City Council

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AGENDA CHESTER R. MARTIN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 SUMMER STREET, TAUNTON, MA 02780 City Clerk's Office MARCH 18, 2025 - 7:00 PM REVISED Notice of Posting Time: /1 l/5 lfllJ 1' PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE o~.ti:;:i/!/-=-i-5 INVOCATION ROLL CALL \}(_ READING OF THE RECORDS FROM MARCH 11, 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: Continued Hearing from February 18, 2025: On the petition submitted by Attorney Gregory S. Sampson, Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109 on behalf of his client Ryan Souls, Greystar Development East, LLC, One Federal Street, Suite #1804, Boston, MA 02110 for a Special Permit to allow: A development consisting of 390 residential units with a 195 space parking space waiver and a total of 10,000 sq. ft. of retail/commercial space at 437 Whittenton Street located in the Business District. • Com. from City Planner - Submitting Information COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR • South Coast Rail Update • Com. from Mayor O'Connell - Extending Thanks and Providing Guidance to Commission and Board Members • Com. from Mayor O'Connell - Notifying of a Future Update on Cyber Security • Community Update APPOINTMENTS - NONE COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS Pg. 1-3 Com. from City Clerk-Appointment of Four (4) Full-Time Firefighters Pg.4 Com. from Chairman, Taunton Planning Board - Notifying of a Public Meeting Pg. 5-6 Com. from Chief Financial Officer - Submitting Correction of Information Pg. 7 Com. from Council President, Scott Martin - Commending the Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS - NONE PETITIONS Billiard Table License - Renewal 1. Taunton Eagles Soccer Club, Inc. located at 29 Oak Street, Taunton (1-Table) Junk Collector License - Renewal 1. Arthur G. Pimenta, Jr. located at 142R Fremont Street, Taunton Livery Licenses - Renewals 1. Taunton Cartage Co., Ltd. -dba- Checker Cab located at 295 Broadway, Lot #2, Taunton 2. Taunton Cartage Co., Ltd. -dba- Cozy Cab located at 295 Broadway, Lot #2, Taunton 3. Taunton Motorized Carriage Co., Inc. located at 295 Broadway, Lot #2, Taunton Second Hand Article License - Renewal 1. The Finds Exchange located at 32 Plain Street, Taunton (Online Only) Class II License - Renewal 1. Express Brothers Gas & Auto Repair, Inc. -dba- Express Brothers Gas & Auto Repair to be located at 146 Tremont Street, Taunton COMMITTEE REPORTS UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE ORDERS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance for a third reading to be ordained on a roll call vote 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 Avenue 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. Order for a second reading to be ordained on a roll call vote Ordered That: A Landfill Closure Stabilization Fund be established in the amount of $1, 780,400 whereas said amount will be transferred from the City's general Stabilization account to create a this special use stabilization fund. NEW BUSINESS - NONE Respectfully submitted, a~/f0¢l (/' J~~uifer L. LegerY · City Clerk  City of Taunton, Massachusetts DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND CONSERVATION Location: 141 Oak Street Mailing: I 5 Summer Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Kevin R Scanlon, Director/ Planner AICP Michele Restinu, Co11servatio11 Agelll P'1011e 508-821-1051 . 508-821-1043 Phone 508-821-1095 Fax 508-821 - 1665 http://www. ta11111011-ma.:.!01• March 14, 2025 Honorable Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, Ma 02780 RE: Special Permit - 437 Whittenton Street - multifamily This letter is in regards to the Special Permit request for a 390 unit multi family development at 437 Whittenton Street located in the Business District. The initial peer review should be completed by March 20, 2025. At that time, the findings will be presented to the City and Greystar for review. Once Greystar responds (anticipate a couple weeks), the peer review consultant will finalize the final recommendations and analysis after reviewing the comments. The peer review consultant feels that would be the most appropriate time for them to appear at Municipal Council to participate in the dialogue. Based on all of that, I would think April 22, 2025 would be the most likely date for the peer review consultant to appear in front of the Council. If you have any questions, please contact me at 508-821-105 I Sincerely, r----- Kevin R Scanlon, Director AICP  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 FJNANCIAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E . Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR March 12, 2025 Dear Commission and Board Members, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your willingness to serve our community in various roles as appointed and elected officials. Public service is very rewarding and challenging at the same time. Those willing to give their time and effort in service to our community contribute to the overall success of our City. Each board and commission serves a specific and important purpose in the operation of City government. Our combined efforts ensure that residents and businesses have what they need to thrive in Taunton. While the majority of boards and commissions are well run, there have been several incidents during public meetings in which guests, presenters, and City staff have been treated with disdain and disrespect. It is crucial that all board and commission members adhere to maintaining proper decorum and respectful dialogue. Assumptions, inaccurate information, personal attacks, threats, and personal bias must never be entertained, as they deteriorate dialogue and hinder thoughtful, fact-based decision-making. It is also important to keep comments and discussion within the scope of your respective roles. The purpose of hearings and meetings is to gather information with which to make an informed decision. While there will be differing opinions, they must be conveyed in a respectful manner. Conducting meetings in a fair, professional manner engenders trust in City government and demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of behavior, accountability, and service. As we proudly serve the City of Taunton, let us all set an example of professionalism in a dignified environment where people are welcomed, listened to and treated with civility. I appreciate your continued commitment to serving our community with integrity and respect. ·ncerel , ~ C'· I Vv~ Mayor Shaunna 0' 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 BUDGET DIRECTOR MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL March 11, 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, I am pleased to announce our City team will be coming before Council in the early weeks of May to provide a comprehensive report on the cyber security upgrades and risk assessment we are currently undergoing. Our Director of Information and Technology, Paul Arikian, is leading the charge on ensuring our electronic infrastructure is safe and secure. The City team will also be providing an update on the new software that has been purchased with the support of Council which will make our departments more efficient to allow for better service to our business community and residents. SL~ 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 CH IEF FINANC IAL OFFICER (508) 821-1000 Gill E. Enos MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL BUDGET DIRECTOR Community Updates -March 18, 2025 Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of Greater Taunton • Tuesday, March 18, 5:30pm- 8pm, Taunton Conference Center (700 Myles Standish Blvd.) • Indulge yourself in this unique event highlighting local restaurants, food artisans and beverage makers. • To purchase a ticket, or to register as a vendor, visit tauntonareacharnber.org Taunton Public Library Rhode Island Black Storytellers • Saturday, March 22, 1lam, Taunton Public Library Auditorium (12 Pleasant St.) • Join Rachel Briggs as she delves into the rich African tradition of oral storytelling. • For more information, please visit: www.ribsfest.org Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe Drop-in Art • Saturday, March 22, 1 lam- 2pm, Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe (8 Trescott St.) • Unleash your creativity at Drop-in Art, a welcoming, open studio event where artists of all ages can gather to create, experiment, and have fun! • $5 suggested donation per person. For more information email ekelleher@downtowntaunton.org Taunton Art Association Spring Art Show • Saturday, March 22-23, lpm- 4pm, Taunton Art Association (42 Williams St.) • Stop by to enjoy the talent and creativity of local artists. • Free admission. For more information, please email tauntonarts@live.com or call 508-822-4513 Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce: Quarterly Q&A with Mayor O'Connell • Tuesday, March 25, IOam, via Zoom • Sponsored by Morton Hospital, the Quarterly Q&A with the Mayor is a great opportunity to get updates on City projects and find out what is new and exciting in Taunton. • Register by visiting tauntonareachamber.org and clicking on "Events. Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe The Storybook Studio • Friday, March 28, 10 am, Trescott Street Gallery & Gift Shoppe (8 Trescott St.) • Designed for preschool- aged children and their families, "The Storybook Studio" is a monthly creative workshop that blends storytelling with hands-on art-making. • $8 per child. Registration recommended. For more information email ekelleher@downtowntaunton.org Mayor O'Connell and City of Taunton DPW: Free Residential Waste Drop-Off Event • Saturday, March 29, 7am- 3pm, City Convenience Center (330 East Britannia St.) • One-day free residential waste drop-off event for select materials, with proof of residency required for eligibility. • For more information, see City website or call 508-821-1431. Save the Date! April 2-5: Trescott Street Gallery April Exhibit: "What Were You Wearing?" April 4: Taunton Performing Arts Center Disney's Moana JR. April 12: Friends of Boyden Wildlife: Coexisting with Massachusetts Wildlife April 26: City of Taunton Rabies Clinic Announcements: Smoke Alarm Event Smoke alarms can save your life and keep your family safe! Mayor Shaunna O'Connell invites you to join the Red Cross, Taunton Emergency Management Agency, and Taunton Fire Department to test your existing smoke alarms and install new ones if needed. The event will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM. To sign up for this free event and register your address use the registration link available online at www.taunton- ma.gov or call 1-800-564-1234. Hometown Heroes Application Applications for Hometown Heroes banners are now open. Families can apply to have a banner featuring their military family member's photo displayed on light posts in Downtown Taunton, Whittenton, and the Weir from May 2025 onwards. Banners are awarded on a first-come, first- served basis, with preference given to those who haven't had a banner displayed before. Applications are available online at www.taunton-ma.gov or in person at City Hall. Submit applications in person or by mail to the Veterans Department, City Hall, 15 Summer Street, 2nd floor, Taunton, MA 02780. Applications and photos can also be emailed to Destiny Frates at dfrates@taunton-ma.gov or Erica Allard at eallard@taunton-ma.gov. Deadline: April 4, 2025. For questions, contact the Veterans Department at 508-821-1038. Please visit the City website (www.taunton-ma.gov) and Facebook page for more information.  1. CITY CLERK'S OFFICE CITY OF TAUNTON 1 5 SUMMER STREET TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02780 TELEPHONE: 508 • 82 1 • 1 024 • FAX: 508 • 82 1 • 1 098 E ·MAIL: JLEGER@T AUNTON ·MA.GOV JENNIFER L. LEGER KRYST AL L. DION CITY CLERK ASSIST ANT CITY CLERK March 13, 2025 Mayor Shaunna L. 0' Connell Council President Martin and Members of the Municipal Council Dear Mayor O'Connell, Council President Martin and Councilors: I have attached the signed requisition #10386 of candidates for the appointment of four (4) Permanent Full-Time Firefighters as requested. There is one (1) candidate, Patrick Rocha, from the previous requisition #09691 who was active duty military at the time that must be considered. He would rank higher than anyone on the newest requisition as his potential hire would be originating from the previous requisition. Respectfully, ~eg~'r City Clerk Taunton Firefighter Page 1of2 4Vacancies ~10386. .......a.Mliiil!i ~~====~ --- '"4 -Dussounl,Chris ~~--Taunton Fire·Department ~~~~ #~,.~......"Ir.if~ ~~~~ ~·;::;_.~:it~~~· -t'~·~~O,:~;., -'f•;l!~l i?f'~ - -Leger,.Je:nnifer 02JZfjJ'Z:5 [C Dussourd] Tauriton has been authorized to process the open competitive list.to fill their va-ca:ncy. Selection must be made fn?m 4 of tbe first 9 higbe:st cand!d;rtes willjng ~o ·aa;iept.. Jlle r:efenal list: ;.s va.lid for 12 weeks from the date of issuance. That ealendar date is 5/26/2025. Candidate!I must Indicate their interest on or before 3/10/2025. Once given a conditional offer of employment.; candidates must take and pan the initial hire Medi.cal EXam and Physical Ability Test.. A previously passed meciieat and PATcaruiot be used for candidates .hired.from this certification. 1 snapshot found. Smpsbot Total Referral I.Iser Date Refened Code 019878 Page 1of2 Taunton Firefighter ~ Taunton Firefighter Page 2 of 2 lmprescia, Salvatore M Page 2 of 2 Taunton Firefighter Y'l  TAUNTON PLANNING BOARD 141 Oak St. - Office Address 15 Summer St. - Mailing Address Taunton, Massachusetts 02780 Phone 508-821-1051 Denise J Paiva, Head Administrative Clerk March 11, 2025 Honorable Mayor Shaunna 0' Connell & Member of the Municipal Council 15 Summer St. Taunton, Ma. 02780 C/O Jennifer Leger, City Clerk Re: Site Plan Review Modification - 1141 County St Dear Mayor O'Connell & Municipal Council: The Taunton Planning Board is in receipt of a modification of a Site Plan Review for 1141 County Street. The Modification are to separate the retail parcel for subdivision under a future application. Reduce bldg. I height to entirely 3 story and shift the building footprint further from the MBT A rail, modify Bldg. 2 footprint, increase Bldg. 3 height to 4 story and rotate 90 degrees, increase Bldg. 4 height to 4 story and remove the bridge entry drive, add free standing parking garages with bike storage, adjusting parking count from 4 75 spaces to 406, add a centrally located mail and package bldg., add a centrally located fenced trash compactor, and add a fenced trash enclosure adjacent to Bldg. 4. Unit count remains unchanged to 275, with a mix of 145 1-bedroom units and 130 2- bedroom units. Submitted by THC Honey Development, LLC The Taunton Planning Board will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM at City Hall, 15 Summer St., in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Taunton, Ma. Respectfully, ~ ~CU{ (t1Jf) Anthony Abreau, Chairman Taunton Planning Board AA/djp  City of Taunton Ligia M. Madeira, Esq. CHIEF OF STAFF OFFICE OF THE MAYOR City Hall Patrick D. Delio Russo, Jr. I 5 Summer Street · Taunton MA 02780 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (508) 82I-1000 Gill E. Enos BUDGET DIRECTOR MAYOR SHAUNNA O'CONNELL March 10, 2025 Council President Scott Martin Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Residents, Council President Martin and Members of the Municipal Council, I'd like to take this opportunity to correct the mischaracterization of a presentation to City Council in a March 8, 2025 article by the Taunton Daily Gazette On February 25, 2025, the Finance Department, including the City Auditor, Treasurer/Collector, Tax Assessor, OECD Director, Budget Director, and Director of Capital Projects appeared before Council to provide a comprehensive update on how the tax rate is set as well as Taunton's strong financial position. The driving factor for this discussion was education and transparency regarding taxes, challenges facing the City, and the hard work our team has done to ensure we meet those challenges. Rather than report on the entire presentation, our local newspaper chose to display ONE slide with a headline about a budget gap even though the budget is not yet complete. We asked the Gazette to hold off on the story until we finished the budget. Unfortunately, they chose to write an article that lacked complete and accurate information. We also clearly stated to the Gazette while Taunton faces financial challenges, we will be presenting a balanced budget that will not cut services or require a Prop 2 Yz override. While our team was transparent in illustrating challenging cost increases that the City is prepared to meet, the article failed to mention: • The millions of dollars in new revenues and savings the O'Connell Administration has brought forward. • Taunton received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. • Taunton's tax rate is lower than most surrounding communities and $2,700 below state average. • The public safety building project is $10 million under budget.  • Taunton has the fourth highest amount of investment income in the Commonwealth. • Taunton is one of two Gateway communities with the distinction of having a AA+ bond rating. In closing, I'd like to emphasize that our City is not experiencing the problems other communities are facing. We have fiscal policies that keep our budget process conservative and allow for the needs of our community to be met. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions as we continue to address, and attempt to correct, inaccurate being disseminated in the community. Resp~~--- Patrick Della Russo Chief Financial Officer  7. Municipal Council City of Taunton MASSACHUSETTS Scott A. Martin Councilors Council President Estele C. Borges Maggie E. Clarke Christopher P. Coute Clerk of Council Committees Phillip E . Duarte Scott A. Martin City Hall John M. McCaul (508) 821-1035 Jeffrey S. Postell tauntoncouncil@taunton-ma.gov David W. Pottier Lawrence J . Quintal Barry C. Sanders March 14, 2025 Members of the Taunton Municipal Council 15 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Dear Members of the Municipal Council, You will recall that Mayor O'Connell recently formed the Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force to address blighted and vacant properties in our city. I want to share information on their recent efforts in saving the life of a resident while working together on the task force . During a recent task force meeting, a property that seemed to have unusual utility reads was discussed. The team decided to do a wellness check of the property. That wellness check identified a veteran that was on the verge of life-threatening conditions. With the help of our Board of Health and Police and Fire officials, the individual was transported to a local hospital and is now connected to our Veterans Department, who will assist this veteran in getting the care he deserves. Please join me and the Mayor in commending the Neighborhood Revitalization Task force for their thoughtful recognition of a potential issue at this residence and for their swift action. Sincerely, Council President Scott Martin Neighborhood Revitalization Task Force members: Patrick Delio Russo, CFO and Chair Donna Andrews, Treasurer's Office Deputy Chief Robert Bastis, TFD Lisa Bond, First Asst. City Solicitor Christine M. DeMoranville, Treasurer Gill Enos, Budget Director Danielle Gurgell, Exec. Dir. Board of Health Jim Howland, Asst. Dir. OECD Jay Pateakos, Exec. Dir. OECD Bob Pirozzi, Building Commissioner Dan Ross, Board of Health  RECE! VED CIT Y CLJYK' S OFFICE ZOZ5 MAR I ~ A IQ: 2 I TAU. TON. MA _______ Ci1 Y CLERK March 18, 2025 Honorable Shaunna L. O'Connell, Mayor Council President Scott A. Martin And Members of the Municipal Council The following committee meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 in the Chester R. Martin Municipal Council Chambers. 6:30 PM The Committee on Finance and Salaries 1. Approve minutes from March 11, 2025. 2. Review the weekly vouchers and payroll for City departments. Please note: A "meeting" ofthe entire Municipal Council, as said terms is defined in Mass. Gen. L. C. 30A, §18 may occur concurrently with this committee meeting. Respectfully, Maggie E. Clarke Clerk of Council Committees