City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · June 13, 2023
Minutes
City ofrr'aunton
!Munidpa[CounciC!Meetino !Minutes
City Hall, 15 Summer Street, rr'aunton, ~
In tne Cnester ~ !Martin !MunicipalCounciC Chllm6ers
-
!Minutes, June 13, 2023 at 7:09 O'cfock,/P.!M.
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:Mayor Sliaunna £. O'Conne[[presUfine
(]!fayer was offerea 6y tli.e :Mayor
c.Present at ro[[ca[[were: Councilor (])ooner, ©uarte, (}Jorges, :M.cCaut;
CJ'ottier, Sanders, Q!lintalanti{.Poste[[
Councilor Coute was a6sent.
Record of preceding meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public.
Mija Almeida, 156 Tremont Street, Taunton, stated that she is speaking on behalf of the
South Coast LGBTQ Network, of which she is a board member. Ms. Almeida introduced
the other members of the South Coast LGBTQ network with her at the podium this
evening, which included Jamie Kelly, Jolene Westgate, Liz Whitaker, and Presley. Ms.
Almeida discussed the evolution of pride month and why we celebrate it. Ms. Almeida
discussed the anti-LGBTQ bills and laws that have been introduced in the state
legislatures this year relative to gender. Ms. Almeida spoke about the statistics of suicide,
anxiety and depression for LGBTQ youth. She spoke words of encouragement for the
LGBTQ community and wished everyone a Happy Pride Month.
Hearing:
NONE.
Communications from the Mayor:
Mayor O'Connell stated that June is Pride Month, which means many different things to
many different people. She stated that it is an opportunity for us to come together as a
community to celebrate all of the wonderful differences that make us unique. She stated
that Pride Month gives people a voice and highlights the challenges that the LGBTQ
community has faced, the victories that have been won, and the work that still needs to be
done. She stated that Taunton is a community where we want everyone to know that you
can feel welcome and safe here. She stated that we have some special guests here that
have been doing great work in the community to educate, support and connect people.
She stated that this weekend was the South Coast Pride Taunton Festival, which was
organized by South Coast Pride of Taunton, and it was a great success. She stated that
they were honored to have Congressman Auchincloss and Councilor Sanders join them.
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Mayor O'Connell invited the members of the South Coast LGBTQ network to the
podium for a presentation on Pride Month. Jamie Kelly spoke about the evolution of
pride in Taunton and their success so far. She hopes that what they do teaches people that
they are no different than anyone else. Mayor O'Connell thanked them for their work in
the community and for bringing everyone together. Mayor O'Connell invited Jamie
Ganye and Rudy Founds, co-founders of Engage, to the podium. Mayor O'Connell stated
that Engage is a social media platform whose mission it is to provide a free platform
which connects the LGBTQ community with resources and social interactions to help
improve lives. Ms. Ganye spoke about the evolution of their organization and their
mission. Mayor O'Connell invited Milo Foster and Zack Bumpus, Taunton High School
students and LGBTQ advocates, to the podium. Zack Bumpus stated that they are the
secretary of the Taunton High School GSA and that Milo Foster is the Vice President of
the GSA. They stated that they are here to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall
Inn Riots and the 52nd anniversary of Pride Month. Zack Bumpus spoke about how Pride
Month evolved. Mayor 0' Connell issued a proclamation for Pride Month 2023.
Mayor O'Connell asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence in honor of Joseph
Yodsnukis, uncle to the Park and Recreation Commissioner, A.J. Marshall, and Ruth
Eichman, grandmother to Human Resources Director, Amy Kazlauskas.
Mayor O'Connell stated that City Offices will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023 in
observance of Juneteenth.
Mayor O'Connell stated that the Honor Our Military Event will be Saturday, June 17,
2023. She stated that we will have the Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus with
us. They will be celebrating our veterans and military service members. There will be
activities for kids and families, and services for veterans. They thanked T.M.L.P., Karen
Pemberton, the entire committee of volunteers and the generous sponsors.
Mayor O'Connell stated that the Juneteenth celebration will be Sunday, June 18, 2023
from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at the First Parish Church. There will be food, music,
entertainment, shopping and kid's activities. This event is hosted by the Taunton
Juneteenth Committee.
Mayor O'Connell stated that the City of Taunton is excited to partner with the YCMA to
provide free summer memberships for Taunton teens. You can call the YCMA at 508-
823-3320 or visit our City website for more information.
Mayor O'Connell invited Patrick Dello Russo, Fred Comaglia, and Katherine Nunes into
the enclosure to give the Road and Sidewalk Presentation. Mr. Comaglia stated that they
would like to give an update on the paving and sidewalk work that has been going on.
Mr. Comaglia highlighted the improvements the Department of Public Works has made
to the City roads over the last few years through the support of Mayor 0' Connell through
a slide presentation. Mr. Comaglia stated that in the last three (3) years, they have used
over twenty-one million dollars ($21,000,000) of Mayor O'Connell's funds in order to
complete the work. He discussed the improvements of Allison Avenue and Middleboro
Avenue. He briefly discussed an upcoming project for a five-million dollar ($5,000,000)
bridge which will be a joint project with Raynham. He discussed that First Street is the
oldest and worst street in the City and has now been paved. He discussed that West Weir
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Street had a water main that was undersized, however, it was replaced last year and they
have now been able to go in and pave the road. He also discussed the improvements on
Court Street, Burt Street, Silver Street and Bay Street. Mr. Dello Russo spoke briefly
about how residents input is acknowledged and has been incorporated in this plan. Ms.
Nunes spoke about the improvements that have been done and the upcoming work for
this construction season. Mayor O'Connell expressed gratitude to Mr. Cornaglia and the
work the Department of Public Works has done. Councilor Pottier stated that he
appreciates the efforts of this team and that he is happy to support Mayor O'Connell's
efforts in donating more money to the roads in the City. Councilor Pqttier requested that a
better job is done with detours and that they are set up more strategically. Councilor
Pottier requested a brief explanation of the road rating process. Mr. Cornaglia explained
that it starts at 100, and once the road gets below 50, this is an area of concern. Mr.
Cornaglia confirmed that it is not only based on condition, but also on the traffic and the
number of people on the road. Councilor Pottier inquired if there is a master list of every
street in town, which Mr. Cornaglia confirmed. Ms. Nunes spoke about the rating process
of the streets. Councilor Pottier inquired about slide 5, Ms. Nunes explained that the
eighty-seven thousand (87,000) linear square feet that was noted is where they started to
where they stopped. Councilor Dooner thanked the DPW, the administration, the Mayor
and the former Council for the work they put into this. Councilor Postell stated that it is a
breath of fresh air to see where we are today compared to where we were when he first
came to the City. He stated that he appreciates the effort that has been put into this and
that the conditions of the roads at the end of the day are much better. He stated that he
will continue to support the improvements. Councilor Borges expressed gratitude to the
team for their presentation. She inquired if every street in the City is rated, which Mr.
Cornaglia confirmed that they are. Councilor Borges inquired about Connie Drive, to
which Ms. Nunes provided the rating information and stated they will look into it more to
see if it is accepted as a public way. Councilor Sanders expressed gratitude for the large
projects as well the day-to-day work performed by the Department of Public Works. He
spoke about the see-click-fix app and how it is great tool to have. He inquired about the
number of accepted roads and how that factors into the trajectory of the work being done
on roads. Mr. Cornaglia stated that these roads are some of the worst and they are
working on them, some of which include two developments off of Williams Street and
another development off of Caswell Street. Councilor Sanders inquired about having to
install sidewalks when a road is paved if there is an existing sidewalk. Ms. Nunes
explained that this is because the road must be ADA compliant. Councilor Quintal
expressed gratitude to Mr. Cornaglia for his knowledge and work. Councilor Quintal
inquired if Shores Street is on the list of work to be done. Mr. Cornaglia confirmed that
Shores Street is on the list. Mr. Cornaglia and Ms. Nunes explained the complexity of the
project due to the streets variable width. Mr. Dello Russo stated that it is important to
note that there is a five year CIP that calls for funding every year based on five year
averages of the roads. Councilor Duarte expressed gratitude to Mr. Dello Russo for his
work on the Capital Improvement Program. Councilor McCaul expressed gratitude to
Fred, Tony, Butch Emond and the rest of the team for their work. Councilor Mccaul
requested that the Bird Lanes be added to the list of work to be done. Mayor O'Connell
stated that they have been having internal discussions on coming up with a plan to get
those roads paved. Mayor O'Connell expressed gratitude to the entire DPW for their
work.
Motion was made to recess at 8:15pm. So Voted.
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Council returned to the regular order of business at 8: 17prn. Council President Dooner
began presiding over the meeting.
Appointments:
NONE.
Communications from City Officers:
Corn. from the Director of the Department of Human Services and Council on Aging
requesting that a fifteen-thousand dollar ($15,000) limit be placed on their revolving
account for Fiscal Year 2024. Motion was made to approve. So Voted.
Corn. from the Police Chief requesting that the Municipal Council, as part of the
appointing authority for police officers, participate in this year's promotional exam
process for Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant. The Police Chief gave his
recommendations for weighing for the exam. The City Clerk stated that she had an
updated communication with the new percentages, they are as follows: Sergeant: sixty-
five percent (65%) written score, twenty-five percent (25%) assessment center, and ten
percent (10%) training and experience; Lieutenant: fifty percent (50%) assessment center,
forty percent (40%) written score, and ten percent (10%) training and experience;
Captain: seventy-five percent (75%) assessment center, fifteen percent (15%) written
score, and ten percent (10%) training and experience. Motion was made to approve the
request as read and place the updated communication on next week's agenda packet
as it is substantially different than the communication in this week's agenda packet
so the public is able to view it. So Voted.
Corn. from the Treasurer/Collector responding to Councilor Pottier's questions during the
Finance and Salaries Committee meeting on May 23, 2023 regarding Tailings. The
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 200A, Section 9A was attached, which states that
any check funds not claimed after one year from the date of publication of the notice (in
the Taunton Daily Gazette) will be escheated to the City. These funds will be recorded as
revenue in the General Fund of the City. Motion was made to receive and place on file
with thanks to the Treasurer/Collector for the information. So Voted.
Corn. from the City Solicitor submitting a Comcast correspondence dated June 2, 2023
regarding a price decrease to Broadcast TV fee. Motion was made to receive and place
on file. So Voted.
Corn. from the Chief Financial Officer requesting to present the City of Taunton's
FY2024 Consolidated Financial Policies on June 20, 2023 in the Committee on Finance
and Salaries. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So
Voted.
Corn. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department would like the
opportunity to review and seek approval of the change in student activity accounts voted
by the School Committee on June 20, 2023 in the Committee on Finance and Salaries.
The accounts they are requesting to be established effective July 1, 2023 were listed.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted.
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Com. from the Chief Financial Officer requesting to establish a Septic Loan Revolving
Fund on June 20, 2023 in the Committee on Finance and Salaries. The accounts they are
requesting to be established effective July 1, 2023. Motion was made to refer to the
Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted.
Com. from the Safety Manager stating that the safety railings have been successfully
installed at the Taunton Water Treatment Plant in Lakeville. Safety gates have also been
installed to allow safe access to the bays for maintenance. Installation was completed
ahead of schedule and under budget following the City's procurement process. Motion
was made to receive and place on file with thanks to the Safety Officer. So Voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE.
Petitions:
Flammable Storage License Transfer of Ownership
Petition submitted by Patrick Saad and Andrew Saad, 49 Rogers St., Unit 5, South
Boston, MA 02127 requesting approval of a change of ownership of their Flammable
Storage License to P&A Saad Realty, LLC located at 146 Tremont, Taunton. (DEED ON
FILE). Motion was made to approve. So Voted.
Billiard Table License - RENEWAL
1. Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc. located at 29 Oak Street, Taunton (1-Table).
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the
Police Chief. So Voted.
Junk Dealer License - RENEWAL
2. Burnham's Converter and Scrap Metals located at 12 Railroad Avenue, Taunton.
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the
Police Chief. So Voted.
Second Hand Article License - RENEWAL
1. Bowsers Basement located at 239 Broadway, Taunton. Motion was made to
refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted.
Temporary Fixed Vendor License - RENEWAL
1. Bob Cats for the Soul -dba- Bob Cats located at 255 Cape Highway, Taunton
selling food and cold beverages. Motion was made to refer to the Committee
on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted.
Application for a Marijuana Retailer
Application submitted by Bask, Inc. for a renewal of their Marijuana Retailer License to
be located at 400 Winthrop Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the
Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted.
Special Permit
Petition submitted by Anthony Kinahan, 30 Sherwood Drive, Taunton for a special
permit to allow a use of the 32,512 sq. ft. facility for 22,046 sq. ft. of marijuana
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cultivation, 7,550 sq. ft. of marijuana manufacturing and 2,916 sq. ft. of marijuana
delivery at 30 Sherwood Drive located in the Industrial District (PUBLIC HEARING
REQUIRED). Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule the
appropriate hearing. So Voted.
Committee Reports:
Motion was made for Committee reports to be read by title and approved. So
Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in committee
reports. So Voted.
Unfinished Business:
NONE.
Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions:
Order to be accepted on a roll call vote
Ordered That,
The City of Taunton shall establish a gift account in accordance with M.G.L. c.
44, §53A which shall be a separate interest-bearing account established by the Treasurer.
The CFO or his Designee is hereby authorized to accept monetary donations for the
Public Safety Complex which shall be deposited into said account. The account will be
assigned its own general ledger number from the City Auditor. Said funds will not be
general fund receipts and the specific use of said funds will be as followed:
• Construction
• Furnishing and Fixtures
• Equipment
Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors
were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Coute was absent. So
Voted.
Councilor Borges stated that she was absent last week and therefore should not be
approving Committee Reports. She requested to withdraw her motion. Motion was made
to withdraw the motion. So Voted. 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.
New Business:
Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled
Bills a discussion on having the Plumbing Inspector present for all DIRB meetings.
Motion was made to approve. So Voted.
Councilor Sanders stated that on their desks today is a gift from authors, Tracey Pacheco
Medeiros and Annemarie Matulis, which is a copy of their new publication, Because I
Stayed. Ms. Medeiros is a survivor of a suicide attempt and has been an amazing
advocate for people suffering with depression and suicidality. He would like to express
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gratitude for their work and the gift of this publication, which all of the Councilors and
the Mayor received this evening.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 P.M.
A true copy:
Cler!~
Attest:
Cit
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8
City of Taunton RECEIVED
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Municipal Council
June 13, 2023
2DZ3 JUN l 5 A q: 33
The Committee on Finance and Salaries TAkNiOH. HA
· · CITY CLERK
The meetmg was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,-M:A-ffl:i8trm the
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman
Councilor David Pottier
Councilor John McCaul
The meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM.
1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve the payroll warrant in the
amount o/$15,183,403.14. So voted.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve the accounts payable
warrant in the amount o/$9,470,211.85. So voted.
2. Meet with the Human Resources Director to discuss the proposal that the Clerk of
Committees become a certified parliamentarian.
Mr. Duarte requested that this matter be tabled since the HR Director was unavailable this
evening.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to table this matter until she is
available. So voted.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to adjourn the meeting at 5:36 PM So
voted.
CITY OF TAUNTON
Respectfully submitted,
JUN 132023
,ht~v c. Cla-k.-
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
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9
RECEIVED
City of Taunton v ,-;1TRK'S OFFICE
Municipal Council
June 13, 2023
?023 JUN I 5 A q: 33
The Committee of the Council as a Whole fi\litUDH. HA
_CITY CLERK
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA02780 in the
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
Councilors Present: Council President Kelly Dooner
Councilor Phillip Duarte
Councilor Estele Borges
Councilor John McCaul
Councilor David Pottier
Councilor Barry Sanders
Councilor Lawrence Quintal
Councilor Jeffrey Postell
Councilor Absent: Councilor Christopher Coute
Also Present: Attorney Daniel de Abreu, BRCSM
Jacques Barbour, SAN Holdings, LLC
Tanios Barbour, SAN Holdings, LLC
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM.
1. Meet to discuss the request for an extension to two Host Community Agreements for SAN
Holdings, LLC, a marijuana retail and cultivation establishment located at 0 Hart Street.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to invite in the parties. So voted.
Jacques Barbour explained that they have gone through the process of getting a special
permit, site plan review, and have started clearing the lot. They have run into a few obstacles
and engineering took a little longer than expected. They thought there was a stream but that
turned out to be drainage and they are asking for an extension.
Attorney de Abreau indicated that his clients have been making good progress and are
committed to seeing this project through.
Councilor Dooner asked when they expect to commence construction. Mr. Barbour stated
that they should apply for the building permit within 90 days but they are ready to break
ground. He reiterated that terrain issues have held th~m back.
10
Councilor Pottier asked if this would be cultivation and retail. Mr. Barbour indicated that
their primary focus is on the dispensary and the second focus will be on light cultivation
which, as of now, is expected to be on the second floor. Mr. Pottier asked if they are looking
for a full year extension and Mr. Barbor confirmed. Mr. Pottier asked if this is the first
extension and it was the confirmed that this is the first full extension at this location. Mr.
Pottier asked about the buildout timeline and Mr. Barbour indicated that after they break
ground, depending on the Commission, they expect about a 6 month buildout. Mr. Pottier
asked ifthe site will be on septic or sewer and Mr. Barbour explained that it will be sewer
with an injector pump.
Councilor Borges requested a business plan be provided. She asked if there have been any
changes to the plan and Mr. Barbour indicated that there have been no changes except to the
numbers. Councilor Duarte clarified that no business plan had been required as they have not
yet applied for the local license.
Councilor Quintal stated that he didn't think a one year extension is a problem since they are
using their own finances.
Motion by Mr. Quintal to grant a one year extension to both HCAs was seconded by Mr.
Pottier. Councilor Postell voted no. So voted 7-1.
Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Sanders to excuse the parties. So voted.
2. Meet in executive session for an update on the Inter-Governmental Agreement with the
Mashpee W ampanoag Tribe.
Councilor Dooner explained that this executive session was cancelled for this evening and
postponed to a later date.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 6: 17 PM So voted.
CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted,
JUN I 3 2023 '}2
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IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie' . Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
Committee of the Council as a Whole
June 13, 2023
Page2of2
Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
JUNE 13, 2023-7:00 PM City Clerk's Office
Notice of Posting
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Time: ({) ·.LfOa ..t!\.
INVOCATION
ROLL CALL Date: O<o-09 . J.3 @
READING OF THE RECORDS FROM JUNE 6, 2023
PUBLIC INPUT
• 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: NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
• Pride Month Presentation
• Paving & Sidewalk Improvements and Investments Presentation
• Community Update
APPOINTMENTS - NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from Director, Department of Human Services & Council on Aging
- Requesting Revolving Account Limit
Pg.2 Com. from Police Chief - Requesting to Participate in Promotional Exam
Process
Pg. 3-7 Com. from Treasurer/Collector - Responding to Council Request
Pg. 8-9 Com. from City Solicitor - Submitting Comcast Correspondence
Pg. 10 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting to Present the City of
Taunton's FY2024 Consolidated Financial Policies
Pg. 11 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting to Establish Various
Accounts for Student Activity
Pg. 12 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting to Establish a Septic
Loan Revolving Fund
Pg. 13-14 Com. from Safety Manager - Update in Regards to Progress Made with
the Installation of Safety Railings at the Taunton Water Treatment Plant in
Lakeville
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Flammable Storage License Transfer of Ownership
Petition submitted by Patrick Saad and Andrew Saad, 49 Rogers St., Unit 5, South
Boston, MA 02127 requesting approval of a change of ownership of their Flammable
Storage License to P&A Saad Realty, LLC located at 146 Tremont, Taunton. (DEED ON
FILE)
Billiard Table License - RENEWAL
1. Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc. located at 29 Oak Street, Taunton (1-Table)
Junk Dealer License - RENEWAL
2. Burnham's Converter and Scrap Metals located at 12 Railroad Avenue, Taunton
Second Hand Article License - RENEWAL
1. Bowsers Basement located at 239 Broadway, Taunton
Temporary Fixed Vendor License - RENEWAL
1. Bob Cats for the Soul -dba- Bob Cats located at 255 Cape Highway, Taunton
selling food and cold beverages
Application for a Marijuana Retailer
Application submitted by Bask, Inc. for a renewal of their Marijuana Retailer License to
be located at 400 Winthrop Street, Taunton.
Special Permit
Petition submitted by Anthony Kinahan, 30 Sherwood Drive, Taunton for a special
permit to allow a use of the 32,512 sq. ft. facility for 22,046 sq. ft. of marijuana
cultivation, 7,550 sq. ft. of marijuana manufacturing and 2,916 sq. ft. of marijuana
delivery at 30 Sherwood Drive located in the Industrial District (PUBLIC HEARING
REQillRED)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Order to be accepted on a roll call vote
Ordered That,
The City of Taunton shall establish a gift account in accordance with M.G.L. c.
44, §53A which shall be a separate interest-bearing account established by the Treasurer.
The CFO or his Designee is hereby authorized to accept monetary donations for the
Public Safety Complex which shall be deposited into said account. The account will be
assigned its own general ledger number from the City Auditor. Said funds will not be
general fund receipts and the specific use of said funds will be as followed:
• Construction
• Furnishing and Fixtures
• Equipment
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
Respectfully submitted,
~,cf}~
Krystal L. Dion
Assistant City Clerk
City of Taunton
Department of Human Services & Council on Aging
1.
30 Olney Street, Taunton, MA 02780
508-821-1420 or 508-821-1425 Fax: 508-821-1444
Charlene Bonenfant Tracy Heger
Director OHS Program Coordinator
Jennifer Deluca Mary Beth Forshaw
Assistant Director Commumfy Relations Counselor
Kelley Sylvia Jennifer Martins
fiscal Agent/Administrative Assistant /lead Clerk (fa/a Portugues)
Linda Blake-McKenna
Principal Clerk
June 8, 2023
Council President Kelly A. Dooner
& Members of the City of Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Dooner & Members of the Municipal Council :
As is indicated in M.G.L. c.44 s53E Yi, it is the obligation of this department to request that the city council vote on
the limit that can be expended by our department via the revolving account. At this time I respectfully request a
$15,000.00 limit be placed on our revolving account for Fiscal Year 2024. The purpose of any funds deposited
and expended from this account will directly benefit the seniors in our community.
If you should have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this request please feel free to reach out to
;/.
CITY OF TAUNTON
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF 23 SUMMER STREET
EDWARD JAMES WALSH TAUNTON, MA 02780
(508)-821~1471
June 5, 2023
The Honorable Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor
and Members of the Municipal Council
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Contractually we are required to participate in the Human Resources Division's (HRD) promotional exam series
for the police department every two years. As a result, I am requesting that the municipal council, as the
appointing authodty for police officers, participate in this year's promotional exam process for the ranks of
Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant.
I would recommend the following weighing for the exam:
a. Sergeant: Ninety percent (90%) wl'itten score, and ten percent (I 0%) training and experience.
b. Lieutenant. Fifty percent (50%) assessment center, forty percent (40%) written score, and ten percent (10%)
training and experience.
c. Captain. Seventy-five percent (75%) assessment center, fifteen percent (15%) written score, and ten percent
(10%) tt·aining and experience.
If you require ftuther information, please feel free to contact me at 508-821-1471 or via email at
chief@tauntonpd.com.
Edwara<::it:a.Olea-"W
Chief of Police
CITY OF TAUNTON
MASSACHUSETTS
Office of the TREASURER/COLLECTOR
Christine M. Clymens 15 Summer Street Telephone (508) 821-1057
TREASURER/COLLECTOR Taunton, MA 02780 FAX (508) 821-1007
May 26, 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,
As a follow up to Councilor Pottier's questions during the Finance and Salaries Committee
meeting on May 23, 2023 regarding Tailings (uncashed checks), I have attached
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 200A, Section 9A. The MGL states that any check
funds not claimed after 1 year from the date of publication of the notice (in the Taunton Daily
Gazette) will be escheated to the City. These funds will be recorded as revenue in the
General Fund of the City.
I am available to answer any additional questions regarding tailings that the City Council may
have.
Thank you.
Christine M. Clymens
~11(_.~
Treasurer-Collector
cc: CFO
Part II REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND DOMESTIC
RELATIONS
Title II DESCENT AND DISTRIBUTION, WILLS, ESTATES OF
DECEASED PERSONS AND ABSENTEES, GUARDIANSHIP,
CONSERVATORSHIP AND TRUSTS
Chapter 200A DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
Section 9A DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED FUNDS BY CITY OR TOWN;
NOTICE OF PERIOD DURING WHICH FUNDS MAY BE
CLAIMED; CITY TREASURER AUTHORIZED TO HEAR
CLAIMS; APPEAL; DISBURSEMENT
Section 9A. (a) In any city, town or district that accepts this section in the
manner provided in section 4 of chapter 4, there shall be an alternative
procedure for disposing of abandoned funds held in the custody of the
city, town or district as provided in this section.
(b) Any funds held in the custody of a city, town or district may be
presumed by the city, town or district treasurer to be abandoned unless
claimed by the corporation, organization, beneficiary or person entitled
thereto within 1 year after the date prescribed for payment or delivery;
provided, however, that the last instrument intended as payment shall
bear upon its face the statement "void if not cashed within 1 vear from
date of issue". After the expiration of 1 year after the date of issue, the
treasurer of a city, town or district may cause the financial institution
upon which the instrument was drawn to stop payment on the instrument
or otherwise cause the financial institution to decline payment on the
instrument and any claims made beyond that date shall only be paid by
the city, town or district through the issuance of a new instrument. The
city, town or district and the financial institution shall not be liable for
damages, consequential or otherwise, resulting from a refusal to honor an
instrument of a city, town or district submitted for payment more than a
year after its issuance. ·
(c) The treasurer of a city, town or district holding funds owed to a
corporation, organization, beneficiary or person entitled thereto that are
presumed to be abandoned under this section shall post a notice entitled
"Notice of names of persons appearing to be owners of funds held by
(insert city, town or district name), and deemed abandoned". The notice
shall specify the names of those persons who appear from available
information to be entitled to such funds, shall provide a description of the
appropriate method for claiming the funds and shall state a deadline for
those funds to be claimed; provided, however, that the deadline shall not
be less than 60 days after the date the notice was either postmarked or
first posted on a website as provided in this section. The treasurer of the
city, town or district may post such notice using either of the following
1nethods: (1) by mailing the notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, to
the last known address of the beneficiary or person entitled thereto; or (2)
if the city, town or district maintains an official website, by posting the
notice conspicuously on the website for not less than 60 days. If the
apparent owner fails to respond within 60 days after the mailing or
posting of the notice, the treasurer shall cause a notice of the check to be
published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in English, in the
county in which the city or town is located.
(d) In the event that funds appearing to be owed to a corporation,
organization, beneficiary or person is $100 or more and the deadline as
provided in the notice has passed and no claim for the funds has been
made, the treasurer shall cause an additional notice, in substantially the
same form as the afore1nentioned notice, to be published in a newspaper
of general circulation in the county in which the city, town or district is
located; provided, however, that the notice shall provide an extended
deadline beyond which funds shall not be claimed and such deadline shall
be at least 1 year from the date of publication of the notice.
(e)··©neeLtlie:fi.fiamUeadthre~~naspas$;egT;U:J:Xde!.SttP;S~Pt~9~·€<f~~;,\tl'J.~}·~p~§;';,
·• 2 0wea'Jto·~tne··~'eolfP.0:r·a.u0n.~roxgani~ati~nrfoettefic~f1~¥i1Q~211f>~r$QUl~·~~ti~i~~w. . }
'tller~t~i~liail~esoneat·}to···tne·?a·I~; town or district 8:fltl~lfX~tt~~i~~t'~tt:t11~t~Q~:;:
sfiailsree<Srtt~tlie'&fUfids''.;"as:1.fe¥enue\:tu:\tae~;GeP:e~a~~tln~··~~~~~r;giw~; town or
district and the city, town or district shall not be liable to the corporation,
organization, beneficiary or person for payment of those funds or for the
underlying liability for which the funds were originally intended.
e'Selieat'~Ftnegfilnds sn.allte·e.a¥:~ila1Z?l~?:t(').~b~i(Pi,t~~ci~~~!f,;?<l~~,<:\i§:~~~t'~,
apJ?r~J?t1attng',ttntl1<:>rn~,);r0:r\2~ppf{J~~litHSnjt{~~,i~n~,1;,~~~~t'·'i11ii.~m~QJ;'1JY:m~~;~~;! rn
addition to the notices required in this section, the treasurer of the city,
town or district may initiate any other notices or communications that are
directed in good faith toward making final disbursement of the funds to
the corporation, organization, beneficiary or person entitled thereto.
Prior to es cheat of the funds, the treasurer of the city, town or district
shall hear all claims on funds that may arise and if it is clear, based on a
preponderance of the evidence available to the treasurer at the time the
claim is made, that the claimant is entitled to disbursement of the funds,
the treasurer shall disburse funds to the claimant upon receipt by the
treasurer of a written indemnification agreement from the claimant
wherein the claimant agrees to hold the city, town or district and the
treasurer of the city, town or district harmless in the event it is later
detennined that the clai1nant was not entitled to receipt of the funds. If it
is not clear, based on a preponderance of the evidence before the treasurer
at the time of the claim that the claimant is entitled to disbursement of the
funds, the treasurer shall segregate the funds into a separate, interest-
bearing account and shall notify the claimant of such action within 10
days. A claimant affected by this action may appeal within 20 days after
receiving notice thereof to the district, municipal or superior court in the
county in which the city, town or district is located. The claimant shall
have a trial de novo. A party adversely affected by a decree or order of
the district, municipal or superior court n1ay appeal to the appeals court
or the supreme judicial court within 20 days from the date of the decree.
If the validity of the claim shall be determined in favor of the claimant or
another party, the treasurer shall disburse funds in accordance with the
order of the court, including interest accrued. If the validity of the claim
is determined to be not in favor of the claimant or another party or if the
treasurer does not receive notice that an appeal has been filed within 1
year from the date the claimant was notified that funds were being
withheld, then the funds, plus accrued interest, shall escheat to the city,
town or district in the manner provided in this section.
If the claimant is domiciled in another state or country and the city, town
or district determines that there is no reasonable assurance that the
claimant will actually receive the payment provided for in this section in
substantially full value, the superior court, in its discretion or upon a ·
petition by the city, town or district, may order that the city, town or
district retain the funds.
City of Taunton
LAW DEPARTMENT
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821 -1397
Shaunna O'Connell Peter F. Winters, Esq.
MAYOR HRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Thomas P. Gay, Jr., Esq.
CITY SOLICITOR SECOND ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
David T. Gay, Esq.
SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
June 6, 2023
Council President Kelly Dooner
and Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council:
Submitted herewith is communication dated June 2, 2023 which the
Law Department has received from Comcast regarding a price decrease to
Broadcast TV Fee.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Matthew J.
City Solicitor
Cosld~
MJC/tmg
Enclosure
"k
COMCAST
June 2, 2023
City Attorney
i J
!
City of Taunton JUN - 6 202'3
141 Oak Street
Taunton, MA 02780
;r ·~ , " ............ ,.."
.•
RE: Price Decrease to Broadcast TV Fee
Dear City Attorney :
Due to a reduction in the 2023 costs associated with providing certain broadcast stations, the overall
monthly charge for the Broadcast TV Fee will be lowered for customers in your community from $24.80 to
$22.30. We are providing notice to customers through bill messages, and their billing statements will
reflect the decrease in the monthly fee starting May 20, 2023 .
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at patrick_shearns@comcast.com .
Sincerely,
Pat-richJ Shearn:¥
Patrick J. Shearns, Sr. Manager
Government & Regulatory Affairs
1_0,
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHI EF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHI EF FINA NC IAL OFFICE R
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNEil.. BUDGET DIRECTO R
June 9, 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, on behalf of Mayor O' Connell, would like the opportunity to present the
City of Taunton' s FY2024 Consolidated Financial Policies on June 201h in the Committee on
Finance and Salaries. There will be a brief slide show outlining the enhancements made and
enacted during Fiscal Year 2023.
As we have mentioned previously, policies are fluid and evolving as we identify and implement
improved procedures. Mayor O' Connell' s policies were a significant factor in the City' s bond
rating increase this past winter. Her commitment in leading the City to follow best practices and
efficiencies is unmatched.
The Finance Department would like the opportunity to demonstrate these enhancements and we
will provide a copy of both the policies and slide show in advance of that hearing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
11,
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHI EF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHI EF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNEil BUDGET DIRECTOR
June 9th, 2023
Dear Council President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Finance Department would like the opportunity to review and seek approval of the change in
student activity accounts voted by the school committee on June 20th in the Committee on
Finance and Salaries.
The Accounts we are requesting to be established effective July 1st 2023 are as followed:
• Bennett ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Chamberlain ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• East Taunton ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Friedman MS Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Galligan ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To b enefit students and student activities
• Leddy Preschool Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Martin MS Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Mulcahey ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• Parker MS Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
• E. Pole ES Student Special Revenue Account
• To benefit students and student activities
ThankP'~
Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNEI.l. BUDGET DIRECTOR
June 9th, 2023
Dear Council President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Finance Department would like the opportunity to establish a Septic Loan Revolving Fund
on June 20th in the Committee on Finance and Salaries.
The Accounts we are requesting to be established effective July 1st 2023
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
CITY OF TAUNTON Sandra n. Pea.e~·
MASSACHUSETTS A. 55fa trmt Director
\!aria Olivcira
DEPARTMEN T OF H UMAN RESOURCES Senior Benefit.'>
Sp ffiali> I
Ci1 v Hall
I:; Summer Street Rachar! Caprlla
ll"'wfil.1 Spt•cialisl
Ta11111 0 11 . MA
02780
Amy Kazlauskas Phone: 508-82 1-1 060. Fax: 508-82 1- 1066
V ireclur Drbbir :'\ uor•
w ww .tmu1to11-111a.g:o\· lil'llt:/il.\ ( '/"rk
Ryan Turner
St!fo H· Ma11ager
June 9, 2023
Honorable Mayor O'Connell
Members of the Municipal Council
City Hall, 15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Mayor O'Connell, President Dooner, and the Municipal Council,
I am writing to keep you updated as to the progress we have made with the installation of Safety
Railings at the Taunton Water Treatment Plant in Lakeville.
During the Municipal Council Meeting on May 9th, the Safety Committee presented an update
which included job hazards that were identified during the City's safety audit. One job hazard
discussed at the meeting was the lack of safety rails at the Water Treatment Plant. I am pleased
to report the railings have been successfully installed without incident. Safety gates have also
been installed to allow safe access to the bays for maintenance. Installation was completed
ahead of schedule and under budget following the City's procurement process.
Water Treatment Plant employees often work alone and the plant is open 24 hours a day.
The filtration bays are 10-12 feet in depth, water temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit
and the bays were built approximately 40 years ago without appropriate safety features. The
measures we have implemented significantly increase employee safety.
This milestone could have not been completed without the assistance of HR Director Arny
Kazlauskas, the Mayor's Office, OECD, Auditors Office, Water Department, Local 1144, and the
Law Department. With the assistance of these City employees and the Taunton Safety
Committee, we have taken another important step in the right direction.
The safety measures committed to by this Administration are critical to ensure our employees
return home safely each day and I thank Mayor O'Connell for her ongoing support of our City
employees.
Respectfully,
(}?.,SfJ'
Ryan S. Turner
Safety Manager, City of Taunton
508-821-1060 I rturner@taunton-ma.gov
City Hall I 15 Summer St., Taunton, MA 02780
~:;.:.; "_;-'' ·/· ~~
~· ~ ~. :- t>F-fCf
ZG23 JUN -8 P 3: ~4
June 13, 2023
Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor
Council President Kelly A. Dooner
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 5:30 PM
at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin
Municipal Council Chambers.
5:30 PM
THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND SALARIES
1. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.
2. Meet with the Human Resources Director to discuss the proposal that the Clerk of
Committees become a certified parliamentarian.
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.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE
1. Meet to discuss the request for an extension to two Host Community Agreements for SAN
Holdings, LLC, a marijuana retail and cultivation establishment located at 0 Hart Street.
2. Meet in executive session for an update on the Inter-Governmental Agreement with the
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
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,
1J;\L~ f. Clictu._
'-)0
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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