City Council

Ci:ty of'Taunton :M.unicipa{Councif:M.eeting :Minutes City Ha{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tlie Cliester'l(, :Martin :M.unicipa{Councif Cliam6ers - :M.inutes, :May 14, 2024 at 7:03 0 1cfoc~/P.9d. ~VISPlD ~diJe of.ft.fkgiance lR§gufar !Meeting !Mayor Sli.aunna L. O'Conne{[presUfi.ng CFrayer was offtrea6y tlie !Mayor CF'resent at ro{[ ca{[were: Counci/iJrs ©ooner, ©uarte, (}?oste( Q!tinta~ Santfers, (}?ottier, !Martin anti!McCaul Counci/iJr (lJorges was a6sent. Record of May 7, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Pete Thomson, 188 Paul Revere Terrace, Taunton, stated that three weeks ago, the Tree Division of the Department of Parks Recreation, Cemeteries & Public Grounds was clearing some branches in his neighborhood that have caused power outages over the years. He commended them for their work. He discussed that this coming Saturday they will be placing flags on veterans graves at Mayflower Cemetery and is requesting as many volunteers as possible. He stated that on Monday and Tuesday they will be flagging veterans' graves at St. Joseph's Cemetery and requested volunteers for these days as well. Hearing: On the petition submitted by Kelly Piontek, 350 Harvey Street, Taunton, MA 02780 for the issuance of a personal Kennel License per City Ordinance Section 3-24 to allow a Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Kennel License for personal use/dogs, NOT BUSINESS USE, at 350 Harvey Street, Taunton. Motion was made to open the hearing. So Voted. The City Clerk read a communication from Kelly Piontek requesting to withdraw her petition as she feels her yard set-up is not acceptable for Maggie and her needs. She has decided to rehome Maggie and will no longer need a kennel license. Motion was made to receive the commentary as part of the record, to allow the applicant to withdraw the petition with no prejudice and to close the hearing. So Voted. On the petition submitted by Bronwyn Bleakley and David Feria, 77 Morgan Drive, Taunton, MA 02780 for the issuance of a personal Kennel License per City Ordinance Section 3-24 to allow a Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Kennel License for personal use/dogs, NOT  2 BUSINESS USE, at 77 Morgan Drive, Taunton. 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 Animal Control Officer stating that the yard is fenced and that he gives a positive recommendation. The City Clerk stated that a map of the location is included. The parties introduced themselves as Bronwyn Bleakley, David Feria and Rebecca Bleakley. Ms. Bleakley discussed that her mother, Rebecca Bleakley, has two small dogs. She stated that they got a second dog as a companion for their own dog. She stated that there are now four dogs on the property which is why they are seeking a kennel license. Councilor Pottier inquired what breeds the dogs are. Rebecca Bleakley stated that she has a Chihuahua and a Corgi mix. Bronwyn Bleakley stated that she has two (2) terrier mix breeds. Councilor Pottier verified that they have 0.4 acres of property, therefore, they would only need five (5) votes to grant this petition. Councilor Sanders confirmed with Bronwyn Bleakley that the three-foot, chain-linked fence is adequate for jumping. Bronwyn Bleakley stated that the dogs are never outside unsupervised and the dogs get a lot of exercise through walks around the neighborhood on a leash. Councilor Sanders inquired whether the dogs are spayed or neutered. Bronwyn Bleakley and Rebecca Bleakley confirmed that all four dogs are spayed and neutered. 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 Mavor: Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a community update listed in the agenda packet. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a dedication for the Marla Isaac Education Center at the Boyden Wildlife Refuge at lO:OOAM on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Appointments: Appointment of Marilva Wedge, 20 Cedar Street, Taunton to serve on the Parking Commission to fulfill the unexpired term of Manuel Spencer which expires in June 2024. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Director of Procurement stating that the Procurement Department is requesting additional funds from the reserve fund transfer account in the amount of $7,500.00 in the Advertising line item within the Department of Procurement Budget. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the City Planner regarding the FY2024 third quarter update on the implementation of the ADA transition report. As of May 5, 2024, 1288 issues in the schools, 11 issues at the Police, 9 issues at the Fire Stations, 12 issues in the parking areas, 114 issues in the parks, 31 items at polling locations and 599 issues in municipal buildings have been closed (2064 issues total). For the third quarter, zero items were closed. For FY24, a total of29 items have been closed. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Americans with Disabilities Compliance. So Voted. Com. from the Police Chief stating that they have two vacancies with the Police Department due to patrolmen retirements. He requests that the Municipal Council, as the appointing authority for police, request a certification from the Human Resources  3 Division to fill these open and funded vacancies. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Com. from the Water Superintendent stating that the Taunton Water Division would like to address the recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) requirements in the drinking water and the City's excellent water quality results in this regard. They would like the opportunity to inform the Council members and constituents of the newest PFAS requirements and the City's current standing and answer any questions in this regard by requesting this presentation to be added to the next Council agenda. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on the Department of Public Works. So Voted. Com. from the DPW Commissioner stating that the Department of Public Works would like to inform them of an important update regarding the management of outstanding water and sewer bills within the City of Taunton. Starting in Fiscal Year, 2025, the City will implement a new demand fee policy. A fee of $25 will be charged for any water or sewer bills that remain unpaid past their due date. This measure is being introduced as part of their ongoing efforts to encourage timely payments and maintain financial stability in their utility operations. The introduction of this demand fee is intended to motivate all residents to settle their outstanding bills promptly. This approach will assist in avoiding the need for more severe measures such as placing a lien on the property involved. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Building Commissioner regarding property maintenance concerns at 170 Hart Street. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor stating that after consulting with the Election's Director, they are submitting a request that all election officers appointed under M.G.L. ch. 54 Sections 11, 11 B, and 14 be designated by the Municipal Council as special municipal employees. Said election officers are the individuals assigned to polling places during elections and are often referred to as "election workers' or "poll workers". The special municipal employee designation is required under the Conflict of Interest Law, M.G.L. ch. 268A, to authorize City, county or state employees to also work for the Elections Department when they assist with elections. Under the Conflict of Interest Law, it is the position that is deemed special, not the particular employee, therefore they are requesting that the Council vote to designate all appointed election officers as special municipal employees. This designation will not apply to the full-time employees of the Elections Department, who will continue to be classified as regular municipal employees. Motion was made to adopt the order as presented. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Father, Thiago M. Santos, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 80 Bay Street, Taunton requesting permission to hold a procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 2, 2024 from 11 :30AM until 2:30PM. Motion was made to approve and refer to the Police Chief. So Voted.  4 Petitions: Billiard Table License - RENEWAL 1. Will-0-Bee, Inc. -dba- Willy J's Pub located at 599 Winthrop Street, Taunton (3 Tables). Junk Collector License - RENEWAL 1. Automotive Recovery Services, Inc. -dba- Insurance Auto Auctions located at 580 Myricks Street, East Taunton Second Hand Article License 1. Bowsers Basement LLC located at 239 Broadway, Taunton Temporary Fixed Vendor License - RENEWAL 1. Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ, LLC located at 3 Cape Road, Taunton Motion was made to refer the list as read to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Personal Kennel Licenses - NEW 1. Petition submitted by Roger Westgate, Sr., 54 Turner Street, East Taunton for a NEW Grade 3 (13+ Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 54 Turner Street, East Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing. So Voted. 2. Petition submitted by Lynda Stevens, 17 Glebe Street, Taunton for a NEW Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 17 Glebe Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule a public 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 for a third reading to he ordained on a roll call vote 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:  5 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'. All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. Motion was made to ordain on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilor Borges was absent. Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote 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: Ston 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 ordain on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilor Borges was absent.  6 Ordinance (or a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote 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 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 of 98 Broadway.  7 (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 ordain on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilor Borges was absent. Order for a second reading to be ordained on a roll call vote FY25 Total Budget - City of Taunton Preliminary Salary & Wages Total Budget General Government $ 4,971,085.96 $ 8,586,374.06 Public Safety $ 36,024,901.43 $ 4,387,303.77 $ 40,668,405.20 Education $ $ 125,439,905.00 $ 125,439,905.00 Public Works/Facilities $ 5,537,956.55 $ 9,822,783.53 $ 15,360,740.08 Health/Citizen Services $ 2,037,058.00 $ 1,062,382.00 3,099,440.00 Culture & Recreation $ 3,001,318.82 $ $ 4,200,768.82 Debt & Interest $ $ 6,892,060.80 $ 6,892,060.80 Miscellaneous $ 12,715.00 $ 12,715.00 Employee Benefits $ 74,242.50 66,152,811.00 $ 66,227 ,053 .50 $ 1,005,000.00 $ 1,005,000.00 $ 297,226,756.01 Motion was made to ordain on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilor Borges was absent. New Business: Councilor Quintal stated that he received a letter from a resident who recently retired and enjoys fishing on Lake Sabbatia. He stated that the resident wanted to see if there would be any consideration for the kiosk fee for those who are retired and visit the lake frequently. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-May 14, 2024 • Communication submitted by Councilor Quintal from Resident regarding Kiosk Fee at Lake Sabbatia  8 Meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/MAT  9 City of Taunton Municipal Council April 24, 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 Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders ("'.) Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Jeffrey Postell ~ -I -< Councilor Phillip Duarte ~ c:: =- -0 c;'.:13 ;-("11) ....... ....... :::0 1'10 Councilor Kelly Dooner r, -! w :::J l"T'l -i 0 :::;r.: 0 . ....... A ,.,,. - -< ()'} Councilors Absent: Councilor John McCaul n :r 1J of"11 r- )> ,,o ..,, .""'1 ry :::-:~ n Also Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO 'A UT n Gill Enos, Budget Director 0 The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM. 1. Meet with the Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director for the fiscal year 2025 budget hearing. Iv.fr. Delio Russo gave thanks to everyone for their contributions to the budget preparation. He explained that they met with every department. This budget covers unfunded State mandates while remaining conservative. He touched on FY24 accomplishments and highlighted that the FY25 budget increases funding for schools and is an efficient, needs- based budget. Tb.ere are no reductions in workforce. The total operational budget is $297,226, 756.01. The Council reviewed the budget by department. 111-Municipal Council Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 111 under advisement. So voted.  10 121 - Mayor's Office Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 121 under advisement. So voted. 132 - Reserve Account Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 132 under advisement. So voted. 135 - Auditor Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 135 under advisement. So voted. 138 - Procurement Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 13 8 under advisement. So voted. 141-Assessors Office Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to take the budget for department 141 under advisement So voted. 144-Foreclosures Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 144 under advisement. So voted. 145 -Treasurer/Collector Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Duarte to take the budget for department 145 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Ff/hole BUDGET HEARJNG April 24, 2024 Page 2 ofll  11 147 - Tax Title Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budgets for department 147 under advisement. So voted. 151-Law Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 151 under advisement. So voted. 155 - Automation/IT Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 155 under advisement. So voted. 159 - Office Services Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 159 under advisement. So voted. 161- City Clerk Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 161 under advisement. So voted. 162 - Election/Registration Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Sanders to refer a part-time clerk to the supplemental budget. So voted Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take· the budget for department 162 under advisement. So voted. 165 - License Commission Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 165 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the ·whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page3 ofll  12 175 - Planning, Zoning, and Conservation Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 175 under advisement. So voted. 182-0ECD :Mr. Duarte noted that HUD pays for percentages of certain employee salaries in this department. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 182 under advisement. So voted. 192 - City Hall Maintenance Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 192 under advisement. So voted: 193 -Tax Possession Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 193 under advisement. So voted. 196 - Environmental Coordinator Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 196 under advisement. So voted. 197 - Parking Commission Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 197 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page 4 ofll  13 210-Police Mr. Dello Russo noted that while there is reduction to the budget, there are no reductions in force. Rather, this is the result of fewer buyouts this year. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 210 under advisement. So voted. 220-Fire Mr. Postell appreciated the preliminary talks to establish a ladder company. Mr. Sanders asked if this budget includes sufficient funding to fully staff a ladder company and Mr. Della Russo explained that this will establish it and there will be a phased approach. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer the staffing of the ladder company to the supplemental budget. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 220 under advisement. So voted. 244 - Sealer Weights & Measures Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 244 under advisement. So voted. · 291-TEMA Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to invite Todd Castro to the Committee of the Whole for a presentation on the new things he's done in the department. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget of department 291 under advisement. So voted. 292 - Animal Control Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 292 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page5ofll  14 293 - Police and Traffic Signals Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 293 under advisement. So voted. 296 - Fish Warden Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 296 under advisement. So voted. 380 - Bristol Agricultural School Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 380 under advisement. So voted. 390 - Bristol Plymouth Technical High School Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 3 90 under advisement. So voted. 399 - Taunton Public Schools Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Dooner to invite Superintendent Cabral and the School Committee to come in for a full presentation. So voted. 400 - DPW Administration Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 400 under advisement. So voted. 410 - Engineering Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to send a part-time clerk to the supplemental budget. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Duarte to take the budget for department 410 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Fflho/e BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page 6ofll  15 421 - Oil and Road Construction Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 4 21 under advisement. So voted. 422-Streets and Ways Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 422 under advisement. So voted. 423 - Snow and Ice Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 423 under advisement. So voted. 424 - Street Lighting Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 424 under advisement. So voted. 433 - Trash Pickup Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 433 under advisement. So voted. 480 - Vehicle Maintenance Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 480 under advisement. So voted. 492 - Super/Public Buildings Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to take the budget for department 492 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page 7of11  16 493 - Repairs, Public Buildings Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 493 under advisement. So voted. 496 -Public Buildings/A.D.A. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Quintal to take the budget for department 496 under advisement. So voted. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Quintal to take a recess at 7:19PM So voted. The Committee returned.from recess at 7:26PM Water, Sewer, and Golf Enterprise Accounts Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the water budget under advisement. So voted. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the sewer budget under advisement. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the golf budget under advisement. So voted. 500 - Human Services Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 500 under advisement. So voted. 510 - Board of Health Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 510 under advisement. So voted. 542 - Head Start Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 542 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the ·whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page 8 ofll  17 543 - Veterans Services Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 5 43 under advisement. So voted. 548 - ADA Disabilities Commission Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 548 under advisement. So voted. 549 - Human Resources Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 549 under advisement. So voted. 610 - Library Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 610 under advisement. So voted. 630 - Parks & Recreation Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 630 under advisement. So voted. 650 -Airport Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 650 under advisement. So voted. 690 - Historical District Commission Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 690 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Page9ofll  18 695 - Cable Commission Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 69 5 under advisement. So voted. 696 - Municipal Access Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 696 under advisement. So voted. 710-Debt 751 - Interest/Long Term Debt 752 - Interest/Short Term Debt Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to take Debt and Interest under advisement. So voted. 840-SRPEDD Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 840 under advisement. So voted. 910 - Retirement Benefits Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for department 910 under advisement. So voted. · 913 - Unemployment Compensation Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to take the budget for department 913 under advisement. So voted. 914 - Hospital/Group Insurance Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for department 914 under advisement. So voted. Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 PagelOofll  19 915 - Medicare 916 - Disability Retirement Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to take the budget for departments 914, 915, and 916 under advisement. So voted. 945 - Liability Insurance 946-Claims/Damages Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to take the budget for departments 945 and 946 under advisement. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer the total FY25 operational budget in the amount o/$297,226, 756.01 to the Full Council for a.first reading. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 PM So voted. List of Documents and Ot!ter Exltibits Used: Presentation: Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget Budget Books FY2025 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, MAY 1'4 '2024 /J · · e. ClaJu_ ~ IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees PORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. NNIF RL.~G~ ITYCLERK Committee of the Whole BUDGET HEARING April 24, 2024 Pagell ofll  20 City of Taunton Municipal Council May 14, 2024 REVISED 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 Scott Martin Members Absent: Councilor Estele Borges Also Present: Patrick Delle Russo, CFO Gill Enos, Budget Director Andrew Sukeforth, Director of Procurement I\ _. ,.... c: :z:: ~ ..c:: :i:: ;po- -< N {"") -{ -< ~Pl :;::o ;-<1(") ::::JfTl ("') -{ 0 co :x- -; :z:: 0< The meeting was called to order at 5:33 PM. -< )> 0111 " r :I: ~ 9 ..,, -.,0 ri (=) :xi f"'1 ;;%: \;AJ 1. Approve minutes from May 7, 2024. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve. So voted. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$4,326,031.22. So voted. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $1, 840, 090.18. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss requests for transfers: a. $23,000 from 01-291-5100-5100 (TEMADirector) to 01-244-5100-5100 (Weights and Measures Department Manager) Mr. Duarte referenced the letter requesting the transfer. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the transfer from TEMA Director to Weights and Measures. So voted.  21 b. $500,000 from 84-3580-8027 (Capital Project Stabilization) to 34-3590-3590-6 (Whittenton Mills Demolition) Mr. Duarte stated that this is to cover the additional cost of the emergency demolition at 437 Whittenton Street. He also noted that once the lien is perfected and the City is paid, the money will go back to the stabilization account. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to approve the transfer from Capital Stabilization to "Whittenton Mills Demolition. So voted. 4. Meet to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Financial Policies and consider a vote for ratification. Mr. Della Russo stated that at this time there is not a considerable change. Improvements made were in the Procurement Department. Mr. Sukeforth stated that he created a one page summary of the procurement policy which lays out the whole procedure. He also created a procurement requisition form which has all of the information that he will be asking for. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to ratify the Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Financial Policies. So voted. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Duarte to adjourn at 5:41 P.M So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 5/7/24 Payroll Warrant# 181 Bill Invoice Warrant # 18 0 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Patrick Della Russo dated 4/29/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~e.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees ~~2¥COMMENDATIONS ADOPrn>. Committee on Finance and Salaries Mayl4, 2024 ~~:ii Page2of2  22 City of Taunton Municipal Council May 14, 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 Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders {""") Councilor Lawrence Quintal \ ~ ----1 -< Councilor Jeffrey Postell -i x n:::O I )> c > rfTl Councilor Phillip Duarte z -< i'1(') Councilor Kelly Dooner ("") -i 0 _. ;:::r::f"l1 ~- -l :z u)< -< )> ofTl Councilor Absent: Councilor Estele Borges CJ ~ :I: ~ ....,,o ..,., . rn c;> :::0 ('? ~ w t"T1 ·N The meeting was called to order at 5 :45 PM. 1. Remarks from the Chair No update. 2. Approve minutes from May 7, 2024 Motion by Mr. McCaul and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the proposed form agenda including the proposed use of a Consent Agenda. Council President Pottier read the letter from the Mayor dated April 26, 2024. He noted that in discussions with the administration, the intention is to steamline the agenda by grouping routine matters into a consent agenda. Mr. Duarte stated that while he believes that the goal is noble,.he thinks that the full Council meetings are already short and streamlined and the matters th.at would go under a consent agenda do not take up too much time. He also indicated that he believes that there is a benefit to having those communications read during the meetings, particularly those from the Planning Board. He would be in favor of keeping the agenda as it is now.  23 :Mr. Postell agreed with :Mr. Duarte and noted that accepting the recommendations of the subcommittees will often warrant a discussion. He also agreed that information helps to keep people informed. :Mr. Sanders.concurred with :Mr. Duarte and :Mr. Postell and would be voting in opposition to changing the agenda. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to keep the agenda process as it is. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn at 5:53 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used:. Committee of Whole meeting minutes of 5/7/24 Letter from Mayor O'Connell dated 4/26/24 CITY OF TAUNTON MAY l 4iZ024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~c-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. i:::ftL~!:f«- CITY CLERK Committee of the Council as a Whole Mayl4. 2024 Page2of2  24 RECEIVED CITY CLERK'S OFFICE City of Taunton Municipal Council May 14, 2024 lD2~ HAY r 1 A /() 34 TAUNTON, HA The Committee on Public Property - - - C I T Y CLERK 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 Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Jeffrey Postell Councilor Scott Martin The meeting was called to order at 5:58 PM. 1. Approve minutes from April 23, 2024 Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for the continued discussion on the Nursing Home Property and the request to declare the property as surplus. Ms. Dooner stated that a number of people had reached out asking for this topic to be postponed until July 30 in order for residents to have a chance to have their voices heard. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. Postell to table the discussion until a requested date ofJuly 30 to be coordinated with the administration. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The "ttee on Public Pro erty Meeting Minutes of 4/23/24 CITY OF TAUNTON ... Respectfully submitted, MAY 14.:zoz4 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REP RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. 'If #/~ NNIFE L. LEGER, .........,-'- ITY CLERK  25 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#25 FY2024 :?k ~ G°owzcu'.{.._.............-.~-~r...~i?.?.:~?.:~............................ 20.............. &~!7£d The sum of twenty three thousand dollars and zero cents ($23,000.00) be and hereby is transferred as follows: From: 01-291-5100-5100 (TEMA Director) To: 01-244-5100-5100 (Weights and Measures Department Manager) · ..........................................................:..... C~  26 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#26 FY 2024 !iJV ~ (]owzeti....-................N.~Y...!'.!?}.Q~~ REVISED ............................ 20.............. . The sum of five hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($500,000.00) be and hereby is tr;:i.nsferred as follows: From: 84-3580-8027 (Capital Project Stabilization) To: 34-3590-3590-6 (Whittenton Mills Demolition) A TRUE COPY: ATTEST: CITY CLERK ..........................................................:..... (f!f7k£.