City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · December 13, 2022
Minutes
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City ofrtaunton
:M.unicipa{Council:M.eetina :M.inutes
City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, rtaunton, ~
In the Chester~ :M.artin :M.unicipa{Council Cham6ers
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:Minutes, (})ecem6er 13, 2022 at 7: 14 O'cfoc~/P.:M..
~gufar 9.1.eeting
9.1.ayor Snaunna £. O'Conne([presiding
<Prayer was offered 6y tli.e 9.1.ayor
Councilor Sanrfers offered a moment of sifence for tli.e recent passing of 9.1.arfa Isaac.
Sli.e was a longtime environmentaEist. She served on tli.e Conservation Commission anrf
was very acti've in the community introducing our chilifren anrf adu{ts to animals tnat
tli.ey wouUf otli.erwise nave never Wan ~erience with. 'We wi([ a([ miss her terri6Cy.
'Their thoughts andprayers are with Ii.erfami{y.
<Present at ro([ ca([were: Councilors (J'oste{[, Quinta( Sanders, Coute,
(J'ottier, 9.1.cCau( <.Borges, (J)uarte anrf(J)ooner
Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public. There was nobody present to speak.
Hearings:
NONE
Communications from the Mayor:
Mayor 0' Connell said tonight we have a special presentation. She invited their guests to
the conference table. She said they are very excited about this presentation for the new
public safety facility. There are many reasons why this community needs and deserves a
new public safety facility. Our central fire departments is one of the, if not the oldest
continuously running fire department in the country. Which is something of course we
can be proud of but, this also presents many challenges. Our police have been housed in
temporary facilities for 45-years. So she thinks we have stretched out the word temporary
long enough. Our facilities are outdated. They have extraordinary maintenance needs and
there is no space for them. Particularly, in our police department where they know that
there have been closets turned into offices. Our first responders deserve a facility that has
the space and the equipment that they need to do the hard work that they do for this
community every single day. Also, our community deserves a new public safety facility
that allows them to provide the highest level of public safety services that they can.
Constructing a new safety facility was a priority for them coming into this office. Today
we are well on our way to reaching that goal. They have purchased land at 90 County
Street, hired an owner's project manager and architects, and conducted a fire study. Both
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chiefs and union memberships have been deeply involved in this process. They have
finished the preliminary space needs assessments. Tonight you will hear from the OPM,
Dan Pallotta, and the architects as they present the building program which is where they
begin to see everything take shape. This is one step in the design phase. It is not the final
product. A project like this does not happen without the hard work and collaboration of
many people. She gave thanks to our City team including Chief Walsh and Chief
Bradshaw. Also, to their staff, the CEO and our Advisory Committee. They have put in a
ton of hours into this to get us to this spot where we are today. Also, thanks to Dan
Pallotta at P3, Jim Hanifan at Caolo & Bieniek and their teams for doing the work to
meet their timeline. She also gave her appreciation to the City Council for their support
on this project. Project Manager Daniel Pallotta with P3, Jim Hanifan with Caolo &
Bieniek Associates, Architect John MacMillan with Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Chief of
Police Ed Walsh with Taunton Police, Captain Levine with Taunton Fire Department,
Chief Tim Bradshaw with Taunton Fire Department and CFO Patrick Dello Russo all
introduced themselves. Mr. Pallotta said they have a short presentation with a lot of
information. As the Mayor indicated, there has been a lot of work, by a lot of people, with
a lot of input and a lot of back and forth between the cities departments, the designers and
the OPM team. This is by no means the final design of the public safety facility but it
does represent a giant leap forward for the project so they can get a handle on the size of
the project to begin the process of the next step. They will go through the next steps at the
end of the presentation. Mr. Hanifan gave the presentation for the new public safety
complex. Mr. Pallotta said the next presentation will be financial in nature and will
involve renderings of what the project will look like, what materials will be used, more
details on the facades and on the volume of the building. The plans of the building will
stay relatively the same until the appropriation. After the appropriation all the little nuts
and bolts that have to go into the building will literally go over room to room with each
department and make sure they have everything each room needs. That is called design
development. When they complete design development, they are kind of done with
questions and changes and go into what's called bid-set construction documents. That's
where they walkout with thick documents, binders of specifications, every little
doorknob, security features, HVAC system, structural steel details, fayade details,
window details and things of that nature. Those meetings will come after the financial
meeting. The next meeting will be financial and what the actual facility will look like.
Councilor Dooner thanked them all for coming in and also thanked the Chiefs. She said
this is so long overdue. Everybody in this room knows that and understands that. She
appreciates everyone coming in and the transparent process that has happened between
everyone. She knows while they are meeting, the architects are drawing. She is looking
forward to this and hopes it comes to fruition sooner than later. Mayor O'Connell thanked
Councilor Dooner and Councilor Postell who are on the Advisory Committee, for their
time and commitment. Councilor Postell said not to reinforce anything that has already
been said but, this is a much needed project that has been long overdue. He has to say,
thus far, he has been very impressed with the team that has been put together. Especially,
the project manager and the architectural consultants. In terms of meeting these
deadlines, this is a fast track and they all have been on this fast roller-coaster ride but, he
will say, even with the fast track with the team and the input from the department's
individual, there has not been much that hasn't been overlooked or missed. If it has been,
it has been addressed immediately. Being a part of this has been a very rewarding
experience. He is very excited to see how this team has worked to provide our public
safety professionals, as well as our community. This is a much needed infrastructure to
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meet the needs and demands, changes and challenges that this City will continue facing.
He said if he can help with anything, then he would be more than willing to help and
answer any questions as well. Councilor Borges gave her thanks for the presentation. She
thanked Chief Walsh for doing a show on TCAM regarding the history of the Taunton
Police Station. She recommended people to watch the show. She is happy to see the Fire
Department have their education building on the presentation. She asked first, if Taunton
ever wanted to host Regional 911, would this be something that they would be able to
accommodate in this building. Second, as they make all these improvements to County
Street, is it possible that they put the curb cuts and things that are necessary for this
project in now so they are not cutting up the road and doing these things later on. She
thanked the team. Mr. Pallotta said the work that will be needed on County Street related
to water and sewer is based on flows and designs and they are not there yet. These
designs are just not at that point. That comes at design development. So, if the street gets
delayed a little bit they will beat it but, he doesn't believe they will. He thinks they will
probably be putting their utilities in County Street. In regards to the Regional 911 Mr.
Dello Russo said he thinks that's more of a policy question. He thinks the important thing
to know is that it can be accommodated in the design. It doesn't mean that it is in or out.
He doesn't think they are ready to discuss that. This presentation is about showing the
space that has been requested by Police and Fire which, he feels they demonstrated that
this evening. Councilor Borges said she wasn't looking for a yes or no, she just wanted to
know if those are still discussions that are being had. Mayor O'Connell said Councilor
Borges is talking about a Regional 911 were we host other communities. She doesn't
believe that it was included in the presentation. Mr. Dello Russo said that is correct.
Councilor Postell said just as a point of information on that, he believes that question was
something he asked at the Advisory Committee and he was told that, this communication
center would be able to house up to 8-work stations. That's quite a bit of work stations
(dispatch terminals). He thinks that's pretty impressive. Councilor Pottier asked about the
blue line that is mentioned as a retaining wall on the plans, is that a part of the property so
it couldn't be used as anything public. Mr. MacMillan said there is a change of grade
there as the land slopes. They normally cannot build within a wetlands. They can build
within certain perimeter of the buffer zone around a wetland. The plans show a 25ft.
buffer and maybe something larger. Typically the 25ft. buffer around the wetland is a no
build zone. Councilor Pottier asked is the City owned property otherwise known as the
Plunka property, is that also wet or buildable and do they have access to that property. Mr.
MacMillan said they haven't had that study as far as wetlands but there are wetland
shown on some of the DEP maps in that area. Councilor Pottier said just to get it straight
in his mind, it almost looks like they are building the public safety complex on top of the
Villa Fatima building. Mr. MacMillan said very close. Discussion continued about what
will be offered at this facility. Councilor McCaul expressed how excited he is and
thanked the team and the Administration. Councilor McCaul asked if there is going to be
any kind of Police training at the facility. Chief Walsh said no, not at this location. They
had a discussion based upon cost estimates that the City could potentially afford. They
have a training facility offsite right now and the current plan is to keep it there and not
move it. Councilor McCaul asked if that would also be the firing range. Chief Walsh said
no, there will not be a firing range at this facility. They are currently having a discussion
about buying a piece of property for a firing range. Councilor McCaul inquired about
drones and helicopters. Chief Walsh said one of the discussions they had was about
weight. He believes this building is being built for the future. So, in 10 to 40 years,
utilization of drones is increasing. Also, law enforcement is increasing across public
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safety. They discussed possibly being able to handle a helicopter. Councilor McCaul
asked what would be in the fire training center. Chief Bradshaw said there would be
things such as bum buildings, separate levels, props that would allow them to put
plywood down, different ladder drills, pretty much advancing lines through differerit
floors and anything they can do to simulate what they do in real life. Councilor McCaul
asked about classrooms. Chief Bradshaw said there is going to be joint classrooms in the
common area of the building. Councilor Sanders thanked the team for the presentation
and requested the plans larger in size the next time around. Councilor Sanders wanted to
echo Councilor Borges's question, about at least making sure they have the capacity to do
a Regional 911 in-house if it was decided that that's the path they choice to take. He
knows it's not a policy discussion today but, he doesn't want to hear 6-months to a year
from now that "oh that's a good idea but too bad we don't have the space". Chief Walsh
said the communication room will have 8-desks in it, which is twice what they have now.
Councilor Sanders wanted to emphasize his concern around the wetlands and the Taunton
River in that area. Especially, due to lots of chemicals that will need to be contained,
processed and etc. He wanted to hear more specifically how they are going to manage to
hold on to it and not seep into wetlands or the Taunton River. Mr. Hanifan said what is
planned right now in this early phase, the training building has an impervious area were
water and materials can be collected and treated. Discussion continued. Mayor O'Connell
said she is sure they have dealt with these types of issues previously when building other
facilities and there are certain EPA and DEP standards that they have to adhere to. They
replied yes, books and books of them. Motion was made to make the presentation a
part of the record and post on the City's website. So voted. Mayor O'Connell stated as
they move forward, they are going to be sure they do regular presentations as they said
they would. Also, to include the Chief's and the Union's just like they said they would in
all of their discussions. They are being transparent with the whole entire process just
because they want the community to be engaged, everyone to understand the needs and
why they are doing this, and how much it's going to benefit the community. She wanted
to mention on these plans, there are certain spaces that will be added and taken out. This
isn't a done deal right now, sort of speak. They will be looking into spaces they need, as
well as spaces they don't need. Councilor Postell said the Public Safety website is up and
running which is https://www.taunton-ma.gov/688/Public-Safety-Complex-Project. All
the information will be on this website. Motion was made to excuse the parties with
the Council's thanks. So voted.
Mayor O'Connell said she just wanted to add that City Hall will be closed for Christmas
Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 261h.
Appointments:
NONE
Communications from City Officers:
Com. from the City Clerk regarding appointment of Krystal Dion as Assistant City Clerk.
Motion was made to approve. So voted. The City Clerk swore in Krystal Dion as
Assistant City Clerk.
Com. from the City Engineer in response to the motion that was made on November 29,
2022 at the Council meeting during public input to address the Highland Heights
subdivision drainage as it pertains to the property at 24 Knight Street. As the submitted
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plan indicated, the property is divided by the Cobb Brook. The deed indicates there is an
easement in favor of David St. Germain, Sr. that was created in December of 1975. The
purpose of said easement is for a right of way and for drainage purposes. The design of
the subdivision was to contain all of the streets and other impervious areas to collect in
the detention basin. The detention basin is located on parcel 91-358, #65 Bridget Drive,
and is part of the subdivision. The basin was designed to accommodate a 100-year storm
event. The influence of the drainage overflow has on the subject property is minimal and
could be argued that it may be less impactful than prior to construction. As far as the
issues of flooding, that is something the City has little control over. The Cobb Brook is
long, narrow and fairly shallow meandering waterway. The City has periodically
addressed certain issues with the Cobb Brook and will continue to explore solutions.
Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department in response to Hart Street's
crosswalk. After speaking with the City Engineer, he was told that all crosswalks whether
temporary or permanent, require curb cuts and curb ramps in order to comply with
MassDOT and 521 CMR 21.00. He attached a copy of 521 CMR 21.00. At this time,
Hart Street in the area of Poole Street, does not have any crosswalks. He is not sure if this
intersection is going to be addressed with the new Bristol Plymouth building. If the city
wants to place a temporary crosswalk on Hart Street, it must be in compliance. Councilor
Borges said this is something she is currently working with the Office of Economic &
Community Development, the CFO and the DPW. Motion was made to refer to the
Office of Economic & Community Development, the CFO, Department of Public
Works and the Committee of the Department of Public Works. So voted. Councilor
Borges added this was a request she received from a constituent. She had the Safety
Office to go look at the crosswalk and it triggered off ADA issues. In the meantime, she
was addressing the constituent that had the concerns. They are having meetings internally
right now regarding this intersection with the CFO and the Office of Economic &
Community Development to possibly get money from SRPEDD and maybe make that
project a TIP project. There is a lot of things happening before it even comes to the DPW
for discussion.
Com. from the Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department in response to speeding on
Alanita Drive and Craven Court. On November 11, 2022 he placed the Black Cat II Plus
Radar box in front of 131 Craven Court and 145 Alanita Drive. The unposted speed limit
on Craven Court is thickly settled 30-mph. The radar recorded on Craven Court counted
873-vehicles. The average speed recorded was 23-mph. The highest speed recorded was
36-mph. The radar unit recorded 3-vehicles traveling 35-mph to 40-mph. The unposted
speed limit on Alanita Drive is thickly settled 30-mph. The radar recorded on Alanita
Drive counted 417-vehicles with an average speed of 21-mph. The highest speed
recorded was 31-mph. The radar unit recorded 0-vehicles traveling greater than 31-mph.
At this time, he doesn't believe that speeding is an issue on Alanita Drive or Craven
Court. A separate packet was issued. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So
voted.
Com. from the Executive Director of Retirement notifying of the election results for the
Taunton Retirement Board recently held on November 10, 2022, to fill one of the elected
member terms on the board. Incumbent, Thomas A. Bernier was re-elected to the board
for a term of January 1, 2023 thru December 31, 2025. At the meeting of the Retirement
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Board on November 30, 2022, the board voted to certify the election results. The list of
member's terms were listed. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the City Solicitor requesting for an Executive Session to discuss potential
lease by the City of an approximately 4-acre area at the landfill site, 3960 East Britannia
Street (Assessors' parcels 39-434 and 39-433A). The basis for the Executive Session
would be to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property if the chair
declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating of the
public body, pursuant to MGL c. 30A Section 21(a)(6). Motion was made to refer to
the Committee of Public Property. So voted.
Com. from Senator Marc Pacheco informing that within the 2022 Economic
Development Bill, he secured an earmark of $500,000.00 for Taunton Memorial Park and
$500,000.00 for Lake Sabbatia. Please be advised that these funds secured for Memorial
Park are contingent upon the matching of funds from the City of Taunton. Mayor
O'Connell said this is excellent news. They are very excited about these earmarks. They
actually did not learn about them until they saw it on the agenda. Coincidentally, previous
to learning about the Memorial Park earmark, had an internal meeting, devised and
agreed on a plan to fund $2.5-million for that park for a full design and reconstruction. So
this $500,000.00 will be added to that. That will help with this project. As far as Lake
Sabbatia, this is also great news. They have been working on cleaning up Lake Sabbatia
for over a year now. They appropriated $500,000.00. They have already expended some
of that money. So with that, they cannot get that back. The remaining money which is
about $345,000.00 they will be appropriated to other capital improvement projects that
they are planning on funding. They will actually be rolling out their capital improvement
plan in January to the Council and the community. She thinks people are really going to
be thrilled with what they see. Councilor Pottier said since the administration is fully on
top of it, he is fully comfortable with receiving and placing on file. However, he wanted
to add the Council's thanks to the Senator and the delegation for this great news. Motion
was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from Jeff McCue, Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources Officer,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resource Division regarding information
relative to Civil Service promotions. Councilor Borges said this is something she had
placed on the agenda. It had come up last week in the Fires and Wires Committee but it
was hot off the press. There was no discussion on it and only one sentence was read. She
has already talked to the Chief and the Chair of the Committee on Fires and Wires. They
are going to add this to their Committee. Motion was made to refer to the Committee
on Fires and Wires. So voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE
Petitions:
Class II License RENEWAL
1. A T.N.T. Auto Sales located at 391 Winthrop Street, Taunton.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police
Chief. So voted.
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Class IV License RENEWAL
1. ET Auto LLC-dba- Euro Tech Auto located at 420 Broadway, Taunton.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police
Chief. So voted.
Hours of Operation License - RENEWAL
1. Joe's Diner, Inc. located at 51 Broadway, Taunton.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police
Chief. So voted.
Claim
Claim submitted by Ashley Fuentes-Rivera, 17 Highland Court, Taunton seeking
reimbursement for damages to her automobile from hitting metal pieces and a cylinder on
the roadway on Plain Street near the railroad tracks. (Already referred to the Law
Department and DPW)
Personal Kennel License - NEW
Petition submitted by Janet Ellis, 376 Tremont Street, Taunton, MA for a NEW Grade 1
(4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 376 Tremont
Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule a Public
Hearing. So voted.
Miscellaneous
Petition submitted by Robert Asack, 96 Sachem Rock Ave., E. Bridgewater, MA for a
Special Permit to allow a 10-unit group home with a parking waiver at 74 Weir Street
located in the Central Business District. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to
schedule a Public Hearing. So voted.
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:
Information only, Councilor Coute said there were two applicant's that applied for the
Superintendent of Buildings position. One is not going to be able to interview due to a
conflict. The other one is out of the Country until after the holidays. The Human
Resources Director is going to re-advertise that position because we don't even have two
people to interview. The policy requires for at least two. They will re-post the position for
14-days and then they will be regrouping. Hopefully, by then they will have more than
one person to interview or they would have to raise the salary if nobody applies.
Councilor Borges made a motion to receive an update from the Committee on
Public Properties on the Taunton Nursing Home. So voted.
Councilor Borges made a motion to receive an update on the First Light casino from
the Law Department. So voted.
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Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to Committee on Police and License an
update on our Regional 911. So voted.
Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions:
NONE
New Business:
Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the DPW and the Committee on
Ordinances and Enrolled Bills a meeting to discuss a policy perhaps an Ordinance,
regarding whether or not a homeowner is responsible to tie into a stub once their
septic system fails. There doesn't seem to be a policy in place in the City of Taunton
for this. So voted.
Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the Committee of the Department of
Public Works a discussion regarding easements. The City of Taunton currently has
no policy or ordinance regarding any type of easement. Whether it be gas or electric.
So voted. She said she is starting with the Committee of the Department of Public Works
because that's where she thinks it needs to start. Eventually it will get to the Committee
on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. They have had some issues were they don't have any
policy's in place and she thinks it's something that we need to have in place. She would
be happy to provide the Law Department and the Committee on the Department of Public
Works with other community's information that she has had done research on that have
an Ordinance on easements.
Councilor Borges made a motion to invite the TMLP General Manager to the
Committee of the Needs of the TMLP the discussion on the initiatives that currently
the TMLP has going on for becoming net zero in 2050. So voted.
Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the Mayor's Office to have a
conversation with our Congressman regarding the Eldridge Street building as to
what is happening at this building and if there is a plan for the City to acquire the
building and provide an update. So voted.
Meeting adjourned at 8:22 P.M.
A true copy:
Attest:
JLL/KLD
9
City of Taunton
Municipal Council
December 13, 2022
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The Committee on Finance and Salaries _.,,.., :~~f·_
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The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,~ 02:780 ipjhe ·ci
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ ..
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Pottier and McCaul. Also
present was Budget Director Gill Enos.
The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM.
·i. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payrolls for City departments.
MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount of $4,198,999.61. So voted.
MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $3,991,309.92. So voted.
2. Meet to discuss a request from the Fire Chief to pay prior year bills totaling $7,529.84.
MOTION: Approve payment of prior year invoices to TMLP totaling $4092.78 and transfer
funds from account number 01-220-5200-5211 to account number 01-220-5520-5211. So voted.
MOTION: Approve payment of a medical invoice of $112.89 and transfer funds from account
number 01-220-5200-5301 to account number 01-220-5520-5301. So voted.
Reading from a letter from Fire Chief Tim Bradshaw, Councilor Duarte referenced a suggestion
from the Chief that the Council look at language in section 4.2 Travel Allowance and Employee
Reimbursable Expense Ordinance.
MOTION: Approve payment of educational and personal reimbursements totaling $3324.17
and transfer $92.12 from account number 01-220-5200-5442 to 01-220-5520-5442 and $3232.05
from account number 01-220-5200-5588 to 01-220-5520-5588. Refer the issue referenced in the
Fire Chief's letter to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. So voted.
The meeting adjourned at 5:43.PM.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF TAUNTON
DEC i 3 2022
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Maggie E. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees
RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
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10
City of Taunton
Municipal Council ·~ ..
December 13, 2022 .· .· l'l
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The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills . ·;~<
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The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, M$ 02180 inJY.e ~
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Chester R. Martin Municip' al Council Chambers. ~ .:.:_ 0
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Present were Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman, and Councilors Dooner and McCaul.
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 PM.
1. Meet to discuss request for an ordinance on nuisance trees.
Councilor Sanders indicated that this ordinance was requested some time ago. He recently met
with the Law Department and it was recommended that this is a private party matter.
MOTION: Dispense of this item from the agenda. So voted.
2. Meet to discuss ordinance regarding Imes for use of fireworks.
Councilor Sanders indicated that he had spoken to the City Solicitor and to the Chief of Police
who informed him that there are enforceable State laws on the books and any ordinance would
be duplicating current State law. He suggested that a motion be made removing this item from
the Committee's agenda.
Councilor McCaul expressed his desire to look into this further. He indicated that he had looked
into other Cities and Towns with larger fines and made a motion:
MOTION: Refer this item to the Committee on Police and License to look at fines.
Councilor McCaul stressed that they had received numerous complaints about fireworks and he
would like to take some action like he has seen in other communities.
Councilor Dooner indicated that she believes that State law already governs this issue but she
will support Councilor McCaul's request that this be looked at more closely by the Committee
on Police and License. She doesn't know what can be done that would override State law.
Councilor Pottier wondered if municipalities can enact stricter guidelines then those of the State
and suggested that the Law Department look at this concern as he would not want to enact
something that the State trumps.
Councilor Borges questioned the goals of sending this to Police and License and is not clear on
what would be gained.
Councilor Postell indicated that he would be interested in the answer but does not believe that the
Council can trump Mass General Laws. He doesn't, however, object to having a discussion.
11
Page Two
December 13, 2022
The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills - Continued
Councilor Sanders reiterated that he had spoken to the Chief who indicated that State law is
sufficient and advised against an Ordinance.
Councilor McCaul indicated that State law does not specify fine amounts.
Councilor Dooner suggested that referral to the Law Department be added to the motion and
Councilor McCaul agreed.
Councilor Borges stated that this is already illegal as defined by Mass General Law.
Councilor Duarte stated that there are fines outlined in Mass General Law but that the issue is
enforcement.
REVISED MOTION: Refer this matter to the Committee on Police and License and to the Law
Department.
Councilor Sanders indicated his intent to remove this from the agenda for the Committee on
Ordinances and Emolled Bills but that it could be referred back if deemed necessary.
So voted.
3. Meet to discuss request for an ordinance requiring cannabis businesses to report
progress every 180 days.
Councilor Sanders reported that he met with the Law Department and that the Law Department
had already suggested that this be part of the permitting process.
MOTION: Remove from the Committee's agenda. So voted.
The meeting adjourned at 5:58 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF TAUNTON
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DEC 13 2022
Maggie'£. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees
REP- RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
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12
City of Taunton
Municipal Council l ,._,
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December 13, 2022
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The Committee of the Council as a Whole c. ;~ : N
.•.-1 :,r.
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, ~02ijo in1fi.e
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ lt:'
~ c;
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman, and Councilors Dooner, Borges, McCaul,
Pottier, Coute, Sanders, Quintal, and Postell. Also present were Bob Campbell, Holly Palmgren,
Joe Sgroi, and Jean Fox from the MBTA South Coast Rail project.
The meeting was called to order at 6:09 PM.
1. Meet with MBTA representatives for an update on the South Coast Rail.
Jean Fox, the director of Community Engagement for the South Coast Rail project, and the team
gave a brief presentation. She indicated that the project is on time and on budget. The Fall River
line is almost 87% complete and the Middleboro/New Bedford line is about 60% complete. In
spring of2022 the project reached the midpoint of construction as expected. Off-site traffic
mitigation, which includes intersection and road work, was discussed. It was noted that the
Taunton station would have a center island platform. Most stations are basic and consistent. The
Taunton station will have approximately 500 parking spaces. She also reported that there will be
16 bi-level coaches.
Ms. Fox touched on the benefits of the new lines after 60 years of no commuter rail service to the
area. Commuters will have a reliable transit connection to other economic hubs. She also
mentioned the benefit of the reciprocal piece.
There was discussion on the noise mitigation program. Analysis was completed and a list was
developed that identified a list of dwellings with severe impacts. These are entitled to some level
of funding for windows, vegetation, insulation, etc. In Taunton there were 11 eligible units and 9
responded. There has been an excellent participation rate with overall acceptance of about 70%.
Safety concerns were discussed. Ms. Fox stressed that with the upgraded tracks the speed of
trains will increase. Trespassing is a concern with the fast moving trains. They have developed
informational videos for elementary school, middle school, high school, and the general public.
The goal is to make sure people know the associated danger. Next year, there will be a big drill
for public safety officers.
Community outreach was also covered. There are 5000 subscribers to the weekly update. There
are hotlines for construction, offsite traffic mitigation, and noise mitigation. They encourage
people to reach out.
13
Page Two
December 13, 2022
The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued
Councilor Pottier asked if both the Fall River and New Bedford line trains will stop in Taunton
every run and the team informed him that yes, and the result will be 12 stops daily in Taunton.
Mr. Pottier brought up the concern of suicide by train. He asked if Phase 2 is still a
consideration and the team told him it is still being considered. Ms. Fox pointed out that phase 1
builds 56% of the track required for the Stoughton line.
Councilor McCaul stressed his concern with safety as there may be homeless camped near the
tracks. He suggested that the team reach out to Charlene Bonenfant in the Department of Human
Services. He indicated his belief that, long range, housing near the stations will be key.
Councilor Sanders asked what the rider experience will be like, including fares, schedules, etc.
Ms. Fox indicated that she does not have all of the details on fares and schedules yet but from the
Lakeville Station it is just under an hour into South Station and about 90 minutes from New
Bedford. Councilor Sanders asked how many street crossings were going to be in Taunton and
was informed that there would be crossings at Old Colony Ave., Middleboro Ave, and Route
140. He asked about mitigation for "moderate" impacts and the team informed him that FTA
guidance was used to identify severe impacts. He asked if they would be able to provide some
guidance to homes where the impact was moderate and the team indicated that is something that
they could do. Plantings were mentioned as a possible remediation.
Councilor Borges suggested that the team reach out to GATCH (Greater Attleboro/Taunton
Coalition to End Homelessness) as they have public outreach all the time and they develop an
action plan every year and might be helpful.
MOTION: Open public input. So voted.
Dave Littlefield of 192 Erin Road, East Taunton shared his concerns. He asked how fast the
trains would be traveling through the intersections and it was indicated that the tracks are
designed to handle up to 80 mph but trains do have to slow down through the crossings. Mr.
Littlefield indicated that he has researched "quiet zones" as he would like to minimize the horn
noise and have less of an impact on that area. He mentioned the possibility of quad gates. Ms.
Fox indicated that quad gates are only one piece of a quiet zone and that the MBTA frowns upon
them. He asked how late the trains would run and it was noted that, while the primary focus is
for commuters, there could be a late train, but, there is not yet a schedule.
MOTION: Close public input. So voted.
Councilor McCaul asked when the time frame for participating in the mitigation program would
end and Ms. Fox indicated that it will be wrapping up by spring. He asked if interested parties
would need an attorney and Ms. Fox told him that they would work with the consultant and no
14
Page Three
December 13, 2022
The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued
attorney is necessary. She further indicated that the funding level is based on decibels for that
location. The noise hotline was identified as 617-449-7387.
Councilor Borges suggested a meeting in East Taunton and Ms. Fox indicated that she would be
agreeable.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF T,4,l'~l10N
ft~;__'- !'_ [{clv1__f,v_,
DEC 1. 3 2022
Maggie E. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees
RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
~
15
CITY OF TAUNTON
ORDER#ll
FY 2023
~ ~ Cowud . . . . . . . . . . . P..~.g~.M.~~R.P,..~9.n ........ 20..............
THE SUM OF SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY NINE DOLLARS AND EIGHTY
FOUR CENTS ($7,529.84) BE AND HEREBY IS TRANSFERRED AS FOLLOWS:
$4092.78 FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-220-5200-5211 TO ACCOUNT
NUMBER 01-220-5520-5211 (PRIOR YEAR)
$112.89 FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-220-5200-5301 TO ACCOUNT
NUMBER 01-220-5520-5301 (PRIOR YEAR)
$92.12 FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-220-5200-5442 TO ACCOUNT
NUMBER 01-220-5520-5442 (PRIOR YEAR).
$3232.05 FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-220-5200-5588 TO ACCOUNT
NUMBER 01-220-5520-5588 (PRIOR YEAR)
................................................................ ~k£.
Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
DECEMBER 13, 2022 - 7:00 PM
INVOCATION
ROLL CALL City Clerk's Office
RECORDS Notice of Posting
Time: /1).'tfR!f.f!J
PUBLIC INPUT
• Comments will be received for the record Date:~d/
• 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
HEARING: NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
• Public Safety Facility Presentation
• Community Update
APPOINTMENTS - NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from City Clerk - Appointment of Assistant City Clerk
Pg. 2-3 Com. from City Engineer - Response on 24 Knight Street, Taunton
Pg. 4-8 Com. from Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department - Response on Hart
Street Crosswalk
Pg.9 Com. from Safety Officer, Taunton Police Department - Response to
Speeding on Alanita Drive and Craven Court (SEPARATE PACKETS)
Pg. 10 Com. from Executive Director of Retirement - Notifying of Election
Results
Pg. 11 Com. from City Solicitor - Request for Executive Session to Discuss
Potential Lease of Real Estate by the City Of Taunton
Pg. 12 Com. from Senator Marc Pacheco - Notifying of Funding Secured for
Taunton
Pg. 13-14 Com. from JeffMcCue, Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources
Officer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resource Division -
Information Relative to Civil Service
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Class II License RENEWAL
1. A T.N.T. Auto Sales located at 391 Winthrop Street, Taunton
Class IV License RENEWAL
1. ET Auto LLC-dba- Euro Tech Auto located at 420 Broadway, Taunton
Hours of Operation License - RENEWAL
1. Joe's Diner, Inc. located at 51 Broadway, Taunton
Claim
Claim submitted by Ashley Fuentes-Rivera, 17 Highland Court, Taunton seeking
reimbursement for damages to her automobile from hitting metal pieces and a cylinder on
the roadway on Plain Street near the railroad tracks. (Already referred to the Law
Department and DPW)
Personal Kennel License - NEW
Petition submitted by Janet Ellis, 376 Tremont Street, Taunton, MA for a NEW Grade 1
(4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 376 Tremont
Street, Taunton. (Public Hearing Required)
Miscellaneous
Petition submitted by Robert Asack, 96 Sachem Rock Ave., E. Bridgewater, MA for a
Special Permit to allow a 10 unit group home with a parking waiver at 74 Weir Street
located in the Central Business District. (Public Hearing Required)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
Respectfully submitted,
<lt1td<- Kkc;fr-
{I Jenrhter L. Lege(
City Clerk
City Cferk;s Office
City of<Taunton
Ci-ty Jfa{[, 15 Summer Street
rtaunton, 9vfassachusetts 02780
rtefephone 508-821-1024 • P~508-821-1098
P.-9vfaif: jkger@taunton-ma.gw
Jennifer£. Leger
City Ckrk.,
December 8, 2022
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, Council President Duarte
and Members of the Municipal Council
Re: Appointment of the Assistant City Clerk
Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council President Duarte and Councilors:
The Assistant City Clerk position has been vacant since I was appointed City Clerk. Interviews
were recently conducted to fill this position.
I have chosen Krystal Dion, current Head Administrative Clerk, to fill the Assistant City Clerk
position. Krystal has proven herself to be a hard worker who swiftly and quickly grasps the tasks
she is given. She is a fast learner with a strong attention to detail and is extremely dedicated. I feel
these qualities will allow her to be successful in this role.
Therefore, I respectfully request the Council approve the appointment of Krystal Dion to the
position of Assistant City Clerk.
Thank you for your consideration.
a;~: <f,,_;p_
{t~~~~~rVLeger f
Ltity Clerk
CITY of TAUNTON
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
ENGINEERING DIVISION
90 IngellStreet
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780-3507
Phone: .508~821-1027
Michael P. Patneaude, P.E.
City Engineer
December 5, 2022
Councilor Coute and Members ofthe Municipal Cormcil
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
c/o: Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: 24 Knight Street
Dear Councilor Coute and Members of the Municipal Council;
This letter is in reforence to the motion made at the November 29, 2022 Council meeting during public input to
address the Highland Heights subdivision drainage as it pertains to the property at 24 Knight St. ·As the attached
pla11 indicates (this is the same plan added for the record by the propeliy owner), the property is divided by the
Cobb Brook The subdivision· was constructed on the property owned by David St. Germain, which is west of the
subject property. The deed (recorded atthe Registryinbook 15554, page 340) indicates there is an easement in
favor of David St. Germain, Sr. that was created in December of 197 5. The purpose of said easement is for a right
of way and for drainage purposes. The desigt1 of the subdivision wasto contain all of the street and other
impervious areas to collect in the detention basin. The detention basin is located on parcel 91-358. #65 Bridget
Drive, and is part of the subdivision. The basin was designed to accommodate a 100 year storm event. There is an
outlet control structure which meters the overflow, when needed, and the overflow is directed to the deeded
easement. The influence the drainage ovecllow has on the su',ject property is minimal and could be argued that it
may be less impactful than prior to construction.
As for as the issues of flooding, thatis something the City has little control over. The Cobb Brook is a
long, narrow and fairly shallow meandering waterway. Its unique characteristics and its location on mostly private
property adds to its issues. The City's pt'imary responsibility is at the locations where the brook crosses under the
roadways. The two crossings downstream from the subject property are at Godfrey Street and Somerset Avenue.
Those culverts are adequate in size and don't restrict the brook's :flow. The City has periodically addressed certain
issues with the Cobb Brookand will contirtue to explore solutions.
s.·inc.erely' . . . h
(]~_rtt~
Michael Patneaude, P.E.
City Engineer
-
S:\Taunton\letter to the Council about 24 Knight Street.docx Page 1
------------------
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SYLVIA /REED SILVEIRA
SANTOS & FJTZGEAALD, SURVEYORS.
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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) 828-9 315
www.achaves@tauntonpd.com
Honorable Shaunna 0' Connell, Mayor
and Municipal Council
City Hall
15 Summer St Taunton MA, 02780
12/8/2022
At the November 1st meeting of the Municipal Counsel, Councilor Borges made a motion
to refer to the Safety Officer thepossibilityofa temporary crosswalk on Hart Street near
Pool Street.
I spoke with the city engineer, and was told that all crosswalks whether temporary or
permanentrequirecurb cuts and curb ramps in order to comply with MA DOT and 521
CMR21.00. I have attached a copyof521 CMR21.00 with this letter. At this time Hart
Street in the area of Pool Street does not have any crosswalks. I am also not sure if this
intersection is going to be addresses with the new Bristol Plymouth building. If the city
wants to place temporary crosswalk on Hart Street it must be in compliance.
Respectfully Submitted
Arsenio Chaves
521 CMR: ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS BOARD
521 CMR21.00: CURB CUTS
21.1 GENERAL
Whenever sidev1alks, walkways, or curbs on streets and ways are constructed, reconstructed, or
repaired, curb cuts are required. All curb cuts shall comply with the following:
21.2 LOCATION
Curb cuts shall occur wherever an accessible route crosses a curb and at the following locations:
21.2.1 Curb cuts are required at each comer of each intersection, located within the crosswallc and/or the
pedestrian path oftravel. Curb cuts shall be pe1pendicular to the ClU'b at street crossings and each sl1all
have a level landing at the top. At marked crossings, the bottom of the ramp rnn, exclusive of flared
sides, shall be wholly contained with the marked crossing. See Fig. 21a. The crosswalk/pedestrian
path of travel must also be er 1 i I r
Raised
Island
[] oI
Curb cuts at Intersection
Figure 21a
Exception: Where pedestrian right~o:f.way established width will not accommodate a pe1pendicular
curb cut and landing, a parallel public sidewalk curb cut with a level landing at :its bottom shall be
provided instead ofa pe1pendicular curb cut.
21.2.1.1 Apex curb cuts: Where site constraints prevent the installation of a perpendicular curb cut or a
parallel curb cut with a level landing, an apex clU'b cut is allowed. Site constraints inch1de the
following:
a. Driver or pedestrian 1ine of sight to or from the :fi:ont of the level landing on the ramp is
impaired, preventing safe observation of crosswalks or approaching traffic at the intersection
by a significant immovable or llllalterable streetscape feature such as a building, strncture or
historic element, etc.
b. Stop line is beyond the allowed limit as stated in the Manual on Unifo1m Traffic Control
521 CMR: ARCIDTECTURAL ACCESS BOARD
21.00: continued
21.2.2 Reciprocal curb cuts: When curb cuts or sidewalks are being constructed or reconstructed on one
side of the street, and when such curb cuts or sidewalks are connected to an opposite side of the
street by one or more pedestrian paths of travei then at least one curb cut shall be provided on the
opposite side of the street where such side is controlled by the same owner.
21.2.3 Driveways: Curb cuts are requh·ed at driveways hltersecting sidewalks when the driveway bas side
curbs.
21.2.4 Raised Islands: Any raised islands in crossings shall be cut through level with the street or have curb
cutsatbothsides and a level area at least48 inches (48"= 1219mm) long between the curb cuts in
the part of the island intersected by the crossings.
21.2.5 Obstructions: Curb cuts shall be located or protected to prevent their obstmction by parked vehicles.
21.3 SLOPE
The least possible slope should be used for any ramp. The maximwn slope shall be one-in· 12 (I :12)
(8.3%). Where sidewalks are too narl'ow to install a straight· line curb cut at a slope of one"fil..12
(1:12)(8.3%), the sides ofthecurb cut shallnotexceedone·in·12 (1:12) (8.3%). See Fig. 2lb. The
maxinmm cross~slope fur any curb cut shall be 1:50 (2%). (There is no tolerance allowed on slope
requirements). (Rerer to 521 CMR 2.4.4d).
12
1 r--- Surface of Ramp
"f
Level
Level
Landing 1 _,It·i , . . . '. , =t
ILandlng
"·· ···\• . \'\ ·~·
·:M'· f., ·i·,··~\l
';<• :'" '::,,. ·,~
Cll
0
~
Horizontal Projection of Run
~
Slope
Figure 21b
21.4 1RANSITIONS
Transitions from curb cuts to walks1 gutters, or streets shall be flush or :free ofchanges in level greater
than Yz inch (W' = 13mm). Maxinn.un slopes of adjoining gutters, road surfuce immediately adjacent
to the curb cuts, or accessible route shall not exceed one·in·20 (1 :20) (5%).
21.5 DRAINAGE
Grading and drainage shall be designed to minimiz.e pooling of water, accunrulation of ice, 01· flow of
water across the base of the curb cut.
21.6 WIDTH
The minimumwidthofacurb cutshallbe36 inches (36 11 =914rnm), exch.Jsive offlared sides. See Fig.
21c.
21.6.1 Landing width: Where a perpendicular curb cut is provided, a landing the width of the curb cut shall
beprovidedatthetop ofthecurb cut. The landing shall be 48 inches (48''= 1219mm) in length. TI1e
slope of said landing shall not exceed one-in-50 (1 :50) (2%) in any direction
21.7 FLARED SIDES
521 CMR: ARCIIl'IBCTURAL ACCESS BOARD
21.00: continued
..
!<n
~
/j
~ I 1 :12
!\
~ ·~
/
J
/
1:10
Ii>
l ~'\
\
L L 36" min. L.
1 'I '1
Curb Cut with Flared Sldea
Figure 21c
21.8 RETURNED SIDES
Curb cuts with retwned sides are only permitted where they are protected by handrails pursuant to
521 CMR 24.5, Handrails or where pedestrian travel across the ramp is obstructed by permanently
installed street hardware or landscaping. See Fig. 21d.
2 l't Max
ere ss Slo oe
'
1 :12
l
~ 36" min. L
'I 'I
Curb Cut With Returned Sides
Figure 21d
21.9 BUILT-UP CURB CUTS
Built-up curb cuts are allowed only where they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes. See Fig.
21e.
Side walk
.
non vehlcular
lane
\( ~1 y non vehloular
lane
521 CMR: ARCIDTECTURAL ACCESS BOARD
21.00: continued
21.10.2 Location: Controls shall be located as close as practicable to the curb cut serving the controlled
crossing and shall permit operation from a clear ground space.
21.i0.3 Mmmting Height: Pedestdan-actuated crossing controls shall be a maximum of 42 inches (42 11 =
1067111111) above the finished s;dewalk.
21.10.4 Clear ground space: A stable and furn area, complying with 521 CMR 6.5, Forward Reach, or
521 CMR 6.6, Side Reach shall be provided at the controls. Where a parallel approach :is provided,
controls shall be within ten inches (10 11 = 254mm) horizontally of and centered on the clear ground
space. Where a forward approach is provided, controls shall abut and be centered on the clear
ground space.
21.11 DETECTABLE WARN IN GS - Reserved w1til further notice.
21.12 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS - Reserved.
The City of Taunton
Police Department
SAFETY OFFICE
23 Summer Street
CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
EDWARDJ. WALSH 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
12/6/2022
At the October 25th meeting of the Municipal Council, Councilor Sanders made a motion
to the Safety Officer take a look at possible speeding on Alanita Drive and Craven Court.
On 11/15/2022 I placed a Black Cat II Plus Radar box in front of 131 Craven Court and
145 Alanita Drive. The unposted speed limit on Craven Court is thickly settled 30 MPH.
The radar recorder on Craven Court counted 873 vehicles. The average speed recorded
was 23 MPH. The highest speed recorded was 36 MPH. The radar unit recorder 3
vehicles traveling 3 5 MPH to 40 MPH.
The unposted speed limit on Alanita Drive is thickly settled 30 MPH. The radar recorder
on Alanita Drive counted 417 vehicles with an average speed of 21 MPH. The highest
speed recorded was 31 MPH. The radar unit recorder 0 vehicles traveling greater than 31
MPH.
At this time I do not believe that speeding is an issue on Alanita Drive or Craven Court.
Respectfully Submitted
Arsenio Chaves
CITY OF TAUNTON
Contributory Retirement System
104 Dean St., Suite 203
JD
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Tel (508) 821-1052 Fax (508) 821-1063
www.tauntonretirement.com
BOARD OF
RETIREMENT STAFF
Chairman: Executive
Dennis M. Smith, Elected member Director:
Paul J. Slivinski
Ex-officio member: Ian D. Fortes
Elected member: Thomas A. Bernier Assistant
Mayoral appointee: Gill E. Enos Director:
Board appointee: Barry J. Amaral Karen Medeiros
December 1, 2022
Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission
Mr. John Parsons, Executive Director
5 Middlesex Ave., Suite 304
Somerville, MA. 02145
Dear Mr. Parsons:
Please be advised that the Taunton Retirement Board recently held an election on November 10,
2022 to fill one of the "elected" member terms on the board. Incumbent Thomas A. Bernier was
re-elected to the board for a term of January 1, 2023 thru December 31, 2025.
At a meeting of the retirement board on November 30, 2022, the board voted to certify the
election results.
The following is an updated summary of the board members and terms:
Taunton Retirement Board composition
Ex-officio member: Ian D. Fortes
City Auditor, Ex-officio
Elected member: Dennis M. Smith (Chairman), term expires: 11/30/2023
Retired Police Dept. Detective
Elected member: Thomas A. Bernier, term expires: 12/31/2025
Retired Fire Dept. Lieutenant
Mayoral appointee: Gill E. Enos, term is at mayor's discretion
Budget Director
Board appointee: Barry J. Amaral, term expires: 02/27/2024
Bristol County Registrar of Deeds
Please find enclosed a Summary of the election process and related expenses, etc. for your files. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
HectfullyJojr~, , /
VJ,~
Paul J.~vinski, CPP
Executive Director
Encl.
cc: City of Taunton-City clerk, Mayor & Municipal Council
City of Taunton l'
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
December 8, 2022
Council President Phillip Duarte
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Re: Request for Executive Session to discuss potential lease of real estate by the
City of Taunton
Dear Council President Duarte and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Law Department is requesting an Executive Session with the Committee on
Public Property to review the potential lease by the City of an approximately 4 acre area
at the landfill site, 360 East Britannia Street (Assessors' parcels 39-434 and 39-433A).
We do not expect that any votes will be taken in this Executive Session and this matter
will be subsequently scheduled for an open session discussion.
The basis for the Executive Session would be to consider the purchase,
exchange, lease, or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting
may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body, pursuant to
MGL c. 30A Section 21 (a)(6).
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Respectfully submitted,
MJC:tmg
~Js~olicitor
Utbe <!9eneral <!I:ourt of tbe <!I:ommonb.leaitb of ~assacbusetts
~tate ~ous-e, ~oston, ~~ 02133-1053
December 6, 2022
Mayor O'Connell
City Council Members
Taunton City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council-President Duarte, and City Council Members:
I am pleased to inform you that within the 2022 Economic Development Bill, I have secured an
earmark of $500,000 for Taunton Memorial Park and $500,000 for Lake Sabbatia. Please be
advised that these funds secured for Memorial Park are contingent upon the matching of funds
from the City of Taunton.
Due to the earmarks now set aside from the state to mitigate the invasive species in Sabbatia
Lake, the City of Taunton has a unique opportunity to release the additional ARP A funds
initially planned for Sabbatia Lake to match the state's $500,000 towards improvements and
renovations to Memorial Park. Ultimately resulting in a cash-funded project utilizing State and
Federal resources to repair some of the city's natural assets that have long needed financial
assistance to fund needed capital improvements.
I'm pleased to have worked alongside my House colleagues, Representative Doherty,
Representative Orrall, and Representative Haddad, to secure these additional funds for the
enhancement of our communities' natural resources and for the enjoyment of local area
residents. If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Senator Marc Pacheco
Dean ofthe Massachusetts State Senate
Civil Service Promotions
Jeff McCue, Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources Officer
< hrdquestions+ mass.gov@ccsend.com >
Tue 12/6/2022 5:11 PM
To: Jenn Leger <jleger@taunton-ma.gov>
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CHAR1JESD,BAK1?iR MICHAEf,J.. HEFFERNAN
Governor Secl1!Ulry
KARYN E. POLITO JEFFM~-CUE
t.Jeuremmt-GOv~r -~~i_s141~i: secretary
Ch.icfllnm\ffi Resources Ofllcor.
TO: Municipal Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs and Appointing Authorities
CC: Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, Massachusetts Major City Chiefs, International
Brotherhood of Police Officers, New England Police Benevolent Association,
Massachusetts Municipal Police Association, Massachusetts Coalition of Police,
Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement, Massachusetts
Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, Municipal Police Training
Committee, Executive Office of Public Safety, Fire Chief's Association of
Massachusetts, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Professional Firefighters of
Massachusetts, Massachusetts Fire Academy, Boston Society of Vulcans, Civil
Service Commission
FROM: Jeff Mccue, Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources Officer
DATE: December 6, 2022
RE: Civil Service Promotions
HRD is working diligently to administer any recently canceled promotional exams. In
the meantime, it is committed to working with civil service appointing authorities
regarding options available to meet promotional needs within departments.
Until new eligible lists are established, all current lists remain available to
municipalities for promotional vacancies. Eligible lists will remain in effect for three
years from the month the corresponding exam was administered. For example, if a
Captain's exam administered September 2021 had an eligible list established in
December 2021, HRD's revocation policy would take effect in September 2024.
In the event no new list is established before HRD's revocation policy goes into effect,
appointing authorities may request an extension of the eligible list by writing to the
Civil Service Unit at civilservice@mass.gov. All requests will be reviewed on a case-
by-case basis.
If a department has exhausted all names on an eligible list, the appointing authority
may provisionally promote a permanent employee in the next lower rank, per MGL
c.31 section 15.
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For additional information on making promotions please visit the Promotional Hiring
Process on our website.
Please contact Regina Caggiano, Director of Civil Service Unit at
regina.caggiano@~g~ or your account analyst with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Thank you.
Jeff Mccue
Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources Officer
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Human Resources Division
Human Resources Division (HRD) I 100 Cambridge Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02114
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DECEMBER 13, 2022
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor ~ 9
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Council President Phillip E. Duarte N
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 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 vouchers and payrolls for City departments.
2. Meet to discuss a request from the Fire Chief to pay prior year bills totaling $7,529.84.
Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND ENROLLED BILLS
1. Meet to discuss request for an ordinance on nuisance trees.
2. Meet to discuss ordinance regarding fines for use of fireworks.
3. Meet to discuss request for an ordinance requiring cannabis businesses to report progress
every 180 days.
Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
Page 1of2
THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE
1. Meet with MBTA representatives for an update on the South Coast Rail.
Please note: A "meeting" of the 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~- (Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
Page 2of2
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