City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · October 31, 2023
Minutes
City of'Taunton
:M.unicipaCCouncil:Meeting :Minutes
City 1faCC, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~
In the Chester~ :Martin :M.unicipaCCouncil Cliam6ers
:Minutes, Octo6er 31, 2023 at 7:00 O'cCoc~/P.:M..
Cl'fediJe ofJl{t:egiance
<%guCar ;Meeting
:Mayor Shaunna£. O'ConneClpresiding
<Prayer was offered 6y the :Mayor
<Present at roCl caClwere: Councifors ©ooner, ©uarte, <Borges, :McCau~
CJ'ottier, Sanders, Quinta{andCJ'osteCl.
Councifor Coute was a6sent.
Record of October 24, 2023 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public.
Jason Roomes, 246 High Street, Taunton, stated that he was pleased on the outcome of
the discussion during the meeting of the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills
regarding horse power limits on Lake Sabbatia. He requested that the time that the gate is
closed is changed from 8:00pm to 9:00pm at least, as there are often tournaments during
the summer on the lake that conclude at 8:00pm. He also discussed that fishing license
funds are put towards boat ramps and hopes that the cost of the season pass can be
reasonable so that fisherman can continue to utilize Lake Sabbatia.
Brian Ratcliffe, 4 Dale Street, Taunton, stated that he spoke three (3) weeks ago about his
termination from his position as the Traffic Control Officer after being employed for only
three (3) months after a false accusation involving an Amazon driver made by Officer
Kevin Medas in October of 2022. He expressed his disappointment of how this matter
was handled by the City. He stated that there is no body camera record of this incident
and requested to see Sargent Medas's body camera documenting the alleged incident. He
stated that he is disappointed that he has not heard any follow up from the City Council
regarding this matter, which is why he is back this evening. He requested a hearing before
the Committee on Police and License regarding these allegations in order to clear his
name and restore his reputation, in hopes of getting his job back.
Hearing:
NONE.
Communications from the Mavor:
Mayor O'Connell stated that this past weekend there was an open house at the Airport, as
well as a Trunk-or-Treat Event, which were both very successful events.
2
Mayor O'Connell stated that early voting will continue at City Hall on the 2nd Floor in the
Silver City Conference Room. There will be early voting on Wednesday, November 1,
2023 and Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 8:00am until 4:00p, and on Friday,
November 3, 2023 from 8:00am until 12:00pm.
Mayor O'Connell stated that the buttons for the Lights on Festival are currently on sale.
The buttons are $5 per adult and children under 12 years of age are free. Visit
www.lightsonfestival.org to see where the buttons can be purchased.
Mayor O'Connell stated that the Lights on Festival Basket Fundraiser has begun and is
located on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. The baskets have been donated by City of Taunton
Departments and local businesses. This is a major fundraiser for the Christmas parade.
Tickets can be purchased on the 2nd Floor of City Hall in the Clerk of Committees Office.
Mayor O'Connell stated the Miss Taunton Scholarship Competition will take place on
Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4:00pm at the Friedman Middle School. Tickets are on sale
at www.misstaunton.org.
Appointments:
Appointment of Melissa Langham, 79 Ridgewood Dr., Taunton to serve on the Elections
Commission fulfilling the unexpired term of Daniel Mansour Barbour which expires
April 2024. Motion was made to approve. So Voted.
Communications from City Officers:
Com. from the Budget Director requesting to pay prior year invoices in the amount of
$159.69 to Eversource for natural gas. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on
Finance and Salaries. So Voted.
Com. from the Chairman, Taunton Planning Board stating that the Taunton Planning
Board has received a Site Plan Review modification for property at Galleria Mall Drive
(prop l.D. 126-5, 118-41, 118-39, 118-8) for 994,480 sq. ft. of industrial/warehouse space
in the Business District, submitted by Portman Holdings. The DIRB will meet to review
this petition on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:45AM in the Taunton Planning Board
Office, 141 Oak Street and the Taunton Planning Board will meet to review the petition
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30PM in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council
Chambers, 15 Summer St., Taunton, Ma. Motion was made to receive and place on
file. So Voted.
Com. from the Chairman, Taunton Planning Board stating that the Taunton Planning
Board is in receipt of a proposed Amendment to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance-
to allow Marijuana Establishments in the Highway Business District by Special Permit
from the Municipal Council- (Amend Section 440 Attachment #2 to read: Special Permit
from Municipal Council (SP2) in the Industrial District and Highway Business District
(prohibited use in all other districts) submitted by East Coast Cali LLC. The Planning
Board will hold a public hearing on this on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30PM at 15
Summer St., in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Taunton,
Ma. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted.
3
Com. from the Fire Chief requesting approval for two prior fiscal year purchase orders to
pay for several invoices due for medical expenses and educational reimbursements to
TFD members for a total of $2,500.00. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on
Finance and Salaries. So Voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE.
Petitions:
Hours of Operation License - RENEWAL
1. Red Shift Donuts, Inc. -dba- Dunkin Donuts located at 5 Washington St.,
Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License
and the Police Chief. 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:
NONE.
New Business:
Councilor Pottier requested to refer to the DPW Commissioner and Board of Health the
issue of excessive dust being generated by the plant at 120 Berkley Street. Councilor
Pottier stated that he received a call from a concerned resident stating that when the plant
changed hands in June, some of the processes of the plant may not have been being
followed or perhaps changed, resulting in excessive dust being generated. Motion was
made to refer to the DPW Commissioner and Board of Health the issue of excessive
dust being generated by the plant at 120 Berkley Street. So Voted.
Councilor Sanders moved to invite the Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds
Commissioner to meet with Committee on Public Property to review the details of the
recent Commission's decision regarding public use of Taunton Green. Motion was made
to move approval. So Voted.
Councilor Quintal motioned to meet in an executive session with the Human Resources
Director, the City Solicitor and Chief Walsh in order for all of the Councilors to be
briefed on the matter regarding Mr. Ratcliffe. On discussion, Attorney Bond stated that
there has been communication with an Attorney on behalf of Mr. Ratcliffe, the Mayor's
Office and the Human Resources Director, therefore, an executive session may not be
appropriate at this time. Councilor Sanders questioned Attorney Bond as to what the
appropriate forum would be to inform the Council of the matter. Attorney Bond stated
that the letter that was received was on behalf of Mr. Ratcliffe and there have been
ongoing communications with Mr. Ratcliffe. Councilor Quintal withdrew his motion.
4
Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief.
On discussion, Councilor Dooner stated that per the rules of the Council, the appropriate
course of action would be to refer this to next week or the following week for a
discussion in order to determine if they should move forward. Councilor Borges stated
there was a similar situation about eight (8) months ago involving a former employee and
they received a letter from Attorney Costa stating the reasons why it would be
inappropriate to have a discussion regarding a former employee in executive session,
therefore, the best course of action would be to have Attorney Costa discuss why they are
unable to have an executive session on a personnel matter and how the Council can be
informed on this matter and have a discussion. Councilor Pottier stated that it may be
beneficial to refer this matter to the Committee on Police and License and in the
meantime also request a letter from Attorney Costa to clarify some of these questions.
Councilor Duarte requested that the opinion from Attorney Costa include what the
Council's jurisdiction is over these types of personnel matters. Motion was made to
refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. On a roll call
vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, six (6) Councilors voted in favor (Councilors
Postell, Quintal, Sanders, Pottier, McCaul and Borges), two (2) were opposed
(Councilors Duarte and Dooner). Councilor Coute was absent. The motion passes.
List of Documents and Other Exhibits:
• Agenda
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 P.M.
A true copy:
Attest:
JLL/MAF
5
City of Taunton RECEiYED
CITY CLEHK'S OFFICE
Municipal Council
October 31, 2023
2023 NOV - I P 12: Ob.
The Committee on Finance and Salaries TAIJrHON. MA
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton~--M*-filf8b \Jfti~RK
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 6:17 PM.
1. Approve the minutes from October 24, 2023.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve. So voted.
2. 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 of $4, 244, 990. 60. So voted.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve the accounts payable
warrant in the amount o/$3,879,283.82. So voted.
Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to adjourn at 6:18 P.M So voted.
List o{Documents and Other Exhibits Used:
The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 10/24/23
Payroll Warrant #69
Bill Invoice Warrant #68
List of items over $100,000
CITY OF TAUNTON
Respectfully submitted,
OCT 31 2023
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~e~
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
S ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
ERK
X'o/-
6
City of Taunton ;:iECEIYE:D
CITY CL rnr-;·:5 OFFICE
Municipal Council
October 31, 2023
2023 NOV - I P 12: 01
The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills TAUNTON. MA
The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, ~A~OL/8trtrrtHJY CLERK
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
Members Present: Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman
Councilor John McCaul
Councilor Kelly Dooner
Also Present: Edward Walsh, Police Chief
The meeting was called to order at 6:21 PM.
1. Approve minutes from October 17, 2023.
Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted.
2. Review of administration's proposed ordinances for Lake Sabbatia
Mr. Sanders read two relevant sections from a letter from Chief Walsh. The first
recommended a 25mph speed limit on lakes and waterways in the City. He read the
proposed amendment to Ordinance Chapter 202 Section 202 - Boats.
Ms. Dooner stated that she saw no issue with instituting a speed limit and was glad that they
were not proposing a restriction on horsepower.
Chief Walsh pointed out that the proposal also changes the definition of watercraft.
Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve and refer to the City Clerk
for a first reading. So voted.
Mr. Sanders referred to the second part that focuses on the tow away zone and the draft of the
proposed ordinance change.
Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. McCaul to refer the proposed ordinance change
for a first reading. So voted.
3. Meet to discuss the proposed ordinance change regarding compensation for special police
officers.
7
Chief Walsh explained that they don't have anything to authorize the payment of officers
going to court once they are retired and that they are looking to compensate officers based on
the rank at which they retired.
Mr. Sanders asked if the Patrolmen' s Union had been consulted and Chief Walsh indicated
that these officers are not in the unions at this point.
Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. McCaul to refer the proposed changes to
chapter 19 Section 28 to the City Clerk for a first reading. So voted.
4. Meet to discuss ordinance for wayfinding signage.
Mr. Sanders read a letter from Attorney Costa regarding wayfinding signage dated 10/25/23.
This letter referred to the guidance from Attorney de Abreu from 2018. Mr. Sanders read the
letter from 2018 from Attorney de Abreau. Mr. Sanders suggested that an ordinance is not
necessary so it would be appropriate to receive and place on file and remove the matter from
the Committee.
Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. McCaul to remove the matter from the
Ordinance Committee. So voted.
Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded Mr. McCaul to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 PM So voted.
List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used:
Committee on Ordinances and Emolled Bills Meeting Minutes of 10/17/23
Committee on Ordinances and Emolled Bills Meeting Minutes of 10/10/23
Letter from Edward Walsh dated 10/11/23
Proposed Ordinance change Chapter 202 Section 202 - Boats
Proposed Ordinance change Chapter 405 Section 405-64 Tow away zone regulations
Letter from Edward Walsh dated October 8, 2023
Proposed Ordinance change Chapter 19-Police Department
Committee on Ordinances and Emolled Bills Meeting Minutes of 9/8/20
Letter from Matthew Costa dated 10/25/23
Letter from Daniel de Abreu dated 10/4/18
CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted,
OCT 31 2023
/~t'.~
IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
REPORTS ACCEPTED. Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills
RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. October 31, 2023
~~
Page2of2
Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
City Clerk's Office
OCTOBER 31, 2023-7:00 PM
Notice of Posting
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Time: /~ : J 'I If/}'/
INVOCATION u·,:te: lo/~t7/4.3
ROLL CALL r ~ r
READING OF THE RECORDS FROM OCTOBER 24, 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
• Community Update
APPOINTMENTS
• Appointment of Melissa Langham, 79 Ridgewood Dr., Taunton to serve on the
Elections Commission fulfilling the unexpired term of Daniel Mansour Barbour
which expires April 2024
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from Budget Director - Requesting to Pay Prior Year Invoice
Pg. 2 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of Public
Meetings
Pg. 3 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Public
Meeting
Pg. 4 Com. from Fire Chief - Requesting to Pay Prior Year Invoices
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Hours of Operation License - RENEWAL
1. Red Shift Donuts, Inc. -dba- Dunkin Donuts located at 5 Washington St., Taunton
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
1. Councilor Pottier requests to refer to DPW and Board of Health the issue of
excessive dust being generated by the plant at 120 Berkley Street
2. Councilor Sanders moves to invite the Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds
Commissioner to meet with Committee on Public Property to review the details of the
recent Commission's decision regarding public use of Taunton Green
Respectfully submitted,
kt t'ttr 1
fl Jen fer L. Leger
City Clerk
City of Taunton Li gia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHI EF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patri ck D. Delio Russo, Jr.
15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICE R
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR
October 27, 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 Taunton Municipal Council,
Please be advised that I am appointing Melissa Langham of 79 Ridgewood Drive to serve on the
Elections Commission to fulfill the unexpired term of Daniel Mansour Barbour expiring April
2024.
Mrs. Langham has led a successful career across various roles, where she has served as an analyst,
engineer, project manager, and sales executive. The common thread throughout Mrs. Langham's
career is her strong attention to detail and work ethic. These skills will serve her well on the
Commission as it does the important work to uphold the highest level of integrity in administering
efficient and fair municipal, state and federal elections for the City of Taunton.
I look forward to Mrs. Langham's contributions to the Commission.
Shaunna O' Connell
I
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'CONNEil.. BUDGET DIRECTOR
October 24, 2023
Council President Kelly Dooner
And Members of the Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Ma 02780
Dear President Dooner and Members of the Municipal Council,
I respectfully request permission to pay prior year invoices in the amount $159.69 to Eversource
for natural gas. These invoices were overlooked during the airport construction and should have
been paid by the City.
Please transfer from 01-493-5200-5212 (Natural Gas) to 01-493-5520-5999 (Prior Year
Expenses).
Thank you for your assistance.
~~~
Gill E Enos
Budget Director
cc: CFO
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
15 Summer Street - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051
Denise J Paiva, Secretary
October 23, 2023
Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton,Ma.02780
CIO Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Site Plan Review - 2 and 8 Galleria Mall Drive.
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Planning Board has received A Site Plan Review modification for property at
Galleria Mall Drive. (prop. I.D. 126-5, 118-41, 118-39, 118-8) for 994,480 sf of
industrial/ warehouse space in the Business District, submitted by Portman Holdings
The DIRB will be meet to review this petition on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:45
AM in the Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak Street and the Taunton Planning
Board will meet to review petition on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30 PM in the
Chester R Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 15 Summer St., Taunton, Ma.
Respectfully yours,
~~a<{(#'~;)
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
Taunton Planning Board
RPC/djp
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
141 Oak St. - Office Address
15 Summer St. - Mailing Address
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Phone 508-821-1051Fax508 821-1043
Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk
dpaiva{aJtaunton-ma.gov
October 23, 2023
Honorable Shaunna L. O' Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton, Ma. 02780
C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Proposed City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a proposed Amendment to City of Taunton
Zoning Ordinance - To allow Marijuana Establishments in the Highway Business
District by Special Permit from the Municipal Council - (Amend Section 440 Attachment
#2 to read: Special permit from Municipal Council (SP2) In Industrial District and
Highway Business District. (prohibited use in all other districts) submitted by East Coast
Kali LLC.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at
5:30 PM at 15 Summer St, in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 2nd
Floor. Taunton, Ma.
Sincerely,
/:!:::~:lh~tu{ 01&
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
AA/djp
CITY OF TAUNTON
FIRE DEPARTMENT
50 School Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Tel: (508) 821-1452 • Fax: (508) 821-1495
STEVEN P. LAVIGNE
Chief of Department
KATE GOVER
Administrative Assistant
October 27, 2023
Honorable Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Members City Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
RE: Request for Approval to Payment of Prior FY Medical & Educational Expenses
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Honorable Council Members,
Your permission is requested to approval two prior fiscal year purchase orders to pay for
several invoices due for medical expenses and educational reimbursements to TFD members.
Medical Blanket 01-220-5200-5301 $600.00
Education Blanket 01-220-5200-5588 $1,900.00
Total: $2,500.00
Should you have any questions regarding this request I can be reached at 508-821-1452 X2101.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steven P. Lavigne
Chief of Department
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor ·~
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Council President Kelly A. Dooner
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 6:15
PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R.
Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
6:15 PM
The Committee on Finance and Salaries
1. Approve minutes from October 24, 2023.
2. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.
Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills
1. Approve minutes from October 17, 2023.
2. Review of administration' s proposed ordinances for Lake Sabbatia
3. Meet to discuss the proposed ordinance change regarding compensation for special police
officers.
4. Meet to discuss ordinance for wayfinding signage.
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.
Page 1 of2
Respectfully,
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Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
Page 2 of2
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November 2, 2023 -< J:> ~o
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Honorable Shaunna L. 0' Connell, Mayor ::0 C> r1
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Council President Kelly A. Dooner
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023 at
6:00 PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Silver
City Conference Room.
6:00 PM
The Committee on Police and License
1. Meet to interview police candidates.
Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass.
Gen. L. C. JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
Respectfully,
~c. CtaJu_
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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