City Council

City of fJ'aunton :M.unicipa{Council!Meetino :M.inutes City 1fa{[, 15 Summer Street, fJ'aunton, !MJI In the Cfi-ester ~ :M.artin :M.unicipa{Council Cfi-am6ers - :M.inutes, January 7, 2025 at 9:21 O'cfocR_/P.:M.. Cl'uulge ofJf{{egiance ~guCar 9deeting 9dayor Sfiaunna £. 0 'Conne[(presitfing Cl'rayer was offerea 6y the 9dayor 9dayor 0 'Conne[( offereaa moment of silence for ©onna Strojny, wno was we[( ~own in the communi'tyfor the ~ntfness anti"compassion sne extend'ea to a{{. Cl'resent at ro[( ca[(were: Councifors 9dcCau' (]Jorges, 9dartin, Cl'ottier, Sanders, Q]tinta' Cl'oste([, ©uarte anti"Coute Record of December 30, 2024 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Matthew Galano, 34 West Weir Street, Taunton, submitted pictures of his property to the City Clerk. He spoke about the fence he installed himself on his property located on the corner of West Weir Street and Orchard Street. He stated that in December of 2024, he received a letter in the mail that his fence was in violation of the Zoning Ordinance. He spoke about the importance of having the fence for his children's safety. He stated that the City of Taunton's webpage indicates that a permit is not required to install a fence, as long as the fence is under seven feet tall. He discussed that corner lots have their own requirements, which he was not aware of. He stated that he has not received any complaints from his neighbors regarding the fence. He discussed that the Building Commissioner stated that his only option would be to file an appeal, however, this is not financially realistic for him. He further discussed his frustration in regards to his communication with the Building Commissioner. Mayor 0' Connell stated that she left a voicemail for Mr. Galano's wife earlier today as she understands their concerns and would like to work with them and that she has spoken with the Building Commissioner. She stated that she would like to help them come to a resolution and that there will be no fines at this time. She stated that her office will follow up with them tomorrow. Councilor Borges motioned to refer the issue on corner lot permits to the Committee on Zoning for further discussion. So Voted. Hearing: NONE.  2 Communications from the Mayor: The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor 0' Connell regarding an update on the Washington and Jackson Street intersection. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Police and License and the Police Chief. So Voted. Mayor O'Connell stated that they are planning to provide an update on the School Street intersection. Mayor O'Connell stated the tribe is planning to have a presentation in front of the Council on January 14, 2025 during the Committee of the Council as a Whole. Appointments: The City Clerk stated that there will be an election of Municipal Council President. Councilor Pottier motioned to elect Councilor Martin as the Council President. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, nine (9) Councilors voted in favor. The motion passes. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department would like the opportunity to provide the Council with an update on the results of quarter two fiscal year 2025 on January 28, 2025 in the Committee on Finance and Salaries. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department is seeking approval to pay a prior year bill in the amount of $21, 048 .13, as well as a reserve fund transfer to cover the amount. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department is requesting a reserve fund transfer in the amount of $90,000.00 for the School Department. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from Assessor LaBelle regarding a retirement payout breakdown for Renee Brabant. Mayor O'Connell stated that this is informational only and a vote is not required. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board stating that the Planning Board is in receipt of a Site Plan Review for property on Winthrop Street, Map 89, Lot 188, for the construction of 4 mixed use buildings totaling 19 residential units and 4 office/commercial units submitted by Clarewood Homes, Inc., owned by MAJK Realty Trust. The Planning Board will hold a public meeting 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 Councilor Chris Coute regarding information from the Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS) for housing for veterans. Motion was made to refer to this evening's meeting of the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Com. from the Clerk of Committees regarding a Parliamentary Workshop on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers. Motion was made to receive and place on file, as well as to send to all of the Boards. So Voted.  3 Communications from Citizens: Com. from Priscilla Matton, Superintendent, Bristol County Mosquito Control regarding the Annual Report for 2024. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from Dennis Proulx, Vietnam Veteran, 117 Scadding Street, Taunton regarding homeless veterans. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs. So Voted. Petitions: Special Permit Petition submitted by Gregory S. Sampson, Partner, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1 Post Office Square, Boston, MA on behalf of his client, Ryan Souls, Greystar Development East LLC, One Federal Street, Suite 1804, Boston, MA 02110 for a special permit for a development consisting of 390 residential units with a 195 space parking space waiver and a total of 10,000 sq. ft. of retail/commercial space at 437 Whittenton Street, Taunton located in the Business District. 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 in the Committee on Finance and Salaries and the Committee on Public Property item #1. So Voted. Councilor Pottier stated that there was a discussion this evening in the Committee on Public Property regarding item #2, which was the potential dispensation of the former Taunton Nursing Home located at 350 Norton Avenue, Taunton. He stated that a motion was made to not move the property into surplus and proceed to demolish the building and to refer to the Building Superintendent to get prices. Councilor Coute stated that the motion was to leave the property as is and decline to surplus the property, as well as solicit bids from the Building Superintendent to be submitted to the Council for the cost to demolish the building. Councilor Pottier stated that the vote was three to two, with Councilors Postell, Coute and Martin voting in favor and Councilors Pottier and Duarte voting in opposition. Motion was made to approve the vote taken during the Committee on Public Property. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, six (6) Councilors voted in favor (Councilors McCaul, Borges, Martin, Quintal, Postell and Coute), three (3) Councilors voted in opposition (Councilors Pottier, Sanders and Duarte). The motion passes. Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: NONE. New Business: Councilor Borges motioned to refer her idea discussed on November 24th for the utilization of the former Maxham School for potential veteran housing to the discussion in the Committee on Public Property, as well as the future plans of the school. So Voted.  4 Councilor Borges motioned to refer Hopewell School to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. Councilor Borges motioned to invite the Assessor in to discuss the most recent tax bill and the public safety building assessment. On discussion, Councilor Duarte stated that this was already discussed during the Tax Classification Hearing and the meeting has been posted on the City Council's Presentation Website by the Clerk of Committees. Councilor Borges stated that she understands there was already a discussion, however, there is a great deal of confusions amongst the residents and was asking if the Assessor could come in to provide the residents a better explanation for the increase in their tax bills. Councilor Martin stated that they are already planning to discuss this in the Committee of the Council as a Whole and they can wait until that meeting happens or include Mr. Conti in the discussion. Councilor Borges withdrew her motion. Informational only, Councilor Martin stated that on Thursday, January 9, 2025, is the National Day of Mourning in remembrance of President Carter and all federal buildings will be closed. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-January 7, 2025 Meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. A true copy: Attest: JLL/MAT  5 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 7, 2025 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 n Councilor Scott Martin -; = r--J Ci -i -< (_. l> :so- n::U c:: :z r-f11 The meeting was called to order at 5:33 PM. ::t:: rT1(") C) -; :::0 fTl 0 (/1 '.::':- ·--; :z: 1. Approve minutes from December 30, 2024. -< vi< c; :I )> ol'l ,- )> 9 ..,,-riD Motion by Ms. Borges and (second by Mr. Martin) to approve. So~ted. ;:::; ::t:: 0 ,.,, 0 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. Martin) to approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$4,462,963.21. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. Martin) to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amounto/$5,888,271.84. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and (second by Mr. Martin) to adjourn at 5:34 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 12/3 0/24 Payroll Warrant #109 Bill Invoice Warrant #108 List of items over $100,000 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, JAN 0 7 2025 IN MUNICIPAL s;oUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~.t(GlfF CITY CLERK  6 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 7, 2025 The Committee on Public Property 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 David Pottier, Chairman Councilor Scott Martin Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Christopher Coute Councilor Jeffrey Postell . r--.J 0 ~ .._,.., -; Also Present: Chris Carmichael, Building Superintendent -< Patrick Dello Russo, CFO ,,... (..... Pri ::0 % rrin Jay Pateakos, Executive Director, OECD -; :::-:lffl 0 U1 x-- Ally Rodriguez, Director of Veterans Services --i ::x. ui< -< )> 0 P1 Jim Howland, Assistant Director, OECD --,-,0 Matt Haggerty, 3 0 River Pines Drive ..,.., Q 0 Louise Glass, 12 Spring Street 0 fT1. 0 Bruce Thomas, 48 Church Green Steve Campbell, 270 Norton Avenue J.P. Marcoux, 40 Summer Street Todd Tigano, 764 Norton Avenue Steven Torres, 20 Ashleigh Terrace Bill Fitzgerald, 14 Orchard Street Brian Dalrymple, 30 Devon Street Erik Stenstrom, 85 Hart Street Maureen Mosher, 245 Powderhorn Drive Charles Gagnon, Volunteers of America of Massachusetts CEO Chloe Callanan, 22 Evergreen Drive Peter Buffington, 611 Norton Avenue James Andrews, 90 Rosewood Drive Ted Pietnik, 765 Crane Avenue South John Wezowicz, 230 Ice House Road Kevin Gomes, 475 Norton Avenue Steve Goulart, 45 River Pines Drive Alyssa Haggarty, 30 River Pines Drive Thomas Hoye, 20 River Pines Drive Ann Houlahan, 17 5 Ice House Road The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM.  7 1. Approve minutes from December 17, 2024. Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Postell) to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for the continued discussion on the Nursing Home Property and the request to declare the property as surplus. 350 Norton Ave. - Map 44, Lot 86. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Duarte) to invite in the interested parties from the City. So voted. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the property has been vacant since July, 2019 and the enterprise fund was closed. Since then it's been used as storage for City departments, public safety training, etc. The cost to maintain the building has been close to $1 Million. He stated that in 2023 the Marketable Properties Program came forward and in spring of 2024, 350 Norton Ave. was included in the 2nd tier of the program. Mr. Pottier stated that there have been a number of buildings in the City that sat vacant or allowed to fall into disrepair. The thought is to go out for an RFP to get proposals to come back before the Council. Mr. Martin asked, if they go for an RFP, who would do upgrades to the building. Mr. Delle Russo stated that generally it would be the responsibility of the people coming in. Mr. Martin confirmed that the estimate to tear down the building is $1.5 Million to $2 Million. Mr. Delle Russo stated that the estimate was from a little over a year ago. Mr. Martin said that land is a very valuable commodity and he believes that the City should tear down the building and keep the land under the City's control for future use. He stated that it's not lrnown when there will be the need for a new school or other use in the future. Mr. Coute stated that he agrees that the City should continue to hold the property as it's a special property with its location and it should stay as recreation. He suggested that the City could lose control forever. Mr. Coute said that this is a rural residential area, is intended to be the lowest density so having a dense housing project would not fit with the character of the neighborhood or the intent of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Coute suggested that a loophole around the zoning ordinance is using a lease agreement where the City retains ownership. He stated that he believes that the property should continue to be held by the City of Taunton for future use. Mr. Pottier stated that an RFP would be sent out looking at the footprint only. Mr. Coute stated that single family homes would be allowed by the Rural Residential Zone and that the study done was with an eye on economic development. Mr. Pottier stated that an RFP could be crafted to note that community use was preferred. Mr. Coute noted that the proposal that was received had called for a zoning change and, even if it is just the footprint, Committee on Public Property January 7, 2025 Page2 of JO  8 the Rural Residential Zone only allows for single family housing. Mr. Pateakos stated that he thought it would be 20-25 units. Mr. Coute stated that the neighbors don't expect dense housing projects in Rural Residential and leasing the land is a way to get around the zoning rules. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the City is open to hearing all ideas but they are leaving a property standing right now that costs a significant amount of money so want to see something happen. He stated that this is a major liability. Mr. Pateakos stated that there is a great need for affordable housing. Mr. Pottier stated that the RFP would bring back proposals and allow them to compare potential uses. Mr. Duarte referenced the study which suggested 25 units. The study also indicated that an avenue for housing is a friendly 40B. Mr. Duarte stated that he tends to agree with Mr. Pottier that it is premature to proceed since there have been no proposals received. The only mention of municipal use for this building was for the School Department which was shot down by previous members of the administration. He asked if the City administration would have any potential use for the property and Mr. Della Russo stated that there have been no direct discussions on the City doing anything with the property. Mr. Duarte stated that the City is well below the State required 10% affordable housing level. Mr. Pottier indicated that just because it goes out for an RFP doesn't mean that the City is locked in to anything but suggested that a developer is less likely to come forward if there isn't a declaration of surplus. Mr. Postell asked what the City wants to accomplish, what is the desired end result or vision. Mr. Della Russo stated that they want to see a variety of proposals. Mr. Postell asked what is the City's interest and Mr. Della Russo stated that they want to see what's out there and that the request for expression of interest is going to be very broad. Mr. Postell again asked about the City's interest in the property. Mr. Della Russo said that they want to see what is out there and the Council needs a declaration of surplus to put an RFI out. Mr. Postell asked about the process. Mr. Della Russo stated that the legislative body would declare surplus, there is advertising, and then they would evaluate qualified proposals. Mr. Postell asked for the timeline. Mr. Della Russo stated that he believes it would be 60 to 90 days. Mr. Postell suggested that he would like to see this acted upon in a timely manner and Mr. Della Russo stated that the earliest could be 90 days. They RFP would go out, they would evaluate what's come in, get a selection committee together and the latest would be 120 days to have everything back in front of the Council. Mr. Pateakos stated that a number of people have come in and expressed interest including affordable housing developers who have remodeled similar structures. Mr. Postell asked if this was without advertising and Mr. Pateakos confirmed and noted that people know the building is abandoned. Mr. Postell confrrmed that the City hasn't put money into it and Mr. Pateakos stated that they meet with people all the time. Mr. Martin stated that the City bought land for the public safety building and reiterated that this is an opportunity to protect the land for future use. Mr. Della Russo said that the administration is trying to get to a result. Mr. Carmichael indicated that the status of the building is pushing this forward since it has been rapidly declining. The building needs a roof and 4 out of 5 boilers are gone and they are spending money to maintain it. Committee on Public Property Januaiy 7, 2.025 Page 3 of JO  9 Jvlr. Coute stated that Councilor Postell asked several times what the administration would like to do with the building and the only answer suggested was that there are affordable housing options. Jvlr. Carmichael indicated that the building has black mold. Mr. Coute asked what the administration wants and Jvlr. Dello Russo stated that the Mayor wants to see what the private sector has to offer and what options are out there. Jvlr. Coute emphasized that many RFPs have been crafted over the years. Jvlr. Pottier stated that they are looking to get options to consider. Jvlr. Coute noted that it is $1.5 Million to tear it down and he listed things that the City has spent money on. Mr. Dello Russo stated that they have never had a discussion on this property at the table in public session. Jvlr. Coute said that there had been a discussion that was recreation based and that he does not think that this is the right location for affordable housing. Jvlr. Duarte stated that the decision tonight is whether to surplus the property or not. He suggested that it comes down to whether the Council wants to repurpose the building or not and he does not see a problem with getting options. Jvlr. Sanders stated that the administration wants to know what the options are and all that they have right now is rumor and speculation. The City doesn't know what anyone wants to do or could do until they put together formal proposals and perhaps it could be a blended solution. He said that he would like to know what the potential is for that location and how the parcel could be used for the benefit of the community and that he thinks there is a lot of interest in this parcel. Jvlr. Sanders indicated that he will support moving this forward through the RFP process but he would want to see the RFP before it goes out and that he would want to inform the community as it moves along. Jvlr. Quintal stated that he agrees with Jvlr. Sanders and that he is disgusted with some of the literature that is highlighted regarding crazy veterans. He noted that children are playing there freely because of the veterans. Jvlr. Quintal indicated that they could surplus the property and pull it back if necessary. Jvlr. McCaul stated that he believes that this is a special property and that before anything is done they need a professional engineer's evaluation as there is no plan in place. He suggested they keep it as is now and discuss it with the neighbors. Jvlr. McCaul said that he is a veteran and that he believes in veteran and elderly housing but that the City should see if it should be here or elsewhere. He stated that he does not want to see it go to surplus but would rather see it stay in this Committee. They need to be the voice of the neighbors. Ms. Borges asked how it is that they surplus a property that is about to be leased. Jvlr. Dello Russo stated that they would look for RFis and that there could be options for leasing and/or purchasing. Ms. Borges suggested that there has been a false narrative circulated since not one of the 9 councilors are against veterans housing but that the concern is at that site. She indicated that she believes this is a disservice to veterans and to seniors to put them in that location with services so far away. Her idea that she thought was a better place to accommodate veterans and seniors was a location near the Council on Aging, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. She indicated that she heard rumors that the Maxham School site is contaminated but she verified that that is not accurate. She suggested that the Nursing Home Committee on Public Property Januwy 7, 2025 Page 4 of JO  10 property might be the perfect place to build new schools in the future. Ms. Borges stated that it is a false narrative that she is against veterans. However, she thinks that they would be doing disservice with that location. Ms. Borges stated that she spoke with the OPM and she was told that the Public Safety Building will be done in November but that the electronics part will take a little longer so the Police and Fire Departments will be occupying the facility in February. She suggested that they explore the Maxham School with an empty lot on Oak Ave. Ms. Borges stated that the Taunton Nursing Home site is a prime piece of property that they could never get back. She noted that you can't build land and indicated that she would like to keep something for the future. Mr. Postell stated that in his first year on the Council there was an opportunity to bring veteran and senior housing to a location behind the historical museum. Mr. Postell emphasized that with the Nursing Home property, it's not just the cost to maintain, it's also the liability that concerns him like all City vacant buildings. He suggested that maybe the best option is to tear it down which would reduce the liability and maintenance costs. However, he indicated that he's not opposed to putting it out to see what is out there. Mr. Postell stressed that he would want to see the language in the RFP or RFI and wants to make sure that every submission is brought before the Council. The full Council should be able to vet every proposal. Mr. Della Russo stated that they could also see the RFis that did not meet all the criteria. Mr. Duarte stated that in discussions with residents, one concern is access to services and he noted that they are lucky to have public transportation provider, GATRA, and that many seniors who live throughout the City in long term homes use dial-a-ride. Motion by Mr. Coute and (second by Mr. Postell) to open public input. Mr. Borges asked if they must surplus before going for an RFI. Mr. Della Russo stated that surplus is what they are proposing. Ms. Borges suggested that they just go for an RFI without declaring the property surplus. Mr. Pottier stated that declaring the property surplus shows the City's intent and noted that they can always pull it back. Mr. Quintal suggested that the Veterans Director might like to speak. Ms. Rodriguez stated that as the Veterans Director she was hired to advocate for the veterans and she's doing her job. She stated that there are 203 veterans in Taunton who are homeless and/or living below the poverty line. She indicated that the concern about transportation is not a concern since veterans and seniors have cars. Ms. Rodriguez further suggested that there is a misconception that this is to be a transition house. She stated that she's looking for permanent housing. Mr. Pottier reiterated that they want to look at all options. Ms. Borges asked Ms. Rodriguez where she received the number of 203 homeless veterans in Taunton. Ms. Rodriguez indicated that it was from the Rand Study and the US Department of Housing. Matt Haggerty, 30 River Pines Drive, stated that he is an organizer of the people and they have had a series of meetings and conversations. He indicated that at no point was there any suggestion of a conflict with veterans. He stated that the City is lucky to have someone passionate about veterans. Mr. Haggerty indicated that their concerns are not about veterans. Committee on Public Property January 7, 2025 Page 5 of JO  11 The first concern is with public safety but this has nothing to do with veterans. There is a concern, however, about whether or not this will become housing for migrants. The second concern is about transparency and the process. He suggested that it doesn't make sense to move something into surplus without knowing what the City would want it to be and that it is irresponsible to do so with no vision. He stated that the residents all have to follow zoning rules as that is the rule of law but the City is exempt and suggested that just because you have the right to do something does not make it right. :Mr. Haggerty said that this is a special property next to two schools with 1200 students, two recreational sports leagues, trails, and pathways and noted that there are not just children but also adults who use the property as it's a beautiful place. Louise Glass, 12 Spring Street, asked how the maintenance costs are broken down. :Mr. Pottier stated that they will try to get the information for a public agenda at a later date. Bruce Thomas, 48 Church Green, asked about the process. :Mr. Dello Russo stated that having a surplus declaration allows folks expressing interest to know that the City is serious about doing something with the property. He indicated that the City will be looking for information, not entering into any contracts. Steve Campbell, 270 Norton Avenue, stated that he is a veteran and that this should not go to surplus as it is a special property. He stated that he is confused if this will be an RFP or an RFI. :Mr. Campbell indicated that an RFI is not legally binding. J.P. Marcoux, 40 Summer Street talked about the garden on the site and asked if it would be knocked down. Todd Tigano, 764 Norton Avenue, discussed the zoning in the area and stated that anyone interested in the property is looking to make money. He indicated that the highlighted literature explained things that VOA does. Steven Torres, 20 Ashleigh Terrace, stated that the surplus designation is the requisite step if you are going to dispose of a property. However, he indicated that this is an unnecessary step in this case. He stated that the City hasn't done a long-term study on the City's own needs. He indicated that the City could issue a request for expression of interest without declaring the property surplus and that declaring the property surplus is unnecessary, premature, and irresponsible. :Mr. Torres stated that the City hasn't surveyed the departments nor the school department to determine ifthere is a long-term use for the property. He also noted that this is one of the last pieces of pristine open space in the City and suggested that this deserves to have an ad-hoc study committee. Bill Fitzgerald, 14 Orchard Street, stated that what :Mr. Torres said was true. He indicated that the EOI process usually leads to the RFP process. He also stated that the mention of just using the footprint is the first he's heard of that and it seems like it changes every day. He indicated that he would prefer to see a structured RFP with input from a committee that has clear guidelines. :Mr. Fitzgerald stated that he believes housing is what you will get there. Committee on Public Property January 7, 2025 Page 6of10  12 He also suggested that the next steps laid out in the Madden report perhaps should have been completed. Brian Dalrymple, 30 Devon Street, stated that he moved there because of the zone and the schools. He indicated that the space should be open and recreational so there is continuity with the recreational fields and schools. He suggested that veteran housing should be considered closer to the town center. Erik Stenstrom, 85 Hart Street, stated that he works to make sure veterans are taken care of and using this property for veterans would take minimal transition and would make good on the promise to veterans that they will have a home to come home to. This property could help these men and women who are looking for peace. He suggested that if this is a lease and the terms of the lease are violated, the lease could be removed. In addition to the housing, he would like an outreach program as well. Brendan Mullen, 106 Crane A venue South, stated that it is crazy to suggest that the people in the neighborhood don't support veterans. The issue is the property, what it will be used for, and how it fits into the neighborhood. He suggested that this has been a disingenuous process and nothing has been transparent. Mr. Mullen asked if departments have been asked and ifthere is any municipal use and, ifthere is some potential use, it should not be declared surplus Maureen Mosher, 245 Powderhorn Drive, said thank you to veterans for their service. She stated that the MPP does a lot of good but noted that two properties were pulled out of the Marketable Properties Program because of procedural deficiencies. She indicated that this land is the future and that the City should go for an RFI without the surplus declaration. Ms. Mosher discussed the bottleneck that already exists and her concern that if this were to go through that there will be a large housing development. Charles Gagnon of Volunteers of America of Massachusetts strongly recommended that the Council pause on declaring the property surplus and proceed with an RFI. He stated that he did engage in visioning with City leaders and this was the only property that they were introduced to. He indicated that if they were to proceed, they would not need all of the land. Mr. Gagnon stated that VOA Mass would respond to an RFI. Molly Buffington, 611 Norton Avenue, stated that she spends time at the area around the Taunton Nursing Home riding her bike and would like it to stay a safe, open area. Chloe Callanan, 22 Evergreen Drive, stated that she is concerned with a large housing complex on the Taunton Nursing Home land. She rides her bike and practices softball there. Peter Buffington, 611 Norton Avenue, thanked the veterans. He stated that on Norton Ave. they don't want a partner and they don't want a housing project. He suggested that this is an opportunity to come together and said that the building should be taken down. Mr. Buffington indicated that he believes this is an inappropriate place for any type of housing development. Committee on Public Property Janua1y 7, 2025 Page 7 of JO  13 James Andrews, 90 Rosewood Drive, stated that if this land goes to surplus, there is no control and asked the Council to listen to the people who were there. Ted Pietnik:, 765 Crane Avenue South, stated that with lot 77E they were told it was an open and transparent process and he found out afterwards that someone had authorized WIN Waste to go onto the property to survey. He suggested that someone make a motion that before the Council takes a vote regarding the surplus of any property that the abutters be notified similar to a zoning change. He stated that most Americans have most of their money in their house and a housing development would cause the property values to go down. Mr. Pietnik stated that Councilor Borges offered an option to make everyone happy. John W ezowicz, 23 0 Ice House Road, stated that he hopes this property is the impetus for finding veterans what they deserve. He indicated that this is a unique property that was bought based on a vision to build schools and put them at the complex there. He noted that there is wildlife on the property including spotted turtles. Mr. Wezowicz suggested that the City is growing and that they will need that space at some point. He also suggested that the City adopt a policy that no facilities are built without a plan for the facility being replaced. Kevin Gomes, 475 Norton Avenue, stated that he moved here and this is everything that he envisioned. He stated that he hopes that they use common sense to preserve the land which is beautiful. Steve Goulart, 45 River Pines Drive, stated that the property is big and beautiful. His family moved to River Pines Drive because of the schools, the fields, and the woods. He suggested that Oak Street would be a better location for veterans and if the property is in surplus it will be gone and no way to use it in the future. Mr. Goulart noted that the City is growing and that the schools are already probably at capacity so bigger schools will be needed. He also suggested that the building be knocked down and the Fire Department could do training. He would like to see the land used for future educational and recreational purposes. Alyssa Haggarty, 30 River Pines Drive, stated that kids would be impacted the most as there are 1300 students between the two schools. She urged the Council not to surplus the property or to move forward with a plan for housing. She noted that this is a safe, family- friendly environment with trails that connect the schools and the fields. Ms. Haggarty suggested that there is a potential liability with a housing complex and asked that the City retain the property for a more appropriate use. Thomas Hoye, 20 River Pines Drive, stated that he is disappointed that this turned into neighbors vs. veterans. He noted that when the Mulcahey School was replaced, they built a new school on the same property and then moved into the school. He suggested that the Chamberlain and Friedman schools will need to be replaced in the next 30-40 years. Mr. Hoye urged the councilors to use common sense and to not surplus this land. Ann Houlahan, 175 Ice House Road, stated that she thinks the Council should slow it down. She thanked veterans and suggested that the City hold onto the property. She indicated that Committee on Public Property January 7, 2025 Page 8 of JO  14 she believes that the site is not suitable for housing, unless it is single family homes, as it is not close to any services. Motion by Mr. Postell (seconded by Mr. Coute) to close public input. So voted. Mr. Coute asked that an email be read into the record and the Clerk of Committees read an email from Rick Smith supporting the City retaining the property. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Coute) to make that part of the record So voted. Mr. Dello Russo stated that the Mayor wanted to provide an opportunity for the Council to have the best outcome by bringing forward options. He indicated that housing was not proposed by the administration. Mr. Pateakos stated that they have not received any proposals for the site but the Mayor has been pushing for ideas. He stated that they could tailor an RFI to have the land available. Mr. Pottier noted that there has been a lot of rumor and innuendo and one reason is because the meeting wasn't able to be scheduled for some time. Mr. Coute stated that he heard from the residents and they do not want an RFP tailored for the kids and there is concern with declaring the property surplus. Motion by Mr. Coute (second by Mr. Postell) to leave the property as it is and decline to surplus the property. Mr. Martin stated that this does not solve the any of the problems and suggested that the building be demolished. Mr. Coute amended his motion to add that they ask the Superintendent o(Buildings to solicit proposals (or the cost to demo the building. Mr. Martin seconded the amendment. Mr. Postell stated that he is concerned with a vacant building standing for the safety of the neighborhood. He stated that they need to know what is intended to be done with the property. Mr. Postell indicated that the City does not have many locations for future use and that there needs to be an evaluation of the future needs of the City. He also suggested that the City can't continue to put money into the building. Ms. Borges noted that the historic portion meant something to her but that Mr. Carmichael had said that the historic portion can't remain without the rest. She stated that she is comfortable with tearing the building down. Mr. Duarte stated that if this motion were to fail he would be more comfortable with seeking RFis prior to surplus. Mr. Dello Russo indicated that the process to surplus is the best practice to get the most attractive outcome. Mr. Duarte asked where the money for the demo would come from and Mr. Dello Russo said that it would probably come from capital stabilization. Committee on Public Property January 7, 2025 Page 9 of JO  15 Mr. Pottier reiterated that the goal is to get options to consider. Mr. Coute stated that proposals are not necessary. Mr. Postell reiterated that the building is a liability. Ms. Borges stated that the location could potentially be used by the Fire Department. Mr. Coute restated his motion. Motion to leave the property as it is and decline to surplus the property. Receive a proposal from the Building Superintendent for the cost to demolish the building and bring that hack to the Council. Ms. Borges asked about the historic portion. Mr. Carmichael stated that because it is on the Registry of Historic buildings, the Historic Commission will have an impact. On a roll call, Councilors Postell, Coute, and Martin voted yes. Councilors Duarte and Pottier voted no. The motion passes 3-2. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Duarte) to adjourn at 9:01 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Public Property Meeting Minutes of 12117/24 Email from Rick Smith · CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, JAN 0 i 2025 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ~7.~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED FOR ITEM #1. ITEM #2, ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, NINE (9) COUNCILORS WERE PRESENT, SIX (6) COUNCILORS VOTED IN FAVOR (COUNCILORS MCCAUL, BORGES, MARTIN, QUINTAL, POSTELL AND COUTE), THREE (3) COUNCILORS (COUNCILORS POTTIER, SANDERS AND DUARTE) VOTED IN OPPOSITION TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY AS IT IS AND DECLINE TO SURPLUS THE PROPERTY AND RECEIVE A PROPOSAL FROM THE BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE COST TO DEMOLISH THE BUILDING AND BRING THAT BACK TO ?J;;lf~lWNPASSED. Committee on Public Property Janumy 7, 2025 Page JO of JO C~iK