City Council

City ofrtaunton :Municipa{Council:Meeting :Minutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, rtaunton, ~ In tlie Chester~ :Martin :Municipa{Council Ch.am6ers :Minutes, !J.fovem6er 14, 2023 at 7:01 O'cfoc~fP.:M. ~ea Cl'fediJe ofJl{{egiance ~gufar :Meeting :Mayor Sfiaunna £. 0 'Conne[[presitfing <Prayer was offeretf 6y tne :Mayor :Mayor O'Conne[[ offeretf a moment of sifence for <Paufa (}3ergevi.n, wno spent twenty- .five years in pu6tic service. Sne servetffor twenty-one years in tne City of rJ:aunton antf was tne ([)epartment Jfeatffor tne ~gistrar of'V'oters Office. <Present at ro[[ ca[[were: Counciwrs ([)ooner, ([)uarte, (}3orges, :M.cCau' Cl'ottier, Coute, Santfers antf Qy,inta{ Counciwr Cl'oste[[ was a6sent. Record of November 6, 2023 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. No one spoke during public input. Hearing: Board of Assessors FY2024 Classification Hearing. Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interested parties into the enclosure. So Voted. The parties introduced themselves as Patrick Dello Russo, Chief Financial Officer, Lisa LaBelle, Assessor, Richard Conti, Chief Assessor and Renee Brabant, Assessor. Mr. Dello Russo discussed that this is an annual process that the City goes through. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Conti and the entire Board of Assessors for their efforts. He stated that they have maintained their streamline financial process and that this is the next step to getting the tax rate set. Mr. Conti used a slide presentation to discuss that Taunton continues to remain financially healthy. He stated that there were 1,643 total deed transfers this past year. He stated that it is slowing down as a result of the rise in interest rates and people are holding onto their inventory, which is a trend he expects to continue. He stated that the Assessors visited 2,772 properties this year. He stated that they have had 438 qualified sales of commercial and residential properties, which has to meet certain criteria for the Assessors. Mr. Conti discussed that in 2022, 16 companies went out of business and 171 companies came into the City to establish a new business. He discussed that the tax growth in personal property was $763,782.00, which consists of the commercial  2 entities investing in machinery and equipment. He stated that in the residential sector, the tax growth was $760,736.00. He stated that the commercial and industrial sector, the tax growth was $1,379,469.00, which are the companies in Taunton investing in themselves to stay competitive. He stated that there were 347 single family qualified sales out of 516 total sales and that sales ranged from $160,000 to $880,000. He stated that as of January 1, 2022, the average single family home was assessed at $420,628.00. He stated that there were 180 condo qualified sales out of 224 total sales and that the sales ranged from $125,000 to $450,000. He stated that the median sales price was $280,000.00 for a condo. He stated that as of January 1, 2022, the average condominium was assessed at $279,289. He stated that there were 94 two family qualified sales out of 130 total sales. He stated that the sales ranged from $130,000 to $705,000. He stated that as of January 1, 2022, the average two family home was assessed at $465,506.00. He stated that there were 36 three-family qualified sales out of 54 total sales. He stated that the sales ranged from $427,000 to $725,000. He stated that as of January 1, 2022, the average three-family home was assessed at $571,573.00. Mr. Conti discussed the assessment appreciation. Mr. Conti stated that the tax rate will drop for the sixth year in a row for residential and the eighth year in a row for commercial. He stated that there was a city-wide increase in total assessment by 12.4%. He stated that the national average monthly rent is $1, 725/per month. Ms. LaBelle discussed the rent rates in Taunton from 2020 until present. Mr. Conti stated that they are requesting two votes this evening, the first being whether to split the tax rate, and the second is to vote on what the tax rate should be. Mr. Conti displayed the tax percent increases for Bristol County in 2022 for single family homes. Ms. LaBelle stated that the levy limited from the last fiscal year was $121,147,754.00. She stated that by law, they can add 2.5% to last year's limit, which would be $3,028,694.00. She stated that there was new growth this year, for a total of $2,903,987.00, which will make the levy limit a total of $127,080,435.00 for fiscal year 2024. She stated that they will also need to add the debt exclusion to this, which is $1,048,655.00, for a maximum allowable levy of $128,129,090.00. Ms. Labelle displayed a table of the tax options, which would provide the needed excessive levy. She stated that if they went for the maximum, which is what has historically been done, the residential tax rate this year would be $11.17, the commercial tax rate would be $24.60, and there would be an excess levy of $27,285.00, which would increase the average single family tax bill per year by $52. 78, which is a 1.1 % increase from last year. She stated that if they voted to have a single rate of $14.06, they would be over the levy limit, which is not allowed. She noted that what is voted on may change slightly when they submitted to the OR as there is rounding involved, which is why they prefer to have an excess levy. Mayor O'Connell asked ifthe team could briefly explain the assessing process. Mr. Conti stated that every property is revalued on January 1st of every year. He stated that the three approaches that the Assessors take to come up with the cost include a cost approach or a replacement cost new less depreciation approach, the income approach for income properties and commercial properties, and the sales approach, which takes a look at what other properties have sold in the neighborhood. He stated that all three approaches are balanced into a regression analysis. Councilor Pottier stated that in looking at the state figures, there are 163 communities available for an upgrade, however, only 14 were upgraded, which included Taunton. He discussed that the City needs to come up with ways to fund the new Bristol Plymouth Regional High School, trash fees, School Department indirect costs, Central Fire Station, inflation, health care and pensions. He discussed that he would be in favor of keeping the tax rate the same as last year, which is 1.745, and would also consider the idea of lowering it a little further for the potential  3 opportunity to smooth it in the coming years. Councilor Sanders discussed the impressive growth of businesses in Taunton and the investment of businesses within themselves this past year. He discussed that even with the maximum shift, residents and commercial businesses will get a tax rate decrease. He questioned what the advantage would be of keeping the rate at 1.745. Mr. Conti stated that there would be a minimal difference in terms of Assessors perspective between the rate of 1.745 and 1.750. Councilor Borges questioned Mr. Conti as to what happens if a resident is not home when the Assessors visit. Mr. Conti stated that they used to leave a red card, however, now they are more diligent in following up on their sales analysis. He stated that they are comfortable with the ortho work being done, which saves the City a lot of money. Mr. Dello Russo stated that Permit Eyes has allowed the Departments to work more collaboratively to collect information. Councilor Borges inquired what Mr. Conti's recommendation would be. Mr. Conti stated that he will not be making a recommendation. Councilor Duarte confirmed with Mr. Conti that if they vote to have a rate of 1.750, the difference in the assessing world is insignificant. He inquired if there would be an impact for Taunton being at the top of the list depending on which rate shift they vote for. Mr. Conti stated that he does not believe it would make a difference and discussed that the growth is continuing in the City. Councilor Duarte stated that he would agree with Councilor Sanders to vote for a rate of 1.750. Councilor McCaul stated that the rate of 1.750 makes the most sense in order to help residents that are struggling. Councilor Pottier stated if the City had a single rate, they would be asking for a thirty (30) percent increase, and that seventy (70) percent of communities do have a single rate, which makes Taunton an outlier. He stated that new growth does come with some cost. He stated that he would prefer the rate to stay at 1.745 because they are already there and it would allow the flexibility to smooth next year. Motion was made to split the tax rate. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. Councilor Postell was absent. The motion passes. Motion was made to leave the tax rate shift at 1.745. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, five (5) Councilors voted in favor (Dooner, Borges, Pottier, Coute and Quintal), three (3) Councilors were opposed (Duarte, McCaul and Sanders). Councilor Postell was absent. The motion passes. Motion was made to close the hearing and thank the parties for their work. So Voted. Mayor O'Connell stated that the hearing was not opened for public input. Motion was made to suspend the rules to ask for public comment on the vote. So Voted. No one spoke during public input. Motion was made to close the hearing and reconfirm the vote to leave the tax rate shift at 1.745. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, five (5) Councilors voted in favor (Quintal, Coute, Pottier, Borges and Dooner), three (3) Councilors were opposed (Sanders, McCaul and Duarte). Councilor Postell was absent. The motion passes. Motion was made to close the hearing. So Voted. On the petition of the City of Taunton, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 for the acceptance of Winthrop Lane as a public way in the City of Taunton. Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the City Engineer into the enclosure. So Voted. The Assistant City Clerk read a Com. from the Chairman, Taunton Planning Board stating that at their regularly scheduled meeting held on May 4, 2023, the Taunton Planning Board voted to send a positive recommendation to the Municipal Council to accept Winthrop Lane as an accepted public way in the City. The Assistant City Clerk stated that there is also a map attached. Motion was made to make the above listed communications a part of the record. So Voted. Mr. Patneaude gave a brief  4 explanation of the steps for acceptance of Winthrop Lane. Councilor Coute inquired if the top coat of the street is completed, as well as any sidewalks that may have been a part of the plan. Mr. Patneaude stated that there were no sidewalks as a part of the plan. He stated that this was an existing roadway, however, it was not wide enough to meet City standards, therefore they did an extension of the width. Councilor Coute confirmed with Mr. Patneaude that they have received the necessary as-builts. Councilor Coute confirmed with Mr. Patneaude that by accepting Winthrop Lane as a public way, it will now be eligible for City services and that the City will be eligible to receive the Chapter 90 funding. Motion was made to open public input. So Voted. Raquel Pereira, 3 Winthrop Lane, Taunton, stated that she has owned twenty-two (22) feet of Winthrop Lane for over thirty-five (35) years and would like to understand the purpose and benefit of the City taking over part of their property. She stated that since the road was opened, the traffic has increased and cars are speeding down the road. She stated that she has requested a sign be placed but was told that was not able to be done as the road is a dead end. Donna Silvia, 33 Winthrop Lane, Taunton, stated that she has lived at her residence for fifty (50) years and does not understand what the City is doing. Luis Pereira, 3 Winthrop Lane, Taunton, stated that when the road was paved, he was not notified that it would be on part of his property. Motion was made to close public input. So Voted. Mr. Patneaude stated that there is some question as to who owns what and that the Law Department is doing the research to determine ownership. He stated that all of the deed references and plans that are recorded at the Registry list the twenty-two (22) foot strip as a right of way, which means that it cannot be used as anything but a right of way. He stated that the resident of 33 Winthrop Lane would not be able to access their home if this easement didn't exist. He stated that the DPW can place a dead end sign, as well as a Winthrop Lane sign. He discussed that a benefit of accepting the road as a public way would be to have access to Chapter 90 funding in the future if the road should need any repairs. Councilor Borges stated that a benefit of accepting the road as a public way would be that the City would now maintain the plowing of that road. Mr. Patneaude stated that an additional benefit of the road being accepted as a public way would be trash and recycling pick up in front of the resident's homes. Councilor Borges stated that accepting this road as a public way would produce all positive outcomes. Attorney Bond stated that this matter should be continued to a date certain, as the Law Department will have to review the claim of ownership for the constituents. Motion was made to continue the hearing until December 19, 2023. So Voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a notice in the agenda for the Upcoming Community Events. She stated that additionally, there will be an Elks Veteran Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at noontime at the Elks Lodge. Veterans can enjoy a turkey dinner together. There are no reservations and no charges. Mayor O'Connell stated that City Hall will be closing at 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 for Thanksgiving and will resume regular hours the following Monday. Appointments: Appointment of Eric Lobo to serve on the Taunton Youth Commission for a term of two (2) years expiring August 2025. Motion was made to approve. So Voted.  5 Reappointment of Joshua Borden, 147 High Street, Taunton to serve on the Conservation Commission for a term of three (3) years expiring July 2026. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Communications from Citv Officers: Com. from the Assistant Executive Director, Retirement regarding the retirement for Superannuation of Daniel McCabe, an employee of the Taunton Police Department on December 31, 2023. Mr. McCabe will have 36 years of creditable service in the retirement system. Motion was made to approve and send the appropriate scroll. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor stating that the Law Department is in receipt of a request from the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) seeking to consolidate several existing conservation restrictions that it holds on land in Taunton into a single, consolidated conservation restriction. All of the land at issue in Taunton is privately owned and is located off of Cotley Street, County Road and Macomber Street. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor regarding former employee Brian Ratcliffe. Mr. Ratcliffe has made inaccurate public representations concerning his employment. The City has followed appropriate employment practices and Mr. Ratcliffe was provided with information explaining his dismissal from employment. Additionally, the Law Department has corresponded with his legal counsel. The City has been appropriately responsive to him and at this time considers this matter concluded. The Law Department will be providing a confidential communication to the Council with further information and legal advice. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the DPW Commissioner stating that the Department of Public Works infrastructure team is requesting that the Commissioner of the DPW be allowed to authorize contractors to continue to work in City roadways until the weather changes and it is necessary for the DPW to terminate any further work. This request is necessary since the ordinance for the winter moratorium period of November 1st to April 1st will be in effect thereby prohibiting work in City roadways during that timeframe. All contractors will be notified that construction work must be suspended, and that no further permits will be issued should inclement weather occur that might otherwise adversely affect traffic flow. Any excavation permitted during the Winter Moratorium will not be allowed to be plated. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on the Department of Public Works. Councilor Duarte stated that this matter should be approved on the floor as it is time sensitive. Councilor Sanders withdrew his motion. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Councilor McCaul was opposed. Communications from Citizens: Com. from the Licensing Manager, Massachusetts State Lottery Commission regarding a KENO License Application for Joe's Gas located at 245 Cape Highway, Taunton. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from Craig DeMoura, 1 Sabbatia Lane, Taunton requesting a tax abatement for a sewer stub that was put on his lot, which has been deemed non-buildable. He stated that he had three city officials and a contractor at the site, who determined that the stub was  6 placed there by mistake. He stated that he thought this matter had been rectified, however, he received a bill for ten-thousand, nine-hundred seventy-eight dollars and sixty-one cents ($10,978.61). Attached is the Tax Title Account Statement, a map of the location and communications from City Departments regarding this matter. Motion was made to refer the entire packet to the Committee on the Department of Public Works. So Voted. Petitions: Pole Location Joint Petition submitted by Verizon New England, Inc. and TMLP proposing to place one new joint pole location; Pole 34A on Hodges Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule the appropriate hearing. So Voted. Pole Location Joint Petition submitted by TMLP and Verizon New England, Inc. proposing to place one new joint pole location; Pole ELI and the installation of an anchor on EL2 on Williams Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule the appropriate hearing. So Voted. Special Permit Petition submitted by Haskell Kennedy, III, P.O. Box 6045, New Bedford, MA for a Special Permit to allow a 1,800 sq. ft. Marijuana Retailer to be located at 446 Winthrop Street, Taunton located in the Highway Business District. 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: Ordinance (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE Chapter 405 Sec. 405-64-Tow-away zone regulations. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City a/Taunton as follows: That Chapter 405, Section 405-64(E) of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding the following: Name of Street Side Location  7 Bay Street West From Lakeview Avenue to the Norton Town Line. Bay Street East From the Norton Town Line to Perra's Lane. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to pass to a second reading. So Voted. Ordinance (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE Chapter 202 - Boating Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Chapter 202, of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by striking the words "powerboat" and "powerboats" and replacing said words with "watercraft" throughout said Chapter. That Chapter 202, Section 202-1 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by striking said section and replacing the same with the following: § 202-1. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: WATERCRAFT Any boat or personal watercraft powered by an electric or internal combustion engine permanently or temporarily affixed to such boat. That Chapter 202, Section 202-4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding the following new paragraph: D. No person, except a public safety official in the performance of their duties, shall operate a watercraft on a lake within the City in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to pass to a second reading. So Voted. New Business: Councilor Pottier requested to refer to the Committee on Police and License to discuss field tests for impaired driving due to recreational drug usage. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted.  8 List o{Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events - November 14, 2023 • PowerPoint Presentation- Setting the FY24 Tax Rate Meeting adjourned at 8:18 P.M. A true copy: Attest:¥L~ Assistant City Clerk KLD/MAF  9 City of Taunton RECEIVED CITY CLEf\~·,·s OFFICE Municipal Council N"ovember14,2023 ZOZ3 NOV 11 A C\1 Sb, The Committee on Finance and Salaries . 'Lr'' ''LEHK The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunten;-MA--02780 \nJllie 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 5:32 PM. I. Approve the minutes from N"ovember 6, 2023. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Mr. Pottier 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 amounto/$4,378,682.48. So voted. Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of$ 7, 734, 816. 34. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to pay a prior year bill in the amount of $15 9. 69 to Eversource and transfer from 01-493-5200-5212 (N"atural Gas) to 01-493-5520-5999 (Prior Year Expense). Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Mr. Pottier to approve. So voted. 4. Meet to discuss the request from the Fire Department to pay prior year bills totaling $2500.00 and transfer $600 from 01-220-5200-5301 (Medical Blanket) and $1900 from 01-220-5200- 5588 (Education Blanket) to 01-220-5520-5999 (Prior Year Expense). Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to approve. So voted.  10 Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. McCaul to adjourn at 5: 3 4 P.M So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 11/6/23 Payroll Warrant #77 Bill Invoice Warrant #7 6 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Gill Enos dated 10/24/23 Letter from Steven Lavigne dated 10/27/23 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, .:. NOV 14 2023 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/.~~ ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee on Finance and Salaries November 14, 2023 Page2of2  11 City of Taunton RECEIVED CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Municipal Council November 14, 2023 2023 NOV 11 A 'l• Sb The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills TAIJHTOH. HA The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, Mftl1278"01n [~j y CLE HK Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman Councilor John Mc Caul Councilor Kelly Dooner Also Present: Arsenio Chaves, Safety Officer Lisa Bond, First Assistant City Solicitor The meeting was called to order at 5 :40 PM. 1. Approve minutes from October 31, 2023. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted.· 2. Meet for an update on the process for determining an Ordinance for: a. Grease interceptors b. Gas and oil separators/interceptors c. Back water valves Mr. Sanders referenced a communication from Tony Abreau, the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Public Works, suggesting this be taken up on December 12. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to table. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to restrict parking on both sides of Turner Street from 13 Turner Street to 126 Turner Street near Massasoit State Park. Mr. Sanders read a letter on the matter from Officer Chaves dated October 27. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve no parking on both sides. So voted. The matter is to be sent to the Law Department to prepare for a first reading.  12 4. Meet to discuss the request for a stop sign in the area of Fremont Street at Tremont Street. Mr. Sanders read a letter :from Officer Chaves on the matter dated October 27. Mr. McCaul suggested a flashing sign at that location might make it more noticeable. After discussion, it was determined that a stop sign with a reflective pole to enhance the visibility would be the best solution. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to install a stop sign with a reflective pole at the intersection ofFremont Street at Tremont Street. So voted. This matter is to be sent to the Law Department to prepare for a first reading. 5. Meet for the continued discussion on the proposed ordinance change which would require an office on each Class II licensed property. Attorney Bond referred to Attorney de Abreu's prior guidance. Ms. Dooner asked what triggered this matter and Mr. Sanders provided some background :from a few years back. A business wanted to add auto sales but didn't have a building onsite. Ms. Dooner indicated that she is not prepared to support this at this time. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to table. So voted. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded Ms. Dooner to adjourn the meeting at 5:54 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Committee on Ordinances and Emolled Bills Meeting Minutes of 10/31/23 Email from Tony Abreau dated 11/13/23 Letter from Arsenio Chaves dated 10/27/23 re: Turner Street Letter from Arsenio Chaves dated 10/27/23 re: Fremont and Tremont Streets Letter from Attorney de Abreu dated 12/23/18 CITY OF TAUNTON NOV 14 2023 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~e.~(µ_ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills ~;<:~ November 14, 2023 Page2 of2 AS~~l;A~T CITY CLERK  13 City of Taunton RECEIVED Municipal Council CITY CLEPK'S OFFICE November 14, 2023 2023 NOV 11 A qi 5 b The Committee on Economic Development and Technology TAUHTOH. t1A The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, TauntoJhMA._027...8.0G:hTtne::LERK Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Estele Borges, Chairman Councilor Christopher Coute Councilor Kelly Dooner Also present: Jay Pateak:os, Exec. Director of Economic and Community Development Jim Howland, Asst. Director of Economic and Community Development The meeting was called to order at 5 :57 PM. 1. Approve minutes from August 29, 2023. Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the Affordable Trust Fund. Ms. Borges asked Mr. Pateak:os and Mr. Howland to explain the Affordable Trust Fund. They explained that contributions to the Fund come from developers who do not want to do the 20% affordable housing. In lieu of affordable housing developers contribute to the Fund. Then those developers looking to do affordable housing can apply for this and money is provided as grant funding. There is approximately $285,000 left in the fund at this time. The 275 units by Alliance will be contributing $1.6 Million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. There are State rules that must be followed and there is a Committee to administer the funds. Ms. Borges asked if there are any other ways to contribute to the Fund and Mr. Howland indicated that this is the only way he is aware of Ms. Borges asked when they expected to receive the $1. 6 Million and Mr. Howland that it would likely be in increments over the course of the project. This infusion of funds will allow the OECD to advertise the availability of funds. 3. Meet for the continued discussion on establishing a Weir Waterfront District. Mr. Pateak:os reported that he has researched many different waterfront districts and they are all different. Many have a historic element. In Taunton, the concept of a Weir Waterfront  14 District seems to revolve around the Bacon Felt property. He believes that this is the easiest development and the City has control over that location. While this is a historic neighborhood, the structures for the most part are not historical. He feels that with guidance on what you'd like to see there, this building is ripe for development. Based on the flood zone, the first floor already has to be commercial. Ms. Borges asked if the RFP will include that it has to be commercial on the first floor and they confirmed that the RFP will state that it can't be residential on the first floor. Ms. Borges suggested that there might be grants available if a waterfront district is established and Mr. Pateakos stated that this is a possibility. Ms. Borges stated that she hates to restrict businesses but that she also hates to lose grant money. Mr. Coute stated that, with the RFP process, Bacon Felt will be developed to the highest and best use. The best proposal for the City will be selected. He asked about the status of the cleanup there. Mr. Pateakos indicated that they hope to be moving forward with the RFP by January. Mr. Howland reported that they've done some evaluation and they have to shore up the front of the building. Ms. Borges indicated that she would like to keep this topic in the Committee on Economic Development and Technology for future discussion and updates. 4. Meet with the OECD to review matters in file: a. Request a discussion from OECD related to questions about outside dining and the petition received Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Ms. Dooner to remove from the file. So voted. b. Request to meet with the OECD Director to discuss the Master Plan and parking and seating changes in downtown. Discuss his goal, his ideas, and what will be going on Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Ms. Dooner to remove from the file. So voted. c. Request a discussion with the OECD and his team regarding the action plan for the CDBG Fund (Community Development Block Grant) Mr. Pateakos and Mr. Howland gave a presentation on what their office ~foes. On the economic development side, they go after businesses. Mr. Pateakos talked about how they help new businesses. They have a resource guide and he touched on the "E for All" program which offers free guidance to businesses and was happy that 5 Taunton businesses applied this time around. In terms of economic development, they have helped 13 separate businesses open. 43 individual programs have gone through the "Step-Up" Program. $4 Million in competitive grants have been received. They discussed HOME funding which is used for new affordable units or rehab of affordable units. They cover an area from Plainville to Carver. HOME funding was used for the Union Block, the Coyle project and the upcoming Church Green project. Ms. Borges Committee on Economic Development and Technology November 14, 2023 Page2of3  15 clarified that the Coyle housing project is actually at Taunton Catholic Middle School, not Hamilton Street. Mr. Pateakos and Mr. Howland discussed CDBG Funding and this is money that stays in Taunton. They have used this to assist through public service providers. He also discussed funding for park redevelopment. The CDBG public hearing will be held on 12/5 and then the application goes up on line. Mr. Howland gave some examples and indicated that the review board goes through the applications. He explained the location of the census track for CDBG funding and how these census tracks place limitations on the areas where they are allowed to spend money. They also reported that they worked with the Assessor's Office on identifying City properties which became the foundation for the MPP Program. They have also provided small business loans and dealt with brownfields funding. They noted some companies they have spoken to about potentially coming to the City and also touched on some businesses that will be opening soon. Mr. Duarte noted that the Home Consortium work is regional and benefits other communities and, as such, some of the staff time is funded by the federal government. Mr. Howland indicated that the public hearing for CDBG funding is 12/5 and the public hearing for the Home Consortium is 12/6. d. Request a discussion on TIFs Councilor Borges requested this be kept in the file. Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Ms. Dooner adjourn at 6:34 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Presentation - Office of Economic and Community Development CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, NOV 14 2023 r_~ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie . Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/,B~ Conmiittee on Economic Development and Technology November 14, 2023 ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Page3 of3  16 City of Taunton RECEIVED Municipal Council CITY CLERK.'S OFFICE November 14, 2023 ZDZ3 NOV 11 A °i1 5b The Committee of the Council as a Whole TAUNTON. HA The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,MA...-02-7-W-ifilfu~ CLERK Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Councilors Present: Council President Kelly Dooner Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Estele Borges Councilor John Mc Caul Councilor David Pottier Councilor Christopher Coute Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Jeffrey Postell Also Present: Attorney Brianna Correira David Clymens Hannah Cassidy The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM. 1. Approve minutes from October 24, 2023. Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Mr. Coute to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for a pre-review upon the petition of Edmund J. Brennan, Jr. Esq., Brennan, Recuperto, Cascione, Scungio, McAllister LLP, 174 Dean Street, Unit B, Taunton, on behalf of his client 12 Porter Street Development, LLC to allow a 28-Unit Family Development at 10-18 Porter Street, Taunton, located in the Urban Residential District. Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Ms. Borges to invite the interested parties in. So voted. Mr. Coute indicated that he will be interested in hearing the total investment on the project, the affordable component (if any), visuals, information on parking, and accessibility. Mr. Pottier expressed interest in taxes, amenities, and if there is any preferences for elderly or veterans.  17 Mr. Sanders indicated that he would like to hear about efforts aimed at sustainability and efficiency including heating systems, any solar, and so forth Ms. Borges asked for information on whether these are market rate, if any EOCD funding was used, number of units and if they are 1, 2, or 3 bedroom, security, ifthere is management on site, and information on rents. Mr. Duarte requested information on the history of environmental contamination and any remediation that's been done. Motion by Mr. Coute and seconded by Mr. Pottier to excuse the parties. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 PM So voted. CITY OF TAUNTON ·: Respectfully submitted, NOV 14 2023 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~f-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~,<:~ ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee of the Council asa Whole November 14, 2023 Page2oj2  18 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#14 FY 2024 !J;V ./~ Co-cuzai. . . . . . . . . . .~?.:.~~~:.~. !.~~.?.:~?.:~................ 20.............. of The Slllll one hundred fifty nine dollars and sixty nine cents ($159.69) be and hereby is transferred as follows: · From 01-493-5200-5212 (Natural Gas) To 01-493-5520-5999 (Prior Year Expense) ................................................................ ~k£..  19 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#15 FY 2024 3V ./~ C~ . . . . . . . . . . .~?.~~~.?.~.~J.~~-~~-~~---············· 20.............. The sum of two thousand five hundred dollars and zero cents ($2500.00) be and hereby is transferred as follows: $600 from 01-220-5200-5301 (Medical Blanket) $1900 from 01-220-5200-5588 (Education Blanket) To 01-220-5520-5999 (Prior Year Expense) .......................................................... :..... -efk£.