City Council

City of<Taunton ;M.unicipa{Council:Meeting :Minutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, <Taunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ :Martin :M.unicipaCCounciC Cnam6ers 9dinutes,ftpriC23, 2024 at 7:05 O'cCoc~/P.;M.. Cl'fediJe of)f.{{egiance ~gufar fM.eeting fM.ayor Sliaunna £. 0 'Connel[presitfing (]!rayer was offerea 6y the fM.ayor (]!resent at ro{[ ca{[were: Counciwrs Vooner, Vuarte, Cl'oste~ Quinta{, Sanders, Cl'ottier, fM.artin, c.Borges ana fM.cCauC Record of April 16, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Kyra Fernandes, 354 Winthrop Street, Taunton, stated that the goal post has continued to be moved with the cannabis industry. She stated that the current applicants have gone through quite a bit just to maintain their licenses. She stated that it is a horrible idea to have no cap. She stated that the ordinance that was put in place by Council indicates that if there was no available licenses, there would be no waiting list. She inquired who is waiting in the wings to get a license. She stated that she would like to see the companies that have become licensed be successful. Haskell Kennedy, 446 Winthrop Street, Taunton, stated that he was told that licenses would not be held for anyone and that there would not be a waiting list. He stated that he was told applications would not be kept on file. He stated that the value in these licenses is the scarcity. He discussed that he does not see any benefit to the City in increasing the number of licenses. He stated that the only city in this State to have no cap is North Hampton and as a result two businesses closed. He stated that there are only two social equity applicants licensed in the City. Kara Civale, 110 Dean Street, Taunton, stated that she is concerned to hear any discussion of people waiting for licenses as it was made clear by the Council that this was not going to be allowed. She expressed concern as to what it would look like if they choose to have no cap on the number of licenses and there is a requirement is to have fifty percent social equity applicants. She stated that she agrees with Mr. Kennedy's sentiments regarding the benefits to the City. Hearing: On the petition submitted by Scot Cole, 357 Tremont Street, Taunton, MA 02780 for the issuance of a personal Kennel License per City Ordinance Section 3-24 to allow a Grade  2 1 (4-6 Dogs) Kennel License for personal use/dogs, NOT BUSINESS USE, at 357 Tremont Street, Taunton. Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interested parties into the enclosure. So Voted. The City Clerk stated that the Inspection Report from the Animal Control Officer gives a positive recommendation. The City Clerk stated that there is a map of the property showing where the home is and where the animals will be located. The party introduced himself as Scot Cole, 357 Tremont Street, Taunton. Mr. Cole stated that he currently has four (4) dogs and was not aware that he needed a personal kennel license. He stated that the rear of his property is completely fenced in with a 6 Y2 foot stockade fence. He stated that the dogs are never left outside at any time. He stated that they spend most of their time indoors. He stated that they never get loose and have never been a nuisance. Mayor O'Connell inquired how long Mr. Cole has had four (4) dogs. Mr. Cole stated that he has had four (4) dogs for about one year. Councilor Pottier inquired what breeds the dogs are. Mr. Cole stated that he has a German Shepherd, a Husky, the offspring of the German Shepherd and the Husky and a Pitbull/Mastiff mix. Councilor Pottier questioned whether he is planning to run a business. Mr. Cole stated that he is not planning to run a business. Councilor Pottier stated that the property is 1.4 acres. He questioned whether it is fully fenced in. Mr. Cole stated that it is fenced in 80 feet across the back and 60 feet on each end. Councilor Pottier confirmed with Mr. Cole that all of the dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and are in good health. Councilor McCaul questioned whether he has spoken to his neighbors about any concerns they may have. Mr. Cole stated that his abutters are not close by. He stated that 361 Tremont Street has been vacant for some time and the neighbor across the street, Mr. Menard, has no issue. Councilor McCaul questioned the age of the dogs. Mr. Cole stated that the German Shepherd is seven (7) years old, the Husky is seven (7) years old, the offspring is around three (3) years old and the Pitbull/Mastiff mix is around three (3) years old. Motion was made to open public input. So Voted. No one spoke during public input. Motion was made to close public input and grant the petition. So Voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated that the community update is listed in the agenda packet. Appointments: NONE. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Clerk of Committees requesting a transfer from the Reserve Account (01- 132-5200-5784) to the Office Services Paper Supplies Account (01-159-5200-5421) in the amount of $2,500. This transfer will ensure that there is adequate copy paper in City Hall as we approach the end of the budget year. She discussed this budget item with the Budget Director and his recommendation was to request a transfer from the Reserve Account. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department is pleased to announce a savings to the Capital Stabilization Account by using the balance of the City's ARPA funds for the purchase of 2 Hamilton Street. Further, they request a vote to place $888,705 previously allocated for the purchase of 2 Hamilton Street into the Capital Stabilization fund. This will increase the balance to over $3,000,000. They respectfully  3 request this matter to be taken up at the next available meeting of the Committee on Finance and Salaries. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Fire Chief stating that the Home Depot in Taunton recently offered to donate a John Deer S 180 lawn tractor to the department for use at the East Taunton station. The tractor was a left-over model from the previous year. Motion was made to move approval and send Home Depot a letter of thanks from the Council. So Voted. Com. from the General Manager of TMLP requesting that the City Council vote to remove TMLP positions from the provisions of the Civil Service Law, G.L. c. 31, in furtherance of the negotiated agreements between TMLP employees and the TMLP that were arrived at through successor contract negotiations. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for further discussion. On discussion, Councilor Pottier asked that this also be referred to the TMLP Law Department to provide the statute where the Council is responsible for this vote as their own Law Department is questioning why this needs to come before the Council. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for further discussion and refer to the TMLP Law Department to provide the statute where the Council is responsible for this vote. So Voted. Com. from Mayor Shaunna O'Connell stating that the DEP issued Administrative Consent Orders in 2016 to both Oak Hill and Colonial Estates with conditions that were required to be met. The orders are being reviewed to assess the status of compliance. In addition to consulting with DEP, their office is working with the Department of Public Works (DPW), BETA, and the Finance Team. As there are multiple stakeholders involved, including DEP, they are working to provide them with a detailed response in the next few weeks. They are committed to providing accurate information, answering the questions posed, and addressing this issue in a comprehensive manner. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: NONE. Petitions: Hours of Operation License - NEW 1. Burger King #6066, located at 294 Winthrop Street, Taunton. Antique Dealer License - RENEWAL 1. Eantiqebroker, located at 4 Oxford Street, Taunton Billiard Table License - RENEWALS 1. Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc., located at 29 Oak Street, Taunton (1-Table) 2. Taunton Portuguese American Civic Club Inc. (P.A.C.C.), located at 175 School Street, Taunton (1-Table) Junk Collector License - RENEWAL 1. Arthur G. Pimenta, Jr. Junk Collector, located at 147 Fremont Street, Taunton  4 Junk Collector & Junk Dealer Licenses - RENEWALS 1. Santos Recycling, Inc., located at 20 Dana Street, Taunton Second Hand Article License - RENEWALS 1. Chalice Thrift Shop, located at 76 Church Green, Taunton (Requesting a Waiver of Fee) 2. The Finds Exchange, located at 32 Plain Street, Taunton Temporary Fixed Vendor License - RENEWAL 1. RJ Trees, located at 404 Winthrop Street, Taunton Motion was made to refer the above nine (9) petitions to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Personal Kennel License - NEW Petition submitted by Bronwyn Bleakley and David Feria, 77 Morgan Drive, Taunton for a NEW Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 77 Morgan Drive, Taunton. 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 ARTICLE III. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING Sec 405-53. Prohibited parking places. Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City ofTaunton 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: Laurel Street, south side of the Street for the entire length of the Street. West Britannia Street, at the intersection with Bay Street, on the North Side of the Street from the corner for the length of 90'.  5 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 CHAPTER405 ARTICLE V. SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS Section 405-94. Designation of stop intersections Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-94 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton be amended as follows: Insert the following lines in the appropriate alphabetical order under the respective column headings as indicated: Stol! Sign on Direction of Travel At Intersection of Seekell Street East Kingman Street Seekell Street West Kingman Street Kingman Street North Seekell Street Kingman Street South Seekell Street 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 REVISING OFF STREET PARKING CHAPTER405 ARTICLE III STOPPING, STANDING and PARKING Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-56, One-half-hour parking, of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by deleting the following: Name of Street Side Location  6 Broadway East From a point 150 feet south of Randall Street to a point 190 feet south (40 feet), from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m That Section 405-58, One-hour parking, of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by deleting the following: Name of Street Side Location Broadway East From Dean Avenue north to St. Mary's Square between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Broadway East From 405 feet north of Leonard Street to 180 feet south of Randall Street Broadway West Between Governor Street and Washington Street Broadway West From a point 190 feet south of Washington Street to a point 230 feet south (40 feet) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Broadway West From Washington Street to Pleasant Street That Section 405-59, Two-hour parking, of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding the following: Name of Street Side Location Broadway East From Leonard Street to St. Mary's Square. Broadway West From Washington Street to Pleasant Street That Section 405-66 of the Revised ordinances, as amended, is hereby further amended by deleting Section 405-66 (A) (1) and replacing as follows. That Section 405-66 (A)(l) be amended as follow: ( 1) Broadway (a) One Space in front of 68 Broadway. (b) One Space in front of 71 Broadway. (c) One Space in front of98 Broadway. (d) One Space in front of 101 Broadway. (e) One Space in front of 141 Broadway. (f) One Space in front of 116 Broadway. 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 Borges motioned to refer the Rules of the Council, Section 10, Direct Bearing and Previously Debated Matters, to the Law Department to give the Council an interpretation. So Voted. Councilor Dooner was opposed.  7 List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-April 23, 2024 Meeting adjourned at 7:28 P.M. A true copy: ~ Attest: Jennifer L. Leg: City Clerk JLL/MAT  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 23, 2024 The Committee on Finance and Salaries 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 Phillip Duarte, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin ' '7"4' Also Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO I Gill Enos, Budget Director I I 0 ~ Ian Fortes, City Auditor I ,; > ..J:::: -1 -< n :::er The meeting was called to order at 5 :31 PM. I ("') c:: z -1 C.'J -0 :.:0 l'J U1 rf11 rr·10 :;::on1 ;;::ir.;:.._, -! z u>< -< (} r· 3: }> 1J ob _,,., rl ' r-i ~ ~ I. Approve minutes from April 16, 2024. ::0 n :A w rri ..c;;: 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 of$1,503,281.30. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amountof$2,657,383.81. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss proposed changes to the uses for the Mayor's Helping Hand Fund. Mr. Duarte read the proposed Order. Mr. Dello Russo further explained the changes requested and suggested that this would allow them to help more people. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin that the City of Taunton will amend the City of Taunton 's Helping Hand Fund as follows: • Allow for emergency home repairs for qualifying individuals of an amount not to exceed $3,000. Payments shall be made directly to the vendor.  9 • Allow for an increase in amounts of assistance on City tax and utility bills to increase from $300.00 to $500.00. So voted. 4. Meet to discuss the request to expand the allowable uses of the Sales of Real Estate Account. Mr. Duarte read the proposed Order and Mr. Dello Russo further explained the proposed change which is to allow for the payment of real estate appraisals from this account. Mr. Sanders asked about recent court rulings regarding city foreclosures and tax title properties. Mr. Dello Russo indicated that the Law Department has begun looking into this and will be coming forth at a later time. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin that the City of Taunton will amend the City of Taunton 's Sale ofReal Estate Account as follows: • Allow for payment ofreal estate appraisals to be paid directly out ofthe Sale ofReal Estate Account without further appropriation. So voted. 5. Meet for the Quarterly Report for the period ending March 31, 2024. Mr. Dello Russo presented the Quarterly Report. This report included a revenue forecast and he noted that the State has reimbursed the City for some of the lost hotel tax. He indicated that he projects an $8 Million surplus due primarily to banking activity. General Government departments are on pace to settle with a turn back. For Public Safety, Mr. Dello Russo stated that each division will experience a turn back with the exceptions of Weights and Measures due to the hiring of a fulltime person. In Public Works, he expects that the snow removal will be covered within the Public Works budget. For Enterprise Funds, Mr. Dello Russo expects that revenues will exceed expenditures as expenses are coming in under budget. Health and Human Services and Culture and Recreation will also have a turn back. Fixed Costs are on track to be at least 5% under budget due to conservative budgeting practices. Mr. Dello Russo reported on capital projects and indicated which projects have been completed. He showed pictures of the CIP progress including pump station repairs, fire department equipment replacements, wastewater treatment facility upgrades, among others. He reported on the building department CIP which has included Library work, the Maxim School roof repairs, as well as maintaining buildings. Overall, Q3 is coming in on target. Ms. Borges asked for some details on the hotel tax reimbursement and Mr. Dello Russo stated that a little over $100,000 has been received while this typically averages $160,000 - $180,000 annually.. Mr. Sanders asked about turn backs and stated that he would be curious to know why funds were not expended. He suggested that pictures of home interiors should not be included in presentations going forward. Committee on Finance and Salaries April 23, 2024 Page2of3  10 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 6:03 P.M So voted. List of Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 4/16/24 Payroll Warrant #169 Bill Invoice Warrant #168 List of items over $100,000 Proposed Order re: Helping Hand Fund Proposed Order re: Sale of Real Estate Account Presentation: Fiscal Year 2024 Quarter Three Review CITY bF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR 2' 3 2024 . ~f-~ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. TY CLERK L.~ Committee on Finance and Salaries April 23, 2024 Page3 of3  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 23, 2024 The Committee on Public Property The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Council President David Pottier, Chairman Councilor Kelly Dooner r Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Jeffrey Postell I I ~ !i '-" CJ Councilor Scott Martill ~ -i :;;--f -< I ' ,.;> c:.: :;r: :;z;.. -0 :::0 n::::O r-r:i ·'.') r't'Jo --· ;;r.: "' 5€[!] -i The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM. 0 U1 -< u)< '1 r- -l"' -~ lJ afTI ri :{!> -,,o -,, A::' ~ 1. Approve minutes from March 26, 2024 A: w ("') rri :!= Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. =-'-"'-,;;.;;.;;.;.;;, 2. Receive an update on the Nursing Home Property and consider the request to declare the property as surplus. Council President Pottier read a letter from Christopher Coute, 108 Field Street, requesting that this matter be tabled in order to allow interested parties to attend and give input on the potential use of this property as a recreational space. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to make this part of the record So voted. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. Martin to table for two weeks. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to refer the letter to the Mayor's Office and CFO for comment on their thoughts or position on these proposals and their financial viability given that they would have to come up with the funding and actual operation of any such facility. Mr. McCaul suggested that if this is going to be discussed, others should be invited as well including the authors of the study that was completed.  12 It was requested that the Clerk of Committees circulate the final report on the Nursing Home property. So voted. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Duarte to adjourn the meeting at 6: 15 PM So voted. List o[Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Public Property Meeting Minutes of 3/26/24 Email from Christopher Coute CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, APR 2·3 2024 ~£.~ Maggie E. Clarke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPOR1:S ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. NNIF RL.~ ITYCLERK Committee on Public Property April 23, 2024 Page2of2  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 23, 2024 The Committee of the Whole The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the 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 ·~ -1 I -= -< -I >- Councilor Jeffrey Postell )> CJ :::0 -0 r-1'1 c: ::0 Councilor Phillip Duarte 1n z -i N rrio :::O:J fTl Councilor Kelly Dooner 0 U1 ~-- -1 :z: u)< -< - lJ Orr) Also Present: Kyra Fernandez, The Cure Company CJ I 3: )> .,,o ,, Haskell Kennedy, Medicine Man Solutions g ~ CJ- ("") ;:::r;: r'1 (J1 The meeting was called to order at 6: 18 PM. 1. Remarks from the Chair Council President Pottier reminded everyone that the Budget Hearing will be tomorrow evening, April 24. 2. Approve minutes from April 9, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to go out of order and move to #4 on the agenda. So voted. 4. Meet to discuss the issue of cannabis social consumption. Mr. Pottier read a letter from Kyra Fernandez and Haskell Kennedy requesting this discussion on cannabis social consumption.  14 Mr. Kennedy stated that they would like to know if this is moving forward in any way. Ms. Fernandez stated that they wanted to get the ball rolling and suggested that the City formulate a cannabis committee. She expressed concern with missing out on the priority period. Mr. Sanders indicated that this topic was in the Ordinance Committee and the Law Department had suggested that they get a sense of the feelings of the Council before crafting any social consumption ordinances. They would like to see if the majority of the Council has interest in moving forward with this. He suggested a motion to endorse the creation of a cannabis social consumption ordinance. Mr. Pottier stated that he is not sure he would want to be the first in Massachusetts and that he is not sure he is comfortable moving forward until seeing the CCC regulations. Mr. Duarte indicated that the CCC still has a long way to go before promulgating the regulations. He suggested that the City could have their own priority period which would allow the City to proceed with caution. Mr. Sanders suggested that this remain in the Committee of the Whole file and ask the Law Department to keep their ears open on the topic and come back when the time is right. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Borges to leave this on the Committee of the Whole agenda and ask the Law Department to prepare a presentation at the appropriate time. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the number of marijuana licenses. Mr. Sanders indicated that based on the most recent update to the Ordinance, any additional increase in the number of cannabis retail licenses would require 50% to be for social equity businesses and the first one out of the gate would need to be a social equity business. Mr. Quintal stated that since many licenses are due to come up in June, he would prefer to put the brakes on this for now and revisit this in June. Mr. Duarte stated that he does not believe that it would be wise to entertain increasing the licenses at this time. Doing so would require the creation of criteria or a matrix for evaluating applicants. He stated that he believes the market is oversaturated and declining costs at the retail stores is not good for the actual retailers. Mr. Duarte suggested that it is potentially harmful for small businesses. Ms. Dooner stated that she has spoken to a significant number of residents who were opposed to raising the cap. Committee of the Council as a Whole April 23, 2024 Page2of3  15 Mr. Quintal stated that he believes that competition is good but that he thinks they need to get a handle on this in June as there are several who haven't done anything so could potentially have their license taken from them. Mr. Sanders suggested that if the Council voted to change the cap there would be no significant change before June and noted that he believes there is a built in cap with zoning rules. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Mr. Martin that the Council remove the cap for cannabis retail licenses and refer this matter back to the Ordinance Committee to craft an ordinance to help move the City forward for the opportunity for additional retail licenses. Ms. Borges stated that rather than have this to go up or down this evening, she would prefer to revisit after June and leave in the file. Mr. Quintal indicated that he would most likely support this in June. Mr. Postell suggested that if they are thinking of revoking licenses in June, increasing licensing does not make sense to him. Mr. Martin suggested the Council make a decision rather than wait two months. Mr. Sanders withdrew his motion and Mr. Martin withdrew his second. Motion by Mr. Sanders and second by Mr. Martin to leave the matter in the agenda and review again after the license reviews in June. On a roll call, Councilors McCaul, Borges, Martin, Sanders, Quintal, and Pottier voted yes. Councilors Postell, Duarte, and Dooner voted no. So voted, 6-3. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn at 6:58 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Council as a Whole meeting minutes of 419124 Letter from Kyra Fernandez and Haskell Kennedy dated 3/7124 CITY OF TAUNTON APR 2 3 2024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~€-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees AC<iJ.PTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee of the Council as a Whole April 23, 2024 L.fi~ Page3of3 C RK