City Council

City of<taunton 9dunicipa{Council9deeting 9dinutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, rtaunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ 9dartin 9dunicipa{Counci{ Cnam6ers 9dinutes,)f.pri{2, 2024 -at 7:270'cCocR_/P.9d. cpfediJe of Jl{{egiance was Cea 6y mem6ers of the Cu6 Scout (J'ac~ 49 of rtaunton/~ynham, incCud"ing Sli.yfar CBarry, Steven CBarry Jr., Henry rtruitt and" 'Vince Pennino III, aCong with fead"ers 'l(jm6erCy <Rjcharaand"}lfan rtruitt ~gufar :Meeting :Mayor Shaunna£. 0 'Conne[[presiding <Prayer was offered" 6y the :Mayor <Present at ro[[ ca[[were: CounciCors ©ooner, ©uarte, (J'oste[[, Sanders, (J'ottier, :Martin and"CBorges CounciCors Q}linta{and":McCau{were a6sent. Record of March 26, 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 Earth Day is April 22nd and as citizens of the community, we all share a responsibility in caring for the environment. She stated that Karen Kullas and Kim Zimmerman, along with their team at Taunton Ecology Awareness Movement, have been making a difference for thirty-three (33) years. Mayor O'Connell presented a proclamation declaring Earth Day as April 22, 2024 in the City of Taunton. Ms. Kullas stated that this year's Earth Day clean-up will take place on Saturday, April 20th and invited volunteers to pick up supplies to participate. She stated that if a resident is unable to clean on April 20th, they have groups that clean on alternate days. Mayor O'Connell stated that there are additional community updates listed in the agenda packet and they can also be found on the City of Taunton's website, as well as the Facebook page. Appointments: NONE.  2 Communications from City Officers: Com. from the City Solicitor regarding the letter from Chief Kenny Black Elk Barber Hendrix of Heritage Circle. He stated that the matter was referred to the Law Department and Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds on March 12, 2024. He had the opportunity to review this with Parks & Recreation Commissioner AJ Marshall. It is important to emphasize that the Gilbert Burial Ground is not a City cemetery. It is located on private property. It is privately maintained. City government has never been responsible for this site. The City has twenty five publicly maintained cemeteries, of which six are actively used for new burials. There are 31 private cemeteries in the City, such as the Gilbert Burial Ground. They provide this information to make clear that the City is not responsible for this cemetery. It is privately owned and privately maintained. Additionally, they note that with respect to the request to designate the burial ground a historic landmark, the City has not established any procedure or authority to designate historical landmarks. They would recommend that such a request be presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society, as it maintains the state's registry of significant historic properties. Motion was made to receive and place on file and send a letter recommending they reach out to the Massachusetts Historical Society as it maintains the State's Registry of Significant Historical Properties. So Voted. Com. from Council President David Pottier stating that as of today, as City Council President and per the below language in the Ordinance, he is designating Councilor Scott Martin to act in his stead as an ex officio member of Taunton's Parking Commission. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor he is pleased to report that the administration has reached an agreement with the Taunton Police Supervisory Association for successor collective bargaining agreements. There are two agreements covering a four-year period. The first agreement covers fiscal year 2024. The second agreement covers fiscal years 2025 through 2027. He has enclosed herewith the fully executed Memorandums of Agreement. The administration believes that this agreement is fair and equitable to both sides. He is informed that the union membership has already voted to ratify the agreement. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 150E, §7(b), he is submitting these agreements to the legislative body, and hereby request an appropriation necessary to fund the cost items contained therein. Per said statute the appropriate scope of the Municipal Council's deliberation is the funding of the cost items of the· agreements. If the Council intends to discuss details of the negotiation or the rationale behind any of the cost items, it would be appropriate to refer this matter for an executive session. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for an executive session. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Reverend Freddie Babiczuk, St. Anthony's Parish, 126 School St., Taunton stating he would like to thank our Mayor, City Council and the Police Department for the assistance provided to Saint Anthony's Parish, throughout the year. As Pastor, he requests authorization to use the public streets indicated below, to process in Honor of the Holy Ghost on Sunday, May 19, 2024. They also respectfully request a police escort during this procession. Motion was made to approve and refer to the Police Chief. So Voted. The City Clerk also notified the Fire Chief and the Ambulance Service.  3 Com. from Richard Shafer, Taunton River Watershed Alliance Committee stating that since 2018, the Taunton River Watershed Alliance has been hosting the popular Taunton River Festival to celebrate the federally designated Wild & Scenic Taunton River. The event is held the 2nd Sunday in June in recognition of Rivers Month at the Weir Riverfront Park. This year the Festival will be June 9th from l lam until 4pm. To ensure the safety of all participants and visitors, they are writing to request the following: Closure of East Water Street on June 9th, from 8am - 4pm; "No Parking" signs to be placed on both sides of East Water Street the day prior. Additionally, they will be requesting two police officers and/or traffic control officers to manage the flow on East Water Street starting at 8am. To assist with parking, a shuttle bus. Motion was made to approve and refer to the Police Chief. So Voted. Com. from Debbie Botellio, Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge extending an invitation to the dedication of The Marla Isaac Wildlife Educational Center at the Gertrude M. Boyden Wildlife Refuge at 1298 Cohannet Street, Taunton, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at lO:OOam. Mayor O'Connell stated that this is informational only and no action is necessary. Com. from Andy Amaro, Amaro Family Auto, 515 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton requesting a 150-day extension of his Class II Dealer License. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief for April 16, 2024. So Voted. Com. from Francisco Relva, President, Board of Directors and Fernando Goncalvo, Holy Ghost Commissioner, Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc., 29 Oak Street, Taunton stating that the Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc at 29 Oak Street in Taunton, MA would like to extend an invitation to their 2024 Annual Holy Ghost Celebration taking place on June 2, 2024 at 9:30am as their Honorary Guest to walk in our Holy Ghost procession. They have been hosting this historic event for the Portuguese Community at the Taunton Eagles Soccer Club since 1997. Their Directors, past and present, are proud to continue supporting this important tradition for the 27th year. Mayor O'Connell stated that no action is necessary. The City Clerk also notified the Police Chief, the Fire Chief and the Ambulance Service of this event. Petitions: NONE. 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.  4 Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance {or a second reading to be passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE ARTICLE III. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING Sec 405-53. Prohibited parking places. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-53 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by adding thereto the following: Bradley Ave., east side of the Street for the entire length of the Street. James Street, both sides, from the intersection with Broadway for 125'. 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 third reading. So Voted. Ordinance {or a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote AN ORDINANCE REVISING CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS FOR LICENSE APPLICANTS Chapter 298 LICENSES AND PERMITS Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 298 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding new subsections K and L to Article II, as follows:-- § 298-9 Submission of applicants to fingerprinting. Any applicant for a license to engage in any of the following occupational activities within the City of Taunton shall submit a full set of fingerprints taken by the Taunton Police Department within 10 days of the date of the application for said license, for the purpose of conducting a state and national criminal record background check to determine the suitability of the applicant for the license: A. Hawker and peddler. B. Liquor licensee.  5 c. Manager or alternate manager of a liquor licensee. D. Solicitors and canvassers. E. Dealers in junk, secondhand articles and antiques. F. Secondhand motor vehicle dealer. G. Hackney carriage operator. H. Ice cream truck vendor. I. Door-to-door solicitors. J. Bodywork practitioners and bodywork establishment operators. K. Managers of cannabis establishments. L. Cannabis livery drivers. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to approve. On a roll call vote, seven (7) Councilors were present, seven (7) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilors Mccaul and Quintal were absent. New Business: Councilor Pottier requested to discuss the topic of panhandling throughout the City. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief for April 16, 2024. So Voted. List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events -April 2, 2024 Meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M. A true copy: Attest:~;(¥ f Jennifer L. Leger City Clerk JLL/MAT  6 City of Taunton n -t Municipal Council -< April 2, 2024 n::U ;--Pl () . U1 tTl ('") ~P1 The Committee on Finance and Salaries -1 -< cn 4 .:: n 3: )> ofTI r :r> - .,o ...., rr1 O The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA~2780 in tiie ('"") rr1 Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. co Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin The meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM. 1. Approve minutes from March 26, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. 2. 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 amount o/$4,117,261.66. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount o/$5,551,195.51. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 5:36 P.M So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 3/26/24 Payroll Warrant #157 Bill Invoice Warrant #156 List of items over $100,000 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR Q2 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~L~ CITY CLERK  7 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 2, 2024 Members Present: Councilor Estele Borges, Chairman Councilor Kelly Dooner Members Absent: Councilor John McCaul Also Present: Kevin Scanlon, City Planner Jay Pateakos, Executive Director, OECD Jim Howland, Assistant Director, OECD Carolyn Basler, DIRB Abutters' Representative The meeting was called to order at 5 :40 PM. 1. Approve minutes from February 6, 2024. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for the continued discussion on usage in the Urban Residential district in the Zoning Table of Use Regulations and potential development standards. Mr. Scanlon suggested two design standards to address issues previously noted in the Urban Residential district for 2 and 3 family homes: • No more than 60% of front yard may be utilized for parking and egress • Each unit shall have a building egress that faces the street He explained that if there is a vote on this tonight, it would go through the public hearing process. Ms. Borges asked how these design standards would have impacted the property on Bennett Street and Ashland Street. J\!fr. Scanlon explained that the two units would have been staggered so that the front doors faced the street. Ms. Dooner stated that she is fine with both of these recommendations and noted that the front doors facing the side seem to be the biggest issue reported. Mr. Pottier clarified what makes up the front yard. Mr. Sanders  8 clarified the options for people and Mr. Scanlon noted that the proposed change would limit the area for parking and egress. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer this to the public hearing process. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Scanlon reviewed the proposed changes. Section 440, attachment 3 had changes to the height and stories of buildings in the Business District, Industrial District, and Central Business District. Ms. Borges asked how this will be a benefit and Mr. Pateakos stated that this change will speed up the process. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer section 440 attachment 3 to the public hearing process. So voted. In section 440-201, the suggestion is to remove the word "storage" under group homes, add language to define retaining wall structures as more than four feet and fences to seven feet or more in line with building code. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer section 400-201 to the public hearing process. So voted. In section 440-702, landscaping, the proposal is to remove the list of recommended deciduous species of trees. Mr. Scanlon explained that this list goes back to 1989 and the species on this list are not always appropriate or available. The suggestion is also to remove the requirement of a 3 inch caliper minimum. Mr. Duarte asked which department comments on the tree selection and Mr. Scanlon stated it is primarily himself and Conservation. Mr. Sanders suggested that it be clearly articulated that trees must be approved. Mr. Scanlon stated that this takes place during site plan review but that language could be added such that plant species shall be approved prior to planting. Mr. Martin asked if it would be possible to add landscape maintenance to the ordinance. Mr. Scanlon suggested that they move forward but that he would look into that. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve section 440-702A and refer to the public hearing process adding language that "plant species shall be approved prior to planting". So voted. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve section 440-702B and refer to the public hearing process. So voted. Committee on Zoning April 2, 2024 Page2 o/4  9 In section 440-703, Mr. Scanlon explained that this change will better define comer lots to be in line with the rest of Ordinance. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve section 440-703, Corner Lots, and refer to the public hearing process. So voted. Changes to section 440-711 clarify language on accessory structures that do not require a building permit. These structures are still subject to zoning and wetlands protections requirements. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer section 440-711 to the public hearing process. So voted. There were multiple changes suggested to the Site Plan Review process. One major change is the elimination of the DIRB. The review process would still be very similar but would be internal. Ms. Borges commented that she attended a DIRB meeting and had not realized that the DIRB was more of a working group so these changes make sense. She noted that even if the DIRB is dissolved, there could still be an appointment of an abutters' representative. Mr. Sanders expressed his desire to formalize the involvement of an abutters' rep and suggested that the Agricultural Commission be included. Mr. Postell agreed that it is important to safeguard the ability for a resident of the City to serve in that capacity. Mr. Duarte supported adding #18-designated abutters' representative who is appointed by the Mayor. Ms. Borges suggested the rep be designated by the Mayor with Council approval. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer 1500 as a whole to the public hearing process adding 18 - abutters' representative designated by the Mayor with Council approval and 19 -Agricultural Commission. So voted. Section 44-1705 added clarifying language. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer 440-1705 to the public hearing process. So voted. Section 440-1707 clarified the process for developers to provide cash payments that go to the Affordable Housing Trust in lieu of producing affordable housing. Ms. Borges questioned the use of a waiver and asked how the Affordable Housing Trust Fund formula works. Mr. Howland explained that the purpose ofthis new language is to try to have a standard for this. Sometimes the per unit construction cost is not viable. Ms. Borges questioned the idea of a waiver and Mr. Scanlon suggested this language be removed. Mr. Duarte asked iffor a variance to this section there is a hardship requirement. Mr. Scanlon indicated that there is supposed to be a hardship. Mr. Duarte liked that the proposed process involves the OECD in making the determination. He also preferred to remove the word "waived". Additionally, Committee on Zoning April 2, 2024 Page3 of4  10 Mr. Duarte suggested adding language to require a "written determination". Mr. Sanders questioned developers who are unable to provide 10% affordable units and Mr. Scanlon stated that the options will be to provide the units, provide a payment to the City based on construction costs of each unit, or request a reduction to this amount. He explained that sometimes developers have difficulty securing capital with this requirement. Mr. Pateakos indicated that he thinks this is a good balance and will help to create badly needed housing while providing funding for affordable projects. Ms. Borges noted that she is comfortable since there will be money going into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Mr. Pottier stated that there needs to be housing created across the spectrum and applauded the effort. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer section 440-1707, other design requirements, to the public hearing process, removing the words "or waived" and inserting language "written evaluation" as discussed. So voted. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Ms. Borges to excuse the parties adjourn the meeting at 7:08 PM So voted. List of Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Zoning Meeting Minutes of 2/6/24 Proposed Zoning Changes CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR 0: 2 2024 ~!'.~ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees PORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. 1"""AVl&'lliLKR~[./L.~ CITY CLERK Committee on Zoning April 2, 2024 Page 4 of4  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 2, 2024 I :;; c:: :::..-: '"-i a ?= e5 ....., -C> :z,.. I:> ::0 : (/l Members Present: Councilor Barry Sanders, Chairman Councilor Kelly Dooner Councilor Phillip Duarte Also Present: Lisa Bond, First Assistant City Solicitor The meeting was called to order at 7: 11 PM. 1. Approve minutes from March 19, 2024 Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss revising relevant cannabis ordinances. Attorney Bond gave a summary of the proposed changes. She described the Ordinance as comprehensive yet streamlined. The Council remains the licensing authority. The process starts with the HCA waiver which is set at not to exceed the number of licenses. There is an expiration on the waiver. Once they have received the HCA waiver, the applicant would go forward for a special permit, apply to the CCC, receive final approval from the CCC, and then the application to the City would include the full CCC application. There also is a provision that mirrors the CMR on social equity. Mr. Duarte noted that in this process once the applicant receives the HCA waiver, they can then begin the application to the CCC. He explained that the Ordinance clarifies changes in ownership which was vague in the previous ordinance and now will be in line with the CCC' s guidance. Mr. Sanders asked about the violation guidelines and suggested that this section should mirror the violations for liquor licenses. Ms. Borges expressed her appreciation for the work done on this Ordinance.  12 Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to advance this to a first reading with any necessary changes for the violations section to be in line with alcohol. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to refer the number of licenses and the issue ofsocial consumption to the Committee of the Council as a "Whole. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded Ms. Dooner to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Meeting minutes from the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills from 3/19/24 Draft Cannabis Ordinance CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR &,2 2024 ~r ~fv___- IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills April 2, 2024 Page2 o/2