City Council

City ofrtaunton :M.unicipa[Council:M.eeting :M.inutes City J{a[[, 15 Summer Street, rtaunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ :M.artin :M.unicipa[Council Cnam6ers :M.inutes, Octo6er 15, 2024 at 7:38 O'cloc~/P.:M.. q>(.ed'ge ofJI{(.egiance CR.§gufar :Meeting :Mayor Snaunna L. O 'Conne{(presitfing (J'rayer was offerea 6y tne :Mayor (]'resent at ro{( ca{(were: CounciCors ©ooner, ©uarte, Quinta~ Sand'ers, (J'ottier, :Martin ana<Borges CounciCors (J'oste{{ ana:McCauCwere a6sent. Record of October 8, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Larry Wegman, 35 Pilgrim Village Road, Unit 204, Taunton, stated that he is representing the Board of Directors for the Pilgrim Village Condominium Association to discuss their concerns with the construction taking place at 170 Hart Street. He stated that about 4 years ago, the neighbors of 170 Hart Street received notification of upcoming Zoning, Planning and City Council meetings regarding this property. He stated that initially, one additional building was approved by the Council. He stated that about 3 years ago, the owner and his attorney attended the City Council meeting and displayed renditions of what the property would look like with an additional two (2) buildings placed on the property. He discussed that a part of their presentation included a children's play area, a trash dump and installation of a 6-foot fence white, vinyl fence. He stated that based on their presentation, the Council allowed the property to move forward. He discussed that today, the property is for sale to be a condominium unit. He questioned how the process took place to get to that point. He also expressed concern regarding the debris on the property. Mayor 0 'Connell stated that she will have the Assistant City Clerk refer this matter to her office and that they will be getting back to him. Carolyn Parker, 3 Lorion Avenue, Worcester, stated that she is seeking to amend her underground fuel storage license for the gas station located at 1095 County Street. Mayor 0' Connell stated that there is a hearing scheduled for this evening and when public input has concluded, they will be inviting her in for the hearing. William O'Brien, 200 Fremont Street, Taunton, expressed his concerns regarding the train and the impact it is having on his neighborhood. He discussed the letters placed in the agenda packet, which indicates that there is a Mass General Law that a train can only block a thoroughfare for a maximum of five (5) minutes. He stated that when the train  2 passes by his home, it will be there for fifteen (15) minutes at a time. He discussed that the letter indicates if they see the train blocking the passageway for more than five (5) minutes, they should notify them and they will rectify the issue. He stated that the letter discusses the monitoring of chemical exposure and expressed concerns that this is not properly enforced. Jennifer Elsinger, 179 Fremont Street, Taunton, expressed her concerns regarding the train and the impact it is having on her neighborhood. She discussed that referring to the construction of the railroad as maintenance work is unethical. She stated that they have denied the neighborhood proper notification and environmental impact studies as a part of the planning and implementation of this project. She discussed the noise disturbance of the train to the neighborhood and played a video to show what they are hearing. She discussed the chemical exposures on May 23, 2024 and that an investigative reporter from channel 7 news, Dave Puglisi, shared the CSX response with her regarding the C02 tanks venting in their neighborhood, which compared their exposure to C02 in the neighborhood to sitting in heavy traffic. She expressed concerns with the odor coming from the trains. She discussed that residents have worked hard for their properties and want to be able to enjoy them. Lynn Ducharme, 169 Fremont Street, Taunton, expressed her concerns regarding the loud noise, debris and odor that is coming from the train. Mayor O'Connell stated that they are continuing to work with CSX, Mass Coastal, MassDOT and South Coast Rail to make changes. She stated that they are also working with Congressman Auchincloss's office, as well as State Representative Doherty. She stated that they have made more progress than they have in a long time. She stated that they spoke with South Coast Rail today to discuss what the plan will be for fencing or trees. She stated that they are continuing to look into that, however, it takes a while as many different agencies are involved. Councilor Borges stated that there were two residents that could not be here this evening that submitted their comments for public input and wanted to make them aware that their comments will be placed on next week's agenda. Motion was made to discuss hearing #2 first. So Voted. Hearing: On the petition submitted by Kayrouz Petroleum, LLC, 16 East Main Street, Westborough, MA 015 81 to AMEND a flammable storage license 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 compartmentalized underground storage tanks totaling 40,000 gallons at the location of 1095 County Street, Rt.140, Taunton, MA 02780 (Gas Station & Convenience Store). Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interes.ted party into the enclosure. So Voted. The party introduced herself as Carolyn Parker, 3 Lorion Avenue, Worcester, MA and that she is here to represent the owner of 1095 County Street. She stated that this is an existing gas station that has a fuel storage license for 40,000 gallons of gas. She stated that they are allowed up to 10,000 gallons of diesel without a license. She stated that Deputy Chief Bastis wanted them to update their  3 license. She stated that the gas station is currently undergoing a raise and rebuild. She stated that they demolished the building and removed the existing fuel pumps and storage tanks. She stated that they are installing new tanks and Deputy Chief Bastis wants the license to reflect what is currently underground, which is 32,000 gallons of gas and 8,000 gallons of diesel. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from the Fire Inspector stating to review a request to amend the license to store flammables at 1095 County Street, Taunton, MA. The reason for this request is to adjust storage totals to the new tanks installed in August 2024. This gas station is undergoing a complete renovation. Submitted plans are in compliance with current codes and the Taunton Fire Department would like to make a positive recommendation for this amended license. The Assistant City Clerk stated that there is a map of the property and a copy of the deed on file. Councilor Sanders asked if the tanks will continue to be underground. Ms. Parker confirmed that the tanks will continue to be underground. Councilor Sanders stated that there have been issues in the past with the tanks leaking and asked what information Ms. Parker can provide to ensure that the new tanks will not leak. Ms. Parker stated that the tanks are brand new and double-walled, which means if one wall cracks, it will leak into the other wall. Councilor Sanders asked if there is an alarm system that would alert them if there was damage to the tank. Ms. Parker stated that there are alarms on the tank and they would ring inside the building. She stated that they use dipsticks to measure how much gas is in the ground. She reiterated that they are new tanks and are also compartmentalized. Motion was made to open public input. So Voted. No one spoke during public input. Motion was made to close public input and grant the petition. So Voted. Ms. Parker stated that she has her license and needs it to be signed. Attorney Gay stated that she can submit this to the Assistant City Clerk and she will get back to her. Upon the petition of the City of Taunton, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, on the Proposed Changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance dated July 8, 2024 Article XIII Floodplain Overlay Districts. Motion was made to open the hearing and invite the interested party into the enclosure. So Voted. The Assistant City Clerk stated that a Copy of Proposed Changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance dated July 8, 2024 Revised has been included. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication 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 (Revised). The Planning Board voted (6 members in favor, 1 member absent) to forward a positive recommendation to the Municipal Council on the proposed changes. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from the Conservation Agent stating that there are no conservation concerns regarding the proposed zooming changes for the Floodplain Overlay District. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from the City Engineer stating that he has no objections to the revisions. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from TEMA expressing support for the adoption of the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain regulations as it relates to the proposed revision language to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinance document dated July 8, 2024. City agencies have been working diligently with FEMA officials to address the growing risks of flood-related disasters due to climate change, population growth, and outdated flood maps. The changes to Taunton's floodplain regulations are aimed at improving flood risk management, modernizing floodplain management, and helps to ensure residents are better protected and prepared. The party introduced himself as Kevin Scanlon, the Director of Planning. Mr. Scanlon stated that the Floodplain Ordinance is periodically  4 updated and occurs when FEMA has contacted them to say they have new requirements, which they did earlier this year. Mr. Scanlon stated that he was charged with revisiting the Ordinance and bringing the language up to their requirements. He stated that during discussions with FEMA and other individuals who submitted letters, they decided to modernize the Ordinance. He stated that the way it is currently structured, there are two (2) Floodplain Ordinances in the City. He stated that there is one (1) that FEMA requires and there is one (1) that discusses Taunton's own flood district, which was created prior to FEMA. He discussed that overtime as FEMA has required more, FEMA's requirements have been incorporated. He stated that they are left with two (2) sets of requirements, which in some situations contradict each other. He discussed that it is not needed anymore, as FEMA has floodplain requirements for the entire City, which includes everything they need. He discussed that the biggest part of this would be to remove the old Taunton special flood hazard district and moving forward with only the FEMA regulations, which is what the vast majority of cities and towns have. He stated that he could not find another city or town that had their own regulations in addition to the FEMA regulations. He stated that the other aspect of this is to update the Ordinance to conform to what FEMA is requiring, which includes new definitions, purposes and designating a floodplain administrator locally, which in the proposal is the City Engineer. He stated that people will need to obtain a permit from the City to perform construction within the floodplain. Mayor O'Connell asked Mr. Scanlon if all of the changes in the document are required by FEMA. Mr. Scanlon stated that they are either something that is required by FEMA or removal of the special flood hazard district that has existed since prior to FEMA requirements. Mayor O'Connell asked if all of the internal stakeholders were involved in the conversation. Mr. Scanlon confirmed that they were involved and that he also had to go back and forth with FEMA and they have approved everything in the document. He stated that if any additional changes are made this evening, he is required to go back to FEMA. Councilor Borges commended Mr. Scanlon on his work and stated that she is comfortable moving this forward. Councilor Sanders asked what the noticeable differences would be if this is approved. Mr. Scanlon stated that currently, someone would need to go through the public hearing process for certain projects, however, if this is approved, a project that meets FEMA's requirements will be allowed to move forward with a permit. He discussed that it may not eliminate hearings, however, it may change the types of hearing that are required. Councilor Sanders asked if this will benefit the residents who live near the floodplains. Mr. Scanlon stated that if these regulations are not in place, the residents are not able to obtain FEMA flood insurance. Motion was made to open public input. So Voted. No one spoke during public input. Motion was made to close public input and grant the petition. So Voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is an issue with cable, however, the T.M.L.P. and the Taunton Municipal Network are working to get this fixed. Mayor O'Connell stated that there will be an Elk's Veteran Luncheon on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. She stated that it is a free lunch that will take place from 11 :30am until l:OOpm.  5 Mayor O'Connell stated that early voting will take place in the Silver City Conference Room at City Hall from October 19, 2024 until Friday, November 1, 2024. Council Sanders stated that the Domestic Violence Vigil, which is hosted by Taunton Diversity Network, will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 6:30pm until 8:00pm on the Taunton Green. The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell providing information regarding the City's ongoing communication with CSX and Mass Coastal Railroad in response to concerns that have been raised. No action was taken. Appointments: Appointment of Larry Quintal, 80 Broadway, Taunton to the Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission to fulfill a term of five (5) years which expires in October 2029. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted. Councilor Duarte was opposed. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that he will be voting in opposition to this as he fundamentally believes that it is poor practice to appoint elected officials to Boards and Commissions in seats that are generally reserved for the public, especially when they are trying to get more people involved in City government. Mayor O'Connell stated that there have been many new individuals appointed to the City's Boards and Commissions. She stated that Councilor Quintal has the knowledge and feels that he will bring valuable skills to this Commission. Reappointment of Marilva Wedge, 20 Cedar Street, Taunton to serve on the Parking Commission to fulfill a term of three (3) years which expires in October 2027. Motion was made move approval. So Voted. Reappointment of Bruce Thomas, 48 Church Green, Taunton to the Historic District Commission to fulfill a term of three (3) years which expires in October 2027. Motion was made move approval. So Voted. Reappointment of Alan Medeiros, 4 Winthrop Street, Taunton to the Historic District Commission to fulfill a term of three (3) years which expires in October 2027. Motion was made move approval. So Voted. Reappointment of Steve Rogers, 5 Pinckney Street, Taunton to the Historic District Commission to fulfill a term of three (3) years which expires in October 2027. Motion was made move approval. So Voted. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Chairman of the Board of Assessors requesting approval for a promotional posting to fill the Assessor position. Motion was made to approve the promotional posting. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Attorney Barry K. Lacasse, Lewis & Sullivan, P.C., 130 South Washington Street, Suite 201, North Attleboro, MA 02760 regarding a Notice of Intent to convert forest land for residential purpose for 0 Glebe Street, Taunton (Plan 72, Lot 4). Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Attorney Gay stated that there is a timeframe for the City to provide a response, which is thirty (30) days from October 8, 2024.  6 Petitions: NONE. Committee Reports: Motion was made for Committee Reports to be read by title and approved. So Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in Committee Reports. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Ordinance (or a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote 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 approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, seven (7) Councilors were present, seven (7) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilors McCaul and Postell were absent. Resolution to be approved on a roll call vote Whereas, the City wishes to revitalize a public park known as Memorial Park, on two parcels of land consisting of approximately 25 acres, located at Somerset A venue, as shown on Assessor's Map 78, Parcel 409 and First Street, as shown on Assessor's Map 77, Parcel 705, and hereinafter known as the "Land"); and Whereas, the preservation and improvements to this area are a City priority as evidenced in the most recent Open Space and Recreation Plan; and  7 Whereas, in adopting this Order, the Municipal Council hereby votes to approve said Land to be used for Memorial Park as public open space and which will be preserved for park and recreational purposes in perpetuity; and Whereas, the City has dedicated said Land for park purposes pursuant to G.L. c. 45, § 3, and transferred the care, custody, and control of said Land to the City of Taunton's Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission; and Whereas, Rebuilding Memorial Park to include multi-use walking trails, pond restoration, renovation to the Great Lawn and a drainage channel will greatly improve the recreational opportunities for children and youth in the Weir neighborhood; and Whereas, the EOEEA is offering reimbursable grants to cities and towns to support the preservation and restoration of urban parks through the PARC grant program (301 CMR 5.00); and Whereas, the rebuilding of Memorial Park will cost an estimated $3,500,000 and the City has allocated $3,500,000 in municipal funds and PARC grant funding for the rebuilding of Memorial Park; said funds to be provided up front and be reimbursed to the City at a rate of sixty-eight percent (68%) up to $500,000 at the time of project completion; and Whereas, the City acknowledges the receipt of the PARC grant and its obligations thereto by recording said agreement, this vote, and the plan in the Bristol County Northern District Registry of Deeds indexed to and marginally noted to the instrurnent(s) vesting title in said Land in the City of Taunton, with the understanding that if the Land ever ceases to be used for park purposes, or is used for other purposes or disposed of, the City must first comply with Article 97 of the State Constitution and provide mitigation in the form of a similar park of at least the same size and economic value. Now, it is therefore; 1. RESOLVED: That the Mayor and/or the Commissioner of the Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds for the city of Taunton be and is hereby authorized to submit and accept a PARC grant from the EOEEA for the purposes hereinabove set forth; and 2. RESOLVED: That the Land is hereby dedicated for park purposes pursuant to G.L. c. 45, § 3, and has hereby transferred to the care, custody, and control of the Parks, Cemeteries & Public Grounds Commission of the City of Taunton; and 3. RESOLVED: That the sum of $3,500,000 is hereby appropriated for the purposes of constructing, furnishing, and equipping a park on said Land, and that the Treasurer and any other city official duly authorized by law, with the approval of the Mayor, is hereby authorized to incur debt pursuant to G.L. c. 44, §§7(25) and 8C, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, in an amount not to exceed $3,500,000 in order to effectuate the construction of a park on said Land; and 4. RESOLVED: That the Treasurer is authorized to file an application with the appropriate officials of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Commonwealth") to qualify under Chapter 44A of the General Laws any and all bonds of the City authorized by this Order, and to provide such information and execute such documents as such officials of the Commonwealth may require in connection therewith; and  8 5. RESOLVED: That the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to enter into any and all contracts and other agreements necessary to design, construct, furnish, and equip a park on said Land, and is further authorized to take any and all other action necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions to administer this grant and to effectuate the purposes of this Order; and 6. RESOLVED: That this resolution shall take effect upon passage. Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, seven (7) Councilors were present, seven (7) Councilors voted in favor. So Voted. Councilors Postell and McCaul were absent. New Business: Councilor Duarte motioned to send a letter to the T.M.L.P. Commission and General Manager requesting information on how the TMLP is addressing areas of the City that have full circuits and are currently closed for new solar projects. So Voted. Councilor Duarte stated that the City is broken up into different circuits for the electricity provided by T.M.L.P. and there are certain circuits in the City that are at capacity. He stated that the residents who are in those circuits cannot currently install solar on their property. He stated that the purpose of this request is to request information from T.M.L.P. on how they plan to remedy this issue. Councilor Pottier requested to refer the traffic pattern around the Green to the Safety Officer, the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. He stated that the Safety Officer is currently working on this, however, he requested that this issue be discussed soon. No action was taken. Councilor Quintal expressed gratitude to Mayor O'Connell's Office, as well as the Councilors, for their generous donations of pet food to the hurricane victims. No action was taken. List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-October 15, 2024 • Hearing #1- Document submitted by Carolyn Parker regarding Gas Storage License for 1095 County Street Meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M. A true copy: Attest: ~ ;(. :dldu-- Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk KLR/MAT  9 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 15, 2024 ?01q OCT 22 P I: 02 The Committee on Finance and Salaries The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton,.MA-.0:2718'6 iii ilibY- Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM. 1. Approve minutes from October 8, 2024. 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/$4,525, 776.17. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $4,824,886.11. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 5:37 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 10/8/24 Payroll Warrant #61 Bill Invoice Warrant #60 List of items over $100,000 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully sµbmitted, OCT 15 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~t'.-~ ' Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Zu..btidL~ KiivsfALL. REBELO CITY CLERK  10 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 15, 2024 p /: 02 The Committee on Solid Waste ; -- : ' - • ·-· l ·I ! ! - -•! 1 t r .' ./ l' 1 r ,r ~· The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA- 02780 in'the· • , ;. r,_ Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Phillip Duarte, Chairman Councilor Kelly Dooner Councilor Barry Sanders Members Absent: Councilor John McCaul Councilor Jeffrey Postell Also Present: Patrick Della Russo, CFO Katherine Nunes, DPW Director of Capital Projects The meeting was called to order at 5:39 PM. 1. Approve minutes from October 8, 2024. Motion by Ms. Dooner 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. Mr. Della Russo and Ms. Nunes gave a presentation to provide the Council with the :financial information in order to make a decision at a later time. Ms. Nunes laid out three options for solid waste disposal. The first option would be to make no changes to the current program. The second option was to change the bag fee to align with costs. The third option was to move from bags to bins and to institute a quarterly assessment. Ms. Nunes showed expenditures and projected expenditures from 2015 -2030 and showed revenues and revenue .projections for the same time period with the current pay as you throw program. Mr. Della Russo stated that revenues have stayed flat but expenses have risen at an alarming rate. Ms. Nunes noted that other municipalities are facing the same situation with rising costs and showed information on other communities' collection services. Mr. Della Russo showed the forecast if no action is taken. Ms. Nunes covered the advantages and disadvantages of taking no action and noted that the program would become predominantly a tax-funded program. Mr. Della Russo explained that if the bag fee were to increase, it would need to be $9.00 a bag to be completely revenue neutral. Ms. Nunes covered the advantages and disadvantages  11 ofthis option. Mr. Dello Russo discussed the third option which would be a 35 gallon trash bin and showed possible assessment fees for the bins. He also covered some advantages and disadvantages of this and explained that abatement opportunities would be available. Ms. Nunes stated that different communities have different exemption and abatement programs. She also stated that with any change communication is important. If the City went with carts, there would be Pay-As-You-Throw bags for overflow. Ms. Dooner asked about opt-out options and Ms. Nunes stated that most likely if someone could document that they are disposing of their trash elsewhere then they could opt out. Ms. Dooner stated that a senior discount is important. Mr. Sanders asked what is driving the cost of trash removal and Ms. Nunes stated that the State is not permitting any new landfills. Mr. Sanders asked ifthe cost is rising because there are so few vendors. Ms. Nunes confirmed and stated that it is economical to invest in composting. Mr. Sanders noted that for the trash program it used to be that 5% of the cost was made up by tax revenue and now it is 64% from tax revenue. He asked ifthere is a recommendation of a shift for a certain percent to be funded by tax general revenue. Mr. Dello Russo stated that they need to evaluate further. Mr. Duarte stated that he is concerned with the impact to seniors. He stated that the purpose of a pay as you throw program is to have an equitable distribution of the cost to dispose of trash. He indicated that he believes that carts would eliminate people doing their due diligence to eliminate trash. Mr. Duarte expressed concern that this plan may negatively affect getting people to compost. He suggested that the only way he will vote for this is if there is some way to address people who prove that they have diverted waste from the City's trash stream. Mr. Duarte also stated that all the data is based on the trash haulers and he thinks that the trash haulers will be on a collision course with the State who he believes will be looking to get to a point of zero waste. He asked for an explanation on the expense projections and Mr. Dello Russo stated that he took the current contract and extrapolated that out at the end of the current contract. Mr. Duarte suggested that any savings gleamed from moving to automation will be short lived because eventually everyone will switch to the barrels. Mr. Sanders asked that when they come back for further discussion, that additional data be provided. He would like to know what it would look like if they held the line at tax revenue covering 50% or 75%, for example. Also, he'd like to see the likely impact on a single person or a family of two. Mr. Quintal stated that most people realized that this was coming and that price increases are inevitable. He asked about situations when people use a private service and Katherine stated that they would look at that but there would be ways for people to opt out if they can prove they are having trash picked up elsewhere. Mr. Pottier noted that tipping fees at the old landfill provided an offset. He asked about a weight limit in the cart and Ms. Nunes stated that it is a 50lb limit. Mr. Pottier asked who owns the bins and Ms. Nunes stated that the City would own the bins. Mr. Pottier suggested Committee on Solid Waste October 15, 2024 Page 2 of3  12 that overflow bags be at a higher fee. He also noted that while price gouging may be an issue, it is also an issue of supply and demand. Mr. Martin asked ifthe contract is a flat fee or based on weight and Mr. Della Russo stated it is by tonnage. Mr. Martin asked if this will impact the yearly cost and asked if the City could identify an amount that should be allocated to the trash budget. Ms. Borges requested more information on Fall River and New Bedford. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Dooner to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Solid Waste Committee Minutes from October 8, 2024 Presentation: Solid Waste Program Assessment and Opportunities CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, OCT 15 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ·' ~L-~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. ~L~ KRYSTAL L. REBELO CITY CLERK Committee on Solid Waste October 15, 2024 Page3 of3  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council October 15, 2024 eJZiJ C~T 22 P I: 0 3 The Committee of the Whole The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 027SO :hl tb.k !- f':; i"'. Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Councilors Present: Council President David Pottier, Chairman Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Kelly Dooner Councilors Absent: Councilor John McCaul Councilor Jeffrey Postell Also Present: Attorney Edmund Brennan, 174 Dean Street Andy Hopgood, President, Clarewood Homes Nyles Zager, Civil Engineer Mark Pacheco, Elections Director The meeting was called to order at 6:55 PM. 1. Remarks from the Chair Mr. Pottier stated that there have been some challenges with televising the meetings and noted that early voting begins Saturday. 2. Approve minutes from October 1, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Sanders to go out of order. So voted. 4. Meet for a pre-review upon the petition of Edmund J. Brennan, Jr., Esq., 174 Dean Street, Unit B, Taunton, MA 02780 on behalf of his client Clarewood Homes, Inc., 55 Winthrop  14 Street, Unit 5, Rehoboth, MA 02769 for a Special Permit to allow a mixed use development consisting of 19 residential units and a total of 3,072 sq. ft. of commercial space in 4 units at parcel 89-188 Winthrop Street located at the Highway Business District. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Ms. Dooner to invite the parties in. So voted. Attorney Brennan gave a brief overview of the project. It is a 2.7 acre parcel that is relatively flat in the Highway Business District. The proposal is for a mixed use development. There will be 19 residential units, 4 commercial units, in 4 buildings. The project requires a Special Permit, Site Plan approval, and a Notice of Intent is to be filed with the Conservation Commission. Ms. Borges expressed interest in information on whether units are rented or owned, security, office space vs. retail space, if there will be a homeowner's association, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Mr. Sanders expressed interest in any energy efficiency or sustainability efforts and pricing options for the units/affordability. Mr. Duarte would like to see a rendering. Ms. Dooner would like to know how many units will be handicapped accessible. Mr. Pottier asked for information on drainage, parking spaces, traffic impact, and the commercial entities. Ms. Dooner asked for the projected project timeline. Mr. Pottier asked for tax revenue estimates. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to excuse the parties. So voted. 3. Meet with the Elections Director for an update. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Dooner to invite Mr. Pacheco in. So voted. Mr. Pacheco gave a presentation outlining activities of the Elections Department. There have been two elections thus far this year: the Presidential Primary on 3/5/24 and the State Primary on 9/3/24. They are seeing more vote by mail which he attributes to the post cards mailed by the Secretary of State. For the upcoming election, he projects about 31,800 ballots to be received in total. Mr. Pacheco reviewed events leading up to Election Day including ballot tabulator and optical scanner testing. This involves about 30-40 election workers who run 50 ballots of each style through each tabulator and confrrm the results. At the end all tabulators are reset to zero. His office also holds election worker training and recently held de-escalation training. They will do advance removal and deposit of any early ballots. Mr. Committee of the Whole October 15, 2024 Page 2 oj3  15 Pacheco reviewed the early voting schedule and other important dates. He explained that polling locations are on the website, covered ways to register to vote, and noted that election night reporting will be posted on the website. Mr. Pacheco explained that there will be three columns on the results: advance deposit, Election Day, and post-election tabulation. Ms. Dooner asked about someone who received two postcards. Mr. Pacheco stated that in that case they should let his office know right away. Mr. Duarte asked about the voter ID requirement since poll pads were implemented and Mr. Pacheco stressed that IDs are not required in Massachusetts. Mr. Sanders asked about confirmation postcards and 1v1:r. Pacheco stated that his office sends a confirmation postcard after someone has not replied to the census. However, the Secretary of State's Office also sends postcards before every election. Mr. Sanders asked if it's possible for someone to vote by mail and then change their vote and Mr. Pacheco stated that they cannot. Mr. Martin asked about the precincts and Mr. Pacheco stated that every 10 years they go through the re-precincting process and the last time was in 2021. Ms. Borges commended Mr. Pacheco for his transparent department and commended his Board. She asked if there is a way to change the printouts and Mr. Pacheco stated that is from the software and he stressed that it is very good software. Mr. Pottier asked if someone asks for a mail-in ballot if they receive them going forward. Mr. Pacheco stated that people need to apply annually. Motion by Mr. Sanders and seconded by Ms. Dooner to excuse the parties and adjourn at 7:30 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of 10/1/24 Presentation: Elections Department Update CITY OF TAUNTON OCT 15 2024 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Juz~ [. CJ.av/u_-- Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~-p{_~ Committee of the Whole ~~7T~-L.-REBELO October 15, 2024 Page 3 of3 CITY CLERK