City Council

City of rtaunton :M.unicipa{Council:M.eeting :M.inutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, rtaunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ :M.artin :M.unicipa{Council Cnam6ers :M.inutes, (])ecem6er 3, 2024 at 7:00 O'cCocR../P.:M.. CEfediJe of_ft.Cfegiance ~gufar ;Meeting CouncilCl'resitfent Cl'ottier presitfing <Prayer was offerea 6y Council Cl'resid'ent Cl'ottier <Present at ro{{ ca{{were: Councit:ors :McCau~ <Borges, :Martin, Cl'ottier, Sanders, Quinta~ Cl'oste[[, ©uarte ana Coute Record of November 26, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. No one spoke during public input. Hearing: NONE. Communications from the Mayor: Council President Pottier stated that members of the Taunton Police Department were involved in a dangerous incident last week, however, the police officers able to deescalate the situation. Due to the efforts of Detective Kramer, the individual ultimately surrendered into police custody. He expressed gratitude to the Taunton Police Department for their efforts and resilience in protecting the City. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Mayor's Office to invite Detective Kramer and the other members of the Police Department that were involved in the incident into the Council Chambers for recognition. So Voted. Council President Pottier stated that the 111 th Lighting of the Green will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Further information is available on the City's website and Facebook page. Council President Pottier stated that the Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, beginning at noontime. Appointments: NONE.  2 Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Water Superintendent stating that as of November 22, 2024, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been declared by the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to be at a Level 3 Critical Drought Level for all of Massachusetts, excluding the Cape and Island Regions. During a Level 3 Critical Drought, all nonessential outdoor water uses are banned. Motion was made to receive and place on file, as well as to post the information on the City's website. So Voted. Com. from Councilor McCaul regarding initiatives to reduce costs for taxpayers to help offset the ride in property taxes. Motion was made to refer this letter to the Committee of the Whole when the Council President sees fit. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that half of the 9% increase is due to the debt exclusion of the Public Safety Building and the other half is on par with inflation. He discussed that in order to prevent taxes from increasing, it would require cutting more than ten million dollars from the City budget. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Rhonda Laflamme, Bracts & Pistils, LLC, 144 West Britannia Street, Bldg. #4, Suites 5 & 6, Taunton, MA 02780 requesting a Host Community Agreement Waiver. Motion was made to approve the waiver. So Voted. Petitions: Class II License - RENEWALS: 1. ACME Fabrication & Equipment Leasing, LLC, 91 Arlington Street, Taunton 2. Advantage Automotive, 600 Winthrop Street, Taunton 3. Taunton Tire & Auto Service, Inc., 491 West Water Street, Taunton 4. Winthrop Street Motors, Inc., 347 Winthrop Street, Taunton Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Class IV License - RENEW AL: 1. E T Auto LLC -dba- Euro Tech Auto, 420 Broadway, Taunton Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Flammable Storage - NEW Application submitted by Sean McGinley, Territory Sales Representative, Superior Plus Propane, on behalf of The City of Taunton, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA for a NEW Flammable Storage License to be located at 90 County Street, Taunton, MA to store 4,500 Gallons of Class 2 Liquid Propane in Aboveground Storage Tanks. Motion was made to refer to the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing. So Voted. Committee Reports: Motion was made for Committee Reports to be read by title and approved. So Voted. Recommendations adopted to reflect the votes as recorded in Committee Reports. So Voted.  3 Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: NONE. New Business: Councilor Duarte motioned to refer to the Chief Financial Officer to provide the cost of weatherizing, insuring, and maintaining the Taunton Nursing Home building over the winter due to the City Council's lack of timely action with respect to the future of the property. So Voted. Councilor Duarte motioned to refer to the Law Department to draft an amendment to the Municipal Council Rules and Orders requiring New Business items to be placed on the agenda unless related to public safety. So Voted. Councilor Borges was opposed. Councilor Coute requested to refer to the Committee of the Whole & the Committee on Zoning to meet with Law Department and City Planner to discuss zoning changes to prevent the State or any other entity from turning a hotel or any other commercial or residential property into a migrant shelter/shelter without prior approval and/or coordination with the City of Taunton. Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole, the Committee on Zoning and the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills and invite the Law Department to discuss this matter. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole, in light of the recent 9. 7% residential real estate property tax increase, to meet with the Mayor's Administration & OECD to discuss ways to super charge new growth initiatives and beef up the successful marketable properties program, to help offset current/future . residential real estate property tax increases. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Borges asked for clarification on which members of the Mayor's Administration would be present for the meeting. Councilor Coute stated that he would leave this to the Mayor's discretion, however, it would potentially include the Chief Financial Officer and the Budget Director. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee on Police and License to discuss preventing commercial vehicles from traveling on Lothrop St. within the next 60 days. So Voted. Councilor Coute. motioned to refer to the Committee ofthe Whole to meet with the Law Department for an µpdate ona1l chap.ges the Cannabis .control Coin!Wssion has. made. to the state law in the last year, how the chfl!lges effect the City ()f'faunto11 and.to place a 2 year moratorium ori any new marijuana licenses. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that this matter fs in the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills.andAttomey Bond intends to bring .back an Ordin,ance r.evision shortly on these cha:hges. Councilor. Coute withdrew his motion.  4 Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with members of the Mayors administration & DPW leadership for an update on the need for city sewer to the mobile home parks off of Lothrop St. to include an estimate of the cost to bring the sewer up from Prospect Hill St., along with possible funding options. On discussion, Councilor McCaul stated that this matter is in the Committee on the Department of Public Works and they are planning to discuss this issue within the next few months. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee on the Department of Public Works and to get a report within 90 days on the cost to bring the sewer from Prospect Hill Street to Lothrop Street. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with the City of Taunton Chief Technology Officer for an update on Permiteyes within 90 days. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with the City Planner & the Chief Technology Officer for an update/timeline on the roll out of Permiteyes software for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Conservation Commission permitting within 90 days. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with the Board of Health Executive Director and the Chief Technology Officer for an update/timeline on the roll out of Permiteyes software for the Board of Health Permits within 90 days. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee on Veterans Affairs to meet with the Chief Financial Officer for a discussion on funding availability and options for Veterans housing and invite the Director of Veterans Affairs. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee on DPW and OECD for a discussion on including either traffic lights and/or intersection changes at the intersection of Bay Street and Whittenton Street, as well as the intersection of Bay Street and West Britannia Street, in conjunction with any approvals for the Whittenton Mills development project. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with the Chief Financial Officer and Building Superintendent for an update on the funding options for either improvements or replacement of the Taunton Animal Shelter within 60 days. On discussion, Councilor Quintal discussed that the Administration allocated $100,000.00 towards improvements for the shelter. Councilor Duarte stated they are currently in the Capital Improvement Budget submission process, therefore, if there are additional improvements that the animal shelter is requesting funding for, they should be in that process with the Chief Financial Officer. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that the animal shelter is a part of the Capital Improvement Budget. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee on DPW for an update on current priority road improvements plans for the 2025 construction season. So Voted.  5 Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole for an update from the Law Department on the status of the Mashpee Wampanaog Taunton casino (executive session if needed) within 60 days, as well as the status of the payments that are due to the City. So Voted. Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole for an update from OECD on the successful rent rebate program. So Voted. Councilor Martin motioned to refer to the Safety Officer regarding speed enforcement on Court Street by the Boys & Girls Club. So Voted. List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events - December 3, 2024 Meeting adjourned at 7:36 P.M. A true copy: 1, ,.. A. . ?( :{L Attest: 1 /~.Leger~ vf City Clerk JLL/MAT  6 iCF City of Taunton Municipal Council December 3, 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 Others Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO The meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM. 1. Approve minutes from November 26, 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 of $1,939,939.49. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $2,322, 082.24. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to transfer $13, 03 5.11 from the Reserve Fund to the Military Service Fund (1-910-5200-5179). Mr. Duarte read letters from Gill Enos and Paul Slivinski detailing the request. Mr. Dello Russo stated that this is a standard transfer from the Reserve Fund as has been done frequently. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted.  7 4. Meet to discuss Councilor Borges' motion: "To refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries a discussion of the Committee on Finance and Salaries approving all transfers. Councilors Pottier and Duarte voting in opposition. Motion passes. So Voted." Ms. Borges stated that she was going to ask to table this discussion because she is waiting to hear back from the Law Department on two sections of the Ordinance. She explained that back in February there was concern with contracts for City employees where they waited until the end of the year transfers. For employees that received an increase in salary, the thought was that those increases should have been approved by the Council. Also, two weeks ago, the Committee discussed $200,000 that went to Taunton West Little League and the question was where it came from. There was a concern that the money came from Memorial Park and came out of the General Fund. Ms. Borges stated that she believes there may have been some confusion on that and she has worked that out. Mr. Dello Russo stated that this year they had less than a dozen transfers and addressed #15 on the DOR DLS report. Ms. Borges stated that there are two sections of the Ordinance to be clarified by the Law Department, 40-4 and 40-6. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to table this discussion for a future date. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 5:43 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 11/26/24 Payroll Warrant #89 Bill Invoice Warrant #88 List of items over $100,000 Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON DEC 0 3 2024 1UJio~ C.~ ~~~~~larke IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. NNI RL.~ ITYCLERK Committee on Finance and Salaries December 3, 2024 Page 2 of2  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council December 3, 2024 ,1 r.-(' 71Y'1t.: '::-. I - 0 A \\: \ 8 I _J .... 1 v1-'-" 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 Members Absent: Councilor Larry Quintal Also Present: Detective Peter MacDougall Chapman Dickerson, Bask, Inc. Bethany Walker, Bask, Inc. The meeting was called to order at 5 :46 PM. 1. Approve minutes from November 26, 2024. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. The Committee took the following matter out of order: 6. Meet to discuss the new Operations Manager for Bask, Inc. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to invite the interested parties in. So voted Detective MacDougall stated that Bask is right on track and has been approved by the CCC. Mr. Dickerson stated that they had their final inspection that day and they anticipate getting a letter next week saying that they can open within 72 hours. Ms. Walker stated that she was a general manager for 3 years at another dispensary. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to return to the regular order of business. So voted.  9 2. Meet on the petitions for the renewal of the following Class II Licenses: a. A T.N.T. Auto Sales, LLC at 391 Winthrop Street b. After Hours Auto Body, Inc. dba After Hours Auto, 20 North Avenue c. Amaro Family Auto Sales at 515 Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton d. Autowise Car Sales, LLC dba Autowise at 397 Winthrop Street e. Aziz Tire Service Center, Inc. dba Aziz Tire Auto Repair at 94 Fremont Street f. Borges Auto Center, Inc. at 157 Dean Street g. Breno 's Collision & Sales, Inc. at 408 Winthrop Street h. Bristol Motors at 147 Fremont Street I. Cambra Auto Sales at 117 Summer Street J. County Street Motors, 603 County Street k. Cruisin Classics at 597 Winthrop Street 1. Dipson Convenience & Repair, Inc. dba Dipson & Sons Auto Sales at 594 Winthrop Street m. Fault Line Kustoms, LLC at 32 Robert W. Boyden Road n. Fogg Auto Sales, Inc. at 346 Winthrop Street o. G. Lopes Construction Inc. dba Lopes Used Truck & Equipment Sales at 565 Winthrop Street p. Gesner Auto, Inc. at 445 Winthrop Street q. GFK Enterprise, LLC dba Oakland Auto Sales at 214 Tremont Street r. Hermes Auto Sales, Inc. at 420 Broadway s. Jaime's Auto Body, Inc., 111 Arlington Street t. Leonard's Auto Repair & Performance at 265 Bay Street u. Leo's Auto Sales & Service at 350 1/2R Winthrop Street v. Loftus Auto City, Inc. at 450 Winthrop Street w. M & M Service Center, Inc. at 59 Broadway x. New England Auto at 157 West Water Street y. New World Motor Sales, Inc., 396 Winthrop Street z. Perry's Towing & Service, Inc. at 143 Broadway aa. Prestige Auto Mart, Inc. dba Prestige 3 at 288 Broadway bb. Professional Car Zone, LLC at 381 Weir Street cc. R & F Motors, Inc. at 35 Dana Street dd. Rouhana Trading, LLC dba Rouhana Trading at 13 Cape Road ee. Rt. 13 8 Auto Center, Inc. at 185 Broadway ff. Scott's Service Center, Inc. at 129-131 Ingell Street gg. Taunton Auto Truck Sales & Service, Inc. at 603 Winthrop Street hh. Taunton Service Center, Inc. dba Taunton Service Center Auto Sales at 48 Broadway ii. TRMN8R Enterprises, LLC at 408 Tremont Street jj. Walt's Auto Specialty, Inc. dba Walt's Motors at 287-289 Broadway Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation for all except noted that Amaro's was in front of the committee last week to address some issues. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve the list as read with the exception of "c" (Amaro 's). So voted. Committee on Police and License December 3, 2024 Page 2 o/3  10 3. Meet on the petitions for the renewal of the following Class III Licenses: a. Arthur's Auto Junk Yard at 147 Fremont Street b. Automotive Recovery Services, Inc. at 580 Myricks Street, East Taunton c. Caramelo's Auto Body, Inc. at 2 Porter Street d. Harry's Auto Wrecking, Inc. dba Harry's Auto Wrecking at 68 Whitsborough Street e. Reynold's Auto Wrecking, Inc. at 733 South Precinct Street, East Taunton Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation for all. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve the list as read. So voted 4. Meet on the petitions for the renewal of the following Hours of Operations Licenses: a. Red Shift Donuts, Inc. dba Dunkin Donuts at 5 Washington Street to stay open 24 hours, 7 days a week b. Speedway, LLC dba Speedway #2432 at 943 County Street to stay open 24 hours, 7 days a week Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation for all. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve the list as read. So voted. 5. Meet on the petition for a new Temporary Fixed Vendor license for FLVR Food Truck at 314 Bay Street Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from November 26, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, DEC 0 3 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees RTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ' . E ITYCLERK .L!Ettr Committee on Police and License December 3, 2024 Page 3 of3  11 -. _1 .J :··· ·- ;· .- l · ' [ City of Taunton Municipal Council December 3, 2024 i !_Jt...v ·. .t A\ t, 1l : I 8 ,-·111 r·,-::-:' - :,. 7_UL' The Committee of the Whole The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Councilors Present: Council President David Pottier, Chairman Councilor John McCaul Councilor Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Jeffrey Postell Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Christopher Coute Councilors Absent: Councilor Lawrence Quintal Also Present: Jay Pateakos, Director OECD Patrick Dello Russo, CFO John DeSousa, North County Group The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM. 1. Approve minutes from October 29, 2024. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to approve. So voted.. 2. Meet to discuss the proposed Tax Increment Exemption (TIE) for the development to be constructed at 74 Weir Street. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Duarte to invite in the parties. So voted. Mr. Pateakos stated that 74 Weir has seen many different iterations. The proposal is for 36 one bedroom apartments. He showed photos of the current conditions and stated that there is $2.2 Million anticipated tax value with the new development. Mr. Delio Russo stated that the TIE amount is $204,585 over 10 years so about $20,000 on average.  12 Ms. Borges stated that this a great project and that the Asack family has been very receptive to the changes in the design, including changes to have retail on the first floor. Mr. Coute stated that 50% seems like a large discount on the tax rate and asked ifthere were other examples of this type of reduction. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the Whittenton Mills project received 50% at different points. Mr. Coute stated that Whittenton Mills is a much larger property. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the Alliance Real Estate project out by the Taunton Rail Station was similar. If the TIE agreement goes through, new City tax dollars could amount to $271,000. He also noted that they changed direction from the original site plan. Mr. Coute reiterated that 50% seems like a big number especially with the recent increase in the tax rate. He asked ifthe project would move forward without the TIE. Mr. DeSousa stated that it would move forward but would increase the rental rate. Mr. Coute asked if a 50% tax break is necessary for the project to move forward and Mr. Dello Russo pointed out that it is less than 50% on average. Mr. Coute stated that years 1-3 are 50%. Mr. Dello Russo stated that it would hinder the benefit to the Downtown. Mr. Postell asked about attracting businesses to the commercial space and Mr. Pateakos stated that lots of businesses are hankering for the downtown location. Mr. Dello Russo clarified that the commercial portion of the project will be taxed at the commercial rate since a TIE can only be afforded to residential projects. Mr. Sanders stated that he is not a big fan of TIEs but in this case it is a local business person, not a multibillion dollar corporation. He indicated that he believes when the legislature renewed the HDIP law they should have included an affordable housing component. Mr. Duarte stated that a TIE is a more swallow-able pill when it's a local person. He asked for a recap of the UPP grant and what it was used for. Mr. Pateakos stated that $188,000 was used for structural integrity work and $100,000 recently received was for construction. The UPP is the under-utilized property program. Mr. Duarte stated that this is the type of new growth that is desirable since one bedroom apartments that won't add significantly to the City's educational and utility capacity. He asked ifthe other TIEs were 10 years and Mr. Dello Russo stated that others were for a longer period. Mr. Martin stated that this location had been vacant off and on for probably 10 years and had brought in about $80,000 in that time. Now they are looking at 3, 4, or maybe 5 times that amount. Ms. Borges noted that there had been a TIE at 12 Porter Street. Mr. Pottier stated that he prefers to see TIE agreements flat so that they aren't likely to leave. He also agreed that 1 Bedroom units are good for downtown and have limited impact. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve the Tax Increment Exemption for the development to be constructed at 74 Weir Street and approve the Order as presented. Councilor Coute was opposed. So voted. Committee of the Whole December 3, 2024 Page 2 of3  13 Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn at 6:27 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of 10/29/24 Presentation: Mill River Landing Redevelopment CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, DEC 0·3 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~G~ ~CLERK Committee of the Whole December 3, 2024 Page3 of3  14 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#lO FY 2025 ~ ~ (JOfL/leii...-................Q~~-~~!?.~r...~i}Q~~---················ 20.............. The sum of thirteen thousand thirty five dollars and eleven cents ($13,035.11) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: Reserve Fund - 01-132-5200-5784 TO: Military Service Fund-1-910-5200-5179 ............ ......................................... ......... ; ; ~~