City Council

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780 City Clerk's Office FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - 7:00 PM Notice of Posting Time:j D:$ :?l!a.~·@ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . -·· ··. ·~ ~ INVOCATION Date: () \ - :»l/ d5 ROLL CALL READING OF THE RECORDS FROM JANUARY 28, 2025 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 Information on the Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force • Community Update APPOINTMENTS Appointment and Swearing in of Two (2) Permanent Full Time Police Officers: • Joseph Erwin Schnupp, III • Alexander Leonard Shani COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS Pg. 1 Com. from Executive Director, Retirement - Regarding the Actuarial Valuation Report (SEPARATE PACKET) Pg.2 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Requesting to Meet With the Committee on Public Property Pg. 3-13 Com. from First Assistant City Solicitor - Regarding the Updated Kennel Ordinance Pg. 14 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Providing an Update on the Recent Executive Orders from the Presidential Administration COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE PETITIONS Second Hand Article License - NEW 1. Ambers Clothing located at 11 Hamilton Street, Taunton (ONLINE ONLY) Sewer Extension Petition submitted by John D. DeSousa, President/CEO, Northcounty Group, Inc., 12 Taunton Green, Suite #204, Taunton, MA 02780 on behalf of his client Deep Pond Farm, 123 Dolan Circle, East Taunton, MA 02718 requesting approval of a sewer extension. COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS - NONE NEW BUSINESS • Councilor Borges requests that the Council reconsider the motion from last week's council meeting and to invite the City Assessor to educate the public on their most recent tax bill Respectfully submitted, ~~~ Krystal L. Rebelo Assistant City Clerk  c 0 i"<'\ {'o, ~ -h,-c, •f'V'\ \,_~,)_ \ HP...')()V City of Taunton Ligia M . Madeira, Ei:'q . CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR January 28, 2025 Council President Scott Martin Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Martin and Members of the Municipal Council, The City of Taunton continues to lead the way in Southeastern Massachusetts with innovative programs such as our Marketable Properties Program, Helping Hand Fund and Free Senior Trash Bag Program, to name a few. Our City team is aligned in working together to move our City forward in positive ways. Improving quality of life for our residents and businesses is a priority for us. Through our new Asset Management Program, as well as several other departmental listings and data, we have identified properties that are abandoned, have code violations, pose fire and health hazards, and are delinquent on taxes. These properties not only pose safety hazards but also negatively impact property values. To address these blighted properties with a strategic plan, we are creating the City of Taunton's first Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force with a broad range of appropriate City stakeholders. I am pleased to appoint the following members: • Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr. Chief Financial Officer • Jay Pateakos, Executive Director of Economic & Community Development • Danielle Gurgel, Executive Director Board of Health • Robert Bastis, Deputy Fire Chief • Christine DeMoranville, Treasurer-Collector • Robert Pirozzi, Building Commissioner and Code Enforcement Officer • Lisa Bond, First Assistant City Solicitor  CD fY1 Y"", ~y-v'"' ~ H1Jov This team will be tasked with putting together a plan to address blighted properties on a case-by- case basis and return those properties to an improved state. Creating this task force allows the various departments involved to work collaboratively to problem-solve and identify effective solutions. As we are in the initial stages of this endeavor, we look forward to reporting back to you with our progress. Thank you to CFO Patrick Dello Russo and OECD Director Jay Pateakos for their work on this important initiative which we anticipate will have a positive impact with multiple benefits for our City. Respectfully submitted, Mayor Shaunna O'Connell  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR Community Updates - February 4, 2025 What is Essential to Grow Your Business: Hosted by SCORE • Five weeks on Tuesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4th; 5:30pm- 7:30pm • Trescott Street Gallery (8 Trescott Street) • This workshop series will help aspiring entrepreneurs assess their readiness and understand the essential steps to launch their business idea • Cost $35.00 • For more information, contact Linda Foss at linda.foss@scorevolunteer.org South Coast LGBTQ+ Listening Session • Tuesday February 4 at 7pm - TPAC (21 Main Street) - No reservations required • A public forum to talk about challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces. This event is accessible via Zoom: https://bit.ly/lgbtq-listening Trescott Street Gallery Black Art Expo - Visual and Performing Arts • Saturday February 8, 6pm - 9 pm, Trescott Street Gallery (8 Trescott Street) • Celebrate Black History Month with T.R.U.E. Diversity at the Black Art Expo featuring incredible visual and performing arts • For more information, visit: www.trescottstreetgallery.org Taunton Diversity Network 3rd Annual Sneaker Ball • Saturday February 15, 6pm, Venus de Milo (75 GAR Highway, Swansea) • Wear your best cocktail attire and sneakers! • Tickets can be purchased via Venmo, CashApp and PayPal • For more information contact (774) 240-2742 or tauntondiversitynetwork@gmail.com Taunton Diversity Network African Doll Making Workshop • Saturday February 22, 1 lam- lpm (Taunton Public Library) • Celebrate Black History Month by creating African-inspired handcrafted dolls. This free, hands-on workshop allows participants of all ages to learn about cultural artistry. • For more information contact (774) 240-2742 or tauntondiversitynetwork@gmail.com Mayor O'Connell's 2025 State of the City Address • Thursday February 20, 6pm, City Hall Council Chambers (15 Summer Street) • Join the Mayor for the National Anthem, State of the City Address, "Stronger Together" Community Awards and Reception • All are welcome, and encouraged, to attend. Save the Date! • March 1st: Downtown Taunton Foundation Mardi Gras Pub Parade • March 15th: Friends of Boyden Maple Sugaring Sponsorship Opportunity: Mayor O'Connell and the City of Taunton have partnered with Garden Patch Silver City to install and maintain self-watering hanging baskets in the Weir and Whittenton neighborhoods, and are inviting individuals and business to sponsor a basket for $100 to help enhance the area's beauty throughout 2025, with sponsorships available at https://bit/ly/WeirWhittentonBaskets.com Join us in supporting our beautiful neighborhoods! Please visit the City website (www.taunton-ma.gov) and Facebook page for more information  i. CITY OF TAUNTON Contributory Retirement System 104 Dean St., Suite 203 Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Tel (508) 821-1052 Fax (508) 821-1063 www.tauntonretirement.com BOARD OF RETIREMENT STAFF Chairman: Executive Dennis M. Smith, Elected member Director: Paul J. Slivinski Ex-officio member: Ian D. Fortes Elected member: Thomas A. Bernier Assistant Mayoral appointee: Gill E. Enos Director: Board appointee: Barry J. Amaral Karen Medeiros January 27, 2025 Hon. Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer St., City Hall Taunton, MA. 02780 Dear Mayor O'Connell and Councilors: Enclosed, for your information, is the latest actuarial valuation of the City of Taunton Contributory Retirement System as of January 1, 2024. The valuation was performed by Gallagher Actuarial Consulting Services and provides an update to the retirement system's pension liabilities, funded status, and funding schedule from which the city and member units will make their annual pension appropriations. ~ul1L;L . Paul J. ~vinski,CPP Executive Director Encl. cc: Taunton Municipal Light Plant Taunton Housing Authority G.A.T.R.A. Dahab Associates Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission Z: Pauldocs> actuarial-city .docx  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 CfllEF FTNANCIAL OFF ICER (508) 821 -1000 Gill E. Enos BUDGET DIRECTOR MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL January 31, 2025 Council President Scott Martin Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Martin and Members of the Municipal Council, The Finance Department would like the opportunity to discuss the potential acquisition of 4 Spring Lane with the Committee on Public Property. We would like to have this discussion on February 11th 2025 . Thank you for your Consideration Resp~rllitted, _ __ Patrick D. Dello Russo Jr. Chief Financial Officer City of Taunton  3. City of Taunton LAW DEPARTMENT 15 Summer Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Phone (508) 82 1-1036 Facsimi le (508) 82 1-1397 Shaunna O'Connell MAYOR Thomas P. Gay, Jr., Esq. ASST. CITY SOLICITOR Matthew J. Costa, Esq. CITY SOLICITOR David T. Gay, Esq. sr. ASST. CIT Y SOLICITOR Lisa Bond, Esq. FIRST ASST. CITY SOLICITOR January 30, 2025 Committee Chairman Barry Sanders Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills City of Taunton, City Hall 15 Summer Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Re: Updated Kennel Ordinance Dear Chairman Sanders and Members of the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills: On November 19, 2024 the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills voted to amend the Kennel Ordinance to allow for both physical and invisible fences. However, since that vote, on December 19, 2024, Ollie's Law became effective. The enactment of Ollie's Law requires additional changes to the Kennel Ordinance; most notably the requirement that all kennels be inspected at least annually. I have updated the Kennel Ordinance to include invisible fences as well as the changes necessitated by the recent passage of Ollie's Law. I have attached for your review the following : 1. Red lined version of the updated Ordinance with regard to Kennels; 2. A clean version of the updated Ordinance with regard to Kennels; and 3. Ollie's Law Guidance for ACOs & Shelters/Rescues. SJ Thank you. ' - krely, ~squire First Assistant City Solicitor 1  L\ ' CITY OF TAUNTON In the year two thousand and twenty-fiveatH Chapter 191 ANIMALS Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1: Article 1, Section 191-8 of Chapter 191 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by deleting said existing Section and replacing the same with the following:- § 191-8 Kennels. A. Definition. For purposes of this section, the word "kennel" shall mean one pack or collection of dogs on a single lot, whether maintained for breeding, boarding, sale, training, hunting, or other purposes, and including any shop where dogs are on sale, and also including every pack or collection of dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single lot irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained. B. A public hearing before the Municipal Council shall be required prior to the issuance of a new Class I, Class II or Class III kennel license subject to M!.G!.L!. c. 140, § 137A. A kennel license cannot be issued until a passing kennel inspection has been completed by the Animal Control Officer. Annual renewals are also subject to a public hearing but may have the public hearing waived by majority vote of the Municipal Council. However, the Animal Control Officer must inspect prior to a license renewal. The owner of the property must be the petitioner for the kennel license. C. Kennel licenses shall be classified as Class I for keeping four to six dogs, Class II for keeping seven to 12 dogs, and Class III for keeping more than 12 dogs. D. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class I license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written certification of the following: (1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property-Gf sufficient height to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs.  (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a minimum of 100 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at -any time, and at least once per year, any time in accordance with M~G~L~ c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning, only if used for a commercial purpose. (9) If dogs are to be housed outside, they must be appropriately housed in a structure that complies with this section as well as all other City Ordinances and any applicable state or local building codes. E. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class II license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written ce1tification of the following: ( 1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property e.f sufficient height to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs. (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a minimum of 150 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at any time. and at least once per year. any time in accordance with M~G~L~ c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning. (9) That each dog shall have a shelter or dog house. (10) That he or she will certify that all dogs shall be kept in shelter from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (11) If dogs are to be housed outside, they must be appropriately housed in a structure that complies with this section as well as all other City Ordinances and any applicable state or local building codes. F. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class III license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written certification of the followi ng: (1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property ef sufficient height to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. 2  (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs. (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a minimum of 250 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at any time. and at least once per year, any time in accordance with M_,_ G_,_ L_,_ c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning. (9) That each dog shall have a shelter or dog house. (10) That he or she will notify the Animal Control Officer in writing of any change in the number of dogs kept on the premises. (11) That he or she will certify that all dogs shall be kept in shelter from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (12) That a kennel structure constructed in accordance with applicable building codes shall be erected or presently exists on the premises sufficient to house the number of dogs to be kept under the license. The structure shall: (a) Have running water. (b) Have shelter for each dog. (c) Be located a niinimum of 250 feet from any residential dwelling. (d) Have a washable, disease- and water-resistant floor. G. The A11imal Control Officer may suspend any kennel license issued hereunder if the licensee fails to comply with any item required under this section. The Municipal Council may suspend, revoke, or reinstate any kennel license, at a hearing for due process, if the licensee fails to comply with any item required under this section. H. Keeping of more dogs than are permitted under any class kennel license shall be grounds for revocation of the license. I. The Municipal Council may combine the special permit required in § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning, the site plan review required under Alticle XV of Chapter 440, Zoning, and the license hearing. J. The application fee shall be $50 for a new Class I, $100 for a new Class II, and $150 for a new Class III kennel license. The annual renewal fee shall be 1/2 the application fee for a new kennel license. The fee for the required zoning special permit and site plan review is included in the application fee. The petitioner shall be responsible for the newspaper advertising costs in addition to the filing .fHe.-fee in the event of a public hearing. K. In addition to the foregoing provisions regarding revocation and/or suspension of a kennel license, this 3  /. section may be enforced by the Animal Control Officer pursuant to the provisions of§ 191-4. Maintenance of any class kennel upon unlicensed premises or premises for which a kennel license has been issued but subsequently revoked shall constitute a violation, the fine for which shall be $150 for the first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. L. The requirements stipulated in Subsections D, E and F, with the exception of E(7), may be waived or reduced by a two-thirds vote of the Municipal Council upon a finding that the waiver or reduction will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. City of Taunton Presented to the Mayor and Approved: In Municipal Council First Reading: Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor Second Reading: Passed to be Ordained: Approved as to Form and Character: Jennifer Leger, City Clerk Matthew J. Costa, City Solicitor 4  CITY OF TAUNTON In the year two thousand and twenty-five Chapter 191 ANIMALS Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton and by authority of the same as follows: SECTION 1: Article 1, Section 191-8 of Chapter 191 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton, as amended, is hereby further amended by deleting said existing Section and replacing the same with the following:- § 191-8 Kennels. A. Definition. For purposes of this section, the word "kennel" shall mean one pack or collection of dogs on a single lot, whether maintained for breeding, boarding, sale, training, hunting, or other purposes, and including any shop where dogs are on sale, and also including every pack or collection of dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single lot irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained. B. A public hearing before the Municipal Council shall be required prior to the issuance of a new Class I, Class II or Class III kennel license subject to M.G.L. c. 140, § 137A. A kennel license cannot be issued until a passing kennel inspection has been completed by the Animal Control Officer. Annual renewals are also subject to a public hearing but may have the public hearing waived by majority vote of the Municipal Council. However, the Animal Control Officer must inspect prior to a license renewal. The owner of the prope1ty must be the petitioner for the kennel license. C. Kennel licenses shall be classified as Class I for keeping four to six dogs, Class II for keeping seven to 12 dogs, and Class III for keeping more than 12 dogs. D. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class I license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written certification of the following: (1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property sufficient to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs.  (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a minimum of 100 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at any time, and at least once per year, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to§ 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning, only if used for a commercial purpose. (9) If dogs are to be housed outside, they must be appropriately housed in a structure that complies with this section as well as all other City Ordinances and any applicable state or local building codes. E. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class II license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written certification of the following: (1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property sufficient to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs. (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a mirihuum of 150 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at any time, and at least once per year,in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning. (9) That each dog shall have a shelter or dog house. (10) That he or she will ce1iify that all dogs shall be kept in shelter from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (11) If dogs are to be housed outside, they must be appropriately housed in a structure that complies with this section as well as all other City Ordinances and any applicable state or local building codes. F. The Municipal Council may authorize the issuance of a Class III license after public hearing and upon the applicant's written certification of the following: (1) A physical or invisible fence shall be maintained on the property sufficient to keep all dogs on the property and in conformance with all City Ordinances. (2) That each dog to be kept on the premises has received all required shots and/or vaccinations. 2  J_Q. (3) That each dog subject to the license is disease-free, adequately nourished and otherwise in good health. (4) That the keeper of the dogs subject to the license will obey the leash law. (5) That the keeper of the dogs under the license will obey the laws relating to excessively barking dogs. (6) That the dogs will be housed or sheltered a minimum of 250 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. (7) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept shall be open to inspection by the Chief of Police or the Animal Control Officer at any time, and at least once per year, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 137C. (8) That the premises upon which the dogs are to be kept is subject to a special permit issued by the Municipal Council pursuant to § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning. (9) That each dog shall have a shelter or dog house. (10) That he or she will notify the Animal Control Officer in writing of any change in the number of dogs kept on the premises. (11) That he or she will certify that all dogs shall be kept in shelter from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (12) That a kennel structure constructed in accordance with applicable building codes shall be erected or presently exists on the premises sufficient to house the number of dogs to be kept under the license. The structure shall: (a) Have running water. (b) Have shelter for each dog. (c) Be located a minimum of 250 feet from any residential dwelling. (d) Have a washable, disease- and water-resistant floor. G. The Animal Control Officer may suspend any kennel license issued hereunder ifthe licensee fails to comply with any item required under this section. The Municipal Council may suspend, revoke, or reinstate any kennel license, at a hearing for due process, if the licensee fails to comply with any item required under this section. H. Keeping of more dogs than are permitted under any class kennel license shall be grounds for revocation of the license. I. The Municipal Council may combine the special permit required in § 440-502 of Chapter 440, Zoning, the site plan review required under At1icle XV of Chapter 440, Zoning, and the license hearing. J. The application fee shall be $50 for a new Class I, $100 for a new Class II, and $150 for a new Class III kennel license. The annual renewal fee shall be 1/2 the application fee for a new kennel license. The fee for the required zoning special permit and site plan review is included in the application fee. The petitioner shall be responsible for the newspaper advertising costs in addition to the filing fee in the event of a public hearing. K. In addition to the foregoing provisions regarding revocation and/or suspension of a kennel Jicense, this 3  11. section may be enforced by the Animal Control Officer pursuant to the provisions of§ 191-4. Maintenance of any class kennel upon unlicensed premises or premises for which a kennel license has been issued but subsequently revoked shall constitute a violation, the fine for which shall be $150 for the first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. L. The requirements stipulated in Subsections D, E and F, with the exception ofE(7), may be waived or reduced by a two-thirds vote of the Municipal Council upon a finding that the waiver or reduction will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. City of Taunton Presented to the Mayor and Approved: In Municipal Council First Reading: Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor Second Reading: Passed to be Ordained: Approved as to Form and Character: Jennifer Leger, City Clerk Matthew J. Costa, City Solicitor 4  ;i The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources {MDAR) Division of Animal Health is responsible ftir "iicenslng arid . inspecting shelters/rescues, inspecting municipal animal holding facilities, and for providing training and guidance to animal control officers (ACOs). We want to provide shelters/rescues and ACOs with information on the changes created by the passing of Ollie's law, how the changes will affect them, and a timeline of when the changes will take effect, so we developed this document. In 2020, a 7-month-old labradoodle by the name of Ollie was severely mauled by other dogs at an East Longmeadow boarding facility. Ollie spent two months in a veterinary hospital before ultimately succumbing to his injuries. Ollie's death could have been prevented if proper care and safety measures were in place at the boarding facility. Unfortunately, stories like Ollie's are not unique. It was clear to advocates that there were significant gaps in kennel oversight and that legislative changes were necessary to help prevent tragedies l!ke Ollle's. On September 2oth, 2024, an Act to Increase Kennel Safety (AKA Ollie's Law) was signed by Governor Maura Healey. The pas·sihg of Ollie's law ·gives the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources {MDAR) the ability to work with an app~iritea advisdfy.cilmmittee to ¢r~~t~ standards anc:! ;enf:Wt regulations for commercial bo.atding and training ~~nn~ls, !n~,lt~@11{J,.dog _d,ay~Ejres. ome•s Law also clarifies exi~.t.!~g ~~nnel u:~en~~ requirements, requifes:municipalities to r~PQrt kennel to licenses to MDAR, requires kennels to ~eport any injuries that occur the municipality, and establishes enforcement protocols ·tor the miiniCipalil}', which allow the state to assist when necessary. .: -- · · ................................. Committee Appointment ' .. Kennel License Requirements .: Letters.of..interest cummtly b~ltl9. . Did ~ot Change ·· · ···-·· --·· · -. acce-ptedi.... -··-··- · · · · ~.:;1 MG(:cii~~"t~;-1·10·s·~~iitifi ia7f... cafA iJersofrmalnfafr1ing a: kenneF ·, Th~MDAR c6mmissioher is r~sponsibfe fcir · · r-· shall ob.tain a k~nnel_license. Private kennels (mor.e t~an 4 dogs), commercia.I ~ennel~..<i br m~re dogs, held for boarding, holding, . . appointing Jhe c;ldvisciry committee that will assist . . . ··- .... -- . . . . .. . daycare, .ovemightstays, or. t.rairing), commerc[al.. b.reeder kennels, :: tbe.Pepart~~nt Jn ~~~~f!lopin. g _th. e_ s_e re. g.u.·1a.·.i o_n.·s. · · · · - ·domestic charitable.keMels, and veterinary ke.nnel.$. (tl9lding dog~:for Aniong the·merrlbers of the committee are an non-medical reasons) must have kennel licenses. Dogs under 3 owner of a licensed boarding or training kennel months of age do not count for licensing purposes. Full definitions can with a capacity of less than 50 dogs; an owner of · a licensed boarding or training kennel with a Ii-. be found in MGL Chapt~( l40 '$.e.~tion 136A capacity of more than 50 dogs: two anrma1 control Key Changes, officers; a licensing authority representative; a i;ff~ctive rneceh\ber 19, 2024 veterinarian; an interested member of the public: • A .. . kennel license caMot' ' be in lieu of an individual dog license. The a dog owner that uses the service of a licensed ' ,,•;.. ' language allowing this was stricken from Section 137A of MGL boarding or training kennel; a certified animal Chapter 140. All dogs over 6 months must now have an behaviorist; a person with five years of experience individual license. in training people about dog behavior; and a representative from a licensed shelter or rescue. o There are no longer kennel tags. For example: Shelter/ Rescue Because each of you are qualified to serve on the dogs over 6 months of age that are held for more than 30 days committee and may work with others who meet must be individually licensed in the municipality they reside. the descriptions above, we are asking for your o Commercial boarding or training kennels shall maintain records recommendations for members of the advisory of individual dog licenses for all dogs in its care. committee. • All municipalities must have a process for issuing and revoking Anyone that is interested in participating should kennel licenses. send an email to Commissioner Ashley Randle, at Ashley.Randle@mass.gov. We appreciate your o A municipality cannot choose to not issue kennel licenses, if interest and assistance. kennels (by definition) are allowed in the municipality.  Key Changes ·effective 12/19/24 continued Future Key Changes Under MGL Chapter 140 Section 174G, regulations for • A licensing authority must specify the type of kennel commercial boarding and training kennels need to be license and the maximum number of animals allowed promulgated by the state (MDAR) by June 2026. Untfl those in a kennel and this number must be on their kennel are promulgated there will not be specific standards that licens-e. govern commercial boarding and training facilities. They are still required to be inspected - just as all other kennels are. o The maximum number of anlmals must be determined by the ACO and the licensing When regulations for commercial boarding and training kennels .a.utlJority. are developed, MDAR is required to provide notice and any .education or training programs to locaJ .authorities. • There·is new language for the process for revoking commercial boarding and training kennel license/non- Enforcement actions should be done on a municipal level but compliance .. MDAR will have the authority to assist/enforce when o A licensing authority shall issue, suspend, renew, necessary. and revoke kennel licenses. Future MDAR Regulations o The issuing municipality determines the licensing May include period. I· Administrative: licensing, inspection, compliance and • There Is new language about kennel inspections. A enforcement, use of best practices and operation; kennel license cannot be issued until a passing Animal Safety: provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and kennel inspection has been completed by the emergency planning, group sizes and supervision, minimum ACQ, ACOs. mµi;t_(l,l,sq inspec~ prior to lf~~n~~. housing and .care_requirements, indoor and outdoor physical renewal. facility requirements, utilities: o. Adcjitional ~ennel. iQspectlons may be done by Employee Safety and Training: body language interpretation, .. authorJz~d officials: Mayor, selec~ t;ioarp ,mem!ler, . breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education. ·" ·Boston Police t:dnimissioner; Town Manager, ' and training of do-g' daycare staff, operational safety standards, Police Chief, or the ACO. risk management, and consumer education and protection. o All kennels must be inspected at least annually. .. _ . . . . Ollie'$ Law Timeline ·: :.:--.:i-·:co~m-erdartioarcifr19 -OTfrifniii9--kenne1s silaifreiiorr:.--· ". ~.-8:iil~~h~~ - - _·;: -- - -.·_.':. ;-·-:- ~:-~-> · - · seiJteri16~r-io~ -~-024· ·- .. : -~o,,th_e _licensi~{! ~uthority lnJ~r!es .to _an~~-al~ o~ pe~pJ~ . . Law takes effect . Decemb.er 19, '2024 . ·that bcclir o'ii their premises and the licensing · committ~e for~led March 19, 2025 ;auth.oritY ~hall inv~·stig°'t~ ~JI rf;!ports, Und~r ttie n~i,v . Municipalities must.send kennel list to MDAR by June 1, 2025 . -.MGlS,.MDAR has:the'authority.to:assistwith ..MDAR reports'fo l~glstaiure - . . - :July1, 2CY25 · Investigations ·and enforcement when necessary. Regulations completed by June 2026 o MDAR shall develop a form for such reporting and Committee sunsets December 31, 2026 a time frame for submitting a report after an injury. The form shall be available on the MDAR's information Links website for the P.ublic to report such injuries. For up to date information about Ollie's Law changes and resources o If MDAR brings enforcement action against a kennel due to an investigative report, MDAR must make the report publicly available on its website. • All municipalities are required to submit to MDAR a list of kennels and their addresses for compliance review. First list of licensed kennels must be submitted on or before June 1, 2025. A portal for submitting information can be found at www.mass.gd\i/inf0-tleta.Jls/61lies~1aw~1ntormatioli - . . . ' . - . ··· ... ···.· .  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Dello Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street· Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos BUDGET DIRECTOR MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL January 31, 2025 Council President Scott Martin Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Council President Martin and Members of the Municipal Council, At the direction of Mayor O'Connell, the Finance Department would like to take the opportunity to provide a brief update on recent Executive Orders that have come from the new presidential administration. This past week, there was a memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget that indicated certain federal program grant funding was being placed on "pause" while under review to ensure funds are being spent and allocated in line with the President's policies. The Finance team has reviewed all federal funding received over the past two years to identify any vulnerabilities within the City with respect to federal funds. We have received several revisions from the original memo scaling down or even rescinding the "pause" mandate. The situation is fluid, but at the time of this communication there have been no funds retracted or delayed for any City project or program. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and report back to Council and the community any important or noteworthy updates. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Respectfully submitted, ti ' Patrick D. Della Russo Jr. Chief Financial Officer City of Taunton  RECEIVED CITY CLERK ·s OFFICE ZOZ5 JAN 3 I A IQ: 02 iAIJNTON. HA ----~. C ITY CLEf~K February 4, 2025 Honorable Shaunna L. 0' Connell, Mayor Council President Scott A. Martin And Members of the Municipal Council The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. 5:30 PM The Committee on Finance and Salaries 1. Approve minutes from January 28, 2025. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. 3. Meet to discuss the potential dissolution of the Airport and Parking Commission revolving funds as of June 30, 2025. 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 Zoning 1. Approve minutes from November 12, 2024. 2. Meet to discuss the issue of video billboards. 3. Meet for the continued discussion on proposed zoning changes: a. Mixed use developments b. Accessory Dwelling Units 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. Page 1 of 2 The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills 1. Approve minutes from December 10, 2024. 2. Discuss an ordinance for a stop sign at Lawrence Street at Whittenton Street and an ordinance for a stop sign at Fourth Street near Whittenton Street. 3. Meet to discuss the request for an Ordinance that would allow the City to waive fees for birth certificates for individuals experiencing homelessness. 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 of the Whole 1. Approve minutes from January 28, 2025 (regular session). 2. Meet for the continued discussion on the Marijuana Ordinance, license application, and scoring matrix. 3. Meet in executive session to review and consider approval of the successor collective bargaining agreement with the City of Taunton Management Association. 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". Please note: A "meeting" of the entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass. Gen. L. C. JOA, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting. Respectfully, ·~ C. l&wu-- Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Page 2 of2