City Council

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780 City Clerk's Office OCTOBER 1, 2024 - 7:00 PM Notice of Posting PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Time: JO· Q</S'a.·M · INVOCATION ;vQ\ ROLL CALL Date: 64· a,] -a'-1 V READING OF THE RECORDS FROM SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 PUBLIC INPUT • Comments will be received for the record • Please state your name and address • Please limit comments to 3 minutes or less • Supplemental written comments may also be provided • Comments should be addressed to the body as a whole and pertain to the business of the City HEARING: NONE COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR • Com. from Mayor O' Connell- Providing Information on Potential Opportunity to Expand Conservation Land (Map Included) • Community Update APPOINTMENTS • Appointment of Kelley Sylvia to the Elderly and Disabled Fund Advisory Committee COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS Pg. 1-2 Com. from Assistant City Clerk - Appointment and Swearing-In of One ( 1) Permanent Full-Time Police Sergeant Pg. 3-5 Com. from Assistant City Clerk - Appointment of Four (4) Permanent Full-Time Police Officers Pg. 6 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Public Hearing Pg. 7 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting Transfer of Funds Pg.8 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting Transfer of Funds Pg. 9-14 Com. from Election Director - Requesting Police Detail and Signing of the Warrant for State Election Pg. 15-16 Com. from Superintendent of Public Buildings - Proving a Response to the Former Hopewell School Poling Location Pg. 17-18 Com. from City Solicitor - Submitting Xfinity Correspondence COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE PETITIONS - NONE COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - NONE NEW BUSINESS - NONE Respectfully submitted, ~zjJ)b Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL (508) 821-1000 OFFICER Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR September 26, 2024 Council President David Pottier Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council, I am writing this letter to provide information on a potential opportunity to expand the City's conservation land through a partnership with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). DFG officials have reached out to members of our Finance Department to discuss the purchase of five City-owned parcels. We have previously supported DFG interest in conserving other large parcels of land in this area. The parcels, listed below, are identified on the map included with this communication. Map 75 Lot 76 Map 88 Lot 81 Map 74 Lot 13 Map 88 Lot 80 Map 74 Lot 22 These properties would be acquired for conservation purposes only and could not be built upon or developed. The parcels being reviewed currently have no restrictions recorded. Our team is in the process of evaluating the proposal with working sessions scheduled with the DFG and we believe selling the properties to DFG for conservation purposes is consistent with the objectives of the Marketable Properties Program and the City's long-term conservation goals. In addition, the DFG has expressed interest in parcels M88 L63 and M63 LL We are exploring the possibility of these properties being sold to DFG for conservation purposes as well. As our team works through this process, we are sharing this information in an effort to avoid potential misunderstandings or inaccurate assumptions as to the status of the properties. No decisions have been made at this point, as we need to gather further information in order to come before Council. Respectfully submitted, ~ Mayor Shaunna O'Connell  Mass. Dept. of Fish and Game "Puddingstone Wildlife Management Area" (158 acres) , City of Taunton "Arthur Sharp Estate" conservation land, Revised: Sept. 17, 2024 and various City parcels not conservation land Map: overview Parcels owned by Taunton City Council Map_Lot Assr_Acres Assr_Value 63-1 20.84 $191,600 88-63 26 $ 207,000 7.51 $ 164,700 2.67 $ 150,200 22.79 $ 210,600 6.64 $ 8,000 Parcel in tax tiaking process by the City Map_Lot Assr_Acres AssrVal 88 - 80 11 $ 18,200 0 287.5 575 1,1 50 1,725 2,300 Date: Sept. 17, 2024 by JP 1..1 1..1 I I I I Feet  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street· Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR Community Update - October 1, 2024 Movie Matinee with the Mayor • Thursday, October 10, 2024, 1:OOprn, 2 Hamilton Street (former Coyle Auditorium) • Admission is free and includes a drink, popcorn and candy • For Taunton Residents 60 and over • Please call Council on Aging to register at 774-406-5899 Taunton Community Justice Center Annual Open House • Thursday, October 10, 2024, l:OOprn, 5 Cohannet Street • All are welcome, and members of the public involved with the criminal justice system looking for resources or agencies looking to build partnerships are especially encouraged to attend • RSVP to Christine Duffy via email: cduffy@oldcolonyyrnca.org Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Diversity in Business Expo • Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5prn to 8prn at 2 Hamilton Street • Connect with diverse business owners and community leaders, discover new opportunities and collaborations, and support and shop from local businesses • To register, visit tauntonareacharnber.org City of Taunton Office of Economic and Community Development Job Fair • Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 9arn-12prn & 5prn-7prn at 2 Hamilton Street (former Coyle gymnasium) • Local employers and job seekers are invited • For more information, contact Heather Rios at hrios@taunton-rna.gov Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Wine Testing • Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 6prn to 9prn at Lake Pearl in Wrentham • All proceeds will benefit the Habitat for Humanity project at 5 Chester Court in Taunton • For more information, contact Kirn Thomas at kirnthornas@oldcolonyhabitat.org Save the Date! Saturday, October 19, 2024 • 250th Liberty and Union Celebration • Friends of Boyden: Salamander Search Party Friday, October 25, 2024 • Taunton Performing Arts Center: The Rocky Horror Show Debut Saturday, October 26, 2024 • Benjamin's Chili Bowl • Parks & Rec Trunk or Treat Early Voting for the Presidential Election Early Voting for the November 5th, 2024 Presidential Election will be held at: City Hall, 15 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, Silver City Conference Room on: o Sat, Oct 19, 2024, 8am-2pm o Sat, Oct 26, 2024, 9am-5pm o Sun, Oct 20, 2024, 8am-2pm o Sun, Oct 27, 2024, 8am-2pm o Mon, Oct 21, 2024, 8am4pm o Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 8am-4pm o Tues, Oct 22, 2024, 8am-7pm o Tues, Oct 29, 2024, 8am-7pm o Wed, Oct 23, 2024, 8am-4pm o Wed, Oct 30, 2024, 8am-4pm o Thurs, Oct 24, 2024, 8am-4pm o Thurs, Oct 31, 2024, 8am-4pm o Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 8am-12pm o Fri, Nov 1, 2024, 8am-12pm Massachusetts Broadband Institute Survey • The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) wants to hear from you about your experiences with getting and using internet service • Survey is anonymous and should be completed by one individual per household • Visit https://mbicx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV bxTlMGFVF8KjigC to take the survey (survey link also available at taunton-ma.gov) Board of Health Community Health Assessment Survey • Survey to help identify strengths and challenges in the region related to health and accessing health care • Takes 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous • City residents (18 and older) and city employees are encouraged to participate • For more information and to take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cityoftaunton (survey link also available at taunton- ma.gov) Please visit the City website (www.taunton-ma.gov) and Facebook page for more information.  City of Taunton Ligia M . Madeira, Esq. CHI EF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D . Delio Russo, Jr. J 5 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFI CER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DI RECTOR September 27, 2024 Dear Council President David Pottier Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council, Please be advised that I am appointing Kelley Sylvia to the Elderly and Disabled Fund Advisory Committee. With over a decade of dedicated service at the Council on Aging, Kelley brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the needs of our elderly and disabled residents. Her expertise and commitment to improving the quality of life for our community make her an invaluable addition to the committee. I am confident that she will play a vital role in advancing the committee' s mission. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of her contributions to this important work. Sincerely, ~Lov~~ Mayor Shaunna O'Connell  CITY CLERK'S OFFICE CITY OF TAUNTON 1 5 SUMMER STREET TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02780 TELEPHONE: 508 • 82 1 • 1 024 • FAX: 508 • 82 1 • 1 098 E ·MAIL: JLEGER@T AUNTON ·MA.GOV JENNIFER L. LEGER KRYST AL L. DION CITY CLERK ASSISTANT CITY CLERK September 26, 2024 Mayor Shaunna L. 0' Connell Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council President Pottier and Councilors, I have attached a list of candidates for the appointment of one (1) Permanent Full-Time Police Sergeant as requested. The appointment will require a roll call vote followed by the swearing-in of the selected candidate. Respectfully, ~~ 1Meb-- Krystal L. Rebelo (Dion) Assistant City Clerk  TAUNTON POLICE DEPARTMENT DATE: September 18, 2024 LOCATION: Taunton Jennifer L. Leger, City Clerk City of Taunton REQUISITION# 09287 15 Summer St. Taunton, MA 02780 One (1) Permanent Full Time Police Sergeant Applicant Status Applicant Signature Name and Address of Applicant Notified to Report for Interview MJ,s, Clint William - I WILL Accept the Appointment 1-· I will NOT Accept the Appointment 3 / (J ~ Q'in, Andrew Philip (/ /4-z~· 3 1< I WILL Accept the Appointment r I will NOT Accept the Appointment ~~ Bussiere, Keith A. ...._ ""' 4 ~ "" r I WILL Accept the Appointment Chaves, Bryan r I will NOT Accept the Appointment 4/ O" I WILL Accept the Appointment r I will NOT Accept the Appointment ])erosier, JeremyT. 4 r I WILL Accept the Appointment 1- I will NOT Accept the Appointment Lavigne, Seth A. 4 n I WILL Accept the Appointment r~ I will NOT Accept the Appointment MacDougall, Peter J. 4 /iWILL Accept the Appointment r I will NOT Accept the Appointment  CITY CLERK'S OFFICE CITY OF TAUNTON 1 5 SUMMER STREET 02780 TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS TELEPHONE: 508-821·1024 • FAX: 508-821·1098 E ·MAIL: JLEGER@T AUNTON ·MA.GOV JENNIFER L. LEGER KRYST AL L. DION CITY CLERK ASSIST ANT CITY CLERK September 27, 2024 Mayor Shaunna L. 0' Connell Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council President Pottier and Councilors, I have attached a list of candidates for the appointment of four (4) Permanent Full-Time Police Officers as requested. Respectfully, ~z.~ Krystal L. Rebelo (Dion) Assistant City Clerk Page I of 2 4 Vacancies Requisition # .!!U.!.!l Job Type Permanent Full-Time Requisiti?n Police Officer Vacancies 4 Title Working Title Police Officer HR Analyst Dussourd, Chris Department Taunton Police Department HR Analyst Phone Division HR Liaison Leger, Jennifer Positions HR Liaison Phone Comments: 09/19/24 [C. Dussourd]: Taunton has been authorized to process the open competitive list to fill their vacancy. Selection must be made from 4 of the first 9 highest candidates willing to accept. The referral list is valid for 12 weeks from the date of issuance. That calendar date is 12/12/2024. Candidates must indicate their interest on or before 9/26/2024. Once given a conditional offer of employment, candidates must take and pass the initial hire Medical Exam and Physical Ability Test. A previously passed medical and PAT cannot be used for candidates hired from this certification. I snapshot found. Snapshot 019480 1 McCarthy, Patrick 402A 07/01/25 019480 2 Shaunte!, Garner-Anderson 402A 06/01/26 019480 3 Davey, Joseph Patrick 402A 06/01/26 019480 4 Kenneson, Logan DV 07/ 01/2 5 019480 5 Tehan, Justin DV 07/01/25 019480 6 Shani, Alexander Leonard DV 07/01/25 019480 7 Schnupp, Joseph E DV 06/01/26 ~O</L- I 019480 019480 8 9 DaRosa, Jonathan Musallam, Elias DV DV 06/01/26 06/01/26 019480 10 Braga, Devin L VET 06/01/26 019480 11 Hernandez, Maireni VET 06/01/26 019480 12 Swisher, Allisen VET 06/01/26 019480 13 Sanha, Lassana VET 06/01/26 019480 14 Corrao Jr, Paul Joseph 06/ 01/26 019480 14 Letourneau, Matthew J CIV 06/01/26 019480 14 Lopez, Anthony James CIV 07/01/25 019480 14 Silva Jr, Joseph M. 07/01/25 I _c:- Page I of 2 4 Vacancies Page 2 of2 4 Vacancies 01948Q J'l)en,J;l!!)'.~yD, 07/01/25 019480 cassidy, Brendan 07/01/25 o~rilerdaie;i;r;i:a1twl!!f!'au1 . , ', ~' , , : " ' ' "' _, ' , ' . ., . v 06/01/26 019480 Marks, Connor M 06/01/26 ·~ 019!1'.SO,. 0(>/01/26 9~ 019480 Colon, Sebastian 06/01/26 019480 ·.Ml!$H~ssEin,. ~l'1J1ael ·• 06/01/26 c 019480 16 Pitts, Cameron John 06/01/26 Page 2 of2 4 Vacancies 91  TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD 141 Oak St. - Office Address 15 Summer St. - Mailing Address Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Phone 508-821-1051 Denise J Paiva. Head Administrative Clerk September 23, 2024 Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council 15 Summer St. Taunton,Ma.02780 C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk RE: Prosed Zoning Changes - Floodplain regulations Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council: The Planning Board is in receipt of the Proposed Zoning Change Floodplain Regulations -Article XIII Sections 440 -1301 through 440-1311 - Special Flood Hazard and Floodplain Overlay Districts submitted by the City Planner which has been referred by the Municipal Council to the public hearing process. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on these proposed changes on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 5:30 PM at City Hall, 15 Summer St. in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 2nct floor, Taunton, Ma. Respectfully, .· I /;1 I ·If 1 ;1~· .ci .,,v11 l /U"fj/1_ 7 ~ 11 1,,.-;,,,, 1 ;- '....t: ~V\._ fi l c_,,V' f ( 0' A f f....t,. ' I ·~ Anthony Abre~u, Chairman Taunton Planning Board AA/djp  7. City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street· Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL (508) 821-1000 OFFICER Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR September 26, 2024 Council President Pottier Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council, The Finance Department is requesting a transfer from the City's Capital Stabilization fund in the amount of $500,000 to cover the cost of the first phase of the Memorial Park project. As Council is aware, this project is unique in many aspects and has been ongoing for over 18 months. The projected cost for the first phase of the project is approximately $3,500,000 in construction cost. The funding of this project derives from several sources listed below: Memorial Park Funding Categorv Grant funded ARPA Cao Stabilization Total Engineering $ 500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 Current Project $ 2,500,000.00 $ 2,500,000.00 Reau est $ 500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 1,000,000. 00 Total $ 1,000,000.00 $ 2,500,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 4,000,000.00 Mayor O'Connell allocated $2,500,000 from ARP A funds to help fund this project, and our State Delegation advocated successfully and secured an additional $500,000, which has been earmarked to cover the engineering component of the project. We have recently been informed that our OECD team working with our PCPG Commissioner and Finance team have secured an additional $500,000 from a PARC grant. Truly a team effort lead by our Grant Manager Heather Rios. Based upon a strict ARPA timeline, we are required to have this project under contract by December 31, 2024. We are requesting a $500,000 transfer from our Capital Stabilization account to cover the balance of phase one. PCPG Commissioner Marshall will provide additional information to you. The Finance Department will replenish these funds to the stabilization account at the next Capital Improvement outlay. Thank you for your consideration. Re;?;f)~- Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr. Chief Financial Officer  Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. City of Taunton CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL (508) 821-1000 OFFICER Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR September 25, 2024 Council President David Pottier Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council, Our Revitalize Taunton initiative, funded through the Marketable Properties Program (MPP), has created new economic growth which increases the City's tax base to ease the burden on residents and businesses. This initiative has also assisted in funding several affordable and market rate housing developments that are providing desperately needed housing options. To continue to build upon the positive opportunities and development the MPP has created, the Finance Department is requesting a transfer from the Sale of Real Estate Account in the amount of $450,000 to the City's Marketable Properties Program fund administered by the Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development. Based on recent actions taken to remove real estate parcels from the MPP, this transfer is necessary to ensure gap financing and grant opportunities that are funded with proceeds from the MPP continue to be available for future development of blighted and hard-to-develop properties. There is currently a balance of $466,933 in the MPP account and this transfer would leave a balance of $83,249 in the Sale of Real Estate Account. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted, /} 1'/---!:- /) f);/l /l~ 11.,,z.:~ / ltft,t!-' Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr. Chief Financial Officer City of Taunton  15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 CITY OF T A UNTON (508) 821-1044 elections@taunton-ma.gov MASSACHUSETTS YS!eetionJ Qf'tee September 26th, 2024 Taunton City Council President David Pottier, Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 RE: Election Day Police Details and Election Warrant Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council, Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2022 requires the Council to act as the appointing authority for police detail coverage on Election Day. In advance of the November 05th, 2024 State Election, I am formally requesting the City Council to make a motion to approve police detail coverage for Election Day. Please be advised, one police detail per precinct, and one additional detail per polling location, are being requested for this election. One Police officer will do their normal duties, while the second police officer will work with the Precinct Wardens to scan for political attire within 150' of the polling location, as per Massachusetts General Law Section 65 of chapter 54. Upon approval, the police department will coordinate coverage with the individual officers. Further, I have attached the warrant for the State Election. The State Election Warrant Ballot question language is prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. I request the warrant be approved for signature. Once approved, my office will coordinate with a constable for posting. Thank you in advance for you time and consideration. Respectfully, Mark L. Pacheco Director of Elections  COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH WARRANT FOR STATE ELECTION SS. To the Constables of the City of Taunton GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said city or town who are qualified to vote in Elections to vote at: 1A/1A1 LIBERTY CHRISTIAN CTR SA HOPEWELL SCHOOL 1B WEST CONG. PARISH HS SB HOLY ROSARY PARISH CTR 2A ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE CHURCH 6A CRAIG C SHERMAN CENTER-DPW 2B FORMER TEMPORARY CITY HALL 6B LEDDY SCHOOL 3A NEW ELIZABETH POLE SCHOOL 7A MULCAHEY SCHOOL 3B NEW ELIZABETH POLE SCHOOL 7B BENNETT SCHOOL 4A JOSEPH H. MARTIN SCHOOL SA BENJAMIN FRIEDMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL. 4B/4B1 EAST TAUNTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SB TAUNTON ELKS CLUB on TUESDAY, THE FIFTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024, from 7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. forthe following purpose: To cast their votes in the State Election for the candidates for the following offices: ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT ...................................... FOR THESE UNITED STATES SENATOR IN CONGRESS .................................................................................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS.................................................................................... FOURTH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR .............................................................................................................................. FIRST DISTRICT SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT ................................................ THIRD BRISTOL & PLYMOUTH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT .................................. THIRD, FIFTH AND TWELFTH DISTRICT CLERK OF COURTS ................................................................................................................BRISTOL COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS .......................................................................... ~ .......... BRISTOL NORTHERN DISTRICT COUNTY COMMISSIONER ....................................................................................................BRISTOL COUNTY SCHOOL COMMITTEE .......................................... BRISTOL-PLYMOUTH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 1: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was _taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 1, 2024? SUMMARY This proposed law would specify that the State auditor has the authority to audit the legislature. A YES VOTE would specify that the State auditor has the authority to audit the legislature. A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the State Auditor's authority.  11. QUESTION 2: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 1, 2024? SUMMARY This proposed law would eliminate the requirement that a student pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests (or other statewide or district-wide assessments) in mathematics, science and technology, and English-in order to receive a high school diploma. Instead, in order for a student to receive a high school diploma, the proposed law would require the student to complete coursework certified by the student's district as demonstrating mastery of the competencies contained in the state academic standards in mathematics, science and technology, and English, as well as any additional areas determined by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. A YES VOTE would eliminate the requirement that students pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in order to graduate high school but still require students to complete coursework that meets state standards. A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the requirement that a student pass the MCAS in order to graduate high school. QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 1, 2024? SUMMARY The proposed law would provide Transportation Network Drivers ("Drivers") with the right to form unions ("Driver Organizations") to collectively bargain with Transportation Network Companies ("Companies")-which are companies that use a digital network to connect riders to drivers for pre-arranged transportation-to create negotiated recommendations concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Drivers would not be required to engage in any union activities. Companies would be allowed to form multi-Company associations to represent them when negotiating with Driver Organizations. The state would supervise the labor activities permitted by the proposed law and would have responsibility for approving or disapproving the negotiated recommendations. The proposed law would define certain activities by a Company or a Driver Organization to be unfair work practices. The proposed law would establish a hearing process for the state Employment Relations Board ("Board") to follow when a Company or Driver Organization is charged with an unfair work practice. The proposed law would permit the Board to take action, including awarding compensation to adversely affected Drivers, if it found that an unfair work practice had been committed. The proposed law would provide for an appeal of a Board decision to the state Appeals Court. This proposed law also would establish a procedure for determining which Drivers are Active Drivers, meaning that they completed more than the median number of rides in the previous six months. The proposed law would establish procedures for the Board to determine that a Driver Organization has signed authorizations from at least five percent of Active Drivers, entitling the Driver Organization to a list of Active Drivers; to designate a Driver Organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers based on signed authorizations from at least twenty-five percent of Active Drivers; to resolve disputes over exclusive bargaining status, including through elections; and to decertify a Driver Organization from exclusive bargaining status. A Driver Organization that has been designated the exclusive bargaining representative would have the exclusive right to represent the Drivers and to receive voluntary membership dues deductions. Once the Board determined that a Driver Organization was the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers, the Companies would be required to bargain with that Driver Organization concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Once the Driver Organization and Companies reached agreement on wages, benefits, and the terms and conditions of work, that agreement would be voted upon by all Drivers who has completed at least 100 trips the previous quarter. If approved by a majority of votes cast, the recommendations would be submitted to the state Secretary of Labor for approval and if approved, would be effective for three years. The proposed law would establish procedures for the mediation and arbitration ifthe Driver Organization and Companies failed to reach agreement within a certain period of time. An arbitrator would consider factors set forth in the proposed law, including whether the wages of Drivers would be enough so that Drivers would not need to rely upon any public benefits. The proposed law also sets out procedures for the Secretary of Labor's review and approval of recommendations negotiated by a Driver Organization and the Companies and for judicial review of the Secretary's decision. The proposed law states that neither its provisions, an agreement nor a determination by the Secretary would be able to lessen labor standards established by other laws. If there were any conflict between the proposed law and existing Massachusetts labor relations law, the proposed law would prevail. The Board would make rules and regulations as appropriate to effectuate the proposed law. The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect. A YES VOTE would provide transportation network drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the ability of transportation network drivers to form unions. QUESTION 4: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 1, 2024? SUMMARY This proposed law would allow persons aged 21 and older to grow, possess, and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. The psychedelic substances allowed would be two substances found in mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocyn) and three substances found in plants (dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine). These substances could be purchased at an approved location for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. This proposed law would otherwise prohibit any retail sale of natural psychedelic substances. This proposed law would also provide for the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances. This proposed law would license and regulate facilities offering supervised use of these psychedelic substances and provide for the taxation of proceeds from those facilities' sales of psychedelic substances. It would also allow persons aged 21 and older to grow these psychedelic substances in a 12-foot by 12-foot area at their home and use these psychedelic substances at their home. This proposed law would authorize persons aged 21 or older to possess up to one gram of psilocybin, one gram of psilocyn, one gram of dimethyltryptamine, 18 grams of mescaline, and 30 grams of ibogaine ("personal use amount"), in addition to whatever they might grow at their home, and to give away up to the personal use amount to a person aged 21 or over. This proposed law would create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission of five members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would administer the law governing the use and distribution of these psychedelic substances. The Commission would adopt regulations governing licensing qualifications, security, recordkeeping, education and training, health and safety requirements, testing, and age verification. This proposed law would also create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Advisory Board of 20 members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would study and make recommendations to the Commission on the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances. This proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably restrict the time, place, and manner of the operation of licensed facilities offering psychedelic substances, but cities and towns could not ban those facilities or their provision of these substances. The proceeds of sales of psychedelic substances at licensed facilities would be subject to the state sales tax and an additional excise tax of 15 percent. In addition, a city or town could impose a separate tax of up to two percent. Revenue received from the additional state excise tax, license application fees, and civil penalties for violations of this proposed law would be deposited in a Natural Psychedelic Substances Regulation Fund and would be used, subject to appropriation, for administration of this proposed law. Using the psychedelic substances as permitted by this proposed law could not be a basis to deny a person medical care or public assistance, impose discipline by a professional licensing board, or enter adverse orders in child custody cases absent clear and convincing evidence that the activities created an unreasonable danger to the safety of a minor child. This proposed law would not affect existing laws regarding the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence, or the ability of employers to enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of these psychedelic substances by employees. This proposed law would allow property owners to prohibit the use, display, growing, processing, or sale of these psychedelic substances on their premises. State and local governments could continue to restrict the possession and use of these psychedelic substances in public buildings or at schools. This proposed law would take effect on December 15, 2024. A YES VOTE would allow persons over age 21 to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home and would create a commission to regulate those substances. A NO VOTE would make no change in the law regarding natural psychedelic substances. QUESTION 5: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 1, 2024? SUMMARY The proposed law would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker, over the course of five years, on the following schedule: • To 64% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2025; • To 73% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2026; • To 82% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2027; • To 91 % of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2028; and • To 100% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2029 The proposed law would require employers to continue to pay tipped workers the difference between the state minimum wage and the total amount a tipped worker receives in hourly wages plus tips through the end of 2028. The proposed law would also permit employers to calculate this difference over the entire weekly or bi-weekly payroll period. The requirement to pay this difference would cease when the required hourly wage for tipped workers would become 100% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2029. Under the proposed law, if an employer pays its workers an hourly wage that is at least the state minimum wage, the employer would be permitted to administer a ''tip pool" that combines all the tips given by customers to tipped workers and distributes them among all the workers, including non-tipped workers. A YES VOTE would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non-management workers. A NO VOTE would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers.  14. Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting. Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting. Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting. Given under our hands this 1sT day of October 2024. TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS CITY COUNCIL CITY CLERK Served in hand to City Clerk _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____, 2024. Constable (month and day) Warrant must be posted by October 29, 2024 (no fewer than seven days prior to the November 5, 2024 State Election)  CITY OF TAUNTON MASSACHUSETIS CITY HALL ANN EX 141 OAK STREET CHRIS CARMICHAEL TAUNTON, MA 02780-3464 SUPERINTENDENT OF BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS (508) 821-1015 To: School Long Range subcommittee; via John Cabral, Superintendent of Schools Date: September 26, 2024 Re: Hopewell, Update In addressing the concerns raised in your September 10, 2024 meeting I have toured the former Hopewell School at 12 Monroe Street. A site visit was performed by members of the Building Department on 9/25/24 along with Elections Director Mark Pacheco. During the visit to the polling center located within the first floor cafeteria we ensured that the area was safe and adequate for its intended use. We confirmed there was an accessible ingress and egress, along with proper lighting, heating and bathroom facilities. Pursuant to the Election Director's email of 9/16/24 to Council President Pottier (attached) he has already started searching for an alternative to the former Hopewell School and anticipates that this November's presidential election will be the last at this location . Please let me know if you have any additional questions and or concerns. Respectfully, Chris Carmichael, Superintendent of Public Buildings 9126/24, 12:01 PM Mail - Chris Carmichael - Outlook FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Mark Pacheco <mgacheco@taunton-ma.gov> Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 9:39 AM To: David Pottier <DPottier@taunton-ma.gQ:ll>; Maggie Clarke <mclarke@taunton-ma.gov> Subject: Hopewell School Good Morning Council President Pottier, I read the correspondence in this weeks Council Agenda RE: Hopewell School. I wanted to submit some information. The Taunton Elections Department will be looking at alternatives to Hopewell school upon the completion of the Presidential Election. It will be used for November as a change now, before such an important election, would cause much confusion for our voters. However, we anticipate that the presidential election will be the last election at this location. We always have a pre-election meeting with our Building Department, and as part of that, we have walked and surveyed the Hopewell property as part of the Election planning process. We will do this again ahead of the Presidential Election. Per the letter, it seemed a large reason for the request new roof for Hopewell was the fact it is a polling location, so I wanted to weigh in on the topic. MCM"lv L. Pcuheco- City of Taunton Director of Elections 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA. 02780 (508) 821-1000 ext. 1185  Ll. City of Taunton LAW DEPARTMENT Shaunna O ' Connell 15 Summer Street Lisa Bond, Esq . MAYOR FIRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397 Thomas P. Gay, Jr. , Esq. CITY SOLICITOR ASST CITY SOLICITOR David T. Gay, Esq . SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR September 26, 2024 Council President David Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council City of Taunton City Hall 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council: Submitted herewith is communication dated September 20, 2024 which the Law Department has received from Xfinity with information about changes to Xfinity TV services. Thank you. Respectfully, /~~-~Q~ Matthew J. CostU~quire City Solicitor MJC/tmg Enclosure  19. September 20, 2024 City Attorney City of Taunton 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear City Attorney: As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you and our customers informed about changes to Xfinity TV services, we wanted to update you that Comcast will be discontinuing the use of CableCARDs with Comcast-issued equipment on October 24, 2024. Customers are receiving advance notice of this change via bill message. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. For your convenience I can be reached at patrick_shearns@comcast.com. Very truly yours, Pcitr~d~J. s~ecirll\,s. Patrick J. Shearns, Sr. Manager Government & Regulatory Affairs City of Tauntott law Department  I I 25 () I ~ -; -; ']:;. ·-<: I ~: (/) ,...,"l I.~'·),...,'__; 1 ., --- "•( -0 ['0 ~ ··- ·r"q '::! (j October 1, 2024 - ~-- ~--·· -,--· ·r·; -·· . .. ··~ ;;t; -J -< .__,. ""·~... c; :t ].> -"\ i"71 Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor l> .:;=]CJ Council President David W. Pottier i'1 ::i:;i 9 -,., :::<; ·:-) And Members of the Municipal Council a ~ Ul The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. 5:30 PM The Committee on Finance and Salaries 1. Approve minutes from September 24, 2024. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. 3. Meet for an update on the City donation accounts. Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass. Gen. L. C. JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting. The Committee of the Whole 1. Approve minutes from August 20, 2024 and August 27, 2024. 2. Meet with the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School Project management team for an update on the building and road infrastructure around the school. Please note: A "meeting " of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass. Gen. L. C. JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting. Respectfully, ~t' . ~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Page 1of1