City Council

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780 FEBRUARY 25, 2025 - 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION ROLL CALL READING OF THE RECORDS FROM FEBRUAR)S 1~&i: ~Qi_§omce Notice of Posting 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: On the petition submitted by Verizon New England Inc. and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant proposing to replace one (1) jointly owned pole numbered T.132S I E.132S on the East side of Bay Street at a point approximately 280 ft. North from the intersection of Ryan Circle; and approximately 5 ft. West from existing pole T.132S I E.132S in the City of Taunton. • Map of Location COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR • Community Update APPOINTMENTS • Appointment of Maria Santos of 18 Dexter Ave., Taunton to the Taunton Commission for Individuals with Disabilities to fulfill the unexpired term of Dianne Huggon whose term expires August 26, 2025 COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS Pg. 1 Com. from State Senator, Kelly Dooner - Addressing Concerns Regarding the Increase in Utility Costs Pg. 2 Com. from City Auditor - Requesting Appointment of Interim Auditor Pg. 3 Com. from Fire Chief - Requesting a Civil Service List COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE PETITIONS Hours of Operation License - RENEWAL Cumberland Farms, Inc. -dba- Cumberland Farms #6766 located at 660 County Street, Taunton. Claim Claim submitted by Madison Possamai, 47 Riverbrook Drive, Raynham, MA 02767 seeking reimbursement for damages to her automobile from hitting a pothole on the right side of the road near 342 West Britannia Street, Taunton going towards Broadway/Rt.138. (Already Referred to the Law Department and DPW) COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance {or a first reading to be passed to a second reading AN ORDINANCE CHAPTER405 ARTICLE V. SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS Section 405-94. Designation of stop intersections Be it ordained by the Municipal Council of the City of Taunton as follows: That Section 405-94 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Taunton be amended as follows: Insert the following lines in the appropriate alphabetical order under the respective column headings as indicated: Stop Sign on Direction of Travel At Intersection of Fourth Street South Whittenton Street Lawrence Street North Whittenton Street All ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage. NEW BUSINESS • Councilor Pottier states while acknowledging the jurisdiction of our License Commission, and appreciating both the hearing they conducted and the work of our Police Department, I wish to offer the video of their approximately 2 hour hearing of February 12, 2025 (beginning at approximately the 34 minute mark) to the Council as a synopsis of the events of February 9th at 17 School Street, which has received much media attention, and move to place this issue in the Police and License folder if only for updates as to remediation efforts going forward. https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/taunton/video/67ae70ec8244680008e0803c?page=HOME • Councilor Pottier requests to refer to the Mayor's Office and/or the clerks of our various committees the issue of purchasing nameplates of members of the respective committees to be used for public meetings conducted in council chambers. Respectfully submitted, ~!.X- City Clerk  CUSTOMER CONTACT: ADAM GREEN 617-233-6226 t- V> G ~ co "I47874 IC IPPX-7!l "147870 IC <90l BAY ST /PI32S 30'-5 [HJ (Replacement lp1d:518237) 0 BA; ST /PI32 40-4[H] ®. ~ ~ - x J:D--<t . 5' "' - "'/\. 0 518237 IC !PP> BAY ST /Pl32S r0 L.,'._.-( 40'-3 [HJ IRepl.,ced lp1d:IH874> IMPORTANT NOTICE El CALL 72 HOURS BEFORE YOU DIG ONE CALL CENTER I - 888 - DIG - SAFE ROW Type Location Print #s PRIVATE PROP BETWEEN 1335 AND 1337 BAY ST 1 MA/RI DOT-AER MA/RI DOT-BUR RRX MAPS USED: NOTE AREA- VZ CONTACT: N F0928 266,. 87 VERIZON TAUNTON MA AREA STATE: MA •• CAUTION •• PETER DECOSTA DIVISION: TAUNTON MA EXCH.: 5145 REM. CO.: f Hui t.1ple Vol toge Powe,. MA--P. 132 S I337 BAY STREET C1rct.111.a Ove.-heod SAFETY NOTE: 508-944-6701 IN TAUNTON, MA KILOvtus W.C.: 5145 WO NO.: IA7E70U CONTROL NUMBER: OBSERVE WORK PVC ENG CONTACT: 1'·' 1 TITLE: MA--P. I32 S 1337 BAY TAX OST.: 5!4500I NOTE: BOND AND/OR GROUND ALL VERIZON METALL[C TERMINALS/BOXES PER DOCUMENT 2009-024-0SP OR MANUFACTURERS SPEC SHEETS CABLES MAY BE OM[TTED FOR CLARITY OVERLASH FIBER TO EXIST[NG CABLES CREATE FIBER LOOPS AT ALL DESIGNATED LOCAT[ONS JJ 'STOP and LOOK UP' AREA PROTECTION Me_g_C>n MC>rtell 3JLJ-22l-3719 PVC BAU DEPT: 978-874-3944 TAUNTON MA TWP: RNG.: • DATE: 09104124 REV. DATE: F ILE: • WP! SEC.: DRWN ENG TB PD • I PRINT OF I p1_plt.dgn 9/5/2024 9:09:22AM _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _____,  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR Community Updates - February 25, 2025 The Storybook Studio at Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe • Friday, February 28, 10:30am, Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe (8 Trescott Street) • A monthly workshop for little artists (ages 3-5) designed to explore stories and creativity with an art-themed story and a hands-on activity. • $8 per child (limited to 15 participants). For more information, please contact ekelleher@downtowntaunton.org. Taunton Diversity Network Trivia Night: Black Card Revoked Edition • Friday February 28, 7pm, Nytia's Soul Kitchen (73 Main Street) • Fun night of culture and soul food as you test your knowledge with a game of "Black Card Revoked" trivia. • For more information contact (774) 240-2742 or tauntondiversitynetwork@gmail.com Downtown Taunton Mardi Gras Pub Parade • Saturday, March 1, starting at 5pm at Trescott Street Gallery (8 Trescott Street) • Join in for a fun night of delicious bites, exciting prizes, music and a festive atmosphere at local bars and restaurants. • $10 per person. For more information, visit www.downtowntaunton.org Friends of Taunton Public Library March Book Sale • Saturday, March 8, 9am-2pm, Taunton Public Library (12 Pleasant Street) • Find great deals on books, puzzles, DVDs and more at the Library's monthly book sale. • For more information, call 508-821-1410. Save the Date! • March 15: Friends of Boyden Maple Sugaring: A Sweet Labor of Love with Ron Aakjar • March 15: Bristol- Plymouth Student Ambassadors & DECA Club Live Pro Wrestling • March 18: Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of Greater Taunton • March 22: Taunton Public Library Rhode Island Black Storytellers Sponsorship Opportunity: Mayor O'Connell and the City of Taunton have partnered with Garden Patch 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.  /+tpofA /llCJtf City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. 15 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR February 21 , 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 Taunton Municipal Council, Please be advised that I am appointing Maria Santos of 18 Dexter Avenue to fulfill the unexpired term of Dianne Huggon to serve on the Taunton Commission for Individuals with Disabilities expiring in August of 2025. Ms. Santos is currently the vision teacher in the school district and has an extensive background in social work, having previously worked for many years with the Commission for the Blind. Her responsibilities included overseeing ADA-related issues faced by her clients. I believe her experience and dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities will make her an asset to the Commission. I look forward to the valuable contributions Ms. Santos will bring to the Commission and her advocacy on behalf of the community. Mayor Shaunna 0 ' Connell  I. State Senator 1(e((y jl. <Dooner 'lftin[ <Bristo( and <P(ymoutli <District Diane Rich, District Director Diane.rich@masenate.gov February 19, 2025 Mayor Shaunna O'Connell Council President Scott Martin Members of the Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, Council President Scott Martin, and Members of the Municipal Council, I am writing to address the growing concerns among Taunton residents regarding the sharp increase in utility costs. These rising rates are causing significant financial hardship for many families, seniors, and individuals, particularly as we navigate the challenges of winter heating costs. As a response to these pressing concerns, I have filed new legislation (SD 2672) aimed at curbing the ever-increasing utility rates in Massachusetts. This bill seeks to provide immediate relief for residents facing sky-high energy costs, while also implementing long-term solutions to ensure fairness, affordability, and sustainability in our state's energy policies. In addition to filing this legislation, my colleagues and I have sent a letter to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, urging her office to take immediate action in challenging these steep rate increases. We are asking the Attorney General's office to explore all legal avenues to protect consumers, including advocating for rate reductions and pushing for relief programs for those facing financial hardship. Our residents should not have to choose between keeping their homes warm and affording other essential needs. The current trajectory of utility costs is unsustainable, and this legislation and the actions we are taking are designed to protect families, seniors, veterans and low-income residents from these overwhelming financial burdens. I will continue to work closely with Mayor O'Connell and the City of Taunton to ensure that our community's concerns are addressed and that the voices of residents are heard in the ongoing fight for affordable utility rates. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to our continued collaboration on this crucial issue Sincerely, ~ Kelly A. Dooner Senate Assistant Minority Leader Third Bristol & Plymouth District  CITY O:f T5\UN'TO:N 5\UVITO'R'S O:f:flC'E 141 Oak Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 (508) 821-1012 Ian D. Fortes, CGA Alyssa Berthiaume City Auditor Assistant City Auditor February 18, 2025 Mayor Shaunna 0' Connell Members of the Municipal Council Dear Mayor O'Connell and Members of the Municipal Council: This letter is to inform you that my assistant, Alyssa Berthiaume, and I will be attending the Massachusetts Municipal Accountant and Auditor Association's Annual Education Program being held from March 17-19, 2025 at UMass - Amherst. In order to present bill and payroll warrants for approval by the Finance & Salaries Committee at the March 18th Municipal Council meeting, I am requesting that Lisette Miranda, Office Manager in the Auditor's Office, be appointed Interim City Auditor in order to sign said warrants in our absence. This appointment is for signing purposes only. There are no monetary claims on this temporary appointment. If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Ian D. Fortes City Auditor  CITY OF TAUNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 50 School Street Taunton) MA 02780 Tel: (508) 821"1452 • Fax: (508) 821"1495 STEVEN P. LAVIGNE Chlef ofDepartment KATE GOVER Administrative Assistant February 21, 2025 Re: Hiring Madame Clerk and Honorable City Council, I request that the City Council call for the list from Mass Civil service to begin the process of hiring four (4) new full-time permanent firefighters to fill open positions In the Fire Department created by retirement and or resignation. Respectfully, Chief of Department  ('") ~ --1 _, ..,., 1..1'1 -< )> C )::t:· r-ry c: 0) ~-·- Pl z l'i (") n -I N -u - ·t February 25, 2025 --1 0 :r. ::-. :: :..:.. -< ..,,;< (} 3: )> 0 r11 Honorable Shaunna L. 0' Connell, Mayor r- l> -.,o ...,., rr1 _.._, 9 Council President Scott A. Martin :A 0 ('") rr1 And Members of the Municipal Council The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 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 February 18, 2025. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. 3. Meet to discuss the request to establish a new stabilization account related to the closure of the landfill and a transfer in the amount of $1,780,000 to establish the fund. 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 February 4, 2025. 2. A discussion on tax initiatives, revenue, rates, fees. 3. Meet for the continued discussion on the Marijuana Ordinance, license application, scoring matrix, and process for the review of applications. 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 Public Property 1. Approve minutes from February 11, 2025. 2. Meet to discuss and vote on the transfer of former Hopewell Elementary School, Assessor's Map 47 Block 20, from the Taunton Public Schools to the City of Taunton. 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. Respectfully, Ju;.~ G Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees Page 2 of2