City Council

City of'Taunton 9'.unicipa{Council9'.eeting 9'.inutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tli.e Cli.ester ~ 9'.artin 9'.unicipa{CouncilCliam6ers - 9'.inutes, 9'.arcn 14, 2023 at 7.·31 0 cfoc{Cl'.9d. 1 cg,gufar !Meeting !Mayor Sliaunna £. 0 'Connellpresiding c.Prayer was offerea 6y tfi.e !Mayor c.Present at rollcallwere: Councifor ©ooner, ©uarte, (}Jorges, !M.cCaut; a'ot"tier, Coute, Santfers, Q!J.inta[antia'ostell Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Luke Ross, 34 Adam Street, Taunton, spoke in favor of the bag ban. He discussed that we have more options available now, such as biodegradable plastic bags. Hearing: NONE Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated they have a special presentation tonight. March is Women's History Month and to celebrate all of the amazing women in our community, we will be issuing a proclamation declaring March 2023 as Women's History Month in the City of Taunton. The theme this year is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories". Countless women have impactful stories of challenge, overcoming, perseverance and success. They have stories that connect us, that teach us about our past and our history, and that inspire us for the future. This evening we are joined by three extraordinary women from our community who are here to share their stories. We will begin with Maria Miranda, owner and confectioner of GuChanYa Bakery. Maria emigrated from Cape Verde with her family as a child. She has had a lifelong passion for baking. Maria went back to school later in life to pursue her passion and start her own business. She now owns GuChanYa Bakery, which is the former School Street Bakery. Mayor O'Connell thanked Maria for the sweets she provided. She invited Maria to the podium to share her story. Maria spoke about how she has been in Taunton for 22-years and has raised her three daughters here. She went back to school to pursue her dream and obtained a degree in Culinary Arts. Mayor O'Connell issued Ms. Miranda a proclamation proclaiming March 2023 as Women's History Month. Mayor O'Connell also said that Maria Gonzalez was there to join them this evening. Maria is the founding manager and partner at M&A Supplier Diversity Consultants, which is a company that focuses on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Maria has led a career of working with small and diverse businesses to promote their standing and prosperity here in the Commonwealth and here in our  2 community. Mayor O'Connell thanked Maria for being there tonight and sharing her story. Ms. Gonzalez spoke about how she was the first Latino female that was hired by the Taunton Police Department. She was looking for a better place to raise her three sons. Maria has been in Taunton since 2001. After leaving the Police Department, she went to work for the state for many years in various departments. She later decided to retire and then became the owner of two businesses. She was recently sworn in as a Commissioner with the Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women. She is on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and is also a participant in the Professional Women's Group. She expressed that she enjoys giving back, as this city has given her so much. Mayor O'Connell issued Ms. Gonzalez a proclamation. Mayor O'Connell introduced Tanya Lobo, the founder and director of True Diversity Network. Tanya has been a champion for children and adults to have equitable access to opportunities and education, mental health and financial literacy. She has started summer camps that lift up our families and our children. She is organized, gets things done, and has done so much in this community. Mayor O'Connell thanked her for being with them tonight and sharing her story. Tanya spoke about how she moved here in 2017. It was not her intention to stay here initially, but her children had started in the school system and loved it. They bought a home here and love Taunton. She stated that it is an honor and a pleasure to work with the community. She became the chair of the Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women this year. Her mom has been her strength and the reason she is here today. Mayor O'Connell issued Ms. Lobo a proclamation. Mayor O'Connell thanked the women for sharing their stories. Mayor O'Connell made a motion for a five minute recess. So Voted. The meeting returned back to the regular order of business. Appointments: Reappointment of Robert Pirozzi as the Building Commissioner for a term of three (3) years expiring March 24, 2026. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted. Reappointment of Paul White as Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer for a term of three (3) years expiring March 17, 2026. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement notifying of the retirement for Superannuation of Terrence J. Downing, an employee of the Taunton Police Department on July 1, 2023. Mr. Downing will have 21-years and 5-months of creditable service in the retirement system. Motion was made to move approval and send the appropriate scroll. So Voted. Com. from Election Director submitting the 2023 Political Calendar for the City of Taunton. Once all the dates have been approved the political calendar will be published in the local newspaper for one business day and notices will be sent to all polling locations in the City of Taunton to advise them of the upcoming dates for the City Preliminary and City Election. Motion made to approve. So Voted.  3 Com. from City Solicitor submitting a correspondence dated March 3, 2023 which the Law Department has received from Comcast regarding a price change. Motion made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board notifying of a public hearing. The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a proposed Zoning Map Amendment to amend the City of Taunton Zoning Map by changing Parcel I.D. 9-2-0 on Joseph I. Quinn Road and a portion of Joseph I. Quinn Road from Suburban Residential to Industrial District, submitted by Reva Realty Norton, LLC. The Taunton Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 5:30pm at City Hall. Motion made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from Chief Financial Officer requesting to make a presentation. Members of the finance department would like to present the Finance and Salaries Committee an update on several software and cyber security improvements and efficiencies we have made and are in the process of implementing. The team would like to present this on March 28, 2023 and will provide the information ahead of that presentation for review. Motion made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from Chief Financial Officer to inform the Council on a motion made that an external audit of the Taunton Municipal Airport be conducted. The airport is currently audited by our external audit firm every year as part of our yearly process which includes an audit of balance sheets and statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances throughout the course of the year. This information can be accessed publicly under the City Auditor's webpage labeled "Audit Reports''. These procedures are in line with generally accepted accounting principles, commonly referred to as GAAP, as well as required by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB). There have been no findings through any audit with relation to the airport. Our City Auditor is at the front line of ensuring all invoices, contracts, and payments to vendors are in compliance with Mass General Laws. Motion was made to receive and place on file. On discussion, Councilor Borges received the financial piece from the auditor, however, she was not as interested in this. She was looking more on the operations of the airport itself. She feels that it is in our best interest to invest that money to look into the operations of the airport for potential issues that could be happening. She said it is something that they as a council should encourage the mayor to do. She said that the airport is not only owned by Mass DOT, that the City of Taunton owns the airport as well and they should have some control on that. Councilor Pottier spoke about how he appreciated Mr. Dello Russo's memo. However, he believes Councilor Borges' intention was to hire a consultant to look at the operations themselves and the policies and procedures to ensure we are following best practices. This may be something to refer to Mr. Dello Russo and the administration for consideration. He stated that they are not so much looking for a fiscal audit as they are not suggesting any fraud is going on, but rather to look at the processes and procedures that can only be done at the airport, and that this might be something that the CFO as well as the administration might be interested in undertaking. Councilor Postell spoke to support the motion of receiving and placing on file. He stated that this should be referred to the Mayor's office for administrative program review of the airport, as they have done with the DPW and other departments within the city. Councilor Duarte spoke in support of the motion made by Councilor Postell to refer this to the Mayor's office for administrative program review of the airport. He stated that the same motion was made  4 by himself and Councilor Coute in a previous council meeting. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Eugene McCaffrey of the Greater Taunton Area Allied Veterans Council. They would like to invite the City Council members and all city officials to take part in the 2023 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29, 2023, stepping off at 1:15pm on Broadway near Dartmouth Street, proceeding down Broadway, onto Main Street, then Summer Street, and breaking up behind Marian Manor. Motion made to receive and place on file, and refer to appropriate city departments. So Voted. Petitions: Zoning Change Petition Petition submitted by Attorney Brianna Correira, 123 Broadway, Taunton on behalf of her client, Reva Realty Norton, LLC requesting a zoning change for Parcel 9-2-0 on Joseph I. Quinn Road, Taunton from Suburban residential to Industrial. Motion made to refer to the City Clerk for 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, with the exception of the Fires and Wires Committee which met last Wednesday and the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. So Voted. Councilor Sanders, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, stated they were discussing restricting the availability and use of single use plastic bags. Councilor McCaul made the motion and it was seconded by Councilor Dooner that we remove that item from the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills and move it into Council as a Whole. The motion passed. Councilor Coute made a motion to ratify that on a roll call vote by the full Council. It was stated that a yes vote would be to affirm moving this to Council as a Whole. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present. Five (5) Councilors voting in opposition (Councilors Postell, Quintal, Sanders, Pottier, and Borges). Four (4) councilors voting in favor (Councilors Coute, Mccaul, Duarte, and Dooner). THE MOTION DID NOT PASS. Councilor Pottier spoke about how the Committee on Fires and Wires met on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, to conduct interviews and are offering up to three (3) conditional offers of employment from the eight (8) applicants who were pre-screened by the Fire Department and the Fire Chief. They had eight (8) outstanding candidates. He stated that himself, Councilor Coute and Councilor Postell were in attendance. Through that interview process, the Committee made the recommendation unanimously to offer employment to Mark Charbonneau, Steven Hutchins, and Andrew Trainor. Motion was made that the Council endorse that decision on a roll call vote. So Voted. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, nine (9) Councilors voting in favor of providing conditional offers to Marc Charbonneau, Steven Hutchins and Andrew Trainor. Unfinished Business: NONE  5 Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Order (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading Ordered That, Special Revenue Account: The proceeds derived from the payment of Rollback Taxes or Conveyance Taxes that result from the sale or conversion ofM.G.L. Chapter 61 and 61A & Bland located in the City of Taunton and the accumulated interest shall be segregated in a Special Revenue Account to be used at the discretion of the Mayor in consultation with the Sustainability Committee for projects and initiatives. Said account shall not exceed $250,000. Said projects shall be as follows: 1.Revitalizing or acquiring open, green, or recreational space within the City; 2.Purchasing conservation or recreational use easements on privately-held land; 3.Partnering with area land trusts on projects that benefit the City; 4.Cleaning up and repurposing blighted or underutilized City properties for open, green, or recreational space; 5. Constructing or repairing stormwater or rainwater management or collection systems utilizing nature-based solutions; 6. Contracting with consultants to assist the Sustainability Committee with its analysis, planning, grant-writing, and project management; and 7. Assisting with the administrative costs of the Sustainability Committee. Motion was made to pass to a second reading. So Voted. Ordinance (or a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE ARTICLE III. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING Sec 405-53. Prohibited parking places. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City a/Taunton as follows: That Section 405-53 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by adding the following: Name of Street Side Days/Hours Location Governor Street South Entire Length All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to pass to a third reading. So Voted.  6 Ordinance {or a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE CHAPTER 337 PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND VENDORS Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Chapter 337 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by replacing sections 337-4 and 337-5 with a new section numbered 337-1 and by renumbering the remaining sections as set forth below: Section 337-1 Temporary and Transient Vendors A. Definitions. The following words shall, for the purpose of this section, have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise: LICENSING AUTHORITY The Municipal Council for the City of Taunton. TEMPORARY FIXED-LOCATION BUSINESS The exhibition and sale of goods, merchandise or food from vehicles, stands or otherwise displayed, which is not carried on in any tent, booth, building or other structure or shelter. The term shall also be applicable to any exhibition and sale of goods and merchandise from vehicles, stands or otherwise displayed which does not come within the definition of hawker and peddler or transient vendor. TEMPORARY FIXED-LOCATION VENDOR Includes any person, either principal or agent, who engages in a temporary business in the City selling goods, merchandise or food from vehicles, stands or otherwise displayed and who is not required to be licensed as a transient vendor or hawker and peddler under MGL c. 101. TEMPORARY OR TRANSIENT BUSINESS The exhibition and sale of goods or merchandise from any tent, booth, building or other structure, unless such place is anticipated to be open for business during usual business hours for a period of at least 12 consecutive months. The term shall also be applicable to any exhibition and sale of goods, wares or merchandise from vehicles, or stands, or otherwise displayed, which does not come within the definition of hawker and peddler. TRANSIENT OR TEMPORARY VENDOR Any person, either principal or agent, who engages in a temporary or transient business in the City of Taunton selling goods, wares or merchandise, either in one locality or in travelling from place to place.  7 B. Transient Vendor or Transient Business License 1. Application, investigation and fees. Every transient vendor, before making any sales of goods, wares or merchandise in the City of Taunton, shall make application to the licensing authority for the issuance of a license to conduct a temporary or transient business within the City. Said application and a processing fee shall thereafter be forwarded to the Chief of Police for investigation and to the Planning Department for zoning review with the results submitted to the licensing authority. Thereupon, if the application is approved, the licensing authority shall authorize the City Clerk, upon payment by the applicant of a fee of $200, to issue a license authorizing the sale of such goods and merchandise within the City. The licensing authority may, in lieu of a fixed license fee, require the applicant to file with the licensing authority a sworn statement of the average quantity and value of the stock of goods and merchandise kept or intended to be kept for sale. Said licensing authority shall submit such statement to the Assessors of the City, who shall determine such average quantity and value and shall transmit a certificate thereof to said licensing authority. In lieu of a fixed fee, the applicant shall pay to the City Clerk a fee equal to the taxes assessable in the City of Taunton under the last preceding tax levy therein upon an amount of property of the same valuation. Said license shall remain in force until the first day of May next ensuing after the date of its issuance unless sooner revoked. 2. Fines. Any transient vendor who sells, or exposes for sale, at public or private sale, any goods, wares or merchandise without a license therefor, or any transient vendor who neglects or refuses to file the statement previously described, if required by the licensing authority, or makes a false or fraudulent representation therein, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $200 for each day on which he/she keeps or exposes for sale any goods or merchandise. 3. Prohibited sales. The sale by transient vendors of jewelry, furs, cell phones, earbuds, earphones, small electronic devices, gold, silver, or other precious metals is prohibited. 4. False Statements. Filing applications with false statements prohibited. No person shall either as principal or by agent file any application, original or supplementary, containing any false or misleading statement. 5. Authority to arrest. A police officer shall have the authority to arrest without a warrant a hawker and peddler or transient vendor or any other person the officer has a probable cause to believe is violating any provision of this section. 6. Violations. Any violation of Subsection 3 or 4 of this section shall be punishable as provided in§ 1-5 of these Revised Ordinances. C. Temporary Fixed-Location Businesses or Vendors License 1. Application, investigation and fees. Every temporary fixed-location vendor, before making any sales of goods, wares, merchandise or food in the City, shall make application to the licensing authority for the issuance of a license to conduct  8 a temporary fixed-location business within the City. Said application and processing fee shall thereafter be forwarded to the Chief of Police for investigation and the Planning Department for zoning review, with the results submitted to the licensing authority. Thereupon, if the application is approved, the licensing authority shall authorize the City Clerk, upon payment by the applicant of a fee of $250, to issue a license authorizing the sale of such goods, wares, merchandise or food kept or intended to be kept or exposed by him/her for sale. The licensing authority may, in lieu of a fixed license fee, require the applicant to file with the licensing authority a sworn statement of the average quantity and value of the stock of goods, and merchandise kept or intended to be kept for sale. Such licensing authority shall submit the statement to the Assessors of the City who shall determine such average quantity and value and shall forthwith transmit a certificate thereof to the licensing authority. In lieu of a fixed fee, the applicant shall pay to the City Clerk a fee equal to the taxes assessable in the City under the last preceding tax levy therein upon an amount of property of the same valuation. The license shall be at all times prominently displayed and shall remain in force until the first day of May next ensuing after the date of its issuance unless sooner revoked. Such license shall not be transferable. It shall not authorize more than one person or entity to sell goods, merchandise or food as a temporary fixed- location vendor either by agent or clerk or in any way other than his/her own proper person, but a licensee may have the assistance of one or more persons in conducting the business who may aid but not act for or without him/her. 2. Prerequisite for issuance. No person shall be licensed as a temporary fixed- location vendor under the provisions of this section until he/she obtains the following: a. A certificate from the Board of Health stating that the vehicle, receptacles and utensils are in sanitary condition. b. A license for the sale of milk from the Board of Health. c. A license as a common victualer from the Board of License Commissioners. 3. Fines. Any temporary fixed-location vendor who sells or exposes for sale any goods, wares, merchandise or food without a license therefor, or any temporary fixed-location vendor who neglects or refuses to file the statement previously described, if required by the licensing authority, or makes false or fraudulent representation therein, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $200 for each day on which he/she keeps or exposes for sale any goods, wares, merchandise, or food. 4. Prohibited sales. The sale by temporary fixed-location vendors of jewelry, cell phones, earbuds, earphones, small electronic devices, furs, gold, silver or other precious metals, wines or spirituous liquors, small artificial flowers or miniature flags is prohibited. 5. False Statements. Filing application with false statements prohibited. No person shall either as principal or by agent file any application, original or supplementary, containing any false statement  9 6. Authority to arrest. A police officer shall have the authority to arrest without a warrant a temporary fixed-location vendor or any other person the officer has a probable cause to believe is violating any provision of this section. 7. Violations. Any violation of Subsection 4 or 5 of this section shall be punishable as provided in § 1-5 of these Revised Ordinances. THE REMAINING PARAGRAPHS OF CHAPTER 337 SHALL BE RENUMBERED AS FOLLOWS: Section 337-1 Hawkers and peddlers. Shall now be renumbered: 337.2 Hawkers and peddlers. Section 3 37-1.1 Annual Christmas Parade. Shall now be renumbered: 337.3 Annual Christmas Parade. Section 337-2 License required for soliciting money and selling goods. Shall now be renumbered: 337.4 License required for soliciting money and selling goods. Section 337-3 Newsracks. Shall now be renumbered: 337.5 Newsracks. Section 337-5.1 Yard sales. Shall now be renumbered: 337.6 Yard sales. Section 337-6 Flea markets. Shall now be renumbered 33 7. 7 Flea markets. Section 3 3 7-7 Tag day permit requirements. Shall now be renumbered: 337.8 Tag day permit requirements. Section 337-8 Regulation of drop boxes. Shall now be renumbered: 337-9 Regulation of drop boxes. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to pass to a third reading. So Voted. New Business: Councilor Postell made a motion to refer to the Mayor's Office as well as the Chief Financial Officer for an administrative program review to be conducted at the Taunton Municipal Airport. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Councilor Quintal spoke in regards to the abandoned water tank across from G. Lopes Corporate Offices on Winthrop Street. It is 6-inches in the ground. This is city owned and behind it are acres of wetland with where endangered species, such as turtles, reside. It is flaking off lead paint. It is an eyesore as well as a hazard, and that it is time to have it  10 taken down. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Councilor Quintal spoke about the Veterans Agent. Interviews are being conducted. They were especially looking to hire within, especially the second-in-command, if said person is qualified. He surely hopes this happens in that office. Motion was made to adjourn. So Voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/MAF  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council March 8, 2023 The Committee on The Fire Department ' ' , rL The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MAlJ27§p in~ - .,f~l ~;:;a Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ;:; ;;:,. ry -ti ;:i.i; :X C.J1 Present were Councilor Pottier, Chairman, and Councilors Postell and Coute. Also prese/it were Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw, Captain Steven Lavigne, and Fire Candidates Michael Perotta, Marc Charbonneau, Cody Galligan, Steven Hutchins, Daniel Keogh, Harrison McNeil, Patrick Perkins, and Andrew Trainor. The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM. 1. Meet to interview firefighter candidates. Councilor Pottier explained that the intent was to interview the eight candidates in order to make .conditional offers of employment to up to three. Candidates Michael Perotta, Marc Charbonneau, Cody Galligan, Steven Hutchins, Daniel Keogh, Harrison McNeil, Patrick Perkins, and Andrew Trainor were interviewed by the members of the Committee. Councilors Pottier, Postell, and Coute asked questions of each about their experience and their background. Michael Perotta currently works at Power Home Remodeling where he is a sales rep in a management role. He also served in the Navy. Marc Charbonneau has been a police officer for five years. Cody Galligan is currently part owner of J & J Masonry. Steven Hutchins is a call firefighter for Berkley and Lakeville as well as a self-employed landscaper. Daniel Keough currently works for a company that ships special metals and he coordinates shipments. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University. Harrison McNeil is a Taunton Police Officer. Patrick Perkins is a fulltime Middleborough Fire Fighter.  12 Andrew Trainor graduated from Bridgewater State with a bachelor's degree. He works for Gen Serv and is in the Navy Reserve. MOTION: Make conditional offers of employment to the following candidates: Mark Charbonneau Steven Hutchins Andrew Trainor So Voted. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, - . . CITY OF TAUNTON ·'" . .V1A at Q a...~',.___ ?' /1 I ~ A MAR 14 2023 //; -- ~0 ()- - L , ~'.'---9- J - Maggie E. Clarke IN- MUNtCIPAk:.C;.Ql't:fNCIC, . . ;.:.·_:':t'-···,..-:;: . . ·:: . ·.·.·Clerk qf Council Committees ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, NINE (9) COUNCILORS WERE PRESENT, NINE (9) COUNCILORS VOTED TO GIVE CONDITIONAL OFFERS TO MARC CHARBONNEAU, STEVEN HUTCHINS AND ANDREW TRAINOR. SO VOTED. K~ Committee on the Fire Department March 8, 2023 Page2 of2  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council March 14, 2023 The Committee on Finance and Salaries --- _J -< ?"~ .) :; ~1:: The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,d\1A:0278lJJ>in th~2~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. M > ...o.. ~-;j ~ ~ - 'C,CJ ""'"" --i-1 Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilors Pottier and McCaiif. Also present was Patrick Dello Russo, CFO. The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM. 1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$1,340,998.06. So voted. MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $1, 733,985. 72. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the request from the Budget Director to transfer $70,388. 72 from the Reserve Account to the Bristol Agricultural School Assessment line item (01-380-5200- 5695). MOTION: Approve and transfer $70,388. 72 from the Reserve Account (01-132-5200-5784) to the Bristol Agricultural School Assessment line item (01-380-5200-5695). So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to establish a revolving fund for the benefit of Lake Sabbatia. Councilor McCaul gave some background on the project at Lake Sabbatia. A group of concerned people met multiple times, developed a Facebook page, and received $500,000 and $50,000 grants. They have developed a five year plan. Treatment has begun and residents are happy to see the lake is coming back to life. Mr. Dello Russo explained that the City has purchased kiosks and parking will be $8 per day which is projected to generate $13,000 - $15,000 annually in revenue for this revolving fund. MOTION: Funds derived from the parking revenue at Lake Sabbatia will go directly into a new revolving fund to be established by the City Auditor to be expended/or Lake Sabbatia initiatives and purposes.  14 Councilor Pottier confirmed that the Police Department would be the enforcement agency. Councilor McCaul explained that the long range goal is to install a washing station so that boat bottoms can be cleaned to remove algae prior to going into the water. Councilor Borges suggested that the kiosks be removed during the off season to prevent damage. So Voted. 4. Meet to discuss stipends for boards and committees. Councilor Duarte explained that, under Mass General Law, a vote of the legislative body establishes the full amount of the appropriation for the School Department. The City Council cannot designate the School Department budget by line item. If the Council were to establish the School Committee's stipend, it would need to be by ordinance. Mr. Della Russo indicated that his intention for this budget cycle is to present the Council with more detail on the School budget. He further reported that he is in attendance at all School budget related hearings. Councilor Duarte further explained that the School Committee stipend is a line item of the School Department's budget. The Council appropriates the total budget amount for the School Department but the Council does not receive the line item budget. MOTION: Refer the matter ofstipends for boards, committees, and commissions to the Ordinance ·Committee. Councilor Borges agreed that the Council has never received a line item budget from the schools. Councilor Sanders expressed his hesitancy to delve into the School's line item budget because he has always believed in the sovereignty of the School Committee. He expressed his appreciation to the Chair for mentioning that by State Law the City Council cannot go into the line item budget of the Schools. Mr. Sanders indicated his concern that in other communities there is robust discussion around the stipends of the school committees. He is also concerned that the paper reported that the CFO and Mayor didn't know anything about the stipend increase when the Mayor is a member of the School Committee. Mr. Della Russo stated that the Mayor was not present for any discussion of the School Committee where raises were mentioned. Councilor Duarte stressed that establishing an Ordinance removes the Council from the line item budget discussion. Councilor Pottier indicated that he requested the minutes and received none where the stipend was discussed. He appreciates the Chair looking to codify this. Committee on Finance and Salaries March 14, 2023 Page2 of3  15 Councilor Postell suggested that if the Council approves the budget that he would like to know where the money is going. He did not vote for the Council to get a raise and would not have voted for a stipend increase for another committee. Councilor Borges reiterated that the Mayor sits on the School Committee and stressed that she wanted to be sure that all the boards are treated fairly. She questioned whether a raise should have been taken in the year that the Committee serves. So Voted. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON /1~vt'. CA.a,~ (..._,_ MAR 14 2023 Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Finance and Salaries March 14, 2023 Page3 of3  16 City of Taunton Municipal Council March 14, 2023 ":.r -· The Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs :.: -< (j) 7 ~ p ·:m :~c::J The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA&()27:S-O in 1;Qe . ~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. .~· - er Present were Councilor John McCaul, Chairman and Councilors Dooner and Quintal. Also present were Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, Karen Pemberton, and Bruce and Sandy Thomas. The meeting was called to order at 6: 11 PM. 1. Meet to recognize Bruce and Sandy Thomas for their support of the veteran banners. Councilor McCaul explained that he went to Karen Pemberton to pay for his banner and learned that Bruce and Sandy Thomas had again covered the expense of the banners for veterans. He indicated that there were 50 banners the first year, then 54, and this year there are 84. He expressed his appreciation to the Thomas' for this. Members of the Committee echoed Mr. McCaul's thanks. Karen Pemberton explained that the Thomas' have been a big part of the veteran banner program which has been sold out each year. She also mentioned Honor our Military Day which is scheduled for June 17. Mayor O'Connell stated that the community has always shown gratitude to its veterans and expressed her respect and gratitude to the Thomas'. She explained how grateful the veterans' families are when they receive the banners back and indicated that so many people might not have been able to participate without Bruce and Sandy Thomas. Councilor Borges expressed her thanks not just for their generosity to the banner program but for always jumping in whenever needed. Councilor Sanders expressed his thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for stepping up and also for stepping into the spotlight. Mr. Thomas made a brief statement indicating that his grandfather had served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War and was part of what is known as the Greatest Generation and thanked veterans. Two members of the public gave thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.  17 Councilor McCaul read a citation which was presented to the Bruce and Sandy Thomas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, MAR 14 2023 ~t.C,&v._~ Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs March 14, 2023 Page2 of2  18 City of Taunton Municipal Council " March 14, 2023 " 'f I,' ,, ·. ;:·-:i ;::('.:"_:: - ,.,. ,·L·.o:; ...... :'...'. rr1 The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills n :t ::~:'t:J r > ''"'1 ~ -!? The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, :t\'.m. 02780grthe ~·l Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Present were Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman and Councilors Dooner and McCaul. Also present was Attorney Thomas Gay. The meeting was called to order at 6:43 PM. 1. Meet with Law Department to discuss an ordinance to reduce the use of single use plastic bags. Councilor Sanders gave some background on this issue and indicated this was originally introduced in 2018 and was discussed in the Committee on Public Health and Environmental Affairs and then sent to the Ordinance Committee. A draft Ordinance was crafted but, when Covid hit, it was shelved based on the recommendation at that time that people use disposable bags. He stated that at that time one concern was that Taunton businesses might be disadvantaged. However, Raynham passed an ordinance in May of 2021 which may ease some of those concerns. He also indicated that the trash compliance monitor for the City requested that the Council look at this issue. Attorney Gay pointed out that the Raynham Ordinance was very bare boned but his draft was a little more detailed. He suggested that it is up to the Council to determine how detailed they would like it to be, how fines should be implemented, and if there should be a charge for bags. Councilor Dooner suggested that the City look at incentives which she would prefer to a ban. Councilor McCaul indicated that the Council should see how this would affect the community. He believes this is a good way to protect our environment but would like more time .. Councilor Postell asked if, in the past few years, any new information has been found such as research or statistical data. When this was :first discussed in 2018 it was a hot topic but, since then, it has been implemented in parts of the country and he wondered what lessons have been learned. Councilor Sanders stated that what was known in 2018 is still true today. Plastic bags don't degrade in a meaningful way and, while they are technically recyclable, they muck up the machines. He indicated that the DPW had said that the presence of thin plastic bags in the recycling collection downgraded the value of the recycling.  19 Councilor Quintal gave his full support to this suggested measure and hopes it moves quickly. Councilor Coute stated that he does not support this. He indicated that businesses could be put at a disadvantage. Further, he stated that in his research he found that plastic bags often have a second life so people end up purchasing plastic bags. He does not want to make things harder for businesses. Councilor McCaul asked if the Council would also look at banning trash bags. Councilor Borges suggested the Council look at the reduction of plastic bags vs. a full ban. She hoped that the Council would take some time to review the draft, do some research, and come back to have more of a discussion. Councilor Duarte expressed his support. He pointed out that Raynham' s Ordinance and Attorney Gay's draft are very different. He stated that incentives are not usually very effective. Mr. Duarte indicated that the goal is not to convert to paper bags but, rather, ultimately, to reusable bags. Councilor Sanders wondered if there might be language included around the types of establishments that could be excluded from the restrictions. Attorney Gay suggested that it could be legally problematic to treat businesses differently based on their size or their profitability. Attorney Gay suggested a start date in the future. Giving a 6 month or 1 year notice would give businesses time to use up their inventory. Councilor Sanders pointed out that the draft included a 10 cent charge for bags to be provided and he indicated that he is not in favor of that. Also, he preferred the more graduated fine schedule in Raynham's Ordinance. Councilor McCaul suggested this be put to a ballot question. Councilor Sanders indicated that there is no opportunity for a ballot question under the current charter. Councilor McCaul stated that he would prefer that the residents make the decision. Councilor Dooner indicated that she would like to look into what else is out there. Councilor Borges stated that she needs to do a little more research and suggested coming back to this in a month. Councilor McCaul moved: MOTION: Send this to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. Councilor Duarte expressed his support for this motion. Councilor Borges was opposed. Councilor Coute supported. Councilor Pottier preferred leaving the matter in the Ordinance Committee. Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills March 14, 2023 Page2 of3  20 Councilors McCaul and Dooner voted yes. The Chairman was opposed. The motion carries 2-1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY Of TAUNTON MAR 14 2023 ~~vr!'. MN k Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees COUNCILOR SANDERS, CHAIR OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, STATED THEY WERE DISCUSSING RESTRICTING THE AVAILABILITY AND USE OF SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS. COUNCILOR MCCAUL MADE THE MOTION AND IT WAS SECONDED BY COUNCILOR DOONER THAT WE REMOVE THAT ITEM FROM THE COMMITTEE ON ORDINANCES AND ENROLLED BILLS AND MOVE IT INTO COUNCIL AS A WHOLE. THE MOTION PASSED. COUNCILOR COUTE MADE A MOTION TO RATIFY THAT ON A ROLL CALL VOTE BY THE FULL COUNCIL. IT WAS STATED THAT A YES VOTE WOULD BE TO AFFIRM MOVING THIS TO COUNCIL AS A WHOLE. ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, NINE (9) COUNCILORS WERE PRESENT. FIVE (5) COUNCILORS VOTING IN OPPOSITION (COUNCILORS POSTELL, QUINTAL, SANDERS, POTTIER, AND BORGES). FOUR (4) COUNCILORS VOTING IN FAVOR (COUNCILORS COUTE, MCCAUL, DUARTE, AND DOONER). T MOTION DID NOT PASS. ERKt~ Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills March 14, 2023 Page 3 of3  21 City of Taunton Municipal Council March 14, 2023 ,:-·· __J ....,. The Committee on Police and License ~ ~i;, l> :'..'. ~1 r- ~ ·::~CJ The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton~ 0278&in ~~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. O: ~'h Present were Councilor Jeffrey Postell, Chairman and Councilors Sanders and Borges. Also present was Detective William Rutherford. The meeting was called to order at 7 :25 PM. 1. Meet with Detective Rutherford on the petition for renewal of a Fortune Teller License for Bissie's Palm Reading located at 103 Main Street. Detective Rutherford gave a positive recommendation. MOTION: Approve. So voted. The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON MAR 14 2023 /)1!L#~~_; z~_ c:A.a\_l~ i ( { Maggie . Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNOJ Clerk of Council Committees RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~rE-RK¥  22 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#18 FY 2023 ._%,, ~ (JO£UZCtt ..................... ~~~~~-~-~:. :':~.:':~.................. 20.............. THE SUM OF SEVENTY THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT DOLLARS AND 72 CENTS ($70,388. 72) BE AND HEREBY IS TRANSFERRED AS FOLLOWS: FROM RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-132-5200-5784 TO BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT NUMBER 01-380-5200- 5695 ................................................................ ~k.£.