City Council

City of'Taunton 9'-unicipa{Coundl9'-eeting 9'-inutes City Na{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tli.e Cli.ester <I(, 9'-artin 9'-unicipa{Coundl Cli.am6ers 9'-inutes, Septem6er 24, 2024 - at 7:03 O'cfoc~}P.9'. ~age ef_ft.fUpnce <.R19uiar 9deetina 9dayor Sliaunna £. O'Connellpresitfina (}!fayer was offtret!6y tli.e 9dayor (}!resent at rollcallwere: Counci/Ors <Bor9es, :Martin, a'ottier, Sanders, a'oste( ©ua:rte ant!©ooner Counci/Ors 9dcCaulant!Qltintalwere a6sent. Record of September 17, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Kim Dorsey, 112 Woodlawn Street, East Taunton, stated that the residents were sent papers that indicate that their addresses will change and it would be effective September 15, 2024. She stated that the residents have been trying to change their addresses, however, the address comes back as an invalid address. She stated that one of her neighbors called the City Engineer, who stated that they will run into problems as it is similar to a new build and it will take some time. She expressed her concerns that the address change has still not taken effect. She stated that the City indicated that they would be notifying the Registry of Deeds, however, the City Engineer stated that there is no need to notify them and that an address change does not require a change to a deed. Mayor 0' Connell asked the City Clerk to refer this matter to the Law Department to address these issues, as well as anything further that needs to be done. Kevin Gracia, 590 Cohannet Street, Taunton, stated that he spoke at last Tuesday's meeting regarding 745 John Hancock Road. He stated that he made statements out of frustration and anger. He stated that he would like to give a public apology regarding his comments about raises. Hearing: NONE. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated that she received a communication from Irene Fernandes, who started the September 11th remembrance ceremonies. Mayor O'Connell read a poem written by Ms. Fernandes.  2 The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell regarding the status of the Opioid Settlement Funds. Appointments: NONE. Communications from Citv Officers: Com. from the City Solicitor regarding a vote on an Order of Taking regarding Phase II of the Broadway Improvement Project. A separate packet has been included. Attorney Costa stated that this project was originally funded in April of 2018 during the Hoye Administration. He stated that on April 24, 2018, the Council voted to fund the design. He stated that this process took several years. He stated that MassDOT had a public hearing regarding Phase II of the Broadway Project in December of 2022. He stated that at this point, the design has been completed, appraisals have been performed of all of the takings that are needed in accordance with Federal Highway Regulations and Mass General Law, title examinations have been completed and at this point the Order of Taking is ready to move forward. He stated that they have sent two (2) notices to all of the effected owners. He stated that in order to keep this project on track, they are requesting that the Order of Taking be approved. He stated that on page #3, there is a letter from one of the effected owners and the Law Department will reach out to that resident. He stated that the resident has already been in touch with the City Engineer. He stated that in situations where they receive contact from an effected property owner, they will work with them to answer their questions and attempt to address their concerns, however, this should not hold up the Order of Taking. He stated that any settlements that may be reached with an individual property owner will be addressed on an individual basis. Councilor Borges asked when the residents were notified that this was happening. Attorney Costa stated that there have been two (2) separate letters that went out to the owners, as well as outreach by the City Engineer. He stated that there are detailed requirements because this is funded through Federal Highway Funds through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and they had to comply with this by sending notices that are above and beyond what is required of the Mass General Law. He stated that the first letter was called a Notice of Intent, which indicated that the City intended to move forward with the project. He stated that the second letter was called an Offer of Acquisition, which is a follow up communication. He stated that a part of the process was for the City Engineer to personally reach out to all of the effected property owners. Councilor Borges asked if the residents were notified that they would be discussing this matter this evening. Attorney Costa stated that there was notice given that the Council would be meeting to approve an Order of Taking. Councilor Duarte asked if the Order of Taking was approved by MassDOT. Attorney Costa stated that all of the legal descriptions have been approved. He stated that this is a collaboration between representatives of MassDOT and the engineers who prepared the plans. Motion was made to approve the enclosed Order of Taking. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Edward Annunziato, 160 Broadway, Taunton, regarding an appraisal. No motion was taken. Com. from Cheryl Latour, 27 Juniper Trail, Berkley, requesting the closure of a section of West Water Street for a trick-or-treat event on October 27, 2024. Motion was made to  3 move approval and refer to the Police Chief and the Fire Chief for the road closure. So Voted. The Assistant City Clerk also notified the Ambulance Services. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that he appreciates the effort by Ms. Latour and her organizing committee, however, it would have been better if they reached out earlier in the process to get approval. Councilor Borges stated that this was an afterthought for the group and does not believe it was thought of in the beginning. Com. from Father, Thiago M. Santos, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 80 Bay Street, Taunton requesting permission to hold a procession on October 6, 2024 from 11 :30am until 12:30pm. Motion was made to approve and refer to the Police Chief. So Voted. The Assistant City Clerk also notified the Ambulance Services. Petitions: Personal Kennel License - New Petition submitted by Taylor Brewer, 75 Plain Street, Taunton for a NEW Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 75 Plain Street, Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing. So Voted. Flammable Storage License - Amendment Petition submitted by Kayrouz Petroleum, LLC, 16 East Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581 to AMEND a Flammable Storage License located at 1095 County Street, Rt.140, Taunton (Gas Station & Convenience Store), to increase storage from 30,000 gallons of regular gasoline - Class IB to 32,000 gallons of regular gasoline - Class IB and decrease from 10,000 gallons of diesel - Class II to 8,000 gallons of diesel - Class II, all in underground storage tanks totaling 40,000 gallons. 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: Councilor Borges requested to meet to discuss the response of the Election Director to the resolution for a legally valid 2024 election referred to Council of the Whole on August 17, 2024. Councilor Borges stated that this matter is already in the Committee of the Council as a Whole, however, last week there was a motion to refer other election discussions to the Committee of the Council as a Whole and requested that both of these discussions occur on the same day. Councilor Pottier stated that they will coordinate this. No motion was taken. Councilor Borges requested an update on funding for legal counsel for the City Council. Councilor Borges stated that this was sent to the Mayor's Office and to the Chief Financial Officer and that she is looking for an update as to where this stands. No motion was taken.  4 Councilor Dooner motioned to refer to the Law Department to potentially refer for an outside legal opinion from a real estate title attorney regarding the necessity to notify the Registry of Deeds for the residents of Woodlawn Street. So Voted. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance for a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING A CERTAIN PARKING AREA AT THE SOUTHSTREETPLAYGROUNDASRESERVEDFORPARKINGFOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS Chapter 405: Vehicles and Traffic Article III: Stopping, Standing, and Parking Section 405-66 (F): Reserved Parking for Handicapped Persons, Parks and Recreation Areas Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: Section 405-66(F) of Article III of Chapter 405 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new paragraph: (13) South Street Playground. Three (3) spaces in front of the entrance to the playground. 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 Pottier requested an update on when the issue of electronic billboards will be discussed. Councilor Pottier stated that he referred this matter to the Committee on Zoning for a discussion because in January of 2024, the Zoning Board was thorough in their discussion and consideration and members of the Board mentioned that there may be a Zoning Ordinance that should be changed because there will be more of these coming down the line. Councilor Borges stated that the Committee on Zoning met three weeks ago with the City Planner, who stated that he is working on some zoning changes and that he would be coming back to the City Council with an update. She stated that the City Planner has been working with the Law Department to see if some of those things can happen. She stated that she is waiting on the City Planner and has her permission to schedule this with Ms. Clarke as soon as he sees fit. No motion was taken. Councilor Pottier requested speed enforcement on Oak Street. Councilor Pottier stated that he discussed with Mayor O'Connell that her office is coming up with a more encompassing speed and traffic remediation plan and will defer to her office for that report. No motion was taken.  5 Councilor Borges requested to refer to the Zoning Committee and Attorney Costa an update to the Council on the deed restriction status on Prince Henry Drive. Motion was made to refer the Committee on Zoning for the October 1, 2024 meeting. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that the property is correctly zoned and feels that this is more of a legal issue then a zoning issue. He stated that this item and the next item should be discussed in the Committee on Public Property since they will be talking with Attorney Costa at that time on Soper and suggested that they could do an all- encompassing meeting. Councilor Borges withdrew her motion. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Councilor Borges requested to refer to the Public Property Committee and Attorney Costa an update to the Council on the Williams Street George Soper Property, along with Warner Boulevard acceptance of money and balance and all other stipulations in the court documents. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Councilor Borges requested to refer to the DPW and the Mayor's Office an update to the Council on the Winter Street and School Street intersection proposed lights status. Councilor Borges asked Mayor O'Connell to send a correspondence through the agenda on this matter. Mayor O'Connell stated that they are currently preparing a comprehensive update on some of the larger projects they are working on and that they can do this, however, it will be a few weeks out. No motion was taken. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that they should plan to discuss the meeting schedule for Election Day. List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events- September 24, 2024 • Weir Village Not So Scary Trick or Treat Meet & Greet Event on October 27, 2024 • Order of Taking regarding Phase II of the Broadway Improvement Project Meeting adjourned at 7:36 P.M. A true copy: Attest: ¥.<:~ Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk KLR/MAT  6 City of Taunton Municipal Council September 24, 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 Also Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO 1I 25 ........, C-> ___, Gill Enos, Budget Director -= -< \ s:i~~ --l V') I p rri I\ l= x -0 ~r;(') ~) __, N :::C rYt c; 0- :_'l\... --~-- The meeting was called to order at 6:16 PM. :z· .:)< · rn --< )> C-> :I ~;o ):> ~ .. ' 9? ('"') ;:D 1. Approve minutes from September 17, 2024. ::>: .:= rr: ..D 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, 709,694.34. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $2,126,375.31. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the requests for transfers from the reserve fund (01-132-5200-5784): a. $7,000.00 to Elections Clerical (01-162-5100-5107) b. $15,000.00 to PCPG Details (01-630-5200-5309) c. $35,000.00 to Christmas and Fountain (01-630-5200-5475) Mr. Duarte read a letter from Patrick Dello Russo dated 9/12/24 that explained the requests. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the Reserve Fund transfers as stated So voted.  7 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 6:23 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 9/17/24 Payroll Warrant #49 Bill Invoice Warrant #48 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Patrick Dello Russo dated 9/12/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, ~SEP 2 4 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. C arke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ':,('~~~ ~~&~-~.~BELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee on Finance and Salaries September 24, 2024 Page2 of2  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council September 24, 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: Councilor David Pottier, Chairman Councilor Kelly Dooner Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Scott Martin C> 23 Councilor Jeffrey Postell ~ -~ --l U'.) --~ -n :;i:-.. i !"'T'1 µ0~1 Also Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO c:: -0 l I z_, N fi'1() Matthew Costa, City Solicitor .:-:; 0 en ;~~~ -i z u1<tl".=: --< r'I ("'") :-...r 1J .::'.)o -v1 I )> ry -,, The meeting was called to order at 6:25 PM. rr'"; x - ("") ::i:; w rri ..0 1. Approve minutes from September 17, 2024. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the easements for the Public Safety Building project. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Ms. Dooner to invite in the interested parties. So voted. Mr. Dello Russo explained that utilities are being installed and an easement is needed for Eversource at 90 County Street. Mr. Duarte asked if they will open the road and Mr. Dello Russo stated that he does not believe it will require a road opening. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve the easement. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Dooner to adjourn at 6:27 PM So voted.  9 List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Public Property Meeting Minutes of 9/17/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, SEP 2 4 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~(_ C/fo--~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~~ KRYSTAL L. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee on Public Property September 24, 2024 Page2of2  10 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#6 ~ ~ (J~···-················;.~:.:.~~~[.k~...7. Q.7. 4............... 20.............. The sum of seven thousand dollars and zero cents ($7;000.00) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: Reserve Account 01-132-5200-5784 TO: Elections Clerical 01-162-5100-5107 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 ADOPTED, JENNIFER L. LEGER, CITY CLERK A TRUE COPY: ATTEST: PRESENTED TO THE MAYOR AND APPROVED, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 CITY CLERK SHAUNNA L. O'CONNELL, MAYOR ................................................................ efk£.  11 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#7 ~ ~ (}~----···············-~~:e~!er.24,.2024............... 20.............. The sum of fifty thousand dollars and zero cents ($50,000.00) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: Reserve Account 01-132-5200-5784 $15,000.00 to: PCPG Details 01-630-5200-5309 $35,000.00 to: Christmas and Fountain 01-630-5200-5475 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 ADOPTED, JENNIFER L. LEGER, CITY CLERK A TRUE COPY: ATTEST: PRESENTED TO THE MAYOR AND APPROVED, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 CITY CLERK SHAUNNA L. O'CONNELL, MAYOR ................................................................ ~~