City Council

City of'Taunton :M.unicipa{Council:M.eeting :M.inutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ :M.artin :M.unicipa{Council Cnam6ers :M.inutes, Octo6er 8, 2024 at 8.· 19 O'cCoc~/P.:M.. <PfediJe ofJf.{{egiance ~gufar 9'1.eeting 9'1.ayor Sliaunna £. 0 'Conne[{presiding <Prayer was offerea 6y tne 9'1.ayor <Present at ro[{ ca[{ were: CounciCors (J)ooner, (J)uarte, <Foste{{, Quinta~ Sanders, <Pottier, 9'1.artin, CBorges ana9'1.cCau[ Record of October 1, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. J.P. Marcoux, Jr., 40 Summer Street, Taunton, discussed that he is having an issue with the crosswalk located at Post Office Square. He expressed his fear of being hit while using the crosswalk. He stated that he was almost hit last week, as well as this week, while attempting to use the crosswalk. He stated that there are skid marks all over the sidewalk. Mayor 0 'Connell requested that the Assistant City Clerk refer this matter to her office so that she can share it with the Safety Officer. Colleen Simmons, 25 Silverwood Drive, Taunton, expressed her support for extending the retirement age of Police Chief Edward Walsh to 70 years. She discussed that he has shown excellent leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to public safety. She discussed that there are projects underway that would benefit from his leadership. Kim Dorsey, 112 Woodlawn Street, East Taunton, stated that she spoke two weeks ago regarding concerns of renumbering the homes on Woodlawn Street. She stated that she reached out to the Mayor's Office, as well as the Law Department. She stated that she spoke to Attorney Costa and he stated that he would straighten the issues out and that all of the emergency services have been notified. She stated that the emergency services were called the other day and there was confusion with the numbers as the resident provided their former house number. She expressed her frustration that she recently tried to update her address and was told it was invalid and that the issues continue to exist. Mayor 0 'Connell stated that they will provide an explanation regarding the GIS system. Hearing: NONE.  2 Communications from the Mayor: Corn. from Mayor O'Connell requesting consideration in extending the retirement age of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh. The process to extend the retirement age is through a home rule petition and a draft has been included for review. Mayor O'Connell stated that this is a letter of support to the City Council and that this is a decision for the City Council. She stated that they have spoken with multiple officers at every level, including the Union President, who voiced their support for this. Councilor Pottier stated that he spoke to a number of members of the Department and due to the number of projects going forward, he feels it would benefit the City that they file the Horne Rule Petition with the Legislature. Councilor Quintal stated that he spoke to multiple officers at every level. He discussed that a 70 year old can produce more in most cases than a 30 year old. He stated that he is in support of this, however, he hopes they can revisit this matter for all of law enforcement. Councilor Duarte motioned to authorize and send the Home Rule Petition to the Legislature as drafted. On discussion, Councilor Borges discussed that Chief Walsh does a great job and they are lucky to have him. She stated that they should remove Chief Walsh's name from what is before them today. She discussed that it was disappointing to see this matter on the agenda on Friday with no prior knowledge. She discussed that in 2014, they were faced with a similar situation and they were instructed to not approve it because of rank and morale. She discussed that her vote in opposition does not have to do with Chief Walsh and has to do with the fairness, being consistent and setting a precedent. She discussed that they should have been funding a deputy chief position many years ago so that someone could transition into that position. She discussed her concern that this session ends at the end of this year, therefore, if it is filed now, this bill likely won't be heard during this session and it will need to be refiled in 2025. She discussed that there are many qualified individuals within the Department. Councilor Dooner discussed that Chief Walsh has been a critical component of the City and that their processes are evolving. Councilor McCaul discussed that Chief Walsh has done a great job and that the age of 70 is not what it used to be. He stated that he would like to see this approval for all police officers and for details. He discussed his concern for other qualified individuals to move up within the Department if the retirement age is extended. Councilor Postell discussed that he previously voted in opposition for extending the age of retirement for detail officers and that it is a different position compared to the Chief of Police. He discussed that Chief Walsh has been a critical part of the Department, however, he understands the need for consistency. He stated that extending the age of retirement does not mean that he will stay until he is 70 years old, however, it does give him the opportunity. He discussed that they need to be forward thinking as the position of a police officer is constantly changing. Councilor Martin discussed that there is no guarantee that Chief Walsh will stay on until he is 70 years old and that they can call for a health evaluation at any time during the process. He stated that he reached out the members of the Union and everyone he spoke to expressed a positive position for the Chief. Councilor Sanders discussed that this is very specific to Chief Walsh. He discussed the benefit of holding onto the skillset of the current Chief. He discussed that many officers have been promoted during Chief Walsh's tenure. Councilor Quintal discussed that he trusts that every officer he spoke to would tell him the truth. Councilor Duarte stated that this is entirely about Chief Walsh and that it does not set a precedent. He discussed that the comparison to what happened in the past is irrelevant. He stated that the City Council at that time made the decision that they felt was best for the City at that time. He discussed that the position of Police Chief is primarily administrative. He discussed that Chief Walsh is often in the field, however, this is by his  3 own choice. He discussed that extending the retirement age for police officers is different than the Police Chief as a position and for a specific individual. He discussed that this comes down to succession planning, as well as the current projects moving forward, which include the new public safety facility and the new 9-1-1 system. He stated that having a change in leadership and these projects at the same time will create more problems than necessary. He stated that this is done very often and not out of the ordinary. Councilor Borges stated that her comment regarding removing Chief Walsh's name had nothing to do with the Chief personally, but rather with setting a precedent. Mayor O'Connell stated that the way matters are presented to the Council and the public is by placing them on the agenda. She discussed that there are many benefits of maintaining the Chief as they go through these different transitions. She discussed that the inability of officers to move up in rank should not be a consideration as the Chief mentors his command staff and they are often acting Chief in the City. Motion was made to authorize and send the Home Rule Petition to the Legislature as drafted on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, seven (7) Councilors voted in favor (Councilors Martin, Pottier, Sanders, Quintal, Postell, Duarte and Dooner), two (2) Councilors voted in opposition (Councilors McCaul and Borges). The motion passes. Com. from Mayor O'Connell regarding an update on Lake Sabbatia. Motion was made to receive and place on file, as well as refer to the Committee on Public Health and Environmental Affairs. So Voted. Com. from Mayor O'Connell stating that on October 2, 2024, the Taunton School Committee voted to request that the Municipal Council transfer the property located at 2 Hamilton Street from the City of Taunton to the School Department. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for next week and invite the School Committee and Superintendent Cabral to be a part of the discussion. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that they should invite the School Committee, as well as Superintendent Cabral, to be a part of the discussion. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet. Councilor Pottier read an additional communication from Father Murphy requesting permission to hold a procession on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 5:00pm from the Taunton Eagles to Saint Andrew the Apostle Church. He stated that he read this communication as it is a time sensitive matter and the event is taking place next Tuesday. Motion was made to refer to the Mayor's Office and the Police Department for the normal procedure. So Voted. Mayor O'Connell stated that the Taunton Public School's Family Welcome Center is collecting donations to help the victims of Hurricane Helene. She stated that information can be found on the City's website and Facebook page. Appointments: NONE.  4 Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department requests the opportunity to provide the Municipal Council and the residents with an update on the financial and capital performance for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board stating that on October 3, 2024, the Taunton Planning Board held a public hearing on the proposed changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance dated July 8, 2024. The Planning Board voted (6 members in favor, 1 member absent) to forward a positive recommendation to the Municipal Council on the proposed changes. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee on Zoning. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that this matter is already in the public hearing process. Councilor Borges withdrew her motion. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor regarding a legal opinion for the Parking Commission's authority to change Galligan's Court lot to a paid lot, without Council approval. Councilor Postell stated that this communication was read into the record during a sub- committee meeting this afternoon. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor stating that on September 24, 2024, the Municipal Council voted to request an outside legal opinion from a real estate title attorney regarding the necessity to notify the Registry of Deeds of the recent change of street numbers of Woodlawn Street. The Law Department received a legal opinion from Attorney Felix J. Cerrato, Jr. On discussion, Councilor Duarte questioned whether the Law Department sent this letter to the residents. Mayor 0' Connell stated that they will be sending a communication to the residents with a few different pieces of information and that they can include this as well. Councilor Borges questioned Mayor O'Connell regarding the status of the GIS system. Mayor O'Connell stated that the City Engineer will provide a formal communication regarding how the system works and how it gets updated. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor stating that he has enclosed a deed that would conserve the Soper Estate land on Williams Street (Assessor's parcels 67-110 and 67-104) and Lot 77E off of Crane Avenue South. Councilor Borges motioned to refer this matter back to the agenda with the corrected deed and have Attorney Costa provide an explanation as to why the parcel on John Hancock Road has not been included. So Voted. Com. from the City Solicitor regarding funding an attorney for the Municipal Council. The Law Department would like to have more information about the intent of this request. Depending on what the Council has in mind, this request potentially would raise legal questions that would need to be addressed under the City Ordinances, City Charter, etc. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. So Voted.  5 Communications from Citizens: NONE. Petitions: Personal Kennel License - New Petition submitted by Octavio and Keri Sousa, 85 Meaghan Circle, East Taunton for a NEW Grade 1 (4-6 Dogs) Personal Kennel License/NOT Business Use to be located at 85 Meaghan Circle, East Taunton. Motion was made to refer to the Assistant City Clerk to schedule a public hearing. So Voted. Committee Reports: Motion was made for Committee Reports to be read by title and approved. So Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in Committee Reports. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance (or a second reading to he passed to a third reading AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING A CERTAIN PARKING AREA AT THE SOUTH STREET PLAYGROUND AS RESERVED FOR PARKING FOR 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 third reading. So Voted.  6 Ordinance (or a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE GOLF COURSE COMMISSION CHAPTER 10. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES Article IX Golf Course Commission Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: Article IX of Chapter 10 of the Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by replacing Article IX in its entirety with the following: § 10-34 Membership. There shall be a Golf Course Commission (hereinafter referred to at times as the "Commission") consisting of seven Commissioners to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Municipal Council as hereinafter provided. § 10-35 Filling of positions; nominations. A. The positions on the Commission shall be filled in the following manner: (1) Five shall be from the Taunton community at large; and (2) One shall be season pass holders at John F. Parker Municipal Golf Course. (3) One Commissioner shall be a member of the Municipal Council § 10-36 Appointment; term of office. A. The appointment of each member shall be for two years; B. Should a Commissioner die, resign or otherwise become disqualified to serve before the expiration of his or her term, the Mayor shall appoint an individual to serve the remainder of the unexpired term, said appointment to take place in the manner above provided. C. The term of the Municipal Council Commission member shall concur with the inauguration for the City of Taunton. § 10-37 Management and operation of John F. Parker Golf Course. The Commission shall oversee the management and operation of the John F. Parker Golf Course property and facilities and shall, from time to time as it deems advisable or at the Mayor's request, make recommendations to the Mayor relative to the management, operation, control, use, and development of the golf course property and its facilities. The CFO and Procurement Department with recommendations by the Commission shall draft an RFP for the management of the Golf Course for such term of years as the CFO and Procurement Department and Commission, deem in the best interest of the City. The Commission shall make recommendations on responses to the Mayor. The Mayor shall,  7 with the assistance of the Commission, the CFO and Procurement, award the contract to a successful bidder with the approval of the Municipal Council. § 10-38 Meetings; duty to keep Mayor & Municipal Council informed; officers. A. The Commission shall meet monthly and at such other times as may be advisable or necessary to carry out its functions. All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, and full minutes shall be kept. B. The Commission shall keep the Mayor at all times fully informed about the operations of the golf course and about any proposals, developments or other factors which the Commission deems may or will affect or otherwise are relevant to the management, operation, control, use or development of the golf course property or its facilities. C. The Commission shall elect from its own members a Chairperson and a Secretary who shall serve for one year. D. The Commission will present an annual update to the Municipal Council on the status and operations of the golf course. § 10-39 Role of Commission; authority of Mayor. The Commission shall maintain daily oversight of the John F. Parker Municipal Golf Course operations and management and make recommendations to the Mayor; develop and implement capital improvement to be submitted to the Mayor and the CFO for review, comment and approval and other development plans for the golf course; set policy for the golf course, including course operation times and definition and implementation of a code of conduct for users of the golf course; and establish, maintain and report quarterly to the Mayor in reference thereto a budget sufficient to carry forth the duties of the Commission. 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. Councilor Sanders was opposed. New Business: Councilor Pottier motioned to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for Board decisions/rulings to be summarized in the agenda packet as informational purposes only to help publicize the decisions of the City's Boards. So Voted. Councilor Pottier motioned to have the City Council meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. due to the Election. So Voted. Councilor Borges motioned to refer the position of the Procurement Director to the Committee on Finance and Salaries as the contract for the current Procurement Officer is $85,000, however, the posting lists the salary between $95,000 and $135,000 and would like an explanation on how this position will change and invite  8 the Human Resources Director for the discussion. So Voted. Councilors Duarte and Dooner were opposed. Councilor McCaul motioned to refer the matter of extending the retirement age of the Police Department from 65 to 70 years old to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Councilors Duarte and Dooner were opposed. Councilor Quintal requested permission to reach out to Manny Massa, the Animal Control Officer, to see if they have an abundance of dog food. He stated that if that is the case, he will pick it up and donate it to Taunton Public School's Family Welcome Center for the hurricane victims. Mayor 0 'Connell stated that her Office will confirm if this is allowed. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events - October 8, 2024 • Communication from Father Murphy regarding a Procession on October 15, 2024 Meeting adjourned at 9:16 P.M. A true copy: Attest: ~,;(.~ Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk K.LRJMAT  9 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 8, 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 AJ Marshall, Commissioner of Parks, Cemetary, and Public Grounds Jay Pateakos, OECD Executive Director The meeting was called to order at 5 :3 7 PM. ~ ,_j _n__., .r::.:: -·· I -·< . C.:> C'.':. -:IJ - ~· _.., Cl :1 1 .. 1. Approve minutes from October 1, 2024. :~!: I~-') -· I ·~- T~J ·~~:.; t.Jl -· .: - ct> --. .-!',.,. P1 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. -- }> -;:,.. 0 ·-n ....., i.~? ' -r n -:.·a:, N r"".1 Ld 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the payroll warrant in the amount of $1, 698, 434. 67. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amounto/$2,408,848.27. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to transfer $500,000 from Capital Stabilization (84-3580-8027) to Memorial Park Restoration (34-3590-3590-630-05). Mr. Duarte read a letter from Patrick Dello Russo dated September 26, 2024 explaining the request. Mr. Dello Russo explained that the project cost has increased by about a million dollars from the initial thoughts.  10 Commissioner Marshall gave a presentation showing the entire master plan for the revitalization of Memorial Park. The total cost is approximately $8 Million for the full restoration. The plan includes 96 off-street parking spaces with lighting, a great lawn with an amphitheater and restrooms, the restoration and shrinking of the pond, an esplanade, a new pavilion, a new structural lawn, a new community garden, a memorial garden, a scenic overlook with potential sledding, a wooded trail through the wetlands, and the plan to drain the wetlands and put water into the pond. He showed construction estimates which are $3.5 Million for phase 1. Mr. Marshall showed the lighting plan and proposed renderings for a pavilion with a hearth and fireplace. He showed potential styles for the restrooms. Mr. Marshall explained that all of the money needs to be under contract by December 31. Phase 2 funding will be requested through the capital budget. Ms. Borges asked when all the work will be complete. Mr. Marshall stated that he expects phase 1 to be 18-20 months and phase 2, if funded, could be worked simultaneously. Ms. Borges asked how he envisioned the public use ofthis facility and Mr. Marshall suggested that some things currently at Hopewell could be held here. Some examples that he would like to see are concerts, classic car shows, and farmers markets. Ms. Borges asked about maintenance and staffmg and Mr. Marshall stated that the park remains the same acreage so he doesn't see the need for additional staffmg yet. Bathroom cleaning is one area where either additional staffing or contracting with an outside company might be necessary. Mr. Duarte asked about the line in the letter where it stated that funding would be replenished to the capital stabilization account and Mr. Dello Russo stated that would be from free cash. Mr. Sanders asked what the advantages of a deep, natural-bottom pond are over a concrete, shallow pond like the Frog Pond in Boston. Mr. Marshall stated that they had evaluated both options and it would be cheaper to do this and it gives a more natural feel. Instead of a flat puddle, it will be a deeper bowl. Mr. Sanders asked about draining the wetlands and Mr. Marshall stated that the excessive water in the wetlands will be redirected to the pond. Mr. Marshall explained how the elevations and inlet and outlet culverts create a spillway. Mr. Quintal asked how deep the pond will be and Mr. Marshall stated that it could be up to 12 feet deep in parts. Mr. Quintal asked about safety and Mr. Marshall stated that they would install appropriate signage. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the request to 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 with those funds being replenished in the next capital improvement outlay. So voted. Mr. Marshall stated as part of the PARC Grant process, the City Council needs to go on record supporting that in a resolution. He asked that it be forwarded to the agenda to be adopted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to send that resolution to the full Council. So voted. Committee on Finance and Salaries October 8, 2024 Page 2 of4  11 4. Meet to discuss the request to transfer $450,000 from the Sale of Real Estate (24-3300-6402) to Marketable Property Program (25-3560-6591). Mr. Duarte read a letter from Patrick Della Russo dated September 25, 2025 requesting the transfer. Mr. Pateakos stated that the MPP program has been vital since, with this funding, they have been able to step in and provide some gap financing using equipment as collateral. Ms. Borges asked where the number of $450,000 came from and Mr. Dello Russo stated that that amount had been anticipated to come from another property that was part of the original MPP. Ms. Borges asked if they had people lined up for borrowing and Mr. Pateakos stated that they do not. Typically loans are $50,000 - $100,000. Ms. Borges asked about the loan process and Mr. Pateakos stated that they give them a 3 month period and the rate is 3 .5%. Ms. Borges asked how to apply and Mr. Pateakos stated that people should call the OECD office. He also noted that they require all of the same things that banks require including business plans, projections, etc. Mr. Martin about the source of this money and Mr. Della Russo stated that this is all money that is derived outside of taxes and fees. Mr. Postell asked what is in place in the event someone defaults on their loan. Mr. Pateakos stated that they have worked with the Law Department and they have a collateral list and a personal guarantee. He noted that they have had no defaults yet. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the request for the transfer from the Sale of Real Estate Account in the amount of $45 0, 000 to the City Marketable Property Program. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 6:22 PM So voted. List o{Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 10/1/24 Payroll Warrant #57 Bill Invoice Warrant #56 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Patrick Della Russo dated 9/26/24 Presentation: Memorial Park Renovations -Master Plan Letter from Patrick Della Russo dated 9/25/24 Committee on Finance and Salaries October 8, 2024 Page 3 of4  12 CITY OF TAUNTON OCT 0 8 2024 Respectfully submitted, . IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~;[,~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. 1~£.~ ~ls~~ L. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee on Finance and Salaries October 8, 2024 Page4of4  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 8, 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 Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Larry Quintal Also Present: David German, General Manager, Commonwealth Alternative Care Lex McGinnis, Corporate Compliance Specialist, CAC Mark Higgins, General Counsel, Commonwealth Alternative Care Derek Stucki, Cannabusters Detective Peter MacDougall Police Chief Edward Walsh Attorney Joseph deMello, 71 Main Street Colleen Simmons, 25 Silverwood Drive -i ..-< ~ 'r'j ~'C) ··-; The meeting was called to order at 6 :24 PM. en ~:;:ci~ )> :~,:~8 I. Approve minutes from August 27, 2024. ~? -r~ N Ld Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to go out of the regular order of business. So voted. 5. Meet on the renewal of a Marijuana Cultivation, Retailer and Products Manufacturer License for Commonwealth Alternative Care located at 30 Mozzone Boulevard (license was renewed for three months on July 9, 2024). Mark Higgins of Commonwealth Alternative Care gave a presentation covering what odor mitigation was in place in July and what steps have been taken since. They set up a hotline for neighbors and received zero complaints from the hotline. They received two separate complaints - one from a member of the Council and one from a neighbor who reported smelling an odor. They check the limits of the property and several spots in the vicinity to assess the smell and have noted that the smell from the Water Solutions Group is generally  14 greater. They contracted with a third party group represented by :Mr. Stucki. They upgraded their carbon filters to HEP A. :Mr. Stucki from Cannabusters explained his product of odorless odor elimination technology and how it will be used at Commonwealth Alternative Care. The product is odorless and has been in the cannabis space since 2019. They use high pressure, odorless odor elimination technology. Cannabis odors are created by terpenes or VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which can react with smog or ozone. :Mr. Stucki stated that they will fog Cannabusters with water into the exhaust airstream and when it contacts terpene molecules they are oxidized. The droplets of the fog are very tiny and dosing of the product is affected by the crop maturity. Mr. Stucki stated that they inspected the facilities for all locations where air is leaving and they will treat all of the exhaust points and eliminate odor at all of them. Ms. Borges asked what they found during their inspections and :Mr. Stucki explained that the staff put together a list of all the vents including a rollup door. Ms. Borges asked when this will be completely installed and :Mr. German stated that it will be complete within another week maximum. Ms. Borges asked ifthere will be inspections and :Mr. Stucki stated that testing would be on request. :Mr. Postell asked :Mr. Stucki for some information on his background and :Mr. Stucki stated that this product was originally sold to landfills. :Mr. Postell asked if there are environmental concerns and :Mr. Stucki stated that their GRAS classification is a federal level classification and it is widely in use across many industries. :Mr. Quintal asked about other industries and :Mr. Stucki stated that this is used in landfills and sewer treatment. :Mr. Pottier asked why they hadn't tried scrubber technology and Attorney Higgins stated that they had evaluated the options and this was more cost effective. :Mr. Sanders asked if the GRAS designation was self-affirmed or from the FDA and :Mr. Stucki stated that it is from the FDA. :Mr. Sanders asked about the main active ingredient, iodine, and exposure for staff. :Mr. Stucki stated that in exposure studies, they were well below limits as spelled out by OSHA. :Mr. Postell encouraged them to keep the hotline open. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve the renewal for the remainder of the 12 month license. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to return to the normal order of business. So voted. Committee on Police and License October 8, 2024 Page2 oj6  15 2. Meet on the petition for a new Second Hand Article License for Nova Constructs LLC dba Nova Constructs at 18 Broadway Ste. 205. Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. 3. Meet on the following petitions for renewal of Hours of Operation Licenses: a. Bobby's Place, Inc. at 60 Weir Street to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week Detective MacDougall stated that he believes that the 24/7 is a clerical error. \Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to table. So voted. b. Broadway Quick & Clean Car Wash, Inc. at 17 5 Broadway to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve. So voted. c. CVS Pharmacy, Inc. dba CVS Pharmacy #41 at 284 Winthrop Street to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. d. Entertainment One Stop Shop LLC dba Platinum City Gaming at 294 Winthrop Street to stay open until 2:00am Sunday through Saturday Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. e. E-Z Clean Laundry Center Inc. at 173 Broadway to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week f. E-Z Clean Laundry Center Inc. at 11 Tremont Street to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week g. E-Z Clean Laundry Center Inc. at 89 Winthrop Street to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation on items e, f, and g. Committee on Police and License October 8, 2024 Page3of6  16 Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve list as read. So voted. h. MPG Corporation dba Garrett's Family Market at 231 Broadway to stay open 24 hours 7 days a week Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to approve. So voted. 4. Meet to discuss the issues with parking behind City Hall. Mr. Postell stated that there has been a notable increase in parking behind City Hall. Mr. McCaul stated that he had received multiple calls from businesses downtown on this issue. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to invite Attorney deMello into the enclosure. So voted. Attorney Joseph deMello stated that he has been downtown every day since 1978, he has lived downtown, and is familiar with the parking here. He understands that there is a plan to provide parking permits to City Hall employees to the exclusion of other businesses downtown. However, he believes that the parking has been made worse by the construction that has been ongoing and that the crisis is largely over. Further, Mr. deMello stated that when the City took the land by eminent domain there was no discussion on reserved parking for City Hall employees. He believes that a first come, first served approach has worked just fine. He stated that businesses downtown pay the highest taxes with the BID tax surcharge and asked that another burden not be added. Chief Walsh stated that there is a difficult parking situation downtown. The Parking Commission made a regulation but it hasn't been enforced. Ultimately they will need a long term solution and they are looking at a parking study. Mr. Postell stated that he remembers a conversation when City Hall was being designed that there was going to be enough parking. He noted that with the new public safety building coming online, police vehicles will be relocated. Mr. Postell stated that he does not like having designated spots. Mr. Quintal asked if City Hall employees park behind Mr. deMello's building and Attorney deMello stated that he does not monitor that. Mr. deMello stated that he would like to see a deferral to this regulation. Committee on Police and License October 8, 2024 Page 4 of6  17 Ms. Borges asked when the Parking Commission had taken that vote and Chief Walsh said that it was about two months ago but they haven't done anything yet. Ms. Borges suggested that the Council send a letter to the Parking Commission indicating that they are not in favor of this. City Hall parking should be on a first come, first served basis. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to invite in Mrs. Simmons into the enclosure. So voted. Ms. Simmons stated that the BID went on record and they do not support reserving parking spots. She had done some research and not many cities have designated employee parking. Mr. McCaul stated that he is concerned with how parking for the Union Block apartments will be handled. Ms. Simmons stated that the 36 units will have 36 designated spaces. Chief Walsh stated that nothing has been implemented and they are taking a wait and see approach. Attorney deMello stated that they would be more comfortable if a vote was taken to delay implementation of the plan. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal that the City Council send a letter to the Parking Commission to voice opposition to designated parking behind City Hall. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal that the City Solicitor come into the public' Property Committee regarding the jurisdiction of the City Council with the Parking Commission. Chief Walsh stated that the Parking Commission has authority over off street parking except for rates which must be approved by the Council. The motion was withdrawn. Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to dismiss the parties. So voted. 5. Meet to discuss the changing of Galligan's Court to a paid lot. Mr. Postell read a letter from Attorney Costa dated October 2, 2024 that was on the evening's agenda. Mr. Duarte stated that the issue is that the Ordinances be followed. Parking tickets that have already been issued since October 1 are probably not valid since it was not done by a legal vote of the City Council. He asked how the Parking Commission over looked this . . Chief Walsh stated that Galligan's Court has been a long haul and the plan was always to make it a paid lot. This was just an oversight. Committee on Police and License October 8, 2024 Page5 oj6  18 Ms. Borges asked if refunding anyone ticketed was possible and Chief Walsh said it is potentially doable. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to authorize Galligan 's Court to be a paid lot effective tomorrow. So voted. ' Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to refer to the Law Department to work with the Chief regarding refunding those that were issued parking tickets. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from August 27, 2024 Presentation: Commonwealth Alternative Care Odor Mitigation Plan Letter :from Attorney Costa dated 10/2/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, OCT 0 8 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ftw-~ £'. WvJµ_ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. ~,/j~_j -:( tzl.do- ~~~~.. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee on Police and License October 8, 2024 Page 6 of6  19 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 8, 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 Barry Sanders Councilor Jeffrey Postell Councilor Scott Martin ......., ~:-J c:;, Also Present: Kathy Zorotheas, Oak Hill Taunton Residents Assoc. r-...,.> -C --! ••<J Michael Scarlett, Colonial Estates c:J C) -- -:-17 '····· -{ iq Patty Gregg, Oak Hill Taunton Residents Association : :·-·-·1 C) rr·~ Diane Walsh, Colonial Estates Homeowners Associatioii Ul ::::'i"'. •l. ...., Joe Federico, BETA Group ~· •.f) }> ·:-;r1 Patrick Della Russo, CFO r10 Tony Abreau, Assistant DPW Commissioner 9 ~·,! --- .~, ~~~ h..) :-,..1 Katherine Nunes, DPW Director of Capital Projects vJ The meeting was called to order at 7:47 PM. 1. Approve minutes from September 17, 2024. Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Sanders to approve. So voted. 2. 'Meet to continue discussions and receive an update on the progress of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, ground water discharge site development and permit process, and sewer access and availability for Oak Hill and Colonial Estates parks. Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Mr. Postell to invite the parties in. So voted. Mr. Federico gave a presentation and explained that the upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Plant is complete. Two options to add capacity are the ground water discharge at the TMLP site and an amendment to the permit. Mr. Federico stated that they had received a response from Mass DEP to their request to amend their permit. At the TMLP site they are starting the hydrological investigation and have installed monitoring wells. They need to complete evaluations and compare the water quality to Massachusetts water quality  20 standards. Mass DEP will analyze the testing results. The City commissioned a survey and Mr. Federico stated that he believes that there would be a 2.5 mile sewer extension needed. The next steps will be for Oak Hill and Colonial Estates to sign a new DEP consent order and then to hire an engineer/surveyor to lay out the design. Ms. Walsh asked if they knew where the sewer line would be coming and Mr. Federico explained the route from Sunset Drive to Bay Street to Prospect Hill to Scadding and entering from Lothrup and then likely down Cypress to the end. Ms. Gregg asked what had changed between the last meeting and today. Mr. Dello Russo stated that drilling has begun, wells done, survey done, and there is a plan to get the flow capacity up. Ms. Walsh stated that their finance people are looking for a letter or agreement from the City of Taunton with a timeline. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Quintal to make the letter from Andrew Jaffe and the presentation part of the record. So voted. Mr. Dello Russo stated that they will need to look at this with the Law Department. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Mr. Postell to refer the letter from Andrew Jaffe to the Law Department and request a response within three weeks. So voted. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded Mr. Quintal to adjourn at 8:12 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Meeting minutes from the DPW Committee from 9/17/24 Presentation: Colonial Estates I Oakhill Residents Email from Andrew Jaffe dated September 5, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, OCT 0 8 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~t.~~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~/.1Ub- Committee on the Department ofPublic Works October 8, 2024 KRYSTALL. REBELO Page 2 of2 ASSISTANT CITY CLERK  21 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 8, 2024 The Committee on Solid Waste 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 Kelly Dooner Councilor John McCaul r,1 Councilor Jeffrey Postell ~ -l.::'i -~ ·-1 ~w... c.:i ···< Councilor Barry Sanders \:::- r, . ·' ,7" =~:· -1 •·r7 .. ,..I '.""") --i 1..- ) C~) .::r:.n-1 ··"· --j Ui -- ··~: :r.: ·~.J:• ..r;:." The meeting was called to order at 8: 14 PM. .··-.. ::r )> ' ]> ·~:.) ··-.. 1 ,.., {'T) rr-~ '--· .........., 9 ::'] =~ C') N rJ 1. Approve minutes from July 23, 2024. wJ Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Sanders to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for the continued discussion on the curbside collection process, Pay-As-You-Throw, automated curbside collection, and associated program costs. Motion by Ms. Dooner and seconded by Mr. Postell to table until next week So voted. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 8: 15 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Solid Waste Committee Minutes from July 23, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, OCT 0 ~ 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ' I ~r.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. ~,(~ KRYSTAL L. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK  22 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#8 ~ ~ (}OtUZC£t......................~~!.~~-~~--~'-~W.?.L ................... 20.............. The sum of five hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($500,000.00) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: 84-3580-8027 (FB - CAPITAL PROJECT STABILIZATION) TO: 34-3590-3590-630-05 (FB - MEMORIAL PARK RESTORATION) ......... :......................................... ;............ ~k£.  . 23 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#9 FY2025 ~ ~ <J~. . . . . . . . . . . Q.~.!£!?.~r...~i}Q~~---···················· 20.............. The sum of four hundred fifty thousand dollars and zero cents ($450,000.00) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: Sale of Real Estate 24-3300-6402 TO: Marketable Property Program 25-3560-6591 ...........................................................:. . . -rf'k£.