City Council

City ofrraunton :M.unicipa{Council9.1.eeting :Minutes City J{a{{, 15 Summer Street, fJ'aunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ :Martin :M.unicipa{Council Cnam6ers :Minutes, fl.ugust 20, 2024 at 7:02 O'cCoc~/P.:M.. (J'(eage offl{{egiance CR.lgufar ;Meeting :Mayor Sliaunna £. O'Conne{(presitfing <Prayer was offerea 6y tne :Mayor Councifor <Borges offereaa moment ofsiCence for P.fiza6etn Lewis, a Cong term empfoyee of tne 'Taunton (J'u6Cic £i6rary, wno passeaaway on.ft_ugust 8, 2024. <Present at ro{( ca{(were: Councifors :M.cCau~ <Borges, ;Martin, (J'ottier, Sanders, Quinta~ (J'oste{[, (J)uarte ana(J)ooner Record of August 13, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Motion was made to go out of the regular order of business to Communications from the Mayor. So Voted. Communications from the Mavor: Mayor O'Connell stated that there will be a presentation from the Board of Health and invited the interested parties into the enclosure. Mayor O'Connell stated that the City received a grant for the purpose of hiring an epidemiologist, which is Cassidy O'Hara. She stated that she is now performing a Community Health Assessment, which has not been done by the City in quite some time. The parties introduced themselves as, Danielle Edmunds, the Executive Director of the Board of Health, and Cassidy O'Hara, Epidemiologist for the City of Taunton. Ms. O'Hara used a slide show presentation to discuss the purpose, as well as the process, of conducting a Community Health Assessment. Councilor Borges asked how far along in the process Mr. O'Hara is so far. Ms. O'Hara discussed that she has conducted a few focus groups, key informant interviews and have received about 175 responses for the survey at this time. Ms. O'Hara discussed that she has only done this in an educational environment and she worked with Tufts University to implement them into the community. Ms. O'Hara discussed that her goal is to better understand the City. She stated that there are a lot of resources, however, not a lot of people know about the resources. She stated that she has a partnership with Ligia Madeira. Mayor O'Connell stated that this will allow us to target the resources that they do have and increase access to the resources that people are unaware of. Council Sanders asked to what extent the survey will look at the mental health needs of the community. Ms. O'Hara stated that many of the questions are focused on mental health as well as access to those resources. Councilor Duarte asked if there is a deadline for  2 completing the survey. Ms. O'Hara stated that they have not established a deadline at this time due to lack of response from the schools. Councilor Duarte asked if the City has conducted a Community Needs Assessment in the past. Ms. O'Hara stated that Morton Hospital conducted this every three years, with the last one being in 2021. Councilor Duarte stated that he would like them to look out for trends in the data when they are analyzing it and would be eager to see what people's experiences are with maternal healthcare services, as well as primary care services. Mayor O'Connell expressed gratitude for the work they are doing. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet. Mayor O'Connell stated that there has been a tentative agreement for Lifespan to acquire Morton Hospital and Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River. She stated that if this is approved, it could be several weeks before there is a transfer of ownership. Mayor O'Connell stated that the Summer Celebration is this Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at Hopewell Park. Motion was made to revert back to the regular order of business. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Kelley Brophy, 41 Crane Avenue South, Taunton, requesting an immediate cease and desist of any efforts on the property 77E 29-14 Prince Henry Drive in Taunton. She stated that in November of 2011, thanks to Senator Marc Pacheco and Jimmy Fagan, the City Council unanimously voted to place this lot into a protected state of open space permanently. She stated that it did not get done and was not recorded as a deed restriction. She stated that this should make everyone stop to reflect on the intention of Senator Marc Pacheco, Jimmy Fagan and the City Council at that time. She discussed that a property does not have to be recorded for it to be tangible. She stated that it should be honored by the City Council that this property is held in a state of permanent open space. She stated that she has an article indicating that the previous Council voted unanimously to leave the property in an open space status. She stated that it is only being rezoned now because someone forgot to file the documents. She stated that it was promised that this property would be researched and that it never was because these things did not come up. She discussed that it is inaccurate for someone to say that they did not have time to research this property. She stated that transparency, honesty and living up to promises that are made effect everyone. Louise Glass, 12 Spring Street, Taunton, stated that she stands behind the statements made by Ms. Brophy. She discussed that this is supposed to be open space and that the Council was supposed to do this more than a decade ago. Jamie Kelley, 208 Scadding Street, Taunton, stated that she would like to reiterate what Ms. Brophy has said. She stated that on August 13th, the Conservation Agent stated in a letter that this parcel contains wetland and a perennial stream, which by law should restrict its use. She discussed the obligation of humans to care for open space.  3 Shira Marcure, 9 Highland Street, Taunton, stated that she agrees with the statements made by the prior speakers, especially in regards to the transparency and accountability for the use of the land and following the original intent. Jason Marcure, 9 Highland Street, Taunton, requested that the Council honor the promise that was made and ensure that this property is protected. He discussed that this is a decision that will affect people's entire lives. Ryan Buckley, 475 Crane Avenue South, Taunton, expressed his support to keep the parcel on Prince Henry Drive as an open space. He discussed that there has been development coming into the City that effects his neighborhood. He discussed the comments made by Michele Restino, the Conservation Agent, regarding preserving this parcel as open space. Kevin Gracia, 590 Cohannet Street, Taunton, discussed the importance of preserving open space for wildlife. He stated that in 2022, the Taunton Animal Control picked up 300 deceased deer from automobile accidents. He stated that in 2023, the Taunton Animal Control picked up 150 deceased deer from automobile accidents. Steven Mutchler, 20 Quail Drive, Taunton, requested that the current City Council honor what the previous City Council committed to doing. Lou Ricciardi, 35 Broadway, Taunton, stated that he is the CEO and co-owner of Bristol Wealth Group, as well as the President of the Taunton Development Corporation. He stated that he was present in 2011 and has been on the board for 32 years. He stated that they were the previous owners of this parcel and that they had purchased it from the state. He stated that they spent $1,500,000.00 cleaning up the stream from mercury contamination. He discussed that there was passive recreation land that was in the middle of the developable part of the land and they deliberately kept 77E as a buffer to the neighborhood. He stated that they could have sold that, however, they did not. He stated that this is when the conversations with the City Council at that time took place. He asked that the current City Council honor what was agreed to in 2011. He stated that they did not exchange it for open space in order for it to be developed. He stated that the fact that it was not recorded is out of their hands. He stated that they are not an owner of that parcel any longer, however, the intent was for open space. Brian Coury, 545 Crane Avenue South, Taunton, stated that he has lived in Taunton since 1981. He requested that the City Council honor their word and keep the land the way it is. John Rodophele, 8 Jackson Street, Taunton, expressed gratitude to Chief Walsh and Arsenio Chaves. He stated that a stop sign may be placed at the intersection of Washington Street and Jackson Street. He discussed that the residents need to form a community preservation. He discussed the importance of preserving land. Ted Pietnik, 765 Crane Avenue South, distributed documents to each member of the City Council. He discussed that the first document shows the motion with respect to this property that was made by the City Council. He stated that the motion indicates an exchange of property, how it will take place and that it actually occurs. He stated that it shows that 77E and its resolution is approved by way of that motion. He stated that there  4 has been discussion that the deed does not include the restrictive language they hoped it would. He stated that the second document is the original draft of the resolution and at the bottom he has highlighted a statement which indicates that lot 77E shall remain in its current natural condition and shall not be used for recreational purposes. He discussed that the word "shall" indicates that it is not open for discussion. He stated that the resolution indicates what the intent was at that time. He stated that the third page is an item from the Westfield Court, which discusses clear intent and pertains to Article 97. He stated that he is suggesting that the City does not have the power to change this property to anything other than what it is now, unless they go to the Legislature and get 2/3 of the Legislature to say that it should be changed. Craig McLaughlin, 123 Blueberry Lane, Taunton, stated that he would like to reiterate the comments made by the other residents. Bill Fitzgerald, 14 Orchard Street, Taunton, stated that he is a member of the Planning Board, however, he is not representing the Planning Board. He discussed that there are other documents from 2011 that should be researched that support the idea that this should be Article 97 land. He discussed that he was taught to not strictly look at the language of the deed. He discussed that intent and other conditions should be looked at. Hearing: On the petition submitted by Richard A. Ames Jr., 17 Bennett 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, located at 17 Bennett Street, Taunton. Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interested party into the enclosure. So Voted. The City Clerk stated that the Kennel License Application, a communication from the Animal Control Officer submitting a positive recommendation and a map of the location have been included. The party introduced himself as Richard Ames, Jr., 17 Bennett Street, Taunton. He stated that he has four (4) dogs and that they are all rescues. He stated that the dogs have a fenced in area and he has plans to expand this area. Mayor O'Connell asked how long he has had all four (4) dogs. Mr. Ames stated that he rescued his first dog 7 years ago and that he rescued his fourth dog in October. Councilor Pottier asked Mr. Ames what the breeds of his dogs are. Mr. Ames stated that he has a Cavachon, a King Charles Cavalier, and two (2) mixed breed dogs. Councilor Pottier confirmed with Mr. Ames that he has a physical fence, not an invisible fence. Councilor Sanders asked if the Animal Control Officer has come to Mr. Ames' home for a complaint. Mr. Ames stated that he has not come to his home. Councilor Martin stated that he was his letter carrier for a few years and that Mr. Ames' dogs were consistently very quiet. Motion was made to open public input. So Voted. Mark Genovese, 14 Bennett Street, Taunton, discussed that the property dimensions on the permit are not to scale based on the deed. He stated that the dogs are to be sheltered no less than one hundred (100) feet from the nearest dwelling and they will be thirty-three (33) feet from the nearest dwelling. He expressed concern about the license allowing a maximum of six (6) dogs and potential breeding that could take place on the property. Motion was made to close public input. So Voted. Councilor Dooner asked if all of the dogs are spayed or neutered. Mr. Ames confirmed that all of his dogs are spayed or neutered. Councilor Sanders stated that the Animal Control Officer noted on the application that only four (4) dogs are allowed. He stated that the most current version of the Kennel License Ordinance may not be available, however, they recently  5 amended the Kennel License Ordinance and acreage requirements are no longer a part of the Ordinance. He stated that the applicant is in compliance with the conditions of the Ordinance and he would support approving this license. Councilor Borges stated that she lives nearby and has not had any issues with his dogs. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Appointments: NONE. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board regarding a Roadway Improvement Plan for Rocky Woods Street submitted by Hometown Restoration & Development, LLC. The Planning Board will hold a public meeting on this proposal on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 5:30PM. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board regarding a Site Plan Review for property at 425 John Quincy Adams Road submitted by MP Properties, IV, LLC. The Planning Board will hold a public meeting on this proposal on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 5 :30PM. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board regarding a Special Permit/Site Plan Review at 350 Myles Standish Boulevard submitted by Joseph Iantosca, President. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 5:30PM. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Budget Director requesting to pay a prior year invoice from Davol Printing in the amount of $585.00. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Director of the Board of Health requesting to pay a prior year invoice in the amount of $2,037.07 for reimbursement to the Epidemiologist Cassidy O'Hara. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: NONE. 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.  6 Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance (or a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote AN ORDINANCE ARTICLE V. SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS Section 405-95-C Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-95-C of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, be and hereby are further amended by adding thereto the following: Located at the intersection of West Britannia Street and Danforth Street, facing Danforth Street at intersection with West Britannia. 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, nine (9) Councilors were present, nine (9) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Ordinance (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE REPEALING THE ORDINANCE REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT IMP ACT REVIEW BOARD Chapter 10, Article X, Section 10-40 through 10-42 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT REVIEW BOARD Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 10, Article X, §10-40 through 10-42 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, are hereby repealed. SECTION 2. 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. Order to be accepted on a roll call vote Gift Account for the John F. Parker Golf Course Ordered That, The City of Taunton shall establish a Special Revenue or Gift Account in accordance with M.G.L. c. 44, §53A which shall be a separate interest-bearing account established by the Treasurer. The Commission or Designee is hereby authorized to accept monetary donations for purposes of the account and such donations shall be deposited into said  7 account. The account will be assigned its own general ledger number from the City Auditor. These funds will not be general fund receipts and the specific use of said funds will be as followed: • Repairs, upgrades, and construction at the John F. Parker Golf Course Motion was made to accept on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, nine (9) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. New Business: Councilor Martin motioned to invite MassDOT District 5 to give an update on the current projects in Taunton to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. So Voted. Councilor Pottier motioned to refer the issue of sidewalks on Liberty Street and the sidewalks on Middleboro Avenue adjacent to where the Post Office is located to the Committee on the Department of Public Works. So Voted. Councilor Pottier motioned to refer the issue of video billboards to the Committee on Zoning. So Voted. Councilor Pottier motioned to refer the issue of RVs staying for a long time (weeks or months at a time) on private lots which is a zoning or health concern to the Mayor's Office for a report back. So Voted. Councilor Sanders motioned to refer the comments made during public input to the Law Department and to the Committee of the Council as a Whole to reconsider the status of the property as it was previously disposed by the Council. On discussion, Councilor Borges stated that she was going to motion to refer this matter to the Committee on Zoning for a discussion on Lot 77E 29-14 Prince Henry Drive and invite the City Planner, City Solicitor, the Chief Financial Officer and the Economic Development Team. She stated that she has spoken to them and they are willing to come to the August 27, 2024 meeting to have a discussion regarding this matter. Councilor Pottier stated that this could also be referred to the Committee on Public Property as this is where it was originally dispensed. Councilor Sanders withdrew his motion. Councilor Borges motioned to refer Lot 77E 29-14 Prince Henry Drive to the Committee on Zoning and invite the City Planner, the City Solicitor with his comments, the Chief Financial Officer, the Economic Development Team to an August 27, 2024 meeting for a discussion and to provide advice to the City Planner for the planning meeting the week after. So Voted. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief for an update on the intersection of Winter Street and School Streets. So Voted.  8 List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-August 20, 2024 • PowerPoint Presentation-2024 Taunton Community Health Assessment • Handout given during Public Input by Ted Pietnik Meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/MAT  9 City of Taunton Municipal Council August 20, 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 2:5 ("°) :?i -···'"f --J -~ 7"- ::···:, ::t1 Also Present: Andrew Sukeforth, Director of Procurement c:: -- f""' l Gill Enos, Budget Director -:·.-, - •"" -·-1 '" f'~) ,..,.I .. , rJ t"-'! C'':f 0- - ' ..~c: .:;::: :;.:·,, --. ·-r--- ::r :;.:.--- u ::=.:-. f 1 1 0 The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM. I':-:' -,...! , J •• .;:;;- CJ ::it:: r-·1 I. Approve minutes from August 13, 2024. .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 o/$1,925,488. 79. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $5,377,832.43. So voted. 3. Requests to pay prior year bills: a. Police department in the amount of $682.77 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. b. Office of Economic and Community Development in the amount of $150.00 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. 4. Meet for an update on Fiscal Year 2024 procurement activities.  10 Mr. Sukeforth and Mr. Enos gave a presentation detailing procurement activities that have occurred over the last year. Mr. Sukeforth stated that he has created templates aimed at providing a quicker turnaround for City departments. He noted that there have been process changes and improvements including procurement spending procedures and policy improvements. The MPP program has also been a focus. One goal for the upcoming year is to offer trainings for anyone in the departments who needs it or wants it. He also wants to have a DocuSign. Mr. Enos stated that the Procurement Department is a busy office and provided the number of each type of solicitation that was completed. Mr. Enos reviewed the IFB (Invitation to Bid) process and Mr. Sukeforth noted that having on-call agreements can help to turn around projects very quickly. Mr. Sukeforth reviewed the RFP (Request for Proposal) process and explained that they grade proposals based on criteria. Mr. Enos discussed RFPs for real property and Mr. Sukeforth gave some examples from the MPP. Mr. Sukeforth explained the RFQ (Request for Qualification) process noting that you can't get pricing until you pick who you're going with. Ms. Borges asked, when leasing land, why they need to surplus. She asked that Mr. Sukeforth send clarification. Mr. Duarte asked about the difference between the IFB and RFP processes and Mr. Sukeforth explained. Mr. Duarte asked if all procurement goes through his office and Mr. Sukeforth stated that he sees all formal solicitations. Mr. Enos also noted that the City is part of the SERSG group which handles some procurement for things like office supplies, paper, and DPW supplies. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to excuse the parties and adjourn at 5:51 P.M Sovoted List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 8/13/24 Payroll Warrant #29 Bill Invoice Warrant #28 List of items over $100,000 Presentation: Department of Procurement Update CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, AUG 2 0 2024 -~f.C&u_kA- IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees ~~~I~ ACCEbl~D. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Finance and Salaries 8£~XiM& August 20, 2024 Page2 o/2 CITY CLERK  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council August 20, 2024 The Committee on Police and License The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Jeffrey Postell, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Larry Quintal Also Present: Chief Edward Walsh, Police Chief Officer Arsenio Chaves, Safety Officer Michael Patneaude, City Engineer Fred Comaglia, DPW Commissioner ', C> er;·•.(.: Tony Abreau, Assistant DPW Commissioner -,-~~~ ~:~ 1J ':-:l n1 The meeting was called to order at 5:52 PM. 1. Approve minutes from August 13, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to revisit and review the area of Washington/Whittenton/Jackson Street area for an update on activity and next steps. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to invite in the interested parties. So voted. Mr. Postell read a letter from Katherine Nunes explaining the traffic analysis to be completed with SRPEDD which is anticipated to be completed by mid-fall. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to make the letter and map part of the record So voted. Mr. Postell noted that the Committee previously had discussions about this area and tonight was to get an update on where this stands. Chief Walsh noted that they have had some conversations and he believes the most likely outcome from the study will be a recommendation for a 4-way stop at Washington and  12 Whittenton. Office Chaves indicated that there are flashing speed signs installed but the accidents have continued. Mr. Patneaude indicated that the SRPEDD study should give some recommendations and that the data will need to be analyzed. Mr. Comaglia stated that they will need to go through the report from SRPEDD. Mr. Postell asked about the sight lines that were previously discussed. Mr. Chaves stated that Bob Pirozzi spoke to the owner of the house at Whittenton and Washington and the tree and shrubs were trimmed. Mr. Postell asked about fences and Officer Chaves said there is a comer lot ordinance for fences. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to refer to the Zoning Enforcement Officer the Corner-Lot Ordinance and the lots at Washington and Whittenton and at Jackson and Washington and report back to the Committee. So voted. Mr. Postell asked for an update on crashes in the area since the last meeting and Officer Chaves reported that from April 16 until the present there were 3 accidents at Washington and Jackson and there were 8 accidents at Washington and East Britannia. Ms. Borges stated that while no one likes a four-way stop, they do work. Mr. Martin stated that the comer lot ordinance stipulates a three foot maximum height for fences or hedges and he noted that while one house has worked on their hedges, the other hasn't. Mr. Postell stated that they will wait on the analysis and will revisit the topic in, perhaps, November. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to excuse the parties. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the impact of An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws addition to MGL Ch. 269, Section IO that prohibits the possession of firearms in "prohibited places" and consider what acts the City may choose to take. Mr. Postell read a letter from Chief Walsh dated July 29, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to make that pp.rt of the record So voted. Chief Walsh stated that this Law goes into effect on October 23. He stated that the Council has an option to elect not to make the governmental offices subject to it or, in the other option, think about signage on some of the buildings which might be more appropriate for the Public Property subcommittee. He noted that there is at least one lawsuit looking to overturn this. Mr. Postell clarified that this applies to any City-owned buildings as well as buildings utilized as polling locations. Committee on Police and License August 20, 2024 Page 2 of3  13 Ms. Borges asked if this has been brought to the Law Department and Chief Walsh stated that they are aware but it has not brought to them for review. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to refer Chapter 269 Section 10 ofMass General Law, specifically section k, to the Law Department for review and refer this out of the Police and License Committee to the Public Property Committee and invite the Chief and City Solicitor. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to adjourn the meeting at 6: 11 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from August 13, 2024 Letter from Katherine Nunes dated August 16, 2024 Letter from Chief Edward Walsh dated October 23, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON AUG 2 0 2024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~E-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees RE ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~R~L.if:t- Committee on Police and License August 20, 2024 Page 3 oj3  14 City of Taunton Municipal Council August 20, 2024 The Committee on the Department of Public Works 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 John McCaul, Chairman Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Jeffrey Postell -<~ Also Present: Fred Comaglia, DPW Commissioner ,._.. .. Tony Abreau, Assistant DPW Commissioner •. ' Christopher Costa, Plumbing Inspector -"·-I '!! ...... Attorney Tom Gay, Assistant City Solicitor -< ',}} .~. f1l ::;1c " The meeting was called to order at 6:13 PM. 1. Approve minutes from August 6, 2024. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Sanders to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the issues with backwater valves. Mr. McCaul stated that there was previously a discussion in the Ordinance Committee and referenced the section of the Ordinance regarding backwater valves at the time of sale or transfer. Mr. McCaul asked Mr. Costa to explain backwater valves. Mr. Costa explained that the original intent was to avoid sewage backing up into basements. He noted that many systems now, storm and sewer, have been separated deeming this section of Ordinance unnecessary. He also stated that he has never seen this section of the Ordinance enforced and, therefore, suggested it be removed from the Ordinance. Mr. Sanders asked Mr. Costa to clarify and Mr. Costa stated that backwater valves need only be installed on any fixtures in the basement on new constructions or remodels. Mr. Sanders asked if the elevation of the building matters and Mr. Costa stated it would be anything in the basement. Mr. Abreau clarified that it would be anything below ground so a slab house, for example, would not require it.  15 Mr. McCaul referred to the paragraph 357-9D3 which should be removed. Mr. Postell asked if this would apply to apartment buildings and Mr. Costa stated it would be anything permitted. Ms. Borges referred to that subsection 3 and stated that she has never seen it enforced. Mr. McCaul read the section to be removed. "Correction upon sale or transfer. Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall sell, transfer, or convey any improved real property that is connected to the City of Taunton sewer system without first installing a backwater valve and otherwise fully conforming to this section." Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Sanders to remove paragraph 357-9D3. So voted. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded Mr. Quintal to adjourn at 6:23 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Meeting minutes from the DPW Committee from 8/6/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, AUG--2 0 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL -~c.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~.ff!A'L. !G~ Committee on the Department ofPublic Works August 20, 2024 Page2 of2  16 City of Taunton Municipal Council August 20, 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, Chairman Councilor John McCaul Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin n Councilor Barry Sanders I ~ ..t:= -·1· -·,·' Councilor Lawrence Quintal II -·~ :.i;.- )..? c.:: Councilor Jeffrey Postell ··- c.• :·~-n . ,,c, Councilor Phillip Duarte \.;:-:: :;!'.'. -1 r--> -.::.: r·1 _, .....,..,, \-" v ::~-..: ·-::.~ Councilor Kelly Dooner ::z: .... rPr ·- -< c 1 u ~o r- .-.., > ry -i·1 ~' ;J'.J '·, -::i·· x= '."', The meeting was called to order at 6:25 PM. . ' r= 1. Remarks from the Chair. Mr. Pottier noted that the year is almost 2/3 done and he looks forward to robust discussions heading into the remainder of the year. · 2. Approve minutes from August 13, 2024. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the number of retail marijuana licenses Mr. Pottier stated that when this was originally discussed some councilors felt it was premature and wanted to get through the license renewal process. He read a communication from Michael Kinahan, CEO of Tower Three, supporting two additional retail licenses, one of those being reserved for a social equity participant. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to make that part of the record So voted. Ms. Borges said that in light of recent ordinance changes allowing for one social equity and one not, she would support increasing the number of licenses by two.  17 Mr. Pottier stated that in the past it has seemed like the first one in the door got the first consideration. He would like to see an open period where any interested parties submit an application for a retail license. This would allow for an open, transparent process where the Council vets the applications. Mr. Duarte referred to the minutes from the discussion on April 23, 2024 and stated that his position has not changed. At that meeting, there was discussion on eliminating the cap or increasing the cap. By Ordinance and by State Law ifthe license cap is increased, at least half of the additional licenses would have to go to social equity applicants. He indicated that he believes there is market saturation and he does not believe that increasing the number of licenses helps small businesses. If the City Council votes to increase the number of licenses, Mr. Duarte stated that the Council will need to create a scoring matrix and they will need to have extensive discussions with the Law Department in order to do so in a manner consistent with State law. He advocating keeping the license cap at nine. Ms. Dooner stated that she is against increasing the cap. She has spoken to a very large population of people who didn't want marijuana at all and certainly don't want an increase. Mr. Quintal stated that he was originally opposed to this but thinks that competition is good so supports raising the cap. Mr. Sanders indicated that the Council will need to create a matrix and he looks forward to having the discussion on the matrix criteria. He supports increasing by 2. Mr. Sanders suggested that this is an opportunity to take the temperature of the market. He also agreed with Mr. Pottier' s suggestion that there be a period of time for applications to be received. Motion by Mr. Martin and seconded by Ms. Borges to add two additional retail marijuana licenses with one being for a social equity company. On a roll call, Councilors McCaul, Borges, Martin, Sanders, Quintal, and Pottier voted yes. Councilors Postell, Duarte, and Dooner voted no. The motion passed 6-3. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Borges to refer the matter of creating an appropriate scoring matrix and criteria to the Committee of the Whole and to the Law Department. Councilor Duarte encouraged everyone to put some thought into what they'd like to see in the criteria matrix. Councilors McCaul, Borges, Martin, Sanders, Quintal, Duarte, and Pottier voted yes. Councilors Postell and Dooner voted no. The motion passed 7-2. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Quintal to adjourn at 6:43 PM So voted. Committee of the Whole August 20, 2024 Page2 of3  18 List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of Whole meeting minutes of 8/13/24 Communication from Michael Kinahan CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, AUG 2 0 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~f.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~L.~{:r- CITYCLERK Committee of the Whole August 20, 2024 Page 3 oj3  19 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#2 s;v ~ <JOfUleif. . . . . . . . . . ::!~~fi,.2024. . . . . . . . . . . . 20.............. The sum of six hundred eight two dollars and seventy seven cents ($682. 77) be and hereby is transferred: · From: Police Expense Account No. 01-210-5200-5386 To: Police Expense Account No. 01-210-5520-5999-Prior Year .......................................................... :..... tff7h£.  20 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#3 ~ ~ (Joa;zci,/.....................~~i!~~D~.2024....................... 20.............. The sum of one hundred fifty dollars and zero cents ($150.00) be and hereby is transferred: From: OECD Dues & Memberships Account No. 01-182-5200-5730 To: OECD Expense AccountNo. 01-182-5520-5999-Prior Year ..........................................................:..... efk£.