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City Council

Regular Meeting

Taunton, MA · December 30, 2024

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

City of'I'aunton 9'.unicipa{CounciC9'.eeting !Minutes City Ha{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tlie Cliester~ 9'.artin 9'.unicipa{CounciCCli.am6ers 9'.inutes, (})ecem6er 30, 2024 - at 7:50 O'cfoc{ft.9'.. a?f.etlge efftfUpnce <R.19ular !M.eetina !Mayor Sliaunna £. O'Connellpresitlina a!rayer was offireti6y tlie !Mayor ft moment ef sil:ence was offereti 6y !Mayor O'Connellfor ©ave Levesque, a Ciftfima 'Taunton resilfent WM Jountfetf tlie 'Taunton ftrea 'Vietnam 'Veterans .ft.ssociation. Slie a/So offtreti a moment ef sil:ence for Stanfey Czepie( a CiJefona 'Taunton resitlsnt WM tfeaicat:etf30 years efservice as a 'Taunton 'FirefilJli:ter. a!resent at rollcallwere: Councifors ©uarts, <Postell, Q!tinta( Santfers, <Pottier, !Martin anti(}Jor9es Councifors Cout:e anti!M.cCaufwere a6sent. Record of December 23, 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: The Assistant City Clerk read a communication from Mayor 0' Connell regarding an update on the status of the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation land located in East Taunton. Mayor 0' Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet. Appointments: NONE. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the City Solicitor regarding successful collective bargaining negotiations with the Taunton Firefighters in the Local 138. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole for an executive session. So Voted. 2 Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board stating that the Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a modification of a Site Plan Review & Special Permit from Section 440, Attachment #2 of the Zoning Ordinance for property on Cape Road, Property I.D. 71-3. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:30pm at City Hall. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Safety Officer regarding trailer parking on East Water Street for long periods of time. Motion was made to receive and place on file with thanks to Officer Chaves. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Attorney Quinn Heath, Cable, Fleisher & Sosebee, PLLC on Behalf of his Client, Medicine Man Solutions, LLC requesting a Host Community Agreement Waiver. Motion was made to grant the Host Community Agreement Waiver. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that they were willing to come in at a later date to provide an update. Councilor Duarte stated that an update should not be required, outside of the standard updates that are given to the Committee on Police and License. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole regarding an update from the applicant at a date amenable for them. So Voted. 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: Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Council President David W. Pottier for the courteous and impartial manner in which he has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted. Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Mayor Shaunna L. O'Connell for the courteous and impartial manner in which she has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. Motion was made to move approval. So Voted. New Business: NONE. 3 List of Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-December 30, 2024 Meeting adjourned at 8:01 A.M. A true copy: Attest: ¥L~ Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk KLR/MAT 4 City of Taunton Municipal Council December 30, 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 ~ () ~ -i Councilor Scott Martin -< ;-; c._ > o:::O c: :z: rrri :z: ·""10 The meeting was called to order at 7 :35 AM. {"") -i I ~.lrry -I 0 ....J :::::.;:_ :z: 1. Approve minutes from December 23, 2024. -< )> c.n< n ::I: ofTl r- ri » a... .,,-.,o Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So votlJ. ..D ,.,, CJ 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Mr. Duarte read a letter from City Auditor, Ian Fortes stating that payroll warrant 105 would need to be approved in absentia. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the payroll warrant in absentia. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amountof$3,J00,113.21. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to adjourn at 7:37 AM. So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: . TheCommittee.onFinance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from12/23/24. Letter from Ian Fortes re: absentia payroll Bill Invoice Warrant #104 List ~u.i;;.&~UlU;:a....Jl..u.Ll-4.1.L!..uL..__, CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, DEC 3 0 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~~ KR STALL. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 5 City of Taunton Municipal Council December 30, 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 II > c z ~ IJ'I <-. z> ("") -j -< n::O r-(TJ .\T}("J CJ -j I The meeting was called to order at 7: 39 AM. a N :::of'Tl -i z X- -<: u}< C") ::r )> ofTI 1. Approve minutes from December 17, 2024. -,,o I l"T1 l> ..[,} ...,, ::::0 ;:r( Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve. So voted. N ,..., C'j CJ1 2. Meet on the following petitions for renewal of Class II Licenses: a. B&J Auto Sales at 632 Winthrop Street b. Corrao Motors at 251 Broadway c. Northeast Auto Exchange, Inc. at 406 Tremont Street Ms. Borges reported that she had received a communication from Detective MacDougall indicating that there are no issues. Motion by Mr. Quintal and seconded by Ms. Borges to approve. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Quintal to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 AM. So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from December 17, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, DEC 3 0 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~;(.~ KR~TAL L. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 6 City of Taunton Municipal Council December 30, 2024 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 Estele Borges Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal CJ Councilor Jeffrey Postell f3 -I Councilor Phillip Duarte U"1 -< :::0 \ -I <- J> c: ~ PrT\ f"lO Councilors Absent: Councilor John McCaul 7- I ::OM C-) -~ -,:;;:..... 0 ..J Councilor Christopher Coute ·-i x Vi< -< J> orrt .,.,o CJ :t Also Present: Patrick Dello Russo, CFO r '.P' "Tl r'1 9 CJ ::::0 rri ::;s:; ,.0 The meeting was called to order at 7:40 AM. 1. Approve minutes from the December 17, 2024, regular session. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the received Notice of Intent to convert for residential use land located on North Precinct Street and is a portion of Assessors Map 113, Lot 1 which is or was taxed and classified as recreational land under Chapter 61A. Motion by Ms. Borges, seconded by Mr. Postell to invite in Mr. Delio Russo. So voted. Mr. Dello Russo stated that proceeds from this sale would go into the sustainability fund. He stated that the City has no interest in this land that would outweigh the private sale going forward. Mr. Sanders asked about the City's proceeds. Mr. Dello Russo explained that there is a five year tax look-back. Mr. Sanders asked ifthe City has looked at whether this land is worth preserving or if there if it is environmentally valuable. Mr. Delio Russo stated that it is farm & recreation land that is privately ovvned. 7 :Mr. Duarte stated that this is a portion of parcel 113-1 and is the skinny, rectangular portion parallel to North Precinct Street. The southern portion of the property is a cranberry bog, according to the GIS. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Postell for the City to decline its right offirst refusal. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn at 7:48 AM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Whole regular session meeting minutes of 12/17/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, DEC 3 0 2024 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~C.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~-~ KRYSTAL L. REBELO ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Committee of the Whole December 30, 2024 Page2of2

Agenda

' y ,j i. .. PLEASE NOTE MEETING DATE AND TIME CHANGES: The Committee Meetings & The Municipal Council Meeting for Tuesday, December 31, 2024 WILL BE HELD ON Monday, December 30, 2024 **Committee Meetings begin at 7:30 AM** Municipal Council Meeting will immediately follow *All Agenda items will be due to the City Clerk on Monday, December 23, 2024 @10:00 AM MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780 City Clerk's Office DECEMBER 30, 2024 - 7:30 AM Notice of Posting 1lme: L!J .'J f( ftJJl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ' INVOCATION Date:_fd · ·.a'/- a.3 ROLL CALL \)1_ READING OF THE RECORDS FROM DECEMBER 23, 2024 PUBLIC INPUT • Comments will be received for the record • Please state your name and address • Please limit comments to 3 minutes or less • Supplemental written comments may also be provided • Comments should be addressed to the body as a whole and pertain to the business of the City HEARING: NONE COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR • Com. from Mayor O'Connell - Providing Update on Mashpee Wampanoag Reservation Land • Community Update APPOINTMENTS - NONE COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS Pg. 1 Com. from City Solicitor - Regarding Successful Collective Bargaining Negotiations with Taunton Fire Fighters, Local 138, IAFF (Separate Packet) Pg. 2 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Public Hearing Pg. 3 Com. from Safety Officer - Response on East Water Street Trailer Parking COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Pg. 4-5 Com. from Attorney Quinn Heath, Cable, Fleisher & Sosebee, PLLC on Behalf of his Client, Medicine Man Solutions, LLC - Requesting an Extension of the HCA PETITIONS - NONE COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Council President David W. Pottier for the courteous and impartial manner in which he has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. Ordered, That thanks of the Municipal Council be hereby extended to Mayor Shaunna L. 0' Connell for the courteous and impartial manner in which she has presided over the meetings of the Municipal Council during the past year. NEW BUSINESS - NONE Respectfully submitted, ~ei.f1: City Clerk &m. Fo//J ~or City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D . Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street· Taunton MA 02780 CHI EF FINANCIAL OFFI CER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR December 23, 2024 Dear Taunton Residents, This letter serves as an update on the status of the Mashpee Wampanoag reservation land located in East Taunton. Cleanup Efforts o Several months ago, the City requested the site be cleaned up from its blighted state as there was illegal dumping and illicit activity. The Tribe has since been addressing this issue. Proposal for a Welcome Center o In the first week of December, the Tribe notified the City of its intention to open a Welcome Center to establish a presence at the site. o The center would feature native artifacts showcasing the Tribe's historical culture and include 10 gaming machines. o On December 10, a meeting was held between the Administration and Tribal representatives. During this meeting, our team indicated that a presentation to the Municipal Council and the community would be required, along with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Municipal Council Executive Session o On December 17, the Municipal Council held an executive session to review legal questions related to the proposal, the existing Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), and the potential MOA. Tentative Timeline o In mid-January, the City plans to review a proposed MOA to ensure all amounts owed to the City are paid. This process is not a renegotiation of the IGA but rather a conduit to a phased project approach. The IGA remains in place. Public Presentation and Vote o A public presentation by the Tribe is expected in mid to late January. This presentation will outline the path forward for the First Light Project and will be held during a Committee of the Council as a Whole meeting. o A public vote on the MOA by the Municipal Council is anticipated in late January or early February. The MOA will ensure the Tribe's financial obligations to the City are met. Sincerely, Sh~D'-_ Mayor Shaunna 0 ' Connell City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR Community Update - December 30, 2024 Please be advised City Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1, for New Year's. Old Colony YMCA Midnight at Noon • Tuesday, December 31 from llam to 12pm at Old Colony YMCA, 71 Cohannet Street • Bring the family to enjoy an hour full of music, dancing, snacks and a special "toast" at noon Convenience Center Holiday Hours • The City's Convenience Center located at 330 East Britannia Street will be closed for the holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 • For questions regarding the Convenience Center, please call the DPW at 508-821-1431 Mayor O'Connell and DPW Free Cardboard Disposal • Mayor O'Connell has announced three weeks of FREE cardboard disposal this year at the City's Convenience Center at 330 E. Britannia Street • Cardboard disposal will be free of charge at the City's Convenience Center on the following dates: o Friday, January 3, 7AM-1PM o Saturday, January 4, 8AM-3PM • For more information, visit: https://www.taunton-ma.gov/279/Public-Works Last Call for Christmas Items • Lights On Ornament: $20; for sale at Mayor's Office and Parks & Recreation (170 Harris Street) • Taunton Police Christmas Patch: $10, for sale at Mayor' s Office and Police Station (23 Summer Street) Save the Date! Thursday, February 20, 2024 • Mayor O'Connell's State of the City Address Please visit the City website (www.taunton-ma.gov) and Facebook page for more information. .1.., City of Taunton LAW DEPARTMENT Shaunna O'Connell 15 Summer Street Lisa Bond, Esq. MAYOR FIRST ASST. CITY SOL!ClTOR Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Matthew J. Costa, Esq. Phone (508) 821-1036 Facsimile (508) 821-1397 Thomas P. Gay, Jr. Esq. CITY SOLICITOR ASST. CITY SOLICITOR David T. Gay, Esq. SP. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR December 19, 2024 Council President David Pottier Members of the Municipal Council City of Taunton City Hall 15 Summer Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Re: Successful Collective Bargaining Negotiations with Taunton Fire Fighters, Local 138, IAFF Dear Council President Pottier and Members of the Municipal Council: I am pleased to report that the administration has reached an agreement with the Taunton Fire Fighters, Local 138, IAFF for a successor collective bargaining agreement. The agreement covers fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Enclosed herewith is the fully executed Memorandum of Agreement (SE PARATE PACKET). The union membership has voted to ratify the agreement. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 150E, §7(b), we are submitting the agreement to you , as the City's legislative body, and respectfully request approval of the cost items contained therein . Per said statute, the appropriate scope of the Municipal Council 's deliberation is the funding of the cost items in the agreement. Upon approval by the Municipal Council the Agreement with the Union will take effect. If the Council intends to discuss details of the negotiation or the rationale behind any of the cost items, it would be appropriate to refer this matter for an executive session . Respectfully submitted , MJC:tmg CC : Colin Confoey, Esquire Timothy O'Leary, President, Taunton Fire Fighters, Local 138, IAFF TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD 141 Oak St. - Office Address 15 Summer St. - Mailing Address Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Phone 508-821-1051 Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk dpaiva~taunton-ma.gov December 17, 2024 Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council 15 Summer St. Taunton, Ma. 02780 C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk RE: Mod. Special Permit/Site Plan Review - Cape Road, Property I.D 71-3 Dear Mayor O' Connell and Members of the Municipal Council: The Planning Board is in receipt of A Modification of a Site Plan Review & Special Permit from Section 440 Attachment# 2 of the Zoning Ordinance for property on Cape Road, Property l.D 71-3 - for the construction of three 60' x 125 ' buildings totaling 22,500 sq. ft. to be used as contractor bays (warehouse & office use) in the Highway Business District (50% reduction of landscaped buffers requested) submitted by Pierre Ibrahim. Modification is for the increase in building square footage from 21,600 sq. ft. to 22,500 sq. ft. and a 50% landscaping buffer waiver for front and both sides (previous approval only granted on the west side) The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM at City Hall , 15 Summer St. in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Taunton, Ma. Respectfully, ~~M.Ctljt) Anthony Abreau, Chairman Taunton Planning Board AA/djp The City of Taunton Police Department SAFETY OFFICE 23 Summer Street CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER tnton, Massachusetts 02780 EDWARD J. WALSH ARSENIO CHAVES Telephone: (508)821-1471, Ext. 3014 Facsimile: (508) 828-9315 ASSISTANT SAFETY OFFICER achaves@tauntonpd.com SETH LAVIGNE Honorable Shaunna 0' Connell, Mayor And members of the Municipal Council City Hall 15 Summer St Taunton MA, 02780 12/20/2024 At the November 19th meeting of the Municipal Council, Councilor Borges motioned to refer to the Safety Officer the issue of trailers parking on East Water Street for long periods of time and taking up parking spaces. After looking into this issue, I was able to identify one of the commercial trucks parked on East Water Street by the markings on the door. I called the number and spoke with the owner and educated him on the city ordinances about parking commercial vehicles on public ways overnight. There were also two car trailers parked on West Water Street overnight. I was unable to make contact with the owner, but I left a note on one of the trailers. I advised the owner of the city ordinance. I have been monitoring the area for several weeks and have not seen any of the vehicles or trailers parked on West Water Street. I will continue to monitor. Respectfully Submitted Arsenio Chaves Cable Fleisher & Sosebee December20, 2024 Maggie Clarke Clerk of Council Committees 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 mclarke@taunton-ma.gov Re: Inquiry and Request for Audience Regarding Cannabis Host Community Agreement Waiver for Medicine Man Solutions LLC (144 West Britannia) To the Honorable City Council of the City ofTaunton: Hello, I am an attorney for the business Medicine Man Solutions, LLC ("Medicine Man Solutions"). Medicine Man Solutions was issued a Host Community Agreement (HCA) to operate a Marijuana Retailer at 446 Winthrop Street on January 6, 2023, and that HCA was later amended on October 23, 2023. At this time, Medicine Man Solution's Host Community Agreement expires on January 6, 2025. 1 Medicine Man Solutions originally intended to reach out to seek an extension of the expiration date on its Host Community Agreement in order to permit for additional time needed to complete development of the business. By way of update, since last meeting with the City Council, Medicine Man Solutions has completed construction, including plumbing, fire, and electrical work. Medicine Man Solutions intends to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in the coming weeks. Medicine Man Solutions is hoping to open the doors of these businesses around April or May 2025, state inspections timeline permitting. However, it is my understanding that since Medicine Man Solutions was last before you, the City of Taunton has adopted a policy of issuing "Host Community Agreement Waivers" in place of Host Community Agreements. 2 Therefore, I am reaching out to request that Medicine Man Solutions be issued a Host Community Agreement Waiver to operate a Marijuana Retailer at its 446 Winthrop Street location. Any information you can provide on the current process for Host Community Agreement Waiver applications is appreciated. Further, if appropriate, Medicine Man Solutions would request an opportunity to present its current plans and status to the City Council and to advocate for an issuance of the requested Host Community Agreement waivers. 1 Most recent amendment attached. 2April 30, 2024 Municipal Council Minutes, at page 6, https://www.taunton- ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/M in utes/ 04302024-1487. Thank you for your time and attention to this request. Sincerely, on behalf of my client Medicine Man Solutions LLC, Quinn Heath, Esq. Cable, Fleisher & Sosebee PLLC Email: quinn@cfsattorneys.com Phone: (617) 468-8343 BBO: #709258 i REC EIV ED t CIT y CLERK' S OF FICE LOZQ OE[ 23 A 10: 03 TAUHT OH. MA - --·-·- ·--··--- L.lTY - CL. ER K December 30, 2024 Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor Council President David W. Pottier And Members of the Municipal Council The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024 at 7:30 AM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. 7:30 AM The Committee on Finance and Salaries 1. Approve minutes from December 23, 2024. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass. Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting. The Committee on Police and License 1. Approve minutes from December 17, 2024. 2. Meet on the following petitions for renewal of Class II Licenses: a. B&J Auto Sales at 632 Winthrop Street b. Corrao Motors at 251 Broadway c. Northeast Auto Exchange, Inc. at 406 Tremont Street The Committee of the Whole 1. Approve minutes from the December 17, 2024, regular session. 2. Meet to discuss the received notice of Intent to convert for residential use land located on North Precinct Street and is a portion of Assessors Map 113, Lot 1 which is or was taxed and classified as recreational land under Chapter 61 A. Page 1 of 2 Respectfully, nt~(,~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Page 2 of2

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