City Council
Regular MeetingTaunton, MA · March 4, 2024
Minutes
City of<Taunton
:MunicipalCouncil:M.eetine :Minutes
City :Jfa[[, 15 Summer Street, <Taunton, ~
In tne Chester~ :Martin :MunicipalCouncil Cfiam6ers
:Minutes, :March 4, 2024
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Cl'fetfge ofJf{{egiance
~gufar :Meeting
:Mayor Sliaunna £. 0 'Conne{{presiding
Cl'rayer was offerea 6y tfi.e :Mayor
(]'resent at ro{{ ca{{were: Councifors <Borges, Cl'ottier, Santfers, Q]linta~
(J'oste{[, (J)uarte ana(J)ooner
Councifors :McCauCana:Martin were a6sent.
Record of February 27, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted.
Opportunity for input by the general public. No one spoke during public input.
Hearing:
NONE.
Communications from the Mayor:
Mayor 0' Connell stated that the Communications from the Mayor are included in the
agenda packet.
Mayor O'Connell stated that there will be a free waste drop-off event on March 16, 2024
at the Taunton Convenience Center on East Britannia Street from 7:00am until 3:00pm.
Residents can get more information on the City ofTaunton's website.
Appointments:
NONE.
Communications from City Officers:
Com. from the City Auditor stating that his assistant, Alyssa Berthiaume, and himself,
will be attending the Massachusetts Municipal Accountant and Auditor Association's
Annual Education Program being held from March 18-20, 2024 at UMass-Amherst. In
order to present bill and payroll warrants for approval by the Finance and Salaries
Committee at the March 19th Municipal Council meeting, he is requesting that Lisette
Miranda, Head Administrative Clerk in the Auditor's Office, be appointed Interim City
Auditor in order to sign said warrants in their absence. This appointment is for signing
purposes only. There are no monetary claims on this temporary appointment. Motion
was made to move approval. So Voted.
2
Com. from the Chairman, Taunton Planning Board stating that the Taunton Planning
Board is in receipt of a Special Permit from Section 440 Attachment #1 of the Zoning
Ordinance for a 952 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit in a Rural Residential District,
submitted by Scott & Ann-Marie Dexter. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing
on this proposal on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 5:30pm at 15 Summer St., Taunton, Ma.
Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted.
Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department has been
working with the City's solar consultant to identify energy-saving opportunities for
Taunton residents. They are pleased to share some energy efficiency initiatives that may
benefit residents and local businesses. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of
the Whole for scheduling. So Voted.
Com. from the Assistant City Solicitor stating that the Law Department requests a referral
to the Public Property Committee for a discussion regarding the granting of any
necessary utility easements under or over City property as needed to serve the public
safety complex. Such easements may include, but not necessarily be limited to, TMLP,
cable, and gas services, and any and all other required utilities. Motion was made to
refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted.
Communications from Citizens:
NONE.
Petitions:
Hours of Operation License - NEW
1. DDO New England, LLC -DBA- Taco Bell Store #40880, 700 County Street,
Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License
and the Police Chief. So Voted.
2. Shahnaz, Inc. -DBA-Quality Fuel, 31 Winthrop, Taunton. Motion was made to
refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted.
Flammable Storage License Transfer of Ownership
Petition submitted by Catherine Hope, Amerigas, 413 Wareham St., Middleboro, MA
02346 requesting approval of a change of ownership of the Flammable Storage License
from Heritage Operating LP DBA Metro Lift Propane to Heritage Operating L.P.
(License will read Amerigas Propane L.P. as successor in interest to Heritage Operating
L.P.) located at 600 Somerset Avenue, Taunton. Motion was made to move approval.
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.
3
Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions:
Order (or a second reading to ordained on a roll call vote
Ordered That,
the sum of $67,700,000.00 be and hereby appropriated to pay the cost of
designing, constructing, equipping and furnishing a new public safety building, including
the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation,
the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under
and pursuant to G.L. c.44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority.
Motion was made to approve. On a roll call vote, seven (7) Councilors were present,
seven (7) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilors Martin and McCaul were
absent.
New Business:
NONE.
List of Documents and Other Exhibits:
• Agenda
• Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events - March 4, 2024
Meeting adjourned at 7:44 A.M.
A true copy:
Attest:
JLL/MAT
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City of Taunton
Municipal Council
March 4, 2024
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The Committee on Finance and Salaries -<
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The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,~ 02780 inJhe ~
Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. ..D
Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman
Councilor Estele Borges
Members Absent: Councilor Scott Martin
The meeting was called to order at 7 :31 AM.
1. Approve minutes from February 27, 2024.
Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve. So voted.
2. Meet to review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments.
Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the payroll warrant in
absentia. So voted.
Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the accounts payable warrant
in the amountof$3,624,514.06. So voted.
Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Duarte to adjourn at 7:32 AM So voted.
List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used:
The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 2/27124
Payroll Warrant #141
Bill Invoice Warrant #140
List of items over $100,000
CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted,
MAR fJ(il 2024
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IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED.
NNIFER L.
CITY CLERK
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Agenda
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEETING 8
COMMITTEE MEETING
DATE 8 TIME CHANGE
DUE TO THE PRESIDENTIAL
PRIMARY ELECTION
ON TUESDAY, MARCH s, ZOZ4,
THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY,
MARCH 4, zog AT 7110 AM
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA
CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780
City Clerk's Office
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
MARCH 4, 2024 - 7:30 AM
CA
Cc.te: fX . 'i' :~ 'I ~J
Notice of Posting
Time: ti _
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ROLL CALL
READING OF THE RECORDS FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2024 ~ .,.J
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 - NONE
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
Pg. 1 Com. from City Auditor - Requesting Appointment of Interim Auditor
Pg. 2 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Public
Hearing
Pg. 3 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting to Meet with the
Committee of the Whole
Pg. 4 Com. from Assistant City Solicitor - Utility Easement Under or Over City
Property to Serve the Public Safety Complex
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE
PETITIONS
Hours of Operation License - NEW
1. DDO New England, LLC -DBA- Taco Bell Store #40880, 700 County Street,
Taunton
2. Shahnaz, Inc. -DBA-Quality Fuel, 31 Winthrop, Taunton
Flammable Storage License Transfer of Ownership
Petition submitted by Catherine Hope, Amerigas, 413 Wareham St., Middleboro, MA
02346 requesting approval of a change of ownership of the Flammable Storage License
from Heritage Operating LP DBA Metro Lift Propane to Heritage Operating L.P.
(License will read Amerigas Propane L.P. as successor in interest to Heritage Operating
L.P.) located at 600 Somerset Avenue, Taunton. (DEED ON FILE)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Order (or a second reading to ordained on a roll call vote
Ordered That,
the sum of $67,700,000.00 be and hereby appropriated to pay the cost of
designing, constructing, equipping and furnishing a new public safety building, including
the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation,
the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under
and pursuant to G.L. c.44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
Respectfully submitted,
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{.,/ Jenmfer L. Leger
City Clerk
City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq.
CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr.
I 5 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CH IEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821 -1000
Gill E. Enos
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR
Community Update-March 04, 2024
Presidential Primary: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
• Polls will be open from 7am-8pm
• Residents should vote at their regular polling location
• For a list of all polling locations visit www.taunton-ma.gov
• Any questions may be directed to the Elections Department at 508-821-1044
Honor Our Military Banners
• Applications for Mayor O'Connell' s Annual Honor Our Military banners are now being
accepted
• Banners will be displayed on light posts in Downtown Taunton and throughout
Whittenton and the Weir
• Applications may be submitted online (with uploaded photo) through the City of Taunton
website: www.taunton-ma.gov or mailed or delivered in person to the Veterans
Department, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780
• Photos can be scanned and emailed to dfrates@taunton-ma.gov
• All banners have been generously donated by Chris and Kari Coute
• Banner space is limited, so applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis as
space allows, all applications must be received no later than April 5, 2024
• Please call the Veterans Department @ 508-821-1038 with any questions
Applause Academy Trivia Fundraiser
• Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Center on Main, 49 Main Street
• Kid' s trivia at 3pm and a 21 +trivia at 7pm
• The event will include prizes, raffles, concessions and more
• Kid's trivia is $10 per person when registering as an individual, $60 for a group
(maximum of 6 members)
• Adult trivia is $25 per person when registering as an individual, $120 per group
(maximum of 6 members), registration price includes 2 drink tickets
• For more information or to register, please visit www.applauseacademvma.org
Mayor O'Connell and the Department of Public Works Free Waste Drop-off Event
• Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 7am to 3pm at the Taunton Convenience Center, 330
East Britannia Street
• Taunton residents can drop off household trash, bulk items not exceeding 75lbs., yard
waste, metal items, recycling and paper for shredding free of charge
• Mattresses, electronics, appliances and household hazardous waste (such as paint,
batteries, waste oil) will NOT be accepted
• Proof of residency will be required upon drop-off (driver's license or utility bill)
• Any questions can be directed to DPW at 508-821-1431
Mayor O'Connell and Taunton Parks & Recreation Pancake Breakfast
• Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 9am-1 lam in the Taunton High School Cafeteria
(upstairs), 50 Williams Street
• Morning of pancakes, entertainment and photos with the Easter Bunny
• Tickets are $8 per person (1 & under free)
• Tickets will NOT be sold at the door and must be purchased ahead of time online at
Taunton's myrec.com: https://tauntonma.myrec.com
• Any questions may be directed to Parks & Recreation at 508-821-1415
Please visit the City website (www.taunton-ma.gov) and Facebook page for more information.
CIT!/ O:f '7'51.11.NI'ON
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5\.11.VI'T'O'R'S O:f:flCT
141 Oak Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
(508) 821-1012
Ian D. Fortes, CGA Alyssa Berthiaume
City Auditor Assistant City Auditor
February 26, 2024
Mayor Shaunna O'Connell
Members of the Municipal Council
Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
This letter is to inform you that my assistant, Alyssa Berthiaume, and I will be attending the
Massachusetts Municipal Accountant and Auditor Association's Annual Education Program
being held from March 18-20, 2024 at UMass-Amherst.
In order to present bill and payroll warrants for approval by the Finance & Salaries Committee at
the March 19th Municipal Council meeting, I am requesting that Lisette Miranda, Head
Administrative Clerk in the Auditor's Office, be appointed Interim City Auditor in order to sign
said warrants in our absence.
This appointment is for signing purposes only. There are no monetary claims on this temporary
appointment.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact this
office.
Respectfully,
~~~
Ian D. Fortes
City Auditor
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(ll{taunton-ma.gov
February 26, 2024
Honorable Shaunna L. O' Connell, Mayor
Members of the Municipal Council
15 Summer St.
Taunton, Ma. 02780
C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk
RE: Special Permit - 76 Fremont St.
Dear Mayor O' Connell and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a Special Permit from Section 440
Attachment #1 of the Zoning Ordinance for a 952 sq. ft. accessory dwelling Unit in a
Rural Residential District, submitted by Scott & Ann-Marie Dexter.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, April 4,
2024 at 5:30 PM at 15 Summer St., Taunton, Ma.
Sincerely,
~~~(t?ffj
Anthony Abreau, Chairman
TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD
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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 FrNANCIAL OFFICER
(508) 821-1000
Gill E. Enos
BUDGET DIRECTOR
MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL
February 27, 2024
Council President David Pottier
Members of the Taunton Municipal Council
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council,
At Mayor O'Connell's direction, the Finance Department has been working with the City's solar
consultant to identify energy-saving opportunities for Taunton residents. We are pleased to share
some energy efficiency initiatives that may benefit residents and local businesses.
The Finance Team would like to present this information to the Committee of the Council as a
Whole on March 19, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
City of Taunton
City of Taunton
LAW DEPARTMENT
Shaunna O ' Connell 15 Summer Street Lisa Bond, Esq.
MAYOR FIRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397 Thomas P. Gay, Jr. Esq.
CITY SOLI CITOR ASST. CITY SOLICITOR
David T. Gay, Esq.
SP. ASST. CITY SO LICITOR
February 28 , 2024
Council President David Pottier
Members of the Municipal Council
City of Taunton
City Hall
15 Summer Street
Taunton, Massachusetts 02780
Re: Utility Easement under or over City property to serve the public safety complex
Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council:
The Law Department hereby requests a referral to the Public Property Committee for a
discussion regarding the granting of any necessary utility easements under or over City property
as needed to service the public safety complex. Such easements may include, but not
necessarily be limited to , TMLP , cable, and gas services, and any and all other required utilities.
Thank you .
Respectfully,
/~tr' ~7
Thomas P. Gay, Jr. , Esquire
Assistant City Solicitor
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Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor :::r.: U1 rri
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Council President David W. Pottier
And Members of the Municipal Council
The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:30
AM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R.
Martin Municipal Council Chambers.
7:30 AM
The Committee on Finance and Salaries
1. Approve minutes from February 27, 2024.
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. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting.
Respectfully,
Maggie E. Clarke
Clerk of Council Committees
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