City Council

City of'Taunton :M.unicipa[Council:M.eeting :M.inutes City 1fa[[, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, :M.)f In tne Cnester ~ :M.artin :M.unicipa[Council Cnam6ers :M.inutes, <Decem6er 27, 2022 at 7:37 O'cfoc~/P.:M.. CR§gufar :M.eeting :M.ayor Snaunna £. O'ConnetrpresUfing <Prayer was offerea 6y tne :M.ayor <Present at rotr catrwere: Councifor (J)ooner, (J)uarte, <Borges, CJ'ottier Coute, Sanders, Quintal ana CJ'ostetr Councifor :M.cCau{was a6sent. Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Motion was made to open public input. So voted. Charles Wright, 20 Chestnut Street, Taunton, wanted to speak about the Airport, the Airport Commission and how things have been running. Over a year ago he came to the Council with some concerns over a silly parking issue and that escalated into a crazy situation. He thanked one of the Councilors for having one of the Attorneys forward him a letter. He continued to explain his frustrations. Motion was made to close public input. So voted. Hearings: NONE Communications from the Mavor: Mayor O'Connell said City Hall is closed this Friday, December 30th and this upcoming Monday, January 2nd in observance of New Year's. If you want to know about any activities going on in the City you can check out our City website. There is a calendar on the website with everything that is going on. There is always great stuff happening at the library and some of our Art Galleries and Art Associations. She hopes you all take a look. Appointments: Reappointment of Herbert Lee Daye, 81 Red Circle, Taunton to serve on the Department of Human Services Board of Directors for a term of two (2) years expiring December 29, 2024. Motion was made to approve. So voted. Communications (rom City Officers: Com. from the First Assistant City Solicitor regarding Greater Goods, LLC vs. City of Taunton Municipal Council. He requested to meet in Executive Session with the Municipal Council for a brief update regarding this pending litigation. It is to his belief  2 that an open meeting on this topic may have a detrimental effect on the City's litigation position. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. So voted. On discussion, the City Solicitor said this is not critical and that this date doesn't need to be set for next week. Com. from the Executive Director of Retirement submitting a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for City Retirees/Survivors to receive an additional 2% COLA effective July 1, 2022. Also, the Retirement Board recently conducted an actuarial valuation as of January 1, 2022 and found that there have been significant gains in the investments and asset value resulting in a reduction in the City's pension funding schedule. As a result, the Retirement Board voted to increase the COLA base from $15,000 to $16,000 effective FY2024. There would be no increase in the City's appropriation over the next two fiscal years of FY2024 or FY2025 and the increase to the base will have minimal impact. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer requesting to present the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for the City of Taunton to the Committee on Finance and Salaries on January 17, 2023. Motion was made to put this item on the agenda for January 17, 2023. So voted. Com. from Mayor O'Connell expressing her support of giving our retirees and our surviving spouses a COLA increase of 5% as opposed to 3% for this year to help offset inflation. Further, she also supports the request to increase the COLA base amount from $15,000 to $16,000 for our retirees and surviving spouses. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So voted. Communications from Citizens: NONE Petitions: Claim Claim submitted by Priscilla Milot, 50 Highland Street, Unit 254, Taunton seeking reimbursement for damages to her automobile from hitting a pothole near 10 Ingell Street, Taunton. (Already referred to the City Solicitor and the DPW) Committee Reports: Motion was made for Committee reports to be read by title and approved. So Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in committee reports. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote AN ORDINANCE Chapter 426 - Water  3 Sec 8. Initial water service connections, water user rates and charges. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: That Section 8 of Chapter 426 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby is further amended as follows: 1. Delete paragraph B(l) and replace with: B. Minimum billing and water rates. (1) The billing rate for each connection shall be according to a fixed service charge that is based on the size of the meter serving the connection. The term "quarterly" shall mean no less than 91 days and no more than 93 days. The quarterly and monthly rates effective on January 1, 2023 , and subsequent quarterly and monthly rates with their effective dates, shall be according to the following schedules: Fixed Fee (Quarterly) January 1, 2023 July 1, 2023 - July 1 2024 - July 1. 2025 - July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2027 - - June 30 2023 June 30 , 2024 June 30 2025 June 30 , 2026 June 30 , 2027 June 30 , 2028 Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate 518" $ 21 .70 s 22.13 s 22.57 $ 23.02 s 23.37 $ 23.72 314" $ 22.73 $ 23.18 $ 23.64 $ 24.12 $ 24.48 $ 24.15 1" s 25.83 $ 26.34 s 26.87 s 27.41 s 27.82 s 28.24 111i- $ 29.92 $ 30.51 $ 31.13 $ 31.75 $ 32.22 $ 32.71 2" $ 41.22 s 42.04 s 42.88 s 43.74 $ 44.40 s 45.06 3" $ 124.46 $ 126.95 $ 129.49 $ 132.08 $ 134.06 $ 136.07 4" $ 155.28 $ 158.39 s 161 .56 s 164.79 s 167.26 s 169.77 6" $ 221_22 $ 231.76 $ 236.39 $ 241.12 $ 244.74 $ 248.41 8" s 309.43 s 315.62 $ 321.93 s 328.37 $ 333.29 $ 338.29 10" $ 391 .64 $ 399.47 $ 407.46 $ 415.61 $ 421.84 $ 428.17 Fixed Fee (Monthly} January 1, 2023 July 1 2023 - July 1. 2024 - July 1. 2025 . July 1. 2026 . July 1, 2027 - . June 30 . 2023 June 30 , 2024 June 30 , 2025 June 30 . 2026 June 30 , 2027 June 30 , 2028 Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate 518" $ 7.23 $ 7.37 s 7.52 s 1.61 s 7.79 $ 7.91 314" $ 7.58 $ 7.73 $ 7.88 $ 8.04 $ 8.16 $ 8.28 1" $ 8.61 s 8.78 s 8.96 s 9.14 s 9.28 s 9.42 1112" $ 9.98 $ 10.18 $ 10.38 $ 10.59 $ 10.75 $ 10.91 2" s 13.74 s 14.01 s 14.29 $ 14.58 s 14.80 $ 15.02 3" $ 41.48 s 42.31 $ 43.16 $ 44.02 $ 44.68 $ 45.35 4" s 51 .77 $ 52.81 s 53.87 s 54.95 s 55.77 $ 56-61 6" $ 75.74 $ n.25 $ 78.80 $ 80.38 $ 81 .59 $ 82.81 8" $ 103.14 $ 105 . 20 $ 107.30 $ 109.45 $ 111 .09 $ 112. 76 10" $ 130.55 $ 133_16 $ 135.82 $ 138.54 $ 140.62 $ 142.73 2. Delete paragraph B(2)(b) and replace with:  4 (b) Effective January 1, 2023, and thereafter, the usage rates per hundred cubic feet for each step shall be as set forth in the following schedule: Usage Rates (per Hundred Cubic Feet) January 1. 2023 July 1. 2023 - July 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025 - July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2027 - - June 30 , 2023 June 30 , 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2026 June 30, 2027 June 30, 2028 Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Step 1 s 5.89 $ 6.00 $ 6.12 $ 6.25 s 6.34 s 6.43 Step2 $ 8.72 s 8.90 $ 9.07 $ 925 $ 9.39 s 9.53 Step 3 s 10.41 $ 10.62 s 10.83 s 11.05 s 11.22 s 11 .39 3. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective January 1, 2023. Motion was made to move on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor McCaul was absent. So voted. Motion passed. Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote AN ORDINANCE Chapter 375 Sewer and Drains Sec 22. Sewer rates and sewer user charges; late penalty. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: That Section 22 of Chapter 375 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby is further amended as follows: 1. Delete sections l(a) through 1(c) of paragraph C and replace with: (1) The billing rate for each connection shall be according to a fixed service charge that is based on the size of the meter serving the connection. The term "quarterly" shall mean no less than 91 days and no more than 93 days. The quarterly and monthly rates effective on January 1, 2023, and subsequent quarterly and monthly rates with their effective dates, shall be according to the following schedules:  5 Fixed Fee (Quarterly) January 1 2023 - July 1 2023 - July 1, 2024 - July 1. 2025 - July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2027 - June 30 2023 June 30 . 2024 June 30 , 2025 June 30 2026 June 30 , 20'27 June 30 , 2028 Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate 518" s 127 s 132 s 136 s 141 s 146 s 151 314· $ 140 s 145 $ 150 $ 155 $ 161 $ 166 1" s 178 s 184 s 191 s 198 s 205 s 212 1-5" $ 229 $ 237 $ 245 s 254 $ 263 $ 272 2" s 369 $ 382 s 395 s 409 s 424 s 438 3• $ 1,400 $ 1,449 $ 1,500 s 1,553 $ 1,607 $ 1,663 4" s 1,782 $ 1,845 $ 1,909 s 1,976 $ 2,045 s 2,117 6" $ 2,673 $ 2,767 $ 2,864 $ 2,964 $ 3,068 $ 3,175 8" $ 3,692 $ 3,821 $ 3,955 $ 4,093 s 4,236 $ 4,385 10" $ 4,710 $ 4,875 $ 5,046 $ 5,222 $ 5,405 $ 5,594 IFixed Fee (Monthly) Januar,r 1 21}23 - July 1 2023 - July 1 2024 - July 1 2025 - July 1 2026 - July 1 2027 - June 30 2023 June 30 2024 June 30 . 2025 June 30 2026 June 30 2027 June 30, 2028 Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate Rate 518" $ 42 $ 44 $ 45 $ 47 $ 49 $ 50 JJ4" $ 47 $ 48 $ 50 $ 52 $ 54 $ 55 1" $ 59 $ 61 $ 64 $ 66 $ •68 $ 71 1-5'' $ 76 $ 79 $ 82 $ 35 $ 88 $ 91 2" $ 123 $ 127 $ 132 $ 1136 $ 141 $ 146 3" $ 467 $ 483 $ 500 $ 518 $ 536 $ 554 4" $ 594 $ 615 $ 636 $ 659 $ 682 $ 706 6'' $ 891 $ 922 $ 955 $ 988 $ 1,023 $ 1,058 8" $ 1,231 $ 1,274 $ 11,318 $ 1,364 $ 1,412 $ 1,462 10" $ 1,570 $ 1,625 $ 1,682 $ 1,741 $ 1,002 $ 1,865 2. Delete Section 2 of said Paragraph C and replace with: (2) Two-tiered billing rates: (a) For bills issued after January 1, 2023: (1] Step 1: $2.82 per 100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (2] Step 2: $10.02 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (b) For bills issued after July 1, 2023: [1] Step 1: $2.91per100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively.  6 [2] Step 2: $10.37 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (c) For bills issued after July 1, 2024: [1] Step 1: $3.02 per 100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. [2] Step 2: $10.74 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (d) For bills issued after July 1, 2025: [1] Step 1: $3 .12 per 100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. [2] Step 2: $11.11 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (e) For bills issued after July 1, 2026: [1] Step 1: $3 .23 per 100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. [2] Step 2: $11.50 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. (t) For bills issued after July 1, 2027: [1] Step 1: $3.34 per 100 cubic feet for usage of one to 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and one to 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. [2] Step 2: $11.90 per 100 cubic feet for the incremental usage in excess of 3,000 cubic feet (quarterly bills); and 1,000 cubic feet (monthly bills), respectively. 3. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective January 1, 2023. Motion was made to move on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor McCaul was absent. So voted. Motion passed.  7 Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Council President Phillip E. Duarte for the courteous and impartial manner in which he has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. Motion was made to move approval. So voted. Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Mayor Shaunna L. 0' Connell for the courteous and impartial manner in which she has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. Motion was made to move approval. So voted. Mayor O'Connell thanked Councilor Duarte for his service as the president over the past year. New Business: Councilor Borges made a motion to have the Law Department report back to the Council as to whether or not a Mayor appointment that's ratified by the Council, has the authority to have that board member removed. This is something they keep hearing, that certain people should be removed. She just wants clarification as to whether not this Council even has the authority to do such a thing. So voted. Councilor Borges made a motion to refer to the HR Director that there was two new vector truck positions that were up on the website and she just wants to know if they have been filled. If not, why they weren't on the website any longer. So voted. Information only, Councilor Postell recognized the Assistant City Clerk for a job well done on her first council night and thanked her. Mayor O'Connell wished everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year! Councilor Duarte made a motion to refer to the Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) and the DPW for an update on the installation of way finding and parking signs downtown in partnership with the bid through the earmark from Representative Doherty's office. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 P.M. A true copy: Attest: Assistant City Clerk KLD  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council : :'] December 27, 2022 The Committee on Finance and Salaries ~ ~ U r"; ;p.. w rm .. The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA §t.780 in the- Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. U1 Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilor Pottier. Councilor McCaul was absent. Also present were Patrick Della Russo, Chief Financial Officer and Richard Calderon, Chief Procurement Officer. The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM. 1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payrolls for City departments. MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount of$3,977,643.77. So voted. MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $3,232,651.38. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the request from the CFO for a transfer of $25,000 from the reserve fund to the Procurement Office. Patrick Della Russo explained that the procurement office is a new department and needs $25,000 to finish the remainder of the year to cover advertising costs. The intention is to fully fund the department next year. MOTION: Approve and transfer $25,000 from reserve fund account number 01-132-5200- 5784 to Procurement Office account number 01-13 8-5200-5346. So Voted. 3. Meet with the CFO and the CPO for an update on procurement activities and enhancements to the City's Procurement Procedures. Patrick Della Russo, CFO and Richard Calderon, CPO gave a brief presentation with an update on the City's Procurement Department. The presentation covered the mission of the department as well as the activities of the department. There have been 11 Invitations to Bid (IFB), 4 Requests for Proposal (RFP), and 2 Requests for Qualifications (RFQ). Additionally, the department has sold over 151 surplus items in 6 months as well as transferred items between departments. Mr. Della Russo and Mr. Calderon detailed the policies that have been adopted including a change order policy. Councilor Pottier asked if "best practices" are being benchmarked against other communities or the state and Mr. Della Russo indicated that they are following state law. Mr. Pottier  9 Page Two December 27, 2022 The Committee on Finance and Salaries - Continued asked if a dollar amount triggers an RFP vs. an IFB and Mr. Calderon indicated that this is really driven by the type of procurement. Councilor Sanders asked if any advantage is given to Taunton businesses and Mr. Calderon relayed that their goal is to solicit quotes from within Taunton. Mr. Sanders stressed his thought that there are advantages to keeping money in the City as money spent with local businesses stays here and may be used to buy and use other goods and services that end up back in the coffers of Taunton. Therefore, he believes that there should be some advantage given to Taunton businesses. Mr. Dello Russo stressed that they are working to make sure that local entities are aware of the procurement and are actively communicating with members of the community. Councilor Postell emphasized that selling of unused assets is good for the City as every dollar counts. Mr. Calderon stated that over $110,000 in surplus items have been sold. Councilor Borges, asked Councilor Duarte to read some questions on her behalf. She asked how the handling of surplus items has changed since Mr. Calderon was hired and Mr. Dello Russo indicated that he believes that in the past the Council would declare items as surplus. She asked if the Council could receive a quarterly report and Mr. Dello Russo suggested that this be included in his quarterly report. She also asked how the departments are doing with the changes in policy and Mr. Dello Russo and Mr. Calderon indicated that they have gotten buy-in and that Mr. Calderon meets bi-weekly with major departments as necessary. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON OEC.2 7 2022 . )Virub~ t (J_,k_µ_ Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/.~~ ASST. CITY CLERK  10 City of Taunton Municipal Council I December 27, 2022 \I ' ;j I ';"'!'~ ,. - l ·~) The Committee on Police and License -( TI ID :t: U The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA lf178~in ~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ - c.n Present were Councilor Jeffrey Postell, Chairman, and Councilors Sanders and Borges. Also present were Robert Pirozzi, Building Inspector, Nichola Dobeib of A T.N.T. Auto Sales, and Kevin Scanlon, City Planner. The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM. 1. Meet to discuss the application for renewal of a Class IT Used Car Dealer License for A T.N.T. Auto Sales at 391 Winthrop Street. Councilor Postell stated that this was a continuation from last week's discussion. Bob Pirozzi reported that progress has been made but that they still are not fully in compliance with the approved site plan review conditions. There has been progress on the landscaping but there is still landscaping required. There has been a reduction in the number of vehicles and the parking lot lines have been striped. Mr. Pirozzi reported that there are several trees and shrubs and buffers missing. Mr. Dobeib indicated that he is waiting to receive a permit for the sign. He purchased a sign but, due to the orientation of the building, there was a dispute over the front vs. side of the building. He reported that he had purchased trees on December 10 but that they were too small. He purchased more trees today but he's waiting for the resolution on the issue with the sign before planting more trees because he doesn't want to have to pull them out to install the sign. Councilor Postell asked if there are other issues and Mr. Pirozzi said he doesn't have any other issues and that they are working into coming into compliance. Councilor Borges asked about other conditions and Mr. Pirozzi brought up a berm that had been installed. However, the site plan had stipulated that the connection with the other property remain open. Mr. Pirozzi asserted that this is an alteration to the approved site plan and should go back to site plan review. Councilor Sanders suggested that August, when they were notified by Mr. Pirozzi, would have been the appropriate time to do landscaping. He suggested that Mr. Do beib should have communicated better and let people know about his issues and plans. Mr. Sanders asked how long Mr. Dobeib estimated it would take to get this all done and Mr. Dobeib estimated 6 months.  11 Page Two December 27, 2022 The Committee on Police and License - Continued Councilor Borges confirmed that Kevin Scanlon had not yet signed off on the sign. Councilor Coute asked if the applicant is making a good faith effort and Mr. Pirozzi confirmed. Mr. Coute suggested that the berm seems like a minor modification. He asked for more information on the impasse on the sign. Mr. Pirozzi stated that the building is at an angle to the roadway so the dispute is over which is considered the front and which is considered the side. Councilor Coute suggested that filing an appeal could take 3-4 months and cost $1000. He thought that the minor modification could be referred to the planner. Kevin Scanlon, the City Planner, arrived and was invited in. Councilor Postell brought Mr. Scanlon up to speed on the discussions. Mr. Scanlon discussed the berm and explained that the intent of the Planning Board was to have free and clear access to the adjoining property. Perhaps it could be argued that the berm does not prohibit access. However, he stressed that this berm does change storm-water management and altering storm-water goes through the Board. Further, he reported that the business had increased the impervious surface and this is a trigger for site plan review. He clarified the sign code that dictates allowances for signs. Councilor Borges encouraged an exception for this business and asserted that the sign should not be a problem on Winthrop Street. Mr. Scanlon said that any exception to the code would need a variance. MOTION: Grant a 6 month extension and, in the meantime, every 30 days receive an update from the Commissioner and Detective Rutherford. Councilor Sanders indicated that he is less concerned with the plantings and more concerned with the impact the berm has on drainage. He would like to see the berm situation addressed. Councilor Postell indicated his support for extending the license for 6 months with periodic threshold checks but doesn't want this to create a precedent. Councilor Borges suggested that the City Engineer should look at the berm and asked Mr. Scanlon what needs to be done to resolve the sign issue. Mr. Scanlon indicated that for Mr. Dobeib to use the sign that was purchased he would need to apply for a variance. He did mention that there is a notation on the site plan with the size of the sign but that the Planning Board did not review the size of the sign on the site plan. He emphasized that Mr. Dobeib should file for a variance with the zoning board.  12 Page Three December 27, 2022 The Committee on Police and License - Continued Councilor Borges amended her motion: AMENDED MOTION: Grant a 6 month extension and, in the meantime, every 30 days receive an update from the Building Inspector and Detective on progress. The City Planner and City Engineer should work with the applicant so he doesn't need to go before the Planning Board agam. Councilor Sanders asked about the new paving and Mr. Scanlon indicated that this could be looked at with the City Engineer. So voted. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON DEC .2 7 2022 -~E_ ClM-0- Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~,,/)~ ASST. CITY CLERK  13 City of Taunton I Municipal Council December 27, 2022 \ \ "' ""''""!. The Committee on Public Property -< - u The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA @7g('1n_ th&, Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ' ·· J.J;: Ui Present were Councilor Christopher Coute, Chairman and Councilors Borges, Quintal, and Dooner. Councilor McCaul was absent. Also present were Edward Walsh, Chief of Police, Jay Dorsey, Chairman of the Parking Commission, and Matt Costa, City Solicitor The meeting was called to order at 6:54 PM. 1. Meet with the Police Chief, Chairman of the Parking Commission, and Law Department to discuss the underutilized parking garage located on Leonard Street. Councilor Coute read comments from Councilor Borges. Currently, the Leonard Street parking garage passes cost $60 a month or $660 a year. The hope is to develop incentives to better utilize this garage and hopefully generate more income. Councilor Coute asserted that the second floor basically sits vacant and agreed that looking for ways tci increase usage and generate income makes sense. Chief Walsh reported that there were over I 000 credit card transactions in the month of November for non-permit users. He suggested an option could be dual rates with one rate down below and another rate upstairs. Councilor Coute reported on Attleboro where discounts are offered when paid in advance. Chief Walsh indicated that they often receive requests for free parking and that has always been off the table. Mr. Dorsey suggested that he is not opposed and would like to maximize revenue but he's not sure what the right price would be. He also indicated that better signage might help. Councilor Borges indicated that she believes the garage is underutilized and suggested they open up 50 spots on the top deck with a discount as a trial. Mr. Dorsey wondered ifthere is a legal reason that could not be done and Attorney Costa stated that the rates are set by ordinance so a temporary waiver of the ordinance would be needed. Chief Walsh pointed out that there is a new ordinance and parking rates are approved by the Commission.  14 Page Two December 27, 2022 The Committee on Public Property - Continued Councilor Postell questioned if lighting has been discussed since, perhaps, a perception of crime is an issue. He suggested that they consider better lighting and increased police visibility. Mr. Dorsey pointed out that parking is free at night. Chief Walsh suggested that the issue with the deck is that it costs money and there is other free parking in the area. He suggested that they do a survey with local businesses to help determine what rate would make sense if they are to offer a discount. MOTION: Representatives from the Parking Commission to come back in 30 days to the January 31 meeting with strategies to incentivize parking on the second floor deck. So Voted. The meeting adjourned at 7: 13 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON DEC.27 2022 'f~t1-l~ Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTE1h RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/.M~ ASST. CITY CLERK  15 City of Taunton Municipal Council C:.1 "' (} December 27, 2022 N ,.·- ..D -< o =r 1J The Committee of the Council as a Whole r-- > Fl ~ The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA lj2780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Dooner, Borges, Pottier, Coute, Sanders, Quintal, and Postell. Councilor McCaul was absent. The meeting was called to order at 7: 17 PM. 1. Meet to review items in file: Councilor Duarte indicated that he wanted to review the following items from the Committee's file to see if anything can be discharged from the file. a. Meet to discuss Assessor request to add a condition to future Cannabis HCAs that assessors be given right to an annual inspection No action taken- remains in file. b. Meet to discuss anaerobic digestion MOTION: Remove and refer to The Committee on Solid Waste. So Voted. c. Meet with the law department to discuss HCA's related to deliveries and the fees received for all deliveries both in Taunton and outside of Taunton. Councilor Coute indicated that this industry and these laws charige so often and he would like to be updated. No action taken - remains in file. d. Meet to discuss funding for legal counsel for the City Council No action taken - remains in file. e. Meet with the Police Chief and members of the police department in executive session to discuss options/precautions for all City schools related to active shooter threats. MOTION: Refer to The Committee on Police and License.  16 Page Two December 27, 2022 The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued Councilor Sanders stated his belief that this is a School Department issue. Councilor Coute suggested that everyone should meet given the importance of this issue. Councilor Pottier agreed that there should be a discussion. Councilor Postell suggested that it doesn't need to include tactical details but is an opportunity to know that precautions are in place. So Voted. (The motion passes with a 7-1 vote, Councilor Sanders was opposed.) f. Meet for a discussion about funding the software and training that will allow for the City Clerk and the Committee of Council as a Whole to have shared files. Councilor Duarte reported that the City has purchased Meeting Manager Software with Munis. MOTION: Remove. So voted. g. Meet to review the proposal to have marijuana companies report on status of building projects every 180 days Councilor Duarte suggested that items a, c, and g be discussed together with the City Solicitor. h. Me.et with the director of OECD to discuss questions about outside dining and the petition received MOTION: Refer this item and item k. (Meet with Bill Roth to discuss the Master Plan and parking and seating changes in downtown) to the Committee on Economic Development. So Voted. i. Meet with the Taunton Police Dept, DPW, and CFO to discuss continued problems finding police details j. Meet with representatives from Taunton Police Dept to discuss plan regarding implementation of civilian traffic control officer MOTION: Remove items i. andj. So voted. k. Meet with Bill Roth to discuss the Master Plan and parking and seating changes in downtown.  17 Page Three December 27, 2022 The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued A motion was made under item h. above. Referred to Economic Development Committee. 1. Meet to discuss composting RFP for yard and food waste MOTION: Refer to the Committee on Solid Waste. So Voted. m. Meet to discuss past fireworks displays and to hear complaints from the neighborhood. MOTION: Remove from the Council as a Whole. So voted. n. Meet to discuss considering sub-committees as a minimum of five members. No action was taken. The item remains in the file. o. Meet to discuss negotiations with non-union employee. (Executive Session) No action taken-remains in file. p. Meet to review the number of used car licenses issued in the City MOTION: Refer to the Committee on Police and License. So voted. q. Meet to discuss a comprehensive review of no parking from Fifth to Third Street and speeding and safety issues on West Water Street MOTION: Refer to the Committee on Police and License. So voted. r. Meet to discuss code of conduct policy for Council meetings No action taken- remains in file. s. Meet to discuss how to help residents who are impacted by the MassDOT project. MOTION: Remove. So voted. (Councilor Pottier was noted as present). t. Meet to discuss residential and business sidewalk snow removal MOTION: Remove. So voted.  18 Page Four December 27, 2022 The Committee of the Council as a Whole - Continued u. Meet to discuss the Capital Preservation Fund with Building Superintendent Ames MOTION: Remove. So voted. v. Meet to discuss the Community Preservation Act MOTION: Remove. So voted. w. ARPA x. Regional 911 y. ARIES z. Master Plan aa. Public Safety Facility Project Councilor Duarte indicated that items w - aa should remain in the file as these are bigger issues to be discussed. The meeting adjourned at 7 :29 PM. 1)~.,.~'-) Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON p /> ') 1 c_ · L'h{/\)"-.L- DEC 2 7 ZOZZ .~ Maggie . arke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/()~ ASST. CITY CLERK  19 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#l2 FY 2023 ~ ~ (Jo-tlflCi!...-................~~~~~~-~~..:?.~.:.~:.:. . . . . 20.............. THE SUM °OF TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($25,000.00) BE AND HEREBY IS TRANSFERRED AS FOLLOWS: FROM RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-132-5200-5784 TO PROCUREMENT OFFICE ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-138-5200-5346 IN MUNICJPAL COUNCIL DECEMBER 27, 2022 ADOPTED, JENNIFER LEGER, CITY CLERK PRESENTED TO THE MAYOR AND APPROVED, DECEMBER 27, 2022 SHAUNNA L. O'CONNELL, MAYOR ................................................................ .efk£.