of the owner
(and delete references to tenants and occupants); and (2) specify the width of sidewalks
that must be cleared. Another aspect of the Ordinance the Council may, in its
discretion, wish to review is whether to expand the zoning districts where owners must
remove snow and ice from sidewalks from the present Business and Central Business
Districts to others, such as Highway Business, Urban Residential, etc.
This issue was presented in a previous letter by City Solicitor Buffington in April
of 2015, which is enclosed for your reference. The pertinent Ordinance and statute
have not changed since that time and the present Law Department concurs with what
was stated in the 2015 letter.
We respectfully request that this matter be referred to the Committee on
Ordinances and Enrolled Bills in order for the Council to determine what changes will be
made to the Ordinance, including specifying the width of sidewalks that must be
cleared, that clearing of sidewalks is the owner's responsibility, and any other revisions
the Council deems appropriate.
MJC:tmg
Enclosures
2
11/3/22, 10:29 AM City of Taunton, MA Removal of snow and ice required.
/j
City of Taunton, MA
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Chapter 383. Streets and Sidewalks
Article I. General Regulations
§ 383-15. Removal of snow and ice required.
[Amended 2-9-1965; 8-8-2000]
The tenant, occupant and, in case there is no tenant or occupant, the owner or other person having the
care of any building or lot of land bordering on any sidewalk on any public or private way located in any
area designated as a business district or central business district by any zoning ordinance of the City
shall cause the snow and ice to be removed from such sidewalk. If the snow ceases falling in the day it
shall be removed within four hours thereafter, and if it ceases falling in the nighttime it shall be removed
before 11 :00 a.m. of the succeeding day, and all ice formed upon any sidewalk in such streets as may
be so designated, or otherwise deposited thereon, shall be removed within 24 hours after the same is
so formed or deposited unless within such time the sidewalk is otherwise rendered safe for travel. The
penalty for the violation of this section shall be a fine not in excess of $50 for each violation.
https://ecode360.com/print/TA3214 ?gu id=29007123 1/1
City of Taunton
1
Ii
LAVI DEPARTMENT
141 Oak Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397
Thomas C. Hoye, Jr. Jason D. Buffington
MAYOR CITY SOLICITOR
Daniel F. de Abreu
ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
April 14, 2015
Honorable Mayor Thomas C. Hoye, Jr.
Members of the Taunton Municipal Council
141 Oak Street
Taunton MA 02780
RE: Snow and ice removal legislation
Dear Mayor Hoye and Members of the Municipal Council:
While reviewing the ordinance book with the City Clerk in conjunction with the
upcoming recodification of city ordinances, we discovered an issue with snow and ice
removal legislation that we believe warrants your attention.
Section 20-20 of the Revised Ordinances, a copy of which is attached, is the City's
present snow and ice removal ordinance. Although there has been much discussion in the
past few years on this topic, no new ordinances have been actually been passed on this topic
since August 8, 2000.
In 2010, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted Chapter 40U of the Massachusetts
General Laws. This chapter was accepted by the City by vote of the Municipal Council on
June 7, 2011. Section 5 of'Ghapter 40U provides as follows:
A municipality shall by ordinances ... provide for the removal of
snow and ice from sidewalks within such portions of the
municipality as they consider expedient by the owner of land
abutting.such..sidewalks. Such ordinances ... shall determine .the
time and manner of removal and shall affix penalties, not
exceeding $200, for each such violation. Such ordinances ... shall
be specific as to the width of the area to be cleared and the
standards for clearance.
JS
There is, therefore, a legal requirement that the City (1) have snow and ice removal
ordinances, (2) that requires the owners of land abutting sidewalks to be responsible for
clearance, (3) that determines which areas of the City the ordinances shall apply to, (4) that
determir.ies...the .t~me,;;i.nd"maA~er·tl'lat-removal must be made, (5) that affixes penalties for
non-compliance, (6) that specifies the width of the areas to be cleared, and (7) that specifies
the standards for clearance. In reviewing the City's existing snow and ice removal ordinance,
it would appear that it does not fully comply with G.L. c. 40U, § 5, and therefore must be
revised.
At a minimum, the existing ordinance does not comply because (a) it would appear
to require tenants and occupants, and not necessarily the owners of the land abutting
sidewalks, to clear snow and ice, and (b) it does not specify the width of areas to be cleared ..
There may be other revisions desirable to the Municipal Council as well.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
\--~
(~a~~ D. Buffington, Es~.~
\ ...__Cit~Solicitor
'.·..,;·
//p
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street· Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
BUDGET DIRECTOR
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL
November 10, 2022
Council President Phillip Duarte
Members of the Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Duarte and Members of the Taunton Municipal Council;
I am writing to provide an update to Council and to City residents regarding the Mashpee Wampanoag
Tribe. On October 24, 2022, the Gaming Authority advertised two RFP's for an Owner's Representative
and for Construction Management. The statement below was issued by the Tribe.
The City of Taunton is also in communication with legal counsel for the Tribe in facilitating the payments
due to the City under the IGA Agreement previously signed. We will continue to provide updates as
needed.
Respectfully,
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Gaming Authority Releases RFP for Owner's Representative and Construction
Management
In coordination with TERO, the Gaming Authority is advertising two RFPs - one is for Owner's Rep
and a second for Construction Management.
The two RFPs continue our Tribe on a path of growth, progression, and opportunity while revitalizing
the economic future for the City of Taunton in Southeastern Massachusetts, as well as our great state.
These RFPs allow us to explore many different options for economic development on our sovereign
land, including options for a casino. The Gaming Authority is assembling a team to explore our options
and determine which will be best for the Tribe.
If you have general questions about the project, please get in touch with Executive Administrative
Assistant Amber Tubbs at Amber.Tubbs@mwtribe-nsn.gov.
City of Taunton 11
LAW DEPARTMENT
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397
Shaunna O'Connell Peter F. Winters, Esq.
MAYOR FIRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Thomas P. Gay, Jr., Esq.
CITY SOLICITOR SECOND ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
David T. Gay, Esq.
SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
November 10, 2022
Council President Phillip Duarte
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Re: Request to meet in Executive Session.
Dear Council President Duarte and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Law Department is respectfully requesting that the Municipal Council meet in
Executive Session on November 15, 2022 to review an internal investigation/potential
litigation with the City Solicitor and the Chief Financial Officer. The reason for the
request to have the Executive Session on November 15, 2022 is that this is a time
sensitive matter. Details will be provided in the Executive Session.
~ ()_C,..
Matthew J. cosQ'Esquire,
City Solicitor
MJC:tmg
znzz tmv 10 A 11= 22
NOVEMBER 15, 2022
Honorable Shaunna L. 0' Connell, Mayor ___ ___ C!TY CLERK
Council President Phillip E. Duarte
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at
5:30 PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester
R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
5:30 PM
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES
1. Meet to review the weekly voucher and payrolls for City departments.
2. Meet to discuss requests for funding/transfers
a. Request from the Superintendent of Buildings to fund $25,000 to account 01-493-5100-
5109.
3. Meet with the CFO and Human Resources Director to discuss executive office salaries.
4. Meet with the CFO and the Budget Director for a quarterly, capital, and ARPA update.
Please note: A "meeting" ofthe entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE
1. Meet to discuss the proposed Host Community Agreement for Medicine Man Solutions, LLC
for a marijuana retail establishment at 597 Winthrop Street.
2. Meet to discuss public input.
Please note: A "meeting" ofthe entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
Respectfully,
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Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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