City Council

City of'Taunton !MunicipalCounci{!M.eetino !Minutes City Jla{[, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, 5'(J( In tne Cnester ~ !Martin !MunicipalCounci{ Cnam6ers !Minutes, JLpri[4, 2023 at 7:05 O'cfocf{/P.!M.. <R§gufar 9deetina CouncifCJlresUfent ©ooner presit(i.na (prayer was offerea 6y tli.e Councif(}!resUfent CJlresent at ro{[ ca{[were: Councifurs (}'oste/4 Santfers, Coute, (}'ottier, (}Jorges, (})uarte, antf(])ooner Councifurs Qy.intalantf9dcCaulwere a6sent. Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Paul Riley, 52 Mayflower Avenue, Taunton, signed up to discuss the sewer tie in for the Oak Hill Mobile Home Park. Councilor President Dooner stated Mr. Riley was not present to speak. No one spoke during public input. Hearing: NONE. Communications from the Mayor: Council President Dooner stated they will be having an Earth Day presentation. She proceeded to join the Boy Scout Troop at the podium. She stated that the Boy Scout Troop is here today which includes Abby Wolnet, Henry Truitt, Isabelle Wolnet and Emma Anderson. She also introduced Karen Kullas, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, and Kim Zimmerman. She stated that with Earth Day 2023 just around the comer, they wanted to take a moment to recognize the efforts put forth by them, in addition to all of the businesses and organizations, the City, as well as all of the residents who come forth to participate and do their part to keep our neighborhoods clean. She stated that they want to recognize that there is more work that needs to be done and that is why they have invited them here to go over what they do and how people can get involved. Karen Kullas spoke to introduce herself as a coordinator for TEAM (Taunton Ecology Awareness Movement). She stated that this is the 32nd year they have sponsored a citywide clean-up in Taunton and they are proud to do it again this year. The clean-up will occur on Earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22, 2023. Ms. Kullas stated they will be meeting behind City Hall in the Police Station parking lot to pick up bags and gloves, and then volunteers will be able to go to their location to help clean. She stated the City will provide yellow trash bags and gloves and they will pick up the trash that day as well. She stated they already have groups that have been signed up and that Scout Troop 49 will be cleaning up the  2 Friedman Middle School/Norton Avenue Complex. She listed the other organizations that will be participating. She stated that if people would like to clean on an alternative day, they are welcome to do so. She stated that people can pre-register at tauntonecoaware@gmail.com and they will be happy to assign an area or they can clean their neighborhood. Council President Dooner stated that she has participated in the last few years and there is a great deal to clean up around Taunton. On behalf of the Mayor and the City Council, Council President Dooner issued a proclamation declaring April 22, 2023 Earth Day in Taunton. She stated the proclamation declares that Earth Day began as a celebration in 1970 and has grown into a worldwide environmental movement with the intent of motivating and inspiring positive action for our planet whereas our community continues to address environmental challenges that require us to recognize our role in the protection and restoration of planet Earth whereas the theme of this year's Earth Day celebration is to invest in our planet with a focus on engaging governments, institutions, businesses and citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part whereas we are all caretakers of our planet and have an obligation to mitigate the effects of the climate change and environmental degradation to preserve Earth's beauty and resources. Council President Dooner stated that Mayor 0' Connell would like to thank everyone who has been participating in the recent public safety event information sessions. There were hundreds of people who presented on the telephone town hall last Wednesday. She stated that the Mayor, the Chief of Police and Chief of Fire had a productive meeting with local business owners this morning and there are several events coming up, one of them being on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 1O:OOam, it will be a coffee hour with the seniors at the Council on Aging. She stated that there will be Police Station tours on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 11 :OOam to 1:OOpm. She stated there is going to be a forum with the veterans located at the Taunton VFW on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 1:OOpm. She stated there will be one more community info session located at City Hall which will be Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:00pm. She stated that Mayor O'Connell wanted to recognize the Department of Parks and Recreation for the great breakfast that they hosted this weekend as well as the Easter Egg Drop event that was hosted by Christ Community Church. Both events were very well attended. She stated that City Hall will be closed this Friday, April 7, 2023 in observance of Good Friday. She stated that on Wednesday April 12, 2023 after the Public Safety Facility Session there will be a Community Forum on the Taunton Nursing Home site located in the Friedman Middle School cafeteria from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. They recommend everyone come to make their suggestions on what they would like to see come of the former nursing home. Appointments: NONE. Communications from Citv Officers: Com. from the First Assistant City Solicitor stating that the Mayor and the Fire Department have worked collaboratively to resolve the outstanding issues with fire protection cisterns throughout the City. There were four neighborhoods identified with cisterns as their primary water source for fire protection. The neighborhoods consisting of Fiddlers Way and Cotuit Road and Cheshire Drive, Windsor Court and Cambridge Street have been placed upon the Water Department's Capital plan for water main expansion. The other two neighborhoods have had their cisterns inspected, filled and will be monitored henceforth. The cistern located at Debra Drive has been inspected and had the pump replaced. This will be monitored by the Water Department to ensure that the cistern  3 is full of water and available for firefighting. The cistern located at Domoch Drive has also been inspected and filled. The City has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the homeowners' association (Prospect Hill Preserve) for annual maintenance and inspection. As a result, the City and the Fire Department will be equipped with the proper tools to combat any fires and it provides the homeowners additional security. Motion was made to refer to the Department of Public Works. On discussion, Councilor Sanders spoke to express his gratitude to Mayor 0' Connell and the Law Department for having this matter attended to. He knows it has been a work in progress and that residents will sleep better knowing they have adequate fire protection in their neighborhood. Councilor Pottier spoke to express his gratitude to Councilor Sanders, as well as the Law Department and the Fire Department for their actions and ensuring we have safety in those communities. Motion was made to refer to the Department of Public Works. So Voted. Com. from the Fire Chief to inform the Council that the 1987 E One Hush Fire Engine that served the Department for thirty-six (36) years and a 2000 Chevrolet Transport Bus gifted to us from the school department back in 2011 are no longer mechanically safe to operate to RMV standards. He is requesting both vehicles be listed as surplus or sent to a recycling yard to be scrapped. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Com. from Chief Financial Officer requesting that the Budget Director Gill Enos, Human Resources Director Amy Kazlauskas and himself have the opportunity to present the City of Taunton's Annual Budget to the City Council on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 5:00pm. The Budget Books they will receive on or before April 30, 2023 will consist of five (5) sections. The structure and procedure would remain the same as last year. Councilor Coute made a motion that as part of the budget hearing that the Taunton Superintendent and the Bristol Plymouth Superintendent come in as part of the budget process and be a part of presenting their budget. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated they have already referred some of the School Committee's budget to the Committee on Finance and Salaries for discussion, particularly the stipend situation. He stated the more detailed information they get from the School Committee, the better. He stated he supports Councilor Coute's motion. Councilor Sanders stated that they traditionally do not meet prior to 5:30pm. He knows it would not only be a challenge for himself but for a few of the other Councilors to be in their seats by 5:00pm. He respectfully requests that the meeting be scheduled no earlier than 5:30pm on May 10, 2023. Motion was made to include this in the motion. Councilor Sanders also stated that Councilor Borges had mentioned previously that the Council may want to have further discussion with individual department heads as once they look at the budget they may have additional questions. Councilor Duarte stated they may want to include the Bristol Aggie Superintendent as part of the motion to since they have an assessment from them. Motion was made to include this in the motion. Councilor Pottier also stated that the broadcast team be available to broadcast the meeting as well. Motion was made to include this in the motion. So Voted. Com. from Chief Financial Officer requesting a change of a previous order regarding recreational Marijuana revenue. In 2020, a public safety stabilization fund was created with the intention of directing 50% of revenue from Host Community Fees to the account. Mayor O'Connell is proposing that 100% of recreational Marijuana Host Community Fees be placed in a special revenue account to offset Debt Service and/or  4 costs related to a Public Safety Building repair and maintenance. These funds would be expended at the direction of the Mayor for these purposes. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries for further discussion. So Voted. Com. from DPW Commissioner requesting to add yard waste disposal services at the City's Convenience Center located at 340 East Britannia Street with the following fee structure and guidelines that have been outlined. These guidelines include that the proposed services will go into effect in line with the City's spring yard waste collection week with yard waste disposal open to the public at the Convenience Center, Wednesday April 26, 2023; Yard waste disposal will be available year-round and in line with the existing hours of operation for the Convenience Center, Wednesday 7A-1P, Friday, 7A- 1P, Saturday, 8A-3P; Disposal services will be restricted to Taunton residents only (identification will be required); Leaves, grass clippings, and brush regulated to twigs and branches no bigger than four feet in length and one (1) inch in diameter allowed for disposal; No stumps, tree limbs, or branches bigger than the size listed above allowed; No boxed or plastic-bagged yard waste allowed; No illegal dumping permitted; $2.00 minimum load or per 30-gallon yard waste bag or per 32-gallon open barrel; $25.00 per pick-up truck or per trailer load (charge will apply for each unit if both are loaded). The City's existing disposal services contract with New England Waste Disposal provides roll off and disposal services for yard waste. The DPW has assessed costs, historic tonnages and this proposal would afford residents another outlet, beyond the City's curbside yard waste program and available private services, to dispose of yard waste without financially burdening the City's solid waste and recycling program. The attached projection outlines both the estimated cost and fee structure proposed. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Solid Waste. On discussion, Councilor Borges stated that this is something that could be voted on tonight since there was a lot of discussion on it last week. She stated if the Council is comfortable with voting on both communications listed on pages 6 and 8 of the agenda, they could be read and voted on. Councilor Coute stated that the reason he made the motion to refer to the Committee on Solid Waste was because the previous discussion at the Committee was to put a proposal together and they will come in and explain it. He stated that if Councilor Borges would like to skip that part of the process he will defer to her since she is the chair of that Committee. Councilor Pottier stated that he appreciated the motion made by Councilor Coute. He also stated that the reason these communications are here tonight are because great information was conveyed at Councilor Borges' meeting last week and he asked that it be codified in the agenda so they could see it. He stated he would be comfortable voting on it tonight as well. Councilor Coute withdrew his motion. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that this is meant to be a temporary solution to substitute what was happening last year with the site that was established and this solution is within the City's current trash disposal contract. He stated that they are still looking to establish a site for yard waste composting that will be at no cost to residents. Councilor Borges stated that they do have three (3) yard waste pick-up dates per year. Com. from DPW Commissioner stating that with the recent waste ban changes enacted by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regarding mattresses, the institution of mattress drop-off recycling services at the City's Convenience Center and the thirty-five ($35.00) per unit fee, and the request by the City Council to enact a senior exemption program, the Department of Public Work proposes to institute the following: The proposed Senior Mattress Drop-off Tag Program will go into effect May 1, 2023;  5 Taunton residents age 64 or older will need to fill out the attached Senior Mattress Drop- Off Tag Program Application and drop off to the DPW for review and approval; In addition to age and Taunton residency, program eligibility will require participation in the City Assessor's Tax Exemption Program or participation in MA Department of Transitional Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or participation in MA Department of Housing and Community Development Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Approved seniors will receive one tag per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) to afford one free mattress disposal; Tags will need to be picked up at the DPW and brought with the mattress to the City's Convenience Center at 340 East Britannia St. during the hours of operation for disposal; Tags will expire at the end of each respective fiscal year and carry over will not be allowed, i.e. a FY2023 Tag will only be eligible for use up to June 30, 2023; Applications can be submitted at any time and approved seniors will not need to reapply each fiscal year. On discussion, Councilor Borges expressed gratitude to Councilor Coute for bringing this to the Committee's attention and for adding this program for seniors to the trash bag program. Councilor Pottier spoke to state that he made the motion for the same procedure because they had a lengthy discussion last week on this particular topic and they asked for this to be a codified agenda item for them to consider and vote on. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Renee Taylor, 15 Bassett Street, Taunton, requesting to transfer a Kennel License of Taylor Hill Dog Kennel located at 15 Bassett Street. Her father, Kenneth Taylor, was the previous owner and passed away on July 3, 2022. She stated it was her father's intention for her to take over the business. She is requesting to renew the Kennel License under the same terms under her name. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License. On discussion, the City Clerk stated this only requires approval. The property is in Renee's name so it is fine for her to have it and the City Clerk has spoken to the Animal Control Officer and he states that everything is in good shape. Motion was made to move approval. Second on discussion, a request was made to obtain a correspondence from the Animal Control Officer. So Voted. Petitions: Levar Houston, 437 Somerset Ave., Apt. 1, Taunton for for a new Second Hand Article License VARSWorld, LLC to sell new and used sneakers and clothing on-line only. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License. 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 including the committee meeting that took place after last Tuesday's general meeting. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: NONE.  6 New Business: Councilor Sanders stated he would like to extend the Council's congratulations to Maggie Clarke, Clerk of Committees, who was elected yesterday to the Plainville Board of Selectmen. Motion was made to go on record congratulating her. So Voted. Councilor Borges stated that she was asked by the Greater Taunton Day of Portugal Committee go on record in support of the Taunton Day of Portugal. She read a letter from the Day of Portugal Committee notifying Mayor O'Connell and the Council that they are working on Heritage Day of Portugal activities for the month of June in the City of Taunton. One of their first events in the month of June of 2023 will be to bring back the tradition of raising the Portuguese flag in front of the Taunton City Hall as it has been done for over four (4) decades. They stated that the City of Taunton has been the treasured home for many Portuguese-American citizens who have come to America and who are proud to be living in a community that embraces their heritage and culture. They stated it is their goal to have the return of the flag raising ceremony in front of City Hall at noontime on Saturday, June 10, 2023, during the official Portuguese-American heritage month as it is recognized throughout the world and proclaimed by the Governor of our Commonwealth. They stated the newly established Day of Portugal Committee, consisting of members from Portuguese clubs, organization, societies, numerous Portuguese-American elected officials and community representatives throughout the Greater Taunton Area would like to submit the list of petitioners that have joined and the submission of this letter to be received by Mayor 0' Connell and the members of the Taunton City Council. The two Day of Portugal Committee members that asked that this be brought forward tonight are the newly elected President from the Taunton Sport's Club, Paul Ferreira, and the newly elected Vice President of the Taunton Day of Portugal event, Teresa Mello. This letter is signed by Paul Ferreira, Taunton Sports Club; John Arruda, Portuguese American Civic Club; Dolores Milho, Holy Ghost Society of East Taunton; Fernando Casado, Holy Ghost Society of Taunton Eagles Soccer Club; Louis Viveiros, Taunton Eagles Soccer Club; Teresa Mello, Prince Henry Society of Greater Taunton; Ann Marie Almeida, Escola Oficial Portuguesa de Taunton Sports; and the Holy Ghost Society of the Taunton Sports. Councilor Borges stated that she spoke with our Chief of Staff in regards to the flag raising ceremony and it does seem like it will be happening. She stated that the committee had asked if after the flag raising ceremony they could utilize the Council Chambers for refreshments and she thinks that is happening as well. She asked for a vote to be taken to approve that as a Council. Councilor Dooner asked the City Solicitor, Matthew Costa, whether this is something they can vote on tonight or if it would need to be referred. Mr. Costa spoke to say that his only concern is that he was not briefed that this would be coming up tonight and he knows there has been other discussions around other groups that have asked for the flag to be raised and there were some legal questions that had been presented around that. He stated that he would respectfully suggest that the matter be referred in order to make sure they have fully informed input before the Council takes action on it. Motion was made to refer to the Mayor's Office. So Voted. Motion was made to adjourn. So Voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 P.M.  7 A true copy: Attest: JLLIMAF  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council March 28, 2023 .. ; -,._... :.D The Committee on Solid Waste ij The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, 114\~ 02jgo in""IDie 1• • .- . ---- .· ., . -:'.~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ :.r" 1;y ~ j<;: Present were Councilor Estele Borges, Chairman, and Councilors Pottier, Dooner, Postal, and Coute. Also present were Katherine Nunes, Fred Comaglia, and Tony Abreau of the DPW, CFO Patrick Dello Russo, and John Oatley, Zachary Donahue, and Dan Gorka of Veolia. The meeting was called to order at 7:50 PM. The agenda was taken out of order and the first item discussed was anaerobic digestion. 2. Meet to discuss anaerobic digestion. Dan Gorka, the director ofbio-solids for the Northeast region of Veolia gave some background on the concept of anaerobic digestion. He stated that this is a long standing technology which emerged from treatment of waste water residuals and is focused on volume reduction. It is a biological process where the material is concentrated, heated to 95 degrees and the bi-products are methane and the residual which can be beneficially reused. He stated that because of renewable energy credits the gas can be cleaned to utility grade standard and the credits can be recognized. The bio-solids can be further processed and can be dried, pelletized, and introduced into the retail market. He mentioned that in Taunton there may be tanks not in use that could be evaluated for bio-solid treatment. John Oatley clarified that tanks at the waste water treatment plan will no longer be used after the upgrade is complete. Those tanks will be abandoned and will be evaluated at that point for their usability for this type of process. He explained that 75% of the waste is volatile and there is reduction of that volatile component. Councilor Pottier asked when the waste water treatment upgrade would be completed and Mr. Comaglia stated about 2 years. Katherine Nunes indicated that the City is assessing all options. Mr. Pottier asked about food waste and Mr. Oatley noted that the challenge is where it is separated. Councilor Sanders clarified the volume reduction to be anticipated. It was stated that the more water you take out of the material, the less material you have to dispose of. However, to get to the drier solids requires more technology which comes with more expense.  9 Councilor Duarte asked about PFAS and how it factors into anaerobic digestion and Mr. Gorka stated that PFAS is going to be a challenge and there is a lot of uncertainty around this. 1. Meet to discuss the composting RFP for yard and food waste. Katherine Nunes explained that yard waste is collected curbside three times a year but there have been discussions on starting up drop off services again. They are proposing to start drop off at the convenience center at 340 East Britannia on the week of April 24 with a fee of $2 for a yard waste bag or open barrel or $5 for a truck load for a typical pickup truck. They are looking to restrict commercial yard waste. Ms. Nunes stated that yard waste should not be brought in plastic bags or in cardboard boxes. Councilor Pottier stated that he would be hesitant to vote on this tonight but suggested it be put on next week's agenda. Ms. Nunes agreed to submit the details for next week's agenda. Councilor Coute clarified the dates and Ms. Nunes stated it would be year round. He asked that anticipated revenue and cost estimates be included with the request. The Chairman stated that there are still 3 free yard waste collection days and Ms. Nunes confirmed. Councilor Sanders asked if compost bins are still available at the DPW and Ms. Nunes confirmed that they are available for $25. Mr. Nunes updated the Council on the composting RFP. She indicated that new guidelines on food waste impact the schools and they are looking for organic disposal. Mr. Dello Russo stated that they are still in the evaluation stage and will probably have more information in early July. 3. Meet to discuss textile recycling. Ms. Nunes stated that textiles were banned from the trash stream as of November 1. In 2016 the School Department partnered with Bay State Textiles. There are drop off bins at the schools and the schools receive a rebate for the pounds collected. They added a drop box to the Convenience Center and residents can go to any of the locations. Councilor Postell asked if there were any issues with overcrowding of the bins or the areas becoming a dump. Mr. Nunes stated that there are security systems in place should there be an event and the bins are emptied regularly. MOTION: Make the information provided part of the record So Voted. Mr. Postell asked about the bins' proximity to the school buildings and if that presented any vulnerability to the buildings. Ms. Nunes indicated that they are generally close to the buildings. Committee on Public Property March 28, 2023 Page 2 of 4  10 She indicated that she would reach out to the schools and work to ensure they are patrolling the areas to make sure there aren't any illegal dumping issues Councilor Pottier asked how it was procured and Ms. Nunes stated that this was 30b exempt and that she believes Bay State Textiles was on the state contract. Councilor Borges asked if the money received is used for any particular program and Ms. Nunes did not know but could find out. Councilor Duarte commended the DPW for establishing this program and suggested that the schools' direct contact with parents and families contributes to the success. Councilor Sanders asked for the contract length and if others might be considered. Ms. Nunes indicated that this is something that can be looked at. He suggested that over time people will develop the habit of recycling textiles. Mr. Della Russo suggested that items 4 and 6 be taken together and that 5 and 7 would be recommended to executive session. MOTION· Items 5 and 7 be scheduledfor an executive session at a date scheduled by the Chair with the CFO and DPW So voted. 4. Meet with the DPW Commissioner to discuss making mattress disposal part of the senior trash program. 6. Meet to discuss senior trash bag program. Ms. Nunes indicated that the ban on mattress disposal went into effect on November I and, since then, 3 81 mattresses have been collected. She reported no public outcry and no uptick in illegal dumping as they had feared. She stated that they have looked at moving this to the senior bag program but haven't really seen a need amongst seniors. Most of what they have seen at the Convenience Center has been new builds and people moving. If the Council wished to move forward with a mattress disposal program as part of the senior trash bag program she suggested a sticker program. Residents would come to the DPW and, if qualified, would receive a sticker. Councilor Coute asked for the cost of recycling a mattress and Ms. Nunes indicated that it is $35 per mattress. MOTION: Include mattress recycling in the senior bag program with the DPW to implement as they see fit. Councilor Postell asked about the ways people are being educated on what will and will not be accepted. Ms. Nunes indicated that they have information on the website and on Facebook. There was a press release at the program's inception. She also stated that Paul Allison is working to make sure that the information gets to people who have items left behind. She Committee on Public Property March 28, 2023 Page3 of4  11 mentioned the "Beyond the Bin" directory which is a resource with information on outlets for disposal. Ms. Nunes talked about senior drive-by's that are done by Human Services and how they use this as an outlet to talk about different topics. The newsletter put out by Human Services is another outlet. Councilor Postell suggested that the Taunton Daily Gazette could help remind people about the processes in place. · Councilor Borges asked if there are any programs to help people who can't afford this other than seniors and could an organization that does fundraising contribute to a fund for this. Mr. Delio Russo stated that using the Helping Hand Fund is being looked into and this is being discussed. Mr. Sanders indicated that the senior bag program was originally started as a pilot and he would like to see suggestions for ways to expand it. Ms. Nunes reported that she has met with the Mayor and the Human Services Director to consider ways to expand this. They would like to expand to include those eligible for LIHEAP which is a fuel assistance program. Adding this criteria would likely expand their program. They are looking to add this to the existing application and are working to roll this out for April 4. Mr. Nunes will put together a proposal for the inclusion of mattresses in the senior bag program. So voted. 5. Meet to discuss recycling at condominiums. See motion above to discuss at a later date in executive session. 7. Meet to discuss service challenges with curbside trash and recycling. See motion above to discuss at a later date in executive session. The meeting was adjourned at 8 :58 PM. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR 0 4 2023 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~~e-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Public Property RK~ March 28, 2023 Page4of4  12 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 4, 2023 l l ~-· ~·.:.:; t l.;...) ~-h 1 . ~ . ,.iA.~ The Committee on Finance and Salaries \ SJ f-,·,::; ~ er .:·~~. .:r-~·.i~c .:.;J...i ~ il...:!·<:: The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA fil78Q)n the ;: .0 1 Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. P :t tri1 N .. ~io ..~ Present were Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman and Councilor Pottier. Counffior was/¥.. McC~ absent. Also present were CFO Patrick Della Russo and interns Joseph Kazlauskas and Michael Gurkovsky. The meeting was called to order at 5: 35. PM. 1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. MOTION: Approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$3,971,172.07. So voted. MOTION: Approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount o/$1,328,654.98. So voted. 2. Meet with the CFO for an update on the internship program and revenue trends. Patrick Della Russo gave an update on the City's internship program, specifically the finance department internships. This program provides the opportunity to see real life decision making processes. Two interns, Michael Gurkovsky and Joseph Kazlauskas introduced themselves. Mr. Gurkovsky graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in science before moving to Massachusetts. He is studying Political Science at Bridgewater State. Mr. Kazlauskas attends Taunton High School and is planning to attend Gordon College and major in accounting. Mr. Kazlauskas gave a brief presentation on revenue distribution which showed that almost 50% of revenue comes from real estate taxes, 34% from state aid, 9% are interfund transfers, 5% from local receipts, and a small portion from excise tax. He showed an average growth rate of 3 .6% per year. Mr. Gurkovsky spoke about the City's excise revenue and showed that state aid revenue has been steadily increasing from 2018-2022 on an average of 3.47% annually. He explained how ARPA's $31 Million funded multiple projects. Councilor Pottier made some suggestions on how the slides might be changed and offered some advice to the interns.  13 Councilor Duarte asked about which offices the interns had shadowed and Mr. Dello Russo indicated that they had spent time with the assessors and in the treasurer/collector's office in addition to various work in Mr. Dello Russo's office. Mr. Duarte asked for more information about the relationship with the schools and Mr. Dello Russo stated that they are going to try and place more students. Councilor Sanders stated that internship programs benefit the interns but also benefit the City from the work that is completed. He indicated that he would advocate for a proposal to add some type of compensation and suggested either a scholarship or stipend. Councilor Borges gave praise to the students and to the program. She also offered her support for a stipend or schol:µ-ship. She asked how long the program lasts and Mr. Dello Russo stated that it typically lasts about 90 days and that the goal is to have real life experiences. Councilor Borges suggested that the City look to expand into other departments and that the internship program be thought about during the budget cycle. Council President Dooner also gave praise to the interns and to Mr. Dello Russo and stressed the importance and value of these types of experiences. She thanked Mr. Dello Russo for his work on this. The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON APR' 04 2023 ~c.~. Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~ Committee on Finance and Salaries April 4, 2023 Page2 of2  14 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 4, 2023 .''(• 1~1 . ., ... lj ~ ·", I .! ~ ...... •'~ ,, ' •... ,.· ··· rr The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills :J ~~; ::.;.. . 'J..J~- :::;, :i: The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA ~78ji in thV :-,:=,o '.'"tl Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~ f>i ·~~ [~ ~ ~ Present were Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman and Councilor Dooner. Councilor McCaul was absent. Also present was Attorney Peter Winters. The meeting was called to order at 6:11 PM. 1. Meet to discuss an ordinance determining the process for setting stipends for elected and appointed officials. Councilor Sanders explained that this came to the Ordinance Committee via a referral after the City Council learned that they had unknowingly voted an increase to the stipend for the School Committee. He indicated that it appears everything so far has been done legally. He has looked at other City Councils to see how they set their stipends. He said that there is a desire to have a more open discussion about stipends for compensated appointed and elected boards and committee members but that the City Council does not have the authority to go into the individual line items in the budget of the School Committee. Mr. Sanders stated that in Fall River and in Springfield all compensation for boards is stipulated in ordinances. He asked if there is any conflict between having a City ordinance setting compensation and state law which prevents the Council from line item control over the School Committee. Attorney Winters advised that the Council does have the authority to set the stipends by ordinance. He suggested that the dollar amount for each board could be stipulated in ordinances or there could be an ordinance that states that no stipend can be increased without the approval of the Council. Councilor Dooner expressed her support for having a chart in the ordinances that sets the stipends. She believes that this would be easy to understand and thinks the Council should approve increases. Councilor Borges expressed her support for an ordinance but prefers simply stating that any board's stipend increase comes through the Council. Councilor Pottier spoke about the School Committee stipend increase that was done without notice and expressed his concern around the issue of transparency. He stated that the Council could vote to reject the School Committee budget for any reason. Councilor Sanders read a letter dated March 31 from Attorney Winters.  15 MOTION: Make the letter part of the record So voted. Councilor Postell stated that every year the Council receives only a one line budget summary from the schools which is the largest single expenditure in the City's budget. Other departments are broken down and this doesn't seem consistent or equitable. Attorney Winters stated that the Council can only vote the entire school budget up or down. Councilor Postell stated that he would support any motion that would start the process of seeing line for line where every dollar is supposed to go. Councilor Pottier stated that School Committee members have indicated that they do not approve their budget and they do not have line item authority. He further stated that there is nothing in --the minutes of the School Committee about the stipend increase. Councilor Duarte confirmed with Attorney Winters that the School Committee would be required to follow City Ordinances when setting their budget. He stated that the intention was to have this in ordmance to have a mechanism to control stipends. MOTION· Table the discussion for one week So voted. The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 PM. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR. 0 4 2023 Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~ Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills April 4, 2023 Page2 of2  16 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 4, 2023 --i '.h1 2; ?A; ::o t,;; .. i i ' ."-'· 1·' The Committee of the Council as a Whole ~ ~~ er :;,:J:;;J 4< /< The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, ~02io iJe ~~ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ~· .;; ~ .r:: Present were Council President Kelly Dooner and Councilors Duarte, Borges, Pottier, Sanders, and Postell. Councilors McCaul, Coute, and Quintal were absent. Also present was Brian Giacobbi of Lunar Xtracts. The meeting was called to order at 6:45 PM. 1. Meet for a pre-review on the issuance of a Special Permit upon the petition of Attorney Adam Braillard of Prince Lobel Tye, LLP, One International Place, Suite 3700, Boston, MA 02110 on behalf of his client, Lunar Xtracts, Inc. 230 Cross Road Dartmouth, MA 02747 to allow a 4,260 sq. ft. marijuana manufacturing establishment to be located at 144 West Britannia Street located in the Industrial District. Councilor Duarte recused himself from the matter due to his employment with another marijuana manufacturing establishment at the same address. , Councilor Pottier indicated that likely questions for the hearing would center on safety, community outreach, schematic of the site, backgrounds of core employees, and client base. Councilor Borges requested a business plan and hours of operation. Councilor Sanders requested that information be shared in advance. He indicated that topics for discussion might include odor mitigation, number of employees, vehicles and where they might be registered. He also would be interested to know what is being manufactured and to see packaging samples. Councilor Dooner reiterated the request for a business plan. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM. Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON APR 0 4 2023 -~E-~ Maggie E:->darke IN MUNICIP-AL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~