City Council

City of'Taunton 9dunicipaCCouncil9deeting 9dinutes City J{aCC, 15 Summer Street, 'Taunton, ~ In tne Cnester ~ 9dartin 9dunicipaCCouncil Cnam6ers - 9dinutes, Pe6ruary 11, 2025 at 7.·27 0 1cCoc~/P.9d. Cl'CediJe of.ft{{egiance ~gufar :Meeting :Mayor Snaunna £. O 'Conne{[presitfing Cl'rayer was offerea 6y tne :Mayor <Present at ro{[ ca{[were: Councit:ors Coute, (J)uarte, Cl'oste{[, Quinta' Santfers, Cl'ottier, :Martin ana:M.cCauC Councit:or <Borges was a6sent. Record of February 4, 2025 meeting was read by title and approved. So Voted. Opportunity for input by the general public. No one spoke during public input. Hearing: NONE. Motion was made to go out of the regular order of business to Appointments. So Voted. Appointments: Reappointment of City Officers • Reappointment of Kevin Scanlon, Director of Planning and Conservation for a three (3) year term expiring February 2028. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. The City Clerk swore in Kevin Scanlon as the Director of Planning and Conservation. • Reappointment of Michael Patneaude, City Engineer for a three (3) year term expiring February 2028. Motion was made to approve. So Voted. The City Clerk swore in Michael Patneaude as the City Engineer. Motion was made to revert to the regular order of business. So Voted. Communications from the Mayor: Mayor 0' Connell stated that there will be presentation this evening for Black History Month. She spoke about the various activities that take place throughout the community  2 during the month. Mayor O'Connell invited the student leaders of the Taunton High School African American Club, which included Calvinne Dwuye and Mygia Findley, as well as their advisor, Maureen Farias, to the podium. Mayor O'Connell read a Black History Month Proclamation and issued the Proclamation to the Taunton High School African American Club. Ms. Farias spoke about her role as a teacher and incorporating black history into her lessons. She expressed appreciation for the community's support of the African American Club. Ms. Duay spoke about the importance of Black History Month to her own life. The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor O'Connell regarding an update on the ongoing efforts regarding safety concerns on Court Street at the crosswalk near the Boys and Girls Club. Mayor O'Connell invited Police Chief Walsh, Arsenio Chaves, the Public Safety Officer, Derek Heim, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club Metro South and Terrance Quinn, Board Director of the Boys and Girls Club Metro South. Chief Walsh discussed that after a speed study was conducted, it was determined that speed is not the issue. He stated that the biggest issue with the location is the line of sight and that they are working to address the issues. Officer Chaves stated that they are working with the Boys and Girls Club and they have decided to have a crossing guard present for the heavier traffic times. He stated that they have also eliminated two parking spots across the street in order to increase visibility. He stated that they have also increased the lighting behind the Boys and Girls Club as they feel it would be safer to use this area for pick-ups as opposed to having people cross the street. Mr. Heim discussed that they are reviewing the layout of their building, however, this will take time. He stated that they are willing to take immediate steps to address the concerns by having a crossing guard present Monday through Friday. He stated that they interviewed two (2) individuals today and are hoping to have someone lined up by the end of the week. He stated that they have sent out a communication to all of their families encouraging them to use the parking along the side or rear of the building. He stated that they also sent out an additional communication to their families requesting that they are careful while crossing the street with their children. Mr. Heim stated that they are discussing other ideas, which includes changing where the buses pick up and unload the children. He stated that they will continue to keep everyone informed on what steps they are taking to improve this situation. Mr. Quinn stated that Officer Chaves provided them information on a lighted crosswalk, however, the cost to install it is around $13,000.00. He stated that they are actively seeking grants in order to obtain that. Mayor O'Connell stated that they can have a follow up meeting with the Chief Financial Officer and the Department of Public Works to discuss this option further. Councilor Martin discussed the importance of educating children about safe practices for crossing the street. Councilor Sanders discussed the benefit of having a trained crossing guard to keep the children safe. He discussed that he will support any recommendation given by Officer Chaves. Councilor Postell discussed the importance of educating residents on safe practices for crosswalks. Officer Chaves discussed that speeding is not a factor due to the heavy volume of traffic during pick up times. Councilor Coute asked how the data is obtained for the speed study. Chief Walsh discussed that they have a hidden device that collected data for 41,000 vehicles. Councilor Coute discussed using vertical deflective counter measures to assess what the best course of action would be. He discussed that it would be beneficial to have a discussion in the Committee of the Council as a Whole with the Department of Public Works in order to look at the different options. Councilor Coute requested that the Council President place this matter on the agenda for the Committee of the Council as a  3 Whole for next week and invite the Department of Public Works. He discussed that more of the burden should be put on the City to solve this issue and less on the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Quinn discussed that the type of crosswalk Officer Chaves sent them would have lights embedded in the road and reflect red or yellow towards the traffic and on the inside have white lights to provide visibility for those using the crosswalk. Mayor O'Connell stated that the City would not have the Boys and Girls Club pay for anything on City streets and City sidewalks. Councilor Coute stated that the studies that were done on mass.gov provide data showing what the results were to the changes that were applied. Councilor Duarte discussed that a speed limit of 30mph is too high for a downtown area with several crosswalks. The City Clerk read a communication from Mayor 0' Connell regarding an update for the emergency shelter at the Clarion Hotel, which has been used by the State as temporary housing for families since April 2023. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has notified us that they plan to close the Clarion Hotel shelter, which currently houses 116 families, at or around June 30, 2025. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. So Voted. Mayor O'Connell stated that there is a list of community updates in the agenda packet. Communications from Citv Officers: 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 53 County Street for the separation of the access areas at 53 & 75 County Street. The Taunton Planning Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 5:30pm at City Hall. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. 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 75 County Street for the separation of the access areas at 53 & 75 County Street. The Taunton Planning Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 5:30pm at City Hall. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Chairman of the Taunton Planning Board stating that the Planning Board is in receipt of the Proposed Changes to the City of Taunton Zoning Ordinances dated January 28, 2025 for: Section 440, Attachment #1 - Table of Use Regulations Residential; Section 440-710 Accessory Dwellings; Section 440-711 Accessory Structures; Section 440-1001 Multifamily and mixed-use developments containing four or more dwelling units. The Taunton Planning Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 5:30pm at City Hall. Motion was made to receive and place on file. So Voted. Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department, working collaboratively with the Department of Public Works during our Capital Improvement discussions, has identified several existing stop signs not in Ordinance. As a housekeeping measure, they are recommending that the City place the attached list in Ordinance. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills. So Voted.  4 Com. from the Chief Financial Officer stating that the Finance Department would like the opportunity to discuss the establishment of a new stabilization account related to the official closure of the landfill. In the event the Council is supportive of this new stabilization account, they would like to discuss a transfer in the amount of $1,780,400.00 to establish said fund. Motion was made to refer to the Committee on Finance and Salaries. So Voted. Com. from Council President Martin stating that they are in communication with Senator Dooner and Representatives Doherty, Orrall and Thurber regarding concerns for the substantial increase in gas bills from Eversource. Motion was made to refer to the Committee of the Council as a Whole. So Voted. On discussion, Councilor Pottier stated that the rates are set by the Department of Public Utilities in Boston and are limited in what they can do. He stated that they encourage the legislative delegation to do what they can to improve the rates. Communications from Citizens: Com. from Amy Curtis of the Taunton Youth Football & Cheer requesting to organize a bingo fundraiser in order to raise money for their program. Motion was made to approve and advertise the event on the City's website. So Voted. Com. from Fr. Chris Stanibula, Pastor of St. Anthony's Church, 126 School Street, Taunton requesting permission to hold their 23rd annual walking prayer pilgrimage on April 5, 2025. They are planning to commence the procession at 7:00am at St. Anthony's Church. Motion was made to refer to the Police Department for their assistance. 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 this evening, as well as the Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills and the Committee of the Council as a Whole that took place after last Tuesday's full Council meeting. So Voted. Unfinished Business: NONE. Orders, Ordinances and Resolutions: Order to be approved on a roll call vote Ordered That: That the sale of any surplus items from or related to the School Department be transferred to an established revolving fund to be spent under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, and further ordered that the Superintendent's Office and the Finance Department be allowed to make any necessary transfers for Fiscal Year 2025.  5 Motion was made to approve on a roll call vote. On a roll call vote, eight (8) Councilors were present, eight (8) Councilors voted in favor. The motion passes. Councilor Borges was absent. New Business: Councilor Coute motioned to refer to the Committee of the Whole to meet with the Law Department, Police Chief, and members of the Taunton License Commission to discuss the possibility of the Taunton License Commission taking over the Licensing of Recreational Marijuana Establishments. So Voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits: • Agenda • Mayor's List of Upcoming Community Events - February 11, 2025 Meeting adjourned at 8:22 P.M. A true copy: Let~ Attest: nfilfe . City Clerk JLL/MAT  6 City of Taunton Municipal Council February 4, 2025 The Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills 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 Barry Sanders, Chairman Councilor Phillip Duarte r; ~ v; ......, -l -< (} ::;u Members Absent: Councilor Christopher Coute J> c "'""' rr"I CJ:) r-Pl z_, !'10 (j. ::i;Jftl 0 0 :;r.;- -l :::z:: vi< The meeting was called to order at 7:59 PM. -< )> of'l1 Ci :t: ..,,,o I )> ~ 9 "T'J :::0 ,...,, ("') 1. Approve minutes from December 10, 2024. :;i; __. U'1 Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Sanders) to approve. So voted. 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. Mr. Sanders read the letter from Officer Chaves with the request. Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Sanders) to approve the request and refer to a.first reading. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the request for an Ordinance that would allow the City to waive fees for birth certificates for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mr. Sanders read the letter from Mayor O'Connell dated January 23, 2025 making the request. Ms. Borges asked ifthere is a form and Mr. Sanders confirmed. Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Sanders) to approve and move it to a.first reading. So voted. Motion by Mr. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Sanders to adjourn at 8:05 PM So voted.  7 List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Meeting minutes from the Committee on Ordinances and Emolled Bills from 12/10/24 Letter from Arsenio Chaves dated 7/1 7/24 Letter from Shaunna O'Connell dated 1/23/25 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, FEB 11 2025 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 1JM_~ {.~tu_ Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. 'If~ - ~'"11.TIFE L. LEGE'r Committee on Ordinances and Enrolled Bills February 4, 2025 Page2 o/2  8 City of Taunton Municipal Council February 4, 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 Mc Caul Councilor Estele Borges Councilor David Pottier Councilor Barry Sanders Councilor Lawrence Quintal I> I l' I ~ .....,, l"'T1 (") -l -< (""; ;;{] Councilor Jeffrey Postell c: 01 rrrt t 2: f'"l'1(") ·:-; -l :::v J"ll Councilor Phillip Duarte _, a Qo ::X-- z -~ ~ vi< C-; ::r )> oP1 Councilors Absent: Councilor Christopher Coute r rii :;JJ l> 9. ...,, ""T10 ::::x;: ~ Also Present: Lisa Bond, Assistant City Solicitor _, U1 rT1 The meeting was called to order at 8:07 PM. 1. Approve minutes from January 28, 2025 (regular session). Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Postell) to approve. So voted. 2. Meet for the continued discussion on the Marijuana Ordinance, license application, and scoring matrix. Attorney Bond stated that at the last meeting there was interest in establishing a committee. She spoke with the Mayor's Office and Detective MacDougall who thought it was a good idea so she would like to have approval from the Council to create a committee to address completing the matrix and to review applications that come in. Mr. Duarte stated that he would like to see the matrix and have the City Council approve the matrix as a policy document prior to delegating that authority to a committee. Motion by Mr. Sanders (second by Mr. Pottier) that Councilors Duarte and Sanders meet with Attorney Bond and other persons identified by the Mayor's Office to finalize the matrix  9 and Ordinance recommendations and to then provide a full, comprehensive packet to the Council for final approval. Mr. Duarte questioned if such a committee which reports back to the Council would be subject to the open meeting law and, if so, would need to have posted meetings, agendas, etc. Ms. Borges suggested that perhaps Attorney Bond could come back with a clarification to Mr. Duarte's question. She stated that she can support this type committee with the core group of people looking at the matrix. Mr. Sanders said that he's comfortable either way. If it has to be a public meet and the meetings need to be posted, etc. then they will do so. Mr. Duarte asked if this is just to finalize the matrix and the Ordinance or if this is intended to be the committee utilizing the matrix. Mr. Sanders suggested that that would be worked out in the committee and they would develop a policy on how licenses will be awarded and how the matrix will be used. Mr. Duarte stated that he will support the motion but that they will need to evaluate how to move forward. So voted on a roll call. 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". Motion by Mr. Duarte (second by Mr. Pottier) to go into executive session. So voted on a roll call. Motion by Mr. Pottier (second by Mr. Postell) to come out of executive session. So voted on a roll call. Mr. Martin reported there was one vote taken in executive session which was to approve the COTMA contract in addition to the vote to come out executive session. Motion by Mr. Pottier and seconded by Mr. Postell to adjourn at 8:43 PM So voted. List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of 1/28/25 Committee of the Whole February 4, 2025 Page 2 of3  10 CITY OF TAUNTON FEB 11 2025 Respectfully submitted, IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL JM_~ l . CftMVu-- Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~~~·~FE L. &l:r- TY CLERK Committee of the Whole February 4, 2025 Page3 oj3  11 City of Taunton Municipal Council February 11, 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 Scott Martin Members Absent: Councilor Estele Borges The meeting was called to order at 5 :34 PM. 1. Approve minutes from February 4, 2025. Motion by Mr. Martin and (second by Mr. Duarte) to approve. _ __ 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Motion by Mr. Martin (second by Mr. Duarte) to approve the payroll warrant in the amount o/$1,622,275.89. So voted. Motion by Mr. Martin (second by Mr. Duarte) to approve the accounts payable warrant in the amount of$3, 740,951.12. So voted. 3. Meet to discuss the potential dissolution of the Airport and Parking Commission revolving funds as of June 30, 2025. 4. Meet to discuss the request that the TMLP Commissioners' stipends be increased. Mr. Duarte stated items 3 and 4 were being tabled until next week. Motion by Ms. Martin and (second by Mr. Duarte) to adjourn at 5:36 PM So voted.  12 List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Finance and Salaries Meeting Minutes from 2/4/25 Payroll Warrant #129 Bill Invoice Warrant #128 List of items over $100,000 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, FEB 11 ZOZ5 IN MUN1C!PAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~-~·~·YE L. iEY1- Committee on Finance and Salaries Februa1y 11, 2025 Page2of2  13 City of Taunton Municipal Council February 11, 2025 The Committee on Police and License The meeting was held at Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. Members Present: Councilor Jef:frey Postell Councilor Larry Quintal ("') Members Absent: Councilor Estele Borges ~ ..,., --{ -1 )> r'1"I "' :::c (} rfTl ~ OJ Also Present: Detective Peter MacDougall :z:: <'"'1("') c-) -i Al f"l1 0 ..0 :::r::--- --; z v)< -< )> C•fTl () ::r -r;o The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM. r )> ....., rri :;:::; -P. CJ ;:J;: w rri ld 1. Approve minutes from December 30, 2024. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Postell) to approve. So voted. 2. Petition to renew the Class IT license for Amorin Auto Sales at 265 Longmeadow Road. Detective MacDougall gave a positive recommendation. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Postell) to approve. So voted. 3. Petition for a new Second Hand Article License for Amber's Clothing at 11 Hamilton Street. Detective MacDougall stated that this is an online clothing business and reported that fingerprints and background need to be completed. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Postell) to approve contingent on the successful completion of the fingerprints and background check and Detective MacDougall is to give an update to the committee when complete. So voted. Motion by Mr. Quintal (second by Mr. Postell) to adjourn the meeting at 5:41 PM So voted.  14 List o(Documents and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Police and License meeting minutes from December 30, 2024 CITY OF TAUNTON Respectfully submitted, FEB 11 2025 ~C.~ IN MUNlCIPAL COUNCIL Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees REPORTSACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONSADOPTED. ;{ ~ IF RL.LEGER Committee on Police and License February 11, 2025 Page2of2  15 City of Taunton Municipal Council February 11, 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 D Councilor Jeffrey Postell \ 6{ -{ Councilor Christopher Coute I ..,., -< I ~ o::r.J >- rn Also Present: Patrick Delio Russo, CFO I () c:. z: -1 0 OJ ..D r-fli "10 ::UfTl :J::·--- Matthew Costa, City Solicitor -I z. (.;~< ·-< )> -~rTl Jay Pateakos, Executive Director, OECD n ::::t: '.:;lo r ~ _g -r1 rt ~ CJ ::,.:: w rrl w The meeting was called to order at 5 :44 PM. 1. Approve minutes from January 7, 2025. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Duarte) to approve. So voted. 2. Meet to discuss the potential acquisition of 4 Spring Lane. :Mr. Dello Russo explained that the acquisition of this property would allow for the potential to expand the parking capacity in downtown. The building on this site had a fire and burned to the ground and has sat blighted and vacant with no activity. :Mr. Dello Russo stated that an appraisal was completed and the site was surveyed and it was determined that it would allow for approximately 90 parking spaces and the cost is $222,000 to acquire. The site cleanup, paving, and striping is estimated to be $400,000. Attorney Costa explained the legal process and stated that if the Council decides that it is in the City's interest to acquire this property, the City would initiate an eminent domain taking, the Law Department would prepare an Order of Taking, and the City would adopt the Order of Taking. :Mr. Dello Russo stated that they have completed a title search. He indicated that the site has had dumping issues and homelessness issues and this would alleviate those problems. :Mr. Duarte asked what the administration's impetus is for this acquisition. :Mr. Delio Russo stated that it is to provide additional parking downtown and to clean up a blighted site. :Mr. Duarte asked ifthere is any data to support the fact there is a need for parking. :Mr. Dello  16 Russo gave two examples ofrecent projects where there were questions about parking. Mr. Duarte stated that with those projects, the issues with parking were about parking onsite and he indicated that there is plenty of parking downtown at night. Mr. Duarte asked who is intended to park there and Mr. Dello Russo stated that in order to grow as a City there will be a need for parking spots. He suggested that this purchase would be an opportunity for tomorrow and there is a community development aspect. He stated that they could speak to the Park and Recreation Commissioner and the options are endless. Mr. Duarte stated that no one has ever produced data to support the idea that there is a parking problem since a study was never done and suggested that the City complete a study before purchasing. Mr. Dello Russo stated that SRPEDD is doing a study. Attorney Costa noted that parking requirements for projects can be waived when there is nearby municipal parking and stated that while it hasn't been studied, there have been experiences with short term parking problems behind City Hall. Mr. Duarte stated that the parking issue behind City Hall was a short term problem and there are always spaces in the existing lots. Mr. Duarte also stated that this would take away almost two acres of land that would be developable for housing or other. Attorney Costa stated that no one has studied the possibility of residential or commercial development on the site. Attorney Costa indicated that Spring Lane is narrow and the old mill was pre-existing, non-conforming and since more than two years has lapsed, the right to rebuild on that footprint has gone. Mr. Duarte asked if anyone has consulted with the Business Improvement District. Mr. Dello Russo stated that they have spoked to OECD and OECD is in full support. Mr. Duarte stated that the police department will be vacating the building next door which will free up all of those parking spaces. He reiterated the need to do a parking study even aside from this proposal but certainly before appropriating any funds for a parking lot. Mr. Postell stated that he never has an issue finding parking and the parking deck is pretty open. He wondered why it is the City's responsibility to clean up this property when they have taken other properties to court. Mr. Postell was concerned with the City taking on the liability of the property and the ongoing maintenance. He was concerned with the cost and adding this to the tax burden. Mr. Postell expressed concern with the lighting that would be needed since without lighting it would become a safety issue. He wondered if it would really be beneficial and if parking is what the City wants to see downtown when they haven't seen any evidence that parking is needed. He wondered if this is for one specific property and Mr. Dello Russo stated that they had zoning and conservation look at it. They estimated 90 spaces could go there and that it would not be for a specific business. Mr. Dello Russo stated that $222,000 for the purchase would come from the Marketable Property Program fund and suggested that the $400,000 could be built into the capital budget over time. Mr. Postell stated that the City is investing in frre stations and wonders if this is sustainable. He wondered about the availability for growth in the downtown district, what types of businesses there would be, and where they would be. He also noted that access to the site would need to be evaluated. Mr. Coute stated that he supports acquiring the property but he does not support parking there. He stated that he spoke to the BID and they do not want this to be parking. He indicated that the last parking study from about 10 years ago showed that at no time was more than 50% of the spots filled. Mr. Coute stated that he looks at the lot as precious Committee on Public Property February 11, 2025 Page 2 of5  17 downtown real estate. He said that he is not aware of a real, legitimate parking problem so suggested that they move forward with the acquisition of the property and defer making a determination on parking. He suggested that less parking is needed today than was needed 20 years ago. Mr. Martin stated that he agrees with the acquisition of the land and thought that parking would make sense since it could be used for people going to businesses on Weir Street. Mr. Postell stated that he considers the Weir as part of downtown. He asked if the City does move forward with the acquisition of the property, would they take immediate steps to safeguard the site and remove the debris. Attorney Costa stated that the City would take appropriate steps to keep it clean and to safeguard it. Mr. Dello Russo wondered why the money component was so important and Mr. Postell stated that the issue is about sustainability and suggested that at some point there is a need to balance everything. He indicated that the parking deck is often empty. Mr. Dello Russo stated that there is an opportunity cost of not having the available spots and that should be considered. Mr. Duarte stated that the Council is concerned with the money because, while the Sale of Real Estate account money and the Investment Earnings money aren't derived from taxation, the minute any funds come into the City's coffers, the Councilors become stewards of that money. He suggested that while $600,000 might not seem like a lot, the Business Improvement District has a whole array of things they would like done with $600,000. While $600,000 is not a lot in the grand scheme of the City budget, downtown organizations are applying for grants for much smaller amounts to do projects that would be very impactful. He asked if this property were to remain privately owned what remedies the City has to get the site cleaned up. Attorney Costa stated that based on the current conditions he doesn't think the City would take legal action as it is more of an underutilized prope1iy. Mr. Duarte asked what would happen if it were to become actually blighted. Attorney Costa stated that the enforcement authorities have the ability to issue fmes. Mr. Duarte asked if a purpose must be identified prior to proceeding with a taking. Attorney Costa stated that they would need to identify the public purpose but that case law has allowed for underutilized space to be taken for redevelopment. Mr. Duarte stated that the SRPEDD parking program studies usage at different times of the day to see what other solutions can be implemented. He agreed with Mr. Coute that the need for parking seems to be trending downwards. Mr. Pateakos stated that right now there is not a parking problem downtown but there is a lot going on including 36 units at 74 Weir Street. He asserted that parking is going to be needed. Mr. Coute stated that the Council has been hearing this message for five years and reiterated that the last study showed that no more than 50% of the parking spaces are being used. Mr. Coute suggested that the land be used for senior housing since that wouldn't require much parking. He said that he could think of many uses for that land. Mr. Postell stated that there needs to be a study and a plan. He indicated that 2 acres is a pretty big piece of land in a downtown district. He said that he would be supportive of a study and that he believes it would be money well spent. Committee on Public Property February 11, 2025 Page 3 of5  18 Mr. Duarte stated that Union Block residents parking in the City Hall lot is exactly what is desired. He asked about the actual development potential for any more housing units in the downtown and Mr. Pateakos referenced the TMLP study. Mr. Duarte stressed that there are a lot of factors to consider. Mr. Martin asked about the timeframe to get this done and Mr. Delio Russo stated that the appraisal would only be valid for a certain amount of time so they would need to spend another $5000 to have another appraisal. Mr. Quintal stated that Taunton is supposed to be known as business-friendly. He explained that he goes to the Pearl Restaurant maybe 3 times a week and lately can't fmd parking. He indicated that walking from the parking deck to the Pearl with his grandson is not realistic. Mr. Quintal stated that he would totally support a parking lot there and indicated that he believes there will be a problem eventually. Mr. Sanders stated that there are questions about whether there is a need for parking downtown. He indicated that the property is a problem and has been for a long time. He suggested that a business might not want to be there since there is no visibility. Mr. Sanders asked how someone would get from this parking lot to anything on Weir Street and Attorney Costa stated that there is an existing right-of-way that the public could reassert its right to in order to access Weir Street. Mr. Sanders·asked ifthe City has communicated with the property owner and Mr. Delio Russo stated that on the fmancial part they are miles apart but the owner would have a right to challenge the appraisal. Mr. Sanders stated that without knowing there is a need for parking, he would prefer to see a study before committing over $600,000. He noted that the Council has been hearing that bad times are coming so he is not entirely comfortable with $600,000. Mr. McCaul stated that since the fire in May of 2022 the land has a lot of contamination and the City would have the responsibility to clean it. Mr. Dello Russo stated that a parking lot would cover it up and the City would avoid a 21E and contamination cleanup. Mr. McCaul stated that he supports Councilors Duarte and Coute and the City should do a study. Mr. Quintal asked ifthere was talk about TMLP putting a gate up to prevent night parking and Mr. Martin stated that the lot across from the Pearl is TMLP's property. Mr. Duarte said that, if going to the Pearl, the Galligan' s lot would be more reasonable than the parking deck. He asked if the City acquired the property could it be turned over to the Taunton Redevelopment Authority. Attorney Costa stated that it could be if the right arrangement was made. Mr. Duarte suggested that if there is a dispute with the property owner about the appraised value, the City could end up paying more. Mr. Martin suggested that contamination cleanup could cost millions so the property might never be able to be developed and a parking lot might be the only thing that could go there. Mr. Della Russo stated that the Parking Commission, the Economic Development Office, the City Planner, and businesses are in support of this proposal. Committee on Public Property February 11, 2025 Page4 oj5  19 Mr. Postell stated that there needs to be a study to determine if this is the appropriate approach and the appropriate use. Mr. Duarte stated that ifthere is a need for remediation, leaving the property in private ownership would meant that the City doesn't take on that cost. He asked what the process is ifthere is a dispute with the appraised value. Attorney Costa explained that the property owner can accept the money that is paid by the City without waiving their right to go to court. They can file a petition in Superior Court and if the court finds that the land is more valuable than that the City paid then the City will have to pay the additional amount. Mr. Duarte asked if that would come back to the Council and Attorney Costa stated that it would be a mandate. Mr. Coute stated that while that property wouldn't be great for a retail business it would be good for manufacturing or anything without a retail component. He stated that the City has been good at :finding partners for remediation. Mr. Coute stated that lots of cities and towns tum properties over to their Redevelopment Authority. He stated that the BID is not in support of it being a parking lot. Motion by Mr. Coute (second by Mr. Postell) to table the subject of the taking of 4 Spring Lane and request that the administration come back with a plan to fand a parking study for downtown. So voted on a roll call. Motion by Mr. Postell (second by Mr. Duarte) to adjourn at 7:21 PM So voted. List ofDocuments and Other Exhibits Used: The Committee on Public Property Meeting Minutes of 1/7/25 Respectfully submitted, CITY OF TAUNTON ~~C.~V--c- FEB 11 2025 Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees IN MUNlCIP/.i..L COUNCIL REPORTS ACCEPTED. RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED. ~L.~ CITY CLERK Committee on Public Property February 11, 2025 Page 5of5