City Council

City of fl'aunton 9dunicipa{Council9deeting 9dinutes City JfaCC, 15 Summer Street, fJ'aunton, ~ In tli.e Cnester ~ 9dartin 9dunicipaCCouncil Cnam6ers 9dinutes, January 16, 2024 at 7:01 O'cCoc~/P.9d. Cl'fediJe ofJt{{,egiance ~gufar :Meeting :Mayor Sliaunna £. O'Conne{[presicfing <Prayer was offerea 6y tli.e :Mayor <Present at roa ca{[were: CounciCors ©uarte, Cl'oste{{, Quinta~ Sanders, Cl'ottier, :Martin, <Borges ana:McCauC CounciCor ©ooner was a6sent. Record of January 9, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Derek Adamiec, 542R Berkley Street, Berkley, MA, stated that he is a business representative for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and represents approximately 120 union carpenters and their families that live and pay taxes in the City of T~unton. He stated that he would like to follow up on a letter that his colleague, Paul Varella, delivered to the Council and the Mayor last week. He stated that they find it very concerning that the Building Committee for the Taunton Public Safety Complex would qualify Callahan Construction to bid on this project. He stated that Callahan's alarming number of legal proceedings documented in their statement of qualifications and the fact that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that they misrepresented their qualifications to perform their only other public project, which led to Callahan being banned from bidding on public work for one (1) year, as well as the fact that one of the subcontractors that Callahan hired was cited by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office for failing to pay the prevailing wage on that project demonstrates that they are distinctly unqualified for this project. He stated that they also feel that the Council is owed an explanation from the Owner's Project Manager P3 as to why such an extremely broad definition of similar projects was allowed to be included in the request for qualifications for general contractors that were published for this project. He stated that this broad definition allowed Callahan to obtain points that they would not be awarded in the vast majority of RFQ's for similar projects in the area. He stated that the OPM's primary duty is to look out for the best interest of the City and its tax payers. He stated that 70 million dollars is a large sum of money and a public safety complex is one of the most important capital projects a city can undertake. He asked that they look into the points that he has raised so that they can ensure the tax payer's money is well spent and the City gets the quality public safety complex it deserves.  2 Motion was made to go out of the regular order of business to Communications from the Mayor. So Voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated that there will be a presentation this evening from the Finance Team. The parties introduced themselves as Gill Enos, Budget Director and Patrick Dello Russo, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the Finance Team has put together a five-year Capital Improvement and Economic Investment Plan that acts as a road map for the City. He discussed the five year forecast and summary of $122,019,878.61. He stated that the Police Department total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $4,510,000.00 and discussed where those funds will be invested. He stated that the Fire Department total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $3,484,988.00 and discussed where those funds will be invested. He stated that the Department of Public Works total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $26,149,122.00 and discussed the allocation of those funds. He noted that funds will be invested in the issues with the School Street intersection. He stated that the Water Department total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $30,018,652.00 and discussed where those funds will be invested. He noted that $1,026,200.00 will be put towards the green city initiatives for solar infrastructure equipment located at 91 Precinct Street. He stated that this has a 7-year payback and with the Federal incentives they will receive a check back for approximately $300,000.00. He discussed that $2,614,000.00 will be put towards the Water Treatment Plant electrical system improvements. He stated that there is a request for $1,000,000.00 for FY2024 for sewer improvements. He stated that the sewer improvement total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $28,194,116.00. He stated that the total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 for Public Buildings is $16,978,000.00 and discussed where those funds will be invested, which includes updates for the Coyle Building, the Animal Shelter and the Convenience Center. He stated that the Public Cemeteries and Public Grounds total funding request for FY2024 through FY2028 is $12,685,000.00 and discussed where those funds will be allocated, including Davol Park. Mr. Dello Russo discussed the transfers of funds and noted that they are putting more in then they are spending. He discussed that there will be a performing arts and music investment in the middle school. Mayor O'Connell stated that a lot of work goes into this and they are very proud of the work that everyone does to make the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilor Pottier questioned whether there would be any improvements to the lighting in regards to the fountain. Mr. Enos stated that there would be improvements to the whole mechanism. Councilor Pottier asked what the Opioid Stabilization Fund would be used for. Mr. Dello Russo stated that this is a best practice that guidelines were placed on and they were told they could set up a reserve fund or a stabilization fund, however, they felt it would be best to set up a stabilization fund as they work through what they will be spending on an annual basis. Councilor Pottier confirmed with Mr. Dello Russo that all of the improvements that will be done to the water and sewer, will come out of the water and sewer funds. Councilor Pottier stated that he was impressed with the funds for the performing arts and questioned the origin of the fund. Mr. Dello Russo stated that this is an ARPA fund and will be used for a performing arts and music program for the middle school. Councilor Pottier asked how confident the Finance Team is that this will be the extent of the funds needed for FY2024 to get the building up and running. Mr. Dello Russo stated that those funds for improvement will have the building operational without any code issues. Councilor Sanders stated that he appreciates the Opioid Stabilization Fund as it is opioid settlement  3 money coming into the City. He stated that he understands that the performing arts program is through ARPA funds and questioned whether there are any other state funds in the rest of the appropriation. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the rest of the money is from the City. Councilor Borges asked if the settlement money, ARPA funds and Chapter 90 funds were included the transfer. Mr. Dello Russo stated that Chapter 90 funds were not included in the request this evening. Councilor Borges asked how much money from City funds came into for the roads. Mr. Dello Russo stated that $4,000,000.00 came in from City funds, with a total of $6,000,000.00 going into the City's roadwork. Councilor Borges inquired about funding for the roofs and windows for the East Taunton Fire Station and Weir Fire Station. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the floors are currently being updated in the East Taunton Fire Station and there will be some excess funds from the initial appropriation that will stay inside the facility. Councilor Borges stated that she is pleased that there is funding allocated towards improving the School Street and Winter Street intersection. Councilor Postell expressed gratitude for the work and effort put forth. He stated that the plan looks towards the needs of the Departments and serving the citizens. Councilor Duarte stated that he recalls the roll out of CIP #1 and feels that it has gotten bigger and better since. Councilor Duarte asked for an explanation of the process for Department Heads to submit these requests. Mr. Dello Russo stated that this is a thorough process which starts with an initial list of requests. The Departments work together to prioritize the needs and what sources of funding are available and how they can best be utilized. Councilor Duarte stated that $30,000,000.00 investment in capital in one year is impressive. Motion was made to approve the request appropriation of $31,633,785.00 on page 25. So Voted. Mayor O'Connell stated that Wednesday, January 17, 2024 is the Elks Lodge monthly veteran's lunch. All veterans are welcome. It is a free lunch and reservations are not necessary. Motion was made to revert to the regular order of business. So Voted. Hearing: On the petition submitted by Attorney William Rounds, 115 Broadway, Taunton on behalf of his client East Coast Kali, LLC, owner of 354 Winthrop Street, Taunton which is located in the Highway Business District, proposing an 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 Industrial District and Highway Business District (prohibited use in all other districts). Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interested parties into the enclosure. So Voted. The City Clerk read a communication from the Planning Board stating that on December 7, 2023 the Taunton Planning Board held a public hearing on the 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 the Municipal Council (SP2) in the Industrial District and Highway Business District (prohibited use in all other districts) submitted by East Coast Kali, LLC. The Planning Board voted (3 members in favor, 1 member opposed, 3 members absent) to send a positive recommendation on the Proposed Amendment to the City of Taunton Ordinance with the following conditions: 1. To be located on a lot having a minimum of 1.5 acres. 2. To be located 500 feet from a  4 residential neighborhood. The City Clerk read a communication from the City Planner stating that there are a large number of all types of marijuana facilities currently approved throughout the City, many of which are not yet operational. This complicates the discussion since part of determining where they should be allowable is how they will interact with each other and what is market saturation. The request is essentially a policy decision on where you want these types of facilities to possibly be located since this will still be a special permit request. He stated that he does not have a recommendation for or against this petition. The City Clerk read a communication from the City Engineer stating that the Engineering Office has reviewed the documents submitted as part of the Special Permit amendment for property at 354 Winthrop Street and has no comment at this time. The City Clerk read a communication from the Fire Inspector/Investigations Coordinator regarding the proposed amendment to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance to allow Marijuana Establishments in the Highway Business District by Special Permit from the City Council, the Taunton Fire Department has no comment. The City Clerk read a communication from the Conservation Agent stating that there are no conservation concerns regarding the above proposal. Motion was made to make the above listed communications a part of the record. So Voted. The parties introduced themselves as John DeSousa, North County Group, Kyra Fernandes and Attorney Laury Lucien. Mr. DeSousa stated that his client is proposing a marijuana grow facility on the back side of the current retail store that is under construction, known as 3 54 Winthrop Street. He stated that the building is at about 70% completion, the site has almost all of the curbing in and most of the parking lot has been asphalted. He stated that the building conforms to all of the zoning setbacks and has adequate parking for the retail establishment. He stated that they are looking to be about 40 feet away from the back of the building and are looking to construct a two-story grow facility. He stated that there would be indoor parking on the first floor. He stated that it will hug the building setback lines along the east side and the south side. He stated that the west side of the building is 60 feet from the property line. He stated that there will be a drainage area that will contain all of the storm water for the site. He stated that the entrance for the building outlays into the current parking area. He displayed a 3-D rending for the proposed site and noted that there will be a black and white color scheme. He stated that the height of the building is within the required zoning. He described the parking lot and entry points of the facility. Attorney Lucien stated that the Cannabis Control Commission Regulations requires that the cultivated product gets transmitted through a transporter, which is another licensed business. Mr. DeSousa stated that the new facility will not interfere with anything that is on the lot currently, however, they will need to bring in a fire suppression line for the sprinklers. He stated that they currently have a 6" water main that feeds the front entry store and would have plenty of water for the two buildings, with the exception of the fire line that would be required for the sprinklers. Attorney Lucien stated that at this time, only retail is permitted to conduct business in the Highway Business District of Taunton and all other forms of business are delegated to the Industrial zone. She stated that her client currently has a large property on Winthrop Street that she would like to expand to cultivation in order to provide product for her own business. She stated she sits on the Market Participation Committee for the Cannabis Advisory Board and meets with a number of social equity and economic empowerment applicants. She stated that she was in a meeting on Monday discussing the financial viability of these retail stores and how they are not doing very well because they are in competition with these multi-state operators. She stated that they will see the retailers in the media in the coming weeks asking the State for help. She stated that permitting her client to go in this direction will  5 fulfill some of the requirements of equity because it will enable her to compete with the multi-state operations. She stated that she is the chair for the Public Safety and Community Mitigation Subcommittee for the Cannabis Advisory Board and her job is to provide recommendations to the CCC regarding their security regulations. She stated that from a security standpoint, this is also more secure because she will not be required to travel the City with her product. She stated that her plot of land is large enough that she can conduct business without impacting the neighboring areas. She stated that the Council ultimately gets to decide which businesses get to go into the Highway Business District because it is a special permit. Councilor Borges stated that the lot size is 2.5 acres. She questioned whether there were any other properties in that area they were looking to expand to as her property abuts quite a few homes in the Cohannet Street area. Ms. Fernandes stated that to the right of her property is a cemetery and to the left is Leo's garage. She stated that she has spoken with most of her neighbors and does not foresee it being an issue with them. She stated that this would be the best option for her and that it may also provide an opportunity for other businesses. Councilor Borges inquired if she plans to distribute elsewhere or if this will be for her own business. Ms. Fernandes stated that she would like to be able to distribute to other retailers as well, however, this would be with having the licensing in place with the CCC to be able to do this. Councilor Sanders clarified that this hearing is in regards to a zoning change, not her property. Ms. Fernandes stated that they are hear for an ordinance change to allow cannabis in the Highway Business District as right now they are limited to Industrial for cultivation and manufacturing. She stated that the purpose of the presentation was to show the Council what their future intent was if this is approved. Motion was made to invite Mr. Scanlon into the enclosure. So Voted. Councilor Sanders asked which cannabis related businesses create the largest potential for nuisance for nearby businesses in the Highway Business District. Mr. Scanlon stated that cultivation businesses create the potential for an odor issue. Attorney Lucien stated that this does occur when the operators don't take sufficient steps to install carbon filters and ensuring there are proper protections in place to protect the odor from escaping. Mr. Scanlon stated that this is a policy decision that must be determined by the Council and the direction they want the City to grow. He stated that when this first came out, there were expectations of various negative impacts. He stated that there are issues with market saturation and how many of these businesses are close together. He discussed the purpose of the Highway Business District, which is to be a provider of goods and services. He stated that there is an argument to have some of these businesses together as it does happen in other areas. He stated that it will be a decision for the Council to determine whether this change is warranted for the district as a whole. He stated that he did discuss with the petitioner that they could go through the variance process for this site, however, they elected not do that at this time. He stated that he did not agree with the Planning Board's recommendations in regards to the lot size and distance from residences. Councilor Sanders stated that the Highway Business Districts are in Taunton are on Routes 44, 140 and 138. Councilor Sanders stated that he is not opposed to a zoning change, understanding that it is not by right. Councilor Sanders stated that there is a benefit in having businesses such as retail and cultivation paired together. Mr. Scanlon stated that if the Council is not comfortable granting a special permit for cultivation only, they could motion to grant a special permit for cultivation in conjunction with retail in the Highway Business District. Attorney Costa agreed this was in the scope of possibility. Councilor Pottier asked why they are doing indoor parking. Mr. DeSousa stated that they need the additional parking to meet the requirements. Councilor Pottier asked if there will be manufacturing on the site. Attorney  6 Lucien stated that they are not manufacturing and that manufacturing involves taking the flower and manipulating it with something else to tum it into a different form. Councilor Pottier expressed concern that 3 members out of the 7 members of the Planning Board were present and voted in favor. Councilor Pottier asked Mr. Scanlon how Commonwealth Alternative is zoned. Mr. Scanlon stated that it is in the Industrial Zone. Councilor Pottier asked Mr. Scanlon what a cultivation business is classified as. Mr. Scanlon stated that they are all grouped together, with the exception of a marijuana retailer. Attorney Costa stated that the definition of a marijuana establishment, under the Ordinance, is a marijuana business, other than a retailer, a marijuana cultivator craft, marijuana cooperative, marijuana product manufacturer, independent testing laboratory, marijuana research facility, marijuana transporter, or any other type oflicensed marijuana related business, except a medical marijuana treatment center. Councilor Pottier stated that he is more comfortable with approving a cultivation establishment in conjunction with a retail establishment. Councilor Duarte asked if Mr. Scanlon can speak to the 500' buffer from residences listed in the Planning Board conditions. Mr. Scanlon stated that he is not in favor of either of their conditions. He stated that the Ordinance has a 500' separation between marijuana businesses. Councilor Duarte asked if the 500' is from door to door or property line to property line. Mr. Scanlon stated that it is not specified, though it is generally property line to property line. Councilor Duarte stated that he has concerns with the special permit and is aware of the financial difficulties of a retail establishment and the boost that being vertically integrated would provide. Councilor Quintal spoke about market saturation, stating that competition is a good thing. Ms. Fernandes stated that in regards to retail, there is an over saturation, however, cultivation is different. Councilor Postell stated that a zoning ordinance change would open the doors for discussion case by case and expressed concern for where that will land them. He expressed concerns regarding odor from the different businesses and the impacts on the neighbors. Councilor Sanders stated that the previous experiences were the Council harming themselves with their own process of how they decide which permits to grant. He stated that he feels the Council can do this right with advanced planning by having a clear set of criteria in order to allow other businesses in the Highway Business District to operate. He stated that he is rethinking his suggestion to have another marijuana business in conjunction with retail. He stated that he is in support of changing the zoning with a special permit granted by the Council and referring this for a more thorough conversation to establish what criteria the Council would use. Councilor Borges asked what the proper avenue is to go for an amendment to a zoning change. Mr. Scanlon stated that they don't change one property. Councilor Borges asked why this wasn't brought to the City Council as a Whole and then to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. Mr. Scanlon stated that there are four (4) ways to start a zoning change, which include a vote of the Planning Board, a vote of the Zoning Board of Appeals, a vote of the City Council or a citizen petition done in a proper form. He stated that when he discussed the matter with Attorney Rounds, he elected to go this route as it would have been a longer process if they had gone the other ways. Councilor Borges stated that she would like more time to think about this and would like to table the discussion for a few weeks. Motion was made to open public input for this hearing. So Voted. No one spoke during public input. Motion was made to close public input. So Voted. Motion was made to continue this hearing until February 6, 2024. So Voted. Councilor Duarte was opposed.  7 Appointments: NONE. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Executive Director of Retirement stating that under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 32, Section 22(7)c(iii), the Taunton Retirement Board voted on December 20, 2023 to certify the amount of $20,943,987.00 for the FY2025 Pension Fund Appropriation and to notify the Mayor and Municipal Council and member units of the same. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement regarding the retirement for Superannuation of Jeffrey Everett Durham an employee of the Taunton Fire Department on January 21, 2024 under the provisions set forth in Section #5 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Motion was made to move approval and send the appropriate scroll. So Voted. Com. from the Safety Officer requesting an ordinance for No Parking on the east side of Bradley Avenue the entire length. He stated that this will prevent parking on one side of the roadway and allow vehicles to pass freely. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman, Taunton Planning Board stating that the Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Site Plan Review for property at 12 Porter St. (prop ID 65-208, 65-209, 65-219, 65-220, 65-221) for the construction of a residential Brownfield Development with 5 multifamily buildings with a total of 28 units, with 2 of the existing buildings to be restored, submitted by 12 Porter Street Development, LLC. The next scheduled meeting for this petition will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 8:30AM in the Taunton Planning Board Office, 141 Oak St., at which time the application shall be reviewed by the DIRB and again on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 5:30PM at 15 Summer St., which this petition will be reviewed by the Planning Board. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Assistant Executive Director of Retirement regarding the retirement for Superannuation of Lori A. Neves, an employee of the Taunton Police Department on May 4, 2024 under the provisions set forth in Section #5 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws of Massachusetts. Motion was made to move approval and send the appropriate scroll. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: NONE. Petitions: Pole Location Joint Petition submitted by Verizon New England, Inc. and TMLP proposing to place one new jointly owned pole location; Pole 103-1 at 294 Tremont Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule the appropriate hearing. So Voted.  8 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: Acceptance ofa MGL on a Roll Call Vote Ordered That, At a Committee on Finance and Salaries meeting of the Municipal Council held on January 9, 2024, the Municipal Council voted to Implement new provisions from the HERO act which allows under MGL CH 59 §5 Property; exemptions, clause 22 a, b, c, d, e and f to double standard veteran real estate tax exemptions. Motion was made to approve. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilor Dooner was absent. New Business: Councilor Sanders moved to refer to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills to meet with Human Resource Director and Law Department to review policies and procedures related to hiring, employment and termination of "at will" employees. So Voted. Councilor Sanders motioned to refer this evening's public input comments and the accompanying letter to the Law Department and the Procurement Officer for comment. So Voted. List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Presentation-City of Taunton Fiscal Year 2024-2028 Capital Improvement and Economic Investment Plan Meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/MAT  9 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 16, 2024 zozq JAN 1s /.\ 11 = 2q The Committee on Finance and Salaries The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Tuuiifun~MAC:o~78QI ihF:file Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Also Present: Patrick Delle Russo, CFO Gill Enos, Budget Director The meeting was called to order at 5 :31 PM. 1. Approve the minutes from January 9, 2024 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the payroll warrant in the amounto/$1,464,031.26. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $4, 603, 3 70.45. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to establish a gift or agent account for the Mayor's Worthy Cause. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to invite in the CFO and Budget Director. So voted. Mr. Duarte read a letter from Mr. Delle Russo dated January 3, 2024 requesting the establishment of this account.  10 Ms. Borges explained that she was very involved with the Mayor's Worthy Cause in the past and she considered being involved going forward but, after speaking with Ethics, has decided against that. Mr. Dello Russo explained that this is a procedural first step. Ms. Borges asked Mr. Dello Russo to explain how the Mayor's Worthy Cause works. He explained that, currently, this is not a City account but the goal would be to have it set up as a gift account inside the City. Sponsors would become donors and the funds would be held in the care and custody of the City Treasurer and Auditor. Mr. Duarte asked if this is currently a 501c3 and Mr. Dello Russo stated that it is not; it has an EIN number. Mr. Enos explained that this was originally created in the 50s with the purpose of running Kiddies Day. Mr. McCaul asked if expenses would need to be approved by Finance and Salaries and Mr. Dello Russo stated that the Council would need to create the rules for the account and establish certain parameters around expenditures. Mr. McCaul asked for an audit of the Mayor's Worthy Cause and Mr. Dello Russo explained that this is not a City account. Mr. McCaul asked who is in charge and Mr. Enos indicated that traditionally when a Mayor came in this was turned over to the next person. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the establishment of the gift account for the Mayor's Worthy Cause. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to excuse the parties and adjourn at 5:42 P.M So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 1/9/24 Payroll Warrant #113 Bill Invoice Warrant #112 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Patrick Delio Russo dated 1/3/24 CITY OF TAUNTON JAN 16. 2024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~L~E~ ri~:RK Committee on Finance and Salaries January 16, 2024 Page2 of2  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 16, 2024 ~JZL/ J1\N ! 8 /1, Il: 2 g The Committee on Police and License ~·-- .·---- -·-· -- -- i·.·: r I '{ f' . l FF r.: The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the · ·- · Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Jeffrey Postell, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Larry Quintal Also present: Detective William Rutherford The meeting was called to order at 5:45 PM. 1. Approve minutes from December 26, 2023 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. 2. Meet on the following applications for license renewals: a. Class II License for M and M Service Center, Inc. at 59 Broadway Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. b. Class III License for Authomovie Recovery Services, Inc., dba Insurance Auto Auctions, at 58 Myricks Street, East Taunton (Also a change of corporate officers) Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve pending verification of the address. So voted. c. Class III License for Harry's Auto Wrecking at 68 Whitsborough Street (New Owners in addition to Harry Soares will be Justin Silveira and Ryan Silveira) Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to adjourn the meeting at 5:49 PM So voted.  12 List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from December 26, 2023. CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, JAN 16. 2024 ·~[.~ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~-~f:r CITY CLERK Committee on Police and License January 16, 2024 Page2of2  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 16, 2024 W2Q JAU I 8 A l i : 2 g The Committee of the Council as a Whole The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton;1VJA--02no ii~Tthi Lr f ~ K Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Councilors Present: Council President David Pottier Councilor John McCaul Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Jeffrey Postell Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilors Absent: Councilor Kelly Dooner Also Present: Matt Costa, City Solicitor Lisa Bond, First Assistant City Solicitor The meeting was called to order at 5:53 PM. 1. Approve minutes from January 9, 2024 Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. 2. Meet with the Law Department to discuss regulation changes related to cannabis compliance. Attorney Costa gave updates on changes to M.G.L. Ch. 94c and new Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations, stating that there were two main changes. The first is around host community agreements (HCAs) and the second is around social equity requirements. In the past, Taunton's HCAs stated that they would charge the maximum amount of 3% of businesses' gross profits. Going forward, HCAs can no longer have a standard amount that is charged. Any charge must be based on documented costs to the community based on activity in the community and it has to be specifically due to that marijuana business. The City will basically issue an invoice and ifthe business disputes the invoice they can take the City to court. The path forward may likely include no longer charging the HCA fees. A decision will need to be made to determine ifthe City will continue to require an HCA as currently required by ordinance. Mr. Costa stated that  14 Taunton is unique in that there is a special permit requirement as well as the local license so the Council exercises control through these. He further clarified that existing HCAs will be held to this standard so the plan is to not enforce these payment obligations in those existing agreements going forward. Attorney Costa explained that the social equity piece will require that the City adopt local rules to comply with the new equity standards. Some aspects of these are straight-forward as the CCC has provided specific instructions. Some are less clear. The City has to develop a social equity plan. Attorney Bond stated that the City will need to include on the website information on who is included in the plan and how they qualified. As for the HCAs, everything will go through the CCC and anything that they don't approve can be sanctioned. She stated that community impact fees have a pretty high standard. Mr. Duarte stated that on December 4 he started a new position outside of the cannabis industry and no longer has any conflicts with discussing cannabis matters. He emphasized that not only do community impact fees need to be certified by the CCC, they also need to have already been spent to mitigate an impact. He sees it as more of a reimbursement. Mr. Duarte suggested that it is worth entertaining waiving HCAs in the City. He stated that the CCC released their model HCA and it really just included normal legal practices. Mr. Pottier suggested that in Taunton the anticipated impacts related to traffic, etc. have not materialized. Mr. Postell asked if it is possible to remove the language from the HCAs regarding impact fees but leave other language and conditions. Ms. Bond stated that not much will be left with the impact fees removed and most is covered by the special permit process and licensing. Mr. Costa stated that the HCA would become much less substantial and some things that are currently in the HCAs could be transitioned to ordinance. He reminded the Council that Ordinance says that the City won't approve any more licenses for retailers than HCAs have been issued so this would need to be addressed ifHCAs were to be waived. Mr. Quintal asked if the attorneys were recommending that the Council abolish HCAs. Mr. Costa stated without the fmancial benefit, he doesn't think there is much other benefit. Mr. Sanders reported that he has watched the MMA webinar and indicated that the CCC is expecting a much more transparent process when approving new licenses. The Council will need to develop a scoring matrix which would give social equity applicants at least a 25% bonus. During the webinar, KP Law talked about having a written explanation for approval or denial of each. He pointed out that communities will not be allowed to expect a cannabis business to hold money in escrow to cover some future expense. There can be an application fee but the City cannot expect them to make an upfront payment outside of this application fee. Taunton has to develop its own positive impact plan. Mr. Sanders asked how best to map out a path forward in order to meet March I deadlines. Mr. Costa stated that, most immediately, HCAs need to be in compliance by March 1 so a decision will need to be made Committee of the Council as a "Whole January 16, 2024 Page2of3  15 to waive or change HCAS. Then, there will likely be ordinance changes required. Mr. Sanders confinned that the issue of currently owed host community impact fees will not be enforced. Ms. Borges indicated that she agreed that beyond the financial impact there isn't much point of the HCA. She suggested that the Law Department come back and she would like to see a committee formed. She urged the councilors to watch the MMA webinar. Mr. Pottier indicated that he likes the idea of an ad-hoc committee. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting with thanks at 6:27 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee of the Council as a Whole Minutes from 1/9/24 CITY OF TAUNTON JAN 16. 2024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~£.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~~L~.L~E~ Committee of the Council as a Whole January 16, 2024 Page3of3