City Council

City of'Taunton !M.unicipa{Council!Meeting !Minutes City 1fa{{, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ !Martin 9'1.unicipa{Council Cnam6ers - 9'1.inutes, January 14, 2025 at 7:08 O'cCoc~/P.9'1.. a>fed"IJe of)f.0".egiance ~gular 9.1.eeting 9.1.ayor Sfiaunna £. O'Conne{[presitfing <Prayer was offerea 6y tfie 9.1.ayor 9.1.ayor O 'Conne{[ offerea a moment of silence for a'auC Perris, wno servea as a 'Taunton Pirefienter for wer 30 years. Sfie aCso offerea a moment of sifence for )f.{{an £. Camp6e~ Jr., wno is tfie 6rotfier-in-law offormer City CounciCor, Jeanne Quinn. <Present at ro{[ ca{[were: CounciCors Coute, <Duarte, a'oste~ Quinta~ Santfers, a'ottier, 9.1.artin, CBorges anti9.1.cCau{ Record of January 7, 2025 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. Lillian Burt, 35 Fisher Street, Taunton, discussed the financial hardship for residents after retirement. She discussed the senior tax exemption program and if a resident qualifies, they receive a $1,000.00 towards their tax bill and a percentage of their water bill. She stated in order to qualify, a resident must be 70 years old by July 1st. She discussed the importance of recognizing that residents become seniors at 65 years old. She requested that the age to qualify be changed to 65 years old. She discussed that surrounding towns acknowledge seniors at 65 years old. She stated that they get SNAP, fuel assistance and free trash bags, however, the fuel amount the seniors received last year is half than the year before. She discussed the need for more programs to help seniors financially. Mayor O'Connell stated that she will have the Law Office and the Chief Financial Officer review this and will be sending her some information on other programs the City has available. Motion was made to go out of the regular order of business to Pages 11 and 12 of the agenda packet. So Voted. Communications from Citv Officers: Com. from the City Clerk regarding the appointment and swearing-in of one (1) permanent full-time Fire Lieutenant. The appointment effective date will be January 19, 2025. Councilor Pottier stated that the three (3) candidates listed on page 12 of the agenda packet would all do well in this position, however, the recommended candidate is Jeffrey P. Harden. Motion was made to promote Jeffrey P. Harden on a roll call vote,  2 effective January 19, 2025. On a roll call vote, nine (9) Councilors were present, nine (9) Councilors in favor of Jeffrey P. Harden. The motion passes. The City Clerk swore in Jeffrey P. Harden as a Fire Lieutenant. Motion was made to revert back to the regular order of business. So Voted. Hearing: NONE. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor 0' Connell invited the Board of Health to the podium for the Board of Health Internship & Scholarship Presentation. Mayor O'Connell introduced the Executive Director of the Board of Health, Danielle Gurgel, the City of Taunton Public Health Nurse, Michelle Borrello, and the intern for the Board of Health, Cameron Brady. Mayor O'Connell discussed that Ms. Brady is currently a Health Science Major at Stonehill College and often worked alongside Ms. Borrello during her internship to further explore her interest in nursing. Ms. Gurgel discussed the great work that Ms. Brady did during her time as an intern. She expressed gratitude to Mayor O'Connell for the opportunity to have an intern in their Department. Ms. Brady discussed her experience working as an intern for the Board of Health during September through December of 2024. Mayor O'Connell presented a citation to Ms. Brady for her valuable efforts during her internship, as well as a scholarship. Mayor O'Connell stated that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will be giving a Welcome Center Update. Mayor O'Connell invited the interested parties into the enclosure. The parties introduced themselves as Brian Weeden, Chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe and the President of the Wampanoag Tribe Gaming Authority, Carlton Hendricks, Jr., Vice Chairman of the W ampanoag Tribe, Kevin Jones, Chief Strategy and Legal Officer for Genting, Rebekah Salguero, General Counsel to the Tribe. Mr. Weeden discussed the history of the W ampanoag Tribe. He discussed the difficulties that the Tribe has faced, particularly in the last 10 years. Mr. Jones discussed that Genting has been involved with the Tribe's efforts to develop since 2009. Mr. Jones stated that the Tribe is committed to resolving the issues with the IGA as soon as possible. Mr. Hendricks discussed the logistics of the proposed W elcorne Center. He stated that during the first seven (7) days of the soft opening. The Tribe will be donating all proceeds to the Ryan Hendricks Foundation, which honors a young tribal member who passed away in 2022. He stated that the proceeds made in the following seven (7) days will be donated to a charity selected by the Mayor, Hornes for our Troops. Mr. Jones discussed that the Welcome Center is approximately 2,000 sq. ft., which includes an overview of the Tribe's history, media that the Tribe has prepared, as well as ten (10) operable machines. He stated that this will be a sampling of what is to come. He stated that the grand opening will take place on January 26th and all are welcome to attend. Numerous Councilors asked questions and gave comments concerning the workforce, PILOT payments, the IGA, property conditions and future plans. The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor 0' Connell regarding the redevelopment of 437 Whittenton Street. Motion was made to refer to the scheduled hearing. So Voted.  3 The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell regarding an update on several buildings located within the City. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Public Property. So Voted. The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell regarding an update on the status of the School Street/Winter Street/Floral Street intersection improvement project. · The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell regarding an update on the City's ongoing efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly during the cold winter months. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Public Health and Environmental Affairs. So Voted. The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor 0' Connell regarding an update on the progress of 2 Hamilton Street. A use proposal created by Superintendent Cabral and his team has been included in a separate packet. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Mayor 0' Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet, as well as the City's website and Facebook page. Appointments: Appointment of Daisy Delano, 46 Linden Street, Taunton to the Board of Library Trustees to fulfill the unexpired term of Patricia Morris which expires January 2026. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Appointment of Meghan O'Donnell, 245 Norton Avenue, Taunton to the Cultural Council for a term of three years expiring December 31, 2027. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. Communications from City Officers: Com. from the Treasurer/Collector requesting an appropriation transfer of $499,727.00 to rectify a data entry issue that occurred during the FY25 budget process. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Executive Director of Retirement stating that the Taunton Retirement Board voted on December 18, 2024 to certify the amount of $20,644,429.00 for the FY2026 Pension Fund Appropriation. Motion was made to receive and place on file, as well as to refer this to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department is asking to modify an order as it relates to funds received from the sale of surplus items from the School Department. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Communications from Citizens: Com. from the residents of Country Way requesting an evaluation of their street for an improvement. Mayor 0' Connell stated that this matter has been placed on the agenda for the next internal DPW meeting. She stated that this street was accepted in October of 2022, which was after the paving program was done, therefore, it has not been graded  4 yet. She stated that they will be looking at all the streets that were accepted after the paving program and putting them on their assessment sheet. Councilor Borges motioned to refer pages 17 through 25 to the Committee on the Department of Public Works. 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: NONE. New Business: Councilor Borges motioned to refer to Committee on Public Property for a discussion on the future use of Central Fire Station and the future use of the Taunton Police Station. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier requested that when practical, if the other properties discussed, as well as the properties that the Council may not know about yet, be brought to the entire Council and the community for consideration, discussion and feedback. Mayor O'Connell stated that they are always reviewing properties and that there are a lot of moving pieces. She stated that her team plans to bring options to the City Council at the appropriate time. Councilor Pottier motioned for the other properties that were mentioned in the Mayor's communications be presented, when practical, to the Committee on Public Property for a discussion so that there is transparency amongst the Council and the residents. So Voted. Councilor Pottier motioned to refer the issue of trash behind the Union Block to the Committee on the Department of Public Works and the Mayor's Office. So Voted. Informational only, Councilor Pottier stated that on Saturday, January 18, 2025, there will be suicide prevention training in the Council Chambers at lO:OOam. This training is open to the public. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is more information available on this event on the City's Facebook Page. Councilor Quintal motioned to refer to the Mayor's Office for an issue on Christine Lane regarding vehicle obstruction in the cul-de-sac. So Voted. Councilor Duarte motioned to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries to discuss lowering the age for the senior tax exemption and whether that requires a Home Rule Petition. So Voted.  5 List o(Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events-January 14, 2025 Meeting adjourned at 9:04 P.M. A true copy: Attest: ~ ~ ¥- (/~~~~:~· City Clerk Leger JLL/MAT  6 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 14, 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 \ (") ~ ._,, -;: Councilor Scott Martin I -4 J:> <- :El'- -< o~ rrr'l c:: :;z: rri(J \ ;!".'. -1 N '.:l:J fT1 0 c; :~-'- The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM. ---1 z: vi< -< )> {'l1 (""") 3: ):>' S?, t!.J I ""T1 1. Approve minutes from January 7, 2025. rri -P. CJ ;;:o +: rn ?".: . _co -....;....~-'--"' Motion by Ms. Borges and (second by Mr. Martin) to approve. So voted. 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/$1,544,550.95. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. Martin) to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of $7, 262, 746. 30. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request to pay a prior year bill in the amount of $21, 048 .13 for IT services rendered and the associated transfer from the Reserve Fund (01-132-5200-5784) to Contracted Services (01-155-5200-5320). Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. Martin) to invite the CFO in. So voted. Mr. Duarte read the letter from Mr. Dello Russo with the request. Mr. Dello Russo explained that there was an accounting mishap on the vendor's end. Motion by Ms. Borges and seconded by Mr. Martin to approve. So voted. 4. Meet to discuss the request for a transfer from the Reserve Fund (01-132-5200-5784) to the School Department (01-3-2-99-000-2305-1-1) in the amount of $90,000.  7 :Mr. Duarte read the letter from :Mr. Dello Russo with the request. :Mr. Dello Russo stated that subsequent to the supplemental budget they reached an agreement which would make the net school spending what had been agreed to. Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. Martin) to approve. :Mr. Duarte asked if this brings the schools to at least 100% and :Mr. Dello Russo confirmed. So voted. Motion by Ms. Borges and (second by Mr. Martin) to adjourn at 5:41 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 1/7/25 Payroll Warrant #113 Bill Invoice Warrant #112 List of items over $100,000 Letter from Patrick Dello Russo dated 12/30/24 Letter from Patrick Dello Russo dated 1/2/25 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, JAN 14 2025 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees ORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee on Finance and Salaries January 14, 2025 Page2oj2  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 14, 2025 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 Scott Martin, Chairman Councilor John McCaul Councilor Estele Borges Councilor David Pottier n Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal --! ~ -i -< )> <:.... n::tl Councilor Jeffrey Postell c > ::z: rfT1 :z: MO Councilor Phillip Duarte Councilor Christopher Coute CJ -! -< -i 0 % N -- ::0 fTl -:Y-" v>< :r )> ofTI r C') ::t.,. .....,,o ..,., i'T1 ~ -P. ('") The meeting was called to order at 5:52 PM. :A &:' ,...,., co 1. Remarks from the Chair Mr. Martin thanked Councilor Pottier for his professionalism during the 2024 year and looked forward to a successful 2025. 2. Approve minutes from December 17, 2024. Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Pottier) to approve. So voted. 3. Meet in executive session to review and consider approval of the successor collective bargaining agreement with the Taunton Fire Fighters, Local 13 8, IAFF. This discussion will be held in executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A §21: "To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares". Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Pottier) to enter into executive session. So voted on a roll call. Motion by Duarte (second by Mr. McCaul) to come out of executive session. So voted on a roll call.  9 Motion by Ms. Borges (second by Mr. McCaul) to come back to order. So voted Mr. Martin reported that two motions were made in executive session. One was to come out of executive session and the other was to approve the Firefighter contract. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded by Mr. McCaul to adjourn at 6:33 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of 12/17/24 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, JAN 142025 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. Committee of the Whole January 14, 2025 Page2of2  10 City of Taunton Municipal Council January 14, 2025 The Committee on the Department of Public Works The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor John McCaul, Chairman Councilor Lawrence Quintal Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Jeffrey Postell Councilor Scott Martin ~ 0 r--.J -{ l...t1 -{ -< Also Present: Chris Jones, BETA Group, Project Manager )> ,_ <- ;:i:.- o:::O '-- :z rfll Patrick Della Russo, CFO z N 1-1(") (""') -i :.:') P1 Tony Abreau, DPW Assistant Commissioner --~ 0 ::z: ::X-- -< u)< Fred Comaglia, DPW Commissioner )> c/\1 n 3: Katherine Nunes, DPW Director of Capital Projects I r; > .!) .,-.,0 :;:;:; c=.; ::r- .::: ("T1 co The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM. 1. Approve minutes from November 19, 2024. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Sanders) to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for an update on recent discussions and necessary modifications to the Old Colony Bridge Project. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Sanders) to invite in the interested parties. So voted. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Postell) to invite in the DPW Commissioners. So voted. Mr. Della Russo explained that the project started with $300,000 in funding for the Old Colony Ave. Bridge and they received a $5 Million federal grant from Congressman Auchincloss. Subsequent to that, Mass DOT came in and it went from $300,000 to $1.1 Million project because of the engineering tasks. He explained that they have an MOA with Raynham that will have to go in place. Mr. Jones gave a brief presentation. He explained that this project started in 2019 and, since its inception, was planned to be a municipal-only project. In that case, MassDOT has a review process which is basically regarding structural  11 adequacy. The City received a $5 Million project funding grant and they weren't sure what the requirements would be for this program and what the restrictions would be. Mr. Jones explained that they eventually were informed that the City cannot take possession of the money directly and it has to go through the State. Because of this, it became a Mass DOT project. This means that Mass DOT is looking at every aspect of the project which increases the cost and lengthens the schedule. Mr. Jones stated that the cost increased by about three times and it is about a 2 year design schedule. Mr. Dello Russo stated that an MOA and money coming forward next week will cover the $1.4 Million cost of the design of the bridge. Mr. McCaul asked about traffic impacts and Mr. Jones explained that that they have done a traffic study and they are proposing to detour the traffic during construction over to Precinct Street and Church Street. Mr. McCaul asked how long it would be and Mr. Jones stated that it will be advertised by September 30, 2026, construction would likely start in spring of 2027, and traffic will likely be closed most of 2027. Mr. Comaglia stated that the City has 41 bridges. They are usually inspected every two years and they receive a bridge report which is how this came to be. Mr. Duarte asked for a preliminary estimate for construction costs and Mr. Jones stated that it is estimated at $4.5 Million for construction and with additional construction administration costs it could possibly be beyond the $5 Million mark so they are looking for supplemental funding. Mr. Duarte asked if the preliminary estimate includes escalation and Mr. Jones confirmed. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Quintal) to make the presentation part of the record and support the administration entering into an MOA with the Town ofRaynham. So voted. Motion by Mr. Postell and seconded Mr. Quintal to adjourn at 6:51 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: Meeting minutes from the DPW Committee from 11/19/24 Presentation: Old Colony Avenue (South Street East) over Taunton River Taunton-Raynham CITY OF TAUNTON JAN 14 2025 Respectfully submitted, IN MUt-JtCIPAL COUNCIL ~rj-ui.Cb--~ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Committee on the Department ofPublic Works Janumy 14, 2025 Page2 of2  12 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#l2 FY2025 !7/v ~ COIUlCii. .-. . . . . . . . .~~-~-~~9.'..~~=-~~~?..................... 20.............. The sum of twenty one thousand forty eight dollars and thirteen cents ($21,048.13) be atid hereby is transferred: FROM: Reserve Fund- 01-132-5200-5784 TO: Contracted Services-01-155-5520-5320 ................................................................ gktt.  13 CITY OF TAUNTON ORDER#13 . ._9/i, ~ {j~···-··············--r.~~~.:.~ H,.?.~9±~.................... 20.............. The sum of ninety thousand dollars and zero cents ($90,000.00) be and hereby is transferred: FROM: Reserve Fund- 01-132-5200-5784 TO: School Department - 01-3-2-99-000-2305-1-1 ................................................................ ~k£.