City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · March 7, 2023
Minutes
City ojfJ'aunton
:Municipa{Council!Meeting !Minutes
City Ha{[, 15 Summer Street, fJ'aunton, ~
In tne Cnester ~ :Martin !Municipa{Counci{ Cnam6ers
,...
!Minutes, !Maren 7, 2023 at 7:01 O'cCoc~/P.!M.
<%9ular 9vf.eeting
9vf.ayor Sfiaunna £. O'Conneapresitfing
<Prayer was offerea 6y tlie 9vf.ayor
<Present at roa caawere: Councifors CJ'ostea, Quinta~ Sanders, Coute,
CJ'ottier, 9vf.cCau~ ©uarte anti©ooner
Councifor (]Jorges was a6sent.
Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public. No one spoke during public input.
Hearing:
Continued Hearing: Upon the petition submitted by Robert Asack, 96 Sachem Rock
Ave., East Bridgewater, MA for the issuance of a Special Permit to allow: A 10 Unit
group home with a parking waiver at 74 Weir Street located in the Central Business
District. The City Clerk read a communication from John D. Desousa, Northcounty
Group, Inc., requesting a continuance for the date of August 15, 2023. Motion was made
to approve the requested continuance to August 15, 2023. So voted. On discussion,
Councilor McCaul said we keep saying the words "group home" but when the gentlemen
was doing the presentation, he was saying "studio apartments". He wants to make sure
they get this corrected. Councilor Coute said if he filed as a group home, he would have
to put into writing the change. We can't take what they say and just make changes to a
written filing.
Communications from the Mayor:
Mayor 0 'Connell said they are having a community food drive starting on March 9th to
benefit our seniors and local food pantries. They know our local food pantries are
challenged right now to fill their shelves and our seniors are struggling a bit too. They
want to help out as a community. This community always comes together when they have
things like this. They look forward to a lot of participation. This has been organized by
Council President Dooner, the entire City Council and the Mayor's office. Drop-off
locations are at Amaro Family Auto on 503 Middleboro Avenue in East Taunton, Taunton
City Hall on the 1st Floor in the rear and Hannaford Supermarket on Warner Boulevard.
There will be boxes at these locations were people can drop-off their donations. There is
a list that they will post in various places, the Facebook page and the City website. They
are asking for specific items such as: canned foods, pasta, rice, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut
2
butter and granola bars. They look forward to this and she thanked everyone for their
help. Again, it starts March 9th and ends March 31 81 • This weekend, on Saturday, March
11th from 11 :00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., they are having a tour of the Taunton Police Station.
This is an open house. The community is invited to attend. It's an opportunity to see the
conditions in which our Police officers are working. Monday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m. at
City Hall, they will be having a community information session on the proposed Public
Safety Facility. You can come in and learn about the new Public Safety Facility, see
renderings of the building, meet the project manager and the architects, learn about the
costs of the financing of the project and of course, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief
will be present as well. On March 25th, they will be having a tour of the Central Fire
Station from 1:00 p.m. to 3 :00 p.m. They will be announcing that again closer to the date.
They encourage the community to come and attend these events and learn about Police
and Fire to get some good information on this project.
Appointments:
NONE
Communications from City Officers:
Com. from the Budget Director requesting a transfer of funds due to an error with
calculation regarding enrollment. The Bristol Agricultural School assessment is short
$70,388.72. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So
voted. Mayor O'Connell added that this was not an error made on the City's part.
Com. from the Office Manager of the Veterans Service Department notifying of the
retirement buyout for Jeff Riccitelli in the amount of $23,426.62 with the last day of
employment on March 9, 2023. Motion was made to approve and send the
appropriate scroll. So voted.
Com. from the Director of the Department of Human Service & Council on Aging
requesting to accept a donation in the amount of $100.00 and any other future donations
in memory of Elder Outreach Nurse Marie Breen for the purpose of assisting the elders of
Taunton. Mayor O'Connell wanted to note that the Council can vote on this donation but
any future donations have to be voted on individually. Also, as a reminder for everyone,
Marie Breen was an Outreach Nurse for the Council on Aging. She did a lot of work for
them during Covid. She recently passed away. She was also a nurse at Morton Hospital
for 30-years. They are very grateful that a donation has been made in her name. This
certainly says a lot about the person she was. Motion was made to approve. So voted.
Com. from Detective William Rutherford, Taunton Police Department requesting final
approval relative to Greatest Hits Cannabis Co. He received a communication from
Attorney Nicholas Adamopoulos presenting Canyon Harvey as the onsite manager at
Greatest Hits Marijuana Dispensary located on 9 Cape Road. The City Council voted at a
previous meeting to have the manager approved by the Municipal Council prior to the
establishment being opened. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the
Council as a Whole and also have a resume submitted. So voted. On discussion,
Councilor Pottier asked if a resume or something could be referred so they know who this
person 1s.
3
Com. from the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Team regarding purchase orders
which were recently requested from the City Council. Submitted in the communication
was a listing of 288 purchase orders over a value of $10,000 for the period of August 1,
2022 through the first week in February 2023. The City Historically processes
approximately 5,000 purchase orders annually, and as mentioned in the communication
sent to the Council for the February 28, 2023 agenda, there are several invoices or
vouchers applied against each purchase order resulting in thousands of pages of
information yearly. The Finance Department takes exception to, and strongly disagrees
with, certain comments made regarding inefficiencies within the Finance Department. To
be clear, cover sheets for the purchase orders are easily accessible. The excel file
included with this communication lists the purchase orders and provides a great number
of details and is easily accessible. Please note, however, that was not the original motion
approved by the Council and requested of the Finance Department. The motion was listed
from a prior meeting. If the request for a list of purchase orders was made, it would have
been supplied quickly, easily and without hesitation. He continued to give a few details
on some achievements the Finance Department has achieved over the past year. Motion
was made to receive and place on file. So voted.
Com. from the Chief Financial Officer requesting to appear before the Committee on
Finance and Salaries to request a revolving fund be established for the benefit of Lake
Sabbatia. New parking regulations for the Lake Sabbatia boat ramp parking lot have been
established by the Parking Commission and will be implementing in the coming months.
The revenues received from the parking fees at the Lake will go directly into this fund
and be able to be expended for Lake related purposes. Motion was made to refer to the
Committee on Finance and Salaries. So voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE
Petitions:
Fortune Teller License - RENEWAL
1. Bissie's Palm Reading located at 103 Main Street, Taunton.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police
Chief. So voted.
Claim
Claim submitted by Lynda Higginbotham, 33 Mount Prospect Street, Bridgewater,
seeking reimbursement for damages to her automobile from an open manhole cover on
County Street near Williams Street. (Already referred to the City Solicitor and DPW)
Committee Reports:
Motion was made for Committee reports to be read by title and approved. So
Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in committee
reports. So Voted.
Unfinished Business:
NONE
4
Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions:
Ordinance for a first reading to be passed to a second reading
AN ORDINANCE
Chapter 96
Procurement Department
Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of
the same as follows:
That Chapter 96 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended,
be and hereby is further amended by changing the title "Chief Procurement Officer" to
"Director of Procurement" as set forth below:
96-92 Established; composition.
There is hereby established a Procurement Department, to consist of a Director of
Procurement and such assistants as the Mayor may determine.
96-93 Appointment and qualifications of Director of Procurement.
The head of the Procurement Department shall be the Director of Procurement, who shall
be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council, and shall qualify by oath
before entrance upon the duties of this office for a term of three (3) years. The Director
of Procurement is a management and policy level position as defined by M.G.L Ch. 150E
and is therefore not eligible for membership in a bargaining unit. The Director of
Procurement shall be a person qualified by education, training and/or experience.
The Director of Procurement shall be the chief procurement officer as defined in
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B.
96-94 Assistants to Director of Procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall have such assistants as the Mayor may determine. The
assistants shall be appointed by the Director of Procurement subject to the Mayors
approval and shall perform such duties as the Director of Procurement shall require.
96-95 Bond of Director of Procurement.
Before entrance upon the duties of his/her office, the Director of Procurement shall
furnish a surety bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties in the amount of
$10,000, with the surety thereon to be approved by the City Solicitor.
96-96 Powers and duties of Director of Procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall:
A. Be responsible for the procurement and disposal of all supplies, materials,
equipment and property for all departments and offices of the City, and including
contracts for the construction, reconstruction or alteration of City buildings and
property, and any services or purchases incidental thereto, and all laws covered
under the Uniform Procurement Act, MGL c. 30, § 39M, MGL c. 30B, and MGL c.
149, §§ 44A through 44J.
5
B. Have authority to order or make inventories of the supplies, materials, equipment
and furnishings of any and all departments. No department possessing excess or
surplus personal property of any kind or description shall sell, exchange, transfer or
dispose thereof without first certifying such personal property as surplus to the
Director of Procurement ; and, thereupon, the Director of Procurement shall
circularize all departments and agencies as to their need for such surplus personal
property; and if such need is determined, the Director of Procurement may order
transfer of such property from one department or agency to another, and inventory
adjustments between the departments shall be made accordingly. Surplus property
shall be disposed of by the Director of Procurement. In the event surplus property is
to be disposed of and has a value equal to or in excess of $20,000.00, the Director of
Procurement shall obtain approval by the Mayor and the Council for prior approval
before disposing of said surplus property. If the property to be disposed of has a
value ofless than $20,000.00 then the Director of Procurement may dispose of it
without prior approval and must submit a report to the Mayor and the Council of the
disposed property.
96-97 Annual report. The Director of Procurement shall submit before December 1 of
each year a full and comprehensive report on the work of the agent's office to the
Mayor for the previous fiscal year.
96-98 Departmental estimates. All departments of the city shall file with the
purchasing department detailed estimates of their requirements for supplies, equipment,
and services in such manner, at such times and for such future periods as the agent shall
prescribe. This shall not prevent any department from filing with the purchasing
department at any time a requisition for any supplies, equipment, or services the need
of which was not foreseen when the detailed estimates were filed.
96-99 Requisitions.
Except as otherwise provided by Ordinance, requisitions for the purchase of supplies,
equipment, or services for any department shall be received by the purchasing
department prior to the issuance of a purchase order or contract for such supplies,
equipment, or services and shall be signed by the head of the using department, or an
authorized agent. The Director of Procurement shall examine each requisition and shall
have the authority, after consultation with the department head, to revise it as to
quantity, quality or estimated costs, but revision as to quality shall be in accordance
with the standards and specifications provided. The agent shall promptly notify in
writing the requisitioning department head of any such revision.
96-100 Emergency purchases.
Whenever the time required to comply with a requirement ofM.G.L.A. c. 30B and this
Code would endanger the health or safety of the people or their property the Director of
Procurement may make an emergency procurement without following the requirement
under the statute and Code and in accordance with the City Ordinance. An emergency
procurement shall be limited to only supplies or services necessary to meet the
emergency and shall conform to the requirements of law and ordinance to the extent
practicable under the circumstances. The Director of Procurement shall make a record
of each emergency as soon after the procurement as practicable, specifying each
contractor's name, the amount and the type of each contract, a listing of the supply or
6
service provided under each contract, and the basis for determining the need for an
emergency procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall submit a copy of this record at the earliest possible
time to the state secretary for placement in any publication established by the state
secretary for the advertisement of procurements.
96-101 Exercise of authority to conform with all legal requirements.
Nothing in this Code shall be construed to authorize the Director of Procurement to
take any action in connection with any purchase or contract in conflict with the general
laws of the commonwealth or federal statutes; nor shall anything herein contained
authorize the Director of Procurement to take any action in connection with any
purchase or contract in conflict with the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 43; nor shall
anything herein contained authorize or empower the Director of Procurement to have
any jurisdiction or control over the acquisition, contracts for purchase or sale, transfer
or disposition of real property acquired by or owned by the city.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This
Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Motion was made to pass to a second reading. So voted.
New Business:
Councilor Postell made a motion to refer to the Safety Officer with the condition of
safe operations from the Taunton Green area in the proximity of the post office,
specifically as it pertains to crosswalk enforcement. He has reports of an elderly
person nearly getting struck by a vehicle there or not being yielded too as well. So
voted.
Councilor McCaul said he had the opportunity to go see the Covid Director and as a
Veteran himself, he wanted to purchase one of the Veterans banners. He was excited
to find out that they had SO-banners three-years ago, 54-banners last year and this
year they are looking at 84-banners. The good thing is that we have a beautiful
community and Sandy and Bruce Thomas are paying for these banners. He was
ready to write a check out so he could have his banner placed on the telephone pole
and come to find out, Sandy and Bruce Thomas said they are going to make a
donation and pay for those banners for the Veterans. He would love to acknowledge
Sandy and Bruce Thomas and invite them to the Council Chambers to thank them
for their donation and give a proclamation to them. Motion was made to refer to the
Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs. So voted. Mayor O'Connell said we are
always grateful to the Thomas's. They have done a lot for this community in many ways
and have helped to fund this program for three-years.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 P.M.
A true copy:
JLL/KLD
7
City of Taunton
Municipal Council
March 7, 2023
The Committee on Finance and Salaries
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Pottier Jd McCauI. 23
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......
The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM.
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. . .,. . :r co
1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departmeigs. :r: u
rt"- J>
MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$3,807,577.15. i voted. ~ U1
MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount o/$5,429,553.00. So voted.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 PM.
CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted,
MAR 0,7 2023 ~)t'.~h.----
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
,,,~RK{{,_!
8
City of Taunton
Municipal Council
March 7, 2023
The Committee on Public Health and Environmental Affairs
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ,
Pottier~FO
Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman, and Councilors Sanders Ld
Patrick Delio Russo was also present. ri ~-" .~;:~'" 55
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The meeting was called to order at 6: 11 PM. ;..-, ·-·· I .....,
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1. Meet to discuss the request to create a special revenue account for t~ roftback:;tnd ~-
conveyance taxes resulting from the sale and conversion of Chapter .It,
.
61A, and
r:r
61Wl
land.
Councilor Duarte provided some background on this topic explaining that rollback or
conveyance taxes are collected when Chapter land is sold. People who own land in Chapter 61,
61A, and 61B, which are lands used for forestry, agriculture, open space, or recreation, pay a
lesser tax and when the property is sold and not used for forestry or other Chapter purpose, a
rollback or conveyance is paid. Councilor Duarte showed a chart with the last three properties
that were sold and explained that the Assessor's Office estimates a collection of $37,000 with the
most recent property on Tremont Street. He explained that the goal of this proposal is to put
these monies into an account for furthering sustainability initiatives for conservation and
recreation. Councilor Duarte read the details and purposes of the proposed special revenue
account and explained that he has worked with the City Solicitor's Office and the Mayor's
Office on creating parameters of the Sustainability Committee but tonight the hope is to just
create the necessary special revenue account. He pointed out the list of remaining Chapter land
in the City and emphasized that more money could come in from these rollback taxes depending
on when people dispose of the land.
Councilor Sanders lent his support in principal to the proposal. He questioned the proposed
$150,000 limit and wondered why the purchase ofland when it becomes available wasn't
included as a purpose for expending the funds. In his recollection, the City has never exercised
its right to purchase these Chapter lands. Mr. Della Russo indicated that the proposal was not to
sit on funds but to use the money where it is needed. Councilor Sanders questioned the purpose
that was mentioned of cleaning up blighted properties as he wasn't sure how this tied into the
sustainability purpose. Councilor Duarte used Fraga Farm as an example and suggested adding
language to specify that it needs to be tied to the other goals.
Councilor Pottier summarized that Chapter land refers to forestland, farms, and open space.
Owners receive a tax break but, when selling privately for a different purpose, the City claws
9
back some of that benefit. He also questioned the $150,000 limit. Mr. Dello Russo indicated
that this would be like a revolving fund and the idea is to get the cash out on the street to where it
is needed. Mr. Dello Russo stressed that this is not to be a trust fund for a later purchase.
Councilor Duarte suggested that it would be good for the City to prioritize remaining Chapter
land so that, in the event that some piece is to be sold, the Council could look for an
appropriation to purchase that piece of property. Councilor Sanders supported this idea stressing
that when the right of first refusal comes up, the City has a short window to act. He stated that
he thought that SRPEDD was going to look at that and identify prime pieces of Chapter land.
Suggested modifications to the language included increasing the limit above $150,000 and
adding language under purpose #4.
MOTION· Add this to next week's agenda under Orders with whatever amendments the Chair
thinks are appropriate. So voted.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 PM.
CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted,
MAR 0 q 2023 ~{'-~
Maggie E. Clarke
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Clerk of Council Committees
RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
A{./l~RK- K~
The Committee on Public Health
and Environmental Affairs
March 7, 2023
Page2 of2
Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
MARCH 7, 2023-7:00 PM
INVOCATION City Clerk's Office
ROLL CALL Notice of Posting
RECORDS
Time://2 ://.p/}lrJ
PUBLIC INPUT Date ~q ·'3 ·Jij JL
• Comments will be received for the record
• Please state your name and address
• Please limit comments to 3 minutes or less
• Supplemental written comments may also be provided
• Comments should be addressed to the body as a whole and pertain to the business
of the City
HEARING: Continued Hearing: Upon the petit10n submitted by Robert
Asack, 96 Sachem Rock Ave., East Bridgewater, MA for the
issuance of a Special Permit to allow: A 10 Unit group home with
a parking waiver at 74 Weir Street located in the Central Business
District
• Com. from John D. DeSousa, Northcounty Group, Inc.,
requesting a continuance for the date of August 15, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
• Community Update
APPOINTMENTS - NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from Budget Director - Requesting a Transfer of Funds
Pg. 2 Com. from Office Manager, Veterans Service Department - Notifying of
Retirement Buyout
Pg. 3 Com. from Director, Department of Human Service & Council on Aging-
Requesting to Accept Donation
Pg.4 Com. from Detective William Rutherford, Taunton Police Department -
Requesting Final Approval Relative to Greatest Hits Cannabis Co.
Pg. 5-6 Com. from Chief Financial Officer and Finance Team -Purchase Order
Information
Pg. 7 Com. from Chief Financial Officer -Revolving Account Establishment
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Fortune Teller License - RENEWAL
1. Bissie's Palm Reading located at 103 Main Street, Taunton.
Claim
Claim submitted by Lynda Higginbotham, 33 Mount Prospect Street, Bridgewater,
seeking reimbursement for damages to her automobile from an open manhole cover on
County Street near Williams Street. (Already referred to the City Solicitor and DPW)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance for a first reading to be passed to a second reading
AN ORDINANCE
Chapter 96
Procurement Department
Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of
the same as follows:
That Chapter 96 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended,
be and hereby is further amended by changing the title "Chief Procurement Officer" to
"Director of Procurement" as set forth below:
96-92 Established; composition.
There is hereby established a Procurement Department, to consist of a Director of
Procurement and such assistants as the Mayor may determine.
96-93 Appointment and qualifications of Director of Procurement.
The head of the Procurement Department shall be the Director of Procurement, who shall
be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council, and shall qualify by oath
before entrance upon the duties of this office for a term of three (3) years. The Director
of Procurement is a management and policy level position as defined by M.G.L Ch. 150E
and is therefore not eligible for membership in a bargaining unit. The Director of
Procurement shall be a person qualified by education, training and/or experience.
The Director of Procurement shall be the chief procurement officer as defined in
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B.
96-94 Assistants to Director of Procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall have such assistants as the Mayor may determine. The
assistants shall be appointed by the Director of Procurement subject to the Mayors
approval and shall perform such duties as the Director of Procurement shall require.
96-95 Bond of Director of Procurement.
Before entrance upon the duties of his/her office, the Director of Procurement shall
furnish a surety bond for the faithful performance of his/her duties in the amount of
$10,000, with the surety thereon to be approved by the City Solicitor.
96-96 Powers and duties of Director of Procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall:
A. Be responsible for the procurement and disposal of all supplies, materials,
equipment and property for all departments and offices of the City, and including
contracts for the construction, reconstruction or alteration of City buildings and
property, and any services or purchases incidental thereto, and all laws covered
under the Uniform Procurement Act, MGL c. 30, § 39M, MGL c. 30B, and MGL c.
149, §§ 44A through 441.
B. Have authority to order or make inventories of the supplies, materials, equipment
and furnishings of any and all departments. No department possessing excess or
surplus personal property of any kind or description shall sell, exchange, transfer or
dispose thereof without first certifying such personal property as surplus to the
Director of Procurement ; and, thereupon, the Director of Procurement shall
circularize all departments and agencies as to their need for such surplus personal
property; and if such need is determined, the Director of Procurement may order
transfer of such property from one department or agency to another, and inventory
adjustments between the departments shall be made accordingly. Surplus property
shall be disposed of by the Director of Procurement. In the event surplus property is
to be disposed of and has a value equal to or in excess of $20,000.00, the Director of
Procurement shall obtain approval by the Mayor and the Council for prior approval
before disposing of said surplus property. If the property to be disposed of has a
value of less than $20,000.00 then the Director of Procurement may dispose of it
without prior approval and must submit a report to the Mayor and the Council of the
disposed property.
96-97 Annual report. The Director ofProcurement shall submit before December 1 of
each year a full and comprehensive report on the work of the agent's office to the
Mayor for the previous fiscal year.
96-98 Departmental estimates. All departments of the city shall file with the
purchasing department detailed estimates of their requirements for supplies, equipment,
and services in such manner, at such times and for such future periods as the agent shall
prescribe. This shall not prevent any department from filing with the purchasing
department at any time a requisition for any supplies, equipment, or services the need
of which was not foreseen when the detailed estimates were filed.
96-99 Requisitions.
Except as otherwise provided by Ordinance, requisitions for the purchase of supplies,
equipment, or services for any department shall be received by the purchasing
department prior to the issuance of a purchase order or contract for such supplies,
equipment, or services and shall be signed by the head of the using department, or an
authorized agent. The Director of Procurement shall examine each requisition and shall
have the authority, after consultation with the department head, to revise it as to
quantity, quality or estimated costs, but revision as to quality shall be in accordance
with the standards and specifications provided. The agent shall promptly notify in
writing the requisitioning department head of any such revision.
96-100 Emergency purchases.
Whenever the time required to comply with a requirement ofM.G.L.A. c. 30B and this
Code would endanger the health or safety of the people or their property the Director of
Procurement may make an emergency procurement without following the requirement
under the statute and Code and in accordance with the City Ordinance. An emergency
procurement shall be limited to only supplies or services necessary to meet the
emergency and shall conform to the requirements of law and ordinance to the extent
practicable under the circumstances. The Director of Procurement shall make a record
of each emergency as soon after the procurement as practicable, specifying each
contractor's name, the amount and the type of each contract, a listing of the supply or
service provided under each contract, and the basis for determining the need for an
emergency procurement.
The Director of Procurement shall submit a copy of this record at the earliest possible
time to the state secretary for placement in any publication established by the state
secretary for the advertisement of procurements.
96-101 Exercise of authority to conform with all legal requirements.
Nothing in this Code shall be construed to authorize the Director of Procurement to
take any action in connection with any purchase or contract in conflict with the general
laws of the commonwealth or federal statutes; nor shall anything herein contained
authorize the Director of Procurement to take any action in connection with any
purchase or contract in conflict with the provisions of M.G.L.A. c. 43; nor shall
anything herein contained authorize or empower the Director of Procurement to have
any jurisdiction or control over the acquisition, contracts for purchase or sale, transfer
or disposition of real property acquired by or owned by the city.
All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This
Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
Respectfully submitted,
fh:_f:
tJ
w~
Jenmfer L. Leger
City Clerk
NORTHCOUNTY 4 Court Street, Suite 102 Phone 800.946.1575
GROUP, INC. Taunton, MA 02780 Fax 800.946.1575
March 2, 2023
Honorable Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor
Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA. 02780
RE.: Special Permit- 74 Weir Street
Dear Madam Mayor O'Connell and members of the Municipal Council:
Northcounty Group Inc. is representing the petitioner of the 74 Weir Street. We are requesting a
continuance from the public hearing on March 7, 2023 until August 15, 2023.
Additionally, we are granting an extension for the time to act to August 29,2023.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully Submitted,
NORTHCOUNTY GROUP INC.
X:\Drawings\ 1364-01 Asack - 74 Weir St - Taunton\Documents\Municipal Council\NCG 1364 Asack 74 Weir St - Letter for Municipal
Council Continuance 2023-03-02.docx
1-·
City of Taunton
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall · 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 · ( 508) 821-1000
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL
Patrick Delio Russo, Jr.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ligia Madeira
CHIEF OF STAFF
Gill E. Enos
BUDGET DIRECTOR
March 1, 2023
The Honorable Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
And Members of the Municipal Council
City Hall
Taunton, Ma 02780
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Municipal Council Members,
Due to an error with calculation regarding enrollment, the Bristol Agricultural School
assessment is short, $70,388.72. I respectfully request a transfer of $70,388.72 from the
Reserve Account to the Bristol Agricultural School Assessment line item (01-380-5200-
5695) so that we are compliant with NSS.
Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.
Gill E Enos
Budget Director
Cc: CFO, City Auditor, City Treasurer/Collector
CITY OF TAUNTON
City Hall, 15 Summer St. Taunton MA 02780
Veterans Service Department
Jeffrey Riccitelli And
Director Agent
Information Center
TO: Human Resources
FROM: Erica Allard - Office Manager
DATE: February 24, 2023
The following is a breakdown for Jeff Riccitelli with a last date of employment of March
9, 2023.
v /
Vacation: 171.22 hours@ $50.56 = $8,656.88
Sick: $13,000.00 (Maximum)/
./. /
Personal: 35 hours@ $50.56 = $1,769.74
Total payoff due to Jeff Riccitelli= $23,426.62/
Thank You,
C'\ .
C11loa__; ()JlJLct'-cY-
Erica Allard
Office Manager
City of Taunton 3.
Department of Human Services & Council on Aging
30 Olney Street, Taunton, MA 02780
508-821-1420 or 508-821-1425 Fax: 508-821-1444
Charlene Bonenfant Tracy Heger
Director DllS Program Coordinator
Jennifer Deluca Mary Beth Forshaw
Assistant Director Community Relations Counselor
Kelley Sylvia Jennifer Martins
fiscal Agent/Administrative Assistant Head Clerk (falo Portugues)
Lint/a Blake-McKenna
Principal Clerk
March 2, 2023
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell and
Members of the City Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the City Council:
The Department of Human Services has received donations in the amount of $100.00 in memory of Elder
Outreach Nurse Marie Breen, for the purposes of assisting the elders of Taunton. At this time, I respectfully
request that the Department of Human Services be allowed to deposit this donation and any future donations in
her name into the Human Services/Elder Emergency Gift Account# 27-500-6730-4835.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
CITY OF TAUNTON
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF 23 SUMMER STREET
EDWARD JAMES WALSH TAUNTON, MA 02780
(508) 821~1471
Mal'ch 2, 2023
Council President Kelly Dooner
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Sh·eet
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
RE: Gl'eatest Hits
Dear Council President Doonel' and Membel's of the Municipal Council:
I received a communication from Attomey Nicholas Adamopoulos presenting Canyon Harvey as the onslte manager at Gl'eatest Hits
Marijuana Dispensai·y located at 9 Cape Road. The City Council voted at a p1·evious meeting to have the Manager approved by the
Municipal Council prior to the establishment being opened. I ask that this be sent to the pl'oper committee for final approval.
Sincerely,
Det. William Rutherford
Licensing Division
Taunton Police Department
23 'Summe1· Street
Taunton, Ma. 02780
508-821-1475 x3032
wrutherford@tauntonpd.com
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
5
CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR
March 3, 2023
Dear President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council,
This communication from the Finance Department is to provide information related to Purchase
Orders which were recently requested from the City Council. Attached in this communication
you will find a listing of 288 purchase orders over a value of $10,000 for the period of August 1,
2022 through the first week in February 2023.
The City historically processes approximately 5,000 purchase orders annually, and as mentioned
in the communication sent to Council for the February 28, 2023 agenda, there are several
invoices or vouchers applied against each purchase order resulting in thousands of pages of
information yearly. These invoices and vouchers applied against purchase orders are approved
by Council weekly.
The Finance Department takes exception to, and strongly disagrees with, certain comments made
regarding inefficiencies within the Finance Department. To be clear: cover sheets for the
purchase orders are easily accessible. The Excel file included with this communication lists the
purchase orders and provides a great number of details and is easily accessible. Please note,
however, that was not the original motion approved by Council and requested of the Finance
Department.
Councilor Borges motioned that the City Auditor, Chief Financial Officer and the Budget
Director send a copy ofall open and closed purchase orders since August 1, 2023 for any
amounts over $10, 000 along with any quotes and/or solicitation documentation and/or contracts
as well as, any amounts over $50, 000 ofall bid documents and contracts to the Council. So
Voted.
At last week's City Council meeting, the Finance Team asked for a narrower scope of the request
in order to supply accurate information and not put an unnecessarily burdensome drain on
Department resources. If the request for a list of purchase orders was made, it would have been
supplied quickly, easily, and without hesitation.
Speaking to efficiencies and improvements the Finance Department has made, we can report that
this past fiscal year, our newly formed policies have reduced purchase order carryforwards from
what was an average of $3,600,000 annually over the past five years to $990,000 (a 73%
reduction) in just the first year of working as a unit and implementing this process. That is a
major achievement and efficiency we are proud of and will work to further reduce in the current
fiscal year.
The City is audited by independent auditors each year and our processes and procedures are
analyzed, evaluated and reported on. No inefficiencies have been identified in any report.
Furthermore, our practices have been reviewed by DOR and in the coming weeks we will be
sharing exciting news with you with regard to the DORJDLS report from 2021. Our team is very
proud of the work we have done and continue to do to bring the City forward. Below is a list of
some of our successes achieved through our efficient processes:
• Implemented comprehensive and consolidated Financial Policies;
• Formed and developed a high functioning Finance Team which meets regularly including
all stakeholders and outside divisions;
• Provides regular updates to the Council and provides information ahead of formal
meeting;
• Streamlined the Budget Process so that it is efficient and accurate;
• Implemented a five year Capital Improvement Program;
• Received a Standard and Poor's Upgrade to the highest rating our City has ever received
• Created special use Stabilization accounts;
• Obtained the highest Certified Free Cash number in the City's history this past year;
• Working to obtain the City's first Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting
issued by the GFOA.
The Finance Team works incredibly hard and we take great pride in providing high-level quality
service to our City. We thank you for the opportunity to highlight the many efficiencies we have
implemented in our ongoing efforts to continuously improve upon past practices and establish a
Finance Department of which we can all be proud.
R~~~
Patrick D. Della Russo, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
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Christine Cl;i~s~- d
Gill Enos Paul Arikian
Budget Director Treasurer/Collector Dir. Information Technology
~~ i ~
Ian Fortes Rlchard Conti
City Auditor · of Assessors Interim Dir. OECD
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Katherine Nunes
Dir. DPW Capital Projects
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
1.
CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR
March 2, 2023
Council President Kelly Dooner
Members of the Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council,
The Finance Department is requesting to appear before the Committee on Finance and Salaries to
request a revolving fund be established for the benefit of Lake Sabbatia. New parking regulations
for the Lake Sabbatia Boat Ramp parking lot have been established by the Parking Commission
and will be implemented in the coming months. The revenues received from the parking fees at
the Lake will go directly into this fund and be able to be expended for Lake-related purposes.
Thank you for your consideration.
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
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March 7, 2023 '~
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The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00
PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R.
Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
6:00 PM
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES
1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.
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 PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL
AFFAIRS
1. Meet to discuss the request to create a special revenue account for the rollback and
conveyance taxes resulting from the sale and conversion of Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land.
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 E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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March 8, 2023 ,~
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor n r" ...
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Council President Kelly A. Dooner Pl
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And Members of the Municipal Council .::::::: U1 ............
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The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00
PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R.
Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
6:00 PM
THE COMMITTEE ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
I. Meet to interview firefighter candidates.
Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
Respectfully,
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Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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